Relative Performance of Bidi Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) Varieties to Different Levels of Nitrogen and Topping under Rainfed Conditions in Vertisols of Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

A field experiment was undertaken at Regional Agriculture Research Station, Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh during 2017-18 on vertisols under rainfed condition to study the Relative performance of bidi tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) varieties to different levels of nitrogen and topping. The treatments consisted of two varieties (ABD 119 and Nandyal Pogaku-1) as main plots, three nitrogen levels (90,110 and 130 kg ha-1) as sub plots and three topping levels (12,15 and 18 leaf stage) as sub sub plots in split split plot design and replicated thrice. ABD-119 has recorded 1342 kg ha-1of cured leaf yield and Nandyal Pogaku-1 has recorded 1343 kg ha-1which was statically at par. Higher cured leaf yield of 1420 kg ha-1was recorded at 130 N kg ha-1which was at par with 110 N kg ha-1(1370 kg ha-1). Among topping levels tested 15 leaf stage recorded 1394 kg ha-1which was at par with 18 leaf stage (1388 kg ha-1). Higher net returns was observed at 130 kg N ha-1(Rs 70,575/ha) with BCR of 2.64 and at 15 leaf topping stage (Rs 68,745 ha-1and BCR of 2.61). Nicotine and reducing sugars were not influenced by different nitrogen levels as well as topping stages.