1788 STIMULANT, AROMATIC, NARCOTIC AND MEDICINAL PLANTS 



ristics of Kentucky and Sumatra in the proportion 3:1. This variety is 

 earlier and develops more quickly than Kentucky and it is much more 

 resistant to root rot. 



The tobacco is finer and lighter, with a stronger smell. It likes a fer- 

 tile and open soil, and a rather warm climate. In localities other than Cava 

 de.Tirreni it has not always proved successful. 



Salento is a hybrid between Kentucky and Cattaro, so that Salento 

 X Kentucky possesses the hereditary characteristics of Kentucky and Cat- 

 taro in the proportion of 3 : 1 and is more resistant to root rot than is 

 Kentucky. It is earlier and develops more quickly and also it is less exact- 

 ing as regards soil and climate. But, like Italia x Kentucky, it is subject 

 to rust after the first cold dews, especially when ripening is very late, so 

 that it is not ad\isable to plant this variety in places where tobacco is at- 

 tacked b}' oidium. It is more productive than Kentucky' but is less valuable 

 for commercial purposes. 



When Italia x Kentucky is crossed with Salento x Kentucky the 

 resulting strain (which is not yet properl}^ fixed) combines the good quali- 

 ties of each of the parent hybrids and eliminates their defects. It seems 

 that repeated crossing of tobacco renews its vitality and increases its vi- 

 gour of growth. 



The introduction of hybrids into Cava de Tirreni has not only checked 

 the decline in the growing of Kentucky tobacco but it has increased the 

 yield per acre about 20 per cent. In addition to this less labour is needed, 

 as the j^oung plants root more easily. 



Pontccorvo hybrids. — For several years the damage caused by root 

 rot at Pontecorvo was remedied by the planting of Salento X Italia, but 

 at the present time this hybrid is being gradually replaced by Moro x 3 

 Kentuck3^ 



Salento X Italia from the phylogenetic standpoint possesses the cha- 

 racteristics of Kentucky, Cattaro and Sumatra in the proportion 2:1: r, 

 and it is one of the varieties that are the m.ost resistant to Thielavia. It 

 is early, hardy, and very accommodating as to climate and soil, but is easily 

 damaged by the wind as it has only a few spreading and fragile leaves, so 

 that it is not recommended for distribution. 



Moro X 3 Kentucky possess characteristics of Kentucky and IMoro di 

 Corvi in the proportion of 7 :!. Botanically it differs little from Kentucky-, 

 but it is earlier and is sufficiently resistant to Thielavia to pass safely through 

 the critical period of rooting when planted out. On the whole this may be 

 called an improved Kentucky. 



In order to increase the resistance of Moro X 3 Kentucky and the yield 

 of Salento x Italia these two hybrids have been crossed with one another 

 for two season, with very promising results. 



Salento in the Benevento region. — Salento is a h} brid between Kentucky 

 and Cattaro raised about 1900 at the Scafati Institute in order to obtain 

 a low priced pipe and cigarette tobacco, and for several years it was grown 

 for that pur])ose only in the region of I^ecce and other parts of Italy. In 1906 

 experiments were made in the Benevento Gardens to remedy the trouble 



