if the proper precautions, such as a good drainage 

 system, are not made, the crop can be easily damaged 

 and even destroyed. 



Tc 



opping and suckering 



About nine weeks after the tobacco has been trans- 

 planted, seed heads begin to form. The uppermost 

 portion of the plant, including flowers and the young- 

 est leaves, requires more energy for normal growth. 

 If this growth pattern is allowed to go unchecked, the 

 lower part of the plant will mature too rapidly and will 

 become thin and papery when cured. 



It is for this reason that "topping" the plant is so 

 important. When the upper portion of the plant is 

 topped, or removed, the plant's energy is redistributed 

 toward the lower, more "meaty" sections. 



Also during this period suckers develop on the axils 

 of the leaves. These small growths must be removed 

 or "suckered" or they will reduce the body of the leaf. 

 The recent development of a special chemical treat- 

 ment has lessened the farmers' tedious chores by pre- 

 venting the growth of suckers. 



riming and curing 



Late in May, many tobacco farmers in Georgia can 

 be seen "priming" matured leaves from the plant. As 

 individual leaves mature, they are primed, or removed 

 from the plant and readied for the curing barn. 



