ANNUAL REPORT, 1936 15 



able for type of plant and type and quality of leaf produced, even when it is 

 grown under favorable tobacco-producing conditions; and the tobacco produced 

 by the strain is not acceptable in most cases to tobacco leaf dealers and cigar 

 manufacturers. 



The three strains of tobacco selected for further testing in 1935 were Strains 

 13, 29 and 33 according to their small-plot test numbers, or Strains A211A2, 

 A236A5 and B202-12, respectively, according to their pedigree numbers used 

 in the practical production and demonstrational tests. The smaller numbers 

 have been used in the small plot experimental testing as a matter of convenience. 

 The respective pedigree numbers and the corresponding small-plot test numbers 

 of these strains are both mentioned here for the sake of clearness in associating 

 published results of the small plot experimental testing and current unpublished 

 results of demonstrational testing. Two of the strains have been tested in 

 practical production in cooperation with tobacco farmers and with cigar manu- 

 facturers under their pedigree numbers during the time they were being tested 

 in small plot experiments under their corresponding small-plot test numbers. 

 If they prove to be acceptable to cigar manufacturers, they will be distributed 

 for general use under their respective pedigree numbers. 



Strain 13 has been tested in small plot experiments for six years, including 

 1935, under black root-rot free conditions and for five years under soil conditions 

 suitable for the development of the disease. Strains 29 and 33 have been tested 

 in small plot experiments for three years, including 1935, under black root-rot 

 free conditions, and for four years and three years, respectively, under soil 

 conditions suitable for the development of the disease. Strains 13 and 29 have 

 been tested for three years and one year, respectively, in practical production in 

 cooperation with tobacco farmers. Strain 33 has not yet been tested in practical 

 production. 



These strains rate high in most respects according to the small plot experi- 

 mental tests and the standards of comparison and evaluation employed for 

 rating new strains. They differ, however, in the degree to which they possess 

 some essential properties and some minor but desirable properties. 



Experimental results show that Strain 13 is highly resistant to black root-rot, 

 and that it yields a satisfactory amount of good tobacco under soil conditions 

 suitable for the development of the disease. It ordinarily yields more heavily 

 under disease-free conditions. It possibly may yield more tobacco under 

 favorable producing conditions than some growers can sometimes handle and 

 care for most conveniently. Due to its vigorous growing habits, the strain 

 needs more space per plant than may be necessary for common Havana Seed 

 tobacco. Tests have shown that it cures most satisfactorily when it has been 

 ripened thoroughly. Tests have shown, also, that it may be permitted to ripen 

 is upper leaves thoroughly, and at the same time improve the body of its lower 

 leaves and have little or no dying of these leaves result during the ripening 

 process. As a result, the strain produces its best tobacco when it has been 

 permitted to ripen thoroughly before being harvested. Experimental results 

 show that it cures as readily and as well as common Havana Seed tobacco of 

 approximately the same yield and maturity, grown under the same conditions. 

 The strain is wider leafed than most strains of common Havana Seed tobacco. 

 It might possibly be improved somewhat in type of leaf, if the butt portion of 

 its leaves, and especially its lower leaves, grew somewhat narrower. However, 

 the strain is acceptable in most respects for type of plant and type and quality 

 of leaf. Except for its more vigorous growing habits and its larger size, it 

 closely resembles common Havana Seed in general appearance while growing in 

 the field, and in its cured condition, as well. Its date of maturity is little, if 



