Effect of drip irrigation on productivity and quality of chewing tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum)

A field experiment was conducted during the rabi seasons of 2008-10 at the farm of Central Tobacco Research Institute, Regional Station, Vedasandur to find out the suitability of drip irrigation for chewing tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). Drip daily and alternate day drip at 50, 75 and 100% ETc along with furrow irrigation at 1.0 IW/CPE ratio and conventional method of irrigation were tested in a randomized block design with three replications. The first grade leaf yield (FGLY) with daily drip at 100% ETc was comparable with alternate day drip at 100% ETc. The yield recorded with daily drip at 100% ETc and alternate day drip at 100% ETc were 2.54 and 2.48 t/ha respec- tively. The FGLY increase with daily drip at 100% ETc and alternate day drip at 100% ETc were 14 and 11% re- spectively, over the conventional method of irrigation. Total cured leaf yield (TCLY) with daily drip at 100% ETc and alternate day drip at 100% ETc increased by 10 and 8% respectively, over the conventional method of irriga- tion. The TCLY recorded with daily drip and alternate day drip at 100% ETc were 3.43 and 3.37 t/ha respectively. Chewing quality scores were higher (69 out of 80) with daily drip and alternate day drip at 100% ETc over the con- ventional method of irrigation. Water use efficiency (WUE) was higher (9.9513.8 kg/ha-mm) with drip treatments as against 4.74 to 8.62 kg/ha-mm with surface irrigation. Nicotine content increased (2.442.46 %) and reducing sugars decreased (2.613.21%) with drip daily and alternate day drip at 50% ETc. Net returns with drip irrigation daily at 100% ETc ( 69,800/ha) and alternate day drip at 100% ETc ( 67,600/ha) are comparable. Though drip daily and alternate day drip at 100% ETc recorded comparable cured leaf yield and net returns, considering the labour availability and feasibility, it could be concluded that alternate day drip at 100% ETc would be sufficient for higher productivity, profitability, better chewing quality and lamina chemical quality .