Chloride is a micronutrient that has a major influence on the development of tobacco, more specifically its quality, that is on its chemical properties and on the overall structure of the leaves. Α greenhouse pot experiment was carried out at the Agricultural University of Athens in 2018, in order to investigate changes in agronomic and quality properties of three Oriental tobacco cultivars in response to increased levels of chloride in irrigation water. The experimental layout was a two-factor factorial design of 3 x 4 [three Oriental tobacco cultivars: Basma Xanthi 81 (aromatic type), and Myrodato Agrinion 13B (neutral type), and Pieria Samson 53 (taste type) and four chloride levels: 0, 30, 60 and 120 mg Cl- dm-3) with six one-pot replications. The results indicated that Oriental-type tobacco was affected by both chloride concentration in irrigation water and cultivars. The highest total number of leaves per plant (24.0) and yield of total cured product (29.15 g plant-1) were found in Basma Xanthi 81 cultivar irrigated with 30 mg Cl- dm-3, while the highest middle leaf surface area (768.72 cm2) was observed in Myrodato Agrinion 13B irrigated with 30 mg Cl- dm-3. In terms of qualitative characteristics of Oriental tobacco leaves, the highest chlorine content (28.16 g kg-1 DM) was found in Myrodato Agrinion 13B irrigated with the highest chloride level (120 mg Cl- dm-3). Concerning the nicotine content, the highest value (13.76 g kg-1 DM) was found in Basma Xanthi 81 cultivar irrigated with 30 mg Cl- dm-3. To conclude, the optimum chloride level in irrigation water is 30 Cl- dm-3. Among the cultivars, the aromatic cultivar Basma Xanthi 81 presented better yield and quality characteristics to increased levels of chloride in irrigation water. However, there is a clear need to continue this study in order to investigate the performance of several unexploited oriental tobacco cultivars.  

25.2.2020