The Tobacco Research Board was established in 1950 under the Tobacco Research Act (Chapter 18:21). It’s mandate is to direct, control and carry out tobacco research in Zimbabwe. The TRB’s mission is “To develop and provide elite varieties and innovative agro-based technical services and products to maximize economic value from sustainable tobacco production.”
The Tobacco Research Board was established in 1950 under the Tobacco Research Act (Chapter 18:21). It’s mandate is to direct, control and carry out tobacco research in Zimbabwe
A soil sample should be taken at least once every three years, or when there is a change in crop to be grown. A soil sample should also be taken if problems occur during the growing season.
Generally, a full soil analysis takes 8 working days to complete.
Item | 200 cell tray | 242 cell tray |
Trays | 87 | 72 |
Seed number | 20 000 pellets | 20 000 pellets |
Black Plastic | 39 m2 | 34 m2 |
Pine bark | 357 liters | 432 liters |
Water | 2 060 liters | 1 700 liters |
Ammonium Nitrate | 600g | 500g |
No of bricks | 400 | 320 |
Hydrofert | 1 600 g | 1 300 g |
Floatfert | 7 liters | 6 liters |
Dibble board | ||
Advantages of the float system over the conventional system;
o Reduced seedbed area, one fifth of space required.
o Reduced time to pulling seedlings and easier pulling
o Transplanting can be done during any time of the day
o Fewer chemicals and in smaller quantities
o Less water , fertilizers and labour
o Produces superior, more uniform and stress tolerant seedlings
o Offers additional flexibility in planting following pulling, i.e., seedlings take longer to wilt compared to conventionally produced bare-rooted seedlings
o Improved survival and early growth of transplanted seedlings
o Facilitates easier field management, arising from a more uniform crop
o Unused pulled seedlings can be inserted back into trays and re-floated without consequence for a later planting.
The best time for sampling is after the rains and when the soil has dried out e.g. April and May in Zimbabwe
Due to the slight solubility of lime in water, its movement in the soil is also not as effectively as other soluble fertilizers. Lime must be in direct contact with soil acids for it to react effectively. This is best accomplished when it is mixed with the soil. Water is also required for the reaction to occur.
MATERIALS | QUANTITY |
Seedbed area | 120m2 |
Seed | 5 g |
EDB or | 4.2 L |
Metham Sodium | 12 L |
Copper oxychloride | 720 g |
Baytan (sore shin control) | 0.792 kg |
Monocrotophos | 216 ml |
Acephate | 120 g |
Bravo | 480 ml |
Compound S | 12 kg |
CaNO3 /Nitrate of soda | 6 kg |
Fumigation tent |
|
Clear Plastic cover (75 µm) 3 m width | 4mx3om |
Imidacloprid | 5ml/100L |
Wire hoops | 8 gauge 240m |
Water |
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accomplished when it is mixed with the soil. Water is also required for the reaction to occur.
