Cold stress in the harvest period: effects on tobacco leaf quality and curing characteristics

Abstract Background Weather change in high-altitude areas subjects mature tobacco ( Nicotiana tabacum L.) to cold stress, which damages leaf yield and quality. A brupt diurnal temperature differences (the daily dropping more than 20 °C) along with rainfall tobacco-growing at an altitude above 2450 m, caused stress field-grown tobacco. Results After the flue-cured suffered field, surface color of leaves changed obvious large browning were appeared, curing availability was extremely poor. Further research found quality fresh leaves, content key chemical components, production greatly reduced by stress. We hypothesize that high environments destroyed antioxidant enzyme system Therefore, Conclusion This study confirmed main reason for during process. adverse environment seriously damaged but can be mitigated pay attention weather forecast pick advance.