DISEASE RESISTANCE IS HALLMARK OF NEW FLUE-CURED TOBACCO VARIETY

A new flue-cured tobacco variety developed at North Carolina State University is much less susceptible than most other varieties to the two plant diseases that year in and year out cause tobacco growers the most problems.

The new variety, called Oxford 207, was developed by Dr. Verne Sisson, an associate professor and tobacco breeder in N.C. State's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Oxford 207 is one of only a handful of flue-cured tobacco varieties, or cultivars, that are highly resistant to both black shank and bacterial wilt. Bacterial wilt is also known as Granville wilt.

Resistance on the part of the plant to the two diseases is important, Sisson explained, because both diseases are soil-borne and tend to persist in fields from year to year. Both diseases are also somewhat difficult to control with chemical pesticides. Black shank is a fungus, while bacterial wilt, as the name implies, is caused by bacteria.

Both diseases are prevalent where flue-cured tobacco is grown throughout North Carolina. Bacterial wilt is also prevalent in South Carolina, but generally is not a problem for Virginia growers. Black shank is prevalent in all areas where flue-cured tobacco is grown.

Oxford 207 is unusual, Sisson said, in that it produces good yields and good quality tobacco. Multiple disease resistance in flue-cured tobacco varieties is usually accompanied by reduced yield and quality.

Sisson said Oxford 207 produces roughly 10 percent less tobacco than the highest-yielding varieties in a disease-free environment; however, in fields in which either or both diseases are present, Oxford 207 generally outperforms other varieties.

Because the two diseases are so widespread, it seems likely growers will embrace Oxford 207. A comparable variety, K346, occupies 21 percent of North Carolina's flue-cured tobacco acreage. In field tests, Oxford 207 demonstrated higher resistance than K346 to bacterial wilt, while Oxford 207's resistance to black shank was comparable to that of K346.

Oxford 207 received one of the higher usability ratings from tobacco companies in the 1995 Regional Farm Test. Usability ratings are an indication of the industry's assessment of the quality of varieties.

Sisson said Oxford 207 cures well and can be harvested mechanically. The new variety, he added, has the potential to make a significant impact in areas where bacterial wilt and black shank are prevalent.

Oxford 207 seed will be available for the 1998 growing season. Seed is available exclusively from Gold Leaf Seed Company, Hartsville, S.C.; Raynor Certified Tobacco Seed, Rocky Mount; and R.G. Seed Company, Oxford.