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CORESTA Congress, Berlin, 2016, Agronomy/Phytopathology Groups, AP 12

Developments in tobacco fertiliser evaluations and research in Zimbabwe over the past 15 years: an overview

RUKUNI D.
Tobacco Research Board, Harare, Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, tobacco is grown on some 100 000 hectares of predominantly sandy textured soils of low fertility. Thus achieving good yields and quality leaf heavily depend on appropriate and adequate fertilisation. The Tobacco Research Board (TRB) has over the years supported tobacco growers by evaluating all granular and foliar fertilisers, soil and pH amendments and growth stimulants targeted for use on tobacco to ensure that they are effective and provide the right quantities of the requisite minerals and nutrition to enable the attainment of high yields and quality. Additionally, the TRB has occasionally collaborated with agrochemical companies to develop fertilisers to suit specific production systems. Over the last 15 years, some 35 granular and foliar fertilisers, quick-acting soil and pH amendments, and plant growth stimulants were tested, while two fertiliser formulations for use in the float tray system were developed. Fertiliser evaluations showed that while all granular basal fertilisers tested were effective, foliar fertilisers were generally found to have no positive effect, and thus were not recommended for use on tobacco. Additionally, most so-called quick-acting soil and pH amendments, and growth stimulants were found to add no extra benefits in well fertilised crops. In contrast, the Kutsaga-developed float fertilisers were very effective in the production of high quality tobacco transplants and have since been commercialized and are widely used by tobacco and vegetable growers. This paper gives an overview of the agronomic products evaluated by the TRB in the past 15 years for the enhancement of leaf yield and quality. Additionally, current products on the market and possible research gaps will be discussed.