A decline in leaf quality of burley tobacco has been observed in some markets in recent years. While quality issues are likely related to adverse weather conditions during curing and to changes in production practices that have occurred since the end of quota restrictions, some growers have questioned the leaf quality of recently released burley varieties in comparison to older varieties TN 90LC and ms KY 14 X L8LC. A study was conducted to determine the relative effects of variety, transplant/harvest dates, and harvest management on burley tobacco quality. Six varieties were evaluated at two transplant/harvest dates at three locations. For each transplant/harvest date (mid- May/mid-August and late June/late September), all plots were cut on the same day. Harvest management treatments included: pick up from the field on the same day as cutting; pick up three days after cutting; pick up six days after cutting; and pick up 10 days after cutting. When data were combined across locations, transplant/harvest dates, and harvest management practices, varieties had a minimal effect on cured leaf quality; a difference in grade index of only four points was observed among varieties. However, much larger effects on quality were observed between transplant/harvest dates and among harvest management treatments, particularly when rainfall occurred while tobacco was in the field. In the absence of rainfall, the grade index for the earlier transplant/harvest date was 19 points higher than for the later date. Leaving the tobacco in the field for up to six days before pick-up resulted in a relatively small decrease in the grade index if no rainfall occurred; however, waiting 10 days before pick-up resulted in a noticeable decrease in quality. Rainfall occurring shortly after cutting resulted in a 30-50 point drop in the grade index, regardless of how long the tobacco remained in the field. (Reprinted with permission)