In Japan there are two main methods for harvesting Burley tobacco: the priming and stalk-cutting methods. In some districts where stalk-cutting is used, tobacco stalks are cut, laid on the row to let the leaves wilt and then carried into the curing barn after the leaves have wilted sufficiently. However, this method has some defects. First of all, if the temperature is high, leaves get easily sunburnt as a result of, among others, coming into contact with the heated surface of the row, thus deteriorating the quality of the leaves. Moreover, the method requires hard work because there is the need of lifting up heavy tobacco stalks from the row repeatedly in half-sitting posture. To prevent the sunburn of tobacco leaves, reduce harvesting workload and increase work efficiency, we developed a new method of wilting leaves in a standing state and without cutting tobacco stalks. In the system we devised, two deep notches are made on the tobacco stalk, which cross unevently at the center line of the stalk, so as to cut off the supply of water, etc.. to leaves from the roots. To make the notch-making work easier, we also developed a new double crossing saw. Further, we invented a new transport system for the tobacco stalks after leaves have been wilted. In this system, standing stalks with wilted leaves are reaped and carried by a stalk carrier from the field to the curing barn. The standing-stalk leaf wilting method has proved to be effective in preventing leaves from getting sunburnt, causing little damage and leaf tearing and realizing stable leaf quality. In addition, it helps save working hours and improves the working posture as compared with the conventional system of cutting stalks and laying them on the row.