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TSRC, Tob. Sci. Res. Conf., 2022, 75, abstr. 02 (Symposium)

Tobacco agronomic management and the evolution of harm reduction

VANN M.C.
North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA

Over the past 75 years, important agronomic advancements have been made through applied field research. The adoption of agrochemicals, use of synthetic fertilizers, advancement of mechanization, development of bulk curing, and improved genetics has increased yield while lowering the labor inputs required to successfully produce a crop. The collective impact of this information, largely developed and shared by the Cooperative Extension Services of the various tobacco producing states, has reduced the burden and drudgery of growing tobacco. Hidden among these successes are smaller stories that are equally as important, as they demonstrate achievements won in the name of harm reduction. This presentation will outline some of the ways in which agronomists, plant breeders, and farmers have impacted the manufacturing and consumer side of the US tobacco industry.