Maleic Hydrazide Residue from Air‐cured Burley Tobacco1

Abstract

The residue of maleic hydrazide, a systemic sucker control agent, was quantified on air‐cured hurley tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) that had been subjected to different application rates, harvest dates, and combination treatments with a fatty alcohol sucker control agent. Residue levels were decreased by allowing longer periods of time between application and harvest, lower application rates, and the use of single rather than split applications. Residue levels were higher from the upper portions of the plant and from laminae compared to midvein tissue. Levels ranged from 21.0 to 152.3 µg/g dry weight. Chemical treatment of burley tobacco with sucker retardants significantly increased yields over the nontreated hand‐suckered plots especially at late harvest dates.