The effects of hand suckering and application of butralin [4 - (1,1 - dimethyl) - N - (1 - methylpropyl) - 2,6 - dinitrobenzenamine] on sucker control, yield and leaf characteristics on tobacco was studied in field conditions. Butralin was applied directly on suckers or on the tops, at 7.000 ppm in water, on plants with removed tops. Butralin caused complete sucker control with both modes of application. Hand suckering reduced dry matter weight of suckers in 45% compared to untreated check. Fresh and dry weight, specific leaf area and leaf area index were not significantly different for chemical and hand suckered plants, but these values were significantly higher, in both cases, when compared to untreated check.
butralin; tobacco; sucker control