Abstract:

In view of the problems in the upper leaves production of flue-cured tobacco at present and the demand of cigarette industry, different combinations of harvesting methods and maturity are used to study the effects on main physiological indexes of tobacco leaves in later growth stage in field, and the sensory evaluation and sensory smoking evaluation of tobacco leaves after curing. The results show that the content of SOD in the remaining top 1-3 leaves after the top 4-6 leaves are collected at different stages is significantly lower than that in the top 1-6 leaves collected at one time, while the content of MDA is rapidly increasing. There are significant differences in pigment content between the top 1-3 leaves and the top 4-6 leaves. When the ratio of water content between the top 1-3 leaves and the top 4-6 leaves is close to 1, it can not only reduce the sensory difference between the upper and lower leaves, but also improve the scores of evaluation and absorption. The research results provide a feasible way for tobacco industry and commercial cooperation to develop and utilize upper leaves.

Key words: upper leaves of flue-cured tobacco, lean harvest, maturity, physiological changes, sensory evaluation