Effects of Different Light Qualities on Activity and Gene Expression of Caspase-like Proteases in Tobacco Leaves

[Objective] The study aimed to investigate the activity and gene expression of caspase-like proteases in tobacco leaves growing under different light qualities. [Method] By covering tobacco plants with white, red, yellow, blue and purple films to obtain different light quality, the changes of chlorophyll content, activity and gene expression of caspase-like proteases in the tobacco leaves were studied. [Results] Compared with treatments of white, red and yellow film, blue and purple films delayed the decrease of chlorophyll content and senescence of tobacco leaves at the late growth stage, and relatively lowered the activity and gene expression of caspase-like proteases during growth, development and senescence periods. [Conclusion] Different light qualities exhibited various effects on the growth, development and senescence of tobacco leaves, possibly by affecting the activity and gene expression of caspase-like proteases to some extent.

Effects of Different Transplanting and Harvest Dates on Yield and Quality of Flue-cured Tobacco Leaves

In this study,the effects of nine different combinations of transplanting and harvest dates on yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco leaves were investigated.The results showed that different combinations of transplanting and harvest dates had few effects on growth period and agronomic characters of tobacco plants but exerted remarkable effects on economic characters and chemical composition of flue-cured tobacco leaves.With the postponing of transplanting stage,output value of flue-cured tobacco leaves increased.Output value of flue-cured tobacco leaves in C1treatment（normal harvest） was higher than that in C2（harvest 7 d later） and C3（harvest 14 d later） treatments.Different combinations of transplanting and harvest dates had significant effects on chemical composition of flue-cured tobacco leaves,which exhibited no obvious law.Overall,flue-cured tobacco leaves in T3C1treatment（transplanting 14 d earlier,normal harvest） displayed excellent performance compared with other treatments.

Effects of Different Baking Processes on Carotenoid Content in Upper Leaves of Fluecured Tobacco

[Objective] We aimed to improve the quality of flue-cured tobacco with K326 upper leaves and explore the optimal tobacco baking process in Chongqing tobacco-producing region. [Method] Four different baking processes （endogenetic force moisture-removing flue-curing technique, exogenetic force moisture-removing flue-curing technique, three-stage flue-curing process, three-stage and six-step flue- curing process） were adopted in this research to investigate the effects of different baking processes on carotenoid content of same-maturity degree upper leaves of the flue-cured tobacco K326. [Result] The results showed at the yellowing and color fixing stages, the carotenoids were most fully decomposed in endogenetic force moisture-removing flue-curing technique. The decomposed carotenoid content was lowest in exogenetic force moisture-removing flue-curing technique, for which the carotenoid content was highest （50.53 mg/g）. [Conclusion] At the yellowing and color fixing stages, exogenetic force moisture-removing flue-curing technique was most conducive to the carotenoid accumulation in tobacco baking process.

Effects of Loading Methods on the Color,Phenolic and Antioxidant Properties of Cured Tobacco Leaves

[Objective] To investigate the effects of different loading methods on tobacco leaf quality.[Method] With tobacco comb,tobacco clamp,and tobacco basket,color,phenolic compounds and their antioxidant capacity of flue-cured tobacco leaves were studied.[Result] The results showed that L＊,a＊ and b＊ values of tobacco leaves packaged by tobacco clamp and comb were higher than those of tobacco basket and no significant differences were found beween values of a＊ and b＊,however,between L＊ and h values,remarkable differences existed among three loading methods.Total phenolic content and chlorogenic acid content of tobacco leaves loaded by tobacco comb kept the highest,followed by smoke clamp and tobacco basket （P＜0.05）.On the other hand,rutin content showed little differences among treatments.The order of the antioxidant properties,such as DPPH free radical scavenging activity and reducing powder,of tobacco leaves by different loading methods was tobacco comb ＞ tobacco clamp ＞ loose basket and a positive relationship was found of antioxiang property with total phenolic content and chlorogenic acid content.[Conclusion] In view of tobacco leaves quality and antioxidant property,loading method with tobacco comb proved to be a better choice.

Research on Development of High-quality Tobacco Leaves in Lijiang Jinsha River Region

The importance of high-quality tobacco leaves with specific characteristics in Lijiang to the development of key cigarette brands was analyzed.The meaning,formation basis and condition of high-quality tobacco leaves in Lijiang Jinsha river region was put forward in this study and the strategies on developing quality tobacco leaves were provided.

Judgment of Aroma Types of Middle and Upper Flue-cured Tobacco Leaves Based on Stepwise Discriminant Analysis

[Objective] The aim of this study was to establish mathematical models for judging the aroma types of middle and upper flue-cured tobacco leaves according to the contents and proportions of aroma compositions. [Method] The aroma types of tobacco leaves were judged based on stepwise discriminant analysis, using 63 C3F and 65 B2F tobacco leaf samples from 13 tobacco producing regions in 11 provinces of China （Huili in Sichuan, Baokang in Hubei, Wulong in Chongqing, Lu- oyang in Henan, Zhucheng in Shandong, Wuyi Mountain in Fujian, Malong in Yun- nan, Chuxiong in Yunnan, Bijie in Guizhou, Liuyang in Hunan, Suiyang in Guizhou, Kaiyuan in Liaoning, Nanxiong in Guangdong） as calibration samples, and 67 aroma components as indices. And the Fisher discriminant functions were verified using 21 C3F and 19 B2F tobacco leaf samples. [Result] Variation coefficients of the propor- tions were lower than that of contents of most aroma components in middle and upper leaves of the samples, indicating that the proportions were more stable than contents of aroma components. The proportions of benzyl alcohol, solanone, β-dam- ascone, neophytadiene, farnesylacetone A, palmitic acid, thunbergol, methyl linole- nate and cembratriene-diol were all over 1% in both middle and upper leaves, al- though the dominant aroma components of the same aroma type varied between middle and upper leaves. Moreover, 11, 18, 7 and 11 aroma components were re- spectively introduced into the Fisher discriminant functions established based on the contents and proportions of middle and upper flue-cured tobacco leaves, which ex- hibited accuracy rates of 91.7%, 100%, 91.7% and 91.7% in the judgments of other tobacco leaf samples. The results revealed that the components those determined aroma types in middle leaves were obviously more than in upper leaves. In middle leaves, the accuracy rates of aroma type judgment could be improved by using the proportions rather than the contents of aroma components as indices. However, the functions based on the proportions and the contents of aroma components in upper leaves gave close accuracy rates. [Conclusion] The results of the study will provide references for identifying aroma types of flue-cured tobacco leaves in future work.

Relationship Between Hyperspectral Parameters and Physiological and Biochemical Indexes of Flue-Cured Tobacco Leaves

The experiment was set up for examining the physiological and biological indexes quickly and exactly, for obtaining information of tobacco-field fertilizing and tobacco growing. The ASD Field spec FR 2500 was used to measure spectra reflectance of flue-cured tobacco and the relationship between hyperspectral parameters and biochemical contents （total nitrogen, chlorophyll, carotenoid）, and physiological indexes （fresh weight, dry weight, moisture content） of flue-cured tobacco leaves was studied by correlation and stepwise regression statistic methods at different nitrogen and potassium levels. The results indicated that the spectra curves of different treatments had obvious rules and great diversities. There were high correlations between different types of spectra parameters and ten physiological and biochemical indexes of flue-cured tobacco leaves. Hyperspectral characteristic variables of ten physiological and biochemical indexes were found through stepwise regression, and SDr/SDb was the characteristic variable closest to seven biochemical contents. Simultaneously, the R2 and regression coefficient of equations reached 0.05 significant level and the equations had good estimating effects through the examination of other samples. Accordingly, this study suggested that the ten physiological and biochemical indexes could be estimated quickly by the estimating models, at the same time nitrogen-potassium fertilization and growth condition of flue-cured tobacco could be inspected.

Judgment of Aroma Types of Middle and Upper Flue-cured Tobacco Leaves Based on Proportions of Aroma Components

[Objective] This study aimed to establish mathematical models for judging the aroma types of flue-cured tobacco leaves from the upper and middle parts of plants. [Method] A total of 128 samples （63 C3F and 65 B2F） from 11 main tobac- co production provinces of China were selected as materials. Stepwise discriminant analysis was applied to samples with different aroma types and discriminant function was expressed with the proportions of 67 aroma components in total aroma con- stituents as the index. [Result] The ratio of most aroma components in clear and full aroma tobacco leaves was higher than that in middle aroma leaves. The ratios of 51, 43 and 40 aroma components of clear, middle and full aroma tobaccos were higher in upper leaves than that in middle leaves. Aroma components dominated certain aroma types differed between middle and upper leaves. The proportions of 18 and 11 aroma components in upper and middle leaves were led in the stepwise discriminant function respectively. Self-validation and cross-validation methods were applied to evaluate the original samples, and the accuracy rates reached 100% and 98.6% on middle leaves, 96.37% and 94.4% on upper leaves. The accuracy rates on some other samples reached 100% on middle leaves and 91.7% on upper leaves predicted with the model. [Conclusion] The ratio of aroma components as discriminant index could improve discriminant accuracy significantly in the middle and upper leaves. It could be used to analyze aroma types objectively, accurately and quickly.

The Quality Difference of Tobacco Leaves Between Different Flue-curing Processes in Honghe Tobacco-growing Area

[Objectives] This study was conducted to compare the effects of different curing processes,in order to optimize the local supporting intensive fluecuring process.[Methods] A comparative experiment was carried out in Mile,Luxi and Jianshui on the four-layer tobacco-packed intensive curing process(K1)and the eight-point precise and intensive curing process(K2).[Results]The results showed that according to the appearance evaluation of the tobacco leaves,K1 was higher than K2 in respective scores of color,maturity,leaf structure and defects and the total score,while K1 equaled K2 in the scores of identity,oil content,chroma and length.The differences in respective scores of the two processes were not significant.According to the results of sensory evaluation,the two tobacco enterprises got different evaluation results of unblended cigarettes made of the middle leaves due to different raw material requirements of the enterprises by different processes.K1 was higher than K2 in the sensory evaluation of China Tobacco Yunnan Industrial Co.,Ltd.,while it was lower than K2 in that of China Tobacco Zhejiang Industrial Co.,Ltd.,and the difference in the total score between the two processes was significant.From the content of chemical components,in the conventional chemical component contents including total sugar,reducing sugar,chlorine and starch,K1 was higher than K2,while in the contents of potassium,total phytonine,total nitrogen and petroleum ether extract,K1 was lower than K2,but the differences were not significant.K1 was lower than K2 in the contents of neutral aroma components including ketones,alcohols,aldehydes,heterocyclics,neophytadiene and total content,while K1 was higher than K2 in the contents of esters,phenols,but the respective differences were not significant.Except the significant difference in the total score in the sensory evaluation of China Tobacco Zhejiang Industrial Co.,Ltd.,there were no significant differences in other items in the appearance evaluation,sensory evaluation and chemical composition of tobacco leaves between K1 and K2.[Conclusions] The supporting intensive curing process can be further optimized on the basis of this study.

Effects of Different Flue-curing Technologies on Submicroscopic Structure of Flue-cured Tobacco Leaves

[ Objective] This study aimed to compare the effects of low-temperature low-humidity tobacco flue-curing technology, moderate-temperature moderate- humidity tobacco flue-curing technology and moderate-temperature high-humidity tobacco flue-curing technology on submicroscopic structure of flue-cured tobacco leaves to provide theoretical basis for tobacco flue-curing. [ Method] Middle leaves of tobacco cuhivar K326 were collected in Pengshui County of Chongqing City for flue-curing experiment using three flue-curing technologies. Leaf samples were collected regularly in the flue-curing process, to investigate the submicroscopic structure of flue-cured tobacco leaves. [ Result] Morphology changes and structural rupture of chloroplasts occurred at different time during three flue-curing proces- ses. In low-temperature low-humidity flue-curing process, morphology changes and structural rupture of chloroplasts occurred late but rapidly; in moderate-tempera- ture moderate-humidity flue-curing process and moderate-temperature high-humidity flue-curing process, morphology changes and structural rupture of chloroplasts occurred early but slowly. Among these three flue-curing processes, the speed of changes in mitochondria morphology, cristae number and membrane rupture pres- ented an upward order of low-temperature low-humidity flue-curing process 〈 moderate-temperature high-humidity flue-curlng process 〈 moderate-temperature moderate-humidity flue-curing process. In low-temperature low-humldity flue-curing process, starch granules in chloroplasts ruptured after flue-curing for 36 -48 h ; in moderate-temperature moderate-humidity flue-curing process, starch granules in chloroplasts ruptured after flue-curing for 24 - 36 h; in moderate-temperature high-humidity flue-curing process, starch granules in chloroplasts ruptured after flue-curing for 12 - 24 h. [ Conclusion ] Using low-temperature low-humidity flue- curing technology could prolong the maintenance duration of the submicroscopic structure integrity of flue-cured tobacco leaves, which was conducive to fully decom- posing and transforming substances in tobacco leaves and obtaining high-quality flue-cured tobacco leaves.

Effects of Different Flue-curing Technologies on Microscopic Structure of Flue-cured Tobacco Leaves

[Objective] This study aimed to compare the effects of Chinese quality-improving fragrunce-increasing tobacco flue-curing technology, Chinese three- stage tobaeeo flue-curing technology and Zimbabwean tobaceo flue-euring technology on microscopie structure of flue-cured tobacco leaves to provide theoretical basis for tobacco flue-curing. [ Method ] Middle leaves of tobacco cultivar K326 were collected in Pengshui County of Chongqing City for flue-curing experiment using three flue-curing technologies. Leaf samples were collected regularly in the flue-curing process, to investigate the microscopic structure of flue-cured tobaceo leaves. [ Result] During three flue-curing processes, leaves, palisade tissues and sponge tissues shrank gradually. Three flue-euring processes exhibited significant differ- ences in the peak of tissue shrinkage ： microscopic structure of flue-cured tobacco leaves in Chinese three-stage tobacco flue-curing process shrank earliest, follower by Chinese quality-improving fragrance-increasing tobacco flue-curing process; flue-eured tobacco leaves in Zimbabwean tobacco flue-curing process presented the latest shrinkage. At 84 h post-curing, leaf thickness in three flue-curing processes showed a descend order of Chinese three-stage tobacco flue-curing process 〉 Chinese quality-improving fragrance-increasing tobacco flue-curing process 〉 Zimbabwean tobacco flue-curing process. Upper and lower epidermal cells in Zimb- abwean tobacco flue-curing process ruptured earlier than other two flue-curing processes; eventually, the majority of cells ruptured and mixed with palisade tissues and sponge tissues. In Chinese quality-improving fragranee-increasing tobacco flue-curing process, only a small number of epidermal cells in dried leaves ruptured. Among three flue-curing technologies, Zimbabwean tobacco flue-curing technology exhibited the greatest damage to epidermal cells, followed by Chinese three-stage tobaceo flue-curing technology; Chinese quality-improving fragrance-increasing tobacco flue-curing technology had the minimum damage to epidermal cells. Mese- phyll cross-section exhibited significant morphological changes in stomata. To be specific, at 0 - 12 h post-curing, stomata of tobacco leaves closed with slightly prominent stamatal apparatuses on upper and lower epidermis; at 24 -72 h post-curing, stomata of tobaceo leaves changed gradually from opening to closure with significantly prominent stomatal apparatuses on upper and lower epidermis; at 84 h post-curing, stomata of tobacco leaves closed, and the majority of stomatal appa- ratuses were significantly prominent. In Chinese quality-improving fragrance-increasing tobacco flue-curing process, only a small number of epidermal ceils ruptured at 84 h pest-flue-curing; palisade tissues and sponge tissues shrank almost simultaneously. Significant gaps were observed between palisade tissues and between pal- isade tissues and sponge tissues. Chinese quality-improving fragrance-increasing tobacco flue-curing technology exhibited lower disorder level compared with other two flue-curing technologies. [ Conclusion] Chinese quality-improving fragrance-increasing tobacco flue-curlng technology was conducive to maintaining the micro- scopic structure integrity of flue-cured tobacco leaves and obtaining high-quality flue-cured tobacco leaves.

Analysis of Growth Laws of Leaves of Flue-cured Tobacco in Various Periods

The growth laws of leaves of flue-cured tobacco in different positions in various periods were summarized. The results showed that the growth speed of new leaves of flue-cured tobacco increased constantly until their growth was the fastest, and then it reduced irreversibly. The length and width of leaves in each position increased fastest when they grew depending on photosynthates instead of or- ganic compounds from functional leaves. Therefore, it is concluded that the increases of leaf length, width and area, and dry matter, and the peak of photosynthetic rate appear successively during the process of leaves of flue-cured tobacco, and the leaf area correction coefficient of leaves of flue-cured tobacco is related to the shape of leaves, which are affected by leaf position and the variety of flue-cured tobacco. The study can provide scientific reference for further research on the growth laws of leaves of flue-cured tobacco.

Study on Harvest Maturity of Lower Tobacco Leaves of Xiangyan 7 Under Tobacco-Rice Rotation System

To clarify the suitable harvest maturity of Xiangyan 7 of the lower leaves of paddy-tobacco,the curing test of lower tobacco leaves with different maturities was carried out in Guiyang tobacco area of Hunan in China.The results showed that the SPAD value of fresh tobacco and proportion of normal group decreased,the proportion of mottle tobacco increased,the appearance quality of tobacco leaves became worse,the level of total sugar,reducing sugar,nicotine and reducing sugar/total sugar increased,and the total nitrogen/nicotine decreased with increased harvest maturity of lower tobacco leaves.It could cause lower smoking quality,lower proportion of high-class tobacco leaves and lower average price if the harvest of lower tobacco leaves was delayed.Therefore,the lower leaves of Xiangyan 7 in Guiyang tobacco area of Hunan should be harvested early.Suitable harvest maturity required light green leaf blade,light green midrib,and curl leaf margin.When the SPAD value of fresh tobacco was 26.26~30.33,it could be used as a reference for guiding the appropriate harvest maturity of lower paddy-tobacco leaves of Xiangyan 7.

Effects of Exogenous Amino Acids on the Contents of Amino Acids in Tobacco Leaves

The effect of three amino acids on the growth of flue-cured tobacco was studied with water culture. The results showed that the three amino acids improved the growth of flue-cured tobacco and increased the contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoid in tobacco. At the same time, the activities of NR (nitrate reductase), INV(invertase) and root growth activity were also significantly enhanced. The exogenous glutamic, aspartate and phenylalanine all increased the amino acid contents of tobacco leaves. Of these three amino acids, glutamic had the greatest effect, the next was aspartate, and phenylalanine had the least effect. These three amino acids all had significantly increased the accumulation of amino acids in the leaves of individual plants of tobacco; and the magnitude of accumulation indicated aspartate > glutamic > phenylalanine.

Analysis of the Appearance Quality of Tobacco Leaves in the Tobacco-growing Areas of Qujing City

In order to set up the digitization indices system of appearance quality of flue-cured tobacco leaves in Qujing. According to the relevant standards,the quantitative analysis on appearance quality of 39 cutter and upper tobacco leaf samples which were collected from eight fluecured tobacco production regions of Qujing City,Yunnan Province were carried out in 2011,respectively. The results showed that the difference in evaluation score of appearance quality of flue-cured tobacco in eight regions was not significant. The tobacco leaves had high maturity,high oil content,loose structure and good appearance quality. The scores of appearance quality of flue-cured tobacco in Shizong County and Malong County are higher than other regions. The two regions are suitable for tobacco plantation. The preliminary digitization indices provide reference and guidance to tobacco production and standards system of tobacco leaves base.

Application of Tobacco Leaves from Shandong in " Taishan" Brand

In view of the fact that the proportion of tobacco leaves from Shandong in the stocks of a company is large,based on the premise of not affecting the quality of cigarettes,through the scientific evaluation,selection and matching test,the proportion of tobacco leaves from Shandong in the formula of " Taishan" cigarette A has been increased,and the sensory quality of " Taishan" cigarette A before and after the test is basically stable.Moreover,the stocks of tobacco leaves from Shandong can be decreased in time.

Change of Phosphate Fraction during Composting of Fresh Waste Leaves of Tobacco

Environmental issue has concerned the public with the build-up of soil phosphorus(P) following application of organic manure.This demands a fully understanding of the change of phosphorus during composting of fresh waste leaves of tobacco and finding out the status of P fertilizer in leaf-made manure.This study had shown that water-soluble and HCl-soluble phosphon were the dominant fractions of P in the compost of fresh waste leaves,in the ranges of 19%-41% and 17%-43%,respectively.However,the former declined progressively upon composting time,but the latter increased,indicating transformation of the more vulnerable water soluble P to the more recalcitrant HCl-extractable P.

Effects of Modular Threshing and Redrying on Color Difference and Polyphenols of Tobacco Leaves

[Objectives]This study was conducted to analyze changes of color difference and polyphenols and their relationship in the process of threshing and redrying.[Methods]The change trends of color difference parameters L,a,b,H^(0),C and polyphenol contents in tobacco leaves in the middle leaf module and the Pearson correlation between them were analyzed.[Results]During threshing and redrying,L and H^(0)of tobacco showed a decreasing trend,but H^(0)changed slightly;the values of a and C showed an inverted"S"change trend,and the differences between various processes were significant;and the value of b decreased first and then increased.The content of chlorogenic acid and scopoletin decreased first,then increased,and then decreased during threshing and redrying;rutin content showed a significant decreasing trend.The value of L was in an extremely significant positive correlation with rutin content;the value of a was in an extremely significant negative correlation with chlorogenic acid content;b value was also significantly correlated with rutin;and H^(0)was in significant correlation and extremely significant correlation with rutin and total polyphenols,respectively.[Conclusions]This study provides technical support for online detection of tobacco leaf components by the color difference method and for the homogenization of threshing and redrying.

Adsorption of HCN from Pyrolysis of Tobacco Leaves with Na<i>2</i>CO<i>3</i>, NaHCO<i>3</i>, and Proline

Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) was produced by flameless combustion of dried tobacco leaves for investigating the adsorption on Na2CO3, NaHCO3 and proline (HNC4H7COOH). The concentration of HCN could be produced steadily at 0.73 mg/dm3. For the given 245 cm3 of smoke with the flow rate of 17.5 cm3/s, the efficiency of adsorption of HCN was improved to 80% by the addition of the optimal amounts of Na2CO3, NaHCO3 and proline (HNC4H7COOH), which were 10, 20, and 30 mg respectively. In the circumstances, the breakthrough concentration was reduced to 0.15 - 0.20 mg/dm3.

Effects of Exogenous Amylases and Metal Ions on the Amylase Specific Activities and Starch Degradation of the Upper Leaves of ‘KRK_(26)' during Flue-curing

Objective] The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exoge-nous amylases and Ca2＋, Mn2＋ and K＋ on the amylase specific activities and starch degradation of the upper leaves of ＇KRK26＇ planted in Yunnan Province during flue-curing. [Method] The amylase specific activities and starch degradation of the leaves were determined by using spectrophotometry. [Result] The 8 U/g exogenous α-amy-lase could improve the specific activity of the leaf α-amylase at yel owing and color-fixing stages, but could not at stem-drying stage, and similarly, the 80 U/g exoge-nous β-amylase could improved the specific activity of the leaf β-amylase at the yel owing stage and the early period of color-fixing stage. The leaf starch could be enhanced to degrade by the exogenous α- or β-amylases and the enhancing effect of the former was stronger than that of the later. 1.50 mg/ml Ca2＋ improved the specific activity of the leaf （α＋β）-amylase mainly due to its enhancing effect on the leaf α-amylase, and increased the starch degradation. 4 mmol/L Mn2＋ inhibited the leaf α-amylase from yel owing to the early period of color-fixing and the β- and （α＋β）-amylases from the yel owing to the later period of color-fixing, but enhanced the leafα-amylase from the later period of color-fixing to the later period of stem-drying and the β- and （α＋β）-amylases at the later period of stem-drying. Meanwhile, Mn2＋ ham-pered the starch degradation during yel owing, but promoted it from the early period of color-fixing to stem-drying. 1 mg/ml K＋ enhanced the leaf α-, β- and （α＋β）-amy-lases during the yel owing stage, but lowered them from the early period of color-fix-ing to the later period of stem-drying, and always inhibited the leaf starch degrada-tion. [Conclusion] The exogenous α-, β- amylases and Ca2＋ of suitable concentra-tions could be used to treat the tobacco leaves before flue-curing to improve the leaf starch degradation during the curing.