Formation and analysis of the varietal structure of tobacco (<i>Nicotiana tabacum</i> L.) and tobacco production in Bulgaria

Abstract

Purpose. To analyze the varietal potential of breeding, the optimization of the varietal structure of production and the frequency of changes in the commonly used varieties of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) in the Republic of Bulgaria.

Methods. Comparative, statistical, analytical ones.

Results. The retrospective analysis of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) breeding in Bulgaria shows that 158 varieties were created during the period of 1950–2010 including 130 varieties of the Oriental subspecies (ssp. Orientalis) and 28 ones of the American subspecies (ssp. Americana), 17 of the latter are of the Virginia type and 11 are of the Burley type. Based on this varietal potential, appropriate variety changing were periodically adopted by the production sector in the country. There were about 5–7 variety changing during 50–60 years (1950–2010) using domestic varieties. The high efficiency of tobacco breeding with the creation of high-quality varieties and the relatively frequent variety changing are prerequisites for optimal formation of the varietal structure of production on a yearly basis depending on preferences and requirements of the particular raw market segment and the rapid changes in the market condition.

Conclusions. From the total varietal potential of the Oriental tobacco breeding (130 varieties), for a period of 13 years, 47.7% (62 varieties) were used in production, while approximately 25% (24–30 varieties) constitute the main volume of Oriental tobacco produced in Bulgaria every year. The varietal potential of breeding of large-leaved tobacco has been fully realized in production – 17 varieties of Virginia type and 11 varieties of Burley type. Tobacco is the only agricultural crop in Bulgaria whose production structure includes almost 100% locally selected varieties.