From 1985 to 1987 eight varieties of domestic and foreign Burley tobacco were studied in some Northern Italy locations (Veneto Region) , as an alternative to the air-cured light and dark tobacco presently grown in that area.
An average 3-year yield equal to or higher than 3 t /ha of cured leaf was obtained for all the tested varieties, which indicates a general adaptation to the environment. Early-flowering types were more productive than late-flowering ones; the qualitative leaf traits (alkaloid content, combustibilty and specifi leaf weight) were mainly realted to the growing seasons. The yield stability thest and the mean leaf yields highlighted CAS 83-1A and CAS 83-1E cultivars as high-yielding and stable genotypes, and Virginia 528 as a medium to high yielding genotype adapted to less favourable conditions.
