Feasibility study
Tobacco research centers such as Torita and Urambo have played a significant role in the development of Tanzanian leaf.
Coresta has created a new task force to evaluate the impact of agronomic practices and breeding on the nicotine levels of burley and flue-cured Virginia (FCV) tobaccos. Specifically, the task force will determine how nicotine levels are impacted by variety selection and modified agricultural practices.
Due to the limited acceptance of genetic engineering technologies across the different tobacco production regions, the task force will use only conventional breeding varieties in its studies
Coresta’s initiative is a response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s intention to mandate lower levels of nicotine in cigarettes.
As part of its March 2018 Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the agency suggested such levels might be achievable through practices such as controlled growing conditions, crossbreeding and nicotine extraction.
The task force’s first meeting will take place on Oct. 13, prior to the Agro-Phyto 2019 conference in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The group’s work will be coordinated by Marcos F. Lusso of Altria Client Services.