7.

TOPPING, MANAGING SUCKERS, AND USING ETHEPHON

Loren R. Fisher
Crop Science Extension Specialist, Tobacco—Department of Crop and Soil Sciences
Matthew C. Vann
Crop Science Extension Specialist, Tobacco—Department of Crop and Soil Sciences
D. Scott Whitley, Jeremy Machacek, and Joseph Cheek
Crop Science Research Specialists—Department of Crop and Soil Sciences

Topping tobacco in the button stage (soon after the flower begins to appear) rather than later
increases yield and body if suckers are controlled. When tobacco plants are not topped for three
weeks after reaching the button stage, yields are reduced by 20 to 25 pounds per acre per day, or
about 1 percent per acre per day when normal yields range from 2,000 to 2,500 pounds per acre.
Higher yields reduce per-pound production costs for acreage-related inputs such as chemicals,
fertilizers, equipment, and some labor expenses. In addition to improved yield and quality, early
topping has other advantages:

• It usually allows topping to be completed before harvest begins, helping spread the
workload away from the peak harvest period.
• It reduces the possibility of plants blowing over in a windstorm.
• It stimulates earlier root development, which increases fertilizer efficiency, drought
tolerance, and alkaloid production.
• It helps to reduce buildup of certain insects because eggs and larvae are removed with the
floral parts.
These significant advantages of early topping far outweigh the disadvantage of earlier sucker
growth, which can be controlled with proper use of contact chemicals. Also, sucker growth is
often greater as a result of improved varieties and fertility programs, as well as better control
of root diseases through the cultural practices of crop rotation, early stalk and root destruction,
resistant varieties, and the use of soil-applied pesticides. As a result of these improved
practices, plant roots normally have a greater ability to absorb water and nutrients throughout
the growing season. The result is a higher yield as well as a greater potential for sucker growth,
especially on plants topped in the button stage.

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CULTURAL PRACTICES TO REDUCE SUCKER PRESSURE
No matter what sucker control method is used, sucker control is facilitated by (1) managing
tobacco in such a way as to reduce sucker pressure and (2) maximizing the effectiveness of
chemical applications. Using a reasonable nitrogen fertilizer rate and striving for a uniform crop
are two of the most important things that tobacco producers can do to facilitate sucker control
and management.

Using a Reasonable Nitrogen Rate

Excess nitrogen stimulates sucker growth and delays maturity, which increases the probability
of troublesome sucker regrowth in prolonged harvest seasons. A base nitrogen rate of 50 to
80 pounds per acre is suggested, plus adjustment for leaching if needed. The lower portion of
the rate range is suggested for finely textured, fertile soils, especially if legume crops were
grown in the field the previous year. The higher portion of the rate range is suggested for
coarsely textured soils with topsoils deeper than 15 inches to clay. The data in Table 7-1 illustrate
the importance of nitrogen rate for sucker control. When the recommended nitrogen rate
was exceeded, suckers were more difficult to control. See chapter 5 in this book, “Managing
Nutrients,” for more information on determining nitrogen rates.

Table 7-1. Sucker control with various rates of nitrogen at Kinston and Reidsvillea
Nitrogen Rate Sucker Control (%) a
Recommended – 16 lb/acre 87
Recommended 80
Recommended + 16 lb/acre 66
Recommended + 54 lb/acre 55
a
Average of two locations. All treatments received two fatty alcohol applications followed by 1.5 gal/acre of maleic hydrazide.

Striving for a Uniform Crop

Good plant uniformity in the field improves the chance for consistently good chemical sucker
control. Therefore, it is essential to produce and use healthy, uniform transplants. Also, it is
important to maintain soil pH in the range of 5.8 to 6.0, use fertilizer application methods that
minimize salts injury, and use only labeled rates and proper incorporation methods for soil-
incorporated pesticides, especially herbicides. Always follow label instructions for pesticides or
fertilizers added to the transplant water. These practices reduce early season root injury and
improve crop uniformity, which allows the crop to mature on a normal schedule. This reduces the
time that good sucker control is needed, particularly if the nitrogen rate is not excessive.

CHEMICAL SUCKER CONTROL

Two primary types of chemicals are available for sucker control: (1) contacts (fatty alcohols),
which kill small suckers by touching (burning) them; and (2) systemics, which restrict sucker
growth without killing. Contact alcohol chemicals desiccate (burn) tender sucker tissue, whereas
systemic chemicals retard sucker growth by inhibiting cell division. Maleic hydrazide (MH) is the

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only true systemic suckericide because it is absorbed by leaves and translocated through the plant
to small sucker buds. Flumetralin (Prime+, Flupro, and Drexalin Plus) is a contact-local systemic
suckericide because it must touch the suckers to be effective, although it retards sucker growth by
inhibiting cell division. Plucker Plus contains both flumetralin and a fatty alcohol. Each of these is
discussed in more detail below.

In 2011, one purchaser of U.S. flue-cured tobacco only accepted tobacco without any MH
residues. Growers who produce “pesticide residue clean” tobacco do this without using MH and
have received a premium for their cured leaf. Therefore, there are essentially two approaches
to chemical sucker control that producers must take: conventional programs that include MH
or alternative approaches that control suckers without MH. A discussion of each approach and
options for producers follow.

SUCKER CONTROL WITHOUT MH

Successful sucker control that does not use MH relies on reaching the maximum potential
from the remaining tools at our disposal. The following is a discussion of using contacts and
flumetralin to control suckers without MH.

Contact Fatty Alcohols

The purpose of contact fatty alcohol applications is to provide sucker control between early
topping and the time at which the upper leaves are large enough to be sprayed with flumetralin
without causing leaf distortion. Another major advantage of contact alcohols, especially where
multiple applications are made, is to shorten the period for flumetralin to control suckers after
topping. Successful sucker control without MH starts with proper application concentration and
timing of contacts. Poor control with contacts cannot be corrected by flumetralin. Applications of
contacts and flumetralin should be made only to the rows where the crop was transplanted, to
facilitate as accurate a delivery of the product as possible.

Timing. You should make the first contact application as soon as 50 to 60 percent of the plants
have a visible button. Timing of chemical application is important because neither contacts nor
flumetralin will adequately control suckers longer than 1 inch. Contacts are more effective if
applied three to five days apart when humidity is low and leaf axils are fully exposed—that is,
generally between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on sunny days, except when the plants are wilted and
temperature exceeds 90°F. Contacts should not be applied to plants that are wet with rain or
heavy dew or that are severely stressed by drought.

Coverage of leaf axils and stalk rundown are essential for contact applications. Contacts should
be applied with three nozzles per row (TG3-TG5-TG3 per row or equivalents), at a low pressure
(20 to 25 pounds per square inch [psi]) and with a 50 gallons-per-acre delivery volume. Nozzle
selection, pressure, and delivery volume are critical for proper droplet size, which leads to good
stalk rundown and coverage.

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Concentration. The degree of sucker control with contact alcohols is directly related to the
ratio of chemical to water. Therefore, it is extremely important to mix a specific amount of
contact chemical with an exact amount of water. The suggested ratio for the first application
of C 8 –C10 contact alcohol products (Off-Shoot T, Fair 85, Kleen-Tac, Sucker Plucker, Royaltac-M,
etc.) is two gallons in 48 gallons of water; this makes a 4 percent solution. A 5 percent solution
is suggested for subsequent applications of C 8 –C10 contact alcohol products; this is 2.5 gallons
in 47.5 gallons of water. The suggested ratio for the C10 products (Antak, Fair-Tac, Royaltac,
Ten-Tac) is 1.5 gallons in 48.5 gallons of water; this makes a 3 percent solution. The mixtures
should be strong enough to kill both of the tiny suckers in each leaf axil when the solution wets
suckers less than one inch long. Using more than the suggested amount of water will weaken
the mixture, and you will not obtain good control. Using less than the suggested amount of water
will strengthen the mixture and may cause leaf burn on tender crops.

Table 7-2. Sucker growth with three different concentrations of C8−C10 contact alcohol
sprays
Suckers per Acre
Contact + Water
(gallons) Percentage Solution (number) (lb)
1 + 49 2 29,900 6,256
1.5 + 48.5 3 15,600 4,794
2 + 48 4a 7,800 1,950
a
Normal suggested rate of 2 gallons of contact chemical in 48 gallons of water.

Weak contact solutions, those less than 4 percent for the C 8 –C10 products or less than 3 percent
for the C10 products, often control only one of the two sucker buds in each leaf axil. A good
general rule is to apply a contact solution that chemically tops 5 to 10 percent of the small, late
plants in a field. If no chemical topping occurs during the first application, the solution is too
weak to provide maximum sucker control, or the application took place too late. Some growers
worry about leaf drop with contact alcohol solutions. This is not likely to be a problem unless
the crop has been overfertilized with nitrogen and the season is unusually wet for several days
after application. Generally, the benefits of increased sucker control from full-strength contact
applications far outweigh any negative effects of leaf drop.

Flumetralin (Prime+, Flupro, and Drexalin Plus)

Mechanical application of flumetralin (overtop sprays). Flumetralin should be applied like
a contact solution: only to the same rows to which the crop was transplanted. The objective is to
apply flumetralin so that it touches the small suckers just like contact solutions because, unlike
MH, flumetralin does not move to sucker buds through the leaves. Flumetralin must first wet the
suckers like a fatty alcohol contact before it can stop cell division like a systemic. Therefore,
flumetralin is referred to as a contact-local systemic. It has no true contact activity, and the
controlled suckers do not turn brown or black but rather look yellow and deformed for several
weeks after treatment.

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Because flumetralin needs to run down the stalk and wet the suckers, it should be applied with
contact nozzles (TG3-TG5-TG3 per row or equivalents), with a delivery volume of 50 gallons per
acre and at a low pressure (20 to 25 psi). Flumetralin does not completely control suckers longer
than one inch, so you should remove larger suckers before application. Full-season sucker control
can be expected on small suckers wetted by the flumetralin solution, but missed suckers will
continue to grow and should be removed by hand. Missed leaf axils with flumetralin are typically
in the top of the plant and may result from leaning stalks, leaves covering the leaf axil, or both,
preventing proper “rundown” of flumetralin into all the leaf axils.

Even though the flumetralin label allows for application of up to one gallon per acre, the
general recommendation has been for application rates of two quarts per acre. Increasing
flumetralin rates from two quarts per acre to three quarts or one gallon in a single mechanical
application has not consistently improved sucker control, primarily because control is so
dependent on coverage of all leaf axils, which is not improved by increasing flumetralin rates.
However, application of two quarts of flumetralin followed by one quart of flumetralin seven
days later improves sucker control compared to three quarts of flumetralin applied in a single
application. Plucker Plus from Drexel Chemical Co. contains both flumetralin and a fatty alcohol,
so read the label carefully for additional instructions and precautions, and appropriate rate
recommendations.

This would indicate that increasing rates of flumetralin above two quarts per acre is only
advantageous if the flumetralin is applied in a split application. It is likely that split applications
reduce the number of missed leaf axils—the main cause of poor sucker control when MH is not
used.

Soil residues of flumetralin applied to tobacco may contribute to stunted early season growth of
later crops, especially small grains and some vegetable crops, such as sweet potatoes and corn,
but also nonrotated tobacco, particularly if excessive rates are used for sucker control on light,
sandy soils. The carryover potential may be greater when a dinitroaniline is used for both weed
and sucker control on sandy soils. (See product labels for comments on carryover residues and
possible rotation crop injury.)

Dropline applications of flumetralin. Dropline applications are generally the most effective
way to apply flumetralin because they allow for the most consistent ability to apply the
flumetralin solution to each leaf axil. However, dropline applications require more labor, which
is not always available on the farm depending on the scope of the farming operation or the
degree of mechanization of other farming operations. Even though the best sucker control from
flumetralin is achieved with dropline applications, growers must decide on a case-by-case basis
whether such application methods are feasible and practical, depending on their individual
situations.

A dropline application is made manually, with a single line per row, coming off of a powered
sprayer (typically a high-clearance sprayer). Multiple lines can be used at one time, and each line

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has a valve (trigger) and a single TG nozzle. Flumetralin is then applied on a plant-by-plant basis
by manually holding the nozzle over the center of the plant and opening the valve or “trigger”
long enough to apply a desired amount of solution to each plant, which is enough for the solution
to reach the soil line at the base of the plant.

Dropline applications should be initiated when approximately half of the plants are in the
elongated bud to early flowering stage. Plants should be topped and then flumetralin applied
within 24 hours. In many cases, both topping and applying flumetralin with a dropline can be
accomplished at the same time. Where uniformity is a problem and some plants are later to
mature, a second trip through the field to top and dropline flumetralin only on those plants may
be needed. If a second trip is needed, it can usually be accomplished at a faster speed than the
original dropline application. Only apply flumetralin with a dropline once per plant per season.

Another advantage of dropline applications is that they can reduce the need for contact
applications because dropline applications of flumetralin can be made at topping. In many cases,
contact applications, when used in conjunction with a dropline application of flumetralin, are
used only to allow the crop to “even out” so that all plants are at the correct stage for flumetralin
application and only one trip across the field with droplines is needed. Contacts may also be
used in this scenario to delay flumetralin applications for better management of labor resources
by controlling sucker growth until labor is available.

In a dropline application, flumetralin should be mixed the same as with mechanical applications:
two or three quarts of flumetralin in 49.5 or 49.25 gallons of water, respectively. The flumetralin
solutions should be applied alone to deliver one-half to two-thirds of a fluid ounce of solution per
plant. The intent is for the solution to reach the soil line with no excess, to reduce residues in the
soil. Workers who perform dropline applications of flumetralin must wear personal protective
equipment. Read the label for each source of flumetralin carefully (Prime +, Flupro, Drexalin
Plus) to determine the requirements for dropline applications. Remember, Plucker Plus contains
both flumetralin and a fatty alcohol so rate recommendations will differ from other flumetralin
products.

SUCKER CONTROL WITH PROGRAMS THAT USE MH TO MINIMIZE MH

RESIDUES
MH has saved many hours of labor since its introduction in the early 1950s. It is widely used for
sucker control because it is relatively inexpensive, easy to apply, and usually effective. But high
residues can reduce demand by both domestic and export customers. No suitable alternative to
MH has been developed, and many sucker control programs without this product have not given
consistently good results.

Periodic droughts and the adoption of improved varieties and cultural practices that emphasize
yield extend the harvest season, which extends the period needed for good sucker control.
Unfortunately, longer harvest seasons and greater use of mechanical harvesters have sometimes

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led to excessive use of MH initially or in additional late-season applications. Consequently, MH
residues on and in cured tobacco are often higher than acceptable to buyers.

Several members of the European Union, major importers of United States leaf tobacco, have
adopted an MH tolerance level of 80 parts per million (ppm) for tobacco products. This tolerance
may be established by other European countries in the near future. The major competitor for
American-style flue-cured tobacco, Brazil, does not use MH and could capture a more significant
share of the export market if MH residues on U.S. tobacco do not drop to and remain near the
80-ppm level.

Although an official MH tolerance has not been established in the United States, domestic
cigarette manufacturers and all members of the industry are very concerned about poor public
perception of any pesticide residues that could reduce tobacco use both here and abroad.
Although domestic cigarette consumption is not increasing, the United States is a leading leaf
exporter. Our continued success will depend partially on the domestic manufacturers’ ability to
provide cigarettes that meet current or potential pesticide tolerances in other countries.

MH is very water soluble, and residues vary substantially among years and regions. Residues are
generally lower when both rainfall and yields are relatively high. Also, don’t forget that the Farm
Services Agency certification you sign annually states that all pesticides you used for flue-cured
tobacco production were applied according to label directions. In addition to possible loss of
domestic and export markets, continued overuse of MH could result in greater use restrictions.

It is important for the entire tobacco industry, including producers and farm supply dealers,
to understand the significance of the pesticide residue issue to our industry, particularly to
our export market. Also, it would be wise to assume that all pesticides that leave residues on
tobacco (not just MH) will very likely undergo even greater scrutiny and regulation soon.

Early sucker control can be maximized with fatty alcohol contacts and flumetralin.
This is essential if good sucker control is to be maintained with one application of MH at
the labeled rate. Because contacts and flumetralin must touch the suckers to be effective,
uniform row spacing, proper application speed, correct boom height, precise nozzle size and
arrangement, and suitable pump pressure are all important for good sucker control. (See product
labels for instructions.)

Proper Use of Contacts (Fatty Alcohols)

The degree of sucker kill with contact alcohols is directly related to the ratio of chemical to
water. Therefore, it is extremely important to mix a specific amount of contact chemical with
an exact amount of water. Most other chemicals used to control insects, weeds, and diseases
do not share this requirement because growers need to add only enough water to uniformly
distribute the chemicals.

The suggested ratio for the first application of C 8 –C10 contact alcohol products (Off-Shoot T, Fair
85, Kleen-Tac, Sucker Plucker, Royaltac-M, etc.) is two gallons in 48 gallons of water; this makes
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a 4 percent solution. A 5 percent solution is suggested for the second or third application; this
is 2.5 gallons in 47.5 gallons of water. The suggested ratio for the C10 products (Antak, Fair-Tac,
Royaltac, Ten-Tac) is 1.5 gallons in 48.5 gallons of water; this makes a 3 percent solution. The
mixtures should be strong enough to kill both of the tiny suckers in each leaf axil when the
solution wets suckers less than one inch long. Using more than the suggested amount of water
will weaken the mixture, and you will not obtain good control. Using less than the suggested
amount of water will strengthen the mixture and may cause leaf burn on tender crops.

Sucker control data (Table 7-2) show the great difference in sucker growth at final harvest when
three different concentrations of a contact alcohol solution were applied. Suckers appeared
to be under control for several weeks but then grew rapidly as the harvest season progressed,
especially where the 2 and 3 percent solutions were applied.

Weak contact solutions, those less than 4 percent for the C 8 –C10 products or less than 3 percent
for the C10 products, often control only one of the two sucker buds in each leaf axil. Then the
suggested rates of the systemic chemicals cannot control sucker growth on vigorously growing
tobacco. Therefore, applying weak contact solutions may contribute to the use of excessive
late-season applications of MH, which significantly increase MH residues on and in our cured
tobacco. A good general rule is to apply a contact solution that chemically tops 5 to 10 percent
of the small, late plants in a field. If no chemical topping occurs during the first application, the
solution is too weak to provide maximum sucker control, or the application took place too late.

Some growers worry about leaf drop with contact alcohol solutions. This is not likely to be
a problem unless the crop has been overfertilized with nitrogen and the season is unusually
wet for several days after application. Generally, the benefits of increased sucker control from
full-strength contact applications far outweigh any negative effects of leaf drop. Using a contact
alcohol allows for earlier topping, which increases yields. Its purpose is to provide sucker control
between early topping and the time when the upper leaves are large enough to be sprayed with
a systemic chemical without causing distortion.

Timing of chemical application is also important because none of the chemicals, including MH,
will adequately control suckers that are longer than one inch. You should make the first contact
application as soon as 50 to 60 percent of the plants have a visible button. Contacts usually are
more effective if applied three to five days apart when humidity is low and leaf axils are fully
exposed—that is, generally between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. on sunny days, except when the plants
are wilted and temperature exceeds 90°F. Also, none of the products should be applied to plants
that are wet with rain or heavy dew or that are severely stressed by drought.

Another major advantage of contact alcohols, especially where two or three applications are
made, is that they shorten the period for the systemic chemical to control suckers after topping.
Systemic chemicals containing only MH tend to “give out” six to seven weeks after application.
When the harvest season lasts for 10 or more weeks, sucker regrowth often occurs. Flumetralin,

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another systemic-acting chemical, controls suckers longer than MH does, but its control is
further extended when preceded by one or two applications of alcohol contact.

Proper Use of Flumetralin (Prime+, Flupro, Plucker Plus, Drexalin Plus)

Flumetralin should be applied like a contact solution but not until the plants are in the elongated
button to early flower stage. This is a few days before MH application is suggested. The
objective is to apply flumetralin so that it touches the small suckers like contact solutions do
because, unlike MH, flumetralin does not move to sucker buds through the leaves. Flumetralin
must first wet the suckers like a fatty alcohol contact before it can stop cell division like a
systemic. Therefore, flumetralin is referred to as a contact-local systemic. It has no true contact
activity, and the controlled suckers do not turn brown or black but rather look yellow and
deformed for several weeks after treatment.

Because flumetralin needs to run down the stalk and wet the suckers, it should be applied with
contact nozzles (TG3-TG5-TG3 per row or equivalents) at a low pump pressure (20 to 25 psi).
And because it is not absorbed and moved through the plant, it performs better than MH in dry
weather. Applying flumetralin by hand (downstalk application) is likely to wet more suckers than
mechanical spraying (overtop), but hand application requires more labor. Like other sucker control
chemicals, flumetralin does not completely control suckers longer than one inch, so you should
remove larger suckers before application.

Full-season sucker control can be expected on small suckers wetted by the flumetralin solution,
but missed suckers will continue to grow and should be removed by hand. Missed suckers are
likely to occur on leaning plants, whether treated with flumetralin or fatty alcohol contacts.
Therefore, using MH in a tank mix with flumetralin or within a day or two after flumetralin
application will control the missed suckers. This is why the most effective chemical sucker
control programs include the use of both MH and flumetralin.

Soil residues of flumetralin applied to tobacco may contribute to stunted early season growth
of later crops, especially small grains, corn, and sweet potatoes, but also nonrotated tobacco,
particularly if excessive rates are used for sucker control on light, sandy soils. The carryover
potential may be greater when a dinitroaniline is used for both weed and sucker control on sandy
soils. (See product labels for comments on carryover residues and possible rotation crop injury.)
To minimize possible injury to crops planted in the fall or following spring, follow label mixing
and rate instructions and do not apply any more spray volume than required to run down to the
bottom of the stalks. Rainfall within two hours after application could reduce effectiveness of
flumetralin, but reapplication will also increase the potential for soil residue carryover. Therefore,
do not reapply if flumetralin washoff occurs. Also, destroy stalks and roots after the last priming
and bury them two weeks later with a moldboard plow set at a depth of five to six inches. Disk
once or twice before planting a small grain cover crop.

Growers are advised not to exceed labeled rates of flumetralin whether used alone or in tank
mixes with MH. Higher rates will not significantly improve sucker control but may make soil

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residue levels high enough to stunt crops planted in the fall or spring. Also note that Plucker Plus
is a mixture of flumetralin and fatty alcohol; read the label carefully for additional application
instructions and precautions and rate recommendations.

Sucker control from flumetralin can be improved by making split applications, essentially dividing
the desired total amount per acre into two applications made five to seven days apart, instead
of all in one application. This is especially advantageous when reduced rates of MH are used
or when sucker control without using MH is necessary. (See the discussion of MH-free tobacco
earlier in this chapter.)

Apply the Labeled Rate of MH Properly

Unlike fatty alcohol contacts and flumetralin, MH is absorbed by leaves and moves within the
plant to small sucker buds. Good absorption and systemic movement depend on having good
crop growing conditions. Therefore, MH should never be applied on drought-stressed crops
or on those wilted by too much rain, high temperatures, or both. It is best to apply MH one to
three days after a good rain or irrigation. When irrigation is not available, many growers use
flumetralin or one extra contact application to control suckers until enough rain comes for good
MH absorption. This should be viewed as “buying time” until rainfall occurs. If soil moisture is
adequate but afternoon temperatures will be high enough to cause partial wilting, MH should
be applied only during the morning, starting when the leaves are just slightly wet with dew.
Afternoon spraying generally is not suggested except on cool, cloudy days when soil moisture
is good. It is extremely difficult for growers with large acreages and only one sprayer to take
advantage of the best weather conditions for MH application; some should consider buying
another sprayer or using larger nozzles to allow faster application.

The labeled rate of MH application on flue-cured tobacco is one quart per 1,000 plants. Most
tobacco in North Carolina is planted at approximately 6,000 plants per acre. The correct rate
for 6,000 plants is 1.5 gallons per acre. (This rate is suitable for most formulations available in
North Carolina, which contain 1.5 pounds of active ingredient [ai] per gallon of product; some
products contain 2.25 pounds of ai per gallon and should be applied at one gallon per acre for
6,000 plants per acre.) Only one application is permitted unless the first application is washed
off by rain. Even then, research indicates that reapplication of the full MH rate is not needed
unless a substantial rain occurs within four hours after the first application. Only a half-rate
application (0.75 gallon of MH per acre) is needed if rain occurs between four and 10 hours after
the first application. No reapplication is needed if rain occurs more than 10 to 12 hours after the
first application. Following these important guidelines will ensure good sucker control with only
minimal increases in MH residues.

MH is absorbed more effectively by younger, upper leaves than by older, lower leaves.
Therefore, MH should be applied to the upper third of the plant using the three-nozzles-per-row
arrangement. Some growers use drop nozzles with high pressure, as they do when spraying for
aphids or flea beetles. This will not substantially improve sucker control but will increase MH
residues because more of the spray is deposited on the undersides of leaves, where rainfall

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is less apt to wash it off. Therefore, the use of drop nozzles for MH application is strongly
discouraged. MH residues are often higher on lower leaves than on upper leaves because the
lower leaves are harvested sooner after MH application.

MH is very water soluble but is not substantially degraded by sunlight or the high temperatures
used during curing. The data in Table 7-3 illustrate the importance of rainfall in reducing MH
residues. In these tests, MH application was followed 24 hours later by various amounts of
irrigation to simulate rainfall. Lower and upper green leaves were sampled for MH residues
immediately after irrigation. As little as 0.05 to 0.1 inch of irrigation significantly reduced MH
residues on leaves from both stalk positions.

Table 7-3. MH residues on lower and upper green leaves following various amounts of
irrigation
MH Residuesa(ppm)
Irrigation Applied (inches) Lower Upper
None 61 181
0.005 53 125
0.01 51 96
0.05 32 85
0.1 27 84
0.2 22 76
0.5 24 70
a
All treatments received 1.5 gal/acre of MH. MH residues are averages of four experiments.

Timing of MH Application
MH is the most widely used chemical on tobacco grown in the United States. More recently,
flumetralin—also a systemic suckercide, as MH is—has become popular among flue-cured
growers, particularly in tank mixes with MH. Each product controls sucker growth by inhibiting
cell division. Most MH labels stipulate that it must not be applied before the upper leaves are
eight inches long to reduce possible stunting, a discoloration called “bronzing,” or both. However,
these abnormalities are sometimes observed when MH is applied on leaves longer than
eight inches. Growth distortion of upper leaves treated with flumetralin also occurs, but less
frequently than that associated with MH. Research suggests that the likelihood of discoloration
and stunting from MH applications is greatly reduced when applications are delayed until upper
leaves are sixteen inches long.

MH residues can also be reduced when the interval between application and harvest is
maximized. The MH label states that you should wait at least seven days between MH
application and harvest, with the anticipation that rainfall during this period will wash off some
residues. If tobacco is ready for MH application and harvest, make every attempt to harvest
first, then apply MH. It will most likely be at least seven days before the crop will be ready for
another harvest. This will ensure MH-free first primings.

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Once the rainfast period has passed following application of MH (10 to 12 hours), irrigation or
rainfall can reduce MH residues without adversely affecting sucker control. After 10 to 12 hours,
essentially all of the leaf absorption of MH that will occur has taken place. The residual MH left
on the leaf surface contributes greatly to MH residues in cured leaf. Therefore, the washing
off of MH through irrigation or rainfall has the effect of reducing overall residues. Table 7-3
illustrates the reduction of MH residues with various levels of irrigation applied 24 hours after
application in research trials in 1992 and 1993.

Consider Using an Alternative Sucker Control Program

The most effective sucker control programs include proper use of the fatty alcohol contacts,
flumetralin, and the labeled rate of MH. All of the newer programs provide better control
than the traditional treatment of two contact applications followed by MH application (Table
7-4). These programs offer excellent, season-long sucker control without using more than the
recommended rate of MH. The MH-flumetralin tank mix was used on more than 60 percent of the
flue-cured acreage in 2002. The delayed use of flumetralin or another fatty alcohol application
two to three weeks after MH involves an additional trip over the field but provides excellent late-
season sucker control if applied before sucker buds exceed one inch in length. Apply the tank mix
like a fatty alcohol contact, i.e., as a coarse spray (20 to 25 psi) using 50 gallons of spray volume
per acre. Do not use the delayed flumetralin application if flumetralin was used for sucker control
earlier in the season.

Topping and Sucker Control Programs That Include MH

Recommendations in this section for the use of MH are primarily related to achieving acceptable
sucker control with minimal MH residues. Most recommendations in this section include 1.5
gallons of MH (2.25 lb ai). MH residues with 1.5 gallons of MH vary greatly across seasons
and depend upon rainfall, irrigation, and harvest intervals. Generally, MH residues are lower in
years with higher rainfall amounts. Irrigation and extending harvest intervals to wait on rainfall
can lower residues in both dry and wet years. Because MH residues vary so greatly across
growing seasons, it is not possible to recommend a rate that guarantees residue levels that are
acceptable to all customers. However, reducing MH rates below the recommended rate of 1.5
gallons per acre can further reduce MH residues on a relative basis.

Acceptable sucker control can be achieved with rates below 1.5 gallons (2.25 lb ai) but requires
using contacts wisely (see section on use of contacts) and potentially splitting applications
of flumetralin (see section on using flumetralin). Research has shown that if maximum sucker
control is achieved with contact applications and application of flumetralin is split (two quarts of
flumetralin followed by a second application of flumetralin at one quart five to seven days later),
rates of MH can be reduced to one gallon per acre (1.5 lb ai). In this scenario, MH is applied
with the second application of flumetralin and after the first harvest. Plucker Plus contains both
flumetralin and a fatty alcohol, so rate recommendations will differ compared to products only
containing flumetralin.

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Table 7-4. Sucker number and weight reductions with sucker control programs
including Prime+
Suckers Per Acre
Applicationa (Average/25 On-Farm Tests)
Third Fourth (number) (lb)
MH alone None 13,644 1,697
(MH & Prime+) tank mix None 1,575 380
Prime+
MH alone 557 165
(2 to 3 wk after MH)
a
Third applications preceded by 4 percent and 5 percent fatty alcohol contact applications. Rates were 1.5 gal/acre for MH
and 2 qts/acre for Prime+.

Several topping and chemical sucker control programs have been developed. Each is based on
application of the correct rate of nitrogen (50 to 80 pounds per acre), depending upon soil type,
with adjustments for leaching. Excessive nitrogen availability promotes excessive sucker growth
as well as leaf drop and breakage. Proper sprayer calibration is important. See the sprayer
calibration section in chapter 6, “Managing Weeds,” for information on how to properly calibrate
a spray boom with multiple nozzles per row.

Pay particular attention to label instructions regarding worker protection standards (see chapter
11, “Protecting People and the Environment When Using Pesticides”). This information provides
specific requirements for personal protective clothing, restricted field reentry intervals, and other
restrictions.

Overtop Application
Step 1. Apply an alcohol contact spray before topping when about 50 to 60 percent of the plants
reach the button stage. The floral parts help to intercept sprays to increase sucker kill in the
upper leaf axils. Use a 4 percent concentration for C 8 –C10 products or a 3 percent concentration
for C10 products. Using higher concentrations or application pressures other than those suggested
on the product labels may cause substantial leaf burn, particularly for C10 products applied on
tender tobacco when temperatures are unusually high.

Step 2. Top plants that are ready for topping 24 to 48 hours after the first contact alcohol
application, making sure to follow label instructions regarding reentry into pesticide-treated
fields.

Step 3. Make a second alcohol contact application three to five days after the first contact
application. Use a 5 percent concentration for C 8 –C10 alcohols (2.5 gallons in 47.5 gallons of
water per acre) or a 3 percent concentration for C10 alcohols (1.5 gallons in 48.5 gallons of water
per acre). Note: Drought-stressed plants or those with irregular growth and flowering may
need a third alcohol contact application several days after the second, applied at the same
concentration as the second application. An alternative for reasonably uniform plants with tip
leaves at least 10 to 12 inches long is 0.5 gallon of flumetralin in 49.5 gallons of water per acre.

2021 Flue-Cured Information  |  107

Step 4. Top any plants that were not topped during the first topping.

Step 5. Use one of these alternatives: (Note: Plucker Plus contains flumetralin and a fatty
alcohol, so rate recommendations will differ compared to other flumetralin containing products.)

• Alternative A. Apply a tank mix of 1.5 gallons of MH (for products containing 1.5 pounds
active MH per gallon) and two quarts of flumetralin per acre at the normal stage of leaf
development for MH application. Apply as a coarse spray in 50 gallons of total solution
per acre, as with contact alcohols (three nozzles per row: TG3-TG5-TG3 or equivalents; see
“Nozzle Sizes, Arrangements, and Application Speeds” below). Use no more than three
quarts of flumetralin per season to reduce the risk of soil residue carryover to following
crops. Allow at least one week between MH application and harvest to minimize MH
residues on and in cured leaves.
• Alternative B. Apply three gallons of FST-7 or Leven-38 in 47 gallons of water per acre
about five to seven days after the second or third alcohol contact. Higher concentrations
may cause leaf burn. Allow at least one week between MH application and harvest to
minimize MH residues on and in cured tobacco. These products are a combination of a C10
contact alcohol and MH but contain 11 percent less MH than other MH products when used
at labeled rates.
• Alternative C. Apply 1.5 gallons of MH per acre (for products containing 1.5 pounds
active MH per gallon) about five to seven days after the second or third contact alcohol
application. Allow at least one week between application and harvest to minimize MH
residues on and in cured tobacco. MH alone usually does not provide adequate season-long
sucker control compared to the tank mix described in Alternative A, and a fourth application
of one of the products in step 6 below is often required to control late-season sucker
regrowth.
• Alternative D. Instead of the second or third (if applicable) contact alcohol application,
apply two quarts of flumetralin per acre mixed in 49.5 gallons of water, as mentioned
in step 3, when the crop is at the elongated button to early flower stage. Apply by the
dropline method or by tractor-mounted sprayer. With a tractor-mounted sprayer, apply as
a coarse spray with low pressure just as you would for a contact application. About five to
seven days after this application, apply the labeled rate of MH. Use flumetralin only once
per season to reduce the risk of soil residue carryover to following crops. Allow at least
one week between MH application and harvest to minimize MH residues on and in cured
tobacco.
Step 6. Use if sucker regrowth is anticipated late in the season:

• Alternative A. Apply a 5 percent C 8 -C10 contact solution (2.5 gallons in 47.5 gallons of
water) using the standard application procedure for contact sprays. Do this about three
weeks after MH application, when suckers are small and susceptible to contact burn.
Remove suckers longer than one inch by hand before application.

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 • Alternative B. Apply two quarts of flumetralin per acre using the standard application
procedure for fatty alcohol contacts (50 gallons of total solution per acre, three nozzles per
row, low pressure). Apply about three weeks after MH application. Remove suckers longer
than one inch by hand before application. Do not use this option if you applied flumetralin
earlier in the season. Allow one week between MH application and harvest.
(Note: Plucker Plus contains flumetralin and a fatty alcohol, so rate recommendations will differ
compared to other flumetralin containing products.)

NOZZLE SIZES, ARRANGEMENTS, AND APPLICATION SPEEDS

Except for MH applied alone, all currently labeled suckericides and mixes must be applied
by methods that encourage stalk rundown in order to be most effective. When using the
standard three-nozzle arrangement (TG3-TG5-TG3), application speed is limited to 2.5 to 3
mph to maintain the spray volume over the center of the row. Application of fatty alcohols and
contact-local systemics, including tank mixes of these products with MH, is one of the slowest
mechanical operations in tobacco production except for transplanting and perhaps mechanical
harvesting of first primings. The ability to apply these products faster without lowering sucker
control reduces manual and machine labor, improves timeliness of suckericide application, and
allows more acreage to be sprayed when the weather is favorable. The increasing use of more
precise application equipment, such as “high-boy” sprayers, may allow many growers to apply
suckericides faster without reducing sucker control.

In ten field tests conducted in 1997 through 1999, a “high-boy” sprayer operated at 2.8 or 4.6
mph was used to apply each of several sucker control treatments. All applications at 2.8 mph
were made with standard TG3-TG5-TG3 nozzles, and all applications at 4.6 mph were made with
TG6- TG8-TG6 nozzles. Each combination of nozzle sizes and speeds delivered 50 gallons-per-
acre spray volume per application on 48-inch rows. Sucker number and weight per acre did not
increase with any of the sucker control treatments when applied at the faster speed.

In trials conducted in 2001 and 2002, sprayer modifications were made that allowed the same
treatments to be applied at 3 and 6 mph. In addition, a number of field experiments were
conducted to determine if several other “straight” or “cross” nozzle arrangements with four or
five nozzles per row would improve sucker control at the 6 mph application speed. Several of
the arrangements are illustrated below. An additional purpose of the 5-8 • 8-5 and both of the
five-nozzle-per-row arrangements was to concentrate relatively more of the total spray volume
over the row centers as compared to the three-nozzles-per-row arrangements.

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 3 Nozzles/Row 4 Nozzles/Row 5 Nozzles/Row
3—5—3 5—6•6—5 5 6

6—8—6 5—8•8—5 | |
3—8—3 3—6—3
| |
5 6

The arrangements shown in Table 7-5 provided the best sucker control in these trials. The
differences in sucker number and weight among the three arrangements were not statistically
significant. The poorest performers on average were the five-nozzle-per-row arrangements,
which concentrated a relatively higher percentage of the total spray volume over the row centers
(data not shown). This implies that failure to keep these nozzle arrangements directly over the
row may reduce sucker control relatively more than arrangements that supply more of the total
spray to the sides of the row.

Table 7-5. Sucker numbers and weights per acre in nine experiments for a good sucker
control program applied with three nozzle arrangements or sizes
Suckers per Acreb
TG Nozzle Sizes Gauge Pressure Application Speeda
(per row) (psi) (mph) (number) (lb)

Treatment: Contact (4%) + Contact (5%) + (MH & Prime+) c

3—5—3 20 3 1,089 288

6—8—6 18 6 1,480 395
5—6 • 6 —5 18 6 1,477 346
ª
Each speed delivers 50 gal/acre of spray volume for the nozzle sizes and gauge pressures shown.
b
Averages of nine research and on-farm tests.
c
Rates were 2 qt/acre Prime+ and 1.5 gal/acre MH.

These results indicate that growers who wish to apply stalk rundown suckericides at faster
speeds can do so with confidence if they have uniform row widths, good sprayer equipment, and
relatively level land, and if they treat only the number of rows that were transplanted. However,
relatively simple three- or four-nozzle-per-row arrangements appear to provide sucker control as
good as or better than the more elaborate five-nozzle arrangements tested to date.

No matter what arrangement you choose, be sure to calibrate your own application equipment
for the row width, pressure, hose diameter, and strainer sizes to be used. Instructions for
calibrating a sucker control boom are given in chapter 6, “Managing Weeds.” After determining
the output in gallons per minute (gpm), the speed needed to deliver the appropriate number of
gallons of spray volume per acre (e.g., gpa = 50 gal/a) can be calculated by using the following
formula:
mph = (gpm × 5,940) / (gpa × row width (inches)

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USE OF ETHEPHON
Ethephon (Prep, Ethephon 6, Mature XL, Oskie, or Super Boll) is the only chemical approved
for yellowing tobacco in the field. To use any other chemical for this purpose is illegal. Growers
who do so—whether selling by contract or at auction—could cause considerable problems for
themselves and for our industry.

Before spraying whole fields of tobacco with ethephon, test-spray some plants uniformly
with hand kits available from agricultural chemical dealers, or prepare your own test spray
by mixing one teaspoon of product in one quart of water. The purpose of test-spraying is to
determine whether the leaves are mature enough to be induced to yellow. Test-spraying a few
representative plants at several locations in each field and observing them two to three days
later will help you decide if the tobacco will yellow as desired. This may be especially important
in fields planted at different times, planted with different varieties, fertilized differently, topped
at different heights, or otherwise managed differently. Ethephon should be used on the entire
field only if plants respond well to test-spraying; if test leaves do not yellow within 72 hours, the
crop is not mature enough to be sprayed or harvested.

Good spray coverage, especially of the leaf butts and uppermost leaves, is essential to achieve
uniform yellowing. For overtop applications, apply the chemical in 50 gallons of spray per acre
using a three-nozzle arrangement at a pressure of 40 to 60 psi. The finer the spray, the better the
chance of it drifting inward toward the stalk and covering the leaf butts; consequently, 60 psi
may give better coverage than 40 psi. Be sure to adjust the nozzles to ensure adequate coverage
of all remaining leaves. Ethephon works more consistently when applied on warm, sunny days.
Treat only the acreage that can be harvested in one day, and guard against leaf drop by not
allowing treated tobacco to become overyellow before harvesting. Prep, Ethephon 6, Mature XL,
and Super Boll contain six pounds of ethephon per gallon and are labeled to be used at 11/3 to 22/3
pints per acre. Oskie contains three pounds of ethephon per gallon and is labeled to be used at
22/3 to 51/3 pints per acre. Use the lower rate for normal crops and the higher rate for rank crops,
particularly when temperatures are lower than normal at application time.

Producers should understand that ethephon and ethylene (curing gas) are two similar yellowing
agents, both of which are used in different ways. Ethephon is applied to leaves in the field one to
two days prior to harvest, while ethylene is injected into the barn during the yellowing phase of
curing. Regardless of product, the goal is the same—to promote yellowing and thus reduce the
amount of time required to sufficiently yellow tobacco during the curing process.

Research has consistently demonstrated that it is ethephon application in the field, rather than
the addition of ethylene gas during yellowing, that has the greatest postive impact to yellowing
duration (Table 7-6). Producers should realize that desired outcomes from ethephon application
are most successful when tobacco is mature and beginning to ripen. Experiment three in Table
7-6 documents no change in yellowing duration when treated leaves were classified as under-
ripe. In addition, the longer treated leaves remain on the plant the better the outcome. Same day

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application and harvest are strongly discouraged due to reduced product assimilation and plant
response, as well as label restrictions. Furthermore, research designed to compare yellowing
time of leaves treated with ethephon four hours prior to harvest against injection of curing gas
demonstrated similar yellowing time (106 vs. 105 hours, respectively). The field reentry time
restriction for ethephon is 48 hours after application. Also, allowing 48 hours between spraying
of ethephon and harvesting results in larger and more consistent reductions in curing time
compared to earlier harvesting.

PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON PESTICIDES

Pesticides must be used carefully to protect against human injury and harm to the environment.
Diagnose your pest problem, and select the proper pesticide if one is needed. Follow label use
directions, and obey all federal, state, and local pesticide laws and regulations.

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 Table 7-6. Effects of ethephon and/or ethylene gas on yellowing time (in hours) during curing (table adapted from Peele, David)
Experiment One Experiment Two Experiment Three
Yellowing Treatment UR R OR UR R OR UR R OR
Nothing 84 71 65 68 61 49 70 66 51
Ethephon alone 60 47 44 52 49 42 70 54 37
Ethylene gas alone 84 71 65 68 61 49 70 66 51
Ethephon and ethylene 60 47 44 52 49 42 70 54 37
UR = under-ripe; R = ripe; OR = over-ripe

Table 7-7. Yellowing agents for flue-cured tobacco

Amount of Pounds Active
Formulation Ingredient
Purpose Chemical per Acre per Acre Precautions and Remarks
Increase the rate of yellowing Ethephon 1.33 to 2.67 pt 1 to 2 lb Use after second or third priming when remaining leaves are physiologically
(Prep) mature. Determine if tobacco is ready to spray by treating several
(Super Boll) representative plants at several locations with test kit. If test leaves begin
(Mature XL) to yellow in 24 to 72 hr, apply product to tobacco in 40 to 60 gal water per
(Ethephon 6) acre as a fine spray mist (40 to 60 psi). Effectiveness may be reduced by
application on cool, cloudy days, poor spray coverage, or rain within 4 hr after
(Oskie) 2.67 to 5.33 pt 1 to 2 lb application. Harvest leaves as soon as possible after REI on label or when
they reach the desired degree of yellowness; prolonged delay in harvest
2021 Flue-Cured Information  |  113

may result in yield and quality loss or leaf drop. Therefore, do not spray more
acreage than can be harvested before major rain is expected. DO NOT USE
SURFACTANTS!
 Table 7-8. Chemical control of sucker growth
114  |  2021 Flue-Cured Information Amount of
Formulation
Chemical and Formulation Purpose per Acre Precautions and Remarks
CONTACT TYPE
C 8 –C10 fatty alcohol Normal sucker control 2 or 2.5 gal Apply in 48 gal of water per acre (4% solution) to plants in button stage with second application 3
(various brands) (4% or 5%) to 5 days later at any time of the day, except when plants are wet or temperature exceeds 90°F or
6.01 lb/gal plants are wilted. Use two TG-3 nozzle tips plus a TG-5 in the center or equivalents per row with
approximately 20 psi operated from 12 to 16 in. above the top of the button or stalk at 2.5 to 3 mph.
Rate of second application may be increased to 2.5 gal in 47.5 gal of water (5% solution) unless
crop is tender. Will not control suckers more than 1 in. long. Excess nitrogen increases the chance
of leaf drop.
C10 fatty alcohol Normal sucker control 1.5 gal (3%) Apply in 48.5 gal water per acre (3% solution) for both applications. Follow application instructions
5.72 lb/gal above for C 8 –C10  alcohol.

C 8 –C10 fatty alcohol Control of late-season 2.5 gal (5%) Apply 3 to 4 weeks after MH application if suckers begin to grow. Apply in 47.5 gal of water per
6.01 lb/gal sucker regrowth acre. Follow same directions as above. Will not control suckers more than 1 in. long. Do not make
more than three applications of a contact per crop per season.
SYSTEMIC TYPE
Maleic hydrazide (MH) Normal sucker control 1.5 gal Rate varies with plant population. 1.5 gal of the 1.5 lb per gal material assumes 6,000 plants per
Liquids, various brands (1 qt/1,000 plants) acre. For plant populations other than 6,000, adjust rate accordingly. Apply to plants 5 to 7 days
1.5 lb/gal after the last contact application. Apply in the morning, using 30 to 50 gal of water per acre, two
to three cone nozzle tips per row, and 40 to 60 psi. Effectiveness will be reduced if applied to wet
Maleic hydrazide (MH) Normal sucker control 1 gal
plants or those that are drought stressed or wilted from too much rainfall or high temperatures. Do
Liquids, various brands (1 qt/1,500 plants)
not make more than one application per season. Should wash-off occur within 6 hr, a single repeat
2.25 lb/gal
application may be made. DO NOT APPLY AT HIGHER THAN SUGGESTED RATES OR WITHIN 7
DAYS BEFORE HARVEST IN ORDER TO MINIMIZE MH RESIDUES.
60% water-soluble products Normal sucker control 3.75 lb Rate for 6,000 plants per acre. Adjust rate accordingly for other plant populations.
Fair 80 SP or
Sucker Stuff 60 WS
 Table 7-8. (continued)
Amount of
Formulation
Chemical and Formulation Purpose per Acre Precautions and Remarks
SYSTEMIC TYPE (CONT.)
Royal MH-30 SG Normal sucker control 4 to 5 lb

CONTACT-LOCAL SYSTEMIC TYPE

Flumetralin (Prime+, Flupro, or Normal sucker control, 2 qt Mix in 49 gal of water per acre and apply as a contact at elongated button to early flower stage
Drexalin Plus) power sprayer with three nozzles per row (TG-3, TG-5, TG-3). Remove suckers longer than 1 in. within 24 hr
1.2 lb/gal before application and remove missed suckers as observed later. Excess spray to the point of
rundown on the soil increases the risk of carryover residues, which may stunt early growth of next
crop, including tobacco if a dinitroaniline herbicide is also used. Do not apply these products
through any type of irrigation system, and apply only once per season. Rainfall within 2 hr
after application may reduce effectiveness. Follow WPS requirements and other precautions and
restrictions listed on product labels.
Flumetralin (Prime+, Flupro, or Hand application 1.2 to 2.4 qt Mix in desired amount of water at rates shown in parentheses and apply mixture as a coarse
Drexalin Plus) (2.5 oz/gal water) spray or drench to top of stalk. Apply about 0.5 oz of mixture per plant after topping and removing
1.2 lb/gal suckers longer than 1 in., but do not exceed 25 to 30 gal per acre. See remarks above for power
sprayer application and follow precautions, restrictions, and WPS requirements shown on product
labels.
Flumetralin (Prime+, Flupro, or Control of late-season 2 qt Apply only if control with MH is beginning to break down. Mix in 49 gal water per acre and apply
2021 Flue-Cured Information  |  115

Drexalin Plus) sucker regrowth as a contact at 20 to 25 psi 3 to 4 weeks after MH application; will not control suckers longer
1.2 lb/gal than 1 in. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF SOIL RESIDUE CARRYOVER, DO NOT USE FOR LATE-SEASON
CONTROL IF USED EARLIER IN THE SEASON.
SYSTEMIC + CONTACT-LOCAL SYSTEMIC
Maleic hydrazide (MH) Normal sucker control Full rate MH See precautions and remarks for MH to determine “full rate” of MH. Mix in sufficient water to total
+ + 50 gal per acre, and apply 5 to 7 days after the last contact or when MH alone is normally applied.
Flumetralin (Prime+, Flupro, or 2 qt Apply as a contact, using three nozzles (TG-3, TG-5, TG-3) per row at approximately 20 psi. Follow
Drexalin Plus) precautions and restrictions on labels. DO NOT APPLY AT HIGHER THAN LABELED RATES OR
WITHIN 7 DAYS BEFORE HARVEST IN ORDER TO REDUCE MH RESIDUES.