Big-leaf 512 is a tobacco variety (Nicotiana tabacum L.) obtained through inter-varietal hybridization using parental lines such as Ostroyolist 1519 improved, Podolsky 23, and Herzegovina Giant. The plant is characterized by raised leaves of medium density, shield-shaped inflorescence, and light green leaf surface with smooth edges. The average leaf length is about 41 cm, and the plant height can exceed 100 cm.
Key advantages of the variety include high yield: air-dry leaves reach 24.7 c/ha, which is 2.3 c/ha higher than the standard Jubilee. The output of the first marketable grade is 94.5%. Big-leaf 512 is distinguished by resistance to various pathogens – tobacco mosaic virus, white mosaic, bacterial blister, and false powdery mildew, as well as black root rot. These properties make it suitable for cultivation in conditions where aggressive diseases are present.
For the production of cigarettes and smoking pipes, it is recommended to cure leaves for two years after harvest, which improves taste qualities and increases nicotine content (approximately 2%). The plant is easily grown at moderate temperatures, but is sensitive to low ones. Sowing is done on seedlings in March-April, and planting – from mid-May. Optimal growth conditions include sunny locations and a distance between plants from 50 to 70 cm. Such an approach ensures maximum growth and development of the plant, resulting in high quality of the final product.
