Sub-Group TSNA in Air-cured Tobacco
Report to the Scientific Commission, January 2007

Coordinator:  Gary Palmer, University of Kentucky, USA

Status of Key Objectives

Objective 4: Develop a collaborative study, which uses hobo loggers or a suitable substitute to collect curing conditions and possible impact of TSNA levels for tobaccos of diverse origins and curing environments. Attempt to standardize placement of equipment and sample protocols

Status:  Objective 4 is nearing completion with all data collected.  Loss of key coordinators has delayed analysis and completion of a final report.

Objective 6: Review the issues of post cure tobacco storage and ventilation parameters.

Status:  Storage studies are on going.

Objective 1 (Modified): Adopt a standardized nornicotine seed screening protocol.

Status:  Although the TSNA Task Force has determined that no action is required on Objective 1 as originally stated, the objective was redirected to evaluate adoption of a standardized seed screening protocol aimed at reducing nornicotine converter plants within a seed variety.  A proposal was made at the TSNA meeting in Brazil that a screening protocol developed by the University of Kentucky be accepted by the CORESTA Scientific Commission.  Possible issues were discussed and the sub-group delayed discussion of this objective at the 2006 CORESTA Congress in Paris until a finalized screening protocol has not been released by the University of Kentucky.  Preliminary details of the screening protocol can be obtained from Anne Jack, University of Kentucky.

Objective 5: Resolve sample handling of post cure tobacco for TSNA determination.

Status:  A sampling protocol has been finalized and is ready for submission to the Scientific Commission.

All activities and reports of Sub-Group TSNA in Air-cured Tobacco can be viewed online at:  www.uky.edu/AG/Tobacco/CORESTA.htm .