Comparative analysis of rocket barn and plastic barn on curing KRK26 variety of tobacco Mashonaland Central province Zimbabwe

Abstract

The research assessed the curing efficiency, leaf quality and economic performance of rocket barns and plastic barns when used for curing KRK 26 tobacco in Mashonaland Central Province, Zimbabwe. A complete randomised design (CRD) was employed to assess physical leaf characteristics, chemical quality parameters, weight loss and average running costs. Laboratory evaluation assessed reducing sugars, nicotine content, as well as chlorophyll degradation. Sensory evaluation was employed to examine colour, texture, and aroma. The results indicated that rocket barns produced significantly a higher chlorophyll degradation, nicotine, reducing sugars, colour and aroma values than plastic barns. Rocket barns also had lower weight loss percentages showing more efficient moisture control during curing. There were however no significant differences seen in running costs during the curing cycle. The research concluded that rocket barns give better curing performance for KRK 26 tobacco compared to plastic barns.