TIMB Issues Stalk Destruction Alert: Uproot, Don't Slash, to Protect Next Season's Yield

Tobacco pests, white flies

Harare, Zimbabwe- The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) has issued a high-priority directive to all tobacco growers nationwide, urging the immediate and thorough destruction of tobacco stalks following the 2025/26 harvest. The board emphasized that failure to properly clear fields poses a severe risk of pest carryover and disease outbreaks that could compromise the quality of the upcoming crop.

Unlike typical clearing, where slashing or cutting might suffice, tobacco stalks require a more rigorous approach to ensure field hygiene.

Why Uprooting is Mandatory:

• Prevents Regrowth: Slashing or cutting stalks often leads to shoot regrowth. These "volunteer" plants act as a bridge for pests like aphids and tobacco whiteflies.

• Disease Reservoir: Stalks left in the ground can harbor viral diseases such as Tobacco Leaf Curl and Bushy Top, which can survive between seasons and infect new seedlings.

• Nutrient Conservation: Regrowth continues to drain valuable soil nutrients, including Nitrogen and Potassium, which should be preserved for the next planting cycle.

Farmers are reminded that stalk destruction is not just a best practice but a regulatory requirement under the Plant Pests and Diseases Act. Failure to destroy stalks by the gazetted deadline can result in heavy fines or the suspension of grower numbers.

"Field Preparation Checklist" for the 2026/27 season, including soil testing and fumigation best practices

TIMB’s Recommended Protocol:

1. Uproot the Entire Plant: Ensure the root system is completely pulled from the soil.

2. Dry and Burn: Once uprooted, stalks should be allowed to dry and then safely burnt to eliminate any remaining pathogens.

3. Monitor for Volunteers: Regularly scout fields during the fallow period to ensure no secondary regrowth occurs.

TIMB tobacco stalk destruction 2026