Leaf III is the third leaf counted from the last leaf (leaf I) produced before bunch emergence. Cut the petiole half way between the pseudostem and the leaf blade and examine the cross section. (See Figs. 4 and 6)

Length and maximum diameter of male bud at harvest

Remove the outermost sheath from the pseudostem and look at the exposed surface of the underlying pseudostem. The values 5 (pink-purple), 6 (red-purple) and 7 (purple) must be chosen only if the pigmentation is uniform, and green tinges are not observed. (Chart A)

Note alignment of bracts at the apex of the male bud

Recorded from the base of pseudostem to emerging point of the peduncle

(Before joining the crown)

Observed at the distal end of the fruit. (See Fig. 22)

Observed at the distal end of the fruit. (See Fig. 21)

Observed on the mid-hand of the bunch

Record the relative surface area coverage by blotches. Look at several plants if possible to get an overall idea. Observe at lowering time.

The third leaf (Leaf III) is counted from the last leaf produced before bunch emergence. Cut the petiole halfway between the pseudostem and the leaf blade and examine the cross section. Observe at flowering time.

Margin is the part of the petiole that can be bent outwards/inwards. Observe at flowering time.

Observation should be made at shooting on the neck, where the petiole and pseudostem meet. Margin is the part of the petiole that can be bent outwards/inwards. Observe at flowering time.

Observation should be made at shooting. Record on the last developed leaf at flowering stage.

Use colour chart A. Observation should be made before shooting, on a developed sucker or on another plant of the same accession. Look at the visible face (future lower face) of the cigar leaf before it is unfurled and before the plant flowers.

Angle between the axis of the bunch and the vertical.

Score on fully developed plant with no environmental stress.

Observe only the part of the rachis between the last hand and the male bud.

“w” is the broadest width of the male bud. “x” is the length from the base of the male bud to the point of broadest width ‘w’; “y” is the total length of the male bud. As the figure shows, these parameters express the profile of the bud. Do not measure the dimensions along the bud but rather on a projection/outline of the bud (e.g. trace the outline of the bud on paper). Calculate the ratio w/y (see figure)

Note the general shape of the male bud at harvest. (See Fig. 9)

“w” is the broadest width of the male bud. “x” is the length from the base of the male bud to the point of broadest width ‘w’; “y” is the total length of the male bud. As the figure shows, these parameters express the profile of the bud. Do not measure the dimensions along the bud but rather on a projection/outline of the bud (e.g. trace the outline of the bud on paper). Measure the length (y) of male bud at harvest (see figure).

Recorded on the third, fully unfolded leaf counting down from the top of the plant. (See Fig. 5)

(Position of the fruit-bearing part). Angle from vertical to the general axis of the bunch

“w” is the broadest width of the male bud. “x” is the length from the base of the male bud to the point of broadest width ‘w’; “y” is the total length of the male bud. As the figure shows, these parameters express the profile of the bud. Do not measure the dimensions along the bud but rather on a projection/outline of the bud (e.g. trace the outline of the bud on paper). Calculate the ratio x/y (see figure).

Refers to the first external unlifted bract. Flatten bracts to determine shape.

Flatten the apex of the bract to observe its shape. (See Fig. 11)

Alignment of bracts at the apex of the male bud

Refers to the last lifted bract. Best to record as bract has lifted up to the horizontal.

Measured as the internal arc of the fruit, without pedicel

Observe the inner fruit in the middle of the mid-hand of the bunch. In case of an asymmetric bunch, score the dominant fruit shape appearing in the bunch.

Observe before cutting the bunch as relicts may fall off.

Before they join the rachis at the bract scar. Look up from bottom of bunch.