Tobacco Curing

The generator converts Ripemaster® Ethylene Concentrate into ethylene, a powerful natural plant hormone which acts as a stimulant to accelerate the curing of tobacco leaves. The ethylene produced is discharged into the air of the curing unit during the first (yellowing) stage of the cure, usually for 24 hours. The generator leaves no residue on the cured leaves. Lower stalk tobacco can be helped as much as upper stalk leaf.

The generator can be effectively used on an easy-curing or normal crop as well as on difficult to cure crops. (For curing wet, drought-stressed, or over-fertilized crops, see section on weather and crop conditions).

Ethylene produced by the generator accelerates the entire curing process, including yellowing, wilting (flopping) and leaf and stem drying. It is very important when using the generator to take care not to over-color or to allow temperatures to remain too long at high temperatures before completing the cure. Darkened or reddish tobacco may result if the necessary adjustments are not in the curing schedule. (See section “Tips on getting the most out of your generator”).

Tobacco properly cured with Ripemaster® Ethylene Concentrate II has fewer green butts, green fibers, and other off-colors. Ripemaster® Ethylene Concentrate treated tobacco generally grades higher and brings a higher price. The use of Ripemaster® Ethylene Concentrate can cut up to 32 hours of curing time, reducing energy costs and allowing earlier re-use of curing system.

When it is necessary to cure ripe, yellow, and mature-green tobacco (or separate varieties with different curing characteristics) together, the generator helps insure a more uniform color throughout the cure.