Stem fasciation and scabby stem

Several genetic diseases cause various symptoms in tobacco and especially on the stem. There can be a flattening and broadening of the latter, which tends to be grooved. In this case we speak of "fasciation". In Japan, superficial lesions of hereditary origin were reported on the midrib, the stem and occasionally the flower spikes. The moist lesions first turn grey-brown. As tobacco grows, they are covered with cracks that give them a particular appearance.

Generally these non-parasitic diseases affect only a very small proportion of plants and their damage is irrelevant to the culture. Breeders should be careful when doing crosses, as these flaws are easily passed on to offspring.