KY 14 x L8LC continues to decline in popularity due to improvements in new varieties, increased incidence of race 1 black shank, and the extra management required to produce high yields and good quality. It is an early-maturing, short, spreading type of tobacco. Leaves droop to the extent that leaf breakage can be excessive under certain conditions. In addition, leaves appear to be more brittle than most varieties, making KY 14 x L8LC a poor choice for mechanical harvest or for farmers using unskilled laborers for harvest. It has fewer leaves than most varieties, but compensates by producing larger leaves. Stalk diameter is small to medium. Yields are high in fields with no race 1 black shank. Quality can be excellent under proper management. KY 14 x L8LC initiates sucker growth sooner than most other varieties, making early topping a must. Delayed topping increases sucker development and may make sucker control more difficult. Best results are achieved when KY 14 x L8LC is harvested three to four weeks after topping. Delayed harvest may increase sucker control problems and reduce cured leaf quality. KY 14 x L8LC has high resistance to race 0 (10 level) of the black shank pathogen, but no resistance to race 1. The presence of race 1 in many areas has forced producers to abandon KY 14 x L8LC in favor of varieties with resistance to both races. Damage by the virus complex can be severe where virus pressure is high. KY 14 x L8LC may yield poorly if planted in an area with high black root rot pressure. KY 14 x L8LC does have moderate resistance to Fusarium wilt; however, many tobacco growers have realized that KY 14 x L8LC no longer serves their needs as it once did.