Why are suckers removed from tobacco plants?

In the cultivation of large-leaf tobacco, plants are often "topped," a process where the terminal growth is removed once the plant reaches a desired size, typically at or after flowering.1

Following this topping, lateral shoots known as suckers emerge. These suckers are removed to redirect the plant's energy, which significantly increases leaf development and provides higher overall yields. This maintenance can be performed manually, requiring regular attention, or through the application of specific sucker-suppressing chemicals.1