A team of UK researchers has found a link between microbial communities found on tobacco leaves and the development of carcinogens during the air-curing process. 

According to UKAgNews, the team, led by Luke Moe, a UK associate professor and microbial ecologist in the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, found that during the air-curing process, microbial communities on tobacco plant leaves undergo changes, such as increasing numbers of microbes that convert nitrate to nitrite. 

The team reported their findings to Microbial Ecology, an academic journal, and are conducting a follow-up study that will allow the team to pinpoint when changes in microbial communities occur and when the bacteria increases on the leaf, according to UKAgNews. 

Read more about the team’s findings on UKAgnews’ website.