Investigations were conducted to determine the cause of severe leaf quality deterioration of cigar wrapper tobacco in the Georgia‐Florida area. Studies indicated that Fe was associated with “purple leaf”;, a term used to describe brittle, tender, dark brown to purple cured leaves which have poor burning characteristics and an undesirable flavor. Excessive Fe was found to be absorbed by the leaves with some adsorbed on the surface of leaves following irrigation with pond water containing an excess of 1.5 ppm Fe. Iron content of the water was highest in ponds having an excessive growth of aquatic plants or in those that were pumped to a level where overflow was restricted.