Alkaloid Content in Leaves of Diploid and Haploid Datura Species

Abstract

Alkaloid content in leaves of haploid Datura plants (D. innoxia Mill., D. meteloides Dun., D. wrightii Regel) in the vegetative state is less than in diploid plants.

Haploid plants show the same alkaloid pattern as the diploids. It consists of the main alkaloid scopolamine and the two other alkaloids hyoscyamine and meteloidine, measurable by GLC.

Alkaloid content of haploids and dipldîds depends on the development of the plant. Diploids have the highest level in the vegetative state, rapidly decreasing when the plants flower and develop fruits, whereas haploids show a smaller decrease.

Key Word Index

Alkaloid Content - Diploids - Haploids - Datura innoxia - Datura meteloides - Datura wrightii - Solanaceae