Genetics of Alkaloids in Papaver somniferum

Abstract

Based on numerical and graphic analyses of 6 × 6 diallele cross progenies (n² = 36) over two environments, dominance was found to be most prevalent (in overdominance range without being inflated by non-allelic interactions) in parents for latex yield, and morphine, codeine, thebaine, and narcotine contents. However, the additive component was also significant for the former three traits. Dominant alleles mostly with positive effects were, by and large, asymmetrically distributed in parents except for narcotine content. Heritability estimates were moderate and corresponded with low genetic advance estimates for morphine, codeine, and thebaine contents. Ample genetic diversity among parents was reflected for all traits except narcotine content. On an overall basis, heterosis breeding was suggested to be a rewarding proposition for genetic improvement of the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.).

Key words

Papaver somniferum - opium poppy - morphine - codeine - thebaine - narcotine - genetic improvement - plant breeding