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Planta Med 1976; 30(8): 340-348
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1097741
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

CODEINE AND MORPHINE IN PAPAVER SOMNIFERUM GROWN IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT

H. L. Tookey, G. F. Spencer, M. D. Grove, W. F. Kwolek
  • Northern Regional Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Peoria, IL 61604, U.S.A.
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Publication Date:
13 January 2009 (online)

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Abstract

Alkaloids in the terminal capsule of M–89 variety of P. somniferum rise and plateau as the plant matures in a controlled environment. Lancing immature capsules does not increase yield of codeine plus morphine in the above-ground plant, but lancing may translocate alkaloids upward to the capsule. Poppies produced a high proportion of codeine relative to morphine. This effect is probably due to some environmental condition imposed.