Inter-Relationships Between Morphine and Codeine in the Indian Genetic Resources of Opium Poppy

Abstract

ABSTRACT A set of 184 Indian accessions of opium poppy, Papaver somniferum L., were examined for the morphine and codeine contents and yields in the peduncles and capsules. Although wide variation was noted in the codeine content of both capsules and peduncles, the correlation between morphine and codeine was positive and significant. The proportion of codeine to morphine in the peduncle was 1:1.5 and in the capsules 1:5.5. Codeine content of peduncle was not correlated with codeine or morphine contents of capsule and vice-versa. Several of the examined accessions had a codeine content of 0.13 percent in the peduncle or capsule, but no accessions had peduncles and capsules simultaneously rich in codeine. The distribution of codeine and morphine in capsules and peduncles indicated that selection of plants high in codeine and morphine in both capsules and peduncles was probably possible.