Alkaloid profile in relation to different developmental stages of Papaver somniferum L.

The alkaloids variation and its synthesis were studied in two varieties (NB RI-1, NBRI-2) of opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) on fresh weight basis of different plant parts at different growth periods. In cotyledon stage (3 -4 days after germination) only morphine was present. In roots of two leave stage, thebaine was observed beside morphine. At bud initiation stage morp hine, codeine and thebaine were present during 1994-95 but in 1995-96 theba ine was absent. During bud dropping stage (pendulous bud) the sepals, petal s and anthers had morphine. When pendulous bud straightened before flowerin g it has morphine, codeine and thebaine in all parts including ovary. In ge neral reproductive organs accumulate more of the alkaloids than other parts . At lancing stage (green mature capsule) all the 3 alkaloids were found in traces in the roots and highest in capsules. Maximum morphine content in c apsule reaches at maturity.