Codeine and morphine in Papaver somniferum grown in a controlled environment.

Alkaloids in the terminal capsule of M-89 variety of P. so m n if e rum 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 m?rphine. This effect is probably due to some environmental condition imposed.