Influence of the capsular stigmatic ray populations on the agronomical economic traits and secondary metabolites in opium poppy (Papaver somniferum L.).

• The relation between notches in capsules with seed yield and major opiate alkaloid content were explored for the first time in opium poppy.
• Higher seed yield is a desirable feature for plant breeders and cultivators in poppy.
• More seeds are obtained from capsules having more stigmatic rays rather than bigger size of capsules.
• Grain filling occurs earlier in capsules having lower population of stigmatic rays compared to those having higher population of stigmatic rays.
• Colour intensity and density of latex seems to increase with the increase in the population of stigmatic rays.

Poppy has been a plant of much importance and interest since time immemorial. In our 196 accessions, we observed, identified and selected distinct plants containing specific nature of capsules. These capsules if properly grouped according to the number of stigmatic rays – ranging from five to sixteen can become a useful morphological marker for farmers which will assist them instantaneously for selection of yield parameters related to their interests (seeds and or opiate alkaloids). In this investigation we explored the relation between notches in capsules with the agro-economical traits – seed yield and major opiate alkaloid content using plant breeding, bio-statistical and analytical tools and techniques for the first time in this crop. Briefly our study indicated that the rate of grain filling in poppy seeds is indirectly related and the intensity of colour and density of latex is directly related to the population of notches on their respective capsules.