Influence of Genotype and Environment on the Diterpenes in the Wax Layer of Some Flue-cured Tobaccos/Einfluss von Genotyp und Umwelt auf die Diterpene in der Wachsschicht einiger „flue-cured“–Tabake

Abstract The composition of the wax layer of some flue-cured tobaccos that were grown under the same conditions in the U. S. A., Brazil and Germany was examined by means of GC and GC/MS. The total amount of wax layer (referring to fresh weight) is significantly influenced neither by the genotype nor by environmental factors. The content of diterpenes, on the other hand, is controlled both genetically and by environmental factors, as it was possible to show taking a- and b-4,8,13-duvatrien-1,3-diol and 4,8,13-duvatrien-1-ol. The concentration of compounds such as norsolandion and nicotine appears to be affected to a great extent or exclusively by environmental factors.