Tobacco having reduced nicotine and nitrosamines

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention concern tobacco having reduced nicotine and nitrosamines, which is used to manufacture consumer tobacco products, and methods to produce such tobacco. More specifically, embodiments include methods to reduce nicotine and nitrosamines in tobacco crops by applying auxin, auxin analogs, and jasmonate antagonists during the cultivation of such tobacco crops. Tobacco generated using said methods and consumer tobacco products obtained therefrom are also embodiments.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The present invention relates to low nicotine and nitrosamine tobacco and methods of producing such tobacco. More specifically, the present invention relates to the reduction of nicotine and nitrosamines in tobacco cultured to produce tobacco products for consumers by applying compounds that modulate gene expression during culture of the tobacco. Background of the invention

[0002] Everyone is aware of the health consequences of tobacco consumption, yet many people continue to use tobacco products. The addictive properties of tobacco products are largely attributed to the presence of nicotine. In addition to being one of the most addictive substances known, nicotine is also a precursor to numerous carcinogenic compounds found in tobacco and the human body.

[0003] The addictive nature of tobacco products is also partly attributed to the regular use of delivery systems (such as oral fixation associated with smoking or chew...