Alkaloids in Tobaccos of Different Aromatic Characteristics

Alkaloids in tobaccos of different aromatic classifications were compared. Standard sampling method was employed to collect 543 flue-cured tobacco leaf specimens from 71 cities/counties in 15 provinces in China during 2011 and 2013. The samples were analyzed using the current industry methods, F-hypothesis testing, Q-clustering and discriminant analyses, as well as statistic methodology. The results showed that, between 2011 and 2012, the differences on the contents of and 2, 3'-bipyridyl in the 3 categories of tobaccos were similar, and could be used for differentiating the varieties; while anabaseine found in 2013 was a characteristic substance that could be used to distinguish between the lightly and the strongly aromatic types of tobaccos. In those years, the 6 alkaloid compounds tested in the 3 categories of tobaccos could be clustered into 3 groups. By using the contents of nicotine, reduced nicotine, Mai Siming, anabaseine, , and 2, 3'-bipyridine as indicators, the 3 aromatically different classifications of tobaccos could be identified with a discrimination rate of 55.7-71.6% and an accuracy of 50.0-69.8%.