The possibility of parasitic tobacco roots causing nicotine bitterness in maize grains

Abstract

Much has been said of the impact of smoking tobacco, but little has been said concerning ingesting tobacco. However, interacting with tobacco by chewing, smoking or ingesting has consequences. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (Target 3A) does not assume the significant impact posed by our interactions with tobacco products, but it advocates a need for reduction in usage. Governments have used the higher taxation on tobacco products and deliberate written campaigns on the dangers of tobacco products. The environmentalists have also raised concern on air pollution and the impact of cigarrete butts on the ecosystems. However, the agricultural sector and plant breeders have not shade enough light on the observed impact of growing tobacco in crop areas. This preliminary report is presented so as to sensitize other researchers to investigate its molecular and phenotypic implications.