Residues of maleic hydrazide (MH) used to control suckers (axillary buds) in the production of flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) pose a problem in the marketability of the cured leaf. This study was conducted to determine if sucker control could be achieved with reduced rates of MH on tobacco genotypes that have diminished sucker growth. Sucker number and weight per plant for six breeding lines were compared with McNair 373 and Coker 319. Plots were either hand suckered or treated with applications of fatty alcohols followed by either 0.5X or 1.0X of the labeled rate of MH. Sucker growth was determined by counting and weighing suckers. This was done periodically throughout the season for the hand-suckered plots, and it was done after the harvest for the chemically treated plots. All breeding lines had reduced sucker growth measured either as the number per plant or as the weight per plant compared to the varieties. Breeding lines 6673 and 6674 had the largest reductions in sucker weight. Chemical sucker control was more effective on all breeding lines relative to the varieties with the greatest effect on 6673 and 6674. Yield of cured leaves for all sucker control treatments was significantly less for all breeding lines than for the varieties (except 6682). Incorporation of reduced sucker growth potential into flue-cured tobacco types seems to be feasible. This enhanced efficiency of chemical sucker control will help to minimize MH residues on the cured leaves.