The objective is to develop a desirable flue-cured tobacco variety that has a reduced potential for sucker growth after topping so that less suckercide of the systemic type will be required to effect control. Beginning with the doubled haploid lines by Gwynn from the cross TI 74 x Coker 319 we have, through crosses with known varieties, through development of doubled haploids by the N. africana method, and then selfing individuals from all lines that had reduced sucker growth potential, acquired 16 advanced breeding lines that were considered as flue-cured type. During 1996 the mean value from the sum of all breeding lines for sucker green weight was reduced by 50% and sucker number per plant by 25% compared to the mean value obtained from the sum of the checks, NC2326, NC95, K326, and C319. The same comparison for yield was 2561 vs. 2478 lb/A, for total alkaloids was 2.24 vs. 2.55%, and for reducing substances was 16.3 vs. 17.1%. Detailed data will be presented of specific breeding lines that are most desirable.