Genetically stable artificial autotetraploids with over 90% seed set were obtained by colchicine treatment of the solanaceous species Hyoscyamus niger L. (4x = 68). The tetraploids were vigorous and had earlier been shown to yield considerably more tropane alkaloid per individual than the source diploids. The tetraploids had high bivalent frequencies at meiosis, and high fertility as a result of the formation of genetically balanced gametes. There was a systematic and significant decrease in quadrivalent frequency and an increase in bivalent frequency in three subsequent generations tested (C0, C1, C2). Possible causes of high bivalent frequency are discussed. Seed fertility can probably be increased in advanced generations by further selection for fertility and maximization of heterozygosity.Key words: Hyoscyamus niger, autotetraploid, meiosis, bivalents, fertility, selection.