To predict the behaviour of selections in the F 1 generation itself before taking them to the advanced generations for further screening, the applicability of diallel cross analysis was studied .For this purpose four N. tabacum varieties were crossed in all combinations to constitute a diallel system and data collected on green leaf, saleable leaf i .e . sum of bright leaf and medium leaf yields, number of days taken for flowering, length and breadth of the middle leaves at maturity of the F l plants were subjected to JINKS and HAYMAN method of analysis .The results showed that Delcrest is a good combiner in throwing better recombinations . It always improved the yielding potential of the poorer parent . In the light of the graphical analysis, the results were discussed in relation to the improvement of the crop and predictions made as to which cross throws better strains . The characters studied are mostly additive in gene action . The scope of this method in the breeding projects to evolve superior strains was outlined .