The aim of this programme was to improve leaf area of some of the popularly grown dark fire/sun-air cured tobacco varieties and breeding lines by crossing them with genotypes with broader leaf characteristics. The first crosses were effected in the 1991/92 season between 8 genotypes from Malawi and 3 American introductions with broader leaf characteristics. Fourty-four successful crosses were then advanced into the next filial generation by planting two rows of twenty-five plants each per entry. Plants were selected and selfed for the next generation. Leaf measurements of the width and length were taken just after topping. The F3 seggregating materials; (MW86-64) x (Ky 171 x Ky 104), Ky 104 x T2, (MW86-60) x Ky 104, (Ky 171 x Ky 194) x DRV 7, (MW86-86Z) x Ky 104 had shown broader leaf measurements than one or both parents. Field observations and compiled data indicate an inverse relationship between leaf length and width, such that most crosses with improved leaf width have tended to decrease in length (8-21%). Genotypes with broader leaf characteristics have also tended to produce larger leaf area values which are significantly different from their parents. Further screening and selection would continue on 14 selected lines to come up with a variety with a better leaf width thereby improving the leaf area.