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That meiosis is conditioned by a large number of genes majority of which are present in a dominant state, is evidenced by the detection of numerous monogenic recessive mutant genes which affect the premeiotic, meiotic and post-meiotic course of events. These genes are site- and stage-specific, and a few are sex specific. Of these, the most prevalent are the mutant genes affecting male meiosis and causing male sterility (ms genes) and those inhibiting synapsis and chiasma formation (synaptic genes) and leading to gametic sterility. Majority of the mutant genes affect the entire chromosomal complement but a few influence only specific chromosomes of a complement so that the chromosomes behave differentially within a genome of the same species. Some mutant genes alter chromosome form and function, others modify integrity, degree of spiralization, movement and migration of chromosomes. Their cytogenetic behaviour, genetic significance and breeding utility are described and discussed.

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Crownbeard [Verbesina encelioides(Cav.) Benth. & Hook. f. ex. A. Gray # VEEEN (Compositae)] exhibited rapid seedling, vegetative, and reproductive growth. Seed germination under ideal conditions was high and occurred in varying soils except in gravel. It was significantly suppressed under drought and waterlogged conditions and was maximum at 21% moisture regimes. Larger and heavier seeds which exhibited higher germination were produced by the plants growing in open and sand dune habitats. Seedling emergence was highest from surface-sown seeds and least in those sown at 2.5-cm soil depth, beyond which no emergence occurred. High phenotypic plasticity, ecological variability, phenological diversity, seed germination in varied soils and under diverse moisture regimes, quick seedling growth and subsequent establishment, coupled with versatile breeding system, contribute to the successful growth, propagation, and spread of this species in nature in India.

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