Meiotic behavior and its implications on the reproductive success of Arnebia euchroma (Royle ex Benth.) I.M.Johnst. (Boraginaceae), an important medicinal plant of Trans-Himalaya

Abstract

The present study reports the chromosome number, meiotic behavior and its relation with pollen fertility and seed set of Arnebia euchroma (Royle ex Benth.) I.M.Johnst. The species shows a chromosome count of 2n = 2x = 14. The meiotic abnormalities such as chromatin stickiness, cytomixis, laggard formation, chromosomal bridges, were also observed in the Pollen Mother Cells (PMCs) of the target plant species. The linear model of regression showed a significant reduction of seed set with increasing meiotic abnormality and correlation analysis highlighted positive relationship between pollen viability and seed set. Meiotic abnormalities within the species hinder its reproductive process, causing a decline in reproductive efficiency. This study highlights the importance of addressing these intrinsic factors in future conservation programs to prevent a decline in the species population in nature.