Meiotic Studies in Sarcococca Species (Buxaceae) from Western Himalayas

Abstract

SummaryThe present paper deals with the meiotic studies carried out on 2 species of Sarcococca from 2 different states, Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh of India from Western Himalyas. Both the species uniformly exist at x=14. Interestingly, inter-bivalent size difference was seen in both the species. The meiotic course was abnormal with the appearance of bridges, laggards and cytomixis leading to an overall effect on microsporogenesis in the formation of diads, triads and tetrads either with or without micronuclei. Consequent to the meiotic anomalies, pollen fertility was reduced and pollen grains of variable sizes were produced. This is first report of cytomixis in S. pruniformis and the first chromosome count with B-chromosomes (0-2 B) for Sarcococca saligna.

Irregular Meiotic Behaviour in Maidenhair Fern <i>Adiantum capillus-veneris</i> L. from Northwest India

“…Aberrations in the meiotic course as a consequence of irregular chromosome behaviour, stickiness and spindle activities resulting in loss of microspore viability have been reported in a number of angiospermic plants (Bhattacharjee 1953, Sinha and Godward 1972, Saggoo and Bir 1986, Singhal et al 2010, Saggoo et al 2011, Saggoo and Kumari 2014. The primary cause and biochemical basis of chromosome stickiness are still unknown; however, genetic as well as environmental factors have been suggested to cause chromosome stickiness (Caetano-Pereira et al 1995, Nirmala and Rao 1996, BaptistaGiacomelli et al 2000.…”