Abstract
Chromosome numbers and meiotic behavior were studied in two groups of plants selected in a breeding programme of Phalaris, which differed in forage yield, degree of palatability, alkaloid content and flowering time. One of them, with most if not all plants of P. aquatica, had 2n=28 chromosomes and a mainly regular meiosis, the meiotic index ranging from 76.4% to 99.5%. The other, with individuals resembling P. aquatica, P. arundinacea and intermediates between the two, had extremely irregular meiotic behavior (univalents, bivalents, stickiness, bridges, laggards, micronuclei), the meiotic index varying from 3.7% to 55.1%. The PMC chromosome number ranged from 2n=28 to 2n=38. A larger variation in root-tip chromosomes (2n=15-66) as well as evidences of somatic mosaicism were also verified. The hybrid origin of these chromosomally unstable plants was suggested. Chromosome aberrations and aneuploidy have been previously described in these species and their hybrids, but not in such an extreme degree.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
