Cyto-systematical study of the genus Senna Mill. in diverse geographical locations of Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

Senna Mill. is one of the most typical genus of caesalpiniodeae, with wide geographical distribution and diversification. The research work was planned with an objective of taxonomical characterization and assessment of the meiotic behaviour of wild accessions belonging to four species of Senna Mill. from different locations of Allahabad and its adjoining areas UP, India. The four species selected for the cytological study were Senna alata, Senna occidentalis, Senna siamea and Senna tora. Young floral buds were fixed and all meiotic phases were analysed. Most of the analysed species showed regular meiotic behaviour, some irregularities were also observed to take place with the change in location. An in-depth cytological assessment revealed induction of high frequency of chromosomal anomalies such as micronuclei in S. siamea, while normal meiotic phases were observed at various stages in S. occidentalis and S.tora while stickiness at metaphase and univalent formation, respectively. Cytomictic behaviour and intercellular fusion were visible among micromeiocytes of S. tora. Key words: Caesalpinioideae, Chromosome number, Meiotic behaviour, Senna Mill., Taxonomical characterization.