Cytomorphology in four species of genus Eleocharis from North India

Abstract

Cytomorphology of four species of genus Eleocharis has been described in present study. Cytological studies illustrate meiotic chromosome number in the four species which were confirmed with the previous reports. Interesting observations was the presence of cytomixis, which was first time reported in the species E. palustris. Unequal distribution of the chromosomes also observed that result in to low ratio of PMCs with n = 7 along with normal chromosome number i.e., n = 8. In E. congesta isolated chromatids at prophase II indicate the post reductional meiosis which is the matter of discussion and research. Pseudomonads was also observed for all the species in which three degenerating nuclei and one functional nucleus can be observed. Morphology of the four species has been studied on the basis of size of spikelets, size of glumes, size of nutlets etc. All the characters studied support in identification of the species.