Abstract
The present work was undertaken to observe the response of Phlox drummondi to colchicine treatment. The survival rate and germination percentage is severely affected by various treatments of colchicine. In this investigation, doses related effects of the ploidy treatments on quantitative traits were noticed. Result indicates reduction in plant height, number of leaves per branch, but increase in number of branches. Stomatal size was negatively correlated with stomatal frequency. Stomatal size and stomatal frequency can be used as indirect methods for identification of ploidy level ofPhlox. This finding demonstrates the existence of genetic variation for the morphological response to ploidy change in P. drummondi. Key words: Phlox drummondi, polyploidy, floral abnormalities, survival rate.
Highlights
Phlox drummondi is a widely accepted annual ornamental flowering plant growing in winter season
Stomatal size was negatively correlated with stomatal frequency
Stomatal size and stomatal frequency can be used as indirect methods for identification of ploidy level of Phlox
Summary
Phlox drummondi is a widely accepted annual ornamental flowering plant growing in winter season. The brilliance and clean colored appearance of this flower makes it favorite in the garden. It is excellent for masses in borders and for solid beds. The polyploidization in basic chromosome numbers is a major source of evolution and quality production of flowering plants (Hick, 2003; Zlesak et al, 2005). Out of various chemicals tested for polyploidy production, colchicine is one of them that modifies plant shape, restores fertility and increases flower size (Amiri et al, 2010). Keeping these facts in consideration, the present investigation was carried out to find out the response of P. drummondi against various concentrations of colchicine with the optimism that the new species of P. drummondi with better suited ornamental qualities might be obtained
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