Author

CHANDRA BHANU SINGH

University Department of Botany, Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University,

Bhagalpur - 812 007, India

Abstract

Saccharum spontaneum L., a highly polymorphic and polyploid grass with diploid chromosome numbers (2n) in the range of 40 to

128, is the most valuable germplasm in sugarcane breeding. Its cytopalynological studies revealed a positive correlation between

pollen size (diameter) and ploidy level subject to dependency of ploidy levels of the polyploid cytotypes on different basic

chromosome numbers proposed for the species. The formulation of this type of correlation between pollen size and ploidy level has been substantiated in the plant species having varied basic chromosome numbers. The correlationship held good for fertile pollens and ploidy levels based on various basic chromosome numbers, regardless of chromosome numbers of cytotypes of the species under examination. Here the strict selection of proper basic chromosome number seemed to be a prerequisite for the novelty of correlationship between pollen size and ploidy level of polyploid cytotype. The present finding can act as a good guide in ploidy screening through pollen diameter measurement in the flowering plants exhibiting polyploid cytotypes dependent on different basic chromosome numbers. Likewise, it can be applicable in the determination of ploidy level by pollen size measurement in breeding and/ or genetic programmes of the crops relying on various basic chromosome numbers.

Key words: Basic chromosome number, Ploidy level, Pollen size, Saccharum

Doi Number

Keywords