High frequency production of colchicine induced autotetraploids in faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

Abstract

In the present study, 30 seeds of Vicia faba (2n=12) treated with 0.005% colchicine for 8 h produced 15 polyploids. The success of induction of polyploidy by this method was 50%, which is very high as compared to any other methods used so far in this species. Presoaking the seeds in distilled water for ∼20h proved more effective in inducing the polyploidy. Typical polyploid characters like gigantism, bigger leaves, flowers and pods etc. were exhibited by the induced colchitetraploids, however, they had reduced pollen fertility and number of seeds/pod and plant as compared to diploids. Polyploidy was confirmed by chromosome counts (2n=4x=24) at meiosis as well as at root tip mitosis. The method is easy and reliable for successful induction of polyploidy with colchicine in this species. We also recommend this method for induction of polyploids in other leguminous crops.