Persistent cytomixis in Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae) and Withania somnifera (L.) Dun. (Solanaceae)

Abstract

Persistent occurrence of cytomixis was recorded during microsporogenesis in control and mutagen treated M1 plants/progenies of Ocimum basilicum L. (2n=72; family: Lamiaceae) and Withania somnifera (L.) Dun. (2n=48; family: Solanaceae). The phenomenon was observed in prophase I and metaphase I cells. Nature of cytomixis has been observed to be similar in both plant species and in all plant types of the species. Cytomixis was exhibited only in few groups of cells in a microsporophyll (4 to 8 clusters) and those cells in clusters (number of cells in clusters: 2 to 8 in O. basilicum and 2 to 4 in W. somnifera) were either anucleated or with deficient and with extra chromosomes than normal; while, most of the cells in microsporangium were not involved in cytomixis. Results obtained have been discussed. © 2005 The Japan Mendel Society.