Chromosome Study of Polyploid Indian Squill, Urginea indica Kunth

Abstract

The present investigation deals with chromosome study of ten polyploid populations of Urginea indica Kunth representing triploids, tetraploids and hitherto unrecorded hexaploid. Different cytotypes frequently occur in the same climatic zone, but the constancy of the karyotype within the populations indicates certain adaptability to the microenvironmental condition to which they are subjected. The karyotype is highly asymmetrical both in size and morphology. There is no reduction in chromosome size along with polyploidy. The populations, however, differ with respect to minute karyotypic details. The role of structural alteration of chromosomes in the evolution of races is evident. Occurrence of large number of cytotypes both numerically and structurally altered as well as extensive vegetative reproduction has resulted in wide distribution of U. indica. © 1983, Japan Mendel Society, International Society of Cytology. All rights reserved.