Cytogenetical Investigations in Musaceae. III. Meiotic Studies in Diploid Musa Species and Banana Varieties of India

Abstract

Meiosis in two Musa species and eleven banana varieties showed high degree of bivalent formation at MI and regular distribution of chromosomes at A I and A II. In var. Chingan meiosis does not take place and pollen do not form. In other varieties (excepting M. balbisiana, Kadali, Ambalakadali and Erachi vazhai) either pollen are completely absent or present in very little quantities. The sterility observed in these species/varieties is genic and not chromosomal. Based on present investigations and hybridization studies, it has been inferred that meiotic events leading to the formation of male gametes do not necessarily reflect the events taking place in formation of female gametes. © 1988, Japan Mendel Society, International Society of Cytology. All rights reserved.