Spontaneous chromosome stickiness in microsporocytes of Centella asiatica (L.) urban (Umbelliferae)

Abstract

One of five different populations of Centella asiatica from the Southern Region of Brazil submiued to cytologic analyse presented chromosome snckiness in 19.30% microsporocytes studied (Praia de Leste population). This phenomenon was observed in both meiotic divisions. The phenotypic manifestation ranged from mild stickiness. with the possibility of recognizing the phases and with meiosis continuing to the end, to intens stickiness manifesting through p pycnosis followed by chromosome degeneration in which the phase of meiotic development x could not be identified. These irregularities, taken together with others such as cytomixis, a abnormal spindles and irregular chromosome segregation, were probably the causes of low p pollen fertility (0.30%) and low production of normal fruits (1.0%).