Chromosome conspectus and cytogenetic appraisal of some commercial cultivars of cherry (Prunus avium L., P. cerasus L.) and plum (P. domestica L.) using a partially modified staining technique.

摘要

Based on x=8, the commercial cultivars of cherry (Prunus avium) viz; Awal Number Gilas, Double Gilas, Gole Gilas, Makhmali Gilas, Mishri Gilas and Tontal Gilas grown in Kashmir are diploid (2n=2x=16), Aalich - the sour cherry (P. cerasus) is tetraploid (2n=4x=32) and plums, Dach Aer, Wangan Aer and Sabni Aer (P. domestica) are hexaploid (2n=6x=48). The tetra- and hexaploid cultivars follow typical diploid like meiosis, undergoing homologous pairing into bivalents which segregate without error at A I. Nature of polyploidy of these cultivars has been discussed, cvs. Gole Gilas (sweet cherry) and Aalich (sour cherry), present evidence of structural hybridity in the form of anaphase chromosome lagging and formation of abnormal tetrads and polysporads following A II, though much less in frequency. Cytomictic behaviour and in situ pollen germination reduce pollen fertility in some cultivars while cv. Jungli Aer and Silver (both plums) are totally male sterile. These chromosome studies were possible only by partially modifying the known techniques which while suppressing acetocarmine staining of the cytoplasm (so characteristic of rosaceous PMCs), enhanced visibility of stained chromosomes which are too small to permit detailed study. The information generated is of immense value to cherry and plum breeders.