Cytomorphological Studies in Gamma-ray Induced Autotriploids of Capsicum annuum L.

Abstract

Six autotriploids were isolated from the progeny of an M₂ line of Capsicum annuum L. var. PC1 whose progenitor was an M₁ semisterile (induced by 40 kR gamma-ray). These triploids were characterised by large sized dark green leaves, stomata, pollen, flower and fruit growth besides longer petioles and greater plant spread. Nevertheless, these bear fewer branches, shorter internodes, fewer fruits and seeds besides delayed growth and flowering compared to their M₁ progenitor and the control. The mean chiasma frequencies in the triploids were significantly less than 1 1/2 times to that of their M₁ progenitor and their control. Lower pollen and seed fertilities recorded in them was mostly due to meiotic abnormalities. The possible reasons for differences in morphometrics and cytological features in the autotriploids recorded earlier and now are suggested.