Chromosome Number Variation among Germplasm Collections and Seedling Progenies in Turmeric, Curcuma longa L.

Abstract

Chromosme numbers in 22 germplasm collections and 28 open-pollinated seedling progenies of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) were determined by counting the chromosomes of somatic metaphase plates. Among the germplasm collections analyzed 20 have 2n=63, the accepted chromosome number of turmeric, 1 collection was 2n=61 and another 1 was 2n=84. The seedling progenies showed various chromosome numbers ranging from 2n=63 to 2n=86, of which 2n=84 was the most frequent. The role of abnormalities during triploid chromosomes segregation in generating chromosome number variation among open pollinated seedling progenies is discussed.