Chromosomal Aberrations and Apomictic Behavior in Two Cytotypes of Pteris cretica L. from Western Himalayas

Abstract

Plants of Pteris cretica L. were collected from four different forests of Himachal Pradesh, India to know the chromosome variability and reproductive status of the species. In the study area, two cytologic forms, diploid (2n=58) and triploid (2n=87), of P. cretica are met with. The triploid cytotype is uncommon in distribution. Both the cytotypes are apogamous in nature. Meiotic analysis of different accessions of P. cretica revealed that meiotic course was highly irregular with reduced spore fertility. High incidence of micronuclei in triploid cytotype is a conspicuous phenomenon among other meiotic abnormalities. Variations in spore size and shape have been observed during spore studies. The present count of one B-chromosome (3n=87+1B) in triploid apogamous form is the first report of B-chromosome in the species.