Abstract
A detailed meiotic study of the species P. bracteata has been carried out which is being reported for the first time. The number is reported to be n=9 for the species.
The presence of one trivalent, one univalent and rest bivalents has been seen in the 15% of the PMCs analysed. It is discussed that reciprocal translocation involving a part of segment of a pair of non-homologous chromosome might be the possible reason for the trivalent formation.
A segregation of 9+9 and 8+10 of the chromosomes has been observed at anaphase I, and it is suggested that the gametes with variable number of chromosomes may be involved in the origin of different base numbers in the genus. Laggards, bridge and fragments are also seen and a pollen sterility of 19% is recorded.
Evolution of this diploid species is suggested to be due to translocation from related species. A breeding test is proposed to elucidate the knowledge further.
