Polymorphism in Giemsa Bandlng Patterns in Allium sativum

Abstract

The structural variation in the chromosome complement of Allium sativum has been noted by previous workers. However, no attempt has been made to study the heterozygosity with the help of banding technique after Giemsa staining. On the basis of the banding pattern found in the present material, three groups could be detected. In this material, out of 16, only 4 chromosomes showed bands in general. The three groups based on the banding patterns are as follows:- a) Bulbs with chromosomes showing bands only on one pair having secondary constrictions, b) Bulbs with chromosomes showing bands on two pairs with secondary constrictions, but heteromorphicity in banding pattern was noted in one pair, c) Bulbs with chromosomes showing bands on one pair with secondary constrictions and on two other chromosomes, whose homologues, however, did not reveal bands.