Cytogenetics of Amaryllidaceae VI

Karyomorphology and meiotic behaviour of Crinum zeylanicum L.-a new cytotype

Abstract

Consistent presence of 2n=22 chromosomes in RTCs apparently forming 11 homologous pairs, n=11 chromosomes in PMCs and high chiasma frequency indicate that Crinum zeylanicum studied here is a basic diploid (2n=2x). The somatic chromosomes, 5.47 to 14.52μm in length, had a centromeric formula of 6M+2NM+9SM+5NAC. The heteromorphicity in two pairs may be related to deletion or duplication or both rather than to hybrid origin of the plant. The present results being different in many features from those reported by others on C. zeylanicum seem to favour the idea that the plant studied by us may represent a new cytotype.