1985 Volume 50 Issue 1 Pages 177-185
The details of chromosome morphology and nuclear DNA amount (2C value) in 20 different collections in Vetiveria zizanioides are presented. All the collections reveal the somatic chromosome no.=20. In general, the karyotypes are nearly symmetrical with chromosomes having median -to- submedian centromeres, in all the cases. However, variations are noticeable in various collections with respect to chromosome size and nuclear DNA content. The total haploid chromatin length varies from 25.6μm-38.7μm and 2C value from 2.02 pico gms.-2.56 pico gms. The qualitative and quantitative variation in karyological features may possibly account for qualitative and quantitative variation in oil content/composition in the various collections. Further, the somatic chromosomes in one of the collections have also been analysed for Giemsa C-banding patterns to elucidate the finer details of chromosome organisation for characterising the individual chromosomes. The chromosome nos. 1, 2 and 3, have prominent centromeric and terminal bands on long arms, nos. 4, 5 and 6 possess distinct procentric bands and nos. 7, 8, 9 and 10 are with one terminal band each on one arm except no. 8 where the terminal bands are present on both arms. The importance of such an study in hybrid identification is stressed.