Comparative Meiotic Behaviour during Microsporogenesis and Megasporogenesis in C₁₂ Autotetraploid Trigonella foenum graecum L

Abstract

Breeding behaviour of any taxon is equally dependent on the cytogenetical nature and recombination pattern of both hereditary track. A complete analysis of cytogenetic behaviour must involve both sexes. From the study of male (PMC) meiosis of autotetraploid Trigonella, it has been concluded that it is quite regular and pollen fertility is also very high. To find out the meiotic behaviour on female side, MMC meiosis was studied in all the four genotypes of Trigonella. MMC meiosis was studied at metaphase I, anaphase I and telophase II. Chiasma frequency was equal during both types of meiosis. At anaphase I and telophase II, 100% normal behaviour was observed. Thus it has been found that megasporogenesis is as regular as microsporogenesis. Hence it has been concluded that there are some factors, other than meiotic anomalies, that are responsible for poor seed fertility in autotetraploid fenugreek.