A New Report of a Chromosomal Chimaera in Capsicum annuum L

Abstract

A chromosomal chimaeral plant with three distinct primary branches exhibiting diploid, mixoploid (diploid and tetraploid) and tetraploid numbers was recorded for the first time in colchicine treated plants of ×235, a local cultivar of chilli. Significant differences were observed in morphometrics of the three branches with regard to leaves, flowers, fruits and stomatal characteristics. The mixoploid branch displayed intermediate features of both diploid and tetraploid branches. Further, fertility and yield were high in chimaeral plant compared to those of the diploid and tetraploid sibs.
The chimaeral nature can be attributed to the endoreduplication of some of the cells in the apical bud due to the differential activity of the colchicine. The mixoploid numbers may be formed as a result of spindle abonrmalities during premeiotic mitosis. The chimaeral plant has immense cytogenetic importance since it has the potentiality to generate polyploids and aneuploids in the progeny which in turn are powerful weapons in understanding the chromosomal architecture and cytogenetic relationships of the crop.