Karyomorphology of Five Morphotypes of Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L) SCHOTT)

Abstract

Detailed karyomorphology of five morphotypes of taro is reported. Although in gross karyomorphology Morphotypes I-IV were similar, with respect to finer details of morphology of certain individual chromosomes, recognisable difference was noticed between and among them. Between Morphotypes I-IV and Morphotype V there was striking difference in karyomorphology, particularly in the frequency of m-and st-type chromosomes.
The degree of karyotype difference noticed is pointed out to shed light on the possible role of intraspecific karyotype changes and its bearing on the plant morphological difference evident in the species complex. The gross karyomorphological difference noticed between Morphotype V and the others is pointed out to be of taxonomic implication.