Genetic Stability Studies in Regenerated Plants of Allium tuberosum Rottl. ex Spreng.-A Cytological Approach

Abstract

Genetic stability, using cytological techniques, has been assessed in regenerated plantlets of Allium tuberosum (Alliaceae) in four culture passages and after their field establishment. Karyological studies of the regenerants indicated that majority (>90%) of the cells had shown normal complements and variants if any, were found to be restricted to a small proportion of cells. Aneusomaty, polyploidy and structural alterations were some of the variations recorded. Meiotic analysis of regenerated plants revealed that by and large they do not differ from the control plants and all the parameters (associations, chiasma frequency, terminalization coefficient and pollen stainability) showed no significant change when compared to control plants. However, quadrivalent range and frequency showed a considerable reduction in regenerated plants and factors responsible for this were discussed in detail. Efficacy of cytological techniques in confirming the genetic stability of regenerated plants has been demonstrated.