Karyological Studies in Dioecious Momordica cochinchinensis (Lour.) with Reference to Average Packing Ratio

Abstract

Chromosome studies and in situ estimation of 4C nuclear DNA content were made on dioecious Momordica cochinchinenesis (Lour.). Somatic chromosome number 2n = 28 was found to be constant in both sexes. Karyotype analysis revealed a very high homogenity. Chromosomes are usually short and with median and submedian constrictions. DNA content did not show marked variation and no correlation could be obtained between the amount of 4C DNA and total chromosome length. However, the relation between DNA content and total chromosome length was discussed in the light of average packing ratio.