Abstract
Phytolacca acinosa (Phytolaccaceae) is cytologically worked out for the first time from Tangmarg area of Kashmir, India. The tetraploid chromosome count of 2n=36 from the present study represents a new cytotype for the species from India. The plant shows the case of an autotetraploid as it is characterised by multivalent formation during meiosis. A total of 55.89% of the chromosomes were involved in multivalent formation (quadrivalent and trivalents) while as 12.15% remained as univalents. These multivalents caused meiotic irregularities such as unoriented chromosomes, laggards and bridges at different stages of meiosis. Microsporogenesis was also abnormal ultimately resulting in reduced pollen fertility 46.78% and lead to the formation of heterogenous sized pollen grains.
