Banded polytene chromosomes in developing endosperm of pearl millet.

The occurrence of polyteny in the endosperm of field-grown plants as well as cultured endosperms of variety Vg272 of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) is recorded. There is a pronounced banded structure of these chromosomes similar to the ones observed in Dipteran salivary glands. Polyteny under physiologically controlled conditions also seems feasible in pearl millet.

Cytogenetic studies of the F1 hybrids of Capsicum annuum with C. chinense and C. baccatum.

Partially sterile interspecific hybrids were obtained between C. annuum var. 'cerasiformis' and C. chinense var. 'mishme' (H1), and C. annuum var. 'cerasiformis' and C. baccatum var. 'pendulum' (H2). Morphologically the F1 hybrids were intermediate between the corresponding parents. Meiosis was irregular in the two F1 hybrids. Cytological analysis of the two F1 hybrids revealed that the genome of C. annuum differs from C. chinense by two translocations and some minor structural alterations and from C. baccatum by two translocations, a single inversion and some minor structural alterations. Isolation barriers such as hybrid inviability, weakness and hybrid breakdown in the H1 hybrid and, inaddition, desynapsis in the H2, were operative in these taxa. The differences between the present findings and those reported earlier on the two F1hybrids were attributed to differences in the genetic architecture of the taxa employed in hybridization.

The use of seed protein electrophoresis in the study of phylogenetic relationships in Chili pepper (Capsicum L.).

The seed protein profile of eight taxa of Chili peppers obtained by disc electrophoresis was found to be a diagnostic character in the study of phylogenetic relationships. The distinctness of each species and the wild and cultivated nature of concerned taxa has been confirmed. While the clustering of wildC. annuum var. 'glabriusculum' withC. baccatum types indicated that the former is the progenitor of the latter group, the marked differences discernible in the seed protein profile of all other taxa suggest a polyphyletic origin for the genusCapsicum.

Abnormal spindle behaviour in induced autotetraploid, Physalis pubescens L.

In the colchicine induced autotetraploid Physalis pubescens L., meiotic spindle abnormality was observed in one plant. It is probable that the colchicine treatment may have disturbed the spindle organiser, thereby causing abnormal spindle behaviour. The genetic basis for this abnormality (multipolar spindle) could not be established on account of lack of seed set in the plant showing the abnormal spindle behavior.