Cytomixis with associated chromosomal anomalies and the reproduction of Chlorophytum borivilianum Santapau & R. R. Fern.

Cytomixis with associated chromosomal anomalies and the reproduction of Chlorophytum borivilianum Santapau & R. R. Fern.

Cytomixis, a phenomenon of mixing up of cell contents of adjacent cells, though unusual in nature, have been witnessed in plenty of angiospermous plants. In addition, coexistence of some other irregularities in chromosomal behavior has also been noted in many a case to violate the normal process of meiosis. In this paper an account of the occurrence of cytomixis in the pollen mother as well as tapetal cells of Chlorophytum borivilianum Santapau & R. R. Fern. has been presented for the first time. A variety of chromosomal abnormalities has been recorded too. The species, mainly known for aphrodisiac properties, also provides biochemicals of curative properties against many ailments. The herb reproduces mostly by vegetative means and seed germination is meager. The nature and extent of cytomixis associated anomalies seem to provide a plausible cue in understanding the occurrence of only vegetative means of reproduction. Cytomixis of an accrued amount of 4.21 % occurs with greater preponderance only in meiosis I; while, chromosomal abnormalities, altogether of 21.16 %, are recorded in different stages of both of meiosis I and II. In PMCs the varieties of unusual features recorded are chromatin transfer to adjacent cell, chromosome stickiness, loss of chromosomes, improper orientation of chromatin/chromosomes, chromosome bridges and formation of micronuclei at different stages. A considerable extent (27.20 %) of pollens has been noted to be sterile.