Cytology of coconut
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2007-02-08
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Abstract
The chromosome number in coconut is 2n=32. Karyomorphological studies show light differences between Tall and Dwarf varieties. Meiosis was generally regular ,n Tall cultivars and in hybrids between Tall and Dwarf, while several irregularities have been reported in the Dwarf and semi-tall cultivars. Pollen fertility is very high in Tails and hybrids as compared to that in Dwarfs and semi-tails. Meiotic irregularities are commonly met within the spicata palms and these are believed to have originated from Tails. Free nuclear division has been reported in coconut milk. C-mitosis leading to high ploidy level and several chromosome abnormalities occur in developing endosperm. In Philippines makapuno nuts, the endosperm development is very abnormal. An inverse relationship between ploidy level and oil content has been also observed by some authors. The two existing views on the origin of Dwarfs from Tails, namely, mutant origin or by continuous inbreeding, are presented. Another possibility that both Tails and Dwarfs might have had a common origin in a single ancestral form has been proposed.
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In: research and development; procedings of the international symposium, 1st, CPCRI, Kasaragod, 27-31 Dec. 1976. Edited by N. N. Nayar. Wiley Eastern, New Delhi 1983 p-62-70