Polyploidisation effect on trichome density in interspecific hybrids of Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. × Pennisetum purpureum (K.) Schum

Abstract

This study is aimed at testing the efficiency of colchicine on inducing polyploidy in Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. ? P. purpureum (K.) Schum (BNH) and to investigate the effect of polyploidy on trichome density. Root cuttings of 4 hybrids and two check varieties were treated with different concentrations of colchicine (0, 0.05%, 0.1% and 0.2%) for different time durations (12 and 24 hrs). The ploidy level of plants was confirmed by cytogenetic studies using conventional protocol. Colchicine concentration of 0.1% for 24 hrs was found to induce polyploidy in PBN 233. Trichome density was investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy at 100X. During the study, it was found that the trichome density decreases with increase in ploidy level.