PRIMARY SIMPLE TRISOMICS IN PEARL MILLET

Abstract

To establish a series of trisomics in Pennisetum typhoides (2n = 14), plants with 2n + 1 chromosome numbers were isolated from the progenies of triploid plants and triploid-diploid crosses. These primary simple trisomic plants were distinguishable from the diploids by their relatively poor vigour, short height, narrow leaves and late flowering. They were also distinguishable from one another and were classified into seven morphological groups: 'Tiny', 'Dark Green', 'Lax', 'Slender', 'Spindle', 'Broad' and 'Pseudonormal'. The extra chromosome in the seven trisomic types could be distinguished on the basis of somatic chromosome morphology.