Volume 6, number 1
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Cytogenetic Studies on Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia Occidentalis Hook. F.)

J. C. Onovo and M. I. Uguru      

Department of Crop Science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka Nigeria.

Corresponding Author E-mail: onovojos@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT: The study was initiated to determine the cytological status of fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis). The analyses were carried out in the mitotic metaphase stage using the cold-induced pretreatment method. The results revealed diploid chromosome number of 2n = 22. However, a diploid chromosome number of 2n = 22 + 1 was observed in about 4% of the cells studied. The chromosome morphology was described on the basis of the centromere position. The ratio of the sum of the short arm length to the total chromosome length (TF%) of 36.9% was obtained. The centromic index (F%) of 1.52 and 45.19 were recorded. The karyotype consisted of 5 metacentric, 4 submetacentric, 1 subtelocentric and 1 telocentric chromosomes. With the exception of the 10th and 11th chromosomes that were subtelocentric and telocentric, respectively, the chromosomes were mostly metacentric and submetacentric. The frequency of the diploid chromosome number of 23 was low, and as such could be regarded as one of those occasional abnormalities that occur in plant species. This could be an aneuploid that was produced accidentally due to an extra chromosome (2n + 1).

KEYWORDS:

Cytogenetics; chromosome; fluted pumpkin; Telfairia occidentalis; karyotype

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Onovo J. C, Uguru M. I. Cytogenetic Studies on Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia Occidentalis Hook. F.). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2009;6(1)
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Onovo J. C, Uguru M. I. Cytogenetic Studies on Fluted Pumpkin (Telfairia Occidentalis Hook. F.). Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2009;6(1). Available from: https://www.biotech-asia.org/?p=7812

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