Plant Genetics Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Allahabad, Allahabad, 211 002. E-mail: kumar_girjesh@yahoo.com; tripathi_ritambhara@yahoo.co.in.
A cytogenetic study was undertaken to evaluate various types of cytomictic variations induced by different types of abiotic stresses viz. temperature, heavy metal (Pb) and water stresses on the meiotic cells of Lathyrus sativus L. Chromosome transfer and cytoplasmic channels between microsporocytes occurred from prophase-I to telophase-II stages of meiosis. The occurrence of cytomixis and other meiotic abnormalities were analyzed in comparison with pollen fertility. Due to cytomixis, various types of irregularities were noticed resulting into hypo- or hyperploids which may cause the origin of aneuploids or polyploids.
Lathyrus sativus, abiotic stresses, cytomixis, cytomictic variations
