Tetrasomaty in the roots of Cicer arietinum Linn

Abstract

Sporadic instances of tetrasomaty in the primary and secondary roots of five varieties of Cicer arietinum Linn. are illustrated. The phenomenon was more common in Varieties I and II. The SAT-chromosomes are reliable guides to estimate the degree of polysomaty, since pre-treatment with p-dichlorobenzene revealed that cell types with 32 chromosomes at metaphase had two pairs of SAT-chromosomes associated with the nucleolus at prophase. Tetrasomatic cells appear to be limited to the dermatogen and periblem. Higher degrees of polysomaty were not observed.