Some Observations on the Induction of Colchiploidy in Solanum Melongena Linn. (Brinjal)

The present investigation deals with the morphological, cytological and cytohistological studies between the normal and colchicine induced polyploids of Solanum melongena Linn. (variety Long Green).

Treatments given to the growing tips of the young seedlings having two cotyledonary leaves with 0.2 percent aqueous colchicine solution for 12 hours gave best results from the point of view of survival of seedlings and the induction of polyploidy.

The induced polyploid plants show thick, deep green and broad leaves with larger stomata and epidermal cells. The polyploid was characterised by larger flowers, pollen grains and seeds. The pollen fertility, fruit size and fruit setting in the polyploid plants were less than those of the control.

The chromosome numbers of Solanum melongena variety long green (diploid) and the induced polyploid were determined as n = 12 and n = 24, respectively. Most of the possible chromosomal associations ranging from 12 quadrivalents to 24 bivalents at diakinesis and metaphase I were recorded in the polyploid. Abnormalities such as unequal distribution of chromosomes at anaphase, presence of lagging chromosomes were also noted in the polyploid.