Chromosome Counts of New Forest Plants

Abstract

Chromosome counts are basic information desirable at the beginning of any programme of genetical improvement of sexually reproducing organisms. Eighty-one chromosome counts of plants growing New Forest, Dehra Dun, are here recorded and illultsated. The afternoon rhythm of meiosis is usually restricted to the period 3.45 to 4.15 pm., especially so in the winter flowerers; in the forenoon it is more extended. Polyploid series within the species examined do not occur. The chromosome number of Ocimum kilimandscharicum determined is now n =40 as against a previous record as n = 38. Seven of the species examined have chromosome numbers that do not correspond to the basic numbers already recorded for their respective families.