Chromosomal instability in lemon grass,Cymbopogon flexuosus (Steudel) Wats

Somatic mitoses in C. flexuosus exhibit a significant degree of chromosomal instability leading to nearly 33% cells with chromosome elimination. A range of chromosome numbers between 20-8 (most common being 2n=20, the somatic number for this species) was encountered from root tip cells. The course of variation suggests a gradual elimination of somatic chromosomes. The larger chromosomes are less stable and are eliminated earlier. The variation in chromosome number in somatic cells within individual plants is possibly controlled by genetic factors, which result from weaker spindle operation and minute chromosomes.CIMAP Publication No. 571 (1984)