MORPHOLOGY OF SOME MAIZE-TRIPSACUM HYBRIDS

Diploid (2n = 20) and tetraploid (2n = 40) Zea mays L. were crossed with diploid (2n = 36) and tetraploid (2n = 72) Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L. to produce a series of hybrids combining different numbers of haploid genomes from each parent. Eight hybrid groups and three parental groups were studied morphologically. Twenty-nine quantitative characters were recorded for each sample. Data were analyzed by univariate analysis of variance, multivariate analysis of variance, and discriminant function analysis, in an attempt to evaluate hybrid differences objectively and determine which morphological characters contribute statistically to group separation. The overall MANOVA F test was significant, establishing the presence of real differences between the hybrids; discriminant function analysis indicated that the percent of paired pistillate spikelets/cupule in the lateral inflorescence was the main variable which differentiated hybrids. Duncan's Multiple Range Tests for significant differences between means were applied to five variables contributing maximally to group discrimination, using the appropriate univariate ANOVAs. Pronounced maize-like attributes of backcross hybrids, as compared with corresponding F₁'s possessing similar genome constitutions, gave possible evidence of gene transfer between Zea mays and Tripsacum during backcrossing to maize.     

OBSERVATIONS ON INTROGRESSION OF TRIPSACUM INTO MAIZE

Derivatives of a cross between diploid Zea mays L. and Tripsacum dactyloides (L.) L. (2n = 72) were compared cytologically and morphologically. The objective of this study was to detect introgression from Tripsacum to maize that might have occurred during seven backcross generations with maize. Thirty-three morphological characters were used to analyze variation among aneuploid (20Zm + 2Td), 20-chromosome recovered maize, and the recurrent maize parent plants. Aneuploid and maize checks were extreme types, with 20-chromosome hybrid derivatives being morphologically intermediate. Several recovered maizes clustered with aneuploid plants and these hybrid derivatives have the greatest chance of Tripsacum introgression. Many traits such as endosperm abnormalities, tassel seed, albinos, tunicate glumes, tassel-tipped ears, fasciated and branched ear, and male spikelets between rows of kernels were observed. Although the genetic basis of many traits is unknown, mutations, epistatic effects or expression of Tripsacum chromatin are possible causes. The number of abnormal and tripsacoid traits observed in 20-chromosome recovered maizes indicates genetic transfer from Tripsacum to the maize genome.     

CYTOLOGY OF THE POSTNASAL DRIP

About half of a series of 100 consecutive patients with disturbances of the eyes, ears, nose or throat complained of postnasal drip. When smears of the mucous discharge were examined it was found that in about a third of the cases in which there was complaint of drip, neither eosinophils nor neutrophils could be demonstrated. This indicates that causes of the drip other than allergic disease and infection must be considered.Cytologic examination of the postnasal drip showed that about one-third of the patients with nasal disease or histories positive for allergic reaction had nasal eosinophilia. Nasal eosinophilia was noted occasionally in patients with normal-appearing nasal structures and in patients with no history of allergic disease.     

INTROGRESSION IN TRICHOMANES

Anderson's graphic method of population analysis applied to a number of specimens of Trichomanes sect. Selenodesmium points to introgressive hybridization between T. polystromaticum and T. dentatum. The two species, one of which grows in a xeric habitat and the other in a very protected mesic one, tend to maintain their specific integrities in their extreme habitats. Intermediate forms which tend to grow in intermediate habitats give indication of genetic imbalance in the form of diad spore production. Peculiarities of the fern and in particular of the hymenophyllaceous life cycle are discussed in the context of hybridization.     

枣胚乳三倍体的细胞学－中国果树资源细胞学研究之六

枣属植物经过染色体鉴定的5个种,未发现奇数倍性;中国枣为二倍体,未见自然多倍体类型。1978年通过胚乳培养,已首次诱导出三倍体植株。1983年三倍体始花结果,其细胞学特点如下: 1.胚乳二倍体胚乳二倍体的染色体数2n=24。小孢子母细胞减数分裂染色体行为正常。前期Ⅰ和中期Ⅰ,形成12个二阶体。减数分裂结束,形成正常的四分体,小孢子大小整齐。花粉粒属于正常的三孔沟型。2.胚乳三倍体胚乳三倍体的染色体数2n=36。小孢子母细胞较二倍体大。减数分裂染色体行为不正常。前期Ⅰ和中期Ⅰ有数目不等的单价体、二价体和多价体,染色体群数变动于14—20之间。后期Ⅰ、Ⅱ染色体分离不规则,数目不均衡,有落后染色体,多极分裂,并带有微核。减数分裂结束时,部分小孢子母细胞形成一分体、二分体、不等四分体、五分体和六分体等,小孢子大小不一致。正常花粉比二倍体大,有三孔沟和四孔沟两种类型,还有部分小花粉粒和败育花粉。     

THE NUCLEAR CYTOLOGY OF SIROGONIUM1,2

The nuclear cytology of 9 strains of Sirogonium is described. The interphase nucleus contains 1–3 nucleoli, a nucleolar-organizing track, and many (>100) chromocenters. During the division cycle the nucleoli are transformed into a nucleolar substance which becomes associated with the chromosome and is transported through mitosis on the chromosomes. All strains possess minute dot chromosomes varying in length at metaphase from 0.5 to 1.5 μ; satellite chromosomes are 2.5–3.5 μ long. The number of chromosomes varies from 48 ± 2 to 100 ± 2. No evidence of centromeric activity was observed.