TRIVALENT FORMATION IN MULTIPLE TRISOMICS OF CLARKIA UNGUICULATA

Vasek, F. C. (U. California, Riverside.) Trivalent formation in multiple trisomics of Clarkia unguiculata. Amer. Jour. Bot. 50(3): 244–247. 1963.—A series of multiple trisomics, ranging from 2n + 1 to 2m + 7, was scored for univalents and trivalents at first metaphase. The mean number of trivalents per cell per extra chromosome was 0.43, 0.46, 0.46, 0.56, 0.54, 0.55 and 0.59 for plants with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 extra chromosomes respectively. These trivalent frequencies are interpreted to fall into 2 classes, indicating that the cytological differences between triploids and single trisomies may be based on a threshold effect. The results are compared with available data from other genera, and it is suggested that the observed increase in trivalent formation per extra chromosome may be associated with an increase in chiasma frequency.