Induced polyploidization in buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)

The significance of polyploidy in the evolutionary process of plants history is well documented. In this concern, seed priming with colchicine as well as the cotton-swab method for polyploidy induction in plants becomes much acquainted in cytogenetic study. The aim of present study was to achieve chromosomal doubling by the application of colchicine to apical meristem of young seedlings. The young seedlings were treated with three different concentrations of colchicine (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6%) for durations of 12, 24 and 36 h each. The colchiploidy with highest proportion approximately 50% with 2n=4x=32 was found at 0.2% concentration for 24 and 36 h. Autotetraploid enduring plants were identified with morphological and cytological variations such as thickness of leaf, larger stomata with low density, larger pollen, large flower etc. Buds were selected from these plants for the cytological study. Cytological analysis including chromosome counting demonstrated that the chromosome number was doubled. The confirmation of autotetraploid plants was achieved by this technique. Tetraploid plants were grown up to maturity and the harvested seeds were sown to establish the second generation which may be used in future breeding programme