Cytogenetic studies in the Eragrostis curvula Complex

Abstract

Cytogenetic studies were undertaken in the  Eragrostis curvula Complex. Three plants were studied at each of 16 collecting points. The overall morphology and embryo sac development of all plants were evaluated, while the chromosome number and microsporogenesis of some of the plants were also studied. The collecting points were chosen so ^s to represent a variable environment extending from the bushveld to the highveld regions of the Transvaal. It was found that the embryo sac development of the plants from the bush\eld and the highveld were, for all practical purposes, obligate diplosporic apomicts, whereas the transition area contained obligate as well as facultative diplosporic apomicts. The same pattern also held as far as the plant morphology, chromosome number and microsporogenesis were concerned.