Cytomorphological studies in relation to powdery mildew resistance in ber (Zizhyphus mauritiana Lamk.)

Abstract

Pattern of morphological and cytological variation in relation to powdery mildew resistance In 80 germplasm accessions of ber (Zizhyphus mauritiana Lamk.) is reported. Metroglyph and index score analyses showed wide morphological variation in the germplasm. Eight distinct groups were recognized on the basis of variation in 23 morphological and fruit characters however, within group variations were of a low order. Meiotic studies revealed an array of forms ranging from diploid to triploid, tetra, penta and octaploid types. Our study suggested that the groupings based on morphological attributes have cytological foundation and a few diploid accessions and an octaploid genotype formed the basic source of immunity/resistance for powdery mildew disease.