Chromosome pairing analysis in interspecific hybrids among tetraploid species of Eleusine (Poaceae)

Abstract

The genus Eleusine Gaertn. (Poaceae) comprises 9- 12 species of predominantly African origin, including four polyploid species, viz., E. africana, E. coracana (2n = 36) and E. kigeziensis (2n = 38) are reported as allotetraploid, and E. floccifolia (2n = 36) reported as autoployploid [1, 2]. All the species grows in wild except E. coracana which is a cultivated species commonly known as finger millet. E. africana is considered a close relative of cultivated species.