KARYOTYPES OF SOME COMPOSITAE

Karyotypic studies have been made on 21 wild species of Compositae from North and Central India. Chromosome morphology of most of these species was unknown previously. Parameters for karyotypic comparison include chromosome size, haploid length, symmetry and gradient indices, and type of karyotypic symmetry. Depending upon the size of chromosome and position of primary constriction, karyotypic formulae are worked out for all these taxa. Chromosomes are mostly medium sized. Karyotypic symmetry of 2A and 2B types are the most Common. Highly assymetrical karyotype of 4A type is represented in Pterotheca falconeri with all the three pairs of chromosomes being acrocentric. Role of chromosomal rearrangements in the evolution of the family is evident.