Chromosome study of diploid Indian squill, Urginea indica Kunth.

The present investigation deals with chromosome study of nine populations of Urginea indica representing the diploid race. The general chromosome morphology of U. indica as a whole is quite distinct. The karyotype is highly asymmetrical both in size and morphology. The populations, however, differ with respect to minute karyotypic details. Chromosomal polymorphism mainly involves the nucleolar chromosomes. The role of structural alteration of chromosomes in the evolution of races is evidenced by detailed analysis of karyotype. The constancy of the karyotype within the population indicates certain adaptibility to the microenvironmental condition to which they are subjected.