De Novo Reporting of B Chromosomes with Their Bewildermentic Responses in Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk

It is a matter of great serendipity that while studying cytogenetics of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. we reported B chromosome. It is the maiden study regarding the reporting of B chromosomes in this plant species as per our knowledge. During the meiotic study of Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk maximum three B chromosomes were reported in Bhringraj. The study deals with the effect of B chromosomes on A chromosome chiasma frequency, chiasma distribution and pollen fertility in Eclipta alba (L.) Hassk. Results suggest that B chromosome enhances the chiasma frequency, and also increases variations in carrier and non- carrier pollen mother cells (PMCs). Moderate reduction in fertility of carrier plants, in contrast to non-carriers could also recorded. With regard to earlier investigations, the possible mechanism of action of B-chromosomes has been discussed. Aside from their intrinsic enigmatic properties B-chromosomes might be useful experiment tool to study the wider issues of genome organization and evolution in plants and make them insightful.