Chromosome Orientation and Sterility in Gamma-ray Induced Interchanges in Chili Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

After gamma irradiation (30 Kr) of seeds of Capsicum annuum cultivar cerasiformis (2n=24) two plants were recorded each carrying two interchanges. The nucleolus organiser chromosome appeared not to be involved. The interchange heterozygotes were weak and meiosis was irregular. At least one multivalent as-sociation per PMC was recorded. At metaphase I the predominant orientation was adjacent. The probable reasons for anaphase I and other meiotic irregularities and the incidence of high pollen sterility are discussed.