Hybridization in Four Nigerian Physalis (Linn.) Species

Interspecific reciprocal crosses among four Nigerian Physalis species (Physalis angulata, P. micrantha, P. pubescens and P. peruviana) were carried out by transferring desired pollen grains to ovalate parents, bagged and labelled to prevent contamination by external pollen grains and for easy identification. Pollen cells of the F1 hybrid combination from the only viable cross (P. angulata x P. pubescens) were studied using standard cytogenetic techniques. The F1 hybrid obtained in the current investigation produced few flower buds and no matured fruit was harvested. Its average pollen grain diameter was found within the range of that of the two genitors and the pollen stainability was less than 50%. The hybrid was also characterized by meiotic irregularities. Based on the results obtained, the study concluded that P. pubescens is closely related to P. angulata and P. peruviana, while P. micrantha is more distant from them since the formal individuals were able to cross reciprocally among each other, though no matured fruit was produced except in one cross (P. angulata x P. pubescens).

Meiotic irregularities in Capsicum L. species

Cytogenetic and pollen viability (PV) studies were performed in pepper accessions, Capsicum chinense and Capsicum baccatum. Irregularities such as laggard and univalent chromosomes, bridges, problems in the spindle fibers and cytomixis were observed, especially in C. baccatum which was the most unstable genotype. In the post-meiotic products, irregularities were observed, on average, at 20 % of the microspores in C. baccatum and 17 % in C. chinense. PV in C. baccatum was below 70 %, while in C. chinense, it was above 80 %. Meiotic irregularities in Capsicum, mainly in C. baccatum, considering the low PV estimated, were significant but not impeditive for fertilization.