Rye B chromosome behaviour at first and second pollen mitosis and its relationship with anther maturity

Abstract

Rye plants carrying B chromosomes with different nuclear and cytoplasmic constitutions have been analyzed at first pollen mitosis. No differences of B chromosome behaviour have been detected. It has been concluded that non-disjunction and preferential distribution are processes controlled by Bs themselves. At second pollen anaphase, B laggards have been observed. Both non-disjunction and B laggards occurred with higher frequency in younger anthers.