A DESYNAPTIC MUTANT IN AVENA STRIGOSA

Abstract

A mutation, causing partial desynapsis (disassociation of paired chromosomes), and consequently a high frequency of univalents at metaphase I, was found in Avena strigosa. The desynaptic chromosome behavior is conditioned by a single recessive gene which may have resulted from colchicine treatment. This gene, designated as ds is independent of the gene for seed color and the gene for resistance to race 13A of stem rust. The desynaptic plants are highly sterile, but seeds produced are a good source of trisomic plants.