Cytomorphological studies on the colchiploids of Capsicum frutescens L.

Introduction The production of polyploids in crop plants by treatment with colchicine has been undertaken by a number of schools all over the world . The pre sent investigation deals with morphological and cytological comparison between the diploid and the colchicine-induced autotetraploids in Capsicum frutescens L. cultiver Oshkhosh, which is characterised by attractive yellow fruits when ripe. The present report presents the evidence for sporadic cytological instability in polyploids which may permit changes to different levels of ploidy in successive generations. The instability described herein may have considerable biological significance.