Effects of Colchicine on Change in Chromosome Number of Molineria sp.,

Abstract

     Ma-Phao Nok Khum (Molineria sp.) is a member of the small family of perennial monocotyledonous herbs fruit. The root is used as for diuretic and for alternative sweetener. The fruits containing Curculin and Neoculin proteins which have been proven to be 500 to 9000 times sweeter than sucrose by weight. But its seeds have small and slow germination rate. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to study the effects of colchicine concentration and immersing time on change in chromosome number of Molineria sp. The shoots were induced from proximal rhizome discs in MS medium containing concentrations of BAP 0.25 mg/l and NAA 1.5 mg/l. Then they were immersed in colchicine concentration of 0, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20% (w/v) for 24, 48 and 72 hrs. The results showed proximal rhizome discs of Molineria sp. was induced shoot and healthy plants, increasing length around 3.79±1.25 cm. The colchicine concentration of 0.2% and i mmer si ng ti me 24 hrs. effected onto cytological character of that induced double chromosome (2n=36) when compared to diploid (2n=18).