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Chromosome and Genetic Constancy in a Poa pratensis L. Cultivar¹

Chromosome numbers were determined on genetically identifiable plants to evaluate chromosomal and genetic constancy of the ‘Windsor’ cultivar of the facultative apomict Poa pratensis L. Seed size, seedling pigmentation, and chromosome number were interrelated in most plants but varied within the cultivar.

Large seeds produced 93% pigmented seedlings, of which 84% had 70 chromosomes. Small seeds produced 86% nonpigmented seedlings, of which 94% had 49 chromosomes. Although the cultivar consisted largely of these two relatively stable components, chromosome numbers varied among plants with inverse associations of seed size and seedling pigmentation. Throughout the experiment the following chromosome numbers were found: 35, 49, 56, 60's, 70's, 80's, and 105. A set of twin plants occurred, with one member with 49 chromosomes and the other with 74 chromosomes. The wide range of chromosome numbers was accounted for on the basis of classical explanations of agamospermy in facultative apomicts.

Key Words: Apomixis • Pigmentation • Seed size • Kentucky bluegrass • Ploidy level

² Research Agronomists, PSRD, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, Md. 20705.

³ Botanist, Grain Division, CMS, USDA, Beltsville, Md. 20705.

Received for publication January 20, 1972.