Cytogenetic analysis of translocation heterozygosity in the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)

Twelve semisterile lines of Phaseolus vulgaris L. (2n = 22) were reported previously by this laboratory. Here we verify through cytological investigations that 5 of the 12 stocks are indeed chromosome translocations. Cytological analysis of a half diallel set of crosses indicates that these five stocks involve eight different chromosomes in reciprocal translocations. Pollen and ovule abortion rates increase with the increasing number of interchanges in a stock. Cytological behavior and morphological abnormalities with respect to pollen and ovule abortion produced by translocation heterozygosity in the common bean, as observed in this study, are similar to those reported in other crops.Key words: Phaseolus, chromosome translocation, translocation heterozygosity.