Summary
1. The somatic chromosome complements of seven species and the meiotic behaviour, in the pollen mother cell divisions, of five of these are described. A basic chromosome number ofx=30 is inferred.
2. The species most widely cultivated for fibre production are shown to be autopolyploids (A. sisalana Perrine (5x),A. fourcroydes Lem. (5x),A. cantala Roxbg. (3x)).
3. Breeding experiments indicate that the species are genetically heterozygous; structural hybridity and chromosome differentiation is indicated in the meiotic behaviour.
4. A certain degree of relationship between the species in the group Rigidae, presumed from their similarity in general characteristics and limited distribution, is supported by a comparison of their chromosome complements and by limited evidence from breeding experiments. The diploid species will cross with one another and with polyploid species.
5. Sterility in some of these species is shown to be in part functional and in part influenced by external conditions. The partial sterility of diploid species requires further investigation.
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Doughty, L.R. Chromosome behaviour in relation to genetics ofAgave . Journ. of Genetics 33, 198–205 (1936). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02982532
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02982532