The present report was a detailed observation of secondary association in meiocytes of Corchorus capsularis L. after the assessment of EMStreated plants. Along with the cytogenetical assessment morphometric parameters, meiotic index (MI) and pollen fertility (%) were also recorded. Morphometric analysis was a preliminary parameter to identify distinct mutant plants from control plants. Tall, dwarf, and branching mutants were tagged in M1 and M2 generations, cytological analysis was carried out, and persistent secondary association was recorded. 10 different groups of secondary associations were frequently formed during prophase and metaphase I among bivalents. EMS, an alkylating agent was used as a mutagen and responsible for malfunctioning in chiasma formation between bivalents. Some other aberrations like stickiness were noted as a consequence of treatment and these aberrations influence the MI and pollen fertility. Aberrant sporads were formed viz. dyads, triads, and polyads with normal tetrads. Pollen fertility and MI declined in contrast to control as a result of a result of the mutagenic impact of EMS in all the mutant plants.
Keywords: Jute, Meiocytes, secondary association, Meiotic Index, Pollen fertility, EMS
