A rye plant with frequent A-B chromosome pairing

Abstract

Accessory or B-chromosomes (B's) do not usually pair with the standard or A-chromosomes (A's). Despite that, during metaphase I chromosome analysis in a population of rye variety ‘JNK’ (Secale cereale L.), a plant was found where one of the two B's present showed frequent A-B chromosome pairing. The Giemsa banding pattern and meiotic behaviour of the B in question indicated the presence of an A/B translocation.