Abstract
THE John Innes Horticultural Institution is unique in Great Britain in combining research in genetics, cytology and biochemistry with pomology and horticulture. The twenty-ninth annual report contains the results of the investigations during the year 1937–38. Two interesting discoveries in cytology were that the chiasmata in the megasporocytes were less randomly distributed than in the microsporocytes of Lilium testacum and that the centromere could divide sometimes transversely as well as longitudinally. The genetical analysis of Tropaeolum, Streptocarpus, Verbena, Zea, Lotus and Primula sinensis is proceeding. There are two linkage groups of most of the identified colour genes in Streptocarpus; both groups exhibit tight linkage between the genes. 16 genes of Verbena may be assorted into five linkage groups. The investigation of Rubus species has shown that different varieties, usually polyploid, may be (1) sexual, (2) apomictic, or (3) partly sexual and partly apomictic in reproduction. Even the apomictic varieties can segregate, thus indicating that the first division of meiosis occurs in these forms. The Biochemistry Department has been investigating several interesting new plant pigments such as dunnione in Streplocarpus Dunnii and anthocyanins from ferns and unusual sap-soluble substances in Celosia. The training of gardeners and the investigation of suitable soil composts again met with success and good use was made of the provision of research facilities for visitors.
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The John Innes Horticultural Institution. Nature 144, 68 (1939). https://doi.org/10.1038/144068c0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/144068c0