Cytological Changes in Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) under Water Deficit Stress Induced by PEG-6000

The present study was carried out to determine cytological changes in root tip meristem of Trigonella feoenum-graecum L. , under water deficit stress induced by PEG - 6000. The seeds were pretreated with different water potentials (-0.1, -0.5, -1.0 MPa) of PEG - 6000 for 10 hours at 251C. Mitotic index of root tip meristem declined gradually with decreasing water potential. Pronounced changes were recorded in cell size and chromosomal structure. Simultaneously the enhancement of mitotic anomalies like C-metaphase, sticky chromosomes in metaphase, chromosomal bridge at anaphase, vagrant chromosomes and breakage in various degrees at prophase and metaphase were observed.