Chromosomal mutations in Saccharum

The Javanese varieties of Saccharum spontaneum (Glagah) have 56 chromosomes in their haploid phase. A Glagahvariety of North Celebes, named Glagah Tabongo, on the other hand has a haploid chromosome number of 40. In outer characters it differs somewhat from the Glagah of Java; for instance it has longer internodes and the uppermost floral leaf has a much longer blade. Since 1921 Glagah Tabongo was propagated by cuttings in the field of the Experiment Station of Pasoeroean. In 1923 a self fertilization was made of it by Dr. J. Jeswiet. For that purpose an inflorescence was enclosed in a bag of cotton to prevent cross fertilization. From this selfing many seedlings could be obtained. Among a large number of normal plants Jeswiet found giant plants, which had much thicker stems, longer internodes and broader leaves. The stems of Glagah Tabongo are 1.2—1.6 cm. in diameter, the stems of some of those giants 2—2.3 cm. (See photograph plate I).