The course of the first meiotic prophase in Beta procumbens and in the F1 between B. vulgaris and B. procumbens.

The succession of the stages of the first meiotic prophase in Beta procumbens has been ascertained by measurements of the nuclear volume and by other criteria. By this method it has been possible to relate the appearance of pairing gaps to the beginning separation of the chromosomes after pachytene. A zygotene-like stage of early diplotene has been found. Asynchronous condensation of the bivalents and reduction of the chiasma frequency have been observed in diplotene and diakinesis. - The lengths and arm ratios of the pachytene chromosomes of Beta procumbens were determined.Stages similar to those in B. procumbens have been recognized in the F 1 hybrid between Beta vulgaris and Beta procumbens. The pachytene chromosomes appeared to be paired to a great extent. However, only some of the cells showed bivalents in diakinesis, in the majority desynapsis occurred during diplotene or early diakinesis. In metaphase I, bivalents, univalents, cases of secondary association due to stickiness and cases of fragmentation have been observed.