Cuphea (Lythraceae) is a genus of interest as a possible domestic source of medium-chain fatty acids. The genus is in the preliminary phases of domestication. An unsuccessful attempt was made to produce interspecific hybrids between species in several sections of the genus and with varying chromosome numbers. An analysis was made of the time of day and size bud to collect for cytological study of meiotic phases. Chromosome numbers were reported for C. ignea and C. pinetorum. Arm-pairing data were collected for 4 species and one interspecific hybrid. Metaphase I bivalent size was measured for 4 species. A genetic study was done in C. procumbens. Hypotheses regarding the inheritance of flower color, viscid plant hairs, seed coat spots, seed coat hairs and seed dormancy are proposed. A PEG osmoticum pre-germination treatment was found ineffective in breaking dormancy.

Graduation date: 1992

Graduation date: 2004

Graduation date: 1997