Abstract
The effects that variation in preferential pairing can have in causing deviations from tetrasomic ratios in an autotetraploid and from disomic ratios in an allotetraploid were considered. Preferential pairing was defined for a relevant locus (or loci) as being homogenic (BB and bb) or heterogenic (Bb). Expected genetic ratios were presented as a guide for precise tests of varying degrees of homogenic and heterogenic pai ring.