New or rare data on chromosome numbers in several taxa of the genus<Emphasis Type="Italic">Artemisia (Asteraceae)</Emphasis> in Poland

Chromosome counts in 16 populations of fiveArtemisia species from Poland are presented in this paper. Those ofA. annua (2n=18) andA. dracunculus (2n=90) are reported for the first time in Polish populations. The decaploid level (2n=90) is described for the first time in non-cultivated populations ofA. dracunculus, and several cases of aneusomaty (intraindividual aneuploid variations in chromosome number: 2n=87, 88 and 89) have been detected in this species. In addition to the already known diploid number (2n=18), the tetraploid level (2n=36) has been detected inA. absinthium. The same two numbers have been recorded inA. abrotanum, which represents the first tetraploid count in populations of this taxon occurring outside botanical gardens. Finally, the chromosome number ofArtemisia campestris subsp.sericea (tetraploid, 2n=36) is reported for the first time. The relevance of polyploidy for the evolution of the genus and other cytotaxonomic or cytobiogeographical aspects are briefly discussed.     

Karyology and systematics of the genusAmbavia and otherAnnonaceae from Madagascar

New chromosome counts and nuclei structures are reported forAnnonaceae species from Madagascar:Ambavia (2n = 14),Xylopia (2n = 16) andPolyalthia (2n = 18). This first generic count ofAmbavia and its nucleotypic parameters underline its long term isolation from the African continent and it should be regarded as an extremely distinct member of the basic stock of AfricanAnnonaceae. Some karyological similarities are found with the African generaCleistopholis (2n = 14) andUvariopsis (2n = 16) and the AmericanTetrameranthus (2n = 14, 28). The karyology ofXylopia is completely in line with previous results from the Palaeo- and Neotropics.Polyalthia has 2n = 18, and x = 9, probably the only base number within the whole genus. Fluorochrome and Giemsa-C-band patterns are identical with different congeneric species.Dedicated to Prof. DrElisabeth Tschermak-Woess on the occasion of her 70th birthday.     

Karyology of Aconitum subgenus Lycoctonum (Ranunculaceae) from China,with a report of the new base chromosome number x = 6 in the genus Aconitum

In order to gain better knowledge of the number and morphology of chromosomes in Aconitum subgen. Lycoctonum in China, 60 populations belonging to 20 species were cytologically studied. Chromosome numbers of six species (A. apetalum, A. finetianum, A. fletcheranum, A. longecassidatum, A. umbrosum and A. wangyedianense) are here reported for the first time. One species, A. fletcheranum, has 2n = 12, and thus is a diploid based on x = 6, a new base chromosome number for the genus Aconitum. Most of the remaining taxa are diploid (2n = 16) based on x = 8, but five taxa (A. angustius, A. brevicalcaratum var. brevicalcaratum, A. brevicalcaratum var. parviflorum, A.chrysotrichum and A. crassiflorum) are tetraploid with 2n = 32, and one species (A. apetalum) is hexaploid with 2n = 48, the highest ploidy level currently known in the subgenus. Disregarding differences in the presence or absence and number of satellites, the karyotypes of all the 2n = 16 species are quite uniform (2n = 2m + 6sm + 8st), but A. novoluridum, the only species of A. section Alatospermum, has an intrachromosomally less asymmetric karyotype (2n = 2m + 14sm), which lends further support for the primitive condition of its section as inferred from gross‐morphology. Chromosomal variation in the subgenus and the relationships of some of the species are discussed.     

Polyploidy and new chromosome counts in Anaphalis (Asteraceae: Gnaphalieae) from the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau of China

Abstract Anaphalis is one of the largest genera of the Asian Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae) and is most diversified on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. The chromosome numbers and karyomorphology of six species from seven populations were investigated for the first time for this region. Chromosome numbers have been newly documented for four species: Anaphalis deserti (2n = 56 = 24 median [m]+ 24 submedian [sm]+ 8 acrocentric [st]); Anaphalis plicata (2n = 56 = 26m + 30sm); Anaphalis xylorhiza (2n = 28 = 2 median point [M]+ 14m + 12sm); and Anaphalis rhododactyla (2n = 56 = 32m + 24sm). Two further counts are in agreement with the previously reported numbers, that is, Anaphalis royleana (2n = 28 = 4M + 6m + 18sm) and Anaphalis margaritacea (2n = 28 = 12m + 16sm). A new polyploid cytotype (2n = 56 = 26m + 30sm) was found in the Zougong population of A. margaritacea. Polyploidy is for the first time reported for Anaphalis, with four out of seven counts being tetraploid. Our cytological results suggest that polyploids might have played an important role in the evolution of Anaphalis on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau.     

Chromosome studies on mosses from Austria,Czechoslovakia and other parts of Central Europe

Summary Reports are made on chromosomes in forty-six species from sixteen families of mosses. The plants were collected from all Austrian provinces, except the Tyrol and Vorarlberg, from Bohemia, Moravia, Slovakia, Bavaria, and also from Hungary and Italy. In addition to number or numbers of chromosomes reported for each species, observations are made on chromosome morphology, staining characteristics and behavior in meiosis or mitosis. The lowest numbers yet found are reported forDicranum fuscescens, n=8, andTimmia bavarica, n=8+1 m. For the latter species the study was made from mitotic configurations, and offers evidence that m-chromosomes may be normal members of the gametophytic set. These investigations reveal for the first time m-chromosomes inDicranoweisia cirrata, Pottia lanceolata, Timmia bavarica, Orthotrichum pumilum, Homalothecium lutescens, Brachythecium velutinum, Rhyncostegium murale, Rhyncostegiella pumila, andHypnum cupressiforme. Although the generaBartramia andPlagiopus previously have been characterized by different numbers of chromosomes, n=8 and n=7 respectively, plants ofPlagiopus oederi from Carinthia and Moravia were found, however, to have n=8. One species,Isopterygium seligeri, and one variety,Orthotrichum anomalum var.saxatile, have not been studied previously.Grateful acknowledgement is made to (1) the United States National Science Foundation for partial support of this investigation by a grant of research funds (NSF GB 6725) to Duke University, and (2) the Botanisches Institut der Universität Wien for laboratory space, equipment and use of the herbarium and library.     

中国西南地区6种植物的核型研究及其系统学意义

采用植物细胞学研究方法对主要采自中国西南地区横断山的6种植物:扁核木(Prinsepia utilis)、小叶金露梅(Potentilla parvifolia)、峨眉繁缕(Stellaria omeiensis)、金铁锁(Psammosilene tunicoides)、山卷耳(Cerastium pusillum)和独尾草(Eremurus chinensis)进行染色体数目和核型研究。研究表明:(1)6个种的核型公式和不对称性如下:扁核木2n=2x=30=1M+20m+9sm,2A;小叶金露梅2n=2x=28=21m+7sm,2B;峨眉繁缕2n=8x=72=1M+71m,1B;金铁锁在同居群下有倍性变化,2n=2x=14=14m,1A和2n=4x=28=28m,1A;山卷耳2n=2x=24=24m(2sat),1A;独尾草2n=2x=14=2m+2sm+8st+2t,4B。(2)讨论了染色体资料在这些物种分类和系统上的意义,支持扁核木为李亚科下的扁核木属;位于委陵菜属木本系的小叶金露梅主要以二倍体和四倍体为主,而草本系的委陵菜属植物多为多倍体。(3)该研究首次报道峨眉繁缕为八倍体,是繁缕属发现的最高倍性的物种;对比金铁锁属与蝇子草属的染色体研究发现,金铁锁属可能是由它们的共同祖先通过非整倍化产生;该研究首次发现山卷耳存在染色体数目2n=24的情况,且有1对随体;独尾草的研究进一步证明该物种可能为二型核。     

OBSERVATIONS ON NITELLA ACUMINATA FROM SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES AND NORTHERN MEXICO1

Morphological and cytological analyses of several specimens of the genus Nitella suggest that species described as N. stellaris, N. lindheimeri, N. gollmeriana, and N. mexicana and some forms reported as N. acuminata var. subglomerata represent a single taxon in the N. acuminata species group. Cytological examination revealed a chromosome number of n = 9 in the specimens from the study area but N. acuminata is known to display n = 18 chromosomes in other regions of North America and on oilier continents. Hypotheses regarding the origin and significance of this polyploidy are discussed. The habitats supporting N. acuminata (n = 9) in the study area show some features which are in contrast to those of habitats supporting the species (n = 18) in other areas of North America.     

Giemsa C-banded karyotypes of some diploidArtemisia species

Detailed C-banded karyotypes of eight diploidArtemisia species from three different sections are reported together with preliminary observations on three additional related diploid species. In the majority, the overall amount of banding is relatively low. Bands are mostly confined to distal chromosome regions; intercalary banding is virtually absent and centromeric heterochromatin is also scarce. With the exception ofA. judaica there is in general great uniformity in karyotype structure but considerable interspecific variation in total karyotype length (and hence DNA content) ranging from 44 µm inA. capillaris (2n = 18) to 99 µm inA. atrata (2n = 18).A. judaica (2n = 16; total karyotype length 97 µm) was distinguished by its karyomorphology, with one large non-banded metacentric chromosome pair and 7 pairs of smaller terminally banded meta- or submetacentric chromosomes.     

Chromosomal features and evolution of Bromeliaceae

New cytological information and chromosome counts are presented for 19 taxa of 15 genera of the Bromeliaceae, among them, data for 15 taxa and five genera are reported for the first time. The basic number x = 25 is confirmed and polyploidy seems to be the main evolutionary mechanism in Bromeliaceae. Most of the analyzed species presented 2n = 50. Polyploids have been detected in Deinacanthon urbanianum with 2n = ca.160 and Bromelia laciniosa with 2n = ca.150. In Deuterocohnia lorentziana we observed individuals with two different ploidy levels (2n = 50 and 2n = 100) growing together in the same pot. Ayensua uaipanensis showed the uncommon number 2n = 46. After triple staining with CMA₃/Actinomycin/DAPI one or two CMA⁺/DAPI⁻ bands could be observed in the studied species (Aechmea bromeliifolia, Greigia sphacelata and Ochagavia litoralis). The role of these features in the evolution of the family is discussed, revealing new aspects of the evolution of the Bromeliaceae.     

Karyotaxonomical analysis in the genusAngelica (Umbelliferae)

Morphometric karyotype characters were studied in 25Angelica spp. (Umbelliferae, Apioideae) and in one species of the related genusTommasinia. For three species the chromosome numbers are new. In our study the majority of the species investigated are diploids with 2n = 22, some are tetraploids with 2n = 44 (for these tetraploids also diploid cytotypes are reported in the literature). Among the diploid species,A. miqueliana has a distinct karyotype consisting of submetacentric and acrocentric chromosomes only, the remaining diploids with 2n = 22 as well as tetraploids with 2n = 44 have rather symmetrical karyotypes, consisting of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. The very different chromosome number 2n = 28 has been found inA. gmelinii. Its karyotype includes two distinct groups of chromosomes: 8 pairs of rather large metacentrics and submetacentrics and 6 pairs of very short and asymmetrical chromosomes. Chromosome numbers and structures appear to be useful in the taxonomy of some intrageneric taxa inAngelica.     

Chromosomal evolution ofGentiana andJaeschkea (Gentianaceae), with further documentation of chromosome data for 35 species from western China

Chromosome numbers were recorded for 63 populations of 34 species belonging to the genusGentiana from the high altitude regions of western China. Counts for 22 species were reported for the first time and new numbers were found forG. heleonastes (2n = 36),G. prattii (2n = 20) andG. pseudoaquatica (2n = 40). Incorporating previous data, a complete series of gametic chromosome numbers from n = 6 to 24 and 26 was established for the genus, suggesting rapid karyotypic evolution by a combination of dysploidy and polyploidy. The cytotype 2n = 20 is proposed as the ancestral type in sect.Chondrophyllae s. l. The chromosome number 2n = 16 was found forJaeschkea microsperma for the first time which, with previous reports of 2n = 18, 20 and 22, indicates thatJaeschkea is a typically dysploid genus.     

Karyotypes of Malayan rats (Rodentia-Muridae,genus Rattus Fischer)

The karyotypes of 18 species of Malayan rats, genus Rattus Fischer, are reported. Present studies reveal that the karyotype of rats is not species-specific. The variability in diploid number (2n) within the genus Rattus is reaffirmed. A range of 36 to 52 is reported, with 2n=42 having the highest frequency. The affinity of Malayan rats is discussed on the basis of chromosomal evidence.     

NEW BASIC CHROMOSOME NUMBERS FOR GENERA OF NEOTROPICAL FERNS

Chromosome numbers for eight genera of Costa Rican ferns are reported here for the first time. These are: Neurocallis, n = 58; Marginariopsis, n = 35; Dicranoglossum, n = 36; Glyphotaenium, n = 37; Cochlidium, n = 33; Ormoloma, n = 42; Peltapteris, n = 40; and Loxsomopsis, n = 46. Chromosome observations involving several other genera are included: Solanopteris, n = 37; Xiphopteris, n = 32; Hemidictyum, n = 31: Pleuroderris, 2n = 80; Dictyoxiphium, 2n = 80; and Polystichum, n = 41. These numbers are compared to those of genera of presumed taxonomic affinity.     

广西爬树蕨属两种植物的细胞分类学研究

首次报道了中国广西产两种爬树蕨属植物的染色体数目及繁殖方式。爬树蕨和桂南爬树蕨的染色体数目都是n=40,2n=80(2x); 每个孢子囊的孢子数为64,是有性生殖二倍体。结合已有资料对爬树蕨属中的系统位置进行了讨论。     

Chromosome numbers of European blackberries (Rubus subg.Rubus,Rosaceae)

Chromosome numbers are presented for 32 collections of 29 European blackberry species (Rubus subg.Rubus) from Germany. One species is triploid (2n = 21), 27 species are tetraploid, (2n = 28), and one species is pentaploid (2n = 35). Chromosome numbers are reported for the first time ofR. adspersus, R. amisiensis, R. calvus, R. conothyrsoides, R. contractipes, R. demissus, R. elegantispinosus, R. ferocior, R. foliosus, R. hypomalacus, R. leucandrus, R. nemorosus, R. platyacanthus, R. praecox, R. rhombifolius, andR. rhytidophyllus. Chromosome numbers forR. dasyphyllus, R. gelertii, R. glandithyrsos, R. lamprocaulos, R. lindebergii, R. macrophyllus, R. montanus, R. muenteri, R. pedemontanus, R. polyanthemus, R. senticosus, R. silvaticus, andR. vigorosus are confirmed.     

Interspecific hybrids of Antheraea roylei and A. pernyi — a cytogenetic reassessment

Summary A rare case of interspecific hybridization between the Indian oak feeding silkworm Antheraea roylei (n=31) and Chinese oak feeding silkworm A. pernyi (n=49) yielding fertile and vigorous offspring is reported. The F₁ and the backcross (A. roylei X A. pernyi X A. pernyi male individuals of the above cross and the F₂₃ and F₃₂ male offspring derived from an earlier cross between another race of A. roylei (n=30) and A. pernyi (n=49) were cytogenetically analysed in order to study their chromosome dynamics. The F₁ hybrids showed 18 trivalents and 13 bivalents in the first meiotic prophase and metaphase. The backcross individuals possessed either 9 trivalents and 31 bivalents or 49 bivalents, in Metaphase I cells. The F₂₃ and F₃₂ individuals were karyotypically alike and exhibited 49 bivalents. The following conclusions were drawn from the above observations: (a) in spite of allopatry and karyotypic divergence in number, a high degree of homology exists between the chromosomal complements of the two species; (b) A. pernyi possibly evolved from A. roylei, during the course of which 18 chromosomes of the latter underwent fission to give rise to the 36 chromosomes of the former. This is demonstrated by trivalent formation and pairing affinities in F₁ hybrids; (c) selection has favoured the elimination of large A. roylei chromosomes which participated in trivalent formation in successive generations of inbred hybrids to establish a stable Karyotype like that of A. pernyi.     

Chromosomal evolution of South American Columbiformes (Aves)

Karyotypes are compared of 14 species of Brazilian Columbiformes (family Columbidae): Claravis pretiosa (2n=74), Columba cayennensis (2n=76), Columba picazuro (2n=76), Columba speciosa (2n=76), Columbina minuta (2n=76), Columbina passerina (2n=76), Columbina picui (2n=76), Columbina talpacoti (2n=76), Geotrygon montana (2n=86), Leptotila rufaxilla (2n=76), Leptotila verreauxi (2n=78), Scardafella squammata (2n=78), Uropelia campestris (2n=68) and Zenaida auriculata (2n=76). The macrochromosomes of each species were analysed by conventional Giemsa staining, cytobiometrically and with G-and C-banding.All species studied are characterized by typical bird karyotypes with a few pairs of macrochromosomes and many microchromosomes.The morphology and relative length of the Z chromosome are nearly the same in all species, but the W chromosome shows variation. The G-band patterns of the first pair in Columbiformes show a large positive band distally in the long arm, common to all species of the order. The constitutive heterochromatin is restricted to the centromeres of the macro- and microchromosomes. The W is the most heterochromatic chromosome in all species studied.Studies of relative lengths, arm ratios and G- and C-banding patterns showed that in Columbiformes pairs 3, 4 and 5 are the most stable. The types of rearrangements distinguishing between species vary among the genera: pericentric inversions in Columba; fusions and translocations in Uropelia; centric fissions in Geotrygon; fusions, translocations, para and pericentric inversions in Columbina, Leptotila, Zenaida and Scardafella.On the basis of the karyological findings the phylogenetic relationships of the Brazilian Columbiformes are discussed.This work was supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnológico (Plano Integrado de Genética-Processo No. 22.1375/77 and 40.0499/80).     

Localization of NORs in karyotypes of four Rana species

NORs were localized by Ag-AS-staining in karyotypes of Rana nigromaculata, R. macrocnemis, R. latastei (2n=26) and R. chensinensis, 2n=24. As in the majority of other Rana species, the NORs are located in the long arms of the 10th (or 11th in R. chensinensis) chromosome pair. The presence of a second secondary constriction in R. latastei, as reported earlier, was not confirmed.     

Chromosome numbers of Western Australian species ofVillarsia (Menyanthaceae)

Chromosome numbers are reported for eight of the nine Western AustralianVillarsia species.Villarsia albiflora, V. calthifolia, V. capitata, V. congestiflora, V. lasiosperma, V. latifolia, andV. violifolia are diploid with n=9. Five populations ofV. parnassiifolia are diploid and three are tetraploid (n=18). The morphological, ecological, and breeding-system diversity of the Western Australian species is largely not associated with the tetraploidy or hexaploidy that characterizes otherVillarsia species in eastern Australia and South Africa. The majority of Western AustralianVillarsia species are restricted to the high rainfall zone of southwestern Western Australia, where favorable climatic and edaphic conditions may have existed since mid-late Tertiary times.     

Cytotaxonomy of Dubyaea glaucescens (Compositae–Cichorieae)

Recent molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate that Dubyaea glaucescens (Compositae–Cichorieae) should be transferred to the genus Faberia as F. glaucescens. Here, we present cytological evidence for this transfer. Dubyaea glaucescens comprises two ploidy levels, 2n = 34 (diploid) and 2n = 51 (triploid), making the basic chromosome number x = 17. The chromosomes vary in length from 5.82 μm to 2.11 μm, and the karyotypes are 2n = 20m + 14sm (3sat) for the diploid cytotype and 2n = 30m + 21sm (3sat) for the triploid cytotype. Karyological characters of D. glaucescens, including chromosome number, size, morphology, and karyotype asymmetry, all agree remarkably with those reported previously in Faberia, but are distinct from those in other species of Dubyaea. The transfer of D. glaucescens to Faberia is thus strongly corroborated.