A new species of Polystichum (Pteridophyta: Dryopteridaceae) from South Africa

A new Polystichum (Pteridophyta: Dryopteridaceae) species, P. incongruum J.P.Roux sp. nov. from the Western and Eastern Cape Provinces from Soudi Africa is described. This variable species is related to P. pungens (Kaulf.) C.Presl but differs from it in pinnule morphology, the frequent occurrence of glandular cells along the sporangium stalk, the (more rare) occurrence of clavate unicellular glands along the indusium margin and a chromosome number of 2 n = 164.     

Genome analysis of Elytrigia pycnantha and Thinopyrum junceiforme and of their putative natural hybrid using the GISH technique.

Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), using genomic DNA probes from Thinopyrum elongatum (Host) D.R. Dewey (E genome, 2n = 14), Th. bessarabicum (Savul. & Rayss) A. Love (J genome, 2n = 14), Pseudoroegneria stipifolia (Czern. ex Nevski) Love (S genome, 2n = 14), and Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertner (P genome, 2n = 14), was used to characterize the genome constitution of the polyploid species Elytrigia pycnantha (2n = 6x = 42) and Thinopyrum junceiforme (2n = 4x = 28) and of one hybrid population (2n = 5x = 35). GISH results indicated that E. pycnantha contains S, E, and P genomes; the first of these was closely related to the S genome of Ps. stipifolia, the second was closely related to to the E genome of Th. elongatum, and the third was specifically related to A. cristatum. The E and P genomes included 2 and 10 chromosomes, respectively, with S genome DNA sequences in the centromeric region. GISH analysis of Th. junceiforme showed the presence of two sets of the E genome, except for fewer than 10 chromosomes for which the telomeric regions were not identified. Based on these results, the genome formula SSPsPsEsEs is proposed for E. pycnantha and that of EEEE is proposed for Th. junceiforme. The genomic constitution of the pentaploid hybrid comprised one S genome (seven chromosomes), one P genome (seven chromosomes), and three E genomes (21 chromosomes). The E and P genomes both included mosaic chromosomes (chromosomes 1 and 5, respectively) with the centromere region closely related to S-genome DNA. On the basis of these data, the genome formula SPSESEE is suggested for this hybrid and it is also suggested that the two species E. pycnantha and Th. junceiforme are the parents of the pentaploid hybrid.     

Intergeneric crosses of Psathyrostachys huashanica with Elymus spp. and cytogenetic studies of the hybrids with E. tsukushiensis (Poaceae, Triticeae)

Intergeneric crosses have been made between Psathyrostachys huashanica (2x= 14, NN) and three Elymus species, namely, E. pendulinus (2n = 4x = 28, SSYY), E. ciliaris (2n = 4x = 28, SSYY), and E. tsukushiensis (2n = 6x = 42, SSHHYY). Three accessions of E. tsukushiensis from different localities crossed with P. huashanica produced adult hybrid plants. Although completely sterile, the hybrid plants developed rather vigorously, and were morphologically intermediate between the two parents. Chromosome configuration of 24.62I + 1.51II + 0.03III per cell characterized meioses of the hybrids, but there existed slight variations among different combinations. These results indicate that there is little or no chromosome homoeology between "N" genome of P. huashanica and "S", "H" or "Y" genomes of E. tsukushiensis.     

木兰科3个杂交组合及其亲本的核型研究

研究了木兰科（Magaoliaceae）3个杂交组合的亲本和杂交后代的核型。结果表明,云南含笑（Michelia yunnanensis）、灰岩含笑（Michelia calcicola）及其杂交组合A的核型分别为2n=2x=38=36m＋2sm、2n=2x=38=34m＋4sm和2n=2x=38=26m＋12sm;紫花含笑（Michelia crassipes）及其与云南含笑杂交组合C的核型分别为2n=2x=38=32m＋6sm和2n=2x=38=24m＋12sm＋2st;山玉兰（Mognolia delavayi）、广玉兰（Mognolia grondiflora）及其杂交组合U的核型分别为2n=2x=38=28m＋10sm、2n=6x=114=88m＋lOsm＋16st和2n=4x=76=57m＋15sm＋4st。杂交组合的核型与理论核型存在明显的差异,可能是在杂交组合的形成过程中,来自亲本的染色体发生了结构变异。     

Cytological studies on diploid and polyploid taxa of the genus Pennisetum Rich

The cytology of thirteen taxa and two hybrids in the genus Pennisetum indicated the distribution of the taxa among the four basic chromosome numbers 5, 7, 8 and 9. The diploid nature of P. ramosum and P. typhoides and the genomic allotetraploid status of P. purpureum was further confirmed. P. massaicum (2n=32), P. orientale (2n=36) and P. subangustum (2n=36) suggested probable autotetraploid nature and the three hexaploids (2n=54) investigated (P. polystachyon, P. longistylis and P. squamulatum) revealed allohexaploid constitution. The natural triploid, P. ruppellii (2n=27) and pentaploid P. villosum (2n=45) were found to be apomicts and they were allotriploid and allopentaploid respectively. The tetraploid-hexaploid complex of P. pedicellatum showed them to be cytotypes only. The cytogenetical behaviour of the hybrid, P. typhoides x P. purpureum with 2n=21 and the trispecies hybrid (P. typhoides x P. purpureum) x P. squamulatum with 2n=48 brought out the homology within the genomes of x=7 and x=9 and also between the genomes with x=7 and x=9. The significance of the inter- and intragenomic chromosome pairing had been brought out from the interspecific hybrids and the natural allotriploid and allopentaploid species having one genome in the haploid condition.The morphological sections of this genus did not correspond with the cytological groups. A high degree of evolutionary specialization was evident in species of the section Gymnothrix. A complete series of polyploids and high degree of heterogeneity from the morphological point of view was brought out in species with x=9.     

Interspecific Hybridization of Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. Br. with Wild Relatives

To widen the germplasm base for the introgression of economically important traits such as resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses from related species, crosses of cultivated pearl millet were made with pollen from four related species differing in the basic chromosome number (x=5,7,8 and 9). Embryo rescue technique was used to obtain viable progeny. Pollinations of pearl millet with Pennisetum ramosum (2n=2x=10) did not give any viable progeny. Pearl millet interspecific hybrids with P. schwelnfurthii (2n-2x-14), P. mezianum (2n=4x-32) and P. orientale (2n=2x=18) were obtained. The hybrid between P. glaucum and P. mezianum (2n=23) is the first successful report. Interspecific hybrid plants resembled their corresponding pollen parents. Southern blots of Psfl digested DNAs from interspecific hybrids and the parental species were hybridized to a full length rDNA to further confirm their hybridity. This further revealed differential amplification of two rDNA repeats among the F₁ hybrids from the same cross (P. glaucum X P. orientale).     

Cytogenetics of Elymus magellanicus and its intra- and inter-generic hybrids with Pseudoroegneria spicata, Hordeum violaceum, E. trachycaulus, E. lanceolatus, and E. glaucus (Poaceae: Triticeae).

This paper describes the cytogenetics of the South American grass Elymus magellanicus (2n = 4x = 28) and its inter- and intra-generic hybrids with North American Pseudoroegneria spicata (2n = 2x = 14; SS), Iranian Hordeum violaceum (2n = 2x = 14; HH), and North American E. trachycaulus (2n = 4x = 28; SSHH), E. lanceolatus (2n = 4x = 28; SSHH), and E. glaucus (2n = 4x = 28; SSHH). Chromosome pairing in the F1 hybrid of E. magellanicus x P. spicata (2n = 3x = 21) averaged 4.09 bivalents per cell. Bivalent frequencies in the E. magellanicus x H. violaceum (2n = 3x = 21) averaged 4.86 bivalents per cell. Bivalent formation (frequencies) in hybrids between North and South American tetraploids averaged 11.42 in E. magellanicus x E. trachycaulus, 13.02 in E. magellanicus x E. lanceolatus, and 10.91 in E. magellanicus x E. glaucus. Meiotic data demonstrated that E. magellanicus is an allotetraploid having the same basic genomes (SSHH) as North American E. trachycaulus, E. lanceolatus, and E. glaucus.     

Genetic relationships between diploid and allotetraploid cherry species (Prunus avium, Prunus x gondouinii and Prunus cerasus)

Prunus avium L. (diploid, AA, 2n=2x=16), Prunus cerasus L. (allotetraploid, AAFF, 2n=4x=32) species, and their hybrid Prunus x gondouinii Rehd., constitute the most widely cultivated cherry tree species. P. cerasus is supposed to be an hybrid species produced by the union of unreduced P. avium gametes and normal P. fruticosa gametes. A continuum of morphological traits between these three species makes their assignation difficult. The aim of this paper is to study the genetic relationships between tetraploid and diploid cherry species. In all, 114 genotypes belonging to these species were analyzed using 75 AFLP markers. The coordinates of these genotypes on the first axis of a correspondence analysis allowed us to clearly distinguish each species, to identify misclassifications and to assign unknown genotypes to one species. We showed that there are specific alleles in P. cerasus, which are not present in the A genome of P. avium and which probably come from the F genome of P. cerasus. The frequencies of each marker in the A and the F genomes were estimated in order to identify A and F specific markers. We discuss the utility of these specific markers for finding the origin of the A and F genomes in the allopolyploid species.     

The use of Endosperm Balance Number and 2n gametes to transfer exotic germplasm in potato

Summary A triploid hybrid (2n=3x=36) between a colchicine-induced 4x(2EBN) Solanum brevidens (a non-tuber-bearing species) and 2x(2EBN) S. chacoense (a tuber-bearing species) was used as a vehicle for germplasm transfer to S. tuberosum Group Tuberosum. The use of 2n gametes from the triploid allowed the unique opportunity for transferring exotic germplasm from Series Etuberosa to Gp. Tuberosum material. The triploid hybrid used had a pollen stainability of less than 0.1%. Observations of microsporogenesis revealed that metaphase I pairing configurations were primarily 12 bivalents and 12 univalents with occasional trivalents. Anaphase I separations were irregular, often with lagging univalents. Meiotic observations and pollen morphology suggest that the stainable pollen produced by the hybrid was 2n=3x=36. A single pentaploid hybrid (2n=5x=60) was produced by the fertilization of a rare 2n egg from the triploid with a normal male gamete from the clone Wis AG 231 (2n=4x=48). Limited crosses to other 1, 2 and 4EBN species and cultivars were unsuccessful. The pentaploid hybrid had a more regular meiosis than the triploid and dramatically improved pollen stainability (37% stainable pollen). Stylar blocks prevented estimates of male fertility in crosses. Female fertility in 47 crosses with nine cultivars averaged 19 seeds per fruit. Although S. brevidens is non-tuber-bearing, and the triploid produced only stolons, the pentaploid hybrid tuberized well under field conditions, despite being very late. Results suggest that the tuberization response is a dosage and/or threshold effect. This approach to the incorporation of 1EBN germplasm indicates the utility of the EBN concept coupled with 2n gametes. Further, it demonstrates a means for the introgression of 1EBN species genes into Gp. Tuberosum material.     

Cytogenetic studies in Cyclamen persicum, C. graecum (Primulaceae) and their hybrids

Haploids, diploids and tetraploids of Cyclamen persicum (2n=x=24, 2x=48 and 4x=96), C. graecum (2n=84) and their interspecific hybrids (2n=45, 3x=66, 4x=90) were analyzed cytologically. The mean chromosome association per PMC at diakinesis or at metaphase I in meiosis was 23.29–23.39 I + 0.31–0.36 II in C. persicum (x), 0.17–0.23 I + 23.88–23.92 II in C. persicum (2x), 0.52–1.18 I + 46.39–46.78 II + 0.03–0.09 III + 0.41–0.48IV in C. persicum (4x) and 0.40–0.46I + 41.34–41.63 II + 0.02 III + 0.07–0.21IV in C. graecum. The mean chromosome association per PMC at diakinesis or at metaphase I was 0.47–0.62 I + 44.69–44.76 II in the hybrid (2n=90) of C. persicum (4x) × C. graecum, 38.48–42.50 I + 1.27–3.26 II in microspore-derived plants (2n=45) from the hybrid (2n=90) by anther culture and 26.22–26.67 I + 19.67–19.89 II in the hybrid (2n=66) of C. persicum (2x) × C. graecum. The results indicate that C. graecum is an autotetraploid, the hybrid (2n=4x=90) is an amphidiploid, the microspore-derived plant (2n=45) is a polyhaploid and the hybrid (2n=3x=66) is a sesquidiploid. Based on studies of meiosis, the ploidy levels and the origin of C. graecum and C. persicum are discussed in comparison with several species in the genus Cyclamen.     

Origin of Hawaiian Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae) in the context of a world phylogeny

A genus-wide molecular phylogeny for Polystichum and allied genera (Dryopteridaceae) was reconstructed to address the biogeographic origin and evolution of the three Hawaiian Polystichum species, all endemic there. The analysis was based on the cpDNA sequences rbcL and the trnL-F spacer from a taxonomically and geographically diverse sample. Parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of the combined data support a monophyletic Polystichum and corroborate recent hypotheses as to membership and sequence of origin of the major groups within the genus. The Hawaiian Polystichum species are polyphyletic; two separate lineages appear to have arrived independently from the Old World. The provenance of the diploid Polystichum hillebrandii is continental eastern Asia, while the source of the polyploid lineage comprising tetraploid P. haleakalense and octoploid P. bonseyi is likely continental Asia. From our results, the origin of the Hawaiian species of Polystichum, like many Hawaiian fern genera with several species, is the result of multiple migrations to the islands, rather than single migrations yielding nearly all the local diversity as in the angiosperms. This emerging pattern provides a modern test of the premise that propagule vagility has a central role in determining pattern of evolution.     

Production,morphology, and cytogenetics of Triticum aestivum (L.) Thell × Elymus scabrus (R. Br.) Love intergeneric hybrids obtained by in ovulo embryo culture

Summary Intergeneric hybrids were produced between common wheat, Triticum aestivum (2n=6x=42, AABBDD), and an apomictic Triticeae species, Elymus scabrus (syn. Agropyron scabrum) (2n=6x=42, HHSSSS), the first successful report of this cross. Nine tiny, underdeveloped, and structureless embryos were obtained in vitro only by in ovulo embryo culture at 4 days after pollination, which gave rise to five mature hybrid plants. All the hybrid plants were vigorous and possessed a phenotype intermediate to the two parents. There were 2n=6x=42 (ABDHSS) somatic chromosomes in the hybrids. There was little or no homology between the parental genomes, as shown by an overall meiotic chromosome association of 32.83 I + 4.08 rod II + 0.21 ring II + 0.18 III + 0.02 IV. The hybrids were completely sterile and so far backcrosses to wheat parent have not been successful. Alternate approaches to induce gene transfer(s) from E. scabrus to wheat are being attempted.Agriculture Canada Contribution No. 398.     

Elymus与普通小麦属间杂种的细胞遗传学研究

本研究以Elymus pendulinus(Nevski)Tzvelev(2n=4x=28,SSYY)、E.shandongenisis B.Salomon(2n=4x=28,SSYY)与普通小麦(Triticum aestivum L.:2n=6x=42,AABBDD)进行了属间远缘杂交。通过对杂种胚的离体培养,两个组合均产生了杂种F_1植株。杂种F_1为多年生,植株生长旺盛;形态上介于亲本种之间而兼具双亲的某些特征;穗状花序发育正常,但均完全不育。两个组合的根尖和花粉母细胞染色体数目为2n-5x=35。通过对杂种减数分裂染色体配对行为的分析,发现其MI染色体的配对水平很低,二价体均为棒状,每细胞的平均染色体交叉数在0.25-0.31之间。这表明E.pendulinus t E.shandongensis 所含的SY染色体组与普通小麦的ABD染色体之间的同源程度很低。由于在E.shandongeasis 及其它具有SY染色体组的Elymus 单倍体中,SY染色体组之间的部份同源染色体配对数均明显高于该杂种中的配对数,这表明存在于普通小麦中的ph基因及其它具类似作用的基因系统能抑制SY染色体组之间的部份同源染色体配对。     

唇形科独一味属和五种糙苏属植物的核形态研究

首次报道了唇形科Lamiaceae独一味属Lamiophlomis和五种糙苏属Phlomis植物的染色体数目和核型。它们的间期核均属球状前染色体型,有丝分裂前期染色体均为中间型。中期染色体核型公式如下:独一味L.rotata,2n=2x=22=18m 4sm;糙苏P.umbrosa,2n=2x=22=22m;裂萼糙苏P.ruptilis,2n=2x=22=22m;假秦艽P.betonicoides,2n=2x=22=22m;黑花糙苏P.melanantha,2n=2x=22=22m(2sat);糙毛糙苏P.strigosa,2n=6x=66=60m 6sm;染色体基数均为x=11。这表明独一味与糙苏属的糙苏组sect.Phlomoides植物具有相同的染色体基数,反映出两者较为密切的系统演化关系,推断独一味很可能是糙苏属的一个种。     

2n+n Hybridization of Apomictic Paspalum dilatatum with Diploid Paspalum Species

Common dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum) is an apomictic pentaploid (2n=5x=50) of hybrid origin with irregular meiosis and with the genome formula IIJJX. The I and J genomes are homologous to those of diploid P. intermedium and P. jurgensii, respectively, but the source of the X genome is unknown. Members of the X genome may have genes of special biological significance, including those controlling apomixis. Common dallisgrass was crossed with several diploid Paspalum species in an attempt to identify the source of the X genome. Since common dallisgrass is apomictic, all hybrids produced will be formed by fertilization of an unreduced egg (2n+n). Any hybrid showing 30 chromosome bivalents at meiosis would indicate that the male diploid parent has a chromosome set that is homologous to the X genome of dallisgrass. Over 36,000 spikelets of dallisgrass were emasculated and dusted with pollen of 15 different diploid species (diploid species bearing I or J genomes were excluded). Only five (P. chaseanum, P. equitans, P. fasciculatum, P. notatum, and P. simplex) produced 2n+n hybrids with P. dilatatum. Meiotic chromosome behavior was similar in all hexaploid hybrids showing ca. 20 bivalents and 20 univalents. Results indicated a very low rate of 2n+n hybridization; none of the five diploid species possessed the X genome. Because several diploid species failed to hybridize with 5x dallisgrass, other methods should be attempted. Molecular markers specific for the X genome may help solve the question.     

猕猴桃种间杂种三倍体形态学和减数分裂观察

本文报道中华猕猴桃(2n=116)×毛花猕猴桃(2n=58)F₁代形态学和减数分裂观察结果。F₁代植株部分性状同父本(如花色)或母本(如雄蕊数),部分性状居双亲变异范围之间,综合形态特征大致为双亲的中间型。根尖细胞染色体数为87。花粉母细胞减数分裂中期Ⅰ染色体构型为29Ⅱ+29Ⅰ,应为异源三倍体。雌雄株均高度不育。     

普通小麦×根茎冰草×黑麦三属杂种自交可育性的细胞学机理

普通小麦（ＴｒｉｔｉｃｕｍａｅｔｉｖｕｍＬ．,２ｎ＝６ｘ＝４２;ＡＡＢＢＤＤ）和根茎冰草（ＡｇｒｏｐｙｒｏｎｍｉｃｈｎｏｉＲｅｓｈｅｖ．,２ｎ＝４ｘ＝２８;ＰＰＰＰ）间的Ｆ１杂种（２ｎ＝５ｘ＝３５：ＡＢＤＰＰ）与两个黑麦（ＳｅｃａｌｅｃｅｒｅａｌｅＬ．,２ｎ＝２ｘ＝１４;ＲＲ）品种杂交,产生了自交可育的三属杂种。经细胞学研究表明,这种自交可育性是由于在某些细胞中通过两种方式发生了第一次减数分裂的失败,即单价染色体在赤道板发生分裂和单价染色体在一极的聚集,从而异致了有功能的雌、雄配子的形成。有功能配子的形成受染色体配对频率、基因型和环境状况的影响。冰草属的Ｐ染色体组存在染色体分离的控制基因,从而引起含有冰草属的杂种能够形成有功能的配子且自交可育。     

Variability of the 5S and 45S rDNA sites in Passiflora L. species with distinct base chromosome numbers

Cytologically, the species of Passiflora with known chromosome number can be divided into four groups: (1) 2n = 12, 24, 36; (2) 2n = 24; (3) 2n = 18, 72; and (4) 2n = 20. The base chromosome number proposed for the genus is x = 6, with x = 9, x = 10 and x = 12 being considered secondary base numbers. In the present study, variability of 5S and 45S rDNA sites was investigated in 20 species of these four groups to check the reliability of this hypothesis. In the group with x = 6, five diploid species (2n = 12) exhibit two 5S rDNA sites and two (P. capsularis, P. morifolia and P. rubra) or four (P. misera 2x and P. tricuspis) 45S rDNA sites. The hexaploid cytotype of P. misera had 12 45S rDNA sites and six 5S rDNA. A tetraploid species, P. suberosa, had ten 45S rDNA sites and four 5S rDNA sites, both in the same chromosomes as the 45S rDNA sites. In the group with x = 9, P. actinia, P. amethystina, P. edmundoi, P. elegans, P. galbana, P. glandulosa and P. mucronata displayed six 45S rDNA sites, whereas P. alata, P. cincinnata, P. edulis f. flavicarpa, P. edulis var. roxo and P. laurifolia had four sites. In this group, all species were diploid (2n = 18) and had only two 5S rDNA sites. Passiflora foetida, the only species with 2n = 20, had six 45S rDNA sites and four 5S rDNA sites. The species with x = 12 (2n = 24), P. haematostigma and P. pentagona, showed four 45S rDNA sites and two 5S rDNA. In general, the number and location of 5S and 45S rDNA sites were consistent with the hypothesis of x = 6 as the probable ancestral genome for the genus, while the groups of species with x = 9, x = 10 and x = 12 were considered to be of tetraploid origin with descending dysploidy and gene silencing of some redundant gene sites, mainly those of 5S rDNA.     

Evaluation of BC2 progenies derived from 3x-2x and 3x-4x crosses of Lilium hybrids: a GISH analysis

An allotriploid (ALA, 2n=3 x=36) BC(1) plant was obtained by backcrossing a diploid F(1) interspecific hybrid (LA, 2n=2 x=24), derived from a Lilium longiflorum (L genome) and an Asiatic hybrid (A genome), to the latter parent. This allotriploid was backcrossed to a diploid Asiatic hybrid (2n=2 x=24) and to an allotetraploid (LLAA, 2n=4 x=48) LA hybrid. A total of 25 plants of these crosses were examined for ploidy level, and 12 individuals were analyzed for their genome constitution through genomic in situ hybridization (GISH). In most cases the progenies from the triploid-diploid (3 x-2 x) crosses consisted of aneuploids. Further more, there was evidence for the formation of near-haploid (x=12+2) to triploid (3 x=36) gametes in the allotriploid BC(1) plant. The progenies of triploid-tetraploid (3 x-4 x) cross also consisted of mostly aneuploids but in this case the triploid female parent had contributed predominantly near-triploid (2n) gametes for the origin of BC(2) progenies. The different ploidy levels observed between 3 x-2 x and 3 x-4 x crosses are possibly caused by preferential fertilization or survival resulting in a different ratio of chromosome numbers between the embryo and endosperm. Though Lilium has a tetrasporic, eight-nucleate type of embryo sac formation (Fritillaria type), the observed difference between the progeny types in 3 x-2 x and 3 x-4 x crosses is comparable to that of observed in monosporic eight nucleate types (Polygonum type) that predominate in most genera of Angiosperms. An important feature of the genome constitution of the progenies was that the homoeologous recombinant chromosomes were transmitted intact from BC(1) to BC(2) progenies in variable numbers. In addition, there was evidence for the occurrence of new homoeologous recombinations in the triploid BC(1). Of the two euploid BC(2) plants one had originated through the parthenogenetic development of a 2n egg and the other had originated through indeterminate meiotic restitution (IMR).     

Pennisetum squamulatum: is the predominant cytotype hexaploid or octaploid?

Apomixis is a mode of asexual reproduction where maternal clones are produced through seeds. Consequently, genetic segregation is prevented in hybrid progenies. Pennisetum squamulatum has been used to transfer apomixis into the related sexual species Pennisetum glaucum by the introgression of an apospory-specific genomic region (ASGR)-carrier chromosome. Crosses between P. glaucum and P. squamulatum or Pennisetum purpureum have been relatively easy to make even though P. squamulatum has been reported to have a different basic chromosome number than the other 2 species (9 vs. 7) and to be hexaploid (2n = 6x = 54). Our extensive examination of one accession had shown a chromosome number of 2n = 56. In order to determine if there was a variation among accessions, we counted the number of chromosomes in 5 accessions of P. squamulatum using centromeric and 18S-5.8S-26S rDNA probes as molecular cytological markers. Our results showed that P. squamulatum is most likely octaploid with a basic chromosome number of 7 (2n = 8x = 56) and may belong to the secondary gene pool of Pennisetum. Moreover, a morphologically similar ASGR-carrier chromosome that confers apomixis was observed in all accessions.