Karyotype Variation and Evolution of Sect. Thea in Guizhou

Karyotypes of seven species, one variety and 11 forms of Sect. Thea occurring in Guizhou Province, were investigated by the wall degradation hypotonic method. The micrographs of their somatic metaphase are shown in plates 1-2 and the parameters of chromosomes according to Li and Chen (1985) are given in Table 1 and the idiograms in Fig. 1. The karyotype formulae are as follows: Camellia quinquelocularis 22=30=24m+6sm; C. tetracocca 2n=30=22m+8sm; C. taliensis 2n=30=22m+8sm; C. gymnogyna 2n=30=22m +6sm+2st and 2n=30=20m=8sm+2st; C. gymnogynoides 2n=30=22m +6sm+2st and 2n=30=20m+8sm+2st; C. jungkiangensis 2n=30=20m+8sm+2st; C. sinensis 2n =30+20m+8sm+2st, and C. sinensis var. ruoella 2n=30=20m+8sm+2st. All the karyotypes belong to Stebbins “2A”. The following main aspects are discussed. 1. Chromosome numbers: All these species are found to have 2n=30. Based on the previous and present reports, It clearly indicates that evolution of this group has taken place mainly on diploid level, but not on polyploid one. 2. The karyotype variation: Generally, all the karyotypes examined are similar, but according to symmetry of karyotype, they may be grouped into two types. One is characterized by metacentric (m)and submetacentric (sm)chromosomes, involving C. quinquelochlaris, C. tetracocca, C. taliensis, while the other is characterized by a pair of subtelocentric (st) chromosome besides m and sm chromosomes, involving C. gymnogyna, C. gymnogynoides, C. jungkiangensis, C. sinensis and C. sinensis var. ruoella. It is suggested that the mechanism for karyotype variation and speciation in Sect. Thea be pericentric inversion or reciprocal translocation. The first type is more symmetrical than the second one, and is thus relatively primitive. 3. The orginal center of Sect. Thea: Based on the analysis of karyotypes, morphological characters, geographical distribution and biochemical features, the authors consider that the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau including the contiguous area in Yunnan, Guangxi and Guizhou is the original center, from where it radiated, resulting in the present distribution pattern of Sect. Thea.4. Taxonomic treatment of Sect. Thea: The taxonomic treatment of Sect. Thea is complicated and still confused up to now. The number of species is more than 40 according to Zhang’s taxonomic system (1984), but, recently, most of them are reduced by Min (1992). Further work should be based on the concept of morphological discontinuity and in formation from other branches of sciences. Whether two types of karyotype are two biological species remains questionable.     

Feeding range of Sitona regensteinensis Hbst. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a potential agent for biological control of Cytisus scoparius (L.) link (Broom) in New Zealand

The weevil Sitona regensteinensis is being considered for biological control of Cytisus scoparius in New Zealand. Adult feeding tests demonstrated that while foliage of C scoparius was preferred, weevils fed also on Chamaecytisus palmensis and Lupinus arboreus. Tests with the root‐feeding larval stage have yet to be completed.     

Karyological and taxonomic notes on Genista L. (Papilionoideae, Leguminosae) from the Iberian Peninsula

Karyological information about Iberian Genista species is limited because of their wide geographical distribution. It is a major factor in the understanding of a genus whose genetic evolution is mostly related to aneuploidy and euploidy. The chromosome numbers of the following taxa have been counted: G. carpetana subsp. carpetana (n = 20), G. cinerascens (n = 12), G. micrantha (n = 18), G. mugronensis subsp. rigidissima (n = 18), G. ramosissima (2n = 48) and G. tinctoria (n = 24). The previously-assumed uniformity of chromosome number (n = 24) for all the subspecies of G. cinerea is supported here by data from subspp. murcica and speciosa. In G. florida, a new chromosome number, n = 23, has been found for both subspecies (florida and polygaliphylla). A discussion of the discrepancies between these data and previous ones is included. A new level of ploidy has been found in G. tuurnefortii subsp. tournefortii (n = 32). The data stress the necessity of obtaining chromosomal information from a number of plants of a taxon before its characteristic number is clear, and indicate that more chromosomal data will help the understanding of the cytological diversity within taxa in Genista.     

Contributions to the karyological study of the genus Ranunculus L. subgenus Batrachium (DC.) A Gray from the Iberian Peninsula

DIOSDADO. J. C, PASTOR, J. E. & VALDÉS, B. 1993. Contributions to the karyological study of the genus Ranunculus L. subgenus Batrachium (DC.) A. Gray from the Iberian Peninsula. The somatic and gametic chromosome numbers and detailed chromosome morphology are presented for eight taxa of aquatic ranunculi from the Iberian Peninsula. Within the subgenus Batrachium diploid and tetraploid levels have been observed (2 n = 16, 32) the commoner of which is the diploid. From the karyological data relationships have been established between the subgenus Batrachium and subgenus Ranunculus.     

Meiotic configuration and chromosome number in some Iranian species of Ely mus L. and Agropyron Gaertner (Poaceae: Triticeae)

Chromosome numbers and analyses of meiotic metaphase I are reported for the following taxa: Agropyron cristatum subsp. incanum (2 n = 42), A. cristatum subsp. pecttnatum (2 n =28 – 33), Elymus elongatus subsp. ponticus (2 n = 69, 70), E. hispidus var. hispidus (2 n = 41 43), var. podperae (2 n = 42) and var. villosus (2 n = 41, 42), E. libanoticus (2 n = 14), E. pertenuis (2 n = 28, 28+1B), E. repens (2 n = 42), E. transhyrcanus (2 n = 40–42), E. hispidus var. villosus x E. cf. repens (2 n = 42). Chromosome numbers only are reported for the following taxa: E. gentri (2 n = 41, 42), E. nodosus subsp. dorudicus (2 n = 28), and E. elongatiformis (2 n = 56, 57). The haploid genomic constitution SP is reported for Elymus pertenuis. Variable chromosome numbers (2 n = 28–32) were observed in the meiotic metaphase I within single anthers of Agropyron cristatum subsp. pectinatum , and the supernumerary chromosomes in this taxon are assumed to have originated from crosses with hexaploids. Partial elimination of these supernumerary chromosomes probably occurs during archesporial mitotic divisions or at an early stage in the meiotic cycle. A hybrid, morphologically intermediate between E. hispidus and E. repens , was obtained from a seed of E. hispidus collected in the field. The meiotic metaphase I configuration in this E. hispidus hybrid suggests that the pollen parent may itself be a hybrid or hybrid derivative of E. repens x E. hispidus.     

Chromosome numbers of severalLamiaceae from Spain

Chromosome numbers of twenty taxa, almost all of them Iberian endemics, of the generaTeucrium, Sideritis, Thymus andSalvia are reported. New chromosome numbers are given for the following taxa:Teucrium homotrichum (2n=78),T. hifacense (2n=26),T. rivasii (2n=26),T. rivas-martinezii (2n=26),Sideritis edetana (2n=30),S. murgetana subsp.littoralis (2n=28), and the hybridS. xviciosoi (2n=27). The first count on Iberian material forSalvia pratensis (2n=18) is reported. Chromosome numbers have been confirmed for the rest of the taxa studied on material from SE Spain. Karyotype analyses and taxonomic remarks are included.     

New chromosome numbers for plant taxa endemic to the Balearic Islands

Mitotic chromosome numbers are reported from 25 vascular plant taxa, endemic to the Balearic Islands that are poorly known cytogenetically. The chromosome numbers ofAnthyllis vulneraria subsp.balearica (2n=12),Cymbalaria fragilis (2n=56), andPolygonum romanum subsp.balearicum (2n=40) were determined for the first time. A new chromosome number was found in several populations ofAnthyllis hystrix (2n=70) suggesting that this species is decaploid, in contrast to an earlier work reporting a higher ploidy level (2n=12x=84). The new chromosome number 2n=32 was reported inHypericum hircinum subsp.cambessedesii. It is suggested that the previous count (2n=40) could be explained by the presence of anomalous pentaploid cells in some tissues, contrating with the presence of a regular tetraploid complement (2n=32). Cytogenetic observations suggest thatSibthorpia africana has a diploid chromosome complement of 2n=18, with 0–2 accessory chromosomes. Accessory chromosomes are also reported forPhlomis italica, being the first record of B chromosomes in this genus. Chromosomal instability was found inGalium crespianum andG. friedichii species, with three numbers 2n=44, 55 and 66. Two cytotypes differing in ploidy level were documented within single plants. It is suggested that both species share a regular complement of 2n=44 and that the past hybridization events and formation of regenerating roots from the typical rootstock ofG. crespianum andG. friedrichii could be involved in the genesis of chromosome variants through partial endopolyploidy and concomitant somatic segregation.     

Karyological and taxonomic notes on Ophrys (Orchidoideae, Orchidaceae) from the Iberian Peninsula

Karyological information on Iberian Ophrys species is very limited. This paper provides the haploid and diploid chromosome numbers of 11 taxa of sect. Pseudophrys and sect. Ophrys , both of which are well represented in the Iberian Peninsula, and two taxa from Tunisia. The first data on chromosome numbers for O. vasconica (2 n  = 72, 74), O. ficalhoana (2 n  = 36), O. picta (2 n  = 36), O. sphegifera ( n  = 18, 2 n  = 36, 38) and O. passionis (2 n  = 36) are also presented, confirming the stability of the chromosome number in Ophrys . In addition, populations of the group O. omegaifera ( O. dyris and O. vasconica ), together with tetraploidy, pentaploidy and the existence of aneuploid phenomena, are reported for the first time in Iberia. The basic diploid number is always 2 n  = 36. The karyotypes of several species were analysed. Evolutionary trends in Ophrys chromosomes are discussed. Taxonomic and phytogeographical details are provided on several species or groups of species from Iberia.  © 2003 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2003 , 142 , 395−406.     

Diversity of Avenella Drejer (Gramineae) in the Iberian Peninsula inferred from micromorphology, cytogenetic analysis, isozyme assays and in situ hybridization

Micromorphology, cytogenetic analysis, isozyme assays, and in situ hybridization were used in order to analyse the diversity of Avenella in the norm-west Iberian Peninsula. Among the taxa analysed, somatic chromosome numbers 2 n = 4x = 28 and 2 n = 8x = 56 were found. Differences in habit, micromorphology and MDH patterns were also detected. Chromosome C-banding pattern and results obtained from total genomic DNA in situ hybridization indicate that die different taxa analysed are closely related. The systematic position of the different taxa is analysed.     

Karyological studies in IberianSonchus (Asteraceae: Lactuceae): S. oleraceus, S. microcephalus andS. asper and a general discussion

Chromosome numbers and karyotypes ofSonchus oleraceus (n=16, 2n=32),S. asper (n=9, 2n=18 for subsp.asper and subsp.glaucescens, andS. microcephalus (n=15, 2n=30) are studied; for the first time their idiograms are given. Karyotypes mainly comprise small chromosomes with a degree of asymmetry 2B inS. oleraceus andS. microcephalus and 2A or 2A-2B inS. asper. No karyological differences can be pointed out betweenS. asper subspecies. Data presented support the amphiploid character ofS. oleraceus, and the origin ofS. microcephalus through a dysploid process involving the former taxon. In Iberian representatives of the genus, diagrams of karyotype asymmetry indices show a cluster grouping for species, with the detached exceptions ofS. maritimus andS. crassifolius, which spontaneously hybridize in central Spain. A review of available karyological data shows that in the evolution of the genusSonchus s.l. and relatives, the basic chromosome number x=9 has generally been maintained. Dysploidy is restricted to the seriesS. bourgeaui (n=8) —S. tenerrimus (n=7) andS. oleraceus (n=16) —S. microcephalus (n=15), evolutionarily related and included in the present subgenusSonchus. Polyploidy has been detected in a total of nine taxa ofSonchus and in the generaEmbergeria, Kirkianella, andDendroseris, being more common in peripheral regions of the distribution area of the group. Five diversification centers are proposed for the whole group, of which the Western Mediterranean area, including the Iberian Peninsula, is related to diversification of the present subgenusSonchus.     

A Chromosomal Study of Eight Species in Allium Sect. Rhiziridium G. Don in China

The present paper reports the chromosome numbers and karyotypes of eight species of Sect. Rhiziridium in Allium (Liaceae). The materials were all collected from their natural populations in east Inner Mongolia, China. The karyotype analysis is made on the basis of Li et al. (1985).The results are as follows (for chromosomes parameters, voucher specimens and localities, see Table 1 and Plate 1--2 the idiograms of the eight species in Fig. 1): (1) Auium leucocephalum Turcz. The somatic chromosome number and karyotype of this species is 2n=16=12m=2sm+2st (2SAT), in Stebbinsl(1971) kayotype classification, which belongs to 2A (Plate 1: 1; Fig. 1: 1). The range of chromosome relative length varies between 8.90--15.55%. Two small satellites are attached to the short arms of the 8th pair of chromosomes. (2) A. strictum Schrader has 2n (4x) =32=16m+4sm+12st, belonging to 2B (Plate 1: 2 & Fig. 1: 2). Satellites were not observed., and the range of chromosome relative length is between 3. 67-11.00%. (3) A. ramosum L. 2n=16=14m+ 2st (2SAT), belonging to 2A (Plate 1: 3 & Fig. 1: 3), Two small satellies are attached to the short arms of the 8th pair of chromosomes. The range of chromosome relative length is between 9.17-16.39%. The chromosome number and karyotype of this species are in accordancewith those reported by Li et al. (1982) with the material from Jinshan, Beijing. (4) A. bidentatum Fisch. ex Prokh. 2n (4x) =32=24m+4sm+4T, belonging to 2B (Plate 1: 4 & Fig. 1: 4). Satellites were not observed. A small median B-chromosome was found in root-tip cells of the population growing in sandy soil, and it is the first discovery (Plate 2: 9). The species has terminal chromosomes, which are seldom seen in Sect. Rhiziridium. The range of chromosome relative length is between 3.32—9.06%. (5) A. tenuissimu L. 2n=16= 10m+4sm+2st(2SAT), belonging to 2B(Plate 1:5 & Fig. 1:5). Two large satellites are attached to the short arms of the 8th pair of chromosome. The range of chromosome relative length is between 8.27--17.56%. (6)A. anisopodium Ledeb. 2n = 16 = l2m +2sm + 2st (2SAT), belonging to 2A (Plate 2:7 & Fig. 1: 7). Two large satellites are attached to the short arms of the 8th pair of chromosomes. In somatic cells of some plants of this species, a small submedian B-chromosome was found (Plate 2: 10, 11). The range of chromosome relative length is between 8.05-17.08 %. (7) A. anisopodium Ledeb. var. zimmermannianum (Gilg) Wang et Tang 2n (4x)=32=24m+4sm+4st( 4SAT), belonging to 2A (Plate 1: 6 & Fig. 1: 6). Four large satellites are attached to the short arms of the 15 and 16th pairs of chromosomes. The range of chromosome relative length is between 4.45--8.35%. This variety is similar to A. anisopodium Ledeb. in morphological characters, and their karyotype formulas are also very similar. The present authors consider that the variety is an allotetraploid derived from A. anisopodium Ledeb. (8) A. condensatum Turcz. 2n=16=14m+2st (2SAT), belonging to 2B (Plate 2:8 & Fig. 1:8). Two. small satellites are attached to the short arms of the 6th pair of chromosomes. In a few individuals of this species median (M) B-chromosome was discovered, and the number is stable (Plate 2: 12). The range of chromosome relative length is between 7.64--17.07%. In short, the chromosome numbers of the species studied in the present work are found to be 2n=16 or 32, and the karyotypes belong to 2A or 2B, highly symmetrical. The karyotypes of Chinese materials of these species are mostly reported for the first time. Threespecies have B-chromosomes.     

Karyosystematic study of Potentilla L. subgen. Potentilla (Rosaceae) in the Iberian Peninsula

Chromosome numbers in 80 populations belonging to 18 species of Potentilla L. subgen. Potentilla from the Iberian Peninsula and two of P. maura, a North African endemic taxon, have been counted. The basic number of chromosomes is always x = 7 and these chromosomes are small (between 1 and 2 μm). For three species, the number of chromosomes is reported for the first time and, for another six, this number has been established in Iberian representatives. Moreover, new ploidy levels have been obtained for P. hispanica and P. crantzii with regard to their entire distribution area, and in P. cinerea and P. neumanniana for the Iberian Peninsula. Some taxonomic, phylogenetic and phytogeographic comments are made for several species or groups of species from the West Mediterranean region. In 13 species only one ploidy level has been found, but six species have several ploidy levels. Seven ploidy levels occur in the investigated taxa. The frequency of each ploidy level represented within Iberian Potentilla is analysed and the data are compared with those available for taxa from the rest of the distribution area of the genus.     

Karyology of theScorzonera (Compositae) species from the Iberian Peninsula

A karyological study of 15 taxa ofScorzonera L. from the Iberian Peninsula has been made. The chromosome numbers found inS. hispanica var.pinnatifida, S. baetica, S. reverchonii, S. angustifolia, S. laciniata var.calcitrapifolia and var.subulata (2n = 14) are new. Diploid cytotypes with 2n = 14 and 2n = 12 prevail, andS. hispanica var.crispatula is the only taxon which exhibits autopolyploidy (2n = 14, 28). x = 7 is considered to be the base chromosome number within the genus, with x = 6 being derived from it by translocation. This and detailed karyotype analyses allow to group the Iberian Peninsula species ofScorzonera into three groups.     

Karyotypic study of Echinops (Asteraceae) in Fars Province, Iran

A karyotypic study was performed on 19 Echinops species in Fars Province, Iran. The taxa revealed chromosome counts of 2 n = 28, 30, 32 and 34. Somatic chromosome numbers of 18 species are reported for the first time. Using somatic chromosome number as a criterion for section delimitation, the transfer of E. gedrosiacus, E. cyanocephalm and E. sojakii from Sect. Oligolepis to Sect. Ritropsis is suggested. Differences in basic chromosome numbers point towards the possible role played by centric fusion/fission in the karyotypic evolution of the genus. The Karl Pearson coefficient of correlation and principal components analysis indicated the occurrence of structural changes in chromosomes. The species occupied classes 1A, 2A & 2B of Stebbins' karyotype classification, indicating the presence of a primitive symmetrical karyotype in the genus.     

Karyological and taxonomical notes on three species of the genus<Emphasis Type="Italic">Epipactis (Neottioideae,Orchidaceae)</Emphasis> in the central-western Iberian Peninsula

Studies on the karyotypes and chromosome numbers of species ofEpipactis from the central-western Iberian Peninsula show that the species harbour enormous chromosome variability, have very asymmetric karyotypes and possess extraordinary diversity of aneuploidy. This paper provides the first report of a chromosome number forE. fageticola (2n=36, 40 + 0–2 B), as well as the first counts for Portuguese populations ofE. helleborine (2n=18, 32, 38) and first counts for Iberian populations ofE. tremolsii (n=20, 30, 2n=16, 24, 32, 34, 36, 38 + 1B, 40 + 1B, 52, 60). Among populations ofE. tremolsii there is a significant differentiation in ecology and somatic chromosome number, suggesting that there may be two different taxa in the region studied. Chromosomes are large to small, ranging in length from 10.8 μm to 1.8 μm. Karyotype asymmetry is of type 3C inE. fageticola andE. tremolsii and 2C inE. helleborine andE. tremolsii.     

A new species of Cytisus Desf. (Fabaceae) from islands off the west coast of Galicia (north-west Iberian Peninsula)

A new species of the section Spartopsis Dumort. of the genus Cytisus Desf. (Fabaceae) is described. The new species, Cytisus insularis , is restricted to the western islands of Galicia (north-west Iberian Peninsula), where it principally colonizes cliffs. A possible recent hybrid origin for these populations is considered but rejected in view of the results of experimental tests of pollen viability and seed germination. Characters permitting discrimination from the most similar taxa are detailed, and possible relationships with the other species of the section are discussed.     

Geographical Distribution of Diploid and Tetraploid Cytotypes of Thymus sect. Mastichina (Lamiaceae) in the Iberian Peninsula, Genome Size and Evolutionary Implications

The occurrence of diploid and tetraploid cytotypes in Thymus section Mastichina (Lamiaceae) was investigated by chromosome counting and flow cytometric measurements of DNA content. To cover the entire native distribution of the section across the Iberian Peninsula, plant material was sampled from 29 populations, representing all three taxa (Thymus albicans, T. mastichina subsp. mastichina and T. mastichina subsp. donyanae). We provide first estimates of genome size for taxa of this section. Analyses revealed the existence of new cytotypes in T. mastichina subsp. mastichina (2n?=?2x?=?28, 30) and confirmed the existence of previous ones (2n?=?4x?=?56, 58, 60). We also confirmed the presence of exclusively diploid cytotypes (2n?=?2x?=?30) in the southwestern Iberian endemics T. albicans and T. mastichina subsp. donyanae. We conclude that the southwestern Iberian Peninsula acted as a Pleistocene glacial refugium that may have permitted speciation processes within this section. Several hypotheses concerning these processes and the origin and distribution of the studied taxa are discussed.     

Karyological Study on the Endangered Species Camellia azalea (Theaceae)

The chromosome number and karyotype of Camellia azalea were reported here for the first time . The species showed in somatic cells the round prochromosome type of the interphase nuclei and the interstitial type of the prophase chromosomes. It was a diploid , and the karyotype could be formulated as 2n = 2x = 30 = 28m (1SAT ) + 2sm, belonging to Stebbins’1B type. The third, fourth, ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth chromosomes had secondary constriction respectively, and one satellite had been found on the fifteenth chromosome. The cytological results supported the suggestion that C. azalea was primitive species in Sect . Camellia of the genus Camellia. A clue on selecting parents was also proposed due to the chromosome numbers and the position in Sect. Camellia.     

濒危植物杜鹃红山茶的细胞学研究

报道了杜鹃红山茶(Camellia azalea)的细胞学资料。其间期核为球形前染色体型,有丝分裂前期染色体为中间型。核型公式为2n=2x=30=28m(1SAT) 2sm,核型类型属于Stebbins的1B型。第3、4、9、10、11、12条染色体的长臂上具有次缢痕,第15条染色体的短臂上具随体。细胞学证据支持杜鹃红山茶在山茶组中较为原始的推断,并为人工杂交育种时亲本的选择提出了一些建议。     

葱属宽叶组植物细胞分类学研究

百合科Liliaceae葱属Allium的宽叶组Sect．Anguinum包括5种3变种。通过对该组的5种1变 种的23个地方居群的研究,得出以下结果。(1)宽叶组植物的染色体基数为8,核型类型一致,为2A 型,染色体类型以及不对称系数都很相似。核型特征的共性表明该组是一个自然的分类群。(2)虽然 总体上组内的核型表现出较大的相似性,但在种间和种内各居群间也存在一定的差异。主要表现为：有 的种内存在染色体的倍性变化;B染色体的有无以及数目和形态,在种内不同居群间存在变化;随体染 色体上衔接随体的有无,在种间及种内都表现出多态性。(3)三倍体卵叶韭Allium ovalifolium高度不 育,靠新产生的地下走茎进行无性繁殖,以此扩大居群。(4)根据善葱A．victorialis分布区广而地史相 对古老的分布格局,推测它为本组的原始类群。它通过地理的(渐进的)物种形成方式,逐步演化形成现 在的各个分类群。(5)根据该组植物的分布格局和演化过程,提出我国横断山区至秦岭一带为本组植物的现代分布中心和分化中心。