Morphologic,cytogenetic, and enzymatic variation in tissue culture regenerated plants of apomictic old-world bluestem grasses (Bothriochloa sp.)

Somaclonal variant plants may be of use in broadening the germplasm base of plant species and providing useful stocks for cytogenetic investigations. This study was conducted to compare morphologic, cytogenetic and enzymatic characteristics of 21 R₁ (initial regenerate) bluestem,Bothriochloa sp., plants, visibly identified in a field-grown population of 522 plants as probable variants, with their respective R₀ (explant donor) progenitor. An R₂ seedling population was grown to ascertain the transmission of the variant R₁ phenotypes. All R₁ plants differed from their respective R₀ progenitors in one or more morphological characters. Foliage colour was the most pronounced difference in most cases. Four of the plants, three of which were dwarfed, produced no inflorescences. The R₁ plants tended to be shorter than R₀ progenitors and had corresponding decreases in lengths on inflorescences and lowest racemes. All R₁ plants of accessions 8911C and 8793 had an increase in chromosome number from2n=4x=40 to2n=5x=50. Three dwarfed R₁ plants, derived from accession 8873B, were aneuploids, two having2n=48 chromosomes and the third being a probable mixoploid with 55–58 chromosomes. Other plants of accession 8873B had the R₀ chromosome number. Fertility, as estimated by pollen stainability and seed set, generally was reduced in R₁ plants relative to the R₀. This reduction was not drastic, however, with all flowering plants having 45% or higher seed set. Apomixis apparently maintained fertility in all R₁ plants, including those with a pentaploid chromosome number. All R₁ plants differed from their respective R₀ plants in peroxidase and esterase banding patterns. All R₁ plants of accessions 8911C, and 8793, respectively, had identical peroxidase and esterase bands. For both enzyme systems two banding patterns were present in R₁ plants of accession 8873B, with 12 of 13 plants exhibiting common patterns. Examination of R₂ progeny plants confirmed the genetic transmission of the variant phenotypes and, by virtue of uniformity, indicated apomictic reproduction in the R₁ plants. The results demonstrate the production of potentially useful genetic and cytogenetic variant plants via tissue culture in these apomictic species.     

Variation in chromosome number in the seedling progeny of a somaclone of Paspalum dilatatum

The somaclone,C39,derived by tissue culture from the obligate apomict Paspalum dilatatum cv Raki(2n=50),had 50 chromosomes and a karyotype apparently identical to Raki.SC2 seedlings of C39 showed a high degree of phenotypic variation which was often associated with increased chromosome numbers,but some of the variant seedlings were karyotypically indistinguishable from Raki or C39.Plants with increased chromosome numbers exhibited a high degree of intraplant chromosome variation(aneusomaty).In one of the SC2 seedlings,the chromosome number of root tip cells varied from 58 to 82 and in several other seedlings the range was more than 10.The results suggested that the ability to form seed apomictically was much reduced in C39 and that this plant showed some capacity for sexual reproduction and the resulting seedlings,with a chromosome number of about 70,were genetically unstable.Of 11 SC2 seedlings examined cytologically,6 did not produce any viable seed.Seedlings grown from seed of the remaining 5 plants showed that aneusomaty persisted in the SC3 generation.SC3 seedlings which were phenotypically similar to their maternal parent showed a similar range of chromosome numbers to that parent.Some of the SC3 seedlings exhibited an even wider range of chromosome numbers(e.g.56-136),and these plants were all dwarfs.     

Chromosome variation in protoplast-derived potato plants

Summary Chromosomes have been studied in protoplast-derived potato plants of the tetraploid cultivars Maris Bard and Fortyfold. A high degree of aneuploidy was found amongst the regenerants of both cultivars but the nature of the chromosome variation differed. The Maris Bard regenerants were characterised by high chromosome numbers, a wide range of aneuploidy (46–92) and a low percentage of plants with the normal chromosome number (2n = 48), whereas a much higher proportion of the Fortyfold regenerants had 48 chromosomes and the variants were within a more limited aneuploid range. In both cultivars chromosome variation was found between calluses, within calluses and even within shoot cultures. The origin of the chromosome variation and the differences found between the two cultivars are discussed.We regret to report the death of Emrys Thomas since the initiation of this work     

Cytogenetic Analysis and Chromosomal Characteristics of the Polymorphic 18S rDNA of Haliotis discus hannai from Fujian,China

We report on novel chromosomal characteristics of Haliotis discus hannai from a breeding population at Fujian, China. The karyotypes of H. discus hannai we obtained from an abalone farm include a common type 2n = 36 = 10M + 8SM (82%) and two rare types 2n = 36 = 11M + 7SM (14%) and 2n = 36 = 10M + 7SM + 1ST (4%). The results of silver staining showed that the NORs of H. discus hannai were usually located terminally on the long arms of chromosome pairs 14 and 17, NORs were also sometimes located terminally on the short arms of other chromosomes, either metacentric or submetacentric pairs. The number of Ag-nucleoli ranged from 2 to 8, and the mean number was 3.61 ± 0.93. Among the scored interphase cells, 41% had 3 detectable nucleoli and 37% had 4 nucleoli. The 18S rDNA FISH result is the first report of the location of 18S rDNA genes in H. discus hannai. The 18S rDNA locations were highly polymorphic in this species. Copies of the gene were observed in the terminal of long or/and short arms of submetacentric or/and metacentric chromosomes. Using FISH with probe for vertebrate-like telomeric sequences (CCCTAA)₃ displayed positive green FITC signals at telomere regions of all analyzed chromosome types. We found about 7% of chromosomes had breaks in prophase. A special form of nucleolus not previously described from H. discus hannai was observed in some interphase cells. It consists of many small silver-stained nucleoli gathered together to form a larger nucleolus and may correspond to prenucleolar bodies.     

Molecular marker analysis of hypoploid regenerants from cultures of barley x Canada wild rye.

Canada wild rye (CWR, Elymus canadensis L., 2n = 4x = 28) is a potential source of genes for disease resistance and environmental tolerance in barley (Hordeum vulgare L., 2n = 2x = 14). Tissue cultures were initiated from immature inflorescences of CWR x 'Betzes' barley hybrids to promote CWR introgression into barley through possible tissue culture induced chromosome breakage and exchange. Among the plants regenerated, some were missing one (2n = 20) or part of one (2n = 20 + telo) chromosome. The objective of this study was to identify the missing chromosome or chromosome arm in these regenerants through the analysis of molecular (RFLP) markers that previously had been mapped in barley. Forty-six hypoploid regenerants that traced to 30 separate explants obtained from 10 interspecific hybrid plants were evaluated. DNA was digested with the restriction enzyme HindIII, Southern blotted, and probed with 39 genomic and cDNA barley clones that identified sequences polymorphic between barley and CWR. Eight of these probes identified band loss patterns that separated the regenerants into two groups. One group, all with barley cytoplasm, were missing a CWR chromosome homoeologous to barley chromosome 3; a second group, all with CWR cytoplasm, were missing a CWR chromosome homoelogous to barley chromosome 7. These results indicated that chromosome elimination in culture was not random. The two cytoplasm groups were further differentiated by probes that identified band shifts. These band shifts were caused by differences in DNA methylation. Key words : Hordeum vulgare, aneuploidy, Elymus canadensis, tissue culture.     

Karyotype and genetic evolution in speciation of subterranean mole rats of the genus Spalax in Turkey

Karyotype (2fl) and allozymc diversity at 37 gene loci were determined in 69 subterranean mole rats in Turkey belonging to the two superspecies: the ancestor Spalax leucodon ( n = 55; 20 populations) and the descendant S. ehrenbergi ( n = 14; lour populations). We identified remarkable variation of diploid chromosome numbers in the S. leucodon superspecies: 2 n = 38. 40. 50, 54, 60 and 62; and in the S. ehrenbergi superspecies: 2 n = 52, 56 and 58. Genetic diversity indices were low on average in both S. leucodon and S. ehrenbergi superspecies: Allele diversity, A = 1.081 and 1.074; polymorphism, P-5%= 0.077 and 0.068; heterozygosity, H = 0.038 and 0.027; and gene diversity, H, = 0.038 and 0.034, respectively. H ranged from 0 in mesic or semimesic regions to 0.088 in arid Anatolia. We consider the populations with different diploid chromosome numbers, 2 n , as good biological species. Karyotypic diversity may mark extensive ecological speciation. Nei's genetic distances, D (average 0.174, range 0.002 0.422) and ecogeographical criteria suggest that almost each population may represent a different biological species, but critical future testing is necessary to support this claim. Karyotypes and allozymes are nonrandomly distributed across Turkey, displaying remarkable correlations with climatic and biolir factors. Both In and H are significantly correlated with aridity stress (2 n /rainfall, r , =–0.74; P < 0.001), and in our region also with climatic unpredictability. These results support the niche-width genetic variation hypothesis in space and time. Climatic selection in Turkey appears to be a major architect of karyotype and genetic (allozymc) diversity and divergence in mole rat evolution, in both speciation and adaptation.     

Genetic and chromosomal variation inPetunia hybrida plants regenerated from protoplast and callus cultures

Plants regenerated from callus cultures derived from leaf discs and mesophyll protoplasts ofPetunia hybrida cv. Rose of Heaven exhibit a high frequency of genetic and chromosomal variation. Of twelve leaf disc-derived plants examined, only three had the normal diploid chromosome number (2n=14) while seven were tetraploid and two were aneuploid (16 and 27 chromosomes). Of seventeen plants derived from two protoplasts, none had the diploid chromosome number. Most had 28 chromosomes, one 29, two 27, one 26 and one had variable numbers (14–28) in different root tip cells. In all cases aneuploidy was associated with developmental abnormality. In addition, heritable differences in growth, morphology and flower pigmentation were observed in callus-derived tetraploids and diploids, including one diploid which differed from parent plants in at least four characters. These results are discussed in terms of the importance ofPetunia in genetics research and for studies of somaclonal variation.     

Construction and molecular and cytogenetic analyses of euploid (2n = 42) and telocentric addition (2n = 42 + 2t) alloplasmic lines (Hordeum marinum subsp gussoneanum)-Triticum aestivum

Individual plants from the BC1F5 and BC1F6 backcross progenies of barley--wheat (= H. geniculatum All.) (2n = 28) x T. aestivum L. (2n = 42)] and the BC1F6 progeny of their amphiploids were used to obtain alloplasmic euploid (2n = 42) lines L-28, L-29, and L-49 and alloplasmic telocentric addition (2n = 42 + 2t) lines L-37, L-38, and L-50. The lines were examined by genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), microsatellite analysis, chromosome C-banding, and PCR analysis of the mitochondrial 18S/5S repeat. Lines L-29 and L-49 were characterized by substitution of wild barley chromosome 7H1 for common wheat chromosome 7D. In line L-49, common wheat chromosomes 1B, 5D, and 7D were substituted with homeologous barley chromosomes. Lines L-37, L-38, and L-50 each contained a pair of telocentric chromosomes, which corresponded to barley chromosome arm 7H'L. All lines displayed heteroplasmy for the mitochondrial 18S/5S locus; i.e., both barley and wheat sequences were found.     

Chromosome polymorphism of thePoa macrocalyx complex in Hokkaido

A chromosome survey ofPoa macrocalyx growing on the coast of Hokkaido was carried out. Counts were made for 619 samples collected from 37 populations. A large variation in the chromosome numbers (2n=42-2n=87) was disclosed, and on the basis of this and some other observations, this species was presumed to represent an apomictic polyploid complex. Three main cytotypes with 2n=42, 2n=49 and 2n=68 were discovered. They differed in their geographical distribution. Plants with 2n=70 and 2n=77 appeared to a considerable extent, but it could not be ascertained whether they were good “races”. Other plants with diverse chromosome numbers, and in some cases only ephemeral, were also sporadically detected. Infrapopulational variation was scarce in some populations while fairly common in some others. Uneven segregation of chromosomes at meiosis and the fusion of reduced and unreduced gametes seemed to be the main factors contributing to chromosome fluctuations within a population.     

Chromosome variation in wheat plants regenerated from cultured immature embryos

Summary A cytological study has been made of plants regenerated from cultured immature embryos of four wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum, 2n = 6x = 42). In total, 29% of the 192 plants examined were aneuploid with a range in chromosome numbers of 38–45. Evidence of chromosome structural changes was also found. This variation occurred in regenerants of all four cultivars, but there were large differences in the proportions of aneuploids arising from individual cultures which meant that no significant differences could be demonstrated between cultivars. Chromosome abnormalities were present in plants regenerated both from embryogenic cultures and from cultures in which the origin of shoots could not be distinctly defined.     

Chromosome number variation in the polyploid Cerastium alpinum-C. arcticum complex (Caryophyllaceae)

Chromosome numbers of Cerastium alpinum, C. arcticum , and C. nigrescens were studied from the main part of their distribution area. No chromosome number variation was found within C. alpinum , which seems to be octoploid throughout its range. Dodecaploid chromosome numbers (2n = 108) were found in both C. arcticum and C. nigrescens. A higher, possibly aneuploid, chromosome number was reported for plants from Southwest Greenland, and the intermediate chromosome number of 2n = 90 was found in potential hybrids between C. alpinum and C. nigrescens. Despite sporadic reports of deviating chromosome numbers, the chromosome number variation within the C. alpinum-C. arcticum complex seems to be restricted mainly to the octo- and dodecaploid levels.     

中国独活属的核型研究

本文首次报道了我国独活属10种(含1变种)的核型,其中8种的染色体数目亦为首次报道。研究表明它们的染色体数目均为2n＝2x＝22,为二倍体,其核型为中部着丝点和亚中部着丝点染色体组成,仅具1A和2A两种类型。有4种具随体染色体,在部分H．vicinum植株中发现有1条B染色体,在H．millefolium var．longilobum中同时存在2n＝22和2n＝24的非整倍体．不同种的染色体形态不同,为分类研究提供了细胞学依据。 本文在核型分析基础上讨论了该属分类群的划分、种间亲缘关系及演化,并结合我国毗邻地区该属细胞学资料和地理分布规律,提出我国西南部的横断山区是独活属的频度中心和多样性中心。     

四倍体小麦背景中长穗偃麦草E染色体传递特征

通过细胞学方法和染色体特异分子标记鉴定六倍体小偃麦(AABBEE)与硬粒小麦(AABB)杂交的自交后代F₂和F₃植株,探讨长穗偃麦草染色体在硬粒小麦背景中世代间的传递特征,并筛选硬粒小麦-长穗偃麦草E染色体附加系。对218个F₂单株染色体数检测表明,2n=28植株占41.7%,2n=29植株占18.3%,其余40.0%植株的染色体数在2n=31~42范围内。分子标记鉴定表明,在F₂代2n=29单体附加植株中,不同的长穗偃麦草染色体传递率之间存在明显差异,1E传递率最高,3E和6E传递率最低。在F₂代2n=30单株中,1E、4E、7E和5E染色体相互组合产生的双单体多,6E参与组合较少,未检测到2E或3E与其他染色体的组合单株。在1E~7E单体附加株自交后代F₃中,E染色体传递率变化范围为9.1%~27.5%,1E传递率最高,6E传递率最低,与F₂的传递率一致。从F₃代中选育出1E~7E单体附加及少数二体附加,所有单体附加均可育。这些附加E染色体材料将对小麦代换系和易位系的创制提供有益的中间材料。     

Systematic studies on mexican coreopsis (compositae). Coreopsis mutica: Flavonoid chemistry,chromosome numbers,morphology, and hybridization

Coreopsis mutica is a highly variable species occurring in the highlands from Central Mexico southeastward barely into El Salvador and Honduras. It is not continuous over this range, however, but is found in three geographic population centers: one in Guatemala and Chiapas, a second in Oaxaca, and the third in Central Mexico. Populations in Guatemala and Chiapas are uniform in chromosome number (2n = 56), leaf flavonoid chemistry, and morphology. Var.microcephala is proposed to accommodate these assemblages. Plants comprising populations centered around Cd. Oaxaca have a chromosome number of 2n = ca. 112. This large complex consists of two distinct varieties and their putative hybrids. Those plants to the northwest of Cd. Oaxaca (var.subvillosa) are constant in leaf flavonoid chemistry (producing only flavones) and possess a combination of distinctive morphological traits. To the southeast of Cd. Oaxaca plants invariably contain flavonols and anthochlors in their leaves in addition to flavones. Moreover, these plants (the newly proposed var.carnosijolia) are readily separable from var.subvillosa by a number of morphological features. Evidence is presented that the two taxa hybridize in the vicinity of Cd. Oaxaca. On the southeastern edge of the var.subvittosavar. carnosifolia complex a population was encountered which has a chromosome number of 2n = 56 and a very distinctive morphology and flavonoid chemistry. These plants have been accorded taxonomic status as var.multiligulata. Two morphologically similar, yet distinguishable, varieties occur in Central Mexico. It has been determined that the two differ also in chromosome number and leaf flavonoid chemistry. One taxon (var.leptomera) has a chromosome complement of 2n = 56 and produces only flavones in its leaves, whereas var.mutica has a chromosome number of 2n = ca. 112 and produces flavones, flavonols, and anthochlors.     

Observations of Chromosomes of Malus Species in China

Somatic chromosome numbers of 37 forms (representing 22 species) of apples in China were counted using wall-degradation and hypotonic method. Among the species investigated 3 categories of chromosome numbers, i.e. 2n=34, 51 and 68 are confirmed. The chromosome numbers of the following species are here first reported: Malus ombrophila 2n= 34, M. prattii 2n=34, M. melliana 2n=34, Zhaojiaohonghua (M. sp.) 2n=34, and M. asiatica var. 2n=68. Polyploids (including infraspecific polyploids) account for 41% of the total number of the species investigated. 51 is a predominant number. It is suggested that ploidy variation is an important pathway in apple evolution in China, and triploid may be considered as a suitable evolution grade. There are rich apple germplasm resources in China. The systematic studies of this genus are obviously essential.     

Chromosomal instability in lemon grass,Cymbopogon flexuosus (Steudel) Wats

Somatic mitoses in C. flexuosus exhibit a significant degree of chromosomal instability leading to nearly 33% cells with chromosome elimination. A range of chromosome numbers between 20-8 (most common being 2n=20, the somatic number for this species) was encountered from root tip cells. The course of variation suggests a gradual elimination of somatic chromosomes. The larger chromosomes are less stable and are eliminated earlier. The variation in chromosome number in somatic cells within individual plants is possibly controlled by genetic factors, which result from weaker spindle operation and minute chromosomes.CIMAP Publication No. 571 (1984)     

普通小麦与祖山羊草杂种后代的细胞遗传学初步研究

粗山羊草(Aegilops tauschii(Coss.)Schmal.,DD,2n=14)是普通小麦(Triticumaestivum L.,AABBDD,2n=42)D染色体组的供体。粗山羊草中含有丰富的抗病,抗虫,抗逆,优质等优异基因,因此粗山羊草是改良普通小麦的宝贵遗传资源。但有关普通小麦与粗山羊草杂交的研究报道较少。本文试图通过对普通小麦与粗山羊草杂种后代的细胞遗传学和染色体分离规律的研究,探讨转移粗山羊草优异基因的方法和途径。     

Comparative cytogenetics of hamsters of the genus Calomyscus

Karyotypes of Calomyscus from different regions of Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan were studied using chromosome banding (G- and C-banding) and analyses of meiosis in laboratory hybrids. Extensive variation in the diploid number and the number of autosomal arms (FNa) was revealed (2n = 30, FNa = 44; 2n = 32, FNa = 42; 2n = 44, FNa = 46; 2n = 44, FNa = 58; 2n = 37, FNa = 44; 2n = 50, FNa = 50; 2n = 52, FNa = 56). Centric and tandem fusions and heterochromatin changes were identified as the major modes of karyotype evolution in this group. Natural hybrids between individuals with different karyotypes were recorded, and regular chromosome pairing in meiosis was observed in laboratory hybrids. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with a 353-bp BspRI complex tandem repeat indicated that chromosomal repatterning occurred recently within the genus. There is no unequivocal evidence suggesting the role of chromosomal change in the speciation of the populations of Calomyscus examined.     

Cytogenetic investigation of geranium plants in tissue culture

Cytogenetic study of six cultivars and six selection lines of geranium (Pelargonium spp.), as well as of 100 plants regenerated from callus cultures has been performed. The majority of cultivars and lines had somatic chromosome numbers 2n = 7x = 56. Among regenerated plants of different cultivars (Rozovaja, Dushistaja, Krunk, Aist, Regar) obtained in vitro from various types of explants (internode, petiole) 61% of diploids and 39% aneuploids were revealed. Chromosome numbers in aneuploids varied from 46 to 82, among them 25.6% regenerated plants had 2n = 72; 10.2% -2n = 68; 5.1% -2n = = 64 and 12.8% -2n = 62. Addition of colhicine to nutrient medium increased the number of aneuploid plants.     

美味猕猴桃原生质体再生植株细胞遗传学研究 Ⅰ．体细胞染色体数目的变化

研究了美味猕猴桃叶愈伤组织原生质体再生植株和母株（ＡｃｔｉｎｉｄｉａｄｅｌｉｃｉｏｓａｌｉｎｅＮｏ．２６）茎尖体细胞染色体数目。结果表明：母株２ｎ＝６ｘ＝１７４。所测２９株再生植株的茎尖体细胞染色体数目差异显著,多为非整倍体类型,占所测植株的７２．４％左右;体细胞染色体数目介于１４２－３１０条之间,其中２ｎ＝６ｘ＝１７４约占２０．７％,少于１７４条染色体的植株约占３１．０％,超过１７４条染色体的植株则占４８．３％左右。个别单株部分茎尖体细胞在有丝分裂后期出现染色体桥、断片和落后染色体等异常现象。并对以上现象进行了扼要的讨论。