New Chromosome Counting of A Natural Hybrid (P. Cerasifera× P.Spp.) or a New Member in Prunus Genus and Chromosomal Similarities with Two Closely Related Species

Abstract

Chromosome number and karyotype morphology including chromosome length, centromereposition, arm ratio, secondary constriction and staining properties by Aceto-Iron-Hematoxylin wereanalyzed for Prunus species of Apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.), Plum (P. cerasifera Ehrh.) and a naturalhybrid or new species known as “TANASGOL” (P. cerasifera× P. spp.). The obtained root tips fromgerminated seeds at 4-6 °C and young seedlings were pretreated in Hydroxyquinoline solution with 50drops of DMSO. All species had 2n=2x=16 very small chromosomes and were uniformly stained. Theranges of chromosome length in the three species were as follows: Apricot 1.50 to 2.70 μm; Plum 1.5 to2.77 μm; and “TANASGOL” 1.35 to 2.82 μm. Other features of the chromosomes, such as variation in thelength of chromosomes within species, number of satellites and size, constrictions, centromere placements,and karyographs were applied to distinguish species. Chromosomal similarities between “TANASGOL”and Plum were more evident.