CARROT (DAUCUS CAROTA L.) CHROMOSOME ANALYSIS AND THEIR IMPACT ON GENETIC DIVERSITY

Abstract

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a widely cultivated root crop due to its substantial nutritional values, including elevated levels of essential vitamins and antioxidants. The apposite study aimed to determine the chromosomes’ mitotic time numbers. The research used a modified squash method, including chromosomes preparation steps, such as fixation, maceration, and staining. The comparison of two carrot cultivars, i.e., Berastagi and Ta-Fung, highlighted similarities in chromosome morphology, size, and karyotype formulas, with some disparity in chromosome formula unveiling their unique genetic attributes and distinctions. The established mitotic times and chromosomal formulas emerged as 09:00 AM–10:00 AM (2n = 2x = 18 m) and 09:00 AM–10:10 AM (2n = 2x = 14 m + 4 sm) for cultivars Berastagi and Ta-Fung, respectively, with their respective karyotypes and ideograms. In chromosome count, the congruence between the two cultivars highlights their shared genetic foundation and, albeit with structural variations. Such primary data of the presented research lays the foundation for future breeding research for improvement in both carrot cultivars.