Chromosome number and meiosis behavior in several Salix species of Iran

Abstract

Thirty-one Salix species and seven inter-specific hybrids are recorded for Iran; to date there have been insufficient cytogenetic studies in this area. Cytological investigations were conducted on the following willows: S. aegyptiaca L. (2n = 38), S. alba L. (2n = 76), S. caprea L. (2n = 52II + 1IV + 6I, 2n = 114), S. cinerea L. (2n = 38, 2n = 76), S. elbursensis Boiss. (2n = 38), S. triandra L. (2n = 38), and S. zygostemon Boiss. (2n = 38, 2n = 114) and a hybrid, S. cinerea x S. elbursensis. Specimens were collected from recently established Salix collections from several provinces of the country. Several chromosome numbers recorded are new to the knowledge and the others provide confirmation of previous reports. Abnormalities in meiosis behaviors such as lagging chromosomes, microspores with more than one nucleus, chromosome bridges, and non-disjunction chromosomes are recorded in this study. Copyright © 2012 Dipartimento di Biologia Evoluzionistica, Università di Firenze.