Karyological studies in some Glycyrrhiza (Fabaceae) taxa from Turkey

Abstract

Chromosome number, size and morphology of five taxa of the genus Glycyrrhiza growing naturally in Turkey were investigated. Permanent slides were made by using the standard liquid nitrogen method. Karyotypes were determined using Image Analysis System (Bs200Pro). In addition, the karyotype asymmetry of each taxa was evaluated by different methods: TF%, AsK%, Rec and Syi, A1, A2, A, AI and Stebbins classification. Correlations between the karyotype asymmetries of the different taxa were calculated. Two different chromosome numbers were found in the studied taxa; 2n = 16 in Glycyrrhiza echinata, G. glabra, G. flavescens subsp. flavescens, G. flavescens subsp. antalyensis and 2n = 14 in G. asymmetrica. The karyological data were evaluated with the NTYSY software package and used to create a dendrogram. The results were compared with previous cytological data. Photos of the taxa in their natural environment are also presented.