Estimation of 4C DNA and karyotype analysis in Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) II

Abstract

Karyotype studies including chromosome length, chromosome volume and cytophotometric estimation of nuclear DNA amount were carried out in 8 ginger (Zingiber officinale Rose.) cultivars. Significant variations in the nuclear DNA amount were recorded at cultivar level. The correlation coefficient studies revealed that the 4C DNA content and genome volume were positively correlated. Structural alterations in the chromosomes without the changes in the numeric chromosome number (2n=22) as well as loss or addition of highly repetitive sequences in the genome caused variations in the DNA amount at cultivar level. Marginal variations in the genome size indicated a close relationship between the cultivars.