Gmelina arborea Roxb. Genome-size determination using flow cytometry

Abstract

Melina, also known as white teak, is a species of high timber quality and economic importance for different tropical countries like Colombia. However, information about its genetics is scarce, which is relevant for breeding programs. In order to determine the genome size of Gmelina arborea (C value), nuclei suspensions were obtained from leaves, and analyzed using flow cytometry. To obtain aqueous nuclei suspensions, four extraction buffers were evaluated, LB01 buffer produced intact populations with greater homogeneity. Three species were analyzed as possible reference standards for the determination of the C value; using tomato as a reference species, a C value for melina of 467 Mpb was obtained. This is the first report related to the estimation of the C value in Gmelina arborea, generating important information to increase knowledge related to this species.