A chromosome preparation method using young leaves of citrus

Abstract

A useful method of preparing chromosomes for identification was developed by using young citrus leaves. The preparatory procedures are as follows: 3-5 mm long young leaves were enzymatically macerated; the cell suspension in a hypotonic solution was dropped onto a glass slide from about 30 cm height. The preparations were stained with Giemsa. For the enzymatic maceration, incubating young, finely minced leaves of 'Tosa-Buntan' pummelo (C. grandis [L.] Osb.) in a mixture of 0.3% cellulase and 0.2% pectolyase for 120 to 180 min at 37°C was optimum for chromosome preparation because it allowed morphological characteristics to become visible. The present method using young leaves was considered as a useful chromosome preparation method for chromosome identification in citrus.