Karyotype studies on eight populations of Plantago albicans L. from Algeria. Issue 2 (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Maamri, Fatma; Zermane, Nadjia; Baik, Nourdine; Nait Merzoug, Souad; Bellahreche, Ahmed
• Is Part Of: Caryologia. Volume 69:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 102
• Page End: 110
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Karyotype -- Plantago albicans -- populations -- tetraploid -- central steppe -- Algeria; Cell nuclei -- Periodicals; Cytogenetics -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; 571.66
• DOI: 10.1080/00087114.2015.1109952
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0008-7114

Abstract

Abstract: A karyological study of eight populations of Plantago albicans L. (Plantaginaceae) collected from the central high-plain steppe in the province of Djelfa in Algeria was undertaken for the first time. Chromosome numbers were determined as 2n = 2x = 10 for populations growing at medium altitudes (600–900 m) and 2n = 4x = 20 for those growing at higher altitudes (1000–1300 m) of arid bioclimates. Intermediate chromosome numbers 2n = 6, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 17 and 18 were found in individuals of the studied populations and were probably aneuploid forms. The analysis of the karyotype asymmetry indices showed that the diploid cytotype (2n = 2x = 10) is characterized by ancestral chromosomes that are symmetrical, large and homogeneous, while the tetraploid cytotype (2n = 4x = 20) is more evolved with asymmetric, small and heterogeneous chromosomes. Based on our findings, it can be suggested that environmental factors and geographical location might have an effect on the genetic structure and evolution of P. albicans populations in the central steppe of Algeria.