Evaluation of Karyotype Status of Musa L. Somaclonal Variants (Musaceae: Zingiberales)

Authors: GORDIAN C. OBUTE, PHILIP C. AZIAGBA

Abstract: Tissue culture regenerated materials of Musa L. spp. (banana and plantain) along with their somaclonal variants were assessed for karyotype abnormalities to be used as indicators for rapid cytological marking. The results show that although slight variations were noted in karyomorphometric characters, like chromosome number, arm length, total chromosome length, and total chromosome volume, these were not significant (P £ 0.05). Therefore, chromosomal abnormalities may not be accurate markers for somaclonal variation in these species. The need to not overemphasise chromosomal instability resulting from culture techniques was highlighted. Other possible causes of somaclonal variations were proposed to explain this phenomenon in Musa spp.

Keywords: Tissue culture, somaclonal variants, karyotype, Musa, Zingiberales

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