Cytogenetic study and pollen viability of three populations of Diplotaxis harra (Brassicaceae) in Iran

In this study, we examined the chromosome number, detailed male meiosis, microsporogenesis, pollen fertility and distribution of cytotypes of Diplotaxis harra (Forssk.) Boiss. This is the first cytogenetic report of the taxon. The two of the populations scored now from regions of the central showed aneuploid (x = 14) meiotic chromosome count and one of the populations studied from the existed at the diploid level (x = 13). It seems that the species with x = 14 are derived through aneuploid increase. The most prominent among these meiotic abnormalities was the chromatin stickiness which involved inter PMC and fragmented chromosome at different stages of meiosis. Consequently, these populations exhibited varying percentages of pollen sterility and pollen grains of smaller sizes. The aim of the present research was to study the male meiosis in detail and to find the impact of chromatin stickiness in inducing meiotic aberrations and their consequent effect on pollen fertility and pollen size, also to differentiate the individuals growing wild and also to find out the distribution patterns of different cytotypes in the Iran.