Cytogenetical study of different ecotypes of Cichorium intybus L.

Cytogenetical studies and karyotypes can be used for many purposes such as، to study chromosomal characteristics، identifying diploid and poly ploid species and hybridization process، to study of genetic diversity and finding taxonomic relationships، and to gather information about past evolutionary events. In this study، 8 ecotypes of Cichorium intybus L. Included Karaj، Taft، Khomein، Talesh، Semirom، Mollasani and Baft investigated based on cytogenetic characteristics. Results showed that all the studied ecotypes are diploid (2n=2x=18). But the length of the chromosomes is very diverse (from 0. 97 to 5. 56 µm for the short arm and from 1. 02 to 7. 14 µm for the long arm). There was no satellite in all chromosomes. In classifying based on cluster analysis method، Baft and Talesh ecotypes were in a same cluster and Tafresh and khomein ecotypes were in another cluster. Also Taft، Semirom and Mollasani ecotypes were in the third cluster. Because of the differences and diversity of traits، is expected that different clusters show more heterosis in crosses and it can be used in breeding programs. According to stebbins table، Tafresh and khomain ecotypes were in 1A class and other ecotypes were in 2B class.