The effect of tetraploidy induction on morphology and anatomy characteristics of Cannabis sativa L.

The production of tetraploid plant was studied in Cannabis sativa L. with colchicine at three different concentrations (i. e.، 0. 0، 0. 1 and 0. 2%) for about 24 and 48 h through dropping method. Flow cytometry analyses were used to confirm the ploidy level. Morphologic and anatomic characteristics between tetraploid and diploid control plants were compared. The results showed that 0. 2% colchicine for 24 h had the best effect. The percentage of tetraploid plants and the survival rate were lowered by increasing the treatment time. In addition، the leaf index and height of tetraploid plants exhibited a significant decrease compared to the diploid plants. The size of leaves'' epidermis stomata were larger in tetraploid plant compared to the diploid ones، in spite of their less density of stomata. However، the amount of total chlorophyll and carotenoids were almost the same in both of tetraploid and diploid plants. In addition، some differences were also observed in the cross section of stem of these plants from the descriptive structure point of view. On the whole، the results introduced usage of the stomata parameters as an effective and convenient method for detecting the tetraploid plants; however، the flow cytometry analysis was more effective in assessing the ploidy percentage.