Karyotype and C-banding pattern in two populations of Aegilops umbellulata

Karyotype and C-banding pattern in two populations of Aegilops umbellulata from two geographical locations of north- west of Iran were studied. Aceto-iron-hematoxilin and Giemsa C-banding techniques were used to chromosome staining and banding patterns analysis, respectively. Chromosome characteristics were measured using Micromeasure software. The results of this study revealed that the genome of this species consisted of two pairs of metacentric (1U and 4U), three pairs of submetacentric (3U, 5U and 7U) and two pairs of acrocentric (2U and 6U) chromosomes. Each chromosome, having a distinctive banding pattern, was recognizable easily. Karyological characteristics and banding patterns of the two populations were similar not only to each other but also to those of the standard karyotype of this species. There were, however, some minor variations between these two populations. Meanwhile, some minor differences were observed in karyological characteristics and banding patterns of 1U, 2U, 5U and 6U chromosomes between the two populations and the standard karyotype. Although the standard karyotype of Aegilops umbellulata can be used as a general model for karyo type of this species, but care must be made in identifying C-bands when considering transfer of desired chromatin from this species into wheat.