The karyotype of diploid and tetraploid Paspalum cromyorrhizon (Poaceae, Panicoideae, Paspaleae)

Abstract

Paspalum cromyorrhizon Trin. ex Döll is a species adapted to low and humid fields, river and stream banks, throughout S Brazil, Uruguay and NE Argentine. Diploids (2n = 2x = 20) and tetraploids (2n = 4x = 40) from natural populations of P. cromyorrhizon from Corrientes (Argentina) were used to analyse the karyotype morphometry of both cytotypes. The chromosome count was performed using classical Feulgen staining. The karyotype of diploid P. cromyorrhizon has 20 metacentric chromosomes, while the tetraploid has a karyotype of 40 metacentric chromosomes. The total length of the chromosomal complement in diploids is 32.5 μm and in tetraploids 63.5 μm, the total monoploid chromosome length is 15.48 μm in diploids and 15.21 μm in tetraploids and both karyotypes are symmetrical. Karyotype analysis confirms the autopolyploid origin proposed for tetraploids.