Cytological comparison of two cultivars of Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L)

Abstract

Cytological studies including chromosome number and karyotype analysis have been carried out on two cultivars ‘Helaly’ and ‘Fahl’ in Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.). The somatic chromosome counts for two cultivars were 2n = 16. Karyotype analysis showed differences in chromosome morphology. Chromosomes nsm (+) were observed in cultivar Helaly. The karyotype formula for Helaly was 2 nsm (+) + 2 nsm (-) + 12 nm. For Fahl, 6 nsm (-) + 10 nm were recorded. Helaly had highest A1 and A2 where Fahl had highest TF %, S%, Syi index and Rec index. Karyotype analysis revealed that cultivar Helaly is advanced one whereas cultivar Fahl is primitive. Chromosomal abnormalities were observed at mitotic division, which was higher in cultivar Fahl.