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Chromosome number and modal karyotype in a polysomatic endangered orchid, Bulbophyllum auricomum Lindl., the Royal Flower of Myanmar

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Abstract

A detailed account is presented of attendant polysomatic variation in planta and elucidation of the modal karyotype in the difficult-to-study endangered orchid Bulbophyllum auricomum, known as the Royal Flower of Myanmar. The somatic chromosome number of B. auricomum (2n = 38) is reported for the first time. Polysomaty was prevalent in all seed-derived plants studied except two (SC34 and SC42). It was noted that in addition to normal diploid cells occurring in different frequencies (60% in SC21 to 89% in SC22, SC35), root tip cells also showed chromosome numbers <38 (in 0–37% metaphases) and >38 (in 0–33% metaphases). The chromosomes of B. auricomum are very small (0.7–2.7 μm) in size. The karyotype of diploid B. auricomum showed 34 chromosomes with primary constriction (14 M + 16 m + 4sm) and 4 chromosomes with secondary constrictions (sm:sm). Of the 50 plants analyzed, 2 (SC34 and SC42) were polyploid, showing 70 and 62 chromosomes in the root tip cells. The polyploidization in seed-derived plants clearly indicates the heterogeneous nature of orchid seed stock. Early detection of polyploidization in in vitro–propagated B. auricomum is valuable for conservation of this native endangered orchid species. On the other hand, the clonally propagated plants retained the chromosomal status of parent plants. This protocol could be exploited to protect this native endangered orchid species from natural extinction.

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Acknowledgments

M.M.M.T. is thankful to the OWSDW (Formerly the Third World Organization for Women in Science, TWOWS), Italy, for the award of TWOWS fellowship and to the Programme Coordinator, Centre of Advanced Study, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta and Prof. T.B. Jha, Head, Department of Botany, Presidency College for facilities. She is also grateful to Prof. Sumitra Sen for advice and encouragement. Thanks are due to Biplab K. Bhowmick and Mihir Halder for technical help.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre of Advanced Study, Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, 35, Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata, 700 019, India

    Myo Ma Ma Than & Sumita Jha

  2. Division of Plant Biology, Bose Institute, P1/12 CIT Scheme VIIM, Kolkata, 700 054, India

    Amita Pal

  3. Mingalardon Orchid Garden, Yangon, Myanmar

    Myo Ma Ma Than

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  1. Myo Ma Ma Than
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  2. Amita Pal
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  3. Sumita Jha
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Correspondence to Sumita Jha.

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Than, M.M.M., Pal, A. & Jha, S. Chromosome number and modal karyotype in a polysomatic endangered orchid, Bulbophyllum auricomum Lindl., the Royal Flower of Myanmar. Plant Syst Evol 294, 167–175 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-011-0459-6

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