Karyotypic Variability in Experimental Diploid and Triploid Hybrids of Aloe vera*A. saponaria

Abstract

Summary Cytogenetic traits were examined in Aloe saponaria (2S), A. vera (2V and 4V), and the experimental diploid (VS) and triploid (VVS) hybrids. Karyotype 2nϭ2xϭ14 (8Lϩ6S) was confirmed in 2S and 2V, whereas 2nϭ4xϭ28 (16Lϩ12S) was ascribed to 4V. VS showed the expected karyotype 2nϭ2xϭ14 (8Lϩ6S), with slight differences between the long (L) homologues. VVS also showed the expected karyotype 2nϭ3xϭ21 (12Lϩ9S); however, several chromosome deviations reflecting the absence or addition of small (S) chromosomes, terminal deletions of variable size which led to the formation of atypical chromosomes, or the loss of a L chromosome were also observed. The implication of these karyological variations is discussed.