Isoenzymatic and cytological studies of some Asiatic species of the genus Salsola

Abstract

The genetic and cytological variability of population of three Salsola species from Asia was investigated, using isozyme electrophoresis and haematoxylin staining. Eight enzyme systems, representing 14-17 loci, were examined: 6PGD, DIA, G6PD, GDH, GOT, MDH, PGM and PGI. Analysis of the chromosome number revealed that the three species have the same number of chromosomes: 2n=18. Parameters describing genetic diversity indicate a very low level of genetic variation of the studied populations. The isozyme data support hypothesis that strong directional selection can result in lower level of genetic variation of arid plant populations.

Keywords

• Polygonum
• Polygonaceae
• flavonoid glycosides
• RP HPLC method