The effect of induced polyploidy on phytochemistry, cellular organelles and the expression of genes involved in thymol and carvacrol biosynthetic pathway in thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Induced polyploidy usually results in larger vegetative and reproductive plant organs. In order to study the effect of chromosome doubling on Thymus vulgaris , three levels colchicine concentration including 0.1, 0.3 0.5% (w/v) were applied for 6, 12 24 hours apical meristem 2- 4-leaf seedlings. Ploidy level was evaluated by flow cytometry microscopic counting. Chemical composition essential oils extracted hydro-distillation analyzed gas Chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) Chromatography (GC). The application 0.3% at seedling 6 resulted highest survival rate number tetraploid plants. Cytogenetic analyses confirmed increase from 2n=2x=30 diploids 2n=4x=60 induced tetraploids. Tetraploid plants had leaves, taller thicker stems, dense branching, longer trichome, stomata, guard cells, decreased stomata. chloroplasts mitochondria increased significantly 1.66 1.63 times, respectively. expression CYP71D178, CYP71D180 CYP71D181 tetraploids 3.27, 7.39 2.15 respectively, probably resulting higher oil compounds, as outyielded diploid 64.7% oil, 40.9% thymol 18.6% carvacrol content.