Cytogenetic study of two Alhagi species

Background & Aim: Alhagi genus has two important  medicinal plant species in Iran, including Alhagi pseudoalhagi, and A. graecorum (known “Kharshotor” in Persian). These plants are distributed in Iran like weeds. Generally, Alhagi is used as an anti-hemorrhoid, laxative and diuretic. Manna in both species produced by activity of a kind of insect on Alhagi branches which has medicinal properties and been used in Iranian traditional medicine.  In this study, cytogenetic of 17 populations of A. graecorum and A. pseudoalhagi were studied.    Experimental: In order to study the cytogenetic, pollen mother cells were studied in different meiotic developmental steps, and photographed. Pollen fertility test was done for studied populations. Data were statistically analyzed by SPSS software. Results & Discussion:  Chromosome number in all species were 2n=2x= 16. Studied populations showed regular meiosis while some abnormalities as anaphase bridge in anaphase I, chromosomes stickiness in metaphase I, laggard chromosomes in metaphase I, and anaphase I, presence of rod and circular bivalent, univalent, quadrivalent and tri-polar were observed. Such structural modifications cause to increase in genetic variation and adaptation to environmental conditions. B chromosomes (I-V) were observed. Industrial and practical recommendations: Results of current study can lead to further researches in order to increase and optimize the medicinal effective substances in Alhagi by genetic modification.