Journal of Applied Genetics 44(2), 2003, pp. 151-155

Determination of the ploidy level in chamomile (Chamomilla recutita (L.) Rausch.) strains rich in ?-bisabolol - Short communication

Katarzyna SEIDLER-LOZYKOWSKA

Abstract: The present study aimed to identify morphological traits whose performance depends on plant ploidy in Chamomilla recutita. Flowerhead diameter, 100-flowerhead weight, 1000-seed weight, pollen grain diameter, stoma length, and number of chloroplasts per guard cell, were examined in 5 tetraploid and 5 diploid strains. Out of these traits, stoma length, number of chloroplasts per guard cell, 100-flowerhead weight, and 1000-seed weight, proved to be significantly higher in tetraploid than in diploid strains, and can be used for indirect identification of tetraploid and diploid genotypes in various developmental stages of this species.

Key words: ?-bisabolol, Chamomilla recutita, chromosome number, medicinal plants.

Correspondence: K. SEIDLER-LOZYKOWSKA, Research Institute of Medicinal Plants, ul. Libelta 27, 61-707 Poznan, Poland, e-mail: kl_iripz@man.poznan.pl