Interspecific Genome Size Variation of Iranian Endemic Allium Species (Amaryllidaceae)

Abstract

The genus Allium L. is in Amaryllidaceae family with approximately 900 species distributed worldwide. The key aim of this study was to examine variations among eight Iranian endemic Allium species based on genome size. The results showed that among eight Allium species examined, seven were diploid (A. sativum, A. stipitatum, A. fistolosum, A. umbellicatum, A. lenkoranicum, A. stamineum, and A. rubellum; 2n=2x=16). Interestingly, the chromosome number 2n=3x=24 was evidenced in A. atroviolaceum. Strong interspecific diversity was identified in the studied Allium genome size. The overall average genome sizes of examined species were 34.17 pg, varying from 22.24 pg in A. fistolosum to 43.80 pg in A. stipitatum. The positive and significant correlations between genome size and total chromosome volume (TCV), altitude, and latitudes indicate that the species with larger genome sizes were situated in higher sea levels and low latitudes areas. These results may provide suitable information for Allium evolutionary, genetics, and breeding studies.