Novel karyotype of triploid Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F. H. Wigg. s.l. (common dandelion; Asteraceae) in Japan

Abstract

A new karyotype in the form of 2n=24=19(M+m)+1m_cs+1m_cs^cs+3sm was identified in Japanese triploid Taraxacum officinale Weber ex F. H. Wigg. s.l. Such a line can diversify and evolve without sexual intervention. These findings indicate that karyotypic diversities of apomictic Taraxacum are increased by the occurrence of chromosome mutations, such as structural changes in chromosomes. The present study adds to knowledge of the speciation of apomictic plants.