Abstract
In this study, kudzu (Pueraria lobata Ohwi), a new biomass plant widely grown in Japan, was investigated by chromosome karyotyping. Four strains of Japanese kudzu were examined, and all were found to contain 22 chromosomes. The 5S and 45S rDNA genes, which contain fundamental repeat sequences used in karyotyping, were determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Our results found one 5S rDNA locus and three 45S rDNA loci on the chromosomes of all four strains, which suggest that Japanese kudzu is not greatly differentiated at the cytological level. A further 11 chromosomes were identified, and the rDNA loci were mapped by chromosome image analysis system IV (CHIAS IV), following which kudzu chromosome karyotyping was performed. This is the first report of cytogenetic analysis of P. lobata, a Japanese kudzu.
