Cytogenetic studies in the Centaurea aucheri group (sect. Phaeopappus)

Abstract. In this study, it was aimed to evaluation of the revision in Centaurea aucheri group by the cytogenetical studies and determine the chromosome number for C. albonitens species, to determine chromosome morphology and karyotype analysis. Results of meiotic behavior and karyomorphologycal parameters of Centaurea aucheri group indicated that raised this group in five distinct species are correct. Somatic and gametic chromosome numbers indicated that C. albonitens, C. assadii, C. farsestanica, C. jndistincta and C. phaeopappus are diploid with n=9 and 2n=18 and C. aucheri is tetraploid with n=18 and 2n= 4x= 36+0-2B. Gametic chromosome number and karyomorphology of C. aucheri and C. indistincta species is reported here for the first time. Also, meiotic behavior and karyomorphology parameters of C. albonites, C.assadi , C. farsestanica and C. phaeopappus are newly reported here. Analysis of karyotype and behavior of meiosis indicated that C. aucheri is a natural allotetraploid species. Karyotype symmetry parameters showed that all the studied species were classified in the class 2A ,except of C. aucheri which was located in class 2B.