[Oryzalin-induced chromosome doubling of Scutellaria barbata].

OBJECTIVE: To obtain polyploidy Scutellaria barbata. METHODS: Explants of stem segment of Scutellaria barbata were treated with oryzalin at various concentration and time duration in vitro. RESULTS: Comparing with the characteristics of diploid, mutant plants had significant changes in plant morphology inducing compact plant, darker leaf color, smaller leaf index, thicken stem, significantly larger stomata, guard cells and chloroplasts in stomata guard cells and significantly lower stomata density. Mutant plants were plant chimera of diploid and tetraploid assessed by chromosome counting and flow cytometry. CONCLUSION: The technique could be used for chromosome doubling in Scutellaria barbata.