ABSTRACT
The genus Allium Linnaeus, 1753 (tribe Allieae) contains about 800 species worldwide of which almost 38 species are reported in India, including the globally important crops (onion, garlic, leek, shallot) and many wild species. A satisfactory chromosomal catalogue of Allium species is missing which has been considered in the review for the species occurring in India. The most prominent base number is x=8, with few records of x=7, 10, 11. The genome size has sufficient clues for divergence, ranging from 7.8 pg/1C to 30.0 pg/1C in diploid and 15.16 pg/1C to 41.78 pg/1C in polyploid species. Although the karyotypes are seemingly dominated by metacentrics, substantial variation in nucleolus organizing regions (NORs) is noteworthy. The chromosomal rearrangement between A.cepa Linnaeus, 1753 and its allied species has paved way to appreciate genomic evolution within Allium. The presence of a unique telomere sequence and its conservation in Allium sets this genus apart from all other Amaryllids and supports monophyletic origin. Any cytogenetic investigation regarding NOR variability, telomere sequence and genome size in the Indian species becomes the most promising field to decipher chromosome evolution against the background of species diversity and evolution, especially in the Indian subcontinent.
ABSTRACT
The present study was undertaken to understand the genetic differentiation and relationships in various components of C. album complex, C. giganteum and some related species using inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) profiles and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. The relationships based on UPGMA dendrograms have shown the heterogenous nature of C. album complex. The 2x taxa while showing close relation among themselves are sharply segregated from 4x and 6x taxa belonging to C. album and C. giganteum. Among the three cytotypes from North Indian plains the 4x shows greater similarity to 6x than to 2x which is corroborated by the karyotypic studies. Furthermore, the 6x C. album and C. giganteum accessions of American and European origin are clearly segregated from those of Indian origin which may show their separate origin. Other related species show relationships according to their taxonomic position. The present study based on ISSR profiles and ITS sequences has therefore been very useful in explaining the relationships between various components of C. album complex and related species. However, more work needs to be done using different CpDNA loci to define correct species boundary of the taxa under C. album complex from Himalayas and North Indian Plains.
