Heterochromatin diversity and chromosome morphology in wheats analyzed by the HKG banding technique

Abstract
Chromosome banding patterns in diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid wheats were clearly revealed and compared by the HCl–KOH–Giemsa banding technique. Heterochromatin diversity of chromosomes 4A, 4B, 5B, and satellite chromosomes IB and 6B was shown at the centromeric, pericentric, telomeric, interstitial, and satellite regions. Quantitative comparisons were made of the amount of heterochromatin in chromosomes 4A, 4B, and 5B and among genomes of 'Chinese Spring' (Triticum aestivum). Genome relationships were evaluated in the extant diploid and polyploid wheat taxa. Modifications of the banding technique by hypotonic solution and water treatments and by changing air-drying time of slides influenced centromeric, interstitial, and nucleolar organizer region banding patterns, greatly increased the volume of chromosomes, produced different banding patterns, and significantly changed the nuclear morphologies.Key words: HKG-banding, diversity, chromosomes, genome relationships, Triticum.