Abstract
The genus Narcissus belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. This genus has been the subject of numerous cytological and cytometric studies and have shown enormous variation in terms of genome size, ploidy level, and even the basic chromosome number. The basic chromosome numbers are 5 or 7, but 10, 11, and 12 have been recorded as well. Most narcissus cultivars are euploid tetraploids. There are also numerous triploids. Some cultivars are aneuploid such as tetraploids or triploids, with missing chromosomes or possessing additional chromosomes. Due to their very complex parentage, cultivars have various numbers of chromosomes not found in the species. In this publication, we present a study on the genome size and assessment of the likely ploidy level of 38 cultivars and breeding clones of Narcissus in relation to their selected morphological traits and information on their parental forms. For the first time, 12 Polish cultivars and breeding clones of narcissus were the subject of such an evaluation. Perianth diameter, leaf length, and width were evaluated and rated with notes according to the descriptor of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants. Stomatal density and stomata length were measured using light microscopy. Analysis of genome size was carried out using flow cytometry. For three selected genotypes, the chromosome number was counted. Our results lead to the general conclusion that the morphological traits studied and nuclear DNA content can be useful for determining the possible ploidy level of narcissi. The information on the origin and parental forms of narcissi can be helpful in determining the ploidy level of narcissi. However, clear confirmation of ploidy level requires verification of chromosome number and preferably karyotyping. The results obtained are a prelude to further studies.
Highlights
IntroductionNarcissus L. (narcissus, daffodil) is one of the most important spring-flowering bulbous crops cultivated worldwide
Narcissus L. is one of the most important spring-flowering bulbous crops cultivated worldwide
We present a study on the genome size and assessment of the likely ploidy level of 38 cultivars and breeding clones of narcissus (Narcissus L.) in relation to their selected morphological and anatomical traits, and information on their parental forms
Summary
Narcissus L. (narcissus, daffodil) is one of the most important spring-flowering bulbous crops cultivated worldwide. (narcissus, daffodil) is one of the most important spring-flowering bulbous crops cultivated worldwide. Uses of Narcissus includes bulb production, the cultivation of cut flowers from the ground, cut and potted flowers from greenhouses, and the use of bulbs in gardens and urban green areas. The largest producer of Narcissus bulbs is the United Kingdom with an area of over 4000 ha [1]; second are the Netherlands with an area of 1280 ha [2]. The narcissus industry in United Kingdom is estimated to have an annual output value of around 45 million pounds [1]. Bulbs of this crop on the area larger than 50 ha are produced in Australia, Canada, Israel, USA, and Poland [3].
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