Tools and methodologies for cytogenetic studies of plant chromosomes

Abstract

A brief overview is presented in advances in cytogenetic methodology and development of aneuploid stocks since the 1920s. The methodologies range from first reports of chromosome numbers of major organisms, the development of chromosome karyotypes, then aneuploid stocks in the major crop plants. Molecular inputs included chromosome banding techniques, molecular marker maps and in situ hybridization methodologies. All of the new techniques greatly increased the degree of resolution obtained from cytogenetic studies.