Variability of Cytogenetic Characteristics in Lonicera caerulea (Blue Honeysuckle) Population in Active Fault Zone

Abstract

Complexes of geophysical and geochemical anomalies in active tectonic fault zones can have a genotoxic effect on the plants growing there, as they are one of the factors of the evolutionary transformation of plant populations. The main cytogenetic characteristics of meristematic tissue cells were determined in the sprouts of the seed progeny of the Lonicera caerulea L. (blue honeysuckle) from the natural population in one of the active fault zones of the Altai Mountains. Changes in the mitotic activity, frequency, and spectrum of mitosis anomalies in the root meristem of blue honeysuckle growing in contrasting conditions (in terms of the geographical characteristics) are established.