A new method for selecting cytochimeras by the maximum number of nucleoli per cell in Allium wakegi Araki and A. fistulosum L.

Summary A new method for determining ploidy levels in cytochimeral plants was developed by examining the maximum number of nucleoli per cell. Colchicine-treated plants of Allium wakegi Araki and A. fistulosum L., which have different ploidy levels in the first (LI), the second (LII), and the third (LIII) germ layer, were used together with untreated 2-2-2 plants of the same species. Nucleoli in guard cells for LI and in mesophyll cells for LII were stained in a 50% AgNO₃ aqueous solution at 55° C for three hours under dark, humid conditions. In both species the ploidy levels of LI determined by the maximum number of nucleoli per guard cell accorded well with those determined by guard cell length. In A. fistulosum the ploidy levels of LII determined by the maximum number of nucleoli per mesophyll cell clearly agreed with those determined by pollen size. This method provided more precise and efficient identification for LI and LII ploidy than the conventional methods of using guard cell length for LI and pollen size for LII.