Karyotype analysis and physical mapping of 45S rRNA genes in Hydrangea species by fluorescence in situ hybridization

Detailed karyotypes of Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydrangea paniculata and Hydrangea quercifolia were constructed on the basis of arm lengths and centromeric index, together with 45S rDNA fluorescence in situ hybridization. Although the chromosomes were small, they were well distinguishable for all species. Chromosome morphology and karyotypes were different for the three species. H. macrophylla had six metacentric (M), eight submetacentric (SM) and four subtelocentric (ST) chromosomes. The karyotype of H. paniculata contained seven M, 10 SM and one ST chromosomes and H. quercifolia had six M, 10 SM and two ST chromosomes. The variability among three species also was expressed by 45S rDNA signals. H. macrophylla had a nucleolar organizing region on chromosome 2, H. paniculata had 45S rDNA signals on chromosomes 2, 5 and 11 and H. quercifolia on chromosomes 3 and 8. Hybridization signal always was distally on the short arm but the strength of the signals was different for the three species. The chromosome portraits made in this study will be used to trace chromosome behaviour in interspecific hybrids resulting from breeding work between the three species.