Characterization of chickpea chromosomes by banding techniques

Summary The karyotype of Cicer arietinum L. was characterized after the use of chromosome differential staining obtained through various techniques, such as C-banding and fluorochrome staining. It was possible to individually identify all the chromosomes of this species. Moreover the use of fluorochromes with different DNA targets allowed the distinction of at least two types of heterochromatin.The importance of chickpea heterochromatin characterization is discussed in the perspective of evolutionary and breeding studies.Abbreviations BSG Barium-Saline-Giemsa banding - CMA Chromomycin A3 - DAPI 4-6-Diamidino-2-phenylindole - H33258 Bis-benzimide derivate Hoechst 33258