Karyotype Variation within Some Natural Populations of Sulla (Hedysarum coronarium L., Fabaceae) in Algeria

As a part of the characterization and the valorization of plant genetic resources of fodder and pastoral interest in Algeria, a cytogenetic study was undertaken for nine natural populations of Hedysarum coronarium L. originating from North-East Algeria. The chromosomic characterization was realized throughout the mitosis, the C-banding and the meiosis analysis. Ecological factors (altitude and rainfall) of the originating environment of the different populations were considered in this study. Six Algerian populations present the stable chromosome number, usually observed in this species (2n = 16), whereas three others present two numbers. The first number (2n = 2x = 16), previously cited by other authors throughout the world, and the second one (2n = 2x = 18) is newly observed within Hedysarum coronarium L. Both mitotis ans meiosis confirmed these numbers. The chromosomes are median and the karyotype is primitive in terms of form and size. The C-banding method showed off three types of bands (telomeric, intercalary, centromeric). The originating environment seems to have an effect on the existing variability in Hedysarum coronarium L.