Karyotypic Variation of the Aloe vera L. and Aloe littoralis Baker in Iran

Abstract

Background: We describe karyotypic variations and the in vitro methods for plant propagation and conservation as well as detailed chromosomal analysis of (<em>Aloe vera</em> L.) and <em>Aloe littoralis</em> from Iran during flowering stage. Objectives: This karyotypic was discovered because of a difference in the position of the chromosome and due to genomic differentiation in domesticated populations of the Iranian species. We show that highly conserved ortho selected karyotype in (<em>Aloe vera</em> L.) both in in vivo and in vitro grown cultivars. Materials and Methods: Cytological investigation of <em>Aloe littoralis</em> in vitro grown plants revealed its tetraploid nature. Chromosome behaviors in miosis cell division were studied in one hundred cells and the populations and the parameters such as number and type of formed chiasmas were recorded. Results: Despite the large size of the chromosomes, the most portions of the observed chiasmata were one chiasma per pairs of homologes. A population of <em>Aloe littoralis</em> showed high level of four chiasmata. The percentage of pollen viability is high in both (<em>Aloe vera</em> L.) and <em>Aloe littoralis</em>, yet the flowers failed to form fruits. Conclusions: This finding, in combination with regional differences in the frequency of the karyotype, has important values for future studies using Aloe spices.