CYTOPHOTOMETRIC ESTIMATION OF 4C DNA AND KARYOTYPE ANALYSIS IN TEN CULTIVARS OF TRIGONELLA FOENUMGRAECUM II.

Cytophotodensitometric estimation of 4C DNA content in root tip cells and karyotype analysis were carried out in ten cultivars of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). Somatic chromosome number was 2n=16 in all the cultivars. Detailed karyotype analysis revealed cultivar specific chromosomal characteristics and minute structural alterations in chromosomes of the genome. The 4C DNA content varied significantly from 9.116pg in the cultivar TG-41 to 12.420 pg in TG-03. Significant variations in the chromosome length and volume and total form percentage (TF% ) were noted at cultivar level. Correlation coefficient studies revealed interdependence between the chromosome volume and nuclear DNA content of the varieties. Variations in chromosome structure and the nuclear DNA content despite the same somatic chromosome number suggest micro-evolution leading to the development of new cultivars.