Karyotype analysis and report on B-chromosome in Gloriosa superba L. by differential staining

In this investigation Gloriosa superba L. was cytogenetically studied with orcein, CMA and DAPI-staining for authentic characterization. Complex Chromocenter Type of interphase nuclei with 3-4 bigger darkly stained heterochromatic regions was found in this species. The prophase chromosomes were Interstitial Type with darkly stained region at different interstitial sites of chromosomes. This species had 2n=22 chromosomes with heterogenous centromeric formulae14m+8sm. In addition to the regular chromosomes, 1-6 small chromosomes were found in several mitotic pro-metaphase, metaphase and anaphase stage which covered 43.57% of the total cell count of this species suggesting the probable occurrence of B-chromosome. Presence of B-chromosome was probably the first report for this genus. After fluorescent banding, a pair of dot like CMA fluoresced bands were observed whereas no bright band was found in G. superba after DAPI-staining which suggested the coexistence of GC- and AT-base pairs in the genome. Thus, the compilation of the above information will be very useful for cytogenetical characterization of G. superba L. in Bangladesh.