Nuclear DNA content and chromosome number determination in a Sahel medicinal plant, Combretum micranthum G. Don

Abstract

ABSTRACT Combretum micranthum G. Don, also known as kinkéliba, is native to West Africa where the plant grows wild as a shrub, liana, or tree and is valued for its numerous attributes including health and nutritional benefits. Despite this, genetic information commensurate with its economic value is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the nuclear DNA content and chromosome numbers of C. micranthum germplasm from eastern Senegal, West Africa. Genome size estimates were determined, for the first time, and chromosome number was analyzed using actively growing root tips. The mean, median, minimum, and maximum genome size estimates were 1587.44 Mb, 1540.85 Mb, 1472.24 Mb, and 2146.66 Mb, respectively. Cytological analysis revealed a chromosome number of 2 n = 2x = 26. The results of this investigation can be useful for structural and functional genomics, genome sequencing endeavors, and phylogenic studies as well as breeding and domestication programs.