Chromosome complement and nucleoli in the Festuca pallescens alliance from South America
The karyotypes, chromosomes with secondary constrictions, and maximum number of nucleoli of 14 hexaploid (2n = 42) species of Festuca native to South America are described to complete the cytological characterization of the Festuca pallescens alliance. The species analyzed were Festuca acanthophylla E. Desv., Festuca argentinensis (St.-Yves) Türpe, Festuca chrysophylla Phil., Festuca circinata Griseb., Festuca cirrosa (Speg.) Parodi, Festuca gracillima J. D. Hook, Festuca kurtziana St.-Yves, Festuca monticola Phil., Festuca pallescens (St.-Yves) Parodi, Festuca scabriuscula Phil., Festuca scirpifolia (Presl.) Kunth, Festuca thermarum Phil., Festuca tunicata E. Desv., and Festuca ventanicola Speg. They have symmetric and uniform karyotypes but differed (p < 0.01) in arm ratio values. The species had similar maxima in the number of nucleoli in the root tips (9–12), microspores (5–7), and chromosomes with secondary constrictions (10–14). The arrangement of chromosomes in homomorphic pairs and their meiotic behaviour suggest that the species are allohexaploids. The size, shape, and number of chromosomes bearing secondary constrictions confirm that these species are members of the same alliance. Key words: Festuca, karyotype, nucleolus, chromosome pairing.