The Karyotype Study of Three Species of Silene (Caryophyllaceae) in Southwest China

Purpose In order to supplement the chromosome data of the genus Silene, and to provide reference value for the systematic classification and the study of polyploidy and the formation of polyploid species, etc.

Method The chromosome numbers and karyotypes of three Silene species were studied by conventional pressed slice method, and the chromosome numbers and karyotypes of three Silene species were analyzed for the first time.

Result The basic chromosome number of the three species is x=12, with chromosome numbers, karyotype formula and karyotype asymmetry as follows: the chromosome number of S. himalayensis is 2n=48, karyotype formula is 2n=4x=48m, karyotype type is 1A; the chromosome number of S. lamarum is 2n=24, karyotype formula is 2n=2x=19m+5sm, karyotype type is 2A; the chromosome number of S. namlaensis is 2n=72, karyotype formula is 2n=6x=72m, karyotype type is 1A.

Conclusion There are multiple ploidy changes in the species of Silene in Southwest China.