In vitro effect of colchicine on growth and cytological characteristics of Fritillaria raddeana

The induction of polyploidy is a useful tool in plant breeding, as important characteristics such as new forms and colors, resistance to both drought and low temperatures can be achieved through chromosome doubling. Several methods and materials were used to obtain polyploid varieties but in some cases these substances have unusual effects. The main purpose of the present study was to regenerate polyploidy plants. In this research, Fritillaria raddeana calluses were treated by colchicine at four different concentrations 0.005, 0.001, 0.05 and 0.01% for 24, 48 and 72 h to induce polyploidy. The experiment was laid out with three replications in completely randomized design. Due to its slow growth rate, survival percent were identified after 3 months. Root tip chromosome counting, stomata and flow cytometry analysis shown that dosages higher than 0.01% and exposure time of colchicine treatment higher than 48 h cause more explants lethality. Although the growth rates have been increased and stomata density decreased, neither chromosome counting nor flow cytometry analysis indicated any polyploid plantlets in colchicine treated explants.