A reevaluation of karyotype in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

A karyotype analysis was conducted on the mitotic chromosomes of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.; 2n = 2 x = 14), using improved chromosome preparation and C-banding techniques. Chromosome pairs were characterized on the basis of length and arm ratio value. The length of metaphase chromosomes ranged from 1.48 to 2.31 mu m, and the total length of the haploid chromosome complement was 13.06 mu m. The karyotype of this species was symmetric, and consisted of six metacentric and one submetacentric chromosomes. All chromosomes were defined by their unique C-banding patterns. The C-banded karyotype included centromeric, telomeric, and intercalary bands depending on chromosome pair leading to a precise identification of each pair. The C-banding patterns were distinctly different from observations made in previous study.