Nuclear DNA content variation in seeds from 22 half-sib families of jack pine (Pinus banksiana, Pinaceae)

In order to understand the amount of DNA content variation and its potential roles, both absolute DNA amount and cell cycle phases in 22 half-sib families of jack pine were examined using flow cytometry. When the variability due to differences in speed of germination was taken into account, embryos from superior families (classified on the basis of height growth during field trials) had significantly higher levels of all nuclei classes greater than 4C. Mean DNA contents per nucleus were significantly lower in embryos from superior families compared to inferior ones. Analysis of megagametophyte tissue showed that the mother trees of these embryos expressed a similar pattern. Absolute DNA values were also established on the emerging radicle and the hypocotyl + cotyledons region (HC) separately in five of the families. Nuclei isolated from the emerging radicles had significantly lower levels of DNA than those isolated from the KC region. For three of these families, absolute DNA Values from nuclei of the hypocotyl + cotyledons region were established on individual embryos with varying cotyledon numbers. In all three families total DNA amount per nucleus decreased with increasing cotyledon number. A better understanding of differences observed in DNA content during germination, as well as in total DNA content per nuclei among different half-sib families of jack pine, may help in the identification of factors that influence growth and adaptation of this species.