Cytogenetic Tools To Investigate The Compilospecies

A compilospecies is defined as a genetically aggressive taxa that “steals” or incorporates the genomes of other taxa via introgressive hybridization. This concept was first defined in Bothriochloa, Capillipedium, and Dichanthium (the BCD clade). Within this clade, Bothriochloa bladhii was identified as the compilospecies. Proper cytological techniques and accurate chromosome counts are needed to begin investigations to understand the mode of hybridization and to track “dominant” genomes. Techniques for preparation of meiotic chromosome spreads in species with more than 60 chromosomes are lacking in the literature. In this study, two methods for preparing chromosomes in the BCD clade are presented. These methods are adapted from the ‘SteamDrop’ (Kirov et al., 2014) and modified drop method (Kuo et al., 2016). Recommendations for further cytological work on the BCD clade based on these experiences are also suggested.