Review of Chromosome Counts for Bothriochloa, Capillipedium, and Dichanthium Species (The Bcd Clade)

It has been perceived that multiple species of grasses are able to undergo introgression with one another forming unique hybrids of varying ploidy levels. Specifically the genera Bothriochloa, Dichanthium, and Capillipedium, in the generic section Bothriochloininae, tribe Andropogoneae have been studied to review the interrelated agamic complex formed from interbreeding. Extensive research into the chromosome pairing and cytogenetic affinities of each species has proven to be a useful tool in discovering the pairing of chromosomes between multiple species as well as characteristic differences of different ploidy levels and mode of reproduction. Due to 80% of its species being polyploid, it makes studying the grass family instrumental research as it is an ideal system to understand ploidy levels. Grasses are an important piece of the agricultural system as their weight in the food and fuel industries drive the economy. Thus, extensive genetic research has been conducted in grass groups to further increase knowledge on polyploidy. Through this broad research, chromosome number of species within the Bothriochloa, Dichanthium, and Capillipedium clade are reviewed to further be utilized for understanding polyploidy and its role in diversification.