Serdar Makbul

Chromosome counts of Tragopogon L. (Asteraceae) from Turkey

In the present study, mitotic chromosome numbers of 18 Tragopogon taxa from Turkey, including five endemic species, were counted. The plant material originates from 30 populations. The chromosome numbers of T. albinervis (2n = 12), T. dshimilensis (2n = 12), T. oligolepis (2n = 12), T. porrifolius subsp. abbreviatus (2n = 12) and T. subacaulis (2n = 12) are reported for the first time. The chromosome numbers are published for the first time from Turkish accessions, except for T. coloratus, T. latifolius var. latifolius, T. reticulatus, and T. porrifolius subsp. longirostris. Of the studied plants 13 taxa proved to be diploid (2n = 12) and five taxa tetraploid (2n = 24). The chromosome numbers obtained from the present study are consistent with previous reports.

Pollen morphology and anatomical features of Lilium (Liliaceae) taxa from Turkey

In this study, pollen grains and anatomical features of Turkish lilies were investigated under the electron (SEM) and light (LM) microscope. LM and SEM observations showed that the pollen grains are monosulcate, heteropolar, elliptical in polar view and oblate. Numerical results based on combined palynological and anatomical characters were discussed and compared with traditional taxonomic treatments. It was found that the midrib shape, mesophyll type, P/E (polar/equatorial), sulcus length, and lumina width are the most valuable traits in separating the examined taxa. The numerical analysis showed that Lilium candidum L. differs from the rest Turkish Lilium and also confirmed a close relationship between L. szovitsianum Fisch. & Avé-Lall. and L. armenum Miscz. ex Grossh. Also this study is the first report dealing with anatomical and palynological features of all Turkish lilies.