Identification of heterochromatic regions in the chromosomes of rye

Localisation of the heterochromatic regions in the chromosomes of rye, Secale cereale L., has been achieved by (a) C-banding and (b) fluorescence banding with a bis-benzimidazole derivative. It is possible to characterise each pair of the rye chromosomes. The absence of heterochromatin at the centromeric regions and its presence in the terminal ends of the chromosomes, serve as markers and facilitate easy identification of rye chromosomes from those of wheat, in Triticale genome.