Doubling the chromosome number of Salvia hains using colchicine: Evaluation of morphological traits of recovered plants

This study demonstrates a protocol of polyploidy induction in Salvia hains, in order obtained tetraploid five concentrations (0.1, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.7%) of colchicine were used to determine the best treatment for the induction of tetraploid plants. Treatment seeds with colchicine for 24 h product tetraploid plants. Ploidy level of the resulting plantlets was determined by morphological study, chromosome counting and flow cytometry. Tetraploid plants were obtained from S. hains after applied concentrations 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5% of colchicine. Plants obtained from 0.1% colchicine were all diploids. The induced tetraploid in S. hains was accompanied by larger stomata increase in chloroplast number in guard cells and decrease in stomata density, compared to diploid (control) plants. The techniques used to induce tetraploid S. hains plants by colchicine were successful and could be used in breeding programs.   Key words: Autotetrapolid, flowcytometry, polyploid, Salvia hains, chromosome counting.