Onobrychis argaea belonging to the Fabaceae family, is an endangered plant species endemic to Turkey, distributed only in Kayseri Erciyes Mountain. This study represents the first comprehensive investigation into the morphology, anatomy, pollen and seed micromorphology, and chromosome characteristics of O. argaea. The previous description of the species has been expanded and modified. The pith of the root is covered with xylem tissue. In the stem cross-section, the protective tissue is periderm in the woody part and epiderm in the herbaceous part. The leaflets are amphistomatic and equifacial. The pollen grains are radially symmetric, isopolar, tricolpate, with prolate shape and reticulate-microreticulate ornamentation. The seeds are reniform, yellowish-brown, suboblate, and exhibit rugulate surface ornamentation. The number of somatic chromosomes in O. argaea is 2n = 14. The karyotype formula of this species consists of seven median chromosomes.

Prunella L. species are distributed in very different habitats since they can adapt to variable ecological conditions. These conditions cause variations in morphological characters. It is very important to support morphological and taxonomic characters with genetic data. So far, various diploid numbers have been reported in the chromosomal records of Turkish Prunella species. The situation is particularly complex in P. vulgaris L. and P. grandiflora (L.) Turra species. The aim of this study is to eliminate the complexity by presenting karyological data of these species. The chromosome number and chromosome lengths of P. grandiflora and P. vulgaris were reported for the first time from Turkey. The diploid and basic numbers were detected as 2n = 28 and x =7 by ploidy levels of 4x in P. grandiflora and P. vulgaris. As a result, the karyology of the genus Prunella was evaluated by comparing previous and present results. The listed data provided important contributions to the cytotaxonomy of the genus Prunella: (i) the basic number was x = 7, (ii) the most common diploid number was 2n = 28, and (iii) high polyploidy rates. The polyploidy probably played an important role in the speciation of the genus.

Detailed karyological analyses of the Nigelleae tribe which includes taxa belonging to both genera Garidella and Nigella were performed. All studied taxa are diploid with 2 n = 12 and all the chromosomes are Ranunculus-type, chromosome size is large, and all taxa exhibit metacentric chromosomes. The karyotype formulas for Nigella and Garidella are 10m+2st and 12m, respectively, and only Nigella orientalis has satellite (SAT) chromosomes among the studied taxa. Secondary constrictions were documented in N. elata and N. orientalis . Genome size was determined using flow cytometry (FCM) and 2C genome sizes of some diploid Nigella species ranged from 21.25 to 23.48 pg. In contrast, a much smaller genome size, 17.68 pg, was determined in Garidella nigellastrum . UPGM cluster analyses were carried out to evaluate the correspondence between chromosomal features and the taxonomy of the tribe. The results showed that karyological parameters are highly useful in taxonomic delimitation at the generic level.

The genus Gundelia is currently represented with 18 species, of which 16 are in Turkey. In genus Gundelia, the chromosomal data were reported from 12 species. In the present study, it is aimed to eliminate the deficiencies in the knowledge about chromosomal data of Gundelia species. In Genus Gundelia, only a single chromosome number had been detected as 2n=18 so far. The chromosome numbers of four species were reported here for the first time: G. armeniaca, G. cappadocica, G. siirtica, and G. tehranica. In addition, the polyploidy in the genus was rare and G. anatolica was identified as the first polyploid species. All karyotypes except G. tehranica were symmetrical, consisting of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. Secondary constrictions were observed in the distal regions of the long arms of the longest metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. Thus, the chromosomal data of all Turkish Gundelia species were completed. In conclusion, the present study presented new data into the karyological records relating the karyotype evolution and interspecific relations of genus Gundelia.

The genus Satureja belonging to the Lamiaceae family includes about 200 species, generally aromatic, distributed in the Mediterranean basin. In genus Satureja, the chromosomal data were reported from only 26 species. In this study, it is aimed to eliminate the deficiencies in the chromosomal data of Satureja species, which are distributed in Turkey, which is an important center of the genus. A basic number of x = 15 dominated in reported Satureja species excluding S. hortensis. However, different basic numbers were reported. The basic number variations were probably caused by descending or ascending dysploidy and dibasic polyploidy. Nine species were diploid with 2x = 30 and two species were polyploid with 4x = 44, 48, and 60. Polyploidy was probably one of the important mechanisms in the karyotype evolution of the genus. As a result, it was reported only one chromosome number (2n = 30), the first report for chromosome numbers of three taxa, the same chromosome count (excluding B-chromosomes) from previous report in only one species, and the correction of the chromosome number of previous report in only one species. The results contributed to some missing data in Satureja cytotaxonomy.

In this research the metaphase chromosome number and karyotype of Astragalus stenosemioides species growing naturally in Turkey are studied. The study revealed that the chromosome number of A. stenosemioides is 2n = 16. The basic chromosome number of species is determined as x = 8. The karyotype formula of A. stenosemioides is 8m. The total length of the somatic chromosomes of A. stenosemioides ranges between 1.96 - 3.38 μm. The total haploid chromosome length of A. stenosemioides is determined as 21.36 μm. In addition, the karyotype asymmetry of the species was evaluated by different methods; Stebbins classification, TF%, AsK%, Syi and Rec, A1, A2, DI, A, and AI.

Chromosomal data and karyological relationships provides valuable contributions to understanding speciation and karyotypic phylogeny. Because of the large number of species, wide distribution, morphological differences and chromosomal variations, Geranium is an important genus for determining the relationship between chromosomal alterations and karyotypic phylogeny. In the present study, the chromosomal data of 38 taxa are provided, nine of which are given for the first time (G. eginense, G. gracile, G. ibericum subsp. jubatum, G. lasiopus, G. libani, G. libanoticum, G. petri-davisii, G. ponticum, G. psilostemon), five present new chromosome numbers (G. asphodeloides, G. ibericum subsp. ibericum, G. molle subsp. molle, G. pretense, G. rotundifolium), and 24 agree with previous reports. Eleven different diploid numbers (2n = 18, 20, 22, 26, 28, 30, 32, 46, 48, 64, and 84) are detected. In basic numbers, infraspecific variations are encountered. The comprehensive variations of basic numbers and the relatively low rate of polyploid species showed in the present study promote the evolutionary significance of karyotype alterations by dysploidy mechanism. Regarding karyological relationships, G. sanguineum forms a monophyletic group by quite different karyological features, which are different basic number, diploid number, and karyotype sample and high ploidy level. Other clad consists of two subclades with a medium strong monophyletic group. In regression analyses, there are significant positive correlations between THL and 2n/ploidy levels. Asymmetry indices (CVCL and M-CA) show weak positive correlations mainly caused by polyploidy. The most asymmetrical karyotypes are G. molle subsp. bruitium in intrachromosomal asymmetry and G. asphodeloides in interchromosomal asymmetry.

The genus Salvia is characterized by such small chromosomes, which has so far restricted the cytogenetic studies. Therefore, karyomorphological aspects of the chromosome complement were rarely analyzed in the genus. The aim of this study was to report the interspecific relationships and new chromosomal data in Salvia . The chromosomal records of 25 taxa were herein provided, 8 of which were reported for the first time, 3 presented new chromosome numbers, and 14 agreed previous reports. In addition, a detailed chromosomal data of 16 taxa were provided. Eleven different chromosome numbers (2 n = 12, 14, 16, 18, 22, 26, 28, 36, 38, 42, and 52) were found by the basic number of 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, and 13. S. candelabrum was the only taxon with B-chromosomes. Salvia algeriensis had different chromosome numbers with probably dysploidy mechanisms. The polyploidy was demonstrated by the prevalence of cells with 2 n = 4 x = 28, 36, and 52 (tetraploid) and 2 n = 6 x = 42 (hexaploid). No clear relationship was observed between basic numbers/ploidy level and subgenera. Salvia taxa had different karyotypes in terms of asymmetry degrees, which had relatively low asymmetry in nine taxa, average asymmetry in five taxa, higher intrachromosomal asymmetry in S. glutinosa , and higher interchromosomal asymmetry in S. interrupta . S. taraxacifolia , S. canescens , S. jurisicii , and S. nutans were cytotaxonomically very close species by basic numbers of x = 11 and 13. The possible ancestral number is x = 11. The results contributed to some missing parts in Salvia cytotaxonomy.

In section Dentati, the chromosome numbers were reported from only eight of 30 taxa. There is no chromosomal record relating to the other 22 taxa. In the present study, it is intended to detect the chromosome numbers of section Dentati taxa. Chromosome numbers of 15 taxa were obtained, 13 of which were reported for the first time and two numbers agreed with the previous reports. 14 taxa were diploid with 2x = 30 and only one taxon was polyploid with 4x = 60. Polyploidy might have played a role in the karyotype evolution of the genus. Although polyploidy was seen, there was no dysploidy causing to change in the basic chromosome number. According to all chromosomal data on Dianthus, the basic chromosome number was only one (x = 15). In conclusion, this study presents new data into the karyological characteristics of section Dentati (genus Dianthus) that may be useful for understanding or interpreting relationships among the sections.

In section Leiopetali, the diploid chromosome numbers were reported from only six of total 25 taxa. There is no karyological data relating to other 19 taxa. In this study, it is intended to determine the diploid chromosome numbers of taxa of section Leiopetali. The diploid number of 13 species were detected, four of which were recorded for the first time and nine numbers compatible with the previous reports. Twelve species were diploid with 2n = 2x =30. D. leptopetalus was diploid and polyploid, which reveals only one polyploidy level of tetraploidy (2n = 4x = 60). Polyploidy might have played a role in the karyotype evolution of the genus. One of the most important reasons for this situation is that although polyploidy is observed in the genus Dianthus, the dysploidy mechanism that causes a change in the basic chromosome number has not been found until now. The basic number is x = 15 according to the all chromosomal reports. In conclusion, this study reports new data into the karyological characteristics of section Leiopetali (genus Dianthus) that can be useful for interpreting or understanding relationships among sections.

The genus Satureja belonging to the Lamiaceae family includes about 200 species, generally aromatic, distributed in the Mediterranean basin. In genus Satureja, the chromosomal data were reported from only 26 species. In this study, it is aimed to eliminate the deficiencies in the chromosomal data of Satureja species, which are distributed in Turkey, which is center of origin and diversity of the genus Satureja. It was reported only one chromosome number (2n = 30), the first report for chromosome numbers of three taxa, the same chromosome count (excluding B-chromosomes) with previous report in only one species, and the new chromosome number in only one species. In conclusion, this study presented new data into the chromosomal records of genus Satureja that might be useful for interpreting or understanding relationships among the species. In addition, dysploidy and polyploidy variations might probably have played an important role in speciation. In this regard, the results contributed to some missing data in Satureja cytotaxonomy.

In this study, the anatomical, micromorphological and karyological features of Rindera cetineri Yıldırım (Boraginaceae), an endemic species in Denizli, were investigated.In anatomical studies, cross sections for root and stem measurements, and cross and superficial sections for leaf measurements (base and stem leaf) were taken.The stomatal index was calculated by counting the stomata and epidermis cells on the upper and lower surfaces of the superficial sections taken from the leaves.In micromorphological studies, pollen type and surface ornamentation, seed shape, and surface ornamentation were determined.The pollen type of R. cetineri is 6-heterocolpate, the pollen shape is prolate-spheroidal, subprolate and the surface ornamentation is microgranulate.As a result of the karyological study, the somatic chromosome number of R. cetineri was determined as 2n=24.

In this study, it was aimed to determine the chromosome number of 21 Salvia L. species, to determine chromosome morphology, to reveal karyotype analysis in detail and to contribute to the cytotaxonomy of Salvia. In this context, the results are as follows: (i) the first report for the number of chromosomes of ten species, namely S. corrugata Vahl. (2n = 16), S. curviflora Benth. (2n = 16), S. darcyi J.Compton, S. greggii A.Gray, S. longifolia Nutt., S. vitifolia Benth. (2n = 22), S. subrotunda A.St.-Hil. ex Benth. (2n = 44), S. oppositiflora Ruiz & Pav. (2n = 56), S. stolonifera Benth. and S. atrocyanea Epling (2n = 60); (ii) the karyotypic variations and new chromosome numbers different from previous reports for three species, namely S. cardiophylla Benth. (2n = 36), S. cuspidata Ruiz & Pav. (2n = 44) and S. microphylla Sessé & Moc. (2n = 46); (iii) the same chromosome numbers from previous reports for eight species, namely S. campanulata Wall. ex Benth. (2n = 16), S. elegans Vahl. (2n = 20), S. involucrata Cav., S. mexicana Sessé & Moc. (2n = 22), S. apiana Jeps., S. leucophylla Greene, S. mellifera Greene (2n = 30), and S. splendens Ker Gawl. (2n = 44); (iv) the detailed chromosome measurements and karyotype analyses for all species studied for the first time; (v) the symmetrical karyotypes for all studied species; (vi) the variations resulting from dysploidy or polyploidy and discussing their reasons.

The chromosome number and karyotype analysis of Paroncyhia amani var. amani and P. amani var. minutiflora are described for the first time. The diploid chromosome numbers and karyotype formulae are 2n = 4x = 36 = 32m + 4sm in taxa. The karyotypes are symmetrical type including metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes. The small chromosomes varied from 0.96 μm (var. amani) to 2.74 μm (var. minutiflora). P. amani var. amani and P. amani var. minutiflora are very little different varieties morphologically. There are some similarities between varieties in the karyological data. (i) equal number of chromosomes, (ii) same karyotype formula, (iii) very close karyotype asymmetry values, (iv) polyploidy by ploidy level of 4x. These seem to support morphological closeness.

Chromosomal data can provide very valuable information about karyotypic phylogeny and speciation. This is the first study on karyotype phylogeny and polyploidy variations of the genus Paronychia. In this context, the results are these: (1) in 14 taxa, the first report on chromosomes numbers; (2) in 2 taxa, equal chromosome numbers as in the previous report; (3) in all taxa, the first report of detailed karyotype analyses; (4) karyotype asymmetry data and generally symmetrical karyotypes; (5) karyotypic variations by mechanisms of dysploidy and polyploidy; and (6) phylogenetic relationships in Paronychia. The data indicate that Anatolia is an important area for the distribution of Paronychia. In light of all data, karyotype evolution is briefly summarized. The ancestral karyotype was x = 9 (millions of years ago). The karyotypes (x = 8 and x = 7) were then shaped by dysploidy. The rate of polyploidization then significantly increased in the genus. However, data should be supported by molecular analysis. In addition, the chromosome numbers of 8 species of Turkish Paronychia is still unknown. The determination of the karyological data of all species is very important to understand karyotype evolution and chromosomal phylogeny in Paronychia.

In this study, chromosome numbers and structures of some Origanum L. taxa growing in Turkey were identified. Using the Image Analysis System, the complements of plant accessions belonging to eight sections, namely Amaracus (Gleditsch) Vogel, Anatolicon Benth., Brevifilamentum Ietsw., Longitubus Ietsw., Chilocalyx (Briq.) Ietsw., Majorana (Miller) Ietsw., Origanum, and Prolaticorolla Ietsw. were determined, by classification with the cytogenetic method. The chromosome number of all taxa except O. sipyleum L. (2n = 28) and O. rotundifolium Boiss. (2n = 28) is 2n = 30. In addition, the hybrids and their parental species have 2n = 30 chromosome numbers. Also, the smallest chromosome length is 0.32 mu m in O. sipyleum. The largest chromosome length is 2.02 mu m in O. minutiflorum O.Schwarz & P.H.Davis. The smallest total haploid length is 10.08 mu m in O. vulgare subsp. hirtum (Link) A.Terracc. and the largest value is 22.00 mu m in O. haussknechtii Boiss. The smallest mean length is 0.33 mu m in O. vulgare L. subsp. hirtum and O. saccatum P.H.Davis. The largest mean length is 0.74 mu m in O. sipyleum L. The chromosome numbers obtained in this study support the speciation of Origanum members via homoploid hybridization. Finally, the somatic chromosome numbers of 10 taxa (including 2 hybrids), chromosome measurements of 22 taxa (including 2 hybrids), and ideograms of 19 taxa (including 2 hybrids) were for the first time performed in this study.

OriganumL. is one of the high-value medicinal and aromatic plants generally used for various purposes in the field of food and health. This study evaluated the effect of aqueous extract, hydrosol and essential oil forms of sevenOriganumtaxa including three endemic species in fresh-cut mushroom samples in order to prevent polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity. Food samples were treated with these natural preservatives (aqueous extract, hydrosol, and essantial oil) and stored at 4 degrees C temperature for a maximum of 5 days. It was found that the extract form ofOriganum vulgareL. subsp.hirtum(Link) Ietsw. provided maximum PPO inhibition with 64.50% of reduction on 3rd day. Similarly, 3-fold reduction in hydrosol application was observed withOriganum bilgeriP. H. Davis which is the endemic plant. These results were conducted with the extract forms containing water are more effective than essential oil form to inhibit PPO activity. Practical applications In this study, we have investigated alternative usage of someOriganumplants as natural anti-browning food additives in mushroom samples. The samples separately treated with aqueous extract, hydrosol, and essential oil forms of differentOriganumplants were stored until 5 days. PPO activities of samples on 1st, 3rd, and 5th days were used to determinate the shelf life of mushrooms associating with their browness.

Based on combined results of different approaches we describe two new natural hybrids, Origanum x bilgilii Dirmenci, T. Yazici & Arabaci and O. x dumanii Dirmenci, Arabaci & T. Yazici from southern Turkey (Antalya). They have a common parent, Origanum saccatum. Morphology and pollen micromorphology of the collected plants were studied, and a comparison of one nuclear (nrITS) and one chloroplast (rpl32) DNA marker was performed. The ploidy level of the two hybrids was established by chromosome counts. Both hybrids have some morphological characters in the leaves. bracts, calyces and corollas that are intermediate between those of their parents. Surface sculpturing and pollen grain size and shape of the hybrids vary and differ to a certain degree from those of the parental species. Heterozygous loci were detected in nrITS sequences of both O. x bilgilii and O. x dumanii, while rpl32 sequences were uninformative. Both hybrids and their parents have the same chromosome number of 2n = 30.

Chromosomal data and karyological relationships provide valuable information about karyotype evolution and speciation. For the genus Bunium, the chromosomal data are limited. In the present study, the chromosomal data of 10 taxa are provided, 6 of which are given for the first time, 2 present new chromosome numbers, and 2 agree with previous reports. Four different chromosome numbers (2n=18, 20, 22 and 40) were detected, and 2n=40 is a new number in the genus Bunium. B. brachyactis is the first polyploid species of the genus with a ploidy level of 4x. The most asymmetric karyotypes are those of B. pinnatifolium and B. sayae. Regarding karyological relationships, B. pinnatifolium forms a monophyletic group by quite different karyological features such as large chromosomes, more submedian chromosomes and the most asymmetric karyotypes. In addition, the other 5 taxa form a strong monophyletic group. B. verruculosum and B. ferulaceum are cytotaxonomically very close species, as are B. sayae and B. elegans var. elegans. The chromosome numbers of 2 Turkish species, B. nudum and B. sivasicum, remain unknown. The presented results provide important contributions to the cytotaxonomy of Bunium.

Chromosomal data are valuable and very useful for revealing evolution and speciation processes. Due to its wide distribution throughout the world, morphological differences, and chromosomal alterations, Erodium L'Her. is an important genus for investigating the relationship between chromosomal alterations and karyotype evolution. In the present study, the chromosome records of 15 taxa are provided; three are reported here for the first time (E. birandianum, E. gaillardotii, and E. hendrikii), seven present new chromosome numbers, and five are in agreement with previous reports. Karyotype evolution is summarized in the light of this data, and four different genomes are presented in the genus. Millions of years ago the ancestral karyotype was x = 9 in Asia (Genome I). Then, karyotypes x = 8 (Genome II) and x 10 (Genome III) were shaped through dysploidy in Anatolia and Asia. They were distributed in the Mediterranean Basin through the Anatolian land bridge and in North and South America via the Bering land bridge and the North Atlantic land bridge. Finally, a high proportion of polyploidization was observed in secondary centers, especially the Mediterranean Basin and Australia (Genome IV).