Estimation of the Genome Size of Tea (Camellia sinensis), Camellia (C.japonica), and their Interspecific Hybrids by Flow Cytometry

Abstract

Using flow cytometry and staining by propidium iodide (PI), we estimated the genome sizes of tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze), camellia (C. japonica L.), and their interspecific hybrids by comparing relative fluorescence density per nucleus to the values of rice (Oryza sativa), soybean (Glycine max), and wheat (Triticum aestivum), whose genome sizes are known. The genome sizes of tea and camellia were nearly equal and estimated to be 4.OG bases. Garden camellia 'Higo-Ozeki' had 1.5 times the DNA content per nucleus compared to other camellia clones. Based on chromosomal observations, size of the stoma, we conclude that 'Higo-Ozeki' is triploid.