Genotype-Specific Responses to Polyploidy Induction in Coriander Revealed Through Colchicine Treatments

Researchers from the University of Tehran have made significant findings on the effects of polyploidy induction in coriander using colchicine treatments. The study explored how different genotypes of coriander respond to colchicine-induced polyploidy, shedding light on the changes in plant architecture and resource allocation. The research team tested three colchicine application methods and found that shoot apical meristem treatment was the most effective in achieving tetraploid formation, with 64.88% and 81.55% of plants showing successful tetraploid formation at concentrations of 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively.

Key Takeaways:

• The study used three colchicine application methods: root immersion, seed soaking, and shoot apical meristem treatment, with shoot apical meristem treatment achieving the highest polyploid induction efficiency.
• The successful tetraploid formation rates were 64.88% and 81.55% at colchicine concentrations of 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively, with significant plant mortality and reduced viability observed at higher concentrations.
• Flow cytometry and chromosome counting confirmed the stable induction of tetraploids, with genotype-specific variations in response to colchicine treatment.
• Tetraploid plants exhibited larger stomata but reduced stomatal density and altered growth patterns, reflecting key physiological adaptations linked to polyploidy.
• Despite trade-offs in plant height (-18%) and umbel number (-20%), tetraploidy resulted in increased seed size, seed weight, and total biomass per plant (biological yield).

Statistics:

• 64.88% of plants showed successful tetraploid formation at a colchicine concentration of 0.3%.
• 81.55% of plants exhibited successful tetraploid formation at a colchicine concentration of 0.5%.
• 18% reduction in plant height was observed in tetraploid plants.
• 20% reduction in umbel number was observed in tetraploid plants.
• 32% increase in seed size was observed in tetraploid plants.
• 25% increase in seed weight was observed in tetraploid plants.

Sources:

• "Genotype-specific responses to polyploidy induction in coriander using colchicine treatments." Discover Plants, vol. 2, no. 1, 2025, pp. 1-16, doi: 10.1007/s44372-025-00374-2.
• University of Tehran, Department of Agronomy and Plant Breeding Sciences, College of Aburaihan.