Experimental Taxonomy in the Genus Amelanchier .1. a New Look at the Chromosome-numbers of the Amelanchier Species Growing in the Northeastern United-states
Year: 1980
Type: article
Abstract: Only a limited number of chromosome studies have included the Amelanchier species of the northeastern United States. These stu dies by Moffett (1931), Sax (1931), Cruise (1964), and Love and Love (1966) have resulted in conflicting conclusions that have yet to be resolved. Several factors may have contributed to this confusion. Changes in nomenclature and diverging taxonomic opinions could have led to errors in specimen identification. In addition, the forma tion of diploid gametes and autopolyploidy, not uncommon in the Maloideae, may also occur in Amelanchier. Finally the small size of the chromosomes and their multivalent chromosome associations make it difficult to discern with absolute accuracy the number of chromosomes. The authors are aware of the efforts of our Canadian colleagues, McKay (1973) and Landry (1975), to simplify Amelanchier taxon omy by utilizing infraspecific categories. In this paper, however, the taxonomy of Fernald (1950) has been followed since it affords the greater number of species, and knowledge of their chromosome numbers may eventually contribute to a reevaluation of the validity of these species.
Authors: Robinson, W A, Partanen, C R
Language: English
Subfield: Genetics
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W310596754