Karyotype analysis of four varieties of white petioles leaf beet

Leaf beet was one of the important leaf vegetables which had important ornamental value, and was popular with consumers. There were many kinds of leaf beet existed in the world. However, leaf beet with white petioles is the most common type generally planted by farmers. In this study, we try to obtain cytological parameters on four varieties of white petioles leaf beet. The results showed that the relative length of W1 was ranged from 9.12% to 12.38% and max arm ratio was determined 1.62. The karyotype asymmetry index was 57.12%, and the karyotype formula was 2n=2x=18=18m (2SAT). The relative length of W2 was ranged from 10.07% to 12.36% and max arm ratio was determined 1.87. The karyotype asymmetry index was 60.27%, and the karyotype formula was 2n=2x=18=12m+6sm (2SAT). The relative length of W3 was ranged from 9.13% to 13.25% and max arm ratio was determined 1.84. The karyotype asymmetry index was 60.22%, and the karyotype formula was 2n=2x=18=12m+6sm (2SAT). The relative length of W4 was ranged from 10.00% to 12.33% and max arm ratio was determined 1.85. The karyotype asymmetry index was 58.37%, and the karyotype formula was 2n=2x=18=16m+2sm (2SAT).The karyotype characteristics of four varieties of leaf beet were all type 1A. The findings revealed the karyotypic characteristics of leaf beet from the cytogenetic aspects.