Giemsa-based chromosome staining and comparative fluorescent banding pattern in five valuable Indian plant species

This study presents repeatable enzymatic maceration and air drying (EMA)-based chromosome preparation methods in five valuable Indian plant species namely Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Nigella sativa, Trigonella foenum-graecum, and Aloe vera. Comparative fluorescent banding studies with two DNA base-specific fluorescent dyes have precisely unraveled the number, position, and patterns of secondary constriction of each species. Additionally, it has highlighted the fluorescent banding pattern of repetitive DNA sequences notably on two important constitutive heterochromatic sites like secondary and primary constrictions. The study has established that EMA-based fluorescent banding can provide valuable complementary information for modern genomics. The results are expected to enrich our knowledge of chromosome biology and crop genomics and inspire future academic and research endeavours.