Chromosome Number and Mitotic Time of Two Species of the Apiaceae Family

In Indonesia, the production yield and demand in vegetable cultivation must be balanced with improved production quality. Research is needed to enhance the quality of plant production, particularly in the genetic breeding of carrots and celery. This study aimed to characterize the shape, number, and size of chromosomes in two species of the Apiaceae family, specifically carrot (Daucus carota L.) and celery (Apium graveolens L.). The study applied a modified squash method, incorporating procedures for chromosome preparation such as root fixation, cell maceration, and chromosome staining. Mitotic phases were observed under the microscope, and the analysis was conducted using Image Raster 3 for length measurement, Photoscape v3.6 and Corel Draw X6 for generating karyotypes, and Microsoft Excel 2007 for creating the idiograms. The results indicate differences in the mitotic timing and chromosome characteristics between the two Apiaceae species. Carrot species (D. carota L. 'Kuroda' and 'Nantes') exhibited mitotic division from 9:30 to 11:00 am with a chromosome number 2n = 18. Celery species (A. graveolens L. 'Summer' and 'Amigo') showed mitotic division occurring from 11:30 am to 12:45 pm with a chromosome number of 2n = 22. This study can help enhance the quality of plant production, particularly in the genetic breeding of carrots and celery.