KOREASCHOLAR

Polyploidization, or genome doubling, has a significant impact on plant speciation and adaptation, and it is commonly used in agriculture to improve crop traits. In this study, we investigated the induction of polyploidy in three wild Allium species native to Korea: A. senescens and A. spirale Willd. and A. taquetii, using colchicine treatments tailored to meet specific experimental requirements. By avoiding tissue culture methods, we developed a more accessible, cost-effective, and scalable approach to polyploidization. Our research demonstrated that polyploid Allium plants exhibit distinct phenotypic changes, such as reduced growth rates and increased stomatal size. Flow cytometry and chromosome counting confirmed the successful induction of polyploidy, with clear peaks indicating double DNA content and stable chromosome numbers in polyploid plants. The presence of B chromosomes in A. spirale Willd. following polyploidization suggest interesting genetic dynamics. Despite the initial growth lags, polyploid plants may offer enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and resilience under optimal conditions. This study highlights the potential of polyploidization to improve ornamental traits in Allium species, thereby contributing to the diversification and sustainability of ornamental plant offerings. Future research should focus on the long-term performance and ecological adaptability of polyploid Allium species to fully harness their horticultural potential.

Introduction
Materials and Methods
    Seed germination and in vivo colchicine treatment
    Flow cytometry analysis
    Stomata observations
    Somatic chromosomes preparation
    Statistical analysis
    Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
Results and Discussion
    Phenotypic variation and plant growth
    Stomatal characteristics and implications ofpolyploidization
    Cytogenetic confirmation of polyploidization
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
References

• Eun-Jae Seo(Department of Horticultural Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea)
• Yoon-Jung Hwang(Department of Life Science, Sahmyook University, Seoul 01795, Korea)
• Ji-Yun Kang(Department of Horticultural Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea)
• Moon-Seok Kang(Department of Horticultural Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea)
• MiJeong Yoon(Garden and Plant Resources Division, Korea National Arboretum, Pocheon 11186, Korea)
• Bo-Kook Jang(Department of Horticulture, Sunchon National University, Suncheon 57922, Korea)
• Wonwoo Cho(Garden and Plant Resources Division, Korea National Arboretum, Pocheon 11186, Korea)
• Ki-Byung Lim(Department of Horticultural Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea, Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea)
• Yun-Jae Ahn(Department of Horticultural Science, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea, Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Korea) Corresponding author