IMPROVED NUCLEAR STAINING OF ASPARAGUS MICROSPORES FOR CYTOLOGICAL ANALYSIS

Clear visualization of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) microspore nuclei with common stains such as acetocarmine or DAPI is difficult, hindering cytological analyses. The addition of saturated aqueous ferr ic chloride solution to Carnoy's I fixative (30 mu L . mL(-1)) resulte d in clear visualization of nuclei. A distinct nucleus was observed in uninucleate cells and the vegetative and generative nuclei were clear ly visible in binucleate microspores. This method can be used reliably for determination of asparagus microspore developmental stage. Chemic al name used: 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole-2HCL (DAPI).