Quantification of DNA Content and Sex Determination in Laurus nobilis by Flow Cytometry
Öz
The evergreen perennial tree Laurus nobilis (bay laurel) is a dioecious species and one of the most important non-wood forest products. Owing to its essential oils and high lauric acid content, it is generally classified among woody aromatic plants. Bay laurel is native to Anatolia and the Balkans, but today it grows across Mediterranean countries, parts of Northern Europe, and along the Black Sea coasts at altitudes of 600–800 m in temperate regions. In addition to its wide use in medicine, food, and the cosmetics industry, it also has significant value as an ornamental plant in landscape design. However, male and female plants cannot be distinguished at an early stage, propagation and breeding efforts are often limited. This study aimed to determine the sex of bay laurel seedlings at an early stage; therefore, their nuclear DNA content was tested by flow cytometry with the fluorescent DNA stain 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). The results indicated that male plants have a nuclear DNA content of ≥ 7.95 ± 0.13 pg, while female plants have ≤ 7.84 ± 0.10 pg. Early identification of plant sex offers a significant advantage for cultivation, production, and breeding programs.
Anahtar Kelimeler
Flow cytometry, DNA content, Sex-determination, DAPI, ornamental plants
Kaynakça
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