The occurrence of different Bs in Cestrum intermedium and C. strigilatum (Solanaceae) evidenced by chromosome banding

In this study, we examine the morphology, mitotic stability, meiotic behavior and the composition of heterochromatin of B chromosomes in Cestrum intermedium and C. strigilatum. The results showed that B chromosome number shows intraindividual variation in the root meristem, which seems to lead to a slight rate of B elimination in this somatic tissue. B chromosomes in both species were similar in size and shape, but differed with regard to the type, size and distribution of heterochromatin. Possible evolutionary pathways for B chromosome origin in Cestrum are discussed.