CHROMOSOME AND POLLEN MORPHOLOGY OF SALSOLA SODA L. AND SALSOLA TRAGUS L. IN BULGARIA

Chromosome and pollen morphology of Salsola soda L. and Salsola tragus L. in Bulgarian populations were studied. A diploid chromosome number and karyotypes of 2n = 18 m. 2n = 14 m + 4 sm were established for Salsola soda populations. The metaphase chromosome length was ranging from 1.21 to 2.64 mu m and the total haploid chromosome length was from 14.76 to 15.97 mu m. A tetraploid chromosome number and karyotypes of 2n = 34 m + 2 sm, 2n = 32 m + 4 sm were established for Salsola tragus populations. The metaphase chromosome length was ranging from 1.03 to 3.06 mu m and the total haploid chromosome length was from 30.44 to 34.53 mu m. The scanning electron microscope investigations revealed pantoporate, spheroidal, with spinulose tectum pollens in the two studied species. The pollen diameter of S. soda varied from 18.3 to 27.12 mu m and of S. tragus - from 28.3 to 33.2 mu m. Between the two species were found differences also in the number. diameter and area of pores.