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Combretum micranthum G. Don, also known as kinkéliba, is native to West Africa where the plant grows wild as a shrub, liana, or tree and is valued for its numerous attributes including health and nutritional benefits. Despite this, genetic information commensurate with its economic value is lacking. The aim of this study was to determine the nuclear DNA content and chromosome numbers of C. micranthum germplasm from eastern Senegal, West Africa. Genome size estimates were determined, for the first time, and chromosome number was analyzed using actively growing root tips. The mean, median, minimum, and maximum genome size estimates were 1587.44 Mb, 1540.85 Mb, 1472.24 Mb, and 2146.66 Mb, respectively. Cytological analysis revealed a chromosome number of 2 n = 2x = 26. The results of this investigation can be useful for structural and functional genomics, genome sequencing endeavors, and phylogenic studies as well as breeding and domestication programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. is a widespread shrub or tree of the Sahel region, where it grows wild and is used for various purposes, including nutrition, medicine, and firewood. Current domestication programs focus on using the local species as rootstock for the improved imported Asian cultivars to provide tolerance to pests and diseases. The plant plays an increasing economic role in the livelihoods of local Sahelian populations, but despite this there is little genetic information about it. The purpose of our study was to determine the genome size estimate and chromosome numbers of Z. mauritiana germplasm collected from eastern Senegal, West Africa. Genome size estimates were determined using flow cytometry, and chromosome count was achieved using chromosome spreads of actively growing root tips. The mean, median, minimum, and maximum genome size estimates (1Cx-DNA) of Z. mauritiana were 418.74 Mb, 417.45 Mb, 410.72 Mb, and 432.12 Mb, respectively. Plants of the germplasm investigated were found to be octoploid with a chromosome number of 2n = 8x = 96. The genetic information gathered in this study can be useful for phylogenetic studies, sequencing projects, and domestication programs that focus on controlled pollination for the development of improved Z.Mauritania cultivars in the Sahel region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]