Abstract
Orchids are a highly diverse group of plants with great ornamental, ecological, and economic importance; understanding their biology is essential for their conservation and improvement. This study developed an efficient protocol to obtain and stain metaphase cells in three orchid species, using classical cytogenetic techniques such as root pretreatment, fixation, and staining for chromosome visualization. The results showed cells with well-dispersed and well-contrasted chromosomes, allowing the identification of differences in chromosome number and morphology among species. The optimized protocol is useful for chromosomal studies and supports breeding and genetic improvement programs.
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