The karyological studies of some Dianthus L. (Caryophyllaceae) taxa in Turkey

Chromosome numbers, ideograms and karyotype asymmetries of Dianthus L. section Verruculosi Boiss. were determined. The karyotype formulae were 2n = 2x = 30 = 8m + 4sm + 18st for D. cyri Fisch. & C.A.Mey., 2n = 2x = 30 = 12m + 6sm + 12st for D. strictus Sm. var. strictus, 2n = 2x = 30 = 12m + 6sm + 12st for D. strictus var. subenervis (Boiss.) Reeve, 2n = 2x = 30 = 12m + 6sm + 12st for D. strictus var. axilliflorus (Fenzl) Reeve, 2n = 2x = 30 = 12m + 6sm + 12st for D. strictus var. gracilior (Boiss.) Reeve and 2n = 2x = 30 = 12m + 8sm + 10st for D. polycladus Boiss. D. polycladus was the most symmetrical karyotype and D. cyri was the most asymmetrical karyotype in many different parameters as the mainly mean centromeric asymmetry. Keywords: Dianthus, Verruculosi, karyotype, asymmetry index