Cytomolecular Insight Into Lupinus Genomes

Lupins are a group within Genisteae interesting from the point of view of their complex evolutionary history, which is the result of their paleoploid origin (Atkins et al in Lupins as crop plants: biology, production, and utilization. CAB International, pp 67–92, 1998; Gladstones in Lupins as crop plants: biology, production, and utilization. CAB International, pp. 1–36, 1998). Contemporary species are characterised by a striking diversity of chromosome numbers. Their genomes vary in size and consist of many small and similar length chromosomes. The Old World lupins and New World lupins are different in their cytological traits such as the basic and somatic chromosome numbers. Here, we summarise the cytogenetic research on genome size estimation, chromosome number identification and integrative genetic and cytogenetic mapping. The importance of narrow-leafed lupin as a crop and the relative wealth of data concerning its cytogenetic and genetic characterisation have led to its role as a useful model species within the genus Lupinus and a reference for better understanding of legume genome evolution. Cytogenetic comparative mapping, using L. angustifolius-derived markers, has revealed the karyotype variation in lupins. Insight into chromosome rearrangements has led to a hypothetic model of lupin karyotype evolution. This research has established a starting point for the further analysis of the structure and diversity of lupin karyotypes in the facet of evolution.