The chromosomes of Festuca pratensis Huds. (Poaceae): fluorochrome banding, heterochromatin and condensation.

The karyotype of meadow fescue Festuca pratensis Huds. (2n = 14) has been studied by means of fluorescence banding techniques. AT-enriched heterochromatic bands were revealed in the metaphase chromosomes 1-6. A single GC-rich band was associated with the chromosome 2 secondary constriction. Delay of condensation of the heterochromatic regions was discovered. The heterochromatic bands reported are markers which allow identification of all meadow fescue chromosomes.