G-banding of plant chromosomes

A method for the staining of the chromosomal material of plant cells so as to induce G-Bands, useful in plant genetic studies such as hydridization. G-Banding is induced by contacting living plant cells, such as those of plants of the family Gramineae, with actinomycin D, N-methyl-N'-nitroguanidine or ethidium bromide. More particularly, plant cells are treated with AMD and colchicine before fixation, prepared for viewing through a microscope by staining and then mounted on a glass slide.