A Ploidy Analyzer is required to determine the number of Chromosomes in plant species or after genetic crosses by measuring the DNA content of nuclei. By providing a rapid and accurate method for determining chromosome number, the instrument supplants the very time consuming, labor intensive and imprecise procedure of chromosome counting. Unlike chromosome counting, the Ploidy Analyzer can determine chromosome number in vegetative as well as reproductive tissue. A suitable instrument will have a resolution of +/-1 chromosome to detect anueploids and to improve resolution for species like guayule that contain UV fluorescent compounds in their leaves. For ease of use, the instrument should be self-contained and dedicated for DNA analysis of nuclei. To our knowledge, Partec GmbH, Munster, Germany manufactures the only Ploidy Analyzers on the market. These instruments are distributed by GCAT, Gene Check Applied Technologies, Ft. Collins, CO. A suitable model that meets our requirements for sensitivity and ease of operation is the Partec PA. A solicitation is not available for this requirement but interested firms can submit proposals to the attention of Regan Alexander as listed above. See numbered notes 22.

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