G-banding was successfully demonstrated in chromosomes of cultured Vicia hajastana cells using a simple and reproducible technique. The factors considered important in achieving successful banding were (i) the omission of HCl hydrolysis or enzymatic digestion during the process of making the chromosome preparations; and (ii) the treatment with a weak NaHCO3 solution at pH 9.0–9.5 prior to staining with Giemsa. The G-banding in prophase and prometaphase chromosomes was of better quality and more consistent than that in metaphase chromosomes.Key words: Vicia hajastana, cell line, G-banding.