Analysis of Genetic Diversity of Saccharum Complex Using Chloroplast Microsatellite Markers

A basic understanding of the cytoplasmic diversity of Saccharum complex comprising of Saccharum species and related genera is essential for broadening the cytoplasmic base of sugarcane cultivars. In the present study markers generated by nine chloroplast microsatellite primer pairs designed from sugarcane chloroplast genome were used to establish the genetic relationship and phylogeny among 43 accessions belonging to different species of Saccharum and related genera representing the Saccharum complex. The polymorphic primer pairs amplified an average of six alleles per loci and possess relatively high polymorphism information content. Molecular diversity was estimated using 54 polymorphic markers. The overall chloroplast genetic diversity in the Saccharum complex was found to be 53 %. The genetic diversity among Saccharum species was 22 %. Among the Saccharum species S. spontaneum was found to be distinct from other species of Saccharum and cpSSR markers could efficiently distinguish S. spontaneum from rest of the Saccharum spcies. Ripidium , one of the most primitive among the Saccharum complex showed the highest genetic diversity (90 %) with Saccharum . Miscanthus , another primitive genus of Saccharum complex was found to be more closely related to Saccharum than Erianthus . In view of the high genetic diversity, the present study supports the utilization of different species of Erianthus in the sugarcane breeding programmes for broadening the cytoplasmic base of the sugarcane varieties.