Saffron (Crocus sativus L.), a monomorphic or polymorphic species?

  • Zahra Nemati Young Researcher Club, Islamic Azad Univ., Shiraz branch, Sadra Road, 4-71993, Shiraz
  • Mohsen Mardi Agriculture Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Seed and Plant Improvement Institutes Campus, Mahdasht Road, 31535-1897 Karaj
  • Parastoo Majidian Young Researcher Club, Islamic Azad Univ., Sari branch, Farahabad Road, 48186-19318, Sari
  • Mehrshad Zeinalabedini Agriculture Biotechnology Research Institute of Iran (ABRII), Seed and Plant Improvement Institutes Campus, Mahdasht Road, 31535-1897 Karaj
  • Seyed M. Pirseyedi Dept. Plant Sciences, North Dakota State Univ., P.O. Box 6050, Fargo, ND 58108-6050
  • Moheb Bahadori Dept. Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran Univ, Golestan Road, 61351-831351, Ahvaz
Keywords: medicinal plants, SSR markers, genetic variability

Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) which contains exceptional anti-cancer properties is presently the world's most expensive spice. Iran is known as the original habitat of Crocus L. and a significant source of high-quality cultivated saffron production and export. Considering the importance of this species, we used 27 microsatellite markers to assess molecular variability and discriminating capacity of markers regarding their effectiveness in establishing genetic relationships in Iranian Crocus ecotypes. Thirty eight Iranian cultivated saffron ecotypes and 29 wild allies were evaluated in this research. The results from molecular analyses, including a molecular phylogenetic network and RB analysis, revealed two major groups and five subgroups, regardless of their geographical origins. Also, the results showed a clear distinction between C. sativus and other species of Crocus genus, taking into account their close relationship with C. speciosus and C. hausknechtii, which are assumed to be the two closest relatives of Iranian cultivated saffron among species studied. In this paper, we observed for the first time extensive genetic diversity among Iranian C. sativus despite their asexual reproduction. Considering suitable climatic conditions in Iran for cultivating saffron and the country’s leading high-quality production of Crocus sativus worldwide, studies on great genetic variability among Iranian C. sativus ecotypes as well as wild relatives native to Iran will further highlight the value of this crop. In addition, our results provide valuable information for genetic improvement, reduction of strong genetic erosion, and conservation of costly heritable resources of C. sativus in future breeding programs.

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Published
2014-07-23
How to Cite
Nemati, Z., Mardi, M., Majidian, P., Zeinalabedini, M., Pirseyedi, S. M., & Bahadori, M. (2014). Saffron (Crocus sativus L.), a monomorphic or polymorphic species?. Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research, 12(3), 753-762. https://doi.org/10.5424/sjar/2014123-5564
Section
Plant breeding, genetics and genetic resources