Detection of genetic variability in sugarcane seedlings propagated by callus culture using molecular markers

Abstract

Sugarcane is an important crop as the main raw material producing sugar and as an energy source in the world. In Indonesia, sugarcane is one of the most crucial industrial plants due to sugar being regarded as a strategic food commodity. The slow supply of conventional sugarcane seeds often hinders the spread of the new superior varieties program, positioning tissue culture technique as an option to accelerate that program. However, somaclonal variation was reported in sugarcane seeds from callus culture. This study aims to determine the genetic variation in sugarcane seeds from cuttings and callus culture using molecular and morphological markers. The PS 864 variety was used to assess genetic variation of seeds cane from callus culture and cuttings. The results show no genetic variation in seeds cane from cuttings, while in seeds cane from callus culture there is a tendency for genetic variation of 4.6-11.6% based on the polymorphic RAPD bands. However, somaclonal variations are found in the phenotype of sugarcane seedlings from cuttings and callus culture, in leaves, stems and buds. The results of this study indicated that the more callus subcultures represent the greater tendency of genetic variation in sugarcane seeds.