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.
Highlights
The most prominent member within the Crocus series and the whole genus is C. sativus L
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
The purpose of this study was to investigate the spectrum of genetic diversity within Iranian Crocus spp., to reveal the phylogenetic relationships of 67 Crocus collected from different sites of Iran using 27 microsatellite markers, to propose a strategy for broadening the genetic base for future breeding of this valuable crop
Summary
The most prominent member within the Crocus series and the whole genus is C. sativus L. The precious aromatic and medicinal species C. sativus L. The cultivation of saffron dates back to 1500-2500 BC in Iran, Greece, India, China, the Me-. Iran is the largest producer accounting for almost 80% of the total world production (Ahmad et al, 2011). Ranked first in the world, Khorasan province, Iran, is specif ically the most ideal place for the growth and production of cultivated saffron (Ahmad et al, 2011). Iran is the native habitat of eight Crocus species besides C. sativus, four of which are exclusively indigenous to this country
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