Chromosome Numbers and Genome Size Variation in Indian Species of Curcuma (Zingiberaceae)

Abstract

The basic chromosome number in the majority of Indian taxa (belonging to subgenus Curcuma) is x = 7; published counts correspond to 6x, 9x, 11x, 12x and 15x ploidy levels. Only a few species-specific C-values were found, but karyological and/or flow cytometric data may support taxonomic decisions in some species alliances with morphological similarities. Close evolutionary relationships among some cytotypes are suggested based on the similarity in homoploid genome sizes and geographical grouping. A new species combination, Curcuma scaposa (Nimmo) Skornick. & M. Sabu, comb. nov., is proposed.

ISSR Fingerprinting to Ascertain the Genetic Relationship of <i>Curcuma sp.</i> of Tripura

“…80 species and shows the widespread distribution from tropical Asia to Australia and South pacific region [1]. The highest diversity of Curcuma has been found in India and Thailand and about 40 species are indigenous to India [2].…”

Novel polymorphic microsatellite markers from turmeric, Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae)

“…Curcumin, the main bioactive component of turmeric has been shown to exhibit a wide range of biological actions (CHATTOPADHYAY et al 2004) and its medicinal properties are well documented (AGGARWAL et al 2007). Turmeric is mainly propagated through rhizomes and is reported to be a triploid [2n=3x=63; x=21] (RAMACHANDRAN 1961, ISLAM 2004) and a nonaploid (2n=9x=63; x=7) (SKORNICKOVA et al 2007). Conservation and utilization strategies require fundamental knowledge of the extent of genetic diversity of the crop.…”

Genetic Diversity of Curcuma in Thailand using External Transcribed Spacer (ETS) Sequences

“…All samples within Curcuma produced amplification products when PCR was performed with the ETS primers using the same protocol ( Table 1 (Skornickova, et al, 2007). This result indicated that the three species were closely related.…”