Species delimitation and relationship in Crocus L. (Iridaceae)

Abstract

The genusCrocusL. (Iridaceae) is monophyletic and contains about 100 species throughout the world.Crocusspecies have horticultural, medicinal and pharmacological importance. Saffron is the dried styles ofC. sativusand is one of the world’s most expensive spices by weight. Controversy exits about the taxonomy of the genus and the species relationship. Exploring genetic diversity and inter-specific cross-ability are important tasks for conservation of wild taxa and for breeding of cultivatedC. sativus. The present study was performed to study genetic variability and population structure in fiveCrocusL. species includingCrocus almehensisBrickell & Mathew,C. caspiusFischer & Meyer,C. speciosusMarschall von Biberstein,C. haussknechtiiBoissier, andC. sativusL. by inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. We also used published internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences to study species relationship and compare the results with ISSR data. The results revealed a high degree of genetic variability both within and among the studied species. Neighbor joining (NJ) tree and network analysis revealed that ISSR markers are useful inCrocusspecies delimitation. Population fragmentation occurred inC. caspiusandC. sativus. Both ISSR and sequenced based analyses separatedC. sativusfrom the other studied species. Close genetic affinity ofC. sativusandC. pallisiiand inter-specific gene flow was supported by both data sets.

Distribution patterns and conservation status of Crocus species in Iran, one of the diversity centers of Crocus in the Middle East

“…as the most probable ancestor of C. sativus. Zubor et al (2004) (Sheidai et al, 2018), C. pallasii is closely related to C. sativus. The combination of a wide geographical range and the presence of dispersed populations make it possible for a plant species to harbor a vast amount of genetic variability; this genetic richness can be present in the form of either allelic variability or allelic uniqueness of some populations (Petit et al, 1998).…”

“…Due to the high cross-ability potential among Crocus species, there are possibilities of transferring useful genes in these taxa. In a molecular study of Iranian Crocus species (Sheidai et al, 2018), the studied populations were highly variable in respect to flower coloration due to intensive gene-exchange between genotypes. Therefore, it is suggested that the considerable genetic resources found in different Crocus species could be used to genetically improve C. sativus.…”

“…Wild relatives of Crocus sativus are useful to saffron improvement as sources of a variety of valuable traits (Khoury et al, 2010). Among the wild Iranian Crocus species, C. pallasii is closely related to C. sativus (Sheidai et al, 2018). This species should be clearly mapped for the selection of important zones as possible plant microreserves (Heywood and Dullo, 2005) and genetic reserves in Iran and the Middle East.…”

The Pharmacological Activities of Crocus sativus L.: A Review Based on the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities of its Phytoconstituents

“…The folklore knowledge and extensive traditional use of medicinal Crocus sativus L. have a long history worldwide [ 21 , 22 ]. The cultivation of Crocus species for culinary and therapeutic purposes has been known from ancient times, first taking place in Greece and Iran.…”

Genetic variability analysis in Peganum harmala L. by SCoT and SRAP molecular markers

“…Population genetic study is an essential scientific approach for studying medicinal plants, as it produces data on genetic variability, genetic structure, gene flow versus genetic fragmentation of these plants (SHEIDAI et al, 2016). It also can identify the molecular markers and genetic loci that can differentiate geographical populations and also suggest potential gene pools available (SHEIDAI et al, 2018).…”