Development of AFLP markers and molecular diversity analysis in saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, obtained from the dried stigmas of a triploid sterile plant Crocus sativus (2n=24; x=8). It is widely used as a colorant in foodstuffs and is known for its aromatic and flavoring properties. Saffron is propagated clonally hence collection and conservation of genetic diversity is challenging. Various molecular markers including RAPD, ISSRs and SSRs have been previously used in saffron but they resulted in detection of very little to no genetic variations. The present study demonstrates the efficacy of AFLP markers in identification of polymorphism. Genetic variability among 13 different clonal accessions of saffron collected from different areas of Jammu and Kashmir was determined by employing nine AFLP primer pairs. A total of 154 amplicons were generated, 98.7% of which were polymorphic. No two accessions analyzed in the study were found to be identical using AFLP markers. The values of polymorphism information content (PIC) varied from 0.09 to 0.43. High degree of polymorphism revealed by AFLP markers in comparison to other molecular markers indicating utility of AFLP technique as a reliable and effective marker system for germplasm characterization and diversity analysis studies of saffron.