Genetic diversity and population structure of Curcuma alismatifolia Gagnep. accessions revealed by SSR markers

Curcuma alismatifolia is a showy ornamental of the genus Curcuma. Thirty-two C. alismatifolia accessions with high morphologic diversity were collected in this study. A total of 139 alleles were detected by 27 SSR markers. The average values of Shannon's Information index (I) and polymorphism information content were 1.267 and 0.667, respectively. Population structure about the C. alismatifolia accessions was first reported, and the 32 C. alismatifolia accessions were divided into two groups. The genetic differentiation (Fst) between these two groups was 0.127. Phylogenetic analysis showed that two clusters of the whole accessions in the study were related to pedicel length, inflorescence length and yield. The results suggested a high level of genetic diversity among these accessions. Taken together, this study provides a reference for C. alismatifolia industry and a new insight into the genetic diversity and population structure, as well as promotes the breeding program of C. alismatifolia.