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Genetic Mapping and Molecular Markers in Saffron

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The Saffron Genome

Part of the book series: Compendium of Plant Genomes ((CPG))

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Abstract

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a sterile triploid (2n = 3x = 24) plant with a big complex genome and rare and limited breeding history. Breeding and genetic improvement of saffron is not easy due to its male sterility caused by triploidy and lack of enough diversity, whereas several hybrids are introduced by crossing the wild Crocus species. Poor breeding background in saffron led to genetic erosion and lack of superior cultivar (s) adapted to diverse geographical conditions, and different biotic and abiotic stresses. Success in saffron breeding depends on the selection of the best elite genotypes/and clones. As a result, collecting, screening, acquiring reliable information about genetic diversity and population structure, selection, and protection of genetic resources of saffron are essential. To achieve these goals different morphological, molecular, biochemical, and cytological markers are considered as the major tools to study the genetic diversity of clones, similarities and differences within and among populations, assess the genetic structure and phylogeny of saffron and Crocus species. New advances based on OMICS approaches have enabled genetic improvements in saffron through the molecular breeding programs which has encouraged breeders to adopt precision breeding approaches in C. sativus. Followed by identification of diversity among saffron populations, it is possible to preserve such a valuable saffron gene pool for initiating a comprehensive breeding program.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Engineering, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

    Seyed Alireza Salami

  2. Genome Engineering and Societal Biotechnology Lab, Division of Plant Biotechnology, University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir, Shalimar Campus, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India

    Amjad M. Husaini

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  1. Seyed Alireza Salami
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Correspondence to Seyed Alireza Salami .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, Jammu, India

    Jyoti Vakhlu

  2. School of Biotechnology, University of Jammu, Jammu, India

    Sheetal Ambardar

  3. Department of Horticultural Sciences, University of Tehran, Keraj, Iran

    Seyed Alireza Salami

  4. ICAR- Nat.Inst.for Plant Biotechnology, Raja Ramanna Fellow, DAE, Govt. of India, New Delhi, India

    Chittaranjan Kole

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Salami, S.A., Husaini, A.M. (2022). Genetic Mapping and Molecular Markers in Saffron. In: Vakhlu, J., Ambardar, S., Salami, S.A., Kole, C. (eds) The Saffron Genome. Compendium of Plant Genomes. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-10000-0_5

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