STMS markers for fingerprinting of varieties and genotypes sugarcane (Saccharum spp.)

Abstract

Forty five Genbank derived STMS primers were tested on 36 sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) varieties and genetic stocks to Identify the most suitable primers for clonal identification in sugarcane. Initially, molecular profiles of 25 elite hybrids of diverse origin were generated with these primers to identify those with high polymorphism information content. Each hybrid could be distinguished individually by twenty primers, while the remaining primers were effective in combination of two or three. The extent of genetic differences brought about by somaclonal variation and Induced mutation in sugarcane was significantly less compared with that brought about by conventional breeding. Based on PIC values, 25 most polymorphic STMS primers were Identified for testing on genetically more similar genotypes Including six somaclones and five Induced mutants derived from a sugar-rich variety viz., CoC 671. Highly similar molecular profiles of these clones reflected their similar genetic architecture. Seventeen primers detected genetic differences among the mutants, In contrast to only three, among the somaclones Indicating that Induced mutations created more genetic changes than somaclonal variations. Thirteen most suitable primers that could differentiate commercial hybrids as well as the mutants and somaclones were Identified for routine fingerprinting of sugarcane hybrids.