Assessing genetic diversity using the first polymorphic set of EST-SSRs markers and barcoding of Moroccan saffron

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is an aromatic and medicinal plant, commonly known as the world's most expensive spice. Understanding its genetic diversity is critical for developing conservation strategies and germplasm management. This study reports the first set of EST-SSRs markers using C. sativus sequencing data available on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). A panel of 19 EST-SSRs markers was selected to assess genetic diversity among 14 saffron accessions, mainly from Morocco. Forty-two alleles were detected, the polymorphic loci percentage reached 31.57%, and an average polymorphism information content (PIC) of 0.32 was recorded. DNA sequence polymorphism (DnaSP) analysis of CS/UIZ21 locus (GLT3 gene) identified 9 haplotypes with a haplotype diversity (HD)=0.848, the average number of nucleotide differences among haplotypes was 2.64 and the nucleotide diversity was Pi= 0.01059. The results indicate that GLT3 barcoding could distinguish between Moroccan, Greek, and French saffron accessions and differentiate Moroccan accessions from each other. We established for the first-time a barcode of Moroccan saffron. Our results demonstrate that EST-SSRs markers and GLT3 barcode are potent tools for evaluating genetic diversity and germplasm analysis, which could be capitalized in future conservation strategies and breeding programs to protect and improve this valuable crop.

Automated summary

This study presents the development of EST-SSRs markers for assessing the genetic diversity of saffron. The GLT3 barcode was identified as a potential tool for distinguishing saffron accessions from different regions and for establishing a barcode specifically for Moroccan saffron. These findings have important implications for the conservation and improvement of this valuable crop.