Analysis of genetic diversity and phylogeny in Saccharum and related genera using RAPD markers

Molecular diversity in Saccharum complex was studied using 195 RAPD markers generated by 12 random primers. Among the Saccharum species, S. officinaru m showed a low level of genetic diversity while S. sinense was found to be more diverse. Six taxonomical groups were clearly resolved in the cluster a nalysis. S. officinarum, S. robustum, S. spontaneum and Erianthus spp. form ed discrete groups. S. barberi and S. sinense formed a single cluster, so a lso Narenga and Sclerostachya. S. officinarum was found to be closer to S. robustum and distant from S. spontaneum. Among the related genera, Sclerost achya was closer to Saccharum while Erianthus was found to be highly diverg ent from ail the Saccharum species. Six of the primers used generated RAPD fragments unique to Erianthus. It is suggested that the Erianthus spp. can contribute substantially towards sugarcane varietal improvement in view of its greater divergence with Saccharum.