Open AccessPlant morphology, genome size, and SSR markers differentiate five distinct taxonomic groups among accessions in the genus M iscanthus
Author(s) -
Chae Won Byoung,
Hong Sae Jin,
Gifford Justin M.,
Rayburn A. Lane,
Sacks Erik J.,
Juvik John A.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
gcb bioenergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.378
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1757-1707
pISSN - 1757-1693
DOI - 10.1111/gcbb.12101
Subject(s) - biology , ploidy , genus , hybrid , miscanthus , botany , polyploid , genome size , genome , germplasm , genetic diversity , introgression , genetics , population , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , bioenergy , biofuel , demography , sociology
Information on genome size, ploidy level, and genomic polymorphisms among accessions of the genus M iscanthus can assist in taxonomic studies, help understand the evolution of the genus, and provide valuable information to biomass crop improvement programs. Taxonomic investigation combining variation in plant morphology, genome size, chromosome numbers, and simple sequence repeat ( SSR ) marker polymorphisms were applied to characterize 101 M iscanthus accessions. A total of 258 amplicons generated from 17 informative SSR primer pairs was subjected to cluster and principal coordinate analysis and used to characterize genetic variation and relationships among 31 M iscanthus accessions, including four interspecific M iscanthus hybrids created from controlled pollinations, and four S accharum , six E rianthus , and one S orghum bicolor accessions. Miscanthus accessions were distinct from accessions in the genera E rianthus and S accharum. Miscanthus accessions fell into five taxonomic groups, including the existing taxonomic section M iscanthus , diploid and tetraploid Miscanthus sacchariflorus , and a fourth ( M . × giganteus ) and fifth group ( Miscanthus ‘purpurascens’); the last two being intermediate forms. In contrast to previous work, our findings suggest diploid and tetraploid M. sacchariflorus are taxonomically different, the latter more closely related to M. sacchariflorus var lutarioriparius . We also suggest that M iscanthus ‘purpurascens’ accessions are interspecific hybrids between M iscanthus sinensis and diploid M. sacchariflorus based on DNA content and SSR polymorphisms. The evolution of M iscanthus and related genera is discussed based on combined analysis and geographical origin.