Intersimple sequence repeat markers for molecular characterization of Crocus cartwrightianus cv. albus

The Crocus genus, which comprehends approximately 80 species, is known mainly for the triploid sterile plant C. sativus, whose dried stigmas provide us with the spice called saffron. Among the species belonging to the C. sativus L. aggregate, C. cartwrightianus cv. albus shares morphological and cytological characters with both C. sativus and C. cartwrightianus, although its positions seem to be uncertain. Due to the complexity of the genus, few studies have revised the classification proposed by Mathew in 1982. In the present study, intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) and HPLC–ESI-MS analyses have been used in an attempt to clarify the taxonomical position of cv. albus. No differences were found between C. sativus and C. cartwrightianus cv. albus using 12 ISSR primers. Results on apocarotenoid contents from HPLC analysis showed some quantitative differences. According to our findings, C. cartwrightianus cv. albus is more related to C. sativus than to C. cartwrightianus and may be an albinic saffron. These data agree with other authors who reached the same conclusion using different techniques. The results obtained in this work may be used in improving programme of saffron spice.