Meristem tip culture in Phragmites australis and genetic fidelity study using SRAP markers

The improved sugarcane varieties grown in and around the world are majorly evolved through interspecific hybridization of Saccharum species. Only few promising hybrids have been developed from allied genera such as Erianthus and Sclerostachya. Several other genera, including Phragmites, Vetivera, Narenga and Neyurida, deserve further research. Successful exploitation of these allied genera resources require careful characterization, evaluation and conservation using different methods including tissue culture techniques. Among them, Phragmites australis is used to remediate waste water and remove heavy metals. In this study, meristem tip culture was standardized for five clones of Phragmites to evaluate their response and growth. Among the five clones of Phragmites studied, two clones (IND 89–711 and IND04–1326) showed better regeneration and growth. The in vitro derived plants were compared with the mother plants using four SRAP markers to check their genetic fidelity. Monomorphic bands were obtained in both the in-vitro and mother plants. No polymorphism was detected, thus proving the genetic uniformity of the micropropgated plants.