Molecular Approaches to Determine Phylogeny in Saffron

Abstract Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is an important perennial, triploid (2n = 3x = 24), and sterile spice and medicinal plant species. It is multiplied through vegetative means only. Although, origin of saffron Crocus sativus is highly debatable; most of the researchers agree about Crocus cartwrightianus being one of its progenitors. There exists significant phylogenetic variability among the species in genus Crocus with very minor genetic variations in different saffron C. sativus accessions. There is a need to use highly sensitive techniques to uncover and extract more practical information about intergenotypic and intragenotypic phylogenetic relationship of C. sativus and related species in genus Crocus for their better utilization in saffron-breeding programs.