Developing Genetic Markers In Vetiver (Chrysopogon Zizanioides)

Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is an introduced species that has the potential to become invasive in the U.S. This tropical grass is a member of the tribe Andropogoneae (Poaceae), which contains many aggressive weeds, including Imperata, Miscanthus, and Microstegium. Vetiver is cultivated in around the world for the perfume industry and traditional medicine. Recently, cultivars have been developed for erosion control, due to its deep roots system. “Sunshine”, a sterile variety, was introduced into the U.S. for the purpose of erosion control; however, there are no morphological characteristics (except sterile flowers) that differentiate Sunshine, from non-sterile varieties. It is possible that non-sterile genotypes could enter the U.S. and become invasive. This study was designed to develop genetic markers that differentiate between the sterile and non-sterile genotypes. Nine million Illumina sequences were generated using genomic DNA from the Sunshine cultivar. Bioinformatic software MSATcommander identified 5083 sequences with microsatellite repeat regions, containing two to six base pair repeats in arrays of 10 to 20 units. Forty-six primer pairs were developed for these repeat regions and were screened against the USDA and Australian National Seed Bank Vetiver collections. Initial genotyping resulted in ten potential primer pairs that can be used to genotype Vetiver varieties.