Molecular Markers in Bamboo Systematics and Germplasm Screening

Bamboos are tall, arborescent, grasses which are put to over 1500 documented uses. Besides serving the rural community through multiple uses, they are extensively used as raw material for paper industry. The immense utility and versatility of this natural resource has resulted in their over-exploitation leading to a steady decline in their natural populations. This has necessitated their propagation and conservation both in vitro and in vivo. For conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources, germplasm screening and characterization is very significant. Germplasm evaluation in bamboos was first initiated with chromosomal analysis. However, role of chromosomal studies in the evaluation of germplasm has not contributed much in the case of bamboos since they are polyploids and the natural populations are very heterogenous and heterozygous. With the advent of molecular biology, molecular markers are now being used to study genetic diversity, genetic variability, genotype identification and creation of genetic maps. Molecular markers allow genotype identification and assessment of genetic variability irrespective of geographical location or other factors contributing to phenotypic variability. These markers include isozymes, RFLPs, RAPDs, AFLPs and microsatellites. The use of these markers has played a significant role in bamboo identification and systematic. Establishment of an AFLP marker database would serve as a repository of research data and can be used as a reference work for taxonomists, breeders, ecologists, foresters and molecular biologists.