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Dörte Harpke - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Saffron (Crocus sativus) is an autotriploid that evolved in Attica (Greece) from wild Crocus cartwrightianus.
    Molecular phylogenetics and evolution, 2019
    Co-Authors: Zahra Nemati, Helmut Kerndorff, Dörte Harpke, Almila Gemicioglu, Frank R. Blattner
    Abstract:

    Crocus sativus, the saffron Crocus, is the source of saffron, which is made from the dried stigmas of the plant. It is a male-sterile triploid lineage that ever since its origin has been propagated vegetatively. Its mode of evolution and area of origin are matters of long-lasting debates. Here we analyzed chloroplast genomes and genome-wide DNA polymorphisms obtained through genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) to infer the parent and area of origin of C. sativus. These data were complemented by genome size measurements and analyses of nuclear single-copy genes. We could place 99.3% of saffron GBS alleles in Crocus cartwrightianus, a species occurring in southeastern mainland Greece and on Aegean islands, identifying it as the sole progenitor of the saffron Crocus. Phylogenetic and population assignment analyses together with chloroplast polymorphisms indicated the C. cartwrightianus population in the vicinity of Athens as most similar to C. sativus. We conclude that the crop is an autotriploid that evolved in Attica by combining two different genotypes of C. cartwrightianus. Triploid sterility and vegetative propagation prevented afterwards segregation of the favorable traits of saffron, resulting in worldwide cultivation of a unique clonal lineage.

  • Phylogeny of the saffron-Crocus species group, Crocus series Crocus (Iridaceae).
    Molecular phylogenetics and evolution, 2018
    Co-Authors: Zahra Nemati, Osman Erol, Frank R. Blattner, Helmut Kerndorff, Dörte Harpke
    Abstract:

    Phylogenetic relationships among the taxa of Crocus series Crocus are still unclear, preventing the understanding of species diversity and the evolution of the important spice saffron (Crocus sativus). Therefore, we analyzed sequences of two chloroplast (trnL-trnF, matK-trnK) and three nuclear (TOPO6, ribosomal DNA ETS and ITS) marker regions to infer phylogenetic relationships among all species belonging to series Crocus. Our phylogenetic analyses resolved the relationships among all taxa of the series. Crocus hadriaticus and the former C. pallasii subspecies appeared polyphyletic. The latter deserve elevating the subspecies to species rank, while for C. hadriaticus a detailed study of species boundaries is necessary. Multi-locus and also genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism data obtained through genotyping-by-sequencing placed C. sativus within C. cartwrightianus with no indication that other Crocus species contributed to the evolution of the triploid. Our analyses thus made an autotriploid origin of C. sativus from C. cartwrightianus very likely.

  • A new species of Crocus (Iridaceae) from southern Albania (SW Balkan Peninsula)
    Phytotaxa, 2016
    Co-Authors: Milica Miljković, Vladimir Ranđelović, Dörte Harpke
    Abstract:

    A new Crocus species (Iridaceae) for southern Albania, Crocus novicii sp. nov . (Iridaceae), is described and illustrated. We here provide diagnostic morphological characteristics, results of molecular analyses, detailed descriptions and illustrations of this new species and compare it with its relatives C. jablanicensis , C. cvijicii and C. veluchensis. Our molecular analysis is based on two chloroplast ( mat K– trn K, rps 16– trn Q) and three nuclear markers (nrETS, nrITS, TOPO 6B exon3–exon6) and includes representatives of all related species ( C. cvijicii , C. dalmaticus , C. jablanicensi s, C. rujanensis , C. sieberi subsp. atticus , and C. veluchensis ). Morphologically, C. novicii can be distinguished from its relatives by its white flower with lilac coloring at the base of the perigone and its higher number of leaves (> 3). Although it is morphologically close to C. jablanicensis , molecular analysis has revealed a close affiliation to C. veluchensis . Crocus novicii is diploid with 2n = 20 chromosomes. The new species is named after the Serbian botanist Novica Ranđelovic to honor his important work on the genus Crocus on the Balkan Peninsula.

  • phylogeny of Crocus iridaceae based on one chloroplast and two nuclear loci ancient hybridization and chromosome number evolution
    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2013
    Co-Authors: Dörte Harpke, Helmut Kerndorff, Shuchun Meng, Twan Rutten, Frank R. Blattner
    Abstract:

    Crocus consists of about 100 species distributed from western Europe and northern Africa to western China, with the center of diversity on the Balkan Peninsula and in Asia Minor. Our study focuses on clarifying phylogenetic relationships and chromosome number evolution within the genus using sequences of the chloroplast trnL-F region, the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and a part of the nuclear single-copy gene pCOSAt103. In a combined dataset of ITS and trnL-F sequences, 115 individuals representing 110 taxa from both subgenera and all sections and series of Crocus were analyzed with Bayesian phylogenetic inference. For pCOSAt103 79 individuals representing 74 Crocus taxa were included, and for the majority of them PCR amplicons were cloned and up to eight clones per individual were sequenced to detect allopolyploidization events. Romulea species were included as outgroup in both analyses. Characteristics of seed surface structures were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS/trnL-F data resulted in a monophyletic genus Crocus, probably monophyletic sections Crocus and Nudiscapus, and inferred monophyly for eight of the 15 series of the genus. The C. biflorus aggregate, thought to be consisting of closely related subspecies, was found to be polyphyletic, the taxa occurring within three major clades in the phylogenetic tree. Cloning of pCOSAt103 resulted in the detection of homoeologous copies in about one third of the taxa of section Nudiscapus, indicating an allotetraploid origin of this section. Reconstruction of chromosome number evolution along the phylogenetic tree using a probabilistic and a parsimony approach arrived at partly contradictory results. Both analyses agreed however on the occurrence of multiple polyploidization and dysploidy events. B chromosomes evolved at least five times independently within the genus, preferentially in clades characterized by karyotype changes.

Frank R. Blattner - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Saffron (Crocus sativus) is an autotriploid that evolved in Attica (Greece) from wild Crocus cartwrightianus.
    Molecular phylogenetics and evolution, 2019
    Co-Authors: Zahra Nemati, Helmut Kerndorff, Dörte Harpke, Almila Gemicioglu, Frank R. Blattner
    Abstract:

    Crocus sativus, the saffron Crocus, is the source of saffron, which is made from the dried stigmas of the plant. It is a male-sterile triploid lineage that ever since its origin has been propagated vegetatively. Its mode of evolution and area of origin are matters of long-lasting debates. Here we analyzed chloroplast genomes and genome-wide DNA polymorphisms obtained through genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) to infer the parent and area of origin of C. sativus. These data were complemented by genome size measurements and analyses of nuclear single-copy genes. We could place 99.3% of saffron GBS alleles in Crocus cartwrightianus, a species occurring in southeastern mainland Greece and on Aegean islands, identifying it as the sole progenitor of the saffron Crocus. Phylogenetic and population assignment analyses together with chloroplast polymorphisms indicated the C. cartwrightianus population in the vicinity of Athens as most similar to C. sativus. We conclude that the crop is an autotriploid that evolved in Attica by combining two different genotypes of C. cartwrightianus. Triploid sterility and vegetative propagation prevented afterwards segregation of the favorable traits of saffron, resulting in worldwide cultivation of a unique clonal lineage.

  • Phylogeny of the saffron-Crocus species group, Crocus series Crocus (Iridaceae).
    Molecular phylogenetics and evolution, 2018
    Co-Authors: Zahra Nemati, Osman Erol, Frank R. Blattner, Helmut Kerndorff, Dörte Harpke
    Abstract:

    Phylogenetic relationships among the taxa of Crocus series Crocus are still unclear, preventing the understanding of species diversity and the evolution of the important spice saffron (Crocus sativus). Therefore, we analyzed sequences of two chloroplast (trnL-trnF, matK-trnK) and three nuclear (TOPO6, ribosomal DNA ETS and ITS) marker regions to infer phylogenetic relationships among all species belonging to series Crocus. Our phylogenetic analyses resolved the relationships among all taxa of the series. Crocus hadriaticus and the former C. pallasii subspecies appeared polyphyletic. The latter deserve elevating the subspecies to species rank, while for C. hadriaticus a detailed study of species boundaries is necessary. Multi-locus and also genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism data obtained through genotyping-by-sequencing placed C. sativus within C. cartwrightianus with no indication that other Crocus species contributed to the evolution of the triploid. Our analyses thus made an autotriploid origin of C. sativus from C. cartwrightianus very likely.

  • phylogeny of Crocus iridaceae based on one chloroplast and two nuclear loci ancient hybridization and chromosome number evolution
    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2013
    Co-Authors: Dörte Harpke, Helmut Kerndorff, Shuchun Meng, Twan Rutten, Frank R. Blattner
    Abstract:

    Crocus consists of about 100 species distributed from western Europe and northern Africa to western China, with the center of diversity on the Balkan Peninsula and in Asia Minor. Our study focuses on clarifying phylogenetic relationships and chromosome number evolution within the genus using sequences of the chloroplast trnL-F region, the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and a part of the nuclear single-copy gene pCOSAt103. In a combined dataset of ITS and trnL-F sequences, 115 individuals representing 110 taxa from both subgenera and all sections and series of Crocus were analyzed with Bayesian phylogenetic inference. For pCOSAt103 79 individuals representing 74 Crocus taxa were included, and for the majority of them PCR amplicons were cloned and up to eight clones per individual were sequenced to detect allopolyploidization events. Romulea species were included as outgroup in both analyses. Characteristics of seed surface structures were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS/trnL-F data resulted in a monophyletic genus Crocus, probably monophyletic sections Crocus and Nudiscapus, and inferred monophyly for eight of the 15 series of the genus. The C. biflorus aggregate, thought to be consisting of closely related subspecies, was found to be polyphyletic, the taxa occurring within three major clades in the phylogenetic tree. Cloning of pCOSAt103 resulted in the detection of homoeologous copies in about one third of the taxa of section Nudiscapus, indicating an allotetraploid origin of this section. Reconstruction of chromosome number evolution along the phylogenetic tree using a probabilistic and a parsimony approach arrived at partly contradictory results. Both analyses agreed however on the occurrence of multiple polyploidization and dysploidy events. B chromosomes evolved at least five times independently within the genus, preferentially in clades characterized by karyotype changes.

Zahra Nemati - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Saffron (Crocus sativus) is an autotriploid that evolved in Attica (Greece) from wild Crocus cartwrightianus.
    Molecular phylogenetics and evolution, 2019
    Co-Authors: Zahra Nemati, Helmut Kerndorff, Dörte Harpke, Almila Gemicioglu, Frank R. Blattner
    Abstract:

    Crocus sativus, the saffron Crocus, is the source of saffron, which is made from the dried stigmas of the plant. It is a male-sterile triploid lineage that ever since its origin has been propagated vegetatively. Its mode of evolution and area of origin are matters of long-lasting debates. Here we analyzed chloroplast genomes and genome-wide DNA polymorphisms obtained through genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) to infer the parent and area of origin of C. sativus. These data were complemented by genome size measurements and analyses of nuclear single-copy genes. We could place 99.3% of saffron GBS alleles in Crocus cartwrightianus, a species occurring in southeastern mainland Greece and on Aegean islands, identifying it as the sole progenitor of the saffron Crocus. Phylogenetic and population assignment analyses together with chloroplast polymorphisms indicated the C. cartwrightianus population in the vicinity of Athens as most similar to C. sativus. We conclude that the crop is an autotriploid that evolved in Attica by combining two different genotypes of C. cartwrightianus. Triploid sterility and vegetative propagation prevented afterwards segregation of the favorable traits of saffron, resulting in worldwide cultivation of a unique clonal lineage.

  • Phylogeny of the saffron-Crocus species group, Crocus series Crocus (Iridaceae).
    Molecular phylogenetics and evolution, 2018
    Co-Authors: Zahra Nemati, Osman Erol, Frank R. Blattner, Helmut Kerndorff, Dörte Harpke
    Abstract:

    Phylogenetic relationships among the taxa of Crocus series Crocus are still unclear, preventing the understanding of species diversity and the evolution of the important spice saffron (Crocus sativus). Therefore, we analyzed sequences of two chloroplast (trnL-trnF, matK-trnK) and three nuclear (TOPO6, ribosomal DNA ETS and ITS) marker regions to infer phylogenetic relationships among all species belonging to series Crocus. Our phylogenetic analyses resolved the relationships among all taxa of the series. Crocus hadriaticus and the former C. pallasii subspecies appeared polyphyletic. The latter deserve elevating the subspecies to species rank, while for C. hadriaticus a detailed study of species boundaries is necessary. Multi-locus and also genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism data obtained through genotyping-by-sequencing placed C. sativus within C. cartwrightianus with no indication that other Crocus species contributed to the evolution of the triploid. Our analyses thus made an autotriploid origin of C. sativus from C. cartwrightianus very likely.

  • Saffron (Crocus sativus L.), a monomorphic or polymorphic species?
    Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research, 2014
    Co-Authors: Zahra Nemati, Parastoo Majidian, S M Pirseyedi, Mehrshad Zeinalabedini, Mohsen Mardi, Moheb Bahadori
    Abstract:

    Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) which contains exceptional anti-cancer properties is presently the world's most expensive spice. Iran is known as the original habitat of Crocus L. and a significant source of high-quality cultivated saffron production and export. Considering the importance of this species, we used 27 microsatellite markers to assess molecular variability and discriminating capacity of markers regarding their effectiveness in establishing genetic relationships in Iranian Crocus ecotypes. Thirty eight Iranian cultivated saffron ecotypes and 29 wild allies were evaluated in this research. The results from molecular analyses, including a molecular phylogenetic network and RB analysis, revealed two major groups and five subgroups, regardless of their geographical origins. Also, the results showed a clear distinction between C. sativus and other species of Crocus genus, taking into account their close relationship with C. speciosus and C. hausknechtii, which are assumed to be the two closest relatives of Iranian cultivated saffron among species studied. In this paper, we observed for the first time extensive genetic diversity among Iranian C. sativus despite their asexual reproduction. Considering suitable climatic conditions in Iran for cultivating saffron and the country’s leading high-quality production of Crocus sativus worldwide, studies on great genetic variability among Iranian C. sativus ecotypes as well as wild relatives native to Iran will further highlight the value of this crop. In addition, our results provide valuable information for genetic improvement, reduction of strong genetic erosion, and conservation of costly heritable resources of C. sativus in future breeding programs.

  • Genetic relationships among species of Iranian Crocus (Crocus spp.)
    2013
    Co-Authors: A Namayandeh, Zahra Nemati, M M Kamelmanesh, M Mokhtari, Mohsen Mardi
    Abstract:

    Namayandeh, A., Nemati, Z., Kamelmanesh, M. M., Mokhtari, M., and Mardi, M. 2013. Genetic relationships among species of Iranian Crocus (Crocus spp.). Crop Breeding Journal 3(1): 61-67. Fifteen microsatellite markers were employed to evaluate genetic relationships among different Iranian species of Crocus spp. (C. sativus, C. haussknechtii, C. cancellatus, C. speciosus, and C. caspius) from ten geographical regions (Ghaen, Gonabad, Estahban, Ferdows, Veresk, Reno, Ali abad, Kali abad, Neka, and Eslam abad). Of these, 12 primers revealed polymorphism among Crocus spp. Average polymorphism information content (PIC) and genetic diversity valueswere 0.33 and 0.41, respectively. Cluster analysis using the neighbor-joining (NJ) algorithm based on Nei’s genetic distance separated all the cultivated clonesfrom wild ones and differentiated all species. Utilizing principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), significant heterogeneity was observed within Crocus species. Based on the genetic distance (0.0311) andfixation index (FST=0.33, P>0.05) between Estahban (29° 12' N and 54° 03' E) and Ferdows (34° 01' N and 58° 16' E), it seems that accessions from Estahbanmay have originated from Ferdows genotypes. Indeed, results revealed that C. hausskntchii is the closest wild species to cultivated ones.

Helmut Kerndorff - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Saffron (Crocus sativus) is an autotriploid that evolved in Attica (Greece) from wild Crocus cartwrightianus.
    Molecular phylogenetics and evolution, 2019
    Co-Authors: Zahra Nemati, Helmut Kerndorff, Dörte Harpke, Almila Gemicioglu, Frank R. Blattner
    Abstract:

    Crocus sativus, the saffron Crocus, is the source of saffron, which is made from the dried stigmas of the plant. It is a male-sterile triploid lineage that ever since its origin has been propagated vegetatively. Its mode of evolution and area of origin are matters of long-lasting debates. Here we analyzed chloroplast genomes and genome-wide DNA polymorphisms obtained through genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) to infer the parent and area of origin of C. sativus. These data were complemented by genome size measurements and analyses of nuclear single-copy genes. We could place 99.3% of saffron GBS alleles in Crocus cartwrightianus, a species occurring in southeastern mainland Greece and on Aegean islands, identifying it as the sole progenitor of the saffron Crocus. Phylogenetic and population assignment analyses together with chloroplast polymorphisms indicated the C. cartwrightianus population in the vicinity of Athens as most similar to C. sativus. We conclude that the crop is an autotriploid that evolved in Attica by combining two different genotypes of C. cartwrightianus. Triploid sterility and vegetative propagation prevented afterwards segregation of the favorable traits of saffron, resulting in worldwide cultivation of a unique clonal lineage.

  • Phylogeny of the saffron-Crocus species group, Crocus series Crocus (Iridaceae).
    Molecular phylogenetics and evolution, 2018
    Co-Authors: Zahra Nemati, Osman Erol, Frank R. Blattner, Helmut Kerndorff, Dörte Harpke
    Abstract:

    Phylogenetic relationships among the taxa of Crocus series Crocus are still unclear, preventing the understanding of species diversity and the evolution of the important spice saffron (Crocus sativus). Therefore, we analyzed sequences of two chloroplast (trnL-trnF, matK-trnK) and three nuclear (TOPO6, ribosomal DNA ETS and ITS) marker regions to infer phylogenetic relationships among all species belonging to series Crocus. Our phylogenetic analyses resolved the relationships among all taxa of the series. Crocus hadriaticus and the former C. pallasii subspecies appeared polyphyletic. The latter deserve elevating the subspecies to species rank, while for C. hadriaticus a detailed study of species boundaries is necessary. Multi-locus and also genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism data obtained through genotyping-by-sequencing placed C. sativus within C. cartwrightianus with no indication that other Crocus species contributed to the evolution of the triploid. Our analyses thus made an autotriploid origin of C. sativus from C. cartwrightianus very likely.

  • phylogeny of Crocus iridaceae based on one chloroplast and two nuclear loci ancient hybridization and chromosome number evolution
    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 2013
    Co-Authors: Dörte Harpke, Helmut Kerndorff, Shuchun Meng, Twan Rutten, Frank R. Blattner
    Abstract:

    Crocus consists of about 100 species distributed from western Europe and northern Africa to western China, with the center of diversity on the Balkan Peninsula and in Asia Minor. Our study focuses on clarifying phylogenetic relationships and chromosome number evolution within the genus using sequences of the chloroplast trnL-F region, the nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and a part of the nuclear single-copy gene pCOSAt103. In a combined dataset of ITS and trnL-F sequences, 115 individuals representing 110 taxa from both subgenera and all sections and series of Crocus were analyzed with Bayesian phylogenetic inference. For pCOSAt103 79 individuals representing 74 Crocus taxa were included, and for the majority of them PCR amplicons were cloned and up to eight clones per individual were sequenced to detect allopolyploidization events. Romulea species were included as outgroup in both analyses. Characteristics of seed surface structures were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS/trnL-F data resulted in a monophyletic genus Crocus, probably monophyletic sections Crocus and Nudiscapus, and inferred monophyly for eight of the 15 series of the genus. The C. biflorus aggregate, thought to be consisting of closely related subspecies, was found to be polyphyletic, the taxa occurring within three major clades in the phylogenetic tree. Cloning of pCOSAt103 resulted in the detection of homoeologous copies in about one third of the taxa of section Nudiscapus, indicating an allotetraploid origin of this section. Reconstruction of chromosome number evolution along the phylogenetic tree using a probabilistic and a parsimony approach arrived at partly contradictory results. Both analyses agreed however on the occurrence of multiple polyploidization and dysploidy events. B chromosomes evolved at least five times independently within the genus, preferentially in clades characterized by karyotype changes.

Vassilios P Papageorgiou - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • radical scavenging activity of Crocus sativus l extract and its bioactive constituents
    Phytotherapy Research, 2005
    Co-Authors: Andreana N Assimopoulou, Z Sinakos, Vassilios P Papageorgiou
    Abstract:

    Radical scavenging activity is involved in aging processes, antiinflammatory, anticancer and wound healing activity. Hence, in the present study the DPPH radical scavenging activity of a natural product that possesses biological properties, an extract of Crocus sativus L. (saffron), grown in Crocos, Kozani (Greece), and some of its bioactive constituents (crocin, safranal) was studied. It was shown that a methanol extract of Crocus sativus exhibited high antioxidant activity, although it contains several active and inactive constituents. In trying to approximate a structure-activity relationship, two bioactive constituents of saffron extract were tested, namely crocin and safranal. Crocin showed high radical scavenging activity (50% and 65% for 500 and 1000 ppm solution in methanol, respectively), followed by safranal (34% for 500 ppm solution). All the tested samples showed high radical scavenging activity, probably due to the ability to donate a hydrogen atom to the DPPH radical. Thus, saffron grown in Greece can be used promisingly in functional foods, drinks with antioxidant activity, in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations for their antioxidant activity and probably for their antiaging activity. Saffron can also be used internally in the form of powder or other pharmacotechnical formulae as a food supplement with antioxidant properties. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  • radical scavenging activity of Crocus sativus l extract and its bioactive constituents
    Phytotherapy Research, 2005
    Co-Authors: Andreana N Assimopoulou, Z Sinakos, Vassilios P Papageorgiou
    Abstract:

    Radical scavenging activity is involved in aging processes, antiinflammatory, anticancer and wound healing activity. Hence, in the present study the DPPH radical scavenging activity of a natural product that possesses biological properties, an extract of Crocus sativus L. (saffron), grown in Crocos, Kozani (Greece), and some of its bioactive constituents (crocin, safranal) was studied. It was shown that a methanol extract of Crocus sativus exhibited high antioxidant activity, although it contains several active and inactive constituents. In trying to approximate a structure-activity relationship, two bioactive constituents of saffron extract were tested, namely crocin and safranal. Crocin showed high radical scavenging activity (50% and 65% for 500 and 1,000 ppm solution in methanol, respectively), followed by safranal (34% for 500 ppm solution). All the tested samples showed high radical scavenging activity, probably due to the ability to donate a hydrogen atom to the DPPH radical.Thus, saffron grown in Greece can be used promisingly in functional foods, drinks with antioxidant activity, in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations for their antioxidant activity and probably for their antiaging activity. Saffron can also be used internally in the form of powder or other pharmacotechnical formulae as a food supplement with antioxidant properties.