Molecular Marker Based Genetic Diversity Study of Curcuma Caesia Roxb. – A Mini Review

The availability of genetic resource provides an opportunity for plant breeders to develop new cultivars with desirable characteristics and these characteristics encompass various traits preferred by farmers (high yield potential, larger seed size, etc) as well as traits favored by breeders (pests and disease resistance). Genetic resources are also essential for conservation, as they provide a basis for identifying threatened species and developing conservation strategies. Curcuma caesia Roxb. (Zingiberaceae) is an underutilized perennial herb with bluish-black tuberous rhizome having the characteristic of aromatic and medicinal properties. There is an ample genetic diversity of Curcuma plants with medicinal importance around the world. Authentication and ensuring the genuineness of Curcuma are crucial aspects for marker-based analysis. Therefore, genetic variation serves as the base for the identification and characterisation of the plants. Molecular marker technology is widely used in genetic diversity analysis, germplasm resource identification, and molecular marker-assisted breeding technique. Multiple molecular markers have been used for characterization and identification of species for its sustainable utilization and conservation. The molecular investigation, which involves techniques like RAPD, SCAR, ISSR, and AFLP for fingerprinting, plays a crucial role in establishing molecular markers to assess the authenticity and diversity of plant species. Various marker analyses have demonstrated a significant degree of genetic variation among the species and these patterns tend to differ due to environmental influences and genetic factors. This review facilitates a complete information about the molecularassisted genetic diversity study of Curcuma caesia Roxb. (Black turmeric) which may be used as a database while exploring the diversity analysis.