Chromosome-specific painting unveils chromosomal fusions and distinct allopolyploid species in the Saccharum complex.

Karyotypes provide key cytogenetic information on the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary origins in related eukaryotic species. Despite our knowledge of the chromosome numbers of sugarcane and its wild relatives, the chromosome composition and evolution among the species in the Saccharum complex have been elusive owing to the complex polyploidy and the large numbers of chromosomes of these species. Oligonucleotide-based chromosome painting has become a powerful tool of cytogenetic studies especially for plant species with large numbers of chromosomes.

Chromosomal Characterization of Revealed by Oligo-FISH.

Sugarcane is of important economic value for producing sugar and bioethanol.   (old name:  ) is an intergeneric wild species of sugarcane that has desirable resistance traits for improving sugarcane varieties. However, the scarcity of chromosome markers has hindered the cytogenetic study of .