Genomics of Pandanus: A useful plant resource of coastal Odisha, India

The aromatic plant Pandanus tectorius Parkinson (=Pandanus fascicularis Lam.) popularly known as ‘kia’ or ‘kewda’ is an important coastal bio-resource that supports the socio-economy as well as ecology of Ganjam coast in Odisha. According to the World Check List of Selected Plant Families (www.theplantlist.org), the accepted name of this plant species is Pandanus odorifer (Forssk.) Kuntze under the genus Pandanus (family: Pandanaceae) having 65 synonyms that included P. fascicularis and P. tectorius. The genome of P. tectorius was analysed on bases of somatic chromosome complement, nuclear 4C DNA content and randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) in relation to morphological variation, dioecism, and geographical distribution along the coastline of Odisha stretching a distance of 600 km. RAPD analysis could segregate plants from different populations on the basis of morphology, sex or locations. A few male-specific RAPD markers in plants specific to Gajam coast were identified. The findings pointed to the possible role of eco-geography augmenting micro-evolution of male plant genotypes of P. tectorius at Ganjam coast, Odisha that are known for high perfume quality and yield.