Exploration of wild Cymbopogon species from Karnataka

Cymbopogon species are globally renowned aromatic grasses with potential commercial value for their essential oils. Reports on development of molecular markers in this important genus remain limited. The present study aimed at sequencing the whole genome of wild Cymbopogon flexuosus (C.flexuosus) and subsequent mining of SSR motifs. This study serves as a base for the development of molecular markers in Cymbopogon genus. The developed SSR markers can be utilized by researchers and breeders for future improvement of varieties yielding qualitative and quantitative essential oil.