The search for species-specific repeat sequences was initiated to provide a new molecular tool to investigate the phylogenetic relationships within the Saccharum complex, and to monitor introgression programs carried out in sugarcane breeding. Taq1 digested genomic DNA, separated by electrophoresis, facilitated identification of a 371 bp Erianthus-specific satellite DNA, EACIR1, which shows high sequence homology to other Gramineae satellite DNAs. PCR primers defined in the conserved regions of these various sequences were used to isolate another repetitive sequence, SOCIR1, a 361 bp Saccharum-specific satellite DNA. EACIR1 and SOCIR1 were localized to subtelomeric regions of chromosomes by in situ hybridization. The occurence of this satellite family in the Saccharum complex and in Gramineae species, was investigated by PCR and Southern hybridization experiments. The results were in accordance with previous phylogenetic schemes of the Saccharum complex, and demonstrated the existence of similar repetitive sequences in sorghum and maize. These satellite sequences could provide useful PCR markers to determine the pedigree of putative hybrids implicated in sugarcane introgression programs. (Texte intégral)