Morphological and Isozyme Variation in Natural Populations of the Genus Medicago L. Prospected in Northern Algeria

Abstract

As part of the evaluation and enhancement of genetic resources, morphological and isozyme variability within and among 169 accessions, representing 14 species of the genus Medicago L. collected in northern Algeria, was assessed using twelve quantitative traits and two enzymatic systems. Phenotype frequencies were scored in six enzyme zones to determine isozyme variability within and among populations. The data analysis resolved a high level of genetic diversity. Ten morphometric characteristics contributed to the discrimination of the species. The relationship between the collection site environment and phenotypic characteristics was also studied. Esterase (EST) enzyme system was more polymorphic than glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) system. Were scored 2 zones with 10 bands and 21 phenotypes for GOT (glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase) and 4 zones with 22 bands and 71 phenotypes for EST (esterase) Polymorphism index and Jaccard’s genetic distances revealed the existence of a high genetic diversity within and among the studied populations. The annual species M. polymorpha presented an intraspecific polymorphism index of 0.57, which was higher than all other species indices. Clustering of the species based on isozyme markers was in agreement with taxonomic criteria and showed no significant correlation with morphological characteristics. Conservation programs should take into account the level of genetic diversity within and between populations revealed by isozyme markers.