Genetic and Cytogegnetic variation in sainfoin Onobrychis sativa L.

In order to determine the genetic variation in 13 genotypes of sainfoin (Onobrychis sativa L.), morphological, cytogenetic, protein electrophoresis and chemical composition studies were carried out. Phonotypical traits (height, flowering time, number of sub stem, number of main stem, wet weight, dry yield), were registered. This trial was conducted by split plot in time under complete block design with two replications. The comparison between means was done by DMRT test. Results showed genotypes (G12- Gorgan and G13-Bonab had higher stem density. For DM yield G9-Alborz and G5-Bijar had higher forage production. Cluster analysis of genotypes on morphological traits, clarified that these genotypes are classified in three groups. Principal component analysis of morphological traits indicated that the most variation for morphological traits belonged to DM yield. Number of sub stem, number of main stem and Fresh weight, respectively. In this experiment karyoptypic characteristics including: chromosome length, chromatin length, long arm length, short arm length, ratio of long arm to short arm, ratio of chromosome length to chromatin length, form percentage and class chromosome were determine for each genotype. Karyotype symmetric was determined using CV and total form percentage. Genotype G6 posses the most symmetrical (TF%=48.7) and G13 posses the most asymmetrical karyotype (TF%=44.7). Cluster analysis of study genotype for cytogenetic traits showed that these genotypes are classified in three groups. Principal component analysis of karyotypic traits indicated that the most variation related to short arm length and long arm length. Chemical component were measured for all of genotypes. The genotypes were classified in three groups by cluster analysis. Comparisons of dendrograms phonotypical and cytogenetic and chemical traits showed that the most genetic distance and the least relationship was among G5 with other genotypes. Principal component analysis of chemical component indicated that the most variation related to Potassium (K), Phosphor (P), Manganese (Mn) and Sodium percentage, respectively. Stem and leaf protein electrophoresis of study genotype were done by SDS-PAGE method and genotypes were classified in three groups by cluster analysis, also cluster results of morphological and chemical traits confirmed the same variation based on protein bands.