Comparison of phenotypic trait variation and total protein polymorphism in local and exotic germplasms of Medicago sativa in Iran

Abstract

The genetic diversity of 27 wild alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) populations from seven different countries (Iran, US, Australia, France, Italy, Turkey and Kazakhstan) was studied using total protein profiles and phenotypic traits. High genetic variation was observed for both total protein profiles and phenotypic traits. AMOVA using total protein profiles revealed no variation between local and exotic populations; however, variance between populations and within populations accounted for 33% and 67% of the total variation, respectively. UPGMA was conducted using total protein profiles. All local and exotic wild populations were more or less scattered indicating shared protein profiles that might be due to common parentage or gene flow. The protein banding data were investigated in relation to phenotypic traits and indicated no influence of polymorphic bands on quantitative traits. Latitude, longitude and altitude of origin were not correlated with either genetic or phenotypic distances among Iranian populations.