Isozymes, protein and ODAP variability of grasspea (<I>Lathyrus sativus</I> L.) in Ethiopia

Abstract

Variability of grass pea landrace populations for isozymes, Oxalyl Diamino Propanoic acid ODAP) and protein contents were investigated following standard procedures to detect genetic variation. The result indicated that phenotypic polymorphism was observed for the three enzymes, the highest being for esterase. The degree of differentiation (FST) of the individual loci ranged from 0.031 (for ACP-3) to 0.784 (for AAT-2). The highest polymorphism was detected in populations collected from Gondar region indicating the need for priority germplasm collection and site selection for in situ conservation in this region. The ODAP and protein analyses also revealed presence of variability among the populations. Fortunately, four entries with low ODAP contents ranging from 0.14% to 0.18% were identified in populations collected from different regions indicating the variation of this trait within population and between regions. These lines with low ODAP content are obviously considered important for further breeding program. Key words/phrases: Ethiopia, grass pea , isozyme, Lathyrus sativus, ODAP ET: Ethiopian Journal of Science Vol. 27 (2) 2004: 153–160