Trigonella Species Research Articles

Chromosome Counts and Cytomixis in Two Species of <i>Trigonella</i> L.

Chromosome Counts and Cytomixis in Two Species of <i>Trigonella</i> L.

Amplification, contraction and genomic spread of a satellite DNA family (E180) in Medicago (Fabaceae) and allied genera

Satellite DNA is a genomic component present in virtually all eukaryotic organisms. The turnover of highly repetitive satellite DNA is an important element in genome organization and evolution in plants. Here we assess the presence and physical distribution of the repetitive DNA E180 family in Medicago and allied genera. Our goals were to gain insight into the karyotype evolution of Medicago using satellite DNA markers, and to evaluate the taxonomic and phylogenetic signal of a satellite DNA family in a genus hypothesized to have a complex evolutionary history. Seventy accessions from Medicago, Trigonella, Melilotus and Trifolium were analysed by PCR to assess the presence of the repetitive E180 family, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used for physical mapping in somatic chromosomes. The E180 repeat unit was PCR-amplified in 37 of 40 taxa in Medicago, eight of 12 species of Trigonella, six of seven species of Melilotus and in two of 11 Trifolium species. Examination of the mitotic chromosomes revealed that only 13 Medicago and two Trigonella species showed FISH signals using the E180 probe. Stronger hybridization signals were observed in subtelomeric and interstitial loci than in the pericentromeric loci, suggesting this satellite family has a preferential genomic location. Not all 13 Medicago species that showed FISH localization of the E180 repeat were phylogenetically related. However, nine of these species belong to the phylogenetically derived clade including the M. sativa and M. arborea complexes. The use of the E180 family as a phylogenetic marker in Medicago should be viewed with caution. Its amplification appears to have been produced through recurrent and independent evolutionary episodes in both annual and perennial Medicago species as well as in basal and derived clades.

Flora of Jammu and Kashmir state (Fabaceae – Tribe Trifolieae, Genus Trigonella L.)

The present paper put on record 10 species of Trigonella L. from Jammu and Kashmir state. A key to the species and citations along with flowering and fruiting period is given. All these species grow within the territory of Jammu and Kashmir state.

Assessment of genetic diversity among fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), using RAPD molecular markers

Plant Trigonella foenum-graecum or fenugreek belongs to family Papilionaceae. Two taxonomically Trigonella species and 61 accession were analyzed with 18 random primers to evaluate genetic diversity and species relation. TFG and TC have been used for study, among these cultivars there is almost no or very little intraspecific difference in morphological manifestations however TFG and TC elite cultivars. Total genomic DNA was extracted by CTAB method with some modification. PCR amplification was carried out by using master cycler gradient thermal cycler. From total 18 primers screened across all species and accession scoring 141 bands of which 74 were polymorphic. On average 7.7 bands per primer were scored. The percentage of polymorphic band ranged from 66% to 100% with an average of 52.85%. Only the amplified DNA fragment ranging in size between 200 to 1000 bps was used for statistical analyses. Cluster analysis based on the presence or absence of band was performed by Jaccard’s similarity coefficient, based on unweighted pair group method with arithemetic averages (UPGMA). Genetic similarity ranged between 0.66 to 0.90, indicating a moderate to high genetic variability. The highest similarity coefficient was detected between accession DA-30, VR-76, VR-67, DA- 03 and DM-37, and the lowest in accession TFG sp. and TG sp., respectively. The dendrogram revealed two main clusters. Each cluster was divided into subgroup. This investigation showed that RAPD marker is a useful tool for evaluation of genetic diversity and relationship amongst different Trigonella species. Key words: Trigonella foenum-graecum, RAPD, varieties, primer, genetic diversity.

Molecular evaluation of two common Trigonella species (Trifoleae - Fabaceae) in Egypt

Molecular evaluation of two common Trigonella species (Trifoleae - Fabaceae) in Egypt

Karyology of ten Turkish Trigonella L. (Leguminosae) species from section Cylindricae Boiss.

This study describes the karyotypes of 10 Turkish species of Trigonella L. belonging to section Cylindricae Boiss. (Leguminosae). Excluding the karyotypes of T. velutina Boiss. and of T. sibthorpii Boiss., which were previously studied, all of the other 8 species were studied here for the first time. The species of the section were gathered from different localities in Turkey, and it was determined that the somatic chromosome numbers for all species were the same (2n = 16). Also, satellite metaphase chromosomes were determined in T. velutina and T. strangulata.

Karyology of ten Turkish Trigonella L. (Leguminosae) species from section Cylindricae Boiss.

This study describes the karyotypes of 10 Turkish species of Trigonella L. belonging to section Cylindricae Boiss. (Leguminosae). Excluding the karyotypes of T. velutina Boiss. and of T. sibthorpii Boiss., which were previously studied, all of the other 8 species were studied here for the first time. The species of the section were gathered from different localities in Turkey, and it was determined that the somatic chromosome numbers for all species were the same (2n = 16). Also, satellite metaphase chromosomes were determined in T. velutina and T. strangulata.

Karyological study on six Trigonella L. species (Leguminosae) in Turkey

Abstract — In this study, karyotype analyses of the six species of Trigonella L. were examined. Chromosome lengths were determined between 1.29–1.74 μm in Trigonella astroites Fischer & C.Meyer, 1.06–1.44 μm in Trigonella fscheriana Ser., 1.67–2.59 μm in Trigonella velutina Boiss., 0.98–1.49 μm in Trigonella cretica (L.) Boiss., 1.16–1.81 μm in Trigonella coerulescens (M.Bieb.) Hal., 0.99–1.72 μm in Trigonella procumbens (Bess.) Rchb., respectively. All species are diploid with 2n = 14,16 and 18 chromosomes and the karyotypes of all species consist of metacentric chromosome pairs. Trigonella velutina has only satellites on the long arms of chromosome 2 and 6. The karyotype analysis of these species was frst time counted in Turkey.

Stable low molecular weight RNA profiling showed variations within Sinorhizobium meliloti and Sinorhizobium medicae nodulating different legumes from the alfalfa cross-inoculation group

Four different low molecular weight (LMW) RNA profiles, designated I-IV, among 179 isolates from Medicago, Melilotus and Trigonella species growing in a field site in Northern Spain were identified. From sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA, atpD and recA genes as well as DNA-DNA hybridization analysis with representatives of each LMW RNA profile it was evident that isolates with LMW RNA profiles I and II belonged to Sinorhizobium meliloti and those displaying profiles III and IV to Sinorhizobium medicae. Therefore, two distinct LMW RNA electrophoretic mobility profiles were found within each of these two species. Collectively, LMW RNA profiles I and II (identified as S. meliloti) were predominant in Melilotus alba, Melilotus officinalis and Medicago sativa. Profiles III and IV (identified as S. medicae) were predominant in Melilotus parviflora, Medicago sphaerocarpa, Medicago lupulina and Trigonella foenum-graecum. All the four LMW RNA profiles were identified among isolates from Trigonella monspelliaca nodules. These results revealed a different specificity by the hosts of the alfalfa cross-inoculation group towards the two bacterial species found in this study.

Influence of Ionizing Radiation on Antioxidant Enzymes in Three Species of Trigonella

The response of three species of Trigonella, namely, Trigonella stellata, Trigonella hamosa and Trigonella anguina to gamma irradiation stress was investigated with respect to antioxidant enzyme induction. When dry seeds were subjected to gamma rays (0, 40, 60, 80, 100 Krad) from a cobalt source 60Co at a dose rate of 233.5 rad/ min, a dose dependent increase in the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APOX), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione reductase (GR) was observed in both shoots and roots of the studied species. On the contrary, catalase activity was repressed, particularly at the higher applied doses. Shoots were more significantly affected by irradiation than roots. The three species differed in their radio-sensitivity with respect to the characters concerned. Changes in the activity of the key antioxidant enzymes which confer tolerance to irradiation stress were discussed.

Identification of resistance to bluegreen aphid and spotted alfalfa aphid in Trigonella species

The genus Trigonella (Fabaceae, tribe Trifolieae) includes potential new species for pasture legume production in phase farming systems of southern Australia. Performance under biotic stress is an important factor in selecting the most suitable species and genotypes for pasture legume breeding programs. Fifty‐nine accessions representing 26 Trigonella species and two Medicago species (formerly with Trigonella) were evaluated for resistance to two aphid species, bluegreen aphid (Acyrthosiphon kondoi Shinji), and spotted alfalfa aphid (Therioaphis trifolii (Monell) fm. maculata) in glasshouse experiments. An accession of Trigonella macrorrhyncha (SA 32223) was found to be highly resistant to both the aphids. Accessions of T. coerulescens, T. cylindracea, T. gladiata, T. mesopotamica, T. schlumbergeri and Medicago monspeliaca were found to be resistant to bluegreen aphid, but susceptible to spotted alfalfa aphid. The resistance mechanism in T. macrorrhyncha involved both antixenosis (non‐preference in a choice test) and antibiosis (reduced fecundity). The implications of these results for germplasm improvement are discussed.

Effect of NaCl on biomass, protein and proline contents, and antioxidant enzymes in seedlings and calli of two Trigonella species

The effects of NaCl on growth, contents of proteins and proline, and activities of catalase, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase were investigated in seedlings and calli of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. and T. aphanoneura Rech. f. Seeds and hypocotyl explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM NaCl. Seed germination and the fresh and dry mass of the seedlings decreased significantly under salinity. In both species significant increases in protein content of seedlings over that of control were observed at 150 and 200 mM NaCl. Protein content in calli decreased at 200 mM NaCl over that of control. Protein content was higher in seedlings than in calli at all NaCl concentrations. Conversely, proline content was lower in seedlings than in calli at all the tested NaCl concentrations. NaCl caused changes in the activities of peroxidase, catalase and polyphenol oxidase in seedlings and calli.

Symbiosis between the root-nodule bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) under salinization conditions

Two hundred forty-three isolates of alfalfa nodule bacteria (Sinorhizobium meliloti) were obtained from legume nodules and soils sampled in the northern Aral region, experiencing secondary salinization. Isolates obtained from nodules (N isolates) were significantly more salt-tolerant than those from soils (S isolates) when grown in a liquid medium with 3.5% NaCl. It was found that wild species of alfalfa, melilot, and trigonella preferably formed symbioses with salt-tolerant nodule bacteria in both salinized and nonsalinized soils. Only two alfalfa species, Medicago falcata and M. trautvetteri, formed efficient symbioses in soils contrasting in salinity. The formation of efficient symbiosis with alfalfa in the presence of 0.6% NaCl was studied in 36 isolates (N and S) differing in salt tolerance and symbiotic efficiency. Fifteen isolates formed efficient symbioses in the presence of salt. The increase in the dry weight of the plants was 25-68% higher than in the control group. The efficiency of symbiotic interaction under salinization conditions depended on the efficiency of the isolates under standard conditions but did not correlate with the source of nodule bacteria (soil or nodule) or their salt tolerance. The results indicate that nodule bacterium strains forming efficient symbioses under salinization conditions can be found.

SIZE_DEPENDENT REPRODUCTIVE OUTPUT AND LIFE_HISTORY STRATEGIES IN FOUR EPHEMERAL SPECIES OF TRIGONELLA

Phenological characteristics and patterns of biomass allocation were studied in four ephemeral species of Trigonella (T. cancellata, T. arcuata, T. monantha and T. orthoceras) from the Zhungaer desert. The results showed that germination strategies were diverse among species. Seed germination occurred in the spring, summer and autumn in all four species, but was most prevalent in the spring and autumn. The germination time of seeds was very closely related to environmental factors, such as temperature and precipitation. There were no obvious interspecific differences in germination time. Plant growth was quick and the life cycle short in all four species. The fruits maturate before the arrival of the arid summer season. All four species are monocarpic, and their life-history strategy can be described as that of escaping aridity. The reproductive yield of plants germinated in the spring and autumn was maximized by an instantaneous switch from vegetative growth to reproductive growth after a short period of vegetative growth. The four species allocate a high proportion of carbon to reproductive output and was 62.3%, 51.9%, 54.3% and 58.3% for the four species, and the absolute measures of reproductive output were size-dependent. The reproductive output increased with plant size, with the r-value 0.989, 0.935, 0.720 and 0.924 in all the four species (p0.001). There were significant differences in the size (p0.01) and the reproductive output (p0.05, p0.01) among plants that germinated in different seasons. The plants that germinated in the spring were smaller and their reproductive output lower than those hat germinated in the autumn, but the difference in the proportion of reproductive allocation was not significant (p0.05). These results indicate that differences in reproductive output can be explained by size differences in plants from different germination times. Finally, we discussed the life-history strategies of the four ephemeral species and analyzed their differences based on individual size, survival ability and reproductive output of plants germinated during different season, and their adaptation strategies to the arid environment of the Zhungaer desert.

Assessment of genetic diversity in Trigonella foenum-graecum and Trigonella caerulea using ISSR and RAPD markers

BackgroundVarious species of genus Trigonella are important from medical and culinary aspect. Among these, Trigonella foenum-graecum is commonly grown as a vegetable. This anti-diabetic herb can lower blood glucose and cholesterol levels. Another species, Trigonella caerulea is used as food in the form of young seedlings. This herb is also used in cheese making. However, little is known about the genetic variation present in these species. In this report we describe the use of ISSR and RAPD markers to study genetic diversity in both, Trigonella foenum-graecum and Trigonella caerulea.ResultsSeventeen accessions of Trigonella foenum-graecum and nine accessions of Trigonella caerulea representing various countries were analyzed using ISSR and RAPD markers. Genetic diversity parameters (average number of alleles per polymorphic locus, percent polymorphism, average heterozygosity and marker index) were calculated for ISSR, RAPD and ISSR+RAPD approaches in both the species. Dendrograms were constructed using UPGMA algorithm based on the similarity index values for both Trigonella foenum-graecum and Trigonella caerulea. The UPGMA analysis showed that plants from different geographical regions were distributed in different groups in both the species. In Trigonella foenum-graecum accessions from Pakistan and Afghanistan were grouped together in one cluster but accessions from India and Nepal were grouped together in another cluster. However, in both the species accessions from Turkey did not group together and fell in different clusters.ConclusionsBased on genetic similarity indices, higher diversity was observed in Trigonella caerulea as compared to Trigonella foenum-graecum. The genetic similarity matrices generated by ISSR and RAPD markers in both species were highly correlated (r = 0.78 at p = 0.001 for Trigonella foenum-graecum and r = 0.98 at p = 0.001 for Trigonella caerulea) indicating congruence between these two systems. Implications of these observations in the analysis of genetic diversity and in supporting the possible Center of Origin and/or Diversity for Trigonella are discussed.

Diversity of Sinorhizobium meliloti from the Central Asian Alfalfa Gene Center.

Sinorhizobium meliloti was isolated from nodules and soil from western Tajikistan, a center of diversity of the host plants (Medicago, Melilotus, and Trigonella species). There was evidence of recombination, but significant disequilibrium, between and within the chromosome and megaplasmids. The most frequent alleles matched those in the published genome sequence.

Molecular phylogeny supports the morphologically based taxonomic transfer of the "medicagoid" Trigonella species to the genus Medicago L.

The taxonomic transfer of the 23 Trigonella species previously known as medicagoids to the genus Medicago L. is reanalyzed on the basis of a molecular phylogenetic approach. The internal and external transcribed spacers of 53 Medicago species s. str. and 10 of the 23 medicagoid species were sequenced. Both maximum parsimony or maximum likelihood criteria joined medicagoid species more confidently with Medicago rather than with Trigonella. The basal position of the medicagoid species within the genus Medicago, together with morphologically atypical Medicago species (such as M. radiata and M. platycarpa), raised the question of the expediency to define a new genus and is discussed, relatively to the support of each clade. Using criteria of monophyly and support, it was concluded that the medicagoids are better joined in Medicago rather than placed in a new genus.

HEMOLYSIS, A SYNAPOMORPHIC DISCRIMINATOR OF AN EXPANDED GENUS MEDICAGO (LEGUMINOSAE)

SummaryHemolysis is a traditional test for the presence of certain saponins in plant tissues. The hemolytic capacities of Medicago and allied genera were examined. It was found that leaves of Medicago species are hemolytic, although there are considerable differences in strength of reaction among species and populations of species. The leaves of species of six related genera consistently proved not to be hemolytic. Thus hemolysis by leaves is a synapomorphic discriminator, and supports a recent, controversial expanded circumscription of Medicago. The hemolytic capacities of seeds of Medicago and its closest allies, Trigonella and Melilotus, were also examined. Only about a third of Medicago species had hemolytic seeds, and the distribution of these is more or less characteristic of certain infrageneric groups. Three interrelated species of Trigonella proved to be the only species of genera other than those of Medicago with hemolytic seeds. In Medicago, hemolysis is caused by glycosides of the saponin medicagenic acid; different but as yet unidentified hemolytic agents are present in the seeds of the three hemolytic species of Trigonella.

The chemotaxonomic significance of laricytrin and medicagenic acid in the tribe Trigonelleae

Flavonoids from fresh flowers of 35 species and medicagenic acid from leaf tissue of 44 species of the tribe Trigonelleae Schulz (Fabaceae) were examined using thin-layer chromatography. Moreover, medicagenic acid glycosides in the leaf tissue were also analyzed by the hemolytic test. Compounds tentatively identified as kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin, laricytrin, and medicagenic acid were present in hydrolysates of all species of the genus Medicago, including five species of debated taxonomic position, M. radiata, M. hybrida, M. cretacea, M. arborea, and M. lupulina. Laricytrin and medicagenic acid, while rarely occurring in the plant kingdom, may be regarded as chemical markers that distinguish the genus Medicago in Trigonelleae and may further support the placement of the five questionable species into Medicago. Laricytrin and medicagenic acid were also found in hydrolysates of three species of the section Buceras of the genus Trigonella (T. monantha, T. monspeliaca, and T. polyceratia) and were not found in any of the remaining tested species of Trigonella or in the genus Melilotus. This chemical affinity of the three Trigonella species to Medicago gives further support to the placement of these species in genus Medicago.

GLANDULAR TRICHOMES ON COTYLEDONARY PETIOLES OF LEGUMINOSAE TRIBE TRIFOLIEAE

Gland-tipped trichomes were found to occur on the cotyledonary petioles of a number of species of Medicago, Trigonella and Melilotus. Their location, seemingly protecting the plumule, and the known insect resistance provided by glandular hairs on stems and fruits of Medicago suggest that they are defensive, and may be useful in plant breeding.Key words: Medicago, alfalfa, Trigonella, Melilotus, glandular trichomes, pest resistance (immunity)