Papilionoideae Research Articles

Microscopic Analysis of Epidermal and Vascular Structures in Alysicarpus naikianus Pokle: Anatomical Adaptations for Environmental Resilience

Alysicarpus naikianus Pokle is an endemic species of the genus Alysicarpus in the subfamily Papilionoideae, tribe Desmodieae, of the Leguminosae family. Described in 1999, this species was initially known from limited collections at three localities in Maharashtra, India. Recent floristic surveys, particularly in the hilly areas of the Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu and western India, have revealed additional populations, expanding its known distribution. The species exhibits morphological characteristics consistent with other members of its genus, including distinctive Anatomy of leaf, stem, root, vessel’s structure and epidermal features, which were studied using light microscopy. The findings indicate a higher level of diversity and a broader ecological range than previously documented. As a result, A. naikianus is now recognized as a significant species within the Alysicarpus genus, highlighting the need for further exploration and conservation efforts in its native habitats.

New insights into the phylogenetic relationships of tribe Astragaleae (Fabaceae subfamily Papilionoideae) and Astragalus—the largest genus of angiosperm

AbstractAstragaleae is one of the largest tribes in the legume family, harboring the most species‐rich genus in Angiosperm, Astragalus. The tribal and generic delimitation of Astragaleae remains unclear. With samples from 19 genera/dubious genera of the tribe represented by 272 species, as well as with nuclear and chloroplast data, we re‐delimited and described the tribe based on the Erophaca‐Astragalean clade. We recognized 16 genera within Astragaleae: Astragalus, Biserrula, Carmichaelia, Clianthus, Colutea, Eremosparton, Erophaca, Lessertia, Montigena, Oxytropis, Phyllolobium, Podlechiella, Smirnowia, Sphaerophysa, Streblorrhiza, and Swainsona, and a generic key was proposed. Our results may lay a foundation for future studies on the taxonomy and biogeography of Astragaleae, and deepen the public's understanding of angiosperm diversity.

Plastid-nuclear coevolution of ribosomal protein genes in papilionoid legumes.

In plants, cellular function is orchestrated by three distinct genomes located within the nucleus, mitochondrion, and plastid. These genomes are interdependent, requiring tightly coordinated maintenance and expression. Plastids host several multisubunit protein complexes encoded by both the plastid and nuclear genomes. To investigate plastid-nuclear coevolution, this study focused on plastid ribosomal protein genes that are encoded by both plastid and nuclear genomes from 50 taxa across 15 of the 22 early branching major clades of the legume subfamily Papilionoideae. Comparative analysis of substitution rates was conducted across five gene sets: nuclear-encoded plastid-targeted ribosomal protein genes (NuCpRP), nuclear-encoded cytosol-targeted ribosomal genes (NuCyRP), other nuclear-encoded plastid-targeted genes that are not involved in ribosomes (NuCpOT), plastid-encoded ribosomal protein genes (CpRP) and plastid-encoded photosynthesis genes (CpPS).1 Elevated nonsynonymous substitution rates (dN) and ratios of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitution rates (dN/dS; ω) were observed in both CpRP and NuCpRP compared to the other gene sets. Significant differences in dN for CpRP and NuCpRP were found between the papilionoid 50-kb inversion clade and other legumes. Using coevolution statistics and evolutionary rate covariation, strong signals of cytonuclear coevolution were identified, where nonsynonymous substitutions in CpRP and NuCpRP genes co-occur along the same branches of the Papilionoideae phylogeny. Increased ω in a few CpRP genes was due to intensified positive selection whereas most of the CpRP and NuCpRP increased ω was caused by relaxed purifying selection. This pattern not only underscores the role of cytonuclear incompatibility in driving speciation but also highlights its constraints on the genetic enhancement of papilionoid crop species.

Riqueza y distribución de leguminosas en un gradiente ambiental dentro del Área Natural Protegida Altas Cumbres, Tamaulipas, México

Background: Altas Cumbres is a protected natural area located in the center of the state of Tamaulipas, which has not been sufficiently studied. Although legumes are a family well represented in the area, until now, no studies had been carried out to reveal their richness and distribution. Questions: How many and which legume species are found in the study area and how are they distributed along an environmental gradient? Species study: Fabaceae family. Study site and dates: Altas Cumbres, Tamaulipas, Mexico, during 2022 and 2023. Methods: Botanical material was collected and identified using specialized bibliography; Herbarium specimens and online databases were reviewed. An analysis of similarity was carried out with the sites studied, using the Jaccard index to obtain β diversity and observe its distribution. Results: A total of 132 species were obtained, belonging to 57 genera and three subfamilies. The greatest diversity of legumes belonged to the subfamily Papilionoideae (86 species / 37 genera), followed by Caesalpinoideae (41/18) and finally Cercidoideae (5/2). Herbaceous plants were dominant with respect to woody plants. Most species were recorded in an elevation range between 300 and 499 m asl, in submontane scrub and pine-oak forest communities. Conclusions: Altas Cumbres is an important reservoir for legumes from Tamaulipas and Sierra Madre Oriental considering its high richness and endemism (33 species restricted to Mexico).

Association for Yield and Yield Related Traits in an RIL Population of Green Gram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilezek)

Background: Green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek), a significant annual legume, is a member of the family Fabaceae, subfamily Papilionoideae, and genus Vigna. Despite its importance, large-scale cultivation of green gram faces limitations due to various biotic and abiotic constraints. To address this challenge, our research is focused on the development of green gram genotypes with broader adaptability, enhanced genetic variability, and high-yielding potential. This involves a comprehensive study of the nature and magnitude of associations among yield and related traits to facilitate more effective and sustainable production practices. Methods: The present investigation was carried out at the experimental plots of Institute of Biotechnology (IBT), College farm, College of Agriculture, Hyderabad (TS). The present experiment was conducted to determine correlation and path analysis among morphological traits and their contribution towards yield among the F6 Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) in green gram. Results: Correlation estimate revealed that number of pods cluster-1, the Number of clusters plant-1, the Number of pods plant-1, Seed yield plant-1, plant height (cm), seed weight (g), and pod length (cm) showed a maximum direct contribution to seed yield both phenotypically and genotypically. Path analysis revealed that the parameters demonstrating a significant positive direct impact include days to 50% flowering, plant height (cm), number of branches plant-1 and number of clusters plant-1. The RILs for each character examined showed considerable variability. Conclusion: The green gram improvement program will benefit from a selection strategy that focuses on traits with a significant direct impact and a positive correlation with seed yield.

Molecular phylogeny and spatio‐temporal diversification of the Millettioid/Phaseoloid clade (Fabaceae: Papilionoideae)

AbstractThe Millettioid/Phaseoloid (or the Millettioid) clade is a major lineage of the subfamily Papilionoideae (Fabaceae) that is poorly understood in terms of its diversification and biogeographic history. To fill this gap, we generated a time‐calibrated phylogeny for 749 species representing c. 80% of the genera of this clade using nrDNA ITS, plastid matK, and plastome sequence (including 38 newly sequenced plastomes). Using this phylogenetic framework, we explored the clade's temporal diversification and reconstructed its ancestral areas and dispersal events. Our phylogenetic analyses support the monophyly of the Millettioid/Phaseoloid clade and four of its tribal lineages (Abreae, Desmodieae, Indigofereae, and Psoraleeae), while two tribal lineages sensu lato millettioids and phaseoloids are polyphyletic. The fossil‐calibrated dating analysis showed a nearly simultaneous divergence between the stem node (c. 62 Ma) and the crown node (c. 61 Ma) of the Millettioid/Phaseoloid clade in the Paleocene. The biogeographic analysis suggested that the clade originated in Africa and dispersed to Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Americas at different periods in the Cenozoic. We found evidence for shifts in diversification rates across the phylogeny of the Millettioid/Phaseoloid clade throughout the Cenozoic, with a rapid increase in net diversification rates since c. 10 Ma. Possible explanations for the present‐day species richness and distribution of the Millettioid/Phaseoloid clade include boreotropical migration, frequent intra‐ and intercontinental long‐distance dispersals throughout the Cenozoic, and elevated speciation rates following the Mid‐Miocene Climatic Optimum. Together, these results provide novel insights into major diversification patterns of the Millettioid/Phaseoloid clade, setting the stage for future evolutionary research on this important legume clade.

Indigoferajintongpenensis (Fabaceae, Papilionoideae, Indigofereae), a new species from Yunnan, southwest China.

Indigoferajintongpenensis, a new species of the subfamily Papilionoideae of Fabaceae, is described and illustrated from Yunnan, southwest China. The new species is characterised by having a prostrate habit, flexible stems and branches, as well as spreading, sub-basifixed, asymmetrically 2-branched trichomes covering the entire plant, discoid calyx, and racemose inflorescences 6-8-flowered, short, 1-2 (-3.5) cm in length, apparently shorter than the leaf. A distribution map and comparison of morphological diagnostic characters with its morphologically similar species are provided. Additionally, a preliminary conservation assessment of I.jintongpenensis is proposed following IUCN criteria.

Comparative genomics and phylogenomics of the genus Glycyrrhiza (Fabaceae) based on chloroplast genomes.

Glycyrrhiza (Fabaceae) species are rich in metabolites and widely used in medicine. Research on the chloroplast genome of Glycyrrhiza is important for understanding its phylogenetics, biogeography, genetic diversity, species identification, and medicinal properties. In this study, comparative genomics and phylogenomics of Glycyrrhiza were analyzed based on the chloroplast genome. The chloroplast genomes of six Glycyrrhiza species were obtained using various assembly and annotation tools. The final assembled chloroplast genome sizes for the six Glycyrrhiza species ranged from 126,380 bp to 129,115 bp, with a total of 109-110 genes annotated. Comparative genomics results showed that the chloroplast genomes of Glycyrrhiza showed typically lacking inverted repeat regions, and the genome length, structure, GC content, codon usage, and gene distribution were highly similar. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the presence of 69-96 simple sequence repeats and 61-138 long repeats in the chloroplast genomes. Combining the results of mVISTA and nucleotide diversity, four highly variable regions were screened for species identification and relationship studies. Selection pressure analysis indicated overall purifying selection in the chloroplast genomes of Glycyrrhiza, with a few positively selected genes potentially linked to environmental adaptation. Phylogenetic analyses involving all tribes of Fabaceae with published chloroplast genomes elucidated the evolutionary relationships, and divergence time estimation estimated the chronological order of species differentiations within the Fabaceae family. The results of phylogenetic analysis indicated that species from the six subfamilies formed distinct clusters, consistent with the classification scheme of the six subfamilies. In addition, the inverted repeat-lacking clade in the subfamily Papilionoideae clustered together, and it was the last to differentiate. Co-linear analysis confirmed the conserved nature of Glycyrrhiza chloroplast genomes, and instances of gene rearrangements and inversions were observed in the subfamily Papilionoideae.

Dendrological characteristics of tree species of the Papilionoideae subfamily in a cerrado sensu stricto physiognomy, Tocantins, Brazil

The Cerrado harbors 5% of the entire biological diversity of the planet, and also presents about 11 phytophysiognomies which vary from forest formations to country and savanna compositions, according to their aspect and composition. In view of the great diversity of species in the Fabaceae family and the consequent difficulty in recognizing them, more studies are needed to contribute to the correct identification of species, aiming toward better presentation of the collected data. The present work aims to elaborate/create a key for dendrological identification of some tree species of the Papilionoideae subfamily. The work was developed at the Federal University of Tocantins, campus of Gurupi, TO, Brazil. The identification key was elaborated based on the dendrological and morphological descriptions identified in the sampled species, namely: habit, trunk morphology, aspects of the bark (rhytidome and dehiscence), leaves (type, phyllotaxis, characteristics of the petiole, presence and type of stipule, nervation, color, characterization of the rachis, presence of glands, margin of the limb, scars), presence or absence of other characteristics (latex and other exudation, lenticels, thorns or aculeles). The dendrological identification key provided better visualization of the collected data, enabling quick and easy identification of the plant species sampled.

A chromosome-level genome assembly for Onobrychis viciifolia reveals gene copy number gain underlying enhanced proanthocyanidin biosynthesis

Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia), which belongs to subfamily Papilionoideae of Leguminosae, is a vital perennial forage known as “holy hay” due to its high contents of crude proteins and proanthocyanidins (PAs, also called condensed tannins) that have various pharmacological properties in animal feed, such as alleviating rumen tympanic disease in ruminants. In this study, we select an autotetraploid common sainfoin (2n = 4x = 28) and report its high-quality chromosome-level genome assembly with 28 pseudochromosomes and four haplotypes (~1950.14 Mb, contig N50 = 10.91 Mb). The copy numbers of genes involved in PA biosynthesis in sainfoin are significantly greater than those in four selected Fabales species, namely, autotetraploid Medicago sativa and three other diploid species, Lotus japonicus, Medicago truncatula, and Glycine max. Furthermore, gene expansion is confirmed to be the key contributor to the increased expression of these genes and subsequent PA enhancement in sainfoin. Transcriptomic analyses reveal that the expression of genes involved in the PA biosynthesis pathway is significantly increased in the lines with high PA content compared to the lines with medium and low PA content. The sainfoin genome assembly will improve our understanding of leguminous genome evolution and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in sainfoin.

The genomes of 5 underutilized Papilionoideae crops provide insights into root nodulation and disease resistance.

The Papilionoideae subfamily contains a large amount of underutilized legume crops, which are important for food security and human sustainability. However, the lack of genomic resources has hindered the breeding and utilization of these crops. Here, we present chromosome-level reference genomes for 5 underutilized diploid Papilionoideae crops: sword bean (Canavalia gladiata), scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus), winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus), smooth rattlebox (Crotalaria pallida), and butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea), with assembled genome sizes of 0.62 Gb, 0.59 Gb, 0.71 Gb, 1.22 Gb, and 1.72 Gb, respectively. We found that the long period of higher long terminal repeat retrotransposon activity is the major reason that the genome size of smooth rattlebox and butterfly pea is enlarged. Additionally, there have been no recent whole-genome duplication (WGD) events in these 5 species except for the shared papilionoid-specific WGD event (∼55 million years ago). Then, we identified 5,328 and 10,434 species-specific genes between scarlet runner bean and common bean, respectively, which may be responsible for their phenotypic and functional differences and species-specific functions. Furthermore, we identified the key genes involved in root-nodule symbiosis (RNS) in all 5 species and found that the NIN gene was duplicated in the early Papilionoideae ancestor, followed by the loss of 1 gene copy in smooth rattlebox and butterfly pea lineages. Last, we identified the resistance (R) genes for plant defenses in these 5 species and characterized their evolutionary history. In summary, this study provides chromosome-scale reference genomes for 3 grain and vegetable beans (sword bean, scarlet runner bean, winged bean), along with genomes for a green manure crop (smooth rattlebox) and a food dyeing crop (butterfly pea). These genomes are crucial for studying phylogenetic history, unraveling nitrogen-fixing RNS evolution, and advancing plant defense research.

A revision of Derris and Brachypterum (Leguminosae subfamily Papilionoideae) in Australia

Derris Lour. and Brachypterum (Wight & Arn.) Benth. (Leguminosae subfamily Papilionoideae) in Australia are revised on the basis of examination of fresh, dried and spirit-preserved specimens and phylogenetic analysis of plastid matK and nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence data. Three species of Derris and four species of Brachypterum are recognised as occurring in Australia. Two new Brachypterum species, namely Brachypterum nitidum W.E.Cooper and Brachypterum opacum W.E.Cooper, are described and illustrated. Notes on habitat, distribution and an identification key are presented for all species of both genera that occur in Australia.

Seed micromorphology of tribe Desmodieae (subfamily Papilionoideae, family Leguminosae) from Thailand with its taxonomic implications

Abstract. Saisorn W, Suddee S. 2023. Seed micromorphology of tribe Desmodieae (subfamily Papilionoideae, family Leguminosae) from Thailand with its taxonomic implications. Biodiversitas 24: 5572-5585. The seed micromorphology of 21 genera and 58 species of the tribe Desmodieae in Thailand was studied. The result showed that the shape of the seed can be ellipsoid or transversely ellipsoid, irregular, oblongoid, quadrangular, rectangular, reniform, rhomboid, subcircular, and triangular. An oblongoid shape is restricted to the genus Sohmaea; the seeds’ length, width, and thickness are 0.94-5.93 mm, 0.78-3.65 mm, and 0.39-1.92 mm, respectively. The testa color can be light green to green, yellow, light to dark brown, or black. Testa patterns can be classified into nine types: colliculate, colliculate-rugulate, fissured, pitted, reticulate, reticulate-reticulate, reticulate-rugulate, rugulate, and smooth. The rim-arillate aril can be thin, thick, or well-developed. This tribe is classified into three groups based on aril types. Group I: a thin rim-arillate type is restricted to Akschindlium godefroyanum. Group II: a thick rim-arillate type is found on the seeds of the most studied plants. Group III: a well-developed rim-arillate type is a taxonomic characteristic of Codariocalyx. The overall shape of the rim-arillate aril is subcircular, circular, subcircular-elliptic, elliptic, elliptic-oblong, and oblong. An oblong shape of the rim-arillate aril is a unique character for Grona heterophylla compared to other species within Grona.

Biogeographic patterns and environmental drivers of species richness in the globally distributed Millettioid/Phaseoloid clade (Fabaceae, subfamily Papilionoideae)

IntroductionThe Millettioid/Phaseoloid (MP) clade of Fabaceae is globally distributed, economically important, and highly diverse, making it an attractive system for studying biogeographic and macroecological patterns at a global scale. We conducted the first global macroecological study to map and explore the environmental drivers of the MP clade's species richness patterns.MethodsWe compiled 116,212 species occurrences (161 genera) for the MP clade and 20 environmental variables (19 bioclimatic variables and elevation). Geospatial analyses were performed to estimate species richness patterns and biogeographic heterogeneity. The effects of environmental variables on the species richness of the MP clade were measured through multiple regression models.ResultsOur study identified the megathermal regions as hotspots of species richness for the MP clade. While species distributions and richness largely fit the latitudinal diversity gradient pattern, there was a significant negative relationship between the species richness of the MP clade along the latitude and longitude. The Afrotropic biogeographic realm had the highest alpha diversity (~36%); in terms of biome types, tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests had the highest alpha diversity (25%), while the beta diversity revealed a high dispersal rate and habitat tracking. Furthermore, the species richness was positively influenced by multiple climatic factors, with the mean diurnal range of temperatures and precipitation in the warmest quarter having strongest influence.DiscussionOverall, the staggering species richness patterns could be explained by multiple diversity gradient hypotheses. Particularly, colder climates play a crucial role in shaping the species richness pattern by limiting the ecological opportunities for MP clade species in the higher latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. This suggests that the species richness patterns of the MP clade can be described as "when dispersal meets adaptation." Our study provides a new basis for identifying priority regions for conservation of legumes.

A dated phylogeny of the Neotropical Dipterygeae clade reveals 30 million years of winged papilionate floral conservatism in the otherwise florally labile early-branching papilionoid legumes

Abstract The early-branching clades of Fabaceae subfamily Papilionoideae are characterized by their remarkable lability in floral architecture. In contrast, more derived papilionoid lineages are marked by evolutionary conservatism towards strongly bilateral, papilionate flowers. Here, we show an unexpected example of conservatism of a unique floral architecture during the early diversification history of the papilionoids. We built the most comprehensively sampled molecular phylogenetic tree with a focus on the early-diverging papilionoid Dipterygeae clade to evaluate conservatism of the winged papilionate architecture and associated traits related to flower specialization (e.g. zygomorphy, petal differentiation, stable stamen number and stamen sheath). Dipterygeae comprise c. 22 species of mostly giant trees from across tropical forests in Central America and the Amazon, but they are also ecologically dominant in the savannas of the Brazilian Central Plateau. Phylogenetic analyses of nuclear ribosomal ITS/5.8S and plastid matK and trnL intron sequences strongly supported inter-relationships and the monophyly of each genus (Dipteryx, Monopteryx, Pterodon and Taralea). Bayesian relaxed-clock dating and a Bayesian model of ancestral character estimation revealed c. 30 Myr of conservatism of all winged papilionate-related flower traits in a clade comprising the most recent common ancestor of Dipteryx, Pterodon and Taralea, but lability in fruit morphology during the diversification of the entire Dipterygeae clade. Despite Monopteryx and remaining Dipterygeae being florally discrepant, they are collectively defined by a floral synapomorphy that is unique among all papilionoid Fabaceae: the highly differentiated calyx, where the two upper lobes are enlarged and wing-like, whereas the other three lower lobes are reduced. We suggest that the different dispersal strategies and the ancient winged papilionate floral conservatism in Dipterygeae, which has maintained effective ecological interactions with specialized pollinators and ensured the protection of young flower buds and developing fruits, may explain successful evolutionary and ecological persistence of the clade across the main Neotropical biomes.

Pollen morphology of the early branching papilionoid legume genera Harleyodendron, Holocalyx and Uribea

In this study, pollen grains of Harleyodendron unifoliolatum, Holocalyx balansae, and Uribea tamarindoides, three monospecific genera with Neotropical distribution belonging to the clade Exostyleae, one of the basal lineages of the family Leguminosae, subfamily Papilionoideae, were analyzed. The palynological material was acetolyzed and analyzed under light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Under LM, small and medium-sized pollen grains were observed, which showed a prolate-spheroidal to prolate shape, 3-colporate, microreticulate and reticulate exine, sexine and nexine of equal thickness in Harleyodendron and Holocalyx, while the sexine was thicker than nexine in Uribea. Analysis under SEM showed finely granulate, psilate, and granulate apertural membrane, while the exine ornamentation varied from perforate-microechinate in Harleyodendron, to perforate in Holocalyx, while in Uribea showed an irregular relief and granular projections on the perforate tectum. The pollen morphology of these species is similar to each other, varying in sexine/nexine ratio, apertural membrane, and exine ornamentation. Harleyodendron has a finely granulate apertural membrane, sexine and nexine of equal thickness, and a perforate-microreticulate exine ornamentation, Holocalyx shows a psilated apertural membrane, sexine and nexine of equal thickness, and exine ornamentation perforate, and Uribea has a granulate apertural membrane, sexine thicker than nexine, and exine ornamentation with granular projections.

Diversity of Leguminosae in the Chapada das Mesas National Park, Maranhão, Brazil: new occurrences for Maranhão and the Brazilian Cerrado

The Chapada das Mesas National Park is an important conservation unit in the state of Maranhão, Northeastern Brazil, with a predominance of the Cerrado phytogeographic domain and few floristic studies performed. The study aimed to provide a checklist of the Leguminosae from the Chapada das Mesas National Park through the analysis of samples collected in this study and material previously collected in the park, contributing to the botanical knowledge of the area and the state of Maranhão, in addition to filling data gaps on ecotonal zones in Brazil. Sixty-two genera and 158 species were recorded, corresponding to about 12.4% of the species cited for Cerrado phytogeographic domain and 35.5% of those cited for Maranhão. The subfamily Papilionoideae presented greater richness of genera (37) and species (80). The most representative genera in number of species were Chamaecrista Moench. (12), Mimosa L. (11), and Bauhinia L. (10). Among the recorded species, 27 are endemic to Brazil. With the checklist, 13 new records were cataloged for the state of Maranhão and for Cerrado. The data presented here expand the knowledge of Leguminosae in Maranhão and Cerrado and encourage the conservation of the flora of the Cerrado in Maranhão in view of the strong risk of environmental degradation, with continuous devastation even within protected areas.

Exploration of pollen traits and their taxonomic relevance in selected taxa of the subfamily Papilionoideae from Hainan Island, China

The Papilionoideae is one taxonomically complex subfamily with high economic and medicinal potential. The pollen micro-morphology and taxonomic relevance of this subfamily are still poorly known in the island. Therefore, this study aims to provide new palynological information to correctly identify and define species boundaries within the subfamily. The species were collected from different geographical regions of Hainan Island. Both light and scanning electron microscopic techniques were used to observe pollen traits. Additionally, principal component analysis was performed to elucidate the variation among the taxa. A significant variation was found in exine sculpturing i.e. most of the taxa have reticulate type pollen while Desmodium triflorum has a psilate exine pattern. Variations were found on the surface of the reticula that can help to delimit the species from one another. Pollen type was observed as tricolporate and rarely tricolpate. Similarly, the colpus surface membrane morphology may also vary significantly from species to species i.e. scabrate, verrucate, gemmate, rugulate patterns. Besides, the mergo having various sculpturing found in Canavalia rosea, Desmodium triflorum, D. microphyllum Glycine max, Macroptilium atropurpureum, Erythrina crista-galli and Zornia gibbosa should be considered as a potential taxonomic trait for the subfamily. The maximum P/E ratio was found in Zornia gibbosa (2.24). Similarly, the maximum pollen size was found in Alysicarpus vaginalis (34.64 × 33.99 µm). Our study explored the pollen morphological traits and can be helpful to correctly identify the species and define species boundaries within Papilionoideae at various taxonomic levels. This study strengthens and supports the taxonomic position of the subfamily and will provide bases for further phylogenetic and molecular studies of Papilionoideae.

Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Lens ervoides and comparison to Lens culinaris

Lens is a member of the Papilionoideae subfamily of Fabaceae and is generally used as a source of vegetable protein as part of human diets in many regions worldwide. Chloroplast (cp) genomes are highly active genetic components of plants and can be utilized as molecular markers for various purposes. As one of the wild lentil species, the Lens ervoides cp genome has been sequenced for the first time in this study using next-generation sequencing. The de novo assembly of the cp genome resulted in a single 122,722 bp sequence as two separate coexisting structural haplotypes with similar lengths. Results indicated that the cp genome of L. ervoides belongs to the inverted repeat lacking clade. Several noteworthy divergences within the coding regions were observed in ndhB, ndhF, rbcL, rpoC2, and ycf2 genes. Analysis of relative synonymous codon usage showed that certain genes, psbN, psaI, psbI, psbE, psbK, petD, and ndhC, preferred using biased codons more often and therefore might have elevated expression and translation efficiencies. Overall, this study exhibited the divergence level between the wild-type and cultured lentil cp genomes and pointed to certain regions that can be utilized as distinction markers for various goals.

The complete chloroplast genome of ornamental and medicinal Callerya dielsiana (Fabaceae)

Callerya dielsiana is a Chinese endemic tropical/subtropical liana. We sequenced the complete chloroplast genome with the Illumina Hiseq X-Ten platform. The genome is obtained with 132,301 bp in length, lacking an inverted repeat (IR) region, contains 4 rRNAs, 30 tRNAs genes, and 76 protein-coding genes. The overall GC content is 33.9%. Based on the whole chloroplast genomes of 14 legume species, a phylogenetic tree is constructed and indicated that C. dielsiana belongs to the well-supported tribe Wisterieae. The tribe is sister to Glycyrrhiza and nested within the IRLC (Inverted Repeat-Lacking Clade) group of the subfamily Papilionoideae (Fabaceae).