Genetic relationship among accessions of Stylosanthes hamata based on seed proteins profile

Abstract

For improvement of any plant character through hybridization, it is necessary to understand the genetic similarity/dissimilarity among the accessions. In the present study an attempt was made to determine the genetic relationship in 61 accessions of S. hamata using seed-SDS-proteins. The genus Stylosanthes (Fabaceae) consisting of approximately 40 diploid and polyploid species has been classified on the basis of morphological characteristics [1]. Five species of this genus, namely Stylosanthes hamata, S. scabra, S. viscosa, S. guianensis and S. humilis are widely used as tropical forage legumes. Among these, S. scabra and S. hamata are allotetraploids (2n = 4x = 40) and rest three species are diploid (2n = 2x = 20). These five species are predominantly self-pollinating with a low but variable degree of outcrossing. Close relationship between tetraploid S. hamata and S. humilis has been reported by Stace and Cameron [2]. Results of seedprotein analysis [3], rhizobial affinities [4] and morphological and agronomic characters [5] also yielded similar observations. Introduction of a new diploid species, i.e., S. seabrana, in 1998 from Australia was visualized another potential species of stylo in India [6].