Genetic Variation of Onobrychis caput-galli Populations Based on Morphological Characteristics in Iran

In order to investigate the genetic variation of annual species of Onobrychis caput-galli, twelve populations from National Plant Gene Bank of Iran, were evaluated based on morphological characteristics using a randomomized complete block design with three replications in the experimental field of Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran. During 2010-2011. The results of ANOVA showed that the populations had significant differences for all the studied traits (p<0.01), indicating high genetic variation among the populations. Mean comparisons showed that the most phenotypic differences among the populations were related to pod weight trait. Population no. 10 (TN-412) had the highest 100 pod weight (1.39g), 100 seed weight (0.65g), terminal leaflet width (0.37cm) and lateral leaflet width (0.50cm). Lateral leaflet width trait had the highest positive and significant correlation with 100 pod weight (0.84**). Cluster analysis using Ward method, classified populations into three clusters. Population no. 10 was differentiated from other clusters in aspect of plant height at 50% flowering, number of leaflets per leaf, peduncle length, 100 pod weight, 100 seed weight, terminal leaflet length, terminal leaflet width, lateral leaflet length and lateral leaflet width traits, and other populations that can be valuable sources for breeding programs, were located in two groups.