Biodiversity in qualitative and quantitative traits of Iranian fenugreek landraces in Hashtrood region, Iran

To determine some qualitative and quantitative traits diversity of five Iranian fenugreek landrace including Kermanshah, Semnan, Khash, Borazjan and Ardestan landraces, An experiment was carried out based on randomized complete block design in four replications at Hashtrood region in East Azarbaijan province, Iran during 2011- 2012 cropping season. Based on results, there were significant differences among the landraces in qualitative and quantitative traits including days to flowering and maturity, plant height, height of the first pod from soil level, no. of pod and branches, thousand kernel weight, fresh and dry biomass, grain yield, crude protein percentage, dry matter digestibility, water soluble carbohydrates percentage, neutral detergent fiber and total ash. The highest fresh biomass and grain yield belonged to the Ardestan landrace. Comparing with other landraces, Borazjan had better forage quality because of the highest dry matter digestibility and water soluble carbohydrates percentage, and the lowest levels of cell wall without hemicelluloses. Considering diversity among the studied fenugreek landraces in qualitative and quantitative traits, protection and implementation of them in breeding programs to generate cultivars with desirable agronomic traits, high yielding and production of forage with suitable quality are recommended.