Seed Coat Ornamentation of some Species of Vicia L. Genus and their Practical Value in Classification

Microcharacters of seed coat and its surface patterns are valuable in the systematic consideration in some genera. The aim of this study was to introduce the application of these data in assisting the identification of Vicia L. species.Micromorphological traits of 90 seeds from 20 species of the genera of the Vicia were studied in order to answer some systematic questions regarding this genus. The morphology of the surface of these species were examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results of the observations and analyses indicated that the pattern of seed coat ornamentation was of Papillose type and their SEM pattern varied within and between accessions in terms of tip-shape of the papillae, size (height), and amount of conation of papillae side ride. These traits can be used in taxonomic revision of the Vicia genus. Based on these seed coat ornamentation traits, four categories namely Colliculate with Tuberculate, Aculate projections from projections peaks, Aculate and Tuberculate from below the peak were identified. These analyses can provide good evidence for the close relationship of related species from the different species in a genus. It presents a comprehensive guide regarding variety classification and cultivar introduction.