Inheritance and linkage of isozyme and morphological markers in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

Abstract

Fenugreek,a potential new crop for western Canada, has not been studied genetically. Inheritance and linkage studies are required to facilitate subsequent breeding research in fenugreek. Forty-eight fenugreek lines were screened for isozyme polymorphisms in 20 enzyme systems using starch gel electrophoresis. Isozyme polymorphisms were found in seven enzyme systems. Morphological markers (cotyledon colour, pubescence, zero tannin seed coat and single vs. double pods per leaf axil) were also studied. Crosses were made between selected parental lines to obtain F2 populations segregating for isozyme and morphological markers. Seven such F2 populations were analyzed for genetic linkages. Close genetic linkage was observed between the gene locus controlling cotyledon colour, Yc, and the loci coding for two isozymes of esterase, Est-2 and Est-3. The data also suggest weak linkage between the locus coding for triose phosphate isomerase, Tpi-1, and both Yc and Est-3.