Genetic Diversity of Onobrychis michauxii DC. Using Morphological Traits

Onobrychis genus has more than 69 annual and perennial species in Iran. Onobrychis michauxii is a perennial plant and belongs to Hymenobrychis section of Onobrychis subgenus. In this research 44 populations of sainfoin collected from different locations of Iran were evaluated at Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Analysis of variance on morphological traits data showed significant differences for all traits except calyx tube length, wing width and pod length indicating high genetic diversity among the populations. The highest variation was observed in the flower tube to teeth ratio, while wing length had the lowest variation among the quantitative traits. Using the Shannon index in qualitative traits, flower color and density of florescence had the highest and least diversity respectively. Length of keel showed positive and significant correlation with length of standard. Cluster analysis based on Ward method divided populations into two groups In the light of the results of present study, selection and cross between individuals of Ahar population as the representative of group 1 and Torkamanchay population from group 2 (both from East Azarbaijan) can provide maximum genetic diversity.