Investigation of the fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L) genotypes for fresh weight, seed productivity, symbiotic activity, callus formation and accumulation of steroids

As a result of the analysis of 31 fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) genotypes we demonstrated that subsp. indica surpass significantly subsp. foenum-graecum in fresh weight, seed yield, nodulation ability, resistance to root rot and the duration of the interstage and growing periods. There was no difference between the subspecies for leafiness and biochemical composition of seeds (concentrations of diosgenin and steroid glucosides, nitrogen, fat, inhibitors of tripsin and hemotripsin). The most promising genotypes (as compared with the standard cv. Nakhichevanskaya Shambala) yield 1650-1938 g/m(2) of fresh weight, 98.2-116.1 g/m(2) of seeds and accumulate 1.45-1.64% of diosgenin in seeds. High positive correlations (r = +0.53... +0.84; P-o < 0.01) were found between fresh weight, seed yield, plant leafiness and height. Inoculation of the cv. Nakhichevanskaya Shambala with Rhizobium meliloti strains 851 and 852 increased its fresh weight by 94.5% and 93.6% and seed yield by 83.1% and 60.5%, respectively. Significant correlations of the nodule number with the fresh weight and seed yield (r = +0.70 and +0.77; P-o < 0.01) allow us to assume that selection for increased symbiotic activity may be useful for improving the fenugreek productivity. The intersubspecies hybrids (four genotypes) surpass the subsp. indica (six genotypes) for the sizes of calli formed in presence of 2.4-D and kinetin. The sizes of calli formed by ten analysed genotypes in presence of BAP and kinetin (or 2.4-D) were negatively correlated with the nodule number (or fresh weight).