Variability of Storage Proteins and Esterase Isozymes in Vicia Sativa Subspecies

The relationships among 20 samples belonging to 6 subspecies of Vicia sativa based on the variability of seed storage proteins and esterase isozyme electrophoretic patterns was discussed in relation to variation in their morphology and chromosome characters. Electrophoretic protein profiles of different accessions of the same subspecies showed identical (e.g. macrocarpa and cordata) or similar (e.g. amphicarpa) patterns, confirming the stablity of seed storage proteins within these subspecies. However, considerable variation of protein patterns were observed within accessions of both nigra and sativa subspecies, which could be correlated to different geographical origins. Esterase pattern revealed a sharp distinction for each subspecies according to the number and loci of allelic bands. The dendrogram delimited the subspecies incisa and sativa as two separate groups, while the other subspecies were grouped together in another group.