Interspecific variation of seed morphological and micro-morphological traits in the genusVicia(Fabaceae)

Seed macro- and micro-morphology were analyzed to evaluate their capacity to discriminate species in the genusVicia(Fabaceae). To assess the interspecific variation of the taxa in the genusVicia, 41 accessions were obtained from the USDA-ARS germplasm collection in the USA and 19 accessions were collected from Korea. Seed morphological characteristics such as shape, color, mottling, finish, length, width, diameter, hilum shape, hilum color, hilum length, and lens distance from the hilum were examined under a stereomicroscope. Testa texture characteristics such as testa pattern, papillae type, density, height, ribbing, surface deposits, and peaks topped with wax were examined under scanning electron microscopy. Various gross-morphological traits of seeds ofViciaspecies have been analyzed and compared. The present study revealed significant variation in testa traits. Testa were papillose and papillose with mounds, the latter being observed only inVicia lathyroides. The present study revealed 20 key traits that could be used to diagnoseViciaspecies and classify them.

Automated summary

Analysis of seed macro- and micro-morphological characteristics, as well as testa texture traits revealed significant interspecific variation in the genus Vicia. A total of 20 key traits were identified that could be used to diagnose and classify Vicia species based on these variations.