Le genre Vicia L. en Algérie Caractérisation de 11 taxa naturels

Abstract

The Convention on Biological Diversity affirms the sovereign right of states to derive equitable benefits from the use of plant genetic resources present on their territories. This right is, however, linked to the national responsibility to conserve these resources and promote their use. Gaps and needs in conservation activities and in the promotion of such resources exist. The considerable benefits that could be achieved through these resources are neither achieved nor equitably shared. The vetch (Vicia L.) is a forage legume well positioned to help meet the growing demand for feed crops and provide diversity for farming systems. It is important to ensure that its genetic resources are conserved and therefore available for continuous selection of the interesting taxa. This study is the first of its kind in the evaluation of 11 natural vetch taxa collected in Algeria, through the use of genetic markers represented by 78 morphological characteristics of the plant, 3 fractions of storage proteins, 3 enzyme systems, 12 physical properties of the grain and a DNA marker represented by 4 ISSR primers. In parallel, 5 ecogeographic parameters were used for the characterization of accessions collection sites. The discrimination of the Vicia sativa complex taxa via morphological and ecogeographical descriptors is difficult because of the existence of a continuous variation. For the other taxa, morphological analysis reveals more stable groups which are consistent with the taxonomy of the genus. Knowing the limits of species distribution areas along the ecological gradient is crucial as a source of information on the evolutionary potential of evaluation programs and conservation of biodiversity. The data collected could be promoted in programming future collecting missions. The storage proteins electrophoregrams can be used as passport data for the genetic identity of vetch accessions. Zymograms are compatible with traditional taxonomic boundaries of species. The discriminant analysis by the physical properties of the grain showed no correspondence with the systematic. The four ISSR primers used revealed 100% polymorphic bands. However, their utility in other studies of variability is to be discussed. Difficulties in identifying taxa put light on the need for taxonomic revision of the flora of Algeria.