Adaptive ecology of Lotus corniculatus L. genotypes:: I.: Plant morphology and RAPD maker characterizations

Birdsfoot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus L.) is a highly variable and widely distributed Old-World perennial forage legume found in wild and naturalized populations throughout temperate regions of Europe, Asia Minor, North Africa, North and South America, Australia, and New Zealand, Understanding the relationships among birdsfoot trefoil morphologic, ecogeographic, and genetic characteristics may provide insights for better utilizing exotic germplasm. The objectives of this research were to (i) compare morphologic and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) classifications of 28 exotic and ecologically diverse genotypes from the USDA National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) birdsfoot trefoil collection, and (ii) determine the relationships between genotype classifications and collecting-site eco-geographic features. Eighteen morphologic characteristics, 130 RAPD bands, and eight collecting-site ecogeographic characteristics were used fo classify the genotypes. The relatedness of genetic, morphologic, ecologic and geographic distances among the genotypes was measured using the product moment correlation. Genotype morphology. was related fo collecting-site distances from one another and ecologic similarity. Genetic relatedness was also associated with collecting-site ecology, and specific morphologic characteristics were associated with different ecogeographic features. The similarity between the genetic and ecologic classifications suggested that genotypes adapted fo similar habitats, even if geographically distant, have acquired similar phenotypes. Since RAPD descriptors were associated with the ecologic similarity of genotype collecting sites but not with their geographic closeness, classifications of birdsfoot trefoil should rely on both ecogeographic and morphologic characteristics of accessions.