Seed protein variation for identification of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) cultivars

Total seed proteins of 24 common buckwheat cultivars and cultivated populations within a molecular weight range of 30 to 54 kDa were analysed by SDS-PAGE. Single seed analysis of six cultivars identified a total of 18 alternative protein bands with different mobilities. Differences of individual protein band frequencies extracted from single seeds among six buckwheat cultivars varied distinctively, indicating high intravarietal polymorphism. The relation between frequencies of protein bands revealed by single seed analysis and their appearance on the bulk seed analyses was demonstrated. Regarding to band mobility rate and relative band intensity among 24 bulk samples analysed, 14 had distinctive electrophoregrams while the other 10 were ranged into four distinct groups. Analysis of endosperm and cotyledon proteins showed that proteins stored in these main seed parts are tissue specific. The observed electrophoretic polymorphism related to proteins stored in the cotyledons while there was no apparent variability with endosperm proteins.