Study of some Iranian fenugreek (Trigonella foenumgraecum L) ecotypes based on seed yield and agronomic traits

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is one of the oldest known medicinal plants. The potential of ecotypes and wild relative species can be used as a source of genetic variation for fenugreek improvement. In order to evaluating the phenotypic diversity of fenugreek ecotypes, six fenugreek ecotypes collected from the main cultivation areas of Iran. Six ecotypes were evaluated based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with six replication, using normally irrigation (once a week). The Results of the combined analysis of variance and mean comparison showed significant differences among fenugreek ecotypes for all the traits. Correlation coefficients showed, number of seeds per plant, number of seeds per pod and plant height had the higher correlation with seed yield. The regression analysis showed the number of seeds per plant, 100 seed weight and number of seeds per pod had the highest effect on the seed yield. Based on path analysis results, the number of seeds per plant and 100 seed weight had the higher positive direct effects on seed yield per plant. The factor analysis revealed that two factors explained more than 78% of the total variation. Ultimately, with cluster analysis, fenugreek ecotypes were arranged in two independently groups. Based on results, significant variation was observed, in fenugreek ecotypes. The number of seeds per plant, number of seeds per pod and 100 seed weight had the highest effects on seed yield, which can be recommended as useful traits in breeding programs of fenugreek.