Genetic diversity of pod traits in local populations of Medicago ciliaris L.

The present study estimated the genetic diversity of Tunisian populations of Medicago ciliaris L. by assessing nine morphological pod traits among 14 local populations conserved at the National Gene Bank of Tunisia. Pod diameter and pod weight were the most discriminating variables and were significantly correlated. According to Nei statistical analyses, mean genetic diversity (HT) for all traits recorded across all populations averaged 0.300 and ranged from 0.438 for pod shape to 0.204 for angle of insertion of spines. High genetic differentiation among populations (GST = 0.213) for all traits and particularly for qualitative ones (GST = 0.324) was found. Angle of insertion of spine displayed a little genetic variation among populations (HT = 0.204) while pod shape displayed a high level of genetic variation (HT = 0.349). It appears that pod characters are useful tools for a preliminary investigation of genetic diversity of Medicago ciliaris L. populations. These traits helped us to differentiate the population from Dougga as an ecotype.