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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
09:43
Breeding by Design for Functional Rice with Genome Editing Technologies
Published on: January 3, 2025
Summary
This study investigated genome size variation in pea (Pisum sativum L.). Results indicate that pea genome size is stable, contrary to previous reports of significant infraspecific variation.
Area of Science:
- Plant genetics
- Cytometry
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Infraspecific genome size variation has been reported in Pisum sativum L., with differences up to 1.29-fold between cultivars.
- Previous studies and literature data present divergent findings regarding DNA content variation in peas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phenomenon of genome size variation in Pisum sativum L.
- To analyze 25 wild accessions, landraces, and cultivars of diverse geographic origins.
- To determine the stability of the pea genome size.
Main Methods:
- Feulgen cytophotometric analysis was employed.
- 25 diverse accessions of Pisum sativum L. were analyzed.
- Calibration against Allium cepa was performed to estimate 1C DNA value.
Main Results:
- Observed differences between accessions (max 1.054-fold) were not reproducible upon repeated measurements.
- Significant differences (up to 1.056-fold) were found between seedlings of the same accession.
- Root and shoot tip values within individuals were not significantly correlated, suggesting no true genome size variation.
- An estimated 1C value of 4.42 pg for Pisum sativum was determined.
Conclusions:
- The pea (Pisum sativum L.) exhibits a stable genome size.
- Observed variations are likely due to experimental or biological noise rather than true genetic differences.
- This finding contrasts with some previous reports on DNA content variation in peas.
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