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The origin of Lotus corniculatus
1Abteilung für Forstgenetik und Forstpflanzenzüchtung der Universität Göttingen, D-3400, Göttingen, Federal Republic of Germany.
Summary
The origin of Lotus corniculatus, a tetraploid species, is explored. Evidence suggests it arose from hybridization between L. alpinus/L. tenuis and L. uliginosus, followed by chromosome doubling.
Area of Science:
- Botany
- Plant Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- The tetraploid species Lotus corniculatus's origin has been debated, with earlier theories proposing autotetraploidy from diploid relatives like L. tenuis or L. alpinus.
- More recent hypotheses suggested L. alpinus and L. japonicus as ancestral forms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin of Lotus corniculatus by examining multiple biological characteristics.
- To evaluate and refine existing hypotheses regarding the ancestral lineage of L. corniculatus.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of tannin and phenolic content.
- Cyanide production assays.
- Morphological and cytogenetic examinations.
- Rhizobium specificity and self-incompatibility studies.
Main Results:
- The study's findings largely exclude autopolyploidy of L. tenuis or L. alpinus as the origin of L. corniculatus.
- Evidence points towards a hybrid origin involving L. alpinus and/or L. tenuis (as the female parent) and L. uliginosus (as the male parent).
- Subsequent chromosome doubling of this hybrid is indicated as the final step in the formation of L. corniculatus.
Conclusions:
- Lotus corniculatus likely originated through interspecific hybridization followed by polyploidization.
- The proposed hybrid origin involving L. uliginosus refines our understanding of this important forage legume's evolutionary history.
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