Estimation of Genetic Diversity Based on Seed Storage Proteins among Different Varieties of Trigonella foenum-graecum

A quantitative categorization of seed storage proteins profiles of 8 varieties of Trigonella foenum graecum was performed by sodium dodecyl sulphate- polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). This technique was used to explore the level of genetic discrepancy in Trigonella. Total soluble proteins were resolved on 10% resolving gel. A total of 25 polypeptide bands were obtained among which 21 bands were present in all the varieties but other 4 bands of molecular weights (87.096, 35.121, 28.540 and 19.412 KDa) exhibited variation. Dendrogram based on electrophoretic data clustered the varieties mainly into two groups. In conclusion, electrophoretic bands (SDS-PAGE) of seed storage proteins can provide a potent tool to estimate genetic variation and relation among germplasm. The specific bands of seed storage protein profiles may be used as markers for identification of the varieties.