Phenotypic variation within a fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) germplasm collection. I. description of the collection

Abstract

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a minor crop in Australia with potential for seed, forage and green manuring, with most production based on an unnamed cultivar (A150000). A germplasm collection of 205 fenugreek accessions was evaluated in the field in south-eastern Australia for a range of phenotypic traits. There was significant variation exhibited for all traits including growth habit, flowering time, seed colour, seed size, biomass and seed yield. Over 100 accessions had significantly higher yield and/or biomass than the currently grown A150000. The diversity exhibited provides a promising basis for a genetic improvement program in Australia and in similar environments in othe..