Abstract:
The Convention on Biological Diversity affirms the sovereign right of states to derive
equitable benefits from the use of plant genetic resources present on their territories. This right
is, however, linked to the national responsibility to conserve these resources and promote their
use. Gaps and needs in conservation activities and in the promotion of such resources exist. The
considerable benefits that could be achieved through these resources are neither achieved nor
equitably shared.
The vetch (Vicia L.) is a forage legume well positioned to help meet the growing demand
for feed crops and provide diversity for farming systems. It is important to ensure that its genetic
resources are conserved and therefore available for continuous selection of the interesting taxa.
This study is the first of its kind in the evaluation of 11 natural vetch taxa collected in
Algeria, through the use of genetic markers represented by 78 morphological characteristics of
the plant, 3 fractions of storage proteins, 3 enzyme systems, 12 physical properties of the grain
and a DNA marker represented by 4 ISSR primers. In parallel, 5 ecogeographic parameters
were used for the characterization of accessions collection sites.
The discrimination of the Vicia sativa complex taxa via morphological and ecogeographical descriptors is difficult because of the existence of a continuous variation. For the
other taxa, morphological analysis reveals more stable groups which are consistent with the
taxonomy of the genus. Knowing the limits of species distribution areas along the ecological
gradient is crucial as a source of information on the evolutionary potential of evaluation
programs and conservation of biodiversity. The data collected could be promoted in
programming future collecting missions. The storage proteins electrophoregrams can be used
as passport data for the genetic identity of vetch accessions. Zymograms are compatible with
traditional taxonomic boundaries of species. The discriminant analysis by the physical
properties of the grain showed no correspondence with the systematic. The four ISSR primers
used revealed 100% polymorphic bands. However, their utility in other studies of variability is
to be discussed. Difficulties in identifying taxa put light on the need for taxonomic revision of
the flora of Algeria.
