Advances in Biology & Earth Sciences

The main objective of this research is to investigate the morphological, biochemical and bioecological features of various genotypes of Medicago lupulina L., a widespread forage plant of great importance in Azerbaijan. The highest coefficient of variation among the traits was for the bean diameter indicator (CV = 38.9). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used for multivariate data analysis, resulting in three principal components. These three components explain 79.66% of the total variability, indicating the high analytical value of the components. Pearson correlation analysis revealed statistically significant positive relationships between some morphological features and biochemical parameters. Plant height was positively correlated with total nitrogen (r = 0.650, p < 0.01), protein (r = 0.687, p < 0.01), tryptophan (r = 0.499, p < 0.05) and lysine (r = 0.603, p < 0.01); stem width was positively correlated with total nitrogen (r = 0.598, p < 0.01) and protein (r = 0.581, p < 0.01); leaf width was positively correlated with total nitrogen (r = 0.733, p < 0.01), protein (r = 0.726, p < 0.01), tryptophan (r = 0.679, p < 0.01) and lysine (r = 0.582, p < 0.01); thousand seed weight was positively correlated with total nitrogen (r = 0.562) (p < 0.01) and positive significant dependencies were observed with protein (r = 0.658, p < 0.01). The altitude above sea level (AASL) trait showed significant positive correlations with plant height (r = 0.560, p < 0.05), as well as with leaf width and length (r = 0.55-0.61, p < 0.05-0.01). This confirms that the level of vegetative development of plants is closely related to their nutritional value. Based on the two-factor cluster analysis, the genotypes were divided into six main clusters, between which both morphological and biochemical differences were observed. The results of similarity and dissimilarity analysis based on Euclidean distance confirmed the genetic relationships between genotypes and played an important role in identifying suitable genetic resources for breeding programs. The results of this investigation provide a scientific basis for a better understanding of the morphological, biochemical, ecological characteristics and genetic diversity of Medicago lupulina, to assess its potential for use in breeding and introduction programs and select more productive and adaptable forms.