Genetic variation study among Lepidium sativum resources in Egypt

Three local resources (Rajab, Haraz and Khider) of Lepidium sativum L. were used to study the genetic variation in Egypt. The study included quantitative characters, fatty acid and DNA fingerprint. Five quantitative characters were studied among three successive seasons. Separated and combined statistical analysis presented significant variation among resources and among interaction between resources and seasons in the plant characters. GLC analysis of fatty acid methyl esters were carried out for each resource. Arachidonic acid was the most abundant acid followed by linoleic in Khider resource, while behenic acid was the most abundant acid followed by arachidonic acid in both Haraz and Rajab resources. By using six primers, DNA fingerprint showed differences in the number of bands among resources. The variations among Lepidium sativum resources were confirmed on quantitative characters, fatty acids and DNA fingerprint level.