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Inheritance and Anatomy of a Narrow Leaflet Trait in Alfalfa¹

Gene marker traits often provide opportunities to learn about the genetic and morphological properties of a species. An alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plant with narrow leaflets was observed in a field of ‘Hayden’ alfalfa. The objectives of this investigation were to determine the mode of inheritance for this trait and to compare anatomical features between narrow leaflet and normal leaflet phenotypes. The F₁, F₂, and F₃ generations were studied to determine the inheritance of the narrow leaflet trait. Segregation data fit a single tetrasomic recessive gene (nrl) hypothesis. Cross-sections of mature leaflets from normal and narrow leaflet plants were compared for anatomical differences. Histological investigations revealed that the narrow leaflet phenotype had thinner leaflets, fewer palisade cells, and an enlargement of the leaflet at the outer margin. The narrow leaflet trait may be useful for investigating the relationships between leaf morphology and physiological characteristics. However, it will have limited usefulness in a breeding program because the homozygous recessive genotypes are completely female sterile and have indehiscent anthers.

Key Words: Medicago sativa L. • Leaf morphology • Leaf anatomy • Gene marker

² Assistant professor, Dep. of Agronomy, Colorado State Univ., Fort Collins, CO 80523; research geneticist, USDA-ARS, St. Paul, MN, 55105; and professor, Dep. of Plant Science, Univ. of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721.

Received for publication September 2, 1983.