Outcrossing behaviour in fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

Abstract

Fenugreek (Trigone/la foenum-graecum L.) is one of the important seed spices. It has typical paplionaceous flowers: five sepals, five petals, ten stamens and one ovary. The last two petals fuse at the base to form keel, which covers the stamens even after fertilization. Thus the crop is cleistogamous and little is known about outcrossing in this crop. The present investigation, therefore, aimed at generating information on the extent of natural crossing and its possible implications in breeding fenugreek.