LECTINS AS PHYLOGENETIC MARKERS OF VIGNA SPP

Lectin pattern of Vigna glabrescens, a naturally occurring allotetrapl oid, was studied as a guide to determine its probable parents. Lectin patterns of a few of the synthetic allotetraploids and their known par ents were also studied for purposes of comparison with V. glabrescens. Specific activities of lectins, obtained by the dissociation of agglu tinated erythrocytes, were compared. Similarity index values of the pr oteins present in crude seed extracts were determined by polyacrylamid e gel electrophoresis. Sugar inhibition and divalent cation activation of lectins were also investigated as markers for phylogenetic relatio nships in Vigna. From these studies it has been concluded that V. radi ata, V. umbellata and V. trilobata are the probable parents of V. glab rescens and the evolution of V. glabrescens is perhaps the result of t rigenomic interactions.