Seed globulins in the Old World Lupinus species: Comparative study by HPLC

Seed globulins isolated from 58 accessions representing 12 Old World Lupinus species were studied using two techniques of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC): reversed-phase (RP-HPLC) and ion-exchange (IE-HPLC). Differences in quantitative and qualitative composition of globulins between smooth-seeded and rough-seeded lupins appear to be significant. Each investigated species/subspecies is distinguished by its specific protein HPLC pattern of globulins. The number of globulin peaks recorded in particular species varied from four to eight. In total, 72 retention times of protein peaks were distinguished in the investigated taxa. Chromatographic data were subjected to statistical analysis using hierarchical UPGMA grouping of the examined taxa. Heterogeneous smooth-seeded lupins proved to be distantly related to rather homogeneous rough-seeded lupins except for the new species L. anatolicus. Within the rough-seeded lupins three subgroups are distinguished: (1) L. atlanticus, L. cosentinii and L. digitatus, (2) L. palaestinus and L. pilosus and (3) L. princei. The obtained data are discussed with reference to taxonomic relationships in the Old World lupins.