Variation of Phytoestrogen Content and Major Agronomic Traits in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Populations

Abstract

Alfalfa is the main perennial legume and a rich source of phytoestrogens. Variation of phytoestrogen content and agronomic traits was evaluated in twenty alfalfa populations over two consecutive years. The most dominant phytoestrogen in alfalfa populations was genistein, while slightly lower levels were found for kaempferol and coumestrol. Several populations (Af 1, 12, 18, 19, 20) showed superior agronomic performance, especially high forage yield (up to 71.93 t ha−1). These populations were also characterized by a lower (Af 1, 12, 18, 20) or high (Af 1, 19) content of total and individual phytoestrogens, including Af 8 population with the highest total content (2637.10 μg g-1 of DM) and content of most of the individual phytoestrogens and favorable agronomic properties. Ward hierarchical clustering method grouped the twenty evaluated populations into four distinct clusters. Identified materials provide a valuable source of germplasm for further breeding programs in order to develop new high-yielding cultivars with either low (for forage use) or high (for possible pharmaceuticals/nutraceuticals industries) phytoestrogen content.

Effect of Medicago sativa Addition on Physicochemical, Nutritional and Functional Characteristics of Corn Extrudates

“…Lucerne ( Medicago sativa ; MS), also known as alfalfa, is a valuable perennial legume that has gained the researchers attention due to its valuable nutritional composition, being a rich source in protein, amino acids, phytochemical substances (L-canavanine, isoflavones, coumestrol, chlorophyll, and carotene), vitamins, folate, and minerals such as iron and calcium [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Phytoestrogens (isoflavones, lignans, and coumestans) are biomolecules that have been identified in MS as having a positive influence on human health, being involved in the prevention of different diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, menopausal symptoms, but also in cancer chemoprevention and therapy [ 9 ]. Due to its content in flavonoids, MS showed positive effects in the apoptosis and cytotoxicity of human erythroleukemia and mammary adenocarcinoma [ 10 ].…”

Characterization of Phytoestrogens in Medicago sativa L. and Grazing Beef Cattle

“…Lucerne ( Medicago sativa L., also known as alfalfa) is a perennial, temperate pasture legume [ 1 ] that is widely utilized in mixed farming systems as a preferred source of cattle forage and/or fodder. In comparison to other pasture species, lucerne contains higher concentrations of protein and minerals, while its lower fiber content renders it beneficial for the provision of higher net energy for grazing livestock [ 2 ].…”

“…However, lucerne also produces numerous secondary plant metabolites, which may disrupt reproductive processes in livestock, cause bloating and result in reduced palatability. Currently, a wide range of cultivars are available in the Australian market, selected for differing climatic conditions, resistance to pests and/or pathogens [ 1 ], seasonality, and suitability for grazing, hay or silage production. Despite a wide selection of lucerne genotypes resulting from legume breeding and selection, lucerne grazed livestock may exhibit significant consequences associated with the production of bioactive secondary metabolites, including photocytotoxicity and infertility [ 3 , 4 ].…”

Coumestrol content in alfalfabreeding populations

“…In Medicago species, coumestrol production is less infl uenced by genetic factors, and plant selection/ breeding usually will not be effective for controlling its content (Reed, 2016). Wide variation in coumestrol content is affected by numerous factors such as environmental conditions (temperature, rainfall, humidity, sunlight), cultivar, stressed conditions (especially by fungal diseases, insect infestation and nutrient defi ciencies), stages of maturity, plant parts analyzed, management strategies and stand age of crops (Seguin et al, 2004;Aragadvay-Yungán et al, 2017;Fields et al, 2018b;Fields et al, 2019;Tucak et al, 2020). Fungal pathogens are considered as the main factor that increases coumestrol content in alfalfa.…”

“…Leaf samples (100 g) were collected from 10 randomly selected plants of each population from two replications in the vegetative phase of the plants (late bud to early fl ower). The samples were frozen at −80 °C, lyophilized, ground to a powder from which coumestrol was extracted and quantifi ed by Reverse phase (RP)-HPLC analysis, using a Perkin Elmer LC 200 HPLC system liquid chromatograph, with DAD detector and RP-C18 column, according to the methodology previously described in detail in Tucak et al (2020).…”