Comparative estimation of the Аlpine sweetvetch’s morphotypes

The purpose of the study is a comparative assessment of two morphotypes of the cultivated population of Alpine sweetvetch as a rationale for the selection of initial forms for breeding. The studies were carried out on a complex of morphological and economically valuable traits among introduced plants: in terms of growth vigor (plant height and number of shoots), yield structure, and the content of mangiferin in raw materials. In the cultivated population of Alpine sweetvetch in the FSBRI All-Russian Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (VILAR), forms with green and colored stems were identified. The dynamics of the yield structure in the two studied morphotypes, regardless of the year of observation and the age of the plants, has similar indicators. Alpine sweetvetch plants with anthocyanin staining of the stems slightly exceed the unpainted form in height and number of generative shoots. Sweetvetch plants with green stems are characterized by a higher number of complex leaves on one generative shoot. In plants with anthocyanin staining of stems, the share of leaves in the total biomass is 46 %, the share of inflorescences is 10 %, and the share of stems is 44 %. In Alpine sweetvetch plants with green stems, leaves account for 51 % of the total biomass. The presence of anthocyanin staining does not affect the content of mangiferin in the sweetvetch’s organs. Forms with anthocyanin staining contain mangiferin: in leaves - 5.81 ± 0.16 %; in inflorescences - 1.49 ± 0.08; in stems - 0.23 ± 0.002 %. Forms without anthocyanin staining contain mangiferin: in leaves - 5.68 ± 0.13 %; in inflorescences - 1.52 ± 0.08; in stems - 0.19 ± 0.002 %. Alpine sweetvetch plants with green stems have 5 % more leaves than plants with anthocyanin staining. Therefore, this is a better yield structure and a greater potential yield of mangiferin.