Lathyrus

Lathyrus is a plant genus belonging to the Fabaceae family. A genus of about 160 species (or around 187 species and subspecies, depending on taxonomic treatment) It plays a crucial role in agriculture, animal husbandry, and food security.

Morphological Features

Vetchling species include both annual and perennial varieties. While vetchling (Lathyrus sativus) is usually planted in summer, fall planting is also common around the Mediterranean. In this case, the plant develops in a rosette form near the soil surface throughout the winter and begins to grow rapidly as temperatures rise in spring. A striking characteristic of common vetchling is the relationship between flower color and seed color. White-flowered varieties generally produce light-colored seeds (white, yellowish, or cream), while blue-, pink-, or red-flowered varieties produce darker, mottled seeds. This color difference isn't just visual; blue-flowered varieties have been found to be more resistant to challenging conditions such as flooding, heavy soil, and low or high pH. Furthermore, these varieties have been shown to thrive in nutrient-poor soils.

Some types of vetchling have special structural features:

• A species that can flower and seed underground (Lathyrus amphicarpus): This species can produce seeds both above and below ground. This feature makes it easier to adapt to life in arid regions.
• Tuberous species (Lathyrus tuberosus): This species produces edible tubers underground. These tubers have been known to be sold commercially in the past, particularly in the Netherlands.

Distribution Area and Habitat Characteristics

Vetchling species are widespread. They are found naturally in the Mediterranean Basin, Asia Minor, and the warm regions of North and South America. Turkey is rich in this plant. 58–61 different vetchling species and 71 taxa, 18 of which are endemic, grow naturally in Turkey. They are especially common in Southeastern and Eastern Anatolia.

Species within the genus are drought tolerant. Vetchling (L. sativus) , in particular, can grow in areas where annual rainfall is as low as 250 mm. It is also adaptable to a variety of soil types. In addition to being drought-tolerant, it is also tolerant of flooding or heavy soil conditions.

Genetic Diversity and Taxonomic Assessment

Thanks to their resistance to environmental stress, vetchling species are a valuable genetic resource for legume breeding. While interspecific hybridization is generally difficult, successful results have been achieved between some species. In particular, hybridization has been achieved between the common vetchling (L. sativus) and the chickpea vetchling (L. cicera) and L. ciliolatus . Furthermore, these three species are known to be genetically similar.

Species such as common vetchling, chickpea, and scented vetchling (L. odoratus) are generally self-pollinating, although external pollination can occur in some cases.

Conservation Status and Threat Factors

The genetic diversity of vetchling species is crucial for agricultural sustainability. According to FAO data, only 86 of the approximately 160 species worldwide are protected in gene banks. Conservation efforts are focused primarily on the common vetchling (L. sativus) , the chickpea (L. cicera), and the Cyprus vetchling (L. ochrus) .

Threat Factors (ODAP Neurotoxin)

The problem limiting the widespread use of vetchling is the neurotoxin ODAP (N-oxalyl-L-alpha, beta-diaminopropionic acid) found in their seeds . This substance can negatively affect the nervous system in humans and animals, causing a paralysis-like condition called lathyrism . This condition typically occurs with prolonged and heavy consumption of the seeds. Therefore, current breeding efforts focus on developing vetchling varieties with low ODAP or completely toxin-free levels . This effort aims to make the plant safe for both human and animal consumption.

Warning:  The content in this article is for general encyclopedic information only. The information herein should not be used for diagnosis, treatment, or medical guidance. Before making any decisions regarding health matters, you should always consult a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. Neither the author nor  KURE Encyclopedia  assumes any responsibility for any consequences arising from the use of this information for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.