The Model Legume Medicago truncatula

Abstract

Medicago truncatula has become a useful model plant for biology and genome of Legumes,since it has a small diploid genome(2×8),rapid reproductive cycle,autogamous fertilization,nitrogen-fixing,and ease of transformation.In this paper,the morphologic traits of M.truncatula are described and the phylogenetic relationships among annual M.spp.in relation to taxonomic classification are presented.The advances of studies on genetic mapping and genome of M.truncatula are reviewed.