Comparative Analysis of Morphological and Biochemical Profiles in Different Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) Biotypes

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), an annual plant of the Fabaceae family, widely recognized for its medicinal and nutritional value, is cultivated for its seeds and leaves that are rich in bioactive compounds such as phenol, alkaloid, saponin and tannin. In this study, seven fenugreek genotypes—Hisar Sonali, Rajendra Kranti, Gujarat Methi-1, Pusa Early Bunching, RMT-1, CO-1, and Pant Ragini—were evaluated under a completely randomized design to assess their morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. The scientific analysis showed that the biotypes had significant variations in timing of flowering, fresh and dry weight, water relations traits, and phyto-biochemical content. The average days to 50% flowering was early in the Rajasthan Methi-1 (50.10). The fresh weight of the stem ranged from 12.85 g in Rajasthan Methi-1 to 17.95 g in Pant Ragini, while the dry weight in Pant Ragini reached 6.55 g. Water relations also differed as indicated by relative water content (RWC) and water saturation deficit (WSD). Pant Ragini displayed the highest RWC (88.96%), indicating better water retention, while Rajasthan Methi-1 recorded the highest relative water deficit (RWD) of 22.37%, indicating greater sensitivity to water stress. Total carbohydrate content (TCC) was highest in Hisar Sonali (32.57%) and lowest in Coimbatore-1 (24.94%), with all genotypes having significant carbohydrate and phenolic contents. These findings provide the basis for further breeding and selection programs aimed at enhancing the medicinal and agronomic value of fenugreek.