As a result of the analysis of 31 fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) genotypes we demonstrated that subsp . indica surpass significantly subsp . foenum-graecum in fresh weight, seed yield, nodulation ability, resistance to root rot and the duration of the interstage and growing periods . There was no difference between the subspecies for leafiness and biochemical composition of seeds (concentrations of diosgenin and steroid glucosides, nitrogen, fat, inhibitors of tripsin and hemotripsin) . The most promising genotypes (as compared with the standard cv. Nakhichevanskaya Shambala) yield 1650-1938 g/m 2 of fresh weight, 98 .2-116 .1 g/m2 of seeds and accumulate 1 .45-1 .64% of diosgenin in seeds . High positive correlations (r = + 0 .53 . . . + 0.84 ; P,, < 0.01) were found between fresh weight, seed yield, plant leafiness and height. Inoculation of the cv . Nakhichevanskaya Shambala with Rhizobium meliloti strains 851 and 852 increased its fresh weight by 94 .5% and 93 .6% and seed yield by 83 .1 % and 60.5%, respectively. Significant correlations of the nodule number with the fresh weight and seed yield (r = + 0 .70 and + 0 .77 ; P,, < 0 .01) allow us to assume that selection for increased symbiotic activity may be useful for improving the fenugreek productivity . The intersubspecies hybrids (four genotypes) surpass the subsp . indica (six genotypes) for the sizes of calli formed in presence of 2 .4-D and kinetin. The sizes of calli formed by ten analysed genotypes in presence of BAP and kinetin (or 2 .4-D) were negatively correlated with the nodule number (or fresh weight) .