A large number (164) of inbred lines and cultivars of Vicia faba L. was grown in greenhouse in winter-spring 1993-1994 at the ENEA’s Casaccia Research Centre (Rome). The collection represented a significant sample of the variability present in the best cultivars and lines recently bred in the North and Central Europe, together with cultivars, lines and populations representing a large sample of the variability present in the Mediterranean, Near East and Ethiopian regions. All lines were analyzed in obliged self-pollination conditions - in absence of pollinating insects and flower tripping - for a number of significant morpho-physiological characters, including the most important yield components. This analysis was considered preliminary to a crossing programme aiming at combining the best morpho-physiological traits present in the Continental European, in the Near East and Ethiopian lines and cultivars with the most interesting ones present in the material of Mediterranean origin. This analysis has shown a large amount of variability, both in mendelian and quantitative traits, present in the material available and has provided good indications for the identification of parental lines to be used in a crossing programme, with particular reference to yeld increase and stability in the Mediterranean conditions and to the improvement of quality, both for human and livestock use.

Cited By (since 1996): 4Export Date: 26 August 2010Source: Scopus