Phenotypic diversity among faba bean (Vicia faba) local genotypes in Albania
Nasto Th, G. Sallaku and A. Balliu (2016).
Crop & Acta Hortic. 1142. 233-238
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1142.36
Abstract
Though broad bean is not actually a crop of a high significance for Albanian agriculture, its use is constantly increased. Hence there is also an increased interest of identification of best genotypes in terms of yield, protein content and biomass. For that purpose, seeds of 12 different genotypes received from Albanian Genetic Bank were sown in pyramidal foam trays filled with peat and kept in a non-heated greenhouse. After the first true leaves were appeared the seedlings were transplanted; half in the same greenhouse and the next half in open field nearby. 20 plants were transplanted for each genotype in a single line, either in greenhouse, or in open field. The characterization and evaluation of genetic and phenotypic diversity of selected genotypes was conducted according to the respective IBGRI descriptors. Significant phenotypic variation was found among locally grown Albanian faba bean genotypes. The highest variability was found regarding branching from basal nodes, height of lowest pod-bearing node, days to flowering, number of flowers inflorescence-1, number of pods node-1, number of seeds pod-1 and the weight of 100 seeds. The respective traits could be valuable for further breeding of best suited local commercial cultivars.