Genetic variability of some quality traits in Lathyrus spp. germplasm

Sixty-six accessions representing eighteen species of the genus Lathyrus collected from different geographic regions were evaluated for variations of quality traits (100 seeds weight, ash, total seed proteins and 3-(-N-oxayl)-L-2,3 diaminopropoinc acid – ODAP contents). High variability of ODAP levels was exhibited at both inter-specific and intra-specific levels. This variability was attributed to genetic and environmental factors. No significant correlation was found between ODAP and each of total protein content, ash content and 100 seeds weight. Cluster analysis of C.V. (Coefficient of variance) values for each accession identified the sixty-six accessions into eight groups. The most promising accession for breeding programs was L. sativus from Tunisia. This accession has good grain quality due to relatively low ODAP level and high protein content. The variations of protein content, ash content and 100-seeds weight were also discussed.