Protein content variation in a pure line faba bean (Vicia faba) collection

A set of 840 pure line faba beans (Vicia faba L) derived by a process of cyclic single plant selection from 1979 to 1985 was used for this study. Mean content of protein was 240 g kg−1 with a standard deviation of 18 g kg−1 and a range of 180 to 310 g kg−1. For eight subregional groups (Nile Valley, West Asia, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, Eastern Europe, North Africa, Ethiopia and the Indian subcontinent) and for a large and small grouping, the means and ranges of protein content were similar. There were no significant correlations between protein content and seed yield or its components. This resulted in a strong correlation (significant at P < 0.01) between seed yield and protein yield (r = 0‐98), supporting the hypothesis that the optimal way to increase sustainable protein yield per hectare is to increase and stabilise seed yield.