The genetic diversity among the main local landraces and commercial cultivars of P. vulgaris L. cultivated in Greece, was estimated by studying the morphological, agronomical and physicochemical traits along with molecular data analysis using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD markers). Cluster analysis was conducted on similarity estimates using the UPGMA algorithm. Application of cluster analysis resulted in a dendrogram representing the genetic relationship among landraces and main bean cultivars grown in Greece. A wide genetic variation was observed among collected local bean landraces in morphological characteristics such as seed color, seed size and growth habit. According to agronomic performance, significant differences were found in number and weight of pods per plant. Variation in protein and fat content among landraces and commercial cultivars was also detected. Moreover, in some landraces like Kastoria and Byzitsa M/M extremely high values for protein content (28.6% and 27.0% respectively) were recorded. Such values were greater than the average protein content previously recorded for other cultivars of this species. Genetic similarity estimated from molecular analysis with RAPDs, seemed not to be related with the seed morphological characteristics and agronomic performance. Only qualitative parameters like growth habit and occasionally geographical origin of landraces were positively correlated with the molecular classification. Local bean landraces were classified in three subgroups whereas the commercial cultivars formed another separate group underlining the narrow genetic base of cultivars.
The primary purpose of this study was to explore yield stability of common vetch varieties based on the stability index, with a specific aim of exploring common vetch variety behavior regarding the yield of legumes under both conventional and low-input cultivation systems. Six varieties of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), namely, cv. Filippos, cv. Omiros, cv. Alexandros, cv. Tempi, cv. Zefyros and cv. Pigasos, were used. The cultivation was conducted using a strip-plot design with the six varieties randomized within each plot in two farming systems (conventional and low-input). Filippos was the best variety in conventional farming for seed yield, followed by Omiros. Omiros was the best variety in the low-input farming system for seed yield. Comparisons between conventional and low-input farming systems generally did not display any effect on stability estimations, but revealed the varieties that exhibit stable performance even in low-input farming systems. Stability analysis via the AMMI1 and GxE biplot analysis for one main factor showed two groups of varieties for seed yield with similar behavior. Genotype and environment distribution were used to group varieties that showed better performance in certain environments for seed yield but with differences in comparison to other traits. Correlations between traits showed the positive relation of seed yield to the number of pods per plant, the number of seeds per pod, the pod length, the mean weight of pods and, especially, the hay weight (r = 0.771), a useful finding for indirect selection for breeders. The results provide valuable data regarding the genetic material, its adaptability and stability in varied environments and suitability for low-input cultivation systems.
Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) is a widespread legume crop in the Mediterranean mega-environment, due to its versatile uses and its compatibility with organic and low-input farming systems. However, its adaptation to various such environments should be studied and varieties suitable for forage yield must be selected. This study aimed to explore forage yield stability of common vetch varieties based on the stability index, with a specific target to explore common vetch variety behavior in various environments. Six Greek varieties of common vetch were used over four environments for two years. The cultivation was conducted using a strip plot with the varieties randomized within each plot in both conventional and low-input cultivation systems. (Alexandros) and (Tempi) varieties showed stability for days to 50% of flowering (index >4000), while (Pigasos) and (Zefyros) for fresh forage yield (>200) across environments. Combined estimations, also showed stability of (Pigasos) and (Zefyros) for fresh forage yield. Comparisons between the conventional and low-input farming systems generally showed minor differences but revealed varieties that exhibit stable performance even in the low-input farming systems, where stability is generally a little higher. The AMMI and GGE biplot analysis depicted the stability performance of the varieties regarding the traits under experimentation. As far as the fresh forage and dry matter yield, (Zefyros) was the most stable and productive variety over all others. Correlations between traits displayed the positive relation of fresh forage yield with days for 50% flowering and dry forage yield. Positive correlations may be proved useful for indirect breeding through traits with high stability leading to the selection of traits that show low stability.
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