Collection and evaluation of grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) germplasm of central Italy

Characterization of 16 grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) accessions collected in central Italy (Marche region) was performed for morphological and agronomic traits and for 3-(-N-oxalyl)-L-2,3 diaminopropionic acid (ODAP) content. Field trials, carried out in two locations, revealed high among-population genetic variation. In particular, an evident differentiation between commercial populations, cultivated by market-oriented farms, and household populations (not market-oriented) was found. Genotype x environment interaction was negligible. Medium-high values of ODAP content were observed following colorimetric and capillary electrophoresis analyses. A high positive correlation between the two methods was found (r = 0.83**), but the colorimetric values showed, on average, significant 14% lower ODAP values. This research represents a pre-breeding activity aimed at developing a breeding programme for the preservation and utilization of Italian grasspea germplasm within sustainable or organic agricultural systems.

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