Characterization of Italian and exotic Lathyrus germplasm for quality traits

The aim of the following work is to characterize quality traits (protein, ashes, 100 seed weight and ODAP content) of 117 accessions of Lathyrus spp, either coming from Italian or foreign countries. Significant differences among entries for all traits were estimated and accessions were classified into similar genetic groups. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analyses produced five different groups. In particular, the absence of a strong association among the investigated traits and their dominant independent role separately in each principal component allows the achievement of useful recombinant in breeding work. An interpretation of each clusters, based on the data obtained from the accessions, provides practical information to establish a subset of grass pea collection for further activities.