Enzyme polymorphism in faba bean (Vicia faba L. minor) accessions. Genetic interpretation and value for classification

Three isozyme sytems glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malic enzyme (ME) have been analysed electrophoretically to study the diversity within and between 33 faba bean (V. faba L. type minor) accessions. For comparison, two cultivars (Vesuvio and Talo) were included in the study. Further objective of this study was to classify populations into genetic similar groups. SOD and GOT showed large variation, while ME presented minor change. Principal components, hierarchical cluster, and canonical discriminant analyses produced five groups with significant differences among them. The alleles with low frequency played a significant role in the discrimination. It was concluded that more detailed investigations regarding genetic aspects of enzyme diversity are needed to support the data here reported.