Diversità genetica di selezioni aziendali di fava larga di Leonforte

The Leonforte broad bean is a grain legume known since ancient times that, besides enriching of nitrogen the soil, is an important component of traditional dishes. The Leonforte broad bean is characterized by large sized seeds and short cooking time. It is used both fresh and dry consumption. In order to valorise this important material, genetic diversity was evaluated in selected accessions of Fava larga of Leonforte. The agronomic test was carried out at the experimental farm of the Faculty of Agriculture of Catania. At harvest, yield and other main traits were evaluated. For DNA extraction, leaves were used from 10 individuals for each selection. AFLPs (Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) were used as molecular markers to assess genetic variation. The agronomic results showed remarkable differences between local accessions and the commercial cultivar Superaguadulce. From the genetic perspective, the selections appeared well differentiated from the commercial cultivar and confirmed the remarkable variability present among them.