Diversity in seed quality traits of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) populations from Basilicata (Southern Italy).

The diversity of nutritional and culinary traits in 21 populations of common bean from the Basilicata region was studied for three consecutive harvests (1995-97). The results were compared with the six commercial cultivars widely grown in the region. Some populations deserve particular attention since they had large seeds, high protein content, low trypsin inhibitor levels and short cooking time. The cluster analysis showed that 18 populations clustered in two main groups and that the bush populations were clearly distinguishable from the climbing ones. When phaseolin type and some plant morphological traits were added to the nutritional and culinary traits to classify these populations, it was observed that they resembled the race Peru (Andean gene pool).