Chromosome banding in four groups of Vicia faba L.

The Q- and C- banded karyotypes of four Vicia faba L. groups - major, equina, minor and paucijuga - have been studied for the phylogenetical relationships of these groups. All the types were found to possess very similar banding patterns. This suggests the absence of any chromosomal barrier for crossing between groups. The hypothesis whether the four groups should be regarded as subspecies or populations, with different quantitative characters, is discussed.