Caratterizzazione bioagronomica e qualitativa di genotipi di cicerchia (Lathyrus sativus L.)

Lathyrus importance for semi arid environment arise in its cold tolerance, high grain protein content and the role in soil chemical and physical improvement. For this reason, knowledge of the available germplasm genetic variability is determinant for natural biodiversity conservation. In this paper results of an evaluation of 67 genotypes selected in previous genetic improvement programs and tested against some landraces of Lathyrus are reported. The trial was carried out in a typical Sicilian semi arid environment. Some genotypes showed high productivity, good marketable grain characteristics and low levels of antinutritional factor ODAP. The best selected genotypes could be utilized for direct use and for future breeding programs.