Characterization of faba bean germplasm for pod and seed related traits

Abstract

newline The present study entitled Characterization of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) germplasm for pod and seed related traits was undertaken to evaluate 63 germplasm lines, including three check varieties (Vikrant, HFB-1, HFB-2), for their morphological, physiological, and molecular diversity. The experiment was conducted during Rabi 2023-24 at the Genetics and Plant Breeding Research Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology (ANDUAT), Kumarganj, Ayodhya, with supplementary studies at ICAR National Institute of Seed Science and Technology, Mau. A randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. newlineTo complement morphological characterization, molecular diversity was assessed using 34 SSR markers. DNA was isolated using the CTAB method and quantified through Nanodrop spectrophotometry. PCR amplification and agarose gel electrophoresis were performed, and allele scoring was used to determine genetic variation, polymorphic information content. In addition, the study assessed salinity tolerance by evaluating the accumulation of Naand#8314; and Kand#8314; ions in roots and shoots of the germplasm under controlled saline (12 dsm-1 NaCl) and non-saline conditions. Ion content and Naand#8314;/Kand#8314; ratios were determined using flame photometer, providing insight into ionic regulation and stress adaptation mechanisms. Significant genotypic variation was observed for all traits, with several lines outperforming the checks in terms of yield-related attributes and salt tolerance. Statistical analysis, including analysis of variance (ANOVA), correlation, and principal component analysis (PCA), revealed high phenotypic and genotypic variability, indicating ample scope for selection and genetic improvement. The integration of morphological and molecular data facilitated the identification of promising lines with superior agronomic performance and stress resilience. newlineICARDA-22, ICARDA-36, ICARDA-40, ICARDA-48, and ICARDA-55 were identified as superior performers with higher pod yield and seed weight compared to checks and sal