Studies on the Variation of Agronomic Traits in Some Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Landraces from Romania

Abstract

The objective of this study were to evaluate the variation of agronomic characters of some faba bean landraces collected in two different regions (Gheorgheni, Ciuc) from Romania. The seeds of these landraces were collected from local farmers. All accessions evaluated belong to the large-seeded type (V. faba var. major). The trial was conducted at the Research Centre for Agrobiodiversity, Tapioszele during 2009 cropping season. Two accessions from Gheorgheni (Lazarea, Remetea) and four accessions from Ciuc regions (Mihaileni, Ineu) were included in the trial. Two local varieties of faba bean from Hungary (Onga, Bekescsaba) were used as standards. Agronomic traits were evaluated according to the Faba bean Descriptors (IBPGR, 1985, Bioversity International, ICARDA, 2009) during the growing season. These investigations included phenophasic morphological and agronomic characters. Results showed differences among landraces for phenophasic, morphological and agronomic traits. These investigations revealed differences among the landraces for all characters studied. The variation in phenophases length was attributed to differences among agro-ecological zones. Faba bean landraces collected from two different climatic zones represent new and potentially valuable genetic resources for breeding programs.