High-protein Grains Research Articles

Canavanine Content Quantification in Processed Bitter Vetch (Vicia ervilia) and Its Application as Flour in Breads: An Analysis of Nutritional and Sensory Attributes.

Bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia Willd.) is a traditional Mediterranean-West Asian legume, mainly used as livestock feed because of its toxic non-proteinogenic amino acid, canavanine. However, historical sources suggest its past human consumption. Currently, bitter vetch is a minor crop confined to marginal soils in semi-arid regions, presenting a potential alternative protein source amid projected climate changes. This study evaluated the nutritional and sensory attributes of bitter vetch seeds processed through various household methods. Germination and cooking significantly reduced the canavanine content by 28% and 60%, respectively. Incorporating bitter vetch flour (BVF) into wheat bread enhanced protein and fiber contents without substantially altering carbohydrate and lipid levels, and the baking process reduced the canavanine content by 40%. Bitter vetch flour enriched the bread with iron and calcium, contributing significantly to their daily nutritional intakes. Sensory evaluations indicated positive reception for bread with 12% BVF, achieving a balance between nutritional enhancement and consumer acceptance. This study identifies bitter vetch seeds as a valuable resource for improving bread formulations with corrected gluten contents and enhanced protein quality, as measured using protein-digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) values. With strategic processing and formulation adjustments, bitter vetch has the potential to re-emerge as a feasible high-protein grain crop, promoting sustainable farming.

Genome-wide association study revealed significant SNPs for anthracnose resistance, seed alkaloids and protein content in white lupin

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is a high-protein grain legume alternative to soybean in Central Europe, but its cultivation is risky due to the fungal disease anthracnose that can cause severe yield damage. In addition, management of seed alkaloids is critical for human nutrition and animal feed. We report on a white lupin collection of genebank accessions, advanced breeding lines and cultivars that was genotyped and phenotypically characterized for anthracnose resistance and seed alkaloids and protein levels. Using genotyping by sequencing (GBS), SeqSNP-targeted GBS, BiomarkX genotyping and Sanger sequencing, a genetic resource of genome-wide SNPs for white lupin was established. We determined anthracnose resistance in two years field trials at four locations with infection rows and measured seed alkaloids and protein levels by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Few white lupin breeding lines showed anthracnose resistance comparable or better than Celina and Frieda, currently the best commercial cultivars in Germany. NIRS estimates for seed alkaloids and protein levels revealed variation in the white lupin collection. Using genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we identified SNPs significantly associated with anthracnose resistance in the field representing known and new genomic regions. We confirmed the pauper locus and detected new SNP markers significantly associated with seed alkaloids. For the first time, we present loci associated with total grain protein content. Finally, we tested the potential of genomic prediction (GP) in predicting the phenotype of these three quantitative traits. Application of results and resources are discussed in the context of fostering breeding programs for white lupin.

Impact of Sprouting Process on the Protein Quality of Yellow and Red Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa).

The demand for plant-based proteins has increased remarkably over the last decade. Expanding the availability and variety of plant-based protein options has shown positive potential. This study aimed to investigate the qualitative and quantitative changes in amino acids of yellow and red quinoa seeds (YQ and RQ) during a 9-day germination period. The results showed that the germination process led to an increase in the total amino acids by 7.43% and 14.36% in the YQ and RQ, respectively. Both varieties exhibited significant (p < 0.05) increases in non-essential and essential amino acids, including lysine, phenylalanine, threonine, and tyrosine. The content of non-essential amino acids nearly reached the standard values found in chicken eggs. These results were likely attributed to the impact of the germination process in increasing enzymes activity and decreasing anti-nutrient content (e.g., saponins). A linear relationship between increased seeds' hydration and decreased saponins content was observed, indicating the effect of water absorption in changing the chemical composition of the plant. Both sprouts showed positive germination progression; however, the sprouted RQ showed a higher germination rate than the YQ (57.67% vs. 43.33%, respectively). Overall, this study demonstrates that germination is a promising technique for enhancing the nutritional value of quinoa seeds, delivering sprouted quinoa seeds as a highly recommended source of high-protein grains with notable functional properties.

MACS 6768: A new high-yielding, disease-resistant, high-protein grain, and micronutrient-rich wheat variety

MACS 6768: A new high-yielding, disease-resistant, high-protein grain, and micronutrient-rich wheat variety

Genetic analysis of global faba bean diversity, agronomic traits and selection signatures

Key messageWe identified marker-trait associations for key faba bean agronomic traits and genomic signatures of selection within a global germplasm collection.Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a high-protein grain legume crop with great potential for sustainable protein production. However, little is known about the genetics underlying trait diversity. In this study, we used 21,345 high-quality SNP markers to genetically characterize 2678 faba bean genotypes. We performed genome-wide association studies of key agronomic traits using a seven-parent-MAGIC population and detected 238 significant marker-trait associations linked to 12 traits of agronomic importance. Sixty-five of these were stable across multiple environments. Using a non-redundant diversity panel of 685 accessions from 52 countries, we identified three subpopulations differentiated by geographical origin and 33 genomic regions subjected to strong diversifying selection between subpopulations. We found that SNP markers associated with the differentiation of northern and southern accessions explained a significant proportion of agronomic trait variance in the seven-parent-MAGIC population, suggesting that some of these traits were targets of selection during breeding. Our findings point to genomic regions associated with important agronomic traits and selection, facilitating faba bean genomics-based breeding.

Crop capacity and grain quality of winter wheat varieties cultivated by intensive technology in the south-west of the Central region of Russia

Relevance. In the context of improving food security and according to the development strategy of the grain complex of the Russian Federation, crop capacity quality increase of wheat grain remains a priority. It is significant to research winter wheat varieties selected in different geographical selection centres, in specific soil and climatic conditions, in order to identify their genetic potential.Methods. The research was conducted in 2015–2021 in the south-west of the centre of Russia. The object of the research was a set of 12 modern winter wheat varieties cultivated by intensive technology on grey forest soils in the Bryansk region.Results. Due to its genetic potential, each of the varieties has shown its responsiveness to the prevailing weather conditionsue to their geographical origin, there was a significant variation in crop capacity of the varieties Moskovskaya 40, Moskovskaya 56, Mera, Lgovskaya 8, Amelia. The varieties by Belarusian selection showed the maximum average yield (8.41 t/ha). The varieties under study formed coarse grain. However, such varieties as Nemchinovskaya 57, Poem, Elegy, Moskovskaya 56 should be attributed to the most stable ones, characterized by the minimal variation of this descriptor over the years. All varieties of winter wheat, with the exception of Lgovskaya 4 and Lgovskaya 8, formed the grain of the first class by the basal grain-unit. The "year" factor made the greatest contribution to the change in the protein (47.5%) and gluten content (57.5%) in grain. Among the varieties of Belarusian and Russian selection, Amelia (CV = 5.7%) and Moskovskaya 39 (CV = 12.3%) varieties can be distinguished as those forming stable highprotein grain with a high gluten content.

Математическая модель оценки качества процесса получения увлажненно-обогащенного зернового сырья

It has been established that the most acceptable physical form of feed products for young farm animals and poultry is liquid – puree- or pasty. These types of products are made from raw materials balanced in basic nutrients or by enriching the finished product. At the same time, minor substances used for enrichment in the form of microscopic doses of vitamins and minerals are subject to dosing and their subsequent introduction into the main product with thorough mixing as part of the main product. To obtain a homogeneous mixture of minor substances and the main product, and, as a rule, these are concentrated and high-protein grain products, they must be pre-crushed with the preparation of a mass of homogeneous granulometric composition. After that, minor substances are introduced into the crushed mass, which is thoroughly mixed and already on the basis of the finished mixture, by adding a liquid phase, the consistency of the product is brought to a pasty state. Based on the conducted studies, a mathematical model was obtained for assessing the moistened-enriched state of the grain by the uniformity of its saturation with nutrients. Keywords: PASTE, ENRICHMENT, MOISTURIZING, FEED PRODUCT, GRAIN, PLASTICITY, NUTRIENTS

Pigeonpea is significantly more than just a delicious pulse: Pigeonpea: Alternate uses

Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.], a popular pulse crop of rainfed tropics and sub-tropics, is predominantly grown for its high protein grains under mixed or pure stands. In India, where pigeonpea is grown on over 5.0 m ha, the entire produce is transformed into decorticated splits (dal) for marketing and consumption. Besides this, different parts of the plants are also used in several other ways which directly or indirectly contribute positively towards sustainable rural agricultural system. These include fresh vegetable, animal fodder and feed, soil conservation, folk medicine, lac and fuelwood production, thatch roofing, basket making, and the like. The authors in this paper have attempted to bring all such scattered information together for the benefit of those concerned with the overall pigeonpea research, development, production, and utilization.

Evaluation of winter wheat varieties by such indicator as “mass fraction of protein in grain”

Penza region is characterized by a diversity of natural and climatic zones and considerable variability of meteorological factors over the years. Therefore, the creation of high-yielding winter soft wheat varieties with high protein content in grain is one of the most significant challenges in this crop breeding. The purposes of this research are twofold: assess the ability of winter wheat varieties to form high-protein grain in various environmental conditions and isolate a valuable source material for breeding. The research objective is to evaluate winter wheat varieties by such indicator as “mass fraction of protein in grain”. The research was carried out from 2008 to 2017 in a forest-steppe zone of the Penza region. The soils of the experimental field – medium-humus medium-thick leached chernozem with the 35–40 cm depth of the plowing horizon. Ninety varieties of winter wheat from the world collection were the material for the research. The forecrop is black fallow. Square of experimental fields is 3 m2, triple replication. Seeding rate – 5.5 million germinating grains/ha. Standard – winter soft wheat variety ‘Fotinya’. Mass fraction of protein in grain in early ripening and mid-early varieties of winter wheat significantly differed from those of the mid-maturing group. Winter wheat varieties from the mid-ripening group were distinguished by a high protein content (on average 15.5 %), high yield (on average 3.8 t/ha), high yield of protein per hectare (on average 0.59 t/ha). According to the level of stress resistance, varieties ‘Fotinya’ and ‘Moskovskaya 39’ stood out (0.7 and 0.6, respectively). The following varieties are characterized by high genetic flexibility (15.3–16.2): ‘Fotinya’ (Penza region), ‘Moskovskaya 39’ (Moscow region), ‘Bezenchukskaya 380’ (Samara region), ‘Badulinka’ (Volgograd region), ‘Ershovskaya 25’ (Saratov region), ‘Zimorodok’, ‘Pobeda 50’ (Krasnodar Territory), ‘Zernogradka 8’, ‘Konkurent’ (Rostov Region). All the aforementioned varieties have less variability of a characteristic over the years (coefficient of variation – 3.2–9.7 %) and are recommended for use as a starting material for creating new forms.

Quantitative Control of Early Flowering in White Lupin (Lupinus albus L.).

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is a pulse annual plant cultivated from the tropics to temperate regions for its high-protein grain as well as a cover crop or green manure. Wild populations are typically late flowering and have high vernalization requirements. Nevertheless, some early flowering and thermoneutral accessions were found in the Mediterranean basin. Recently, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) explaining flowering time variance were identified in bi-parental population mapping, however, phenotypic and genotypic diversity in the world collection has not been addressed yet. In this study, a diverse set of white lupin accessions (n = 160) was phenotyped for time to flowering in a controlled environment and genotyped with PCR-based markers (n = 50) tagging major QTLs and selected homologs of photoperiod and vernalization pathway genes. This survey highlighted quantitative control of flowering time in white lupin, providing statistically significant associations for all major QTLs and numerous regulatory genes, including white lupin homologs of CONSTANS, FLOWERING LOCUS T, FY, MOTHER OF FT AND TFL1, PHYTOCHROME INTERACTING FACTOR 4, SKI-INTERACTING PROTEIN 1, and VERNALIZATION INDEPENDENCE 3. This revealed the complexity of flowering control in white lupin, dispersed among numerous loci localized on several chromosomes, provided economic justification for future genome-wide association studies or genomic selection rather than relying on simple marker-assisted selection.

Changes in the glucose and insulin responses according to high-protein snacks for diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESThis study aimed to develop healthy, appetizing high-protein snacks with enhanced isolated soy protein for diabetic patients and determine the blood glucose and insulin response after being consumed by these patients.MATERIALS/METHODSThirty adult patients aged between 30 and 75 years, with a ≤ 10-year history of type 2 diabetes and hemoglobin A1c of < 7.5%, were enrolled in this study. They made 3 clinical visits at one-week intervals. The control group consumed 50 g carbohydrates (white bread), whereas the test groups consumed high-protein grain (HP_G) or high-protein chocolate (HP_C) after an 8-hrs fast. Blood (2 cm3) was drawn at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min before and after consumption to analyze the blood glucose and insulin concentrations.RESULTSCompared to the commercial snacks, the developed high-protein snacks had below-average calorie, carbohydrate, and fat content and a 2.5-fold higher protein content. In diabetic patients who consumed these snacks, the postprandial blood glucose increased between 15 min and 2 h after consumption, which was significantly slower than the time taken for the blood glucose to increase in the patients who consumed the control food product (P < 0.001). Insulin secretion was significantly lower at 45 min after consumption (P < 0.05), showing that the high-protein snacks did not increase the blood glucose levels rapidly. The incremental area under the curve (iAUC), which indicated the degree of blood sugar and insulin elevation after food intake, was higher in the control group than the groups given the 2 developed snacks (P < 0.001), and there was no significant difference in insulin secretion.CONCLUSIONSThe results of the postprandial blood glucose and insulin response suggest that high-protein snacks are potential convenient sources of high-quality protein and serve as a healthier alternative for patients with type 2 diabetes, who may have limited snack product choices. Such snacks may also provide balanced nutrition to pre-diabetic and obese individuals.

Development of PCR-based markers and whole-genome selection model for anthracnose resistance in white lupin (Lupinus albus L.)

White lupin (Lupinus albus L.) is a high-protein grain legume crop, grown since ancient Greece and Rome. Despite long domestication history, its cultivation remains limited, partly because of susceptibility to anthracnose. Only some late-flowering, bitter, low-yielding landraces from Ethiopian mountains displayed resistance to this devastating disease. The resistance is controlled by various genes, thereby complicating the breeding efforts. The objective of this study was developing tools for molecular tracking of Ethiopian resistance genes based on genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) data, envisaging linkage mapping and genomic selection approaches. Twenty GBS markers from two major quantitative trait loci (QTLs), antr04_1/antr05_1 and antr04_2/antr05_2, were converted to PCR-based markers using assigned transcriptome sequences. Newly developed markers improved mapping resolution around both anthracnose resistance loci, providing more precise QTL estimation. PCR-based screening of diversified domesticated and primitive germplasm revealed the high specificity of two markers for the antr04_1/antr05_1 locus (TP222136 and TP47110) and one for the antr04_2/antr05_2 locus (TP338761), highlighted by simple matching coefficients of 0.96 and 0.89, respectively. Moreover, a genomic selection approach based on GBS data of a recombinant inbred line mapping population was assessed, providing an average predictive ability of 0.56. These tools can be used for preselection of candidate white lupin germplasm for anthracnose resistance assays.

The value of stubbles and chaff from grain crops as a source of summer feed for sheep

Context Modern crop stubbles provide an important source of feed for sheep during summer but can vary widely in their feeding value due to Genetics × Environment × Management interactions during crop growth, and how chaff is managed at harvest. Stubbles are difficult to assess for grazing value, due to the heterogeneity of forage components (e.g. stem, leaf, grains), which means that livestock producers rely on their observations and experience to manage sheep grazing stubbles. Aims To provide current information on the feeding value of stubbles, and to establish better methods for estimating stubble feeding value. Methods In the present paper, we report the results of sheep grazing wheat-stubble paddocks and a survey of the nutritive value of standing stubbles and chaff lines and piles of grain crops (including wheat, barley, canola and lupins) from crop paddocks in the mixed-farming region of Western Australia. Key results Without supplementation, wheat stubbles provided 50–100 dry sheep equivalent grazing days per hectare, before the estimated metabolisable energy (ME) intake of sheep fell below maintenance. This was influenced by ewe body condition score, where sheep of lower body condition gained more weight on stubbles (89 g/day higher weight gain per unit lower body condition score). Estimated ME content of edible chaff (leaf, fine stem and seed sheath or pod, excluding main stem and grain) was 5% higher in barley, 19% higher in lupin, and 5% lower in canola, than in wheat chaff, which was 5.9 MJ ME/kg DM. Implications While the grazing value of modern stubbles is variable, they have an important role in the seasonal feedbase by providing several months of feed during summer. Chaff by itself does not meet the energy or protein requirements of livestock, so a high-protein grain supplement (e.g. lupins) is necessary to maintain non-lactating ewes fed only chaff. The increased use of chaff lines and piles at harvest, primarily for weed control, provides a new opportunity to fill feed gaps in sheep and cattle enterprises if the material can be transported and stored efficiently, or if grazed in situ, as is common practice.

Comparison between Planting and Sowing as Forms of Amaranthus (Amaranthus spp.) Propagation and Investigation of Different Seeding Depths

Amaranth is a broad leaf pseudocereal native to South and Central America and can be used as a source of high protein grain, as a leafy vegetable and has the potential to grow as fodder. The objective of this work was to evaluate some characteristics of amaranth agronomic interest (Amaranthus spp), as the best way of propagation of the crop, whether by planting of seedlings or direct seeding, and also to determine the most suitable depth of sowing of amaranth. Three treatments were established to conduct the first experiment, seedling versus no-tillage using the BRS-Alegria variety: the first (T1) was the planting of seedlings with 15 days old, previously produced in a greenhouse, on the day of establishment of the experiment in the beds; the second (T2) was the direct sowing in the soil on the day of establishment of the experiment in the beds; and the third (T3) was the transplanting of surplus seedlings from the first treatment, after two weeks of establishment of the experiment in the beds. The T1 treatment was the one that presented the best performance in the attributes of lap diameter and dry mass of plants, being not different, only, at plant height, in relation to T2 treatment. The treatments T2 and T3 presented the same performance for all attributes studied. The second experiment was carried out with the objective of evaluating the best sowing depth for the Amaranthus varieties: BRS-Alegria, Diócus, Princes, Verde (Amaranthus cruentus) and Inca (Amaranthus caudatus), under zero millimeters soil), five millimeters, and ten millimeters deep. The BRS - Alegria, Verde and Diócus varieties showed the best results when tested at 0, 5 and 10mm depth, with the average of plants emerged at 15 days after sowing, of 71.4; 65.9 and 61.0 respectively. The worst results were found in the Princes and Inca varieties, with average values of emerged plants of 51.3 and 47.2, respectively. As for the seeding depths, the best were 10 and 5 mm, with plants emerged after 15 days, of 86.9 and 77.9, respectively. The worst result was for the 0mm depth with an average of 13.3 emerged plants.

INFLUENCE OF GROWTH STIMULATORS FOR CHICKPEA CAPACITY AT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF MINERAL NUTRITION

The purpose of the researches - is chickpea productivity due to different pre-treatment methods of seeds and fertilizer on ordinary chernozem soil in the conditions of Middle Volga Region forest-steppe. Chickpea, having a high resistance to drought, pea weevil, adaptability to cleaning, also can significantly stabilize the production of high-protein grain and increase the stability of agroecosystems. The protein content in chickpea seeds varies from 20.1 to 32.4 percent. And chickpea protein has a high content of essential amino acids, especially lysine. The results of chickpea yield productivity and quality for mineral nutrition different levels studies are shown. Into two-factor experiment to study the seed bed different fertilizes methods were included: three background mineral nutrition: without fertilizer (control), calculation of NPK doses and norms for the planned yield of 1.8 and 2.2 t/ha of grain (conditionally background 1, background 2) (factor A); to determine the effectiveness of stimulants : Mival Agro, Megamix, Albite both separately and in conjunction with bacterial drug Rizotorfin (factor B). The maximum yield observed when fertilizer for the planned yield of 2.2 t/ha and joint processing of seeds Rizotorfin and Megamix 2.43 t/ha were found that average for 2012-2013, the yield for the background 2 is significantly higher than the background 1 and the control.

Effects of genotype, season, and nitrogen nutrition on gene expression and protein accumulation in wheat grain.

Six commercial U.K. cultivars of winter wheat selected to represent different abilities to partition nitrogen into grain protein were grown in replicated field trials at five different sites over three seasons. The proportion of LMW glutenin subunits decreased and the proportion of gliadins increased during grain development and in response to N application. Differences were observed between the proportions of LMW glutenin subunits and gliadins in low- and high-protein grain, these two fractions being decreased and increased, respectively. There was little effect of grain protein content on the proportions of either the HMW glutenin subunits or large glutenin polymers, which are enriched in these subunits, with the latter increasing during development in all cultivars. The proportion of total protein present in polymers in the mature grain decreased with increasing N level. Correlations were also observed between the abundances of gliadin protein transcripts and the corresponding proteins.

New evidence of ancestral polyploidy in the Genistoid legume Lupinus angustifolius L. (narrow-leafed lupin)

This is the first clear evidence of duplication and/or triplication of large chromosomal regions in a genome of a Genistoid legume, the most basal clade of Papilionoid legumes. Lupinus angustifolius L. (narrow-leafed lupin) is the most widely cultivated species of Genistoid legume, grown for its high-protein grain. As a member of this most basal clade of Papilionoid legumes, L. angustifolius serves as a useful model for exploring legume genome evolution. Here, we report an improved reference genetic map of L. angustifolius comprising 1207 loci, including 299 newly developed Diversity Arrays Technology markers and 54 new gene-based PCR markers. A comparison between the L. angustifolius and Medicago truncatula genomes was performed using 394 sequence-tagged site markers acting as bridging points between the two genomes. The improved L. angustifolius genetic map, the updated M. truncatula genome assembly and the increased number of bridging points between the genomes together substantially enhanced the resolution of synteny and chromosomal colinearity between these genomes compared to previous reports. While a high degree of syntenic fragmentation was observed that was consistent with the large evolutionary distance between the L. angustifolius and M. truncatula genomes, there were striking examples of conserved colinearity of loci between these genomes. Compelling evidence was found of large-scale duplication and/or triplication in the L. angustifolius genome, consistent with one or more ancestral polyploidy events.

Genotypic variation of metribuzin and carfentrazone-ethyl tolerance among yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus L.) germplasm

Yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus L.) is a high-protein grain legume growing well in a range of acid soil types. However, the lack of herbicide tolerance for effective weed control has limited its adoption in broad acre farming systems. In order to breed herbicide-tolerant cultivars, a source of resistance needs to be identified. This paper reports the identification of a number of highly tolerant yellow lupin genotypes to metribuzin and carfentrazone-ethyl herbicides. Suitable dosages (LD50) of the two herbicides were identified as 150 g ai ha−1 (ai = active ingredient) for metribuzin and 200 g ai ha−1 for carfentrazone-ethyl. These dosages were used to screen diverse yellow lupin landraces and wild types to quantify the diversity of the germplasm. Considerable variation in response to the two herbicides was observed among the genotypes screened, ranging from complete plant death to no symptoms. Yellow lupin cv. Pootallong was susceptible to metribuzin, but three accessions (P20873, P23291 and P28800) were identified as tolerant with no plant damage. Four accessions (P20873, P20879, P23298 and P28832) showed higher tolerance to carfentrazone-ethyl than the standard cultivar Pootallong. A breeding line P20873 had the highest tolerance to both herbicides, indicating the possibility for developing yellow lupin cultivars with tolerance to both herbicides.

First report of Alternaria infectoria on amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus ssp. mantegazzianus) in Argentina

Amaranth is an ancient crop originating in the Americas that can be used as a high-protein grain (12-17%) or as a leafy vegetable, and has potential as a forage crop (Putnam et al., 1989). Grain amaranth species have been important in…

Adaptation, diversity, and exploitation of global white lupin ( Lupinus albus L.) landrace genetic resources

White lupin requires grain yield improvement to realize its potential as a high-protein grain crop. Some 121 entries representing 13 germplasm pools (11 landrace pools from European countries and from regions of North and East Africa, West Asia and Atlantic islands, and one winter-type and one spring-type variety pools) were evaluated in three major agroclimatic conditions, i.e., Mediterranean and subcontinental climate in Italy under autumn sowing and suboceanic climate in France under spring sowing, with the aim to assess: (i) the variation among and within germplasm pools for grain yield and 13 major morphophysiological traits; (ii) the impact of evaluation environments on entry characteristics; and (iii) the relation of wide- and specific-adaptation responses with morphophysiological traits. Indications on top-yielding genetic resources, entry morphophysiological traits and association of these traits with grain yield were largely environment-specific. Germplasm pools summarized a fairly high portion of genotypic and genotype × environment (GE) interaction variation, indicating their usefulness as a criterion for locating genetic resources with specific characteristics. Adaptive responses of germplasm pools and individual entries, modeled through Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction analysis, highlighted the outstanding agronomic value for specific agroclimatic conditions of a few landrace germplasm pools in comparison with variety pools. Overall within-pool diversity for morphophysiological traits and adaptive response was largest in the landrace pools from Italy, Turkey, East Africa and West Asia. Only flowering time and individual seed weight exhibited high genetic correlations between environments for entry response, suggesting caution in inferring accession characteristics from evaluation data obtained in environments very different from those targeted by possible germplasm users. Optimal flowering time was early in the spring-sown environment, intermediate in the Mediterranean environment, and late (associated with winter survival) in the subcontinental-climate environment. Owing to the association of phenology with several other traits, germplasm ordination for adaptation pattern and for overall morphophysiological variation were very similar. Pod fertility emerged among the seed yield components because of its correlation with grain yield in each environment combined with fairly low GE interaction. Beside contributing to the ecogeographic classification of landrace germplasm, our results can support breeding programs of Europe and Mediterranean-climate regions in defining useful genetic resources, adaptation strategies and adaptive traits. Genetic resources from Madeira & Canaries (high-yielding across environments), Italy (featuring high adaptive and morphophysiological diversity) and a few other regions are of special interest for breeding in targeted definite agroclimatic conditions.