Cultivars and populations of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) selected and diffused in Italy are all characterized by high tannin seed content. A programme developed to transfer the tannin free character, associated with pure white flower, has been performed using 13 Italian and Mediterranean varieties and 11 varieties of Northern European origin, donors of the pure white flower. The progenies derived from each cross were screened for the desired combination of characters, including important agronomic and production (fertility) factors, the colour of the flower (pure white) and of the hylum (clear), the different size and colour of the seed (cream, light or dark green). After strict selection, performed from F₂ to F₄ generations, 41 F₄ progenies, coming from 25 different crosses, have been identified as carrying the desired characters. The new lines will be further tested for other agronomic favorable traits in the final screening operations, leading to lines adapted to the multiple utilization of this crop, as food and feed.

Cited By (since 1996): 2Export Date: 26 August 2010Source: Scopus