INHERITANCE, CHARACTERIZATION AND SELECTION OF TANNIN-FREE FABABEANS (VICIA FABA L.)

Abstract

Three large-seeded, tannin-free cultivars and one large-seeded, tannin-containing cultivar were crossed with three small-seeded, tannin-containing cultivars and with a small-seeded, tannin-containing advanced line. All three large-seeded cultivars carried the same single recessive gene conferring the white-flower, the absence of pigment on the nectaries of the stipules, the absence of anthocyanic pigments on the stems and the tannin-free seed coat characteristics. Changes in seed coat weight and seed coat composition were associated with the tannin-free characteristics. It is concluded that the tannin-free characteristic can be easily introduced into fababean lines.