Evaluation of table grape genetic resources for sugar,organic acid,and amino acid composition of berries

Variations in the sugar, organic acid, and amino acid composition of table grape berries were determined in three successive years in 129 grape cultivars. Three regional groups were represented among these cultivars; European, North American, and Japanese. All cultivars are conserved at the Fukuoka Agricultural Research Center in Japan. Three representative ripe average-sized bunches were selected from one vine per cultivar. Ripeness was judged by visual observation of seed color change to dark brown, without senescence of berry tissue. Soluble solids content (SSC) was weakly correlated with other berry traits, but strongly correlated with total sugar content. Genotypic variance (σ _g ²) was significant for all berry traits, especially for α ratio (sugar composition) and γ ratio (amino acid composition). The yearly effect (σ _y ²) was significant for SSC, total sugar content, and total amino acid content but not for α ratio, titratable acidity, β ratio (organic acid composition) and γ ratio. Repeatabilities over the 3 years were very high for α ratio and γ ratio, while they were low for SSC, total sugar content, titratable acidity, β ratio, and amino acid content. Correlation coefficients between the values of each individual year and the 3-year mean were relatively high for the α ratio and γ ratio. We highlight the varietal differences in the α ratio and γ ratio because of the low environmental variation. Two types of grape were distinguished on the basis of sugar composition: hexose accumulators (α ratio ≥ 0.81) and sucrose accumulators (α ratio ≤ 0.80). The hexose- and sucrose-accumulating traits were related to genetic or regional differences. Cultivars were classified into five types on the basis of the γ ratio. Like the α ratio, variation in the γ ratio is closely related to cultivar parentage and regional differences. Vitis vinifera cultivars exhibited a skewed distribution with a γ ratio below 1.0 because they contain low levels of sweet amino acids. In contrast, the γ ratio frequently exceeded 1.5 in American hybrid cultivars because they contain high levels of sweet amino acids.     

Genetic effects and genetic relationships among <Emphasis Type="Italic">shrunken</Emphasis> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">sh2</Emphasis>) sweet corn lines and F1 hybrids

The objectives of this study were to quantify the components of genetic variance and the genetic effects, and to examine the genetic relationship of inbred lines extracted from various shrunken2 (sh2) breeding populations. Ten diverse inbred lines developed from sh2 genetic background, were crossed in half diallel. Parents and their F1 hybrids were evaluated at three environments. The parents were genotyped using 20 polymorphic simple sequence repeats (SSR). Agronomic and quality traits were analysed by a mixed linear model according to additive-dominance genetic model. Genetic effects were estimated using an adjusted unbiased prediction method. Additive variance was more important than dominance variance in the expression of traits related to ear aspects (husk ratio and percentage of ear filled) and eating quality (flavour and total soluble solids). For agronomic traits, however, dominance variance was more important than additive variance. The additive genetic correlation between flavour and tenderness was strong (r = 0.84, P < 0.01). Flavour, tenderness and kernel colour additive genetic effects were not correlated with yield related traits. Genetic distance (GD), estimated from SSR profiles on the basis of Jaccard’s similarity coefficient varied from 0.10 to 0.77 with an average of 0.56. Cluster analysis classified parents according to their pedigree relationships. In most studied traits, F1 performance was not associated with GD.     

Identification of QTL for oil content,seed yield,and flowering time in oilseed rape (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica napus</Emphasis>)

A genetic map was constructed with 353 sequence-related amplified polymorphism and 34 simple sequence repeat markers in oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.). The map consists of 19 linkage groups and covers 1,868 cM of the rapeseed genome. A recombinant doubled haploid (DH) population consisting of 150 lines segregating for oil content and other agronomic traits was produced using standard microspore culture techniques. The DH lines were phenotyped for days to flowering, oil content in the seed, and seed yield at three locations for 3 years, generating nine environments. Data from each of the environments were analyzed separately to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for these three phenotypic traits. For oil content, 27 QTL were identified on 14 linkage groups; individual QTL for oil content explained 4.20–30.20% of the total phenotypic variance. For seed yield, 18 QTL on 11 linkage groups were identified, and the phenotypic variance for seed yield, as explained by a single locus, ranged from 4.61 to 24.44%. Twenty-two QTL were also detected for days to flowering, and individual loci explained 4.41–48.28% of the total phenotypic variance.     

QTL mapping of bio-energy related traits in Sorghum

Plant height (PHT), stem and leaf fresh weight (SLFW), juice weight (JW) and sugar content of stem (Brix) are important traits for biofuel production in sweet Sorghum. QTL analysis of PHT, SLFW, JW and Brix was conducted with composite interval mapping using F₂ and F_2:3 populations derived from the cross between grain Sorghum (Shihong137) × sweet Sorghum (L-Tian). Three QTLs controlling PHT were mapped on SBI-01, SBI-07 and SBI-09 under four different environments. These QTLs could explain 10.16 to 45.29% of the phenotypic variance. Two major effect QTLs on SBI-07 and SBI-09 were consistently detected under four environments. Eight QTLs controlling SLFW were mapped across three environments and accounted for 5.49–25.36% of the phenotypic variance. One major QTL on SBI-09 located between marker Sb5-206 and SbAGE03 was observed under three environments. Four QTLs controlling Brix were identified under two environments and accounted for 11.03–17.65% of the phenotypic variance. Six QTLs controlling JW were detected under two environments, and explained 6.63–23.56% of the phenotypic variance. QTLs for JW on SBI-07 and SBI-09 were consistent in two environments showing higher environmental stability. In addition, two chromosome regions on SBI-07 and SBI-09 were identified in our study having major effect on PHT, SFLW and JW. The results would be useful for the genetic improvement of sweet Sorghum to be used for biofuel production.     

Anatomical and biochemical trait network underlying genetic variations in tomato fruit texture

Firmness is an indicator of fruit freshness and a main component of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit texture. In this work, the genetic variability in fruit firmness and stiffness was analyzed in pre- and postharvest periods and underlying anatomical and biochemical traits were identified. Three tomato contrasted parental lines and six derived quantitative trait loci (QTL)-NILs harboring texture QTL on chromosome 4 (QTL4) and 9 (QTL9) were analyzed; the seasonal variability was assessed on two distant trusses. Firmness and stiffness were measured by compression and puncture tests at harvest and after 7-day storage at 20 °C. QTL4 poorly influenced the textural variables, on the contrary to QTL9 which increased firmness measured by puncture test and had similar effects in the two genetic backgrounds. According to this test, firmness increased along the season, but ranks among genotypes and QTL effects were hardly affected. Only some of the QTL effects were still significant after storage and firmness losses were not predicted by firmness at harvest. Fruit firmness and stiffness measured by puncture tests correlated with both morphological (locular number, R = −0.89), histological (cell size, R < −0.80) and biochemical (dry matter (R > 0.82) and soluble sugar content (R < −0.74)) fruit traits. In contrast, compression test values hardly correlated with any of the measured traits. This work provided an original comprehensive approach to analyse fleshy fruit firmness and paves the way for a future predictive model.     

Evaluation of genetic diversity among commercial cultivars, hybrids and local mango (Mangifera indica L.) genotypes of India using cumulative RAPD and ISSR markers

An assessment of genetic diversity studies was undertaken to understand the level and pattern of diversity in 65 mango (Mangifera indica L.) genotypes of India including 20 commercial cultivars, 18 hybrids, 25 local genotypes and two exotic cultivars based on qualitative and quantitative fruit characters as well as RAPD and ISSR profiles. A considerable variation was observed in respect of three important qualitative characters namely table quality, fruit attractiveness and storage life of ripe fruits and potentially superior genotypes for the above traits were identified. A wide variation was noticeable regarding metabolite composition of pulp of ripe mango fruit with respect to total soluble solids, total sugar, reducing sugar, acidity, sugar:acid ratio, ascorbic acid and phenolic content. Fifteen RAPD primers yielded 27 monomorphic and 129 polymorphic bands with percent polymorphism averaging 82.7%. Of a total 70 ISSR bands generated from eight ISSR primers, 60 bands (85.71%) were found to be polymorphic. Cumulative band data from these two methods precisely arranged accessions into eight clusters which correspond well with their pedigree relationship. UPGMA dendrograms drawn using RAPD, ISSR and cumulative data showed highly similar grouping of genotypes on the basis of their parental origin. No clear-cut geographical separation was revealed among East, West, North and South Indian mango cultivars by neither of these molecular markers nor their combinations. This supports the common gene pool origin of mango as well as operation of similar selection pressure as the cultivar preferences in these areas are largely similar.     

Identification of QTLs for fruit quality traits in Japanese apples: QTLs for early ripening are tightly related to preharvest fruit drop

Many important apple (Malus × domestica Borkh.) fruit quality traits are regulated by multiple genes, and more information about quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for these traits is required for marker-assisted selection. In this study, we constructed genetic linkage maps of the Japanese apple cultivars ‘Orin’ and ‘Akane’ using F₁ seedlings derived from a cross between these cultivars. The ‘Orin’ map consisted of 251 loci covering 17 linkage groups (LGs; total length 1095.3 cM), and the ‘Akane’ map consisted of 291 loci covering 18 LGs (total length 1098.2 cM). We performed QTL analysis for 16 important traits, and found that four QTLs related to harvest time explained about 70% of genetic variation, and these will be useful for marker-assisted selection. The QTL for early harvest time in LG15 was located very close to the QTL for preharvest fruit drop. The QTL for skin color depth was located around the position of MYB1 in LG9, which suggested that alleles harbored by ‘Akane’ are regulating red color depth with different degrees of effect. We also analyzed soluble solids and sugar component contents, and found that a QTL for soluble solids content in LG16 could be explained by the amount of sorbitol and fructose.     

Drought stress‐induced changes in starch yield and physiological traits in potato

Drought stress is an important limitation for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production as potato depends on appropriate water availability for high yields of good quality. Therefore, especially in the background of climate change, it is an important goal in potato breeding to improve drought stress tolerance. In this study, 34 European starch potato cultivars were evaluated for drought stress tolerance by growing under well‐watered and long‐term drought stress conditions in rainout shelters in 2 years’ pot trials. Besides yield, six physiological traits, that is free proline content, osmolality, total soluble sugar content, chlorophyll content (SPAD), cell membrane stability and crude protein content, were determined in leaves sampled during vegetative growth and during flowering to investigate their association with drought tolerance. ANOVA revealed significant treatment effects for all physiological traits and increased genotypic effects at flowering. The sensitivity of physiological traits to drought was significantly higher during flowering than during vegetative growth. Drought stress decreased starch yield significantly (p < .001), on average by 55%. Starch yield was significantly influenced by genotype and genotype × treatment interactions. Stress tolerance index (STI) calculated from starch yield ranged from 0.26 (sensitive) to 0.76 (tolerant) with significant genotype effects (p ≤ .001). STI correlated positively with cell membrane stability (r = .59) and crude protein content (r = .38) and negatively with osmolality (r = ?.57) and total soluble sugar content (r = ?.71). These contrary correlations suggest a dual adaptation strategy in potato under long‐term drought stress conditions including increased membrane stability combined with an increased osmolality due to an increased soluble sugar content.     

Oil biosynthesis and its related variables in developing seeds of mustard (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica juncea</Emphasis> L.) as influenced by sulphur fertilization

The aim of this research was to study the effect of sulphur (S) fertilization on oil biosynthesis and its related variables at various stages of seed development, and to find possible explanations for increased oil content in the seeds of mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern and Coss) due to S fertilization. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity and contents of oil, acetyl-CoA, soluble protein, total RNA, total sugar and sulphur were determined in the developing seeds of mustard grown in the field with sulphur (+S) and without sulphur (-S). The period between 10 to 30 days after flowering was observed as the active period of oil accumulation in the developing seeds of mustard. The accumulation of the oil was preceded by a marked rise in acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity and acetyl-CoA concentration, which declined rapidly when oil accumulation reached a plateau. Total sugar content decreased, while protein content increased during the active period of oil accumulation in the developing seeds (i.e. between 10–30 days after flowering). Sulphur fertilization significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the oil accumulation in the developing seeds at all the growth stages. The increase in the oil content was 5–63% with S fertilization over the control treatment. Acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity and contents of acetyl-CoA, soluble protein, total RNA and sugar were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the developing seeds of +S-treated plants compared to — S-treated plants. It is suggested that the increase in the oil content with sulphur fertilization may be associated with the increases in acetyl-CoA carboxylase activity through the enhancement of acetyl-CoA concentration. Further, the increased sugar content due to S fertilization provided enough carbon source and energy for oil biosynthesis.     

Hybrid performance and heterosis in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duchesne), regarding acidity,soluble solids and dry matter content in fruits

A top‐cross‐mating design among 29 S₄ inbred lines and tester (cultivar ‘Dukat’) was carried out to study their breeding value in terms of general combining ability (GCA). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the acidity, soluble solids and dry matter contents in fruits of progeny F₁ in comparison with S₄ inbred lines as well as the cultivars (S₀); identify strawberry genotypes with high value of GCA for use in cultivar development; and determine mid‐parent heterosis regarding S₄ inbred lines and cultivated strawberry. The 2‐year observations showed statistically significant differences between tested genotypes in terms of the studied traits. The highest breeding value based on GCA was estimated for Chandler 123‐5 for soluble solids and dry matter content, and Kent 7‐6 for acidity. Estimated mid‐parent heterosis had positive and negative values. The highest heterosis in terms of extract and dry matter content (26.71% and 17.50%, respectively) occurred in the offspring Chandler 123‐5 × ‘Dukat’, but as regards acidity in hybrid Chandler 123‐22 with cv. ‘Dukat’. The study of genetic divergence by dendrograms may help to identify parents suitable for obtaining hybrids with higher heterosis effects.     

Variance components and heritabilities of yield and agronomic traits among cowpea genotypes

The phenotypic expression and heritability of quantitative traits vary due to genotypic differences, environmental influences and genotype by environment interactions. The objective of this study was to determine variance components and heritabilities of seed yield and its components in cowpea. Field experiments were conducted at three locations, three planting dates using ten diverse cowpea genotypes during 2004/2005. The experiments were laid out in the randomized complete block design with three replications. Results indicated significant interactions (P ≤ 0.01) among genotypes, locations and planting dates. The genotypic variance contributed ≥50% of the total phenotypic variance for the numbers of days to 50% flowering, seeds per pod, productive branches per plant and seed yield. The heritabilities of the numbers of days to 50% flowering were estimated at 50%, pods per plant (23%), days to maturity (66%), productive branches per plant (53%), 100 seed weight (11%) and seed yield (55%). The presence of considerable degree of genotypic variance among tested genotypes under various environments suggests that success in cowpea breeding could possibly be achieved through direct phenotypic selection.     

Genotype × environment interactions and simultaneous selection for high oil yield and stability in rainfed warm areas rapeseed (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Brassica napus</Emphasis> L.) from Iran

Partitioning of the genotypes by environment interaction (GEI) is important in order to determine the nature of the GEI. The objectives of this study were to assess the presence and nature of GEI for nine agronomic traits of rapeseed cultivars, and to identify cultivars with favorable levels of stable oil production. Nine rapeseed cultivars, including seven open pollinated and two hybrids, Hyola308 and Hyola401, were grown in ten environments under rain-fed warm areas of Iran. The GEI was significant for all traits and was partitioned into components representing heterogeneity due to environmental index and the remainder of the GEI. Among the all traits with a highly significant heterogeneity, the largest amount of heterogeneity removed from the GEI was for seeds per pod and seed weight. We found GEIs for both oil content and seed yield were largely influenced by differences in correlations among pairs of cultivars (86.8 and 71.4% of the GEI sum of squares, respectively), suggesting that crossover GEIs (i.e., change in genotype rankings among environments) are present. The mean correlation of each cultivar with all other cultivars ([`(r)]<sub>ii<sup>￠</sup></sub> \bar{r}_{{ii^{\prime}}} ) ranged from 0.53 to 0.83 for oil content and 0.86 to 0.96 for seed yield. A comparison was done of the significance of Sh-σ<sub>i</sub><sup>2</sup> (stability variance derived from total GEI) and Sh-S<sub>i</sub><sup>2</sup> (adjusted stability variance derived from residual GEI) assignable to each genotype for oil content and seed and oil yield. Based on Sh-σ<sub>i</sub><sup>2</sup>, three cultivars were unstable for oil content, whereas six cultivars were unstable for seed and oil yield. The removal of heterogeneity revealed that one unstable cultivar for oil content and three unstable cultivars for oil yield were judged to be stable. All cultivars with [`(r)]_ii^￠ \bar{r}_{{ii^{\prime } }}  ≤ 0.63 were labeled unstable for oil content, whereas all with [`(r)]<sub>ii<sup>￠</sup></sub> \bar{r}_{{ii^{\prime } }}  ≤ 0.94 were considered unstable for seed yield. The relationships between [`(r)]_ii^￠ \bar{r}_{{ii^{\prime } }} and Sh-σ_i² were significant (P < 0.01) for oil content and seed yield. The results of rank correlation coefficients showed significant positive correlations of Yield-Stability statistic (YS_i) with oil content and oil yield. Cultivars such as Option500 and Hyola401 were identified as having stable, high levels to seed yield and oil content.     

Genetic characteristics of water-use related traits in sugar beet

Improved water use efficiency (WUE, the ratio of dry matter produced to water used) can potentially result in yield improvement in water-limited environments. Genetic variation in WUE can be exploited by carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) in C₃ species. In order to improve WUE and its associated traits, it is necessary to understand the genetic systems controlling the expression of these traits. A full diallel analysis carried out on five inbred lines selected from a previous field experiment revealed that Δ, WUE and specific leaf weight (SLW, the ratio of leaf dry weight to leaf area) had high narrow-sense heritability (H_n, the ratio of additive variance to phenotypic variance) and were controlled largely by additive gene effects indicating that these traits can be improved by selection in early generations. In contrast, maternal effects had a large influence on phenotypic expressions of total dry matter yield, total water use, chlorophyll content and leaf area suggesting the important role of selection of female parent for improvement of these traits. The parental line R49 was found to be the best general combiner for all of the traits. Genetic variation in SLW was strongly associated with Δ (R ² =0.49, P < 0.01). This implies that SLW could be used as an inexpensive alternative measure for Δ to assess genotypes during the early phases of breeding programmes.     

Analysis of the genetic control of β-carotene and <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">l</Emphasis>-ascorbic acid accumulation in an orange-brownish wild cherry tomato accession

An additive-dominance, additive × additive (ADAA) and genotype × environment interaction mix model was used to study the genetic control of β-carotene and l-ascorbic acid in six basic generations (P₁, P₂, F₁, F₂, BC₁P₁ and BC₁P₂) of tomato derived from the cross CDP8779 accession (Solanum lycopersicum L.) × CDP4777 accession (S. lycopersicum var. cerasiforme). The study was performed in two environments: (1) open field; (2) protected environment, consisting of hydroponic cultivation in a glasshouse. The results indicate that β-carotene accumulation was mainly additive (32.2% of the genetic component), with a small dominant component (4.2%) and an important additive × environment interaction contribution (63.6%). In target environments with moderate to high temperatures and no limiting radiation, this the expression additive × environment interaction could substantially enhance the β-carotene content. This trait showed also a high narrow-sense heritability (h ² = 0.62). Ascorbic acid accumulation was also mainly additive (61.7% of the genetic component), with a minor additive epistatic component (21.5%). This epistatic effect caused a negative heterosis that reduced the positive main additive effect. Nevertheless, in the described target environments, the additive × environment interaction contribution (16.8%) may enhance the ascorbic acid content and compensate for the negative heterosis effect. The total narrow-sense heritability of this trait can be considered useful (h ² = 0.52). In conclusion, the CDP4777 accession is a very interesting donor parent for the joint improvement of β-carotene (without diminishing lycopene content) and ascorbic acid content in commercial nutraceutical tomato breeding programmes; the F₁ hybrids derived from this accession showed nearly 450% of the commonly reported average β-carotene content and close to 130% of the ascorbic acid content of the female parent.     

Inheritance of taste characters and fruit size and number in a diploid Actinidia chinensis (kiwifruit) population

We investigated the variability and inheritance of taste components and fruit size and number in a seedling population of diploid Actinidia chinensisPlanch. We found significant variation in all characters measured. Narrow-sense heritability estimates were high for vitamin C content, titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids content (SSC), fruit weight and dry matter content (DM), but low for glucose content, quinic acid content, and fruit number per vine. The genetic correlations between sugars (except myo-inositol), acids (except quinic acid), TA, vitamin C content, SSC and DM tended to be positive and moderate to high. However, correlations between these characters and fruit weight tended to be negative and moderate to high. The standardised coefficients () of multiple regression showed that SSC was highly dependent on the levels of fructose content, sucrose content and TA. Estimates of relative selection efficiencies (E) suggested that selection using SSC could be an efficient and convenient alternative to direct selection for improvement of sugar levels in kiwifruit. However, selection strategies based on SSC need to take account of its moderate negative correlation with fruit weight. Male and female parents useful for improving acid and sugar composition and fruit size were identified. One family was outstanding, as it combined large fruit size with high levels of SSC and DM.     

不同干燥方法对番石榴果实品质及抗氧化活性的影响

为了比较热风干燥和真空冷冻干燥对不同品种番石榴果实品质及抗氧化活性的影响.采用热风干燥和真空冷冻干燥技术制备番石榴果实,以鲜果为对照,探究不同干燥方式对6种番石榴的可溶性固形物、总酸、总糖、抗坏血酸、单宁、总酚、类黄酮等含量及抗氧化活性的影响.结果 发现,与鲜果相比,干燥得到的6个品种番石榴的可溶性固形物、总糖、总酸、...     

Quality and Distribution of Assimilates within the Whole Plant of Lupines (L. albus and L. mutabilis) Influenced by Water Stress

Lupine crops (Lupinus albus and L. mutabilis) often experience water deficits during grain filling, thereby altering partitioning of assimilates. Water deficit, imposed at the beginning of seed production (15 days after anthesis, daa), brought about differences in assimilate partitioning and chemical composition within the whole plant. In both species, water stress (ws) was responsible for a significant decrease in plant water status and gas exchange. In spite of little effect on total biomass, leaf area was reduced for approximately half of the control treatment. The main effects of ws on chemical composition of different organs were a decrease in total oil and an increase in total soluble sugar content in leaves; an increase in both oil and soluble sugars in stems; and a decrease in total oil and total soluble sugar content in seeds. The data suggest that under ws conditions, imposed at flowering, lupine assimilates are stored in stems and pods and later retranslocated to the developing seeds.     

Variation of glucosinolates and nutritional value in nabicol (Brassica napus pabularia group)

Glucosinolate levels in leaves were determined in a collection of 36 varieties of nabicol (Brassica napus pabularia group) from northwestern Spain grown at two locations. Crude protein, acid detergent fibre, and sensory traits were also assessed by a consumer panel. The objectives were to determine the diversity among varieties in total glucosinolate content and glucosinolate profile and to evaluate their sensory attributes in relation to glucosinolate content for breeding purposes. Eight glucosinolates were identified, being the aliphatic glucosinolates, glucobrassicanapin, progoitrin, and gluconapin the most abundant. Glucosinolate composition varied between locations although the glucosinolate pattern was not significantly influenced. Differences in total glucosinolate content, glucosinolate profile, protein, acid detergent fibre, and flavour were found among varieties. The total glucosinolate content ranged from 1.4 μmol g⁻¹ to 41.0 μmol g⁻¹ dw at one location and from 1.2 μmol g⁻¹ to 7.6 μmol g⁻¹ dw at the other location. Sensory analysis comparing bitterness and flavour with variation in glucosinolate, gluconapin, progoitrin, and glucobrassicanapin concentrations suggested that other phytochemicals are probably involved on the characteristic flavour. The variety MBG-BRS0035 had high total glucosinolate, glucobrassicanapin, and gluconapin contents at both locations and could be included in breeding programs to improve the nutritional value of this vegetable crop.     

Agronomic and qualitative traits of T. turgidum ssp. dicoccum genotypes cultivated in Italy

Summary The increasing popularity of organic agriculture and health food products has led to a renewed interest in hulled wheat species such as emmer (Triticum turgidum ssp. dicoccumSchubler). Knowledge on agronomic and quality traits is required for effective and efficient use of germplasm collections in breeding programs. The objective of this study was to estimate agronomic and grain quality traits of emmer wheat cultivated in Italy. A total of 20 emmer accessions consisting of landraces, breeding lines or cultivars selected from landraces and modern cultivars were examined under low input conditions. The study was conducted for three successive years (2002–2004) at one location of Southern Italy (Foggia). The entries were characterized for agronomic and qualitative traits [grain yield (t ha⁻¹), thousand grain weight (g), test weight (kg hl⁻¹), grain protein content (%), HMWG composition, dry gluten content (%), gluten index and yellow index, alveograph indices and Total Organic Matter (TOM) on cooked pasta]. The results showed a large genetic variability for most of the traits measured and, even if most of the accessions showed inferior bread- and pasta-making performance, modern cultivars exhibited improved quality traits with some potential to perform healthy and tasty food.