Genetic analysis of feed quality and seed weight of sorghum inbred lines and hybrids using analytical methods and NIRS

Eight lines of grain sorghum and their F1hybrids were evaluated for contents of crude protein (CP), fat (FAT), and starch(STA); protein digestibility (PD); and in vitro dry matter disappearance (IVDMD).The effect of seed weight (SW) on these traits and the potential use of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to predict them also were investigated. The male lines included three normal-seeded lines (TX2737, TX435, and P954063) and two large-seeded lines (PL-1 and Eastin1). The female lines included common U.S. seed parent lines (Wheatland, Redlan, andSA3042). The lines and their hybrids were grown under dry land conditions at Kansas State University experiment fields in Ashland and Belleville, Kansas, in 1999.The experiments were conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replications at each location. The effect of genotype was significant for all measured traits. The male parent lines were highly variable and expressed high levels of genetic variation in combining ability for CP, PD, STA, and SW. The female parents were genetically more uniform; however, significant general combining ability effects were noted for PD and SW. Significant negative correlations were noted between CP and STA and between SW and STA. Significant positive correlations were found between CP and SW and between FAT and IVDMD. Crude protein content was predicted accurately by NIRS. Fat content and IVDMD could not be predicted by NIRS. The NIRS equations based on ground samples were more accurate than those based on whole-seed samples. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

不同来源高粱品系农艺性状及品质性状遗传多样性分析

选用来自中国、美国、印度的61份高粱品系作为试验材料,采用随机区组设计,成熟期对高粱的9个性状进行统计分析和聚类分析。研究表明,不同品系间性状表现具有丰富多样性,其中生育期和淀粉的变异程度最低,株高、穗长、单宁的变异程度较大,穗粒重、千粒重、粗蛋白、脂肪的变异程度较为明显。株高、穗粒重与穗长呈显著正相关,千粒重与穗粒重呈极显著正相关,单宁、粗蛋白与脂肪呈极显著正相关,单宁、粗蛋白、脂肪与总淀粉呈极显著负相关。聚类分析结果显示,61份高粱品系可划分为三个类群,各类群都表现出独特的地域性特征。供试高粱品系的农艺性状和品质性状均有着巨大的改良潜力,为进一步改良高粱品种和亲本选育提供科学依据。     

我国常用玉米自交系秸秆品质性状及其相关分析

利用近红外反射光谱法对我国91份常用普通玉米自交系和11份高油自交系秸秆的体外干物质消化率（IVDMD）、粗蛋白（CP）、粗脂肪（EE）、可溶性糖（WSC）、酸性洗涤纤维（ADF）、酸性木质素（ADL）、中性洗涤纤维（NDF）7个品质性状进行了分析评价,以探讨秸秆品质性状间的关系以及影响秸秆品质的主要成分。结果表明,各品质性状变异较大,各性状自交系间差异均达极显著水平,IVDMD及其相关品质的含量近似正态分布。不同品质性状变异程度不同,其中WSC含量变异最大,变异系数达33.15%。IVDMD与NDF、ADF、ADL呈极显著负相关,与WSC、EE含量呈极显著正相关,与CP含量显著正相关。影响秸秆品质的性状依次是IVDMD、ADF、NDF、WSC、ADL、CP和EE含量。根据青贮玉米育种的要求,筛选出5份IVDMD和WSC含量高、NDF、ADF含量低的自交系。     

In vitro protein digestibility in grain sorghum: effect of genotype and interaction with starch digestibility

Improvement of nutritive value is one of the main goals of sorghum breeding. It is known that one of the reasons of relatively poor nutritive value of sorghum grain is resistance of its seed storage proteins (kafirins) to protease digestion that also affects digestibility of starch. To study genetic aspects and interdependency of these traits we investigated in vitro protein and starch digestibility of the flour of 12 grain sorghum lines and six F₁ hybrids. Comparison of SDS-PAGE spectra of total grain proteins before and after pepsin digestion revealed that the F₁ hybrids had significantly lower indices of protein digestibility than parental lines, with the exception of the F₁ hybrid M35-1A KB/KVV-45, which retained high level of protein digestibility typical for KVV-45 line. The level of starch digestibility in the F₁ hybrids corresponded to its level in maternal lines suggesting importance of maternal genotype in determination of this trait. It was found that starch digestion by amylolytic enzymes increased the amount of protein in individual kafirin fractions, and reduced the amount of high molecular weight proteins as well it reduced subsequent kafirin digestion by pepsin and caused formation of polypeptide (M_r ~45 kDa), perhaps, the kafirin dimer, resistant to pepsin digestion. These data are of importance for fundamental investigation of factors influencing kafirins and starch interactions in sorghum endosperm and their digestibility.     

基因型、地点及其互作对内蒙古小麦主要品质性状的影响

选用来自我国春播麦区高、中、低3种筋力类型的9个品种, 于2003和2004年分别种植在内蒙古6个代表性地点, 研究了不同品种在年份和地点间籽粒硬度、蛋白质含量、和面仪参数和淀粉糊化特性等主要品质性状的变化规律。结果表明, 所测品质性状受基因型和地点效应的影响均达极显著水平, 除籽粒蛋白质含量外, 其他品质性状受基因型和地点互作效应的影响达显著或极显著水平。强筋类品种的蛋白质含量、灰分含量、沉降值、和面时间、耐揉性和峰值黏度均较高, 出粉率和稀澥值中等。中筋类品种出粉率、和面时间和耐揉性较高, 灰分含量、峰值黏度和稀澥值较低。弱筋类品种的灰分含量、峰值黏度和稀澥值较高, 籽粒硬度、蛋白质含量、出粉率、沉降值、和面时间、耐揉性低。所有品种品质性状在地点间存在较大差异, 乌海市灰分含量、和面时间和耐揉性高, 籽粒硬度、沉降值、峰值黏度和稀澥值较低。杭锦后旗出粉率高, 蛋白含量和沉降值较低, 其他性状表现中等。呼和浩特市籽粒硬度、蛋白含量、面粉灰分、沉降值、和面时间和耐揉性高, 出粉率、峰值黏度和稀澥值低。赤峰市多数性状表现中等。通辽市籽粒硬度、蛋白质含量、峰值黏度、稀澥值和耐揉性较高, 其他性状表现中等。额尔古纳市蛋白含量和沉降值较高, 和面时间和耐揉性低。初步认为强筋和中筋类品种较适于种植在呼和浩特市与乌海市, 不适于种植在额尔古纳市; 2个弱筋类品种在6个地点均不太适宜种植。     

Grain mould resistance and associated characters of sorghum genotypes

Twenty-two sorghum genotypes were evaluated for grain mould response, 13 morphological and biochemical traits thought to contribute to resistance, and 3 agronomic traits related to utilization. Measurements of grain mould (field grade score, threshed grade score, ergosterol content, and percentage germination) were strongly correlated with one another. Highly significant correlations between measures of grain mould and seed hardness, seed phenol content in acid methanol extract, and glume colour indicated that they strongly affected grain mould response. Harder grain, higher levels of seed phenols, and darker glumes contributed to grain mould resistance. Weaker and less consistent correlations between measures of grain mould and seed colour, seed flavan-4-ol content, glume phenol and flavan-4-ol contents, and glume cover indicated relatively less effect of these traits on grain mould response. Genotype means indicated that combinations of several traits are required to achieve resistance. Germplasm lines, including coloured-seeded lines IS 14375, IS 14387, IS 18144, and IS 18528, and white-seeded lines IS 21443, IS 24495 and IS 25017, showed greatest grain mould resistance. Improved lines generally had poorer grain mould resistance than these landraces. However, the best improved lines were comparable in resistance to white-seeded landraces. B58586, IS 14375 and IS 14387 are hard-seeded guinea sorghum lines that can be used as sources of grain mould resistance for West Africa. SP 33316, SP 33349 and GM 15018 are agronomically elite lines that can be used as sources of grain mould resistance for further improvement of white-seeded sorghum for South Asia and other regions. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Quantitative-genetic parameters of sorghum growth under striga infestation in Mali and Kenya

To estimate quantitative‐genetic parameters of sorghum for resistance to the hemi‐parasitic weed striga [Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth.] and for agronomic traits, 36 diallel F₂ populations and their nine parental lines were evaluated under severe striga infestation at two locations each in Mali and Kenya. Location means for grain yield ranged from 132 to 254 g/m². F₂ populations outyielded lines on average by 18%. For striga emergence traits, F₂ heterosis values ranged from ‐36% to 232% among populations. Genetic and genotype x environment interaction variances of lines and F₂s were highly significant for all traits. Broad‐sense heritabilities for areas under striga severity progress curves and grain yield were 0.83 and 0.90 in lines, and 0.81 and 0.89 in F₂s, respectively. General and specific combining ability, and their interaction effects with locations were significant for most traits. F₂ superiority for grain yield under striga infestation demonstrates the potential merit of heterozygous cultivars in the target areas. Significant genotype x environment interaction entails multilocational testing to identify stable resistance. A combination of resistance with striga tolerance is recommended to breeders.     

外源硒对高粱产量、籽粒硒含量及品质的影响

在高粱关键生育期叶面喷施不同剂量Na₂SeO₃,研究外源硒对高粱产量、品质及籽粒硒含量的影响,明确施用外源硒的最佳剂量和最适宜时期,同时为研究硒对高粱生理方面的影响及富硒高粱的生产提供理论依据。以糯高粱品种晋糯3号为材料,采用随机区组试验,设置0（CK）、40（T1）、80（T2）、120（T3）和160mg/kg Na₂SeO₃（T4）5个供硒水平,分别在苗期、拔节期和挑旗期进行叶面外源硒喷施,研究不同时期、不同剂量供硒条件下高粱产量、品质及籽粒硒含量的变化规律。结果表明,施用外源硒一定程度上可以提高高粱籽粒硒含量,不同时期喷施外源硒对高粱籽粒硒含量的影响为挑旗期>拔节期>苗期。在人体吸收硒的安全摄入范围内,挑旗期T2施硒剂量下,晋糯3号籽粒硒含量2年平均为0.295mg/kg,比CK平均提高83.5%。叶面喷施硒对提高高粱籽粒粗蛋白和粗淀粉含量有促进作用,喷施时期对高粱品质的影响为挑旗期>拔节期>苗期>CK。挑旗期T2处理的籽粒粗蛋白和粗淀粉含量最高,分别比CK提高11.25%和1.40%。叶面喷施合适剂量的Na₂SeO₃能够明显提高高粱籽粒硒含量,改善高粱籽粒营养品质,对高粱增产有一定促进作用。综合所述,挑旗期是高粱富硒的最佳喷施时期,最适宜的叶面施硒（Na₂SeO₃）剂量为80mg/kg。     

热带糯质高粱种质选育及改良利用

旨在分析热带糯质资源在高粱育种中的利用价值及对杂种优势的影响,以商丘市农林科学院自有种质作为研究对象,导入热带糯质资源,选育出稳定的不育系,并对所配组合的农艺性状进行方差及相关性分析。结果表明：‘M17A’所配组合的产量、穗粒重、单穗重等性状与其他组合比较均达到极显著水平,组合8的小区产量最高,为15.17 kg;穗部各性状与产量间的相关系数依次为穗粒重>单穗重>穗长>千粒重>轴长>着壳率>角质率,穗粒重与产量的相关系数为0.957,呈极显著正相关,说明在高粱高产育种中,应重点选择穗大、结实率高的种质;‘M17A’所配组合的淀粉含量与其他组合比较均达极显著水平,说明高粱淀粉含量受遗传基因控制。对于热带种质的利用应选择大穗型,角质率低的材料。     

Quantitative-genetic parameters of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] grown in semi-arid areas of Kenya

Low and erratic rainfall constitutes a major constraint to sorghum production, and impedes sorghum improvement in semi-arid tropics. To estimate quantitative-genetic parameters for sorghum under variable stress conditions, three sets of factorial crosses between four by four lines each were grown with parents and a local cultivar in eight macro-environments in semi-arid areas of Kenya. Fourteen traits were recorded including grain yield, above-ground drymatter, harvest index, days to anthesis, leaf rolling score, and stay-green. Environmental means for grain yield ranged from 167 to 595 g m-2. Mean hybrid superiority over mid-parent values was 47, 31, and 9% for grain yield, above-ground drymatter, and harvest index, respectively. Differences among both lines and hybrids were highly significant for all traits. Genotype × environment interaction variances were larger than genotypic variances for grain yield, above-ground drymatter, and harvest index. Corresponding heritabilities ranged between 0.72 and 0.84. Variation among hybrids was determined by GCA and SCA effects for most characters. Predominance of additive-genetic effects was found for grain yield components, plant height, and leaf rolling score. Lack of variation in GCA was noted among female lines for major performance traits. While low leaf rolling score was correlated with high grain yield, there was no such association for stay-green. Hybrid breeding could contribute to sorghum improvement for semi-arid areas of Kenya. To increase selection progress for major performance traits, genetic variation among female lines should be enhanced. Importance of genotype × environment interaction underlines the necessity of evaluating breeding materials under a broad range of dryland conditions.     

Interrelationships between cropping systems for pod and seed quality components and breeding implications in common bean

Breeding programmes in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) have mainly focused on performance under monoculture conditions. Interactions among cultivars and cropping systems do occur and genotypes bred for pure cropping may not be suitable for intercropping. This study was undertaken to obtain estimates of genetic parameters of quality traits for bush bean landraces grown in two cropping systems, and the interrelationships of these traits between pure cropping and intercropping with maize (Zea mays L.). Field experiments were conducted at two locations for two years. Expression of most traits was not strongly influenced by genotype × environment interactions. Heritability estimates were similar in both cropping systems for most pod and seed quality traits. Positive correlations were observed between pure cropping and intercropping for pod characters (weight, length, width and texture) and seed characters (dry and imbided weight, length, hardness, coat proportion, water absorption and crude protein). Use of a selection index is suggested for breeding for seed size, water absorption,coat proportion and crude protein for both cropping systems. However, larger gains would be expected in pure cropping for most traits. Bean accessions PHA-0267, PHA-0285, PHA-0286 and PHA-0299 should be used for developing acceptable culinary and high protein breeding lines for either cropping system. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Evaluation of Near Infra-red Reflectance Spectroscopy for Predicting Grain and Stover Quality Traits in Maize

The prediction of grain and stover quality parameters in maize {Zea mays L.) by near infra-red reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was studied. A total of 110 grain and 135 stover samples originating from different genotypes and environments were assayed. Calibration equations for content of crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), starch (ST), and water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) in grain were obtained by multiple linear regression of known manual values on NIRS data from the odd numbered samples. Calibrations for CP, acid detergent fibre (ADF), in vitro digestible organic matter according to the Tilley & Terry (IVDOM-T & T) and the gas production (IVDOM-Gp) method, respectively, and metabolizable energy (ME) in stover were developed analogously. Equations were validated with the evennumbered .samples and for ME additionally with the 1584 stover samples from an experiment with 66 F₁ hybrids tested in six environments. The coefficients of multiple determination (R²) of the prediction equations ranged from 0.80 for IVDOM-Gp and ME in stover to 0.94 for CP in grain. Standard errors of calibration (SEC) and prediction (SEP) were in most cases not higher than commonly reported for conventional manual assays. With regard to the correct ranking of hybrids, prediction equations for ME applied well to stover samples from other environments with one exception. We concluded that NIRS can evaluate the quality traits investigated to a similar degree to that of conventional methods of analysis. Since NIRS is simple and safe to operate and allows rapid screening of several quality traits simultaneously, it should be particularly attractive for breeding purposes.     

不同来源玉米自交系籽粒品质性状研究

为提供玉米育种品质改良的依据,研究了不同来源的211份玉米自交系籽粒品质性状间的差异及相关性。采用近红外光谱分析仪测定籽粒粗蛋白、粗脂肪、粗淀粉、赖氨酸含量4个籽粒品质性状,并在系统聚类分析的基础上进行了类群间各性状变异分析。结果表明,各性状不同自交系间、年份间、地点间、年份×自交系、自交系×年份×地点均存在显著或极显著差异;不同自交系间粗蛋白、粗脂肪和赖氨酸的含量存在明显差异,赖氨酸含量变异系数最大（22.77%）,粗淀粉含量变异系数相对较小（1.89%）;各品质间的相关性分析显示粗脂肪和粗蛋白、赖氨酸和粗蛋白、赖氨酸和粗脂肪含量间呈显著正相关,粗淀粉和粗蛋白、粗脂肪、赖氨酸含量间呈负相关;供试自交系可分为9类,其中类群G1~G5包含205个自交系,占97.16%,品质性状优良的自交系以类群G1、G2、G4和G5最多,与‘郑单958’和‘先玉335’两大杂交种的4个亲本自交系比较,本研究共选出32份籽粒品质优良自交系,为玉米自交系籽粒品质性状的改良提供参考。     

Improving sweet sorghum for enhanced juice traits and biomass

Sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) is a prospective bioethanol feedstock source. Four high-biomass and sweet sorghum male lines and three grain sorghum female lines were intercrossed using Design II mating. Parents and hybrids were evaluated to (a) identify genetic sources to improve biofuel traits, and (b) determine the inheritance of biofuel and morpho-agronomic traits. Total soluble sugars (TSS) per plant were determined using juice weight (JW) and Brix (°Bx). Plant height (PH), biomass (BM) and stalk diameter (SD) were also measured. Mean hybrid performance for PH, JW, TSS and BM was higher than the male parent means. Three male parents exhibited positive and significant general combining ability (GCA) for at least three traits. Among males, PI185672 showed the highest GCA for PH, °Bx and BM, while No. 08 exhibited the greatest GCA for JW and TSS. Most hybrids exhibited overdominance-driven high-parent heterosis for all traits except SD. Trait broad-sense heritability ranged from 0.71 (BM) to 0.93 (PH). Results revealed that biofuel traits could be substantially improved through breeding, which will contribute to enhanced bioethanol production.     

不同胚乳类型玉米籽粒淀粉粒的粒度分布特征

以超甜玉米(华威6号)、爆裂玉米(特爆2号)、糯玉米(西星黄糯6号)及普通玉米(郑单958)为材料,利用激光衍射粒度分析仪及投射电镜,分析其籽粒淀粉粒粒度分布特征。结果表明,玉米淀粉粒体积分布均为三峰曲线。粒径<2 μm淀粉粒所占的体积最小;>15 μm玉米淀粉粒所占体积较大(超甜2~15 μm淀粉粒体积占的比例最大)。淀粉粒平均粒径为糯>爆裂>普通>超甜。单粒重及总淀粉含量与>2 μm的淀粉粒体积百分比显著相关;其他籽粒品质与淀粉粒分布相关性不显著。普通及超甜玉米淀粉粒大多呈圆形,淀粉粒折叠的花纹多,普通玉米淀粉粒排布稀疏,脂滴含量较丰富,超甜淀粉粒分布非常松散,脂滴较少;爆裂玉米淀粉粒相互挤压成长条形或方形,淀粉粒折叠的花纹粗大,数量少,淀粉粒排布非常致密,脂滴含量非常丰富;糯玉米淀粉粒呈圆形或椭圆形,淀粉粒折叠成的花纹浅且少,淀粉粒分布致密,脂滴含量丰富。由扫描图片知,普通、超甜及糯玉米淀粉粒呈球形,普通玉米凹陷的淀粉粒数量少;糯玉米淀粉粒大小均匀,具凹陷的淀粉粒数量大;超甜玉米淀粉粒表面分布了许多网状结构,淀粉粒未见凹陷,淀粉粒及淀粉粒之间的填充物未充满整个细胞;爆裂玉米淀粉粒为多面体,有凹陷的淀粉粒极少。     

高产多抗玉米新品种隆玉五号的选育及栽培技术

陕西关中夏播玉米单产低而不稳,抗病性抗逆性降低,选育玉米新品种,应以多抗、广适、稳产、高产为育种目标。咸阳市农科所通过种质改良和系统选择,选育成功玉米杂交种隆玉五号。该品种夏播生育期95—98d。高抗大小斑病、穗粒腐病,抗茎腐病、弯孢叶斑病、黑粉病。籽粒含粗蛋白10.0%,淀粉71.0%,粗脂肪4.1%,赖氨酸0.258%,产量高、品质优良、抗病性好、抗倒伏、中早熟、适应性广,成熟时保绿性好。属于粮饲兼用型玉米杂交种。     

酿酒糯高梁亲本系籽粒淀粉含量及其组份的配合力分析

用45 A等4个糯高粱不育系与泸恢1等5个糯高梁恢复系按Griffing方法Ⅱ组配成20份组合,估算了糯高梁籽粒总淀粉含量、支链淀粉含量和直链淀粉含量的配合力.结果表明,同一亲本不同品质性状的配合力不同,同一品质性状不同亲本的配合力也不同.在酿酒品质性状的杂种优势利用上,选育优质酿酒高粱组合应选择总淀粉含量及支链淀粉含量一般配合力高的亲本.     

Screening of Ethiopian sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) landraces for their performance under Striga hermonthica ‐infested conditions

Striga hermonthica is a major constraint to sorghum production and productivity in sub‐Saharan Africa, Ethiopia, in particular. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance of 49 sorghum genotypes based on their reaction to S. hermonthica and investigate the relationships among yield and Striga resistance traits, including the Striga emergence count, area under Striga number progress curve, area under Striga severity progress curve, grain yield under infested, grain yield under non‐infested conditions and relative yield loss. The genotypes differed significantly in all measured parameters under Striga‐infested and non‐infested conditions. The genotypes ‘Birhan’, ‘Gubiye’, Wolegie, Zegerie, Nechmashila I, Woftel, Tetron and Eyssa were identified as promising ones based on grain yield and Striga‐related traits. On the other hand, the genotypes Jamyo, Bobie, Gedido, Mankebar and Zengada had moderate Striga numbers with low relative yield loss as compared with susceptible checks. The most promising variety, Zegerie, Mankebar and Zengada, out yielded the standard resistant checks ‘Birhan’ and ‘Gubiye’ under Striga infestation. Ward cluster analysis grouped the 49 sorghum genotypes in to four distinct clusters under Striga‐infested conditions. All members of clusters II and III showed the highest yielding group with the lowest to moderate Striga number, while cluster IV supported the lowest yield with the highest Striga number. Significant negative correlations were observed between yield‐ and Striga‐related traits. Highly significant and strong correlations were observed among Striga resistance indices, indicating that any of the Striga resistance parameters can be used as an indicator of resistance. The wide variations in grain yield among genotypes under Striga‐infested conditions would be invaluable genetic resources for production in Striga endemic areas of Ethiopia.     

普通×爆裂玉米RILs群体籽粒不同发育时期品质性状及其相关分析

利用普通玉米自交系丹232与爆裂玉米自交系N04为亲本构建的重组近交系(RILs) 群体为材料,对籽粒不同发育时期的粗蛋白、粗淀粉、粗脂肪和赖氨酸4个品质性状分析结果表明：RILs群体各时期4个品质性状均存在明显的超亲分离;亲本、F1及RILs群体的粗蛋白、粗脂肪及赖氨酸含量从10 DAP至30 DAP持续下降,至灌浆后期又表现不同程度的升高,而粗淀粉含量在整个发育时期持续增加。除粗蛋白的10 DAP与40 DAP间、粗脂肪的10 DAP与30 DAP间不相关外,其余各性状在不同发育时期均表现为显著或极显著正相关。粗淀粉与粗蛋白、粗脂肪及赖氨酸在4个时期表现为极显著负相关,其余性状间均表现为极显著正相关。     

Genetic diversity in pod and seed quality traits of common bean populations from northwestern Spain

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an important food in the northwest of Spain where it is consumed as either green pods or dry seeds after cooking. Quality properties play a major role in cultivar acceptance by processors and consumers. To determine if sufficient variation in important culinary and nutritional traits exists within common bean, fifty-nine populations (plus five commercial cultivars) were grown in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula in three different environments and evaluated for sixteen fresh pod and dry seed quality traits. Populations showed significant differences for pod curvature, length/width and width/thickness ratios of pod and seed, pod and seed texture, volume, hardness, seed coat percentage and water absorption of seed, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, toal sugars and starch content. Genotype × environment interaction was significant for fresh pod traits such as curvature, length/width and width/thickness ratios, and texture, and for dry seed traits such as length/width and width/thickness ratios, volume, hardness and water absorption. Estimates of heritabilities and constancies (genotypic/environmental variance) were higher than 0.5 and 1.0 respectively for pod curvature, length/width and width/thickness ratios of pod and seed, seed volume and seed water absorption. There were high correlations of pod texture with seed length/width and width-thickness ratios, seed coat percentage, seed water absorption, crude fat, total sugars, starch content and crude fiber. Pod texture could be used as an important parameter for evaluating both seed culinary and nutritional quality. In addition, 17 populations showed promise as parental material in a breeding program for pod and seed culinary quality and protein content. The culinary and nutritional quality potential of the accessions such as PHA-0171, PHA-0253 and PHA-0257 which are known as Alubias de riñón could be the base material in a breeding program to obtain accessions with a good seed quality.