Breeding and genomics status in faba bean (Vicia faba)

Faba bean is an important legume crop because of its high‐yield potential and nutrition‐dense grains. There have been significant achievements in faba bean improvement in the last four decades, which led to the doubling of the global yield average. This study reviews the genetic diversity, the breeding methodologies, major achievement on biotic and abiotic traits, and the recent molecular approaches. The high genetic diversity among faba bean accessions has been useful for increasing yield potential of the crop. Substantial increase in yield potential can be gained through the development of cultivars in open pollinated conditions. In the past, many faba bean varieties that are tolerant to abiotic and biotic stresses were released worldwide. The average yield gains varied from 1.65% per year in Syria to 4.17% per year in Ethiopia. The recent advances in molecular technologies will be used to develop more coherent genetic maps, which would also facilitate assembling and ordering genomic scaffolds in a future genome‐sequencing effort and molecular‐breeding approach.     

中国蚕豆种质资源ISSR标记遗传多样性分析

利用ISSR标记对中国18个省(区)的527份春播区和秋播区蚕豆资源的遗传多样性与亲缘关系进行分析。结果表明,11个ISSR引物共扩增出278条清晰的条带,其中多态性条带268条(占96%)。不同地理来源蚕豆资源群间的基因多样性指数在0.1267~0.2509之间,平均为0.1716;Shannon指数范围为0.1932~0.3767,平均为0.2608。两指数均以内蒙古资源群最高,云南和甘肃资源群次之,江西资源群体最低。非加权配对算术平均法(UPGMA)的聚类分析和二维主成分分析(PCA)结果表明,中国春播区和秋播区蚕豆资源明显不同,浙江和四川的资源形成独立的组群,明显不同于其他省份,其遗传背景独特,有待进一步研究。中国蚕豆种质资源遗传多样性差异和遗传关系与其生长习性、生态分布及地理来源密切相关。     

Density enhancement of a faba bean genetic linkage map (Vicia faba) based on simple sequence repeats markers

Genetic mapping for faba bean lags far behind other major crops. Density enhancement of the faba bean genetic linkage map was carried out by screening 5,325 genomic SSR primers and 2033 expressed sequence tag (EST)‐SSR primers on the parental cultivars '91825' and 'K1563'. Two hundred and fifteen genomic SSR and 133 EST‐SSR primer pairs that detected polymorphisms in the parents were used to screen 129 F₂ individuals. This study added 337 more SSR markers and extended the previous linkage map by 2928.45 cM to a total of 4516.75 cM. The number of SSR markers in the linkage groups varied from 12 to 136 while the length of each linkage group ranged from 129.35 to 1180.21 cM. The average distance between adjacent loci in the enhanced genetic linkage map was 9.71 cM, which is 2.79 cM shorter than the first linkage map of faba bean. The density‐enhanced genetic map of faba bean will be useful for marker‐assisted selection and breeding in this important legume crop.     

水稻蚕豆轮作条件下长期定位施肥制度对作物产量的影响

为了解水稻蚕豆轮作条件下,不同施肥制度对作物产量的影响,在云南省通海县碧溪村通过15年的定位施肥田间小区试验,研究了4种施肥制度对水稻和蚕豆的增产效应和稳产性能。结果表明：不同施肥制度对作物产量有明显的影响,水稻平均产量OM＋NPK〉NPK〉OM〉CK,蚕豆平均产量OM＋NPK〉OM〉NPK〉CK;农家肥和化肥配施（OM＋NPK）、氮磷钾配施（NPK）和只施用农家肥（OM）3种施肥结构对水稻产量的贡献率分别为35.37%,33.12%和30.76%,对蚕豆产量的贡献率分别为42.79%,38.14%和39.47%;农家肥化肥配施有利于水稻蚕豆轮作体系作物高产、稳产,农家肥完全替代化肥时水稻产量有一定的减少,但后茬蚕豆产量有所提高;从蚕豆实际产量分析,只在前茬水稻进行施肥不能满足后茬蚕豆正常生长发育的需要,要实现蚕豆高产、稳产需要适当施用磷、钾肥及微量元素。     

Genetic linkage map of Chinese native variety faba bean (Vicia faba L.) based on simple sequence repeat markers

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker is a powerful tool for construction of genetic linkage map which can be applied for quantitative trait loci (QTL) and marker‐assisted selection (MAS). In this study, a genetic map of faba bean was constructed with SSR markers using a 129 F₂ individuals population derived from the cross of Chinese native variety 91825 (large seed) and K1563 (small seed). By screening 11 551 SSR primers between two parents, 149 primer pairs were detected polymorphic and used for F₂ population analysis. This SSR‐based genetic linkage map consisted of 15 linkage groups with 128 SSR. The map encompassed 1587 cM with an average genetic distance of 12.4 cM. The genetic map generated in this study will be beneficial for genetic studies of faba bean for identification of marker‐locus‐trait associations as well as comparative mapping among faba bean, pea and grasspea.     

Competition between Canada Thistle [Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop.] and Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.)

This study was conducted to investigate whether density, above-ground biomass and nitrogen (N) concentration of Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. cause serious reductions in faba bean ( Vicia faba L.) yield. A 2-year field experiment (1991–93) with four Cirsium densities (0, 4, 16, 64 plants m^–2) was carried out. Statistical analysis showed a significant effect of Cirsium density on faba bean yield. Multiple regression analysis showed that the main factors causing faba bean yield losses were the density and above-ground biomass of Cirsium . The results of this study demonstrate that Cirsium competition reduces faba bean yield. The mean faba bean yield losses over the 2 years were 10, 12 and 8% for above-ground biomass, seed and stem, respectively, for a Cirsium density of 16 plants m^–2.     

Development of EST-SSR markers and construction of a linkage map in faba bean (Vicia faba)

To develop a high density linkage map in faba bean, a total of 1,363 FBES (Faba bean expressed sequence tag [EST]-derived simple sequence repeat [SSR]) markers were designed based on 5,090 non-redundant ESTs developed in this study. A total of 109 plants of a ‘Nubaria 2’ × ‘Misr 3’ F₂ mapping population were used for map construction. Because the parents were not pure homozygous lines, the 109 F₂ plants were divided into three subpopulations according to the original F₁ plants. Linkage groups (LGs) generated in each subpopulation were integrated by commonly mapped markers. The integrated ‘Nubaria 2’ × ‘Misr 3’ map consisted of six LGs, representing a total length of 684.7 cM, with 552 loci. Of the mapped loci, 47% were generated from multi-loci diagnostic (MLD) markers. Alignment of homologous sequence pairs along each linkage group revealed obvious syntenic relationships between LGs in faba bean and the genomes of two model legumes, Lotus japonicus and Medicago truncatula. In a polymorphic analysis with ten Egyptian faba bean varieties, 78.9% (384/487) of the FBES markers showed polymorphisms. Along with the EST-SSR markers, the dense map developed in this study is expected to accelerate marker assisted breeding in faba bean.     

Single gene mutation for green cotyledons as a marker for the embryonic genotype in faba bean, Vicia faba

A new spontaneous mutation is described in faba bean, Vicia faba L., characterized by a marked green colour in the entire cotyledon tissues of the mature seeds, while the wild phenotype is yellow. This seed character reflects the embryonic genotype and is determined by a single recessive allele named i1-1. It is distinct from the y gene, which codes for green testa. As is the case for gene y, the gene i1-1 displays no epistatic effects with the zero-tannin genes zt1 and zt2 which influence seed and flower colour in faba bean. In this allogamous species, such a mutation is a useful tool in cross-fertilization studies.     

国内外蚕豆核心种质SSR遗传多样性对比及微核心种质构建

运用24对SSR引物, 对国内外1075份初级地理蚕豆核心种质的遗传多样性分析显示, 等位变异数、有效等位变异数及Shannon’s信息指数分别为8.54、2.26和1.02;对全部参试资源进行聚类分析, 没有发现明显的群体结构, 表明初级地理核心种质的代表性较好, 遗传背景较广泛。之后采用每个类内随机抽样的方法构建含有129份国内资源和63份国外资源的蚕豆微核心种质, 等位基因变异数、有效等位变异数和Shannon’s信息指数的保留比例分别为87.32%, 101.26%, 101.82%;经t检验得出微核心种质与全部参试资源群体间遗传多样性差异不显著, 表明构建的微核心种质的遗传多样性可以代表初级地理蚕豆核心种质。     

Shortening the generation cycle in faba bean (Vicia faba) by application of cytokinin and cold stress to assist speed breeding

The aim of this study was to reduce the length of the breeding cycle for faba bean by accelerating seed setting. We examined the mode and time of exogenous 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) (cytokinin) application, and cold treatments and their combinations in two faba bean genotypes. Acropetal node number of pod and seed set and pollen viability were recorded during the experiments. Application of BAP improved pollen germination. The application of 10^–5 M BAP 4 days after flowering increased seed set at the lower nodes. Cold treatment (8/4°C day/night for 2 days) after the onset of flowering induced the formation of more pods and faster pod set compared to the non-cold treatment. The time to first seed was significantly reduced, and pollen viability was increased in plants exposed to cold treatment. Increased pollen viability also showed a significant positive correlation with seed setting. The combinations of 10^–5 BAP and cold treatment together had similar and independent effects. These results will accelerate plant breeding in faba bean by providing additional tools for reducing generation time.     

Physiological and Molecular Characterization of Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) Genotypes for Adaptation to Drought Stress

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is one of the most important and drought sensitive grain legumes. Drought stress is thus one of major constraints in global faba bean production. In this study, twenty local and exotic faba bean genotypes were characterized on physiological and molecular basis. Seeds of faba bean genotypes (six per pot) were sown in poly venyl chloride pots. After seedling emergence, soil moisture was maintained at 100%, 50% and 25% of field capacity designated as well watered, moderate drought and severe drought, respectively. Drought stress significantly influenced the leaf area, leaf temperature, stomatal conductance, relative leaf water contents, grain yield and water‐use efficiency. Faba bean genotypes also differed for the leaf area, leaf temperature, relative leaf water contents, grain yield and water‐use efficiency. Faba bean genotypes Kamline and L.4 were better equipped to curtail water loss, maintain tissue water status, produce stable grain yield and had better water‐use efficiency under mild and severe drought stress, and may be used in breeding programmes. Amplified fragment length polymorphism markers showed high potential in detecting polymorphism and estimating genetic diversity among faba bean genotypes. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean cluster analysis of the genotypes illustrated considerable association between molecular diversity, genetic background and geographic origin. In crux, high polymorphic rate and polymorphism information content values, together with the low genetic similarity observed among tested genotypes suggests a high level of heterogeneity, which may be used in breeding programmes to assemble different drought tolerance mechanisms in one genotype.     

蚕豆异交率相关因素研究及应用进展

蚕豆是常异花授粉作物,异交率一般为20%~30%,最高可达84%。媒介昆虫、气候条件、地理因素、种植密度、品种基因型、花序的小花数量及小花结构特点、田间环境等都对异交率产生影响,媒介昆虫是异交发生的主要途径。异交会导致种质一致性的丧失,给资源的保存利用、品种繁育和应用基础研究等带来一定阻碍,但同时异交又是群体遗传多样性保障和杂种优势利用的重要条件。本文从异交率、异交媒介、异交影响因素及异交率的应用研究4个方面总结蚕豆异交率研究和应用情况,并对今后研究方向进行展望。     

Significance of Seed Source on Grain Yield in Faba Beans (Vida faba L.) and Dry Peas (Pisum sativum L.)

In order to investigate the significance of seed source on yield and related characters 47 seed lots of seven faba bean varieties and 24 seed lots of five dry pea varieties were tested in three series of field trials. The grain yield of the faba bean varieties tested was considerably modified by seed source, whereas only small and nonsignificant effects of seed source were found in dry peas. In general, seed sources with a high thousand grain weight, a high protein content, high portions of undamaged and healthy seeds, and in faba beans a high degree of cross-fertilization exhibited superior grain yields. Production of high-performance seed proved to be the most difficult for the large-seeded and white-flowered faba bean varieties. Based on a tabular summary on factors affecting effects of seed source problems of seed production in both grain legumes and their impact on yield are discussed.     

Simulation of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) growth and development under Mediterranean conditions: Model adaptation and evaluation

This study reports the adaptation of a simple and mechanistic crop growth model for faba bean (FAGS) to growing conditions in the Mediterranean region. The FAGS model was originally developed for small-seeded cultivars grown in the temperate zone under non-limiting water and nutrient conditions. In order to account for the effect of drought stress on faba bean growth, a submodel for the simulation of soil water balance has been included in the FAGS model. The enhanced FAGS model was calibrated using data from field experiments with a large-seeded faba bean genotype (ILB 1814) conducted in 1993–1994 and 1994–1995 at ICARDA's Tel Hadya research station in northern Syria. In both seasons, crops were sown on two dates under different water supply levels. The model was capable of predicting the faba bean phenology, leaf area development, biomass production, and grain yield as well as the soil water extraction using daily climatic data, genotype-specific parameters, and soil physical properties. The calibrated faba bean model was tested against independent experimental data from the 1991–1992 and 1992–1993 growing seasons at Tel Hadya and was able to satisfactorily predict grain yield of crops grown under different drought intensities. Limitations of the model and aspects requiring better understanding to improve model predictions are discussed.     

Competition,growth and yield of faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

This paper reviews current knowledge regarding the influence of plant density on the growth and yield of the faba bean crop (Vicia faba L.). An analysis is also made of sowing rate and other factors that may modify optimum plant density, including environmental conditions; in this sense, should be made a differentiation between faba crops grown in temperate conditions and those grown in Mediterranean and semi-arid conditions. The genotype also prompts variations in optimum plant density, depending on the botanical type (mayor, equina or minor) and the growth habit (determinate versus indeterminate) of the cultivar selected. Sowing date also influences optimum seeding rate, which is lower for autumn–winter sowing under temperate and Mediterranean conditions and increases as the sowing date is delayed. For the spring-sown crops typical of temperate conditions, optimum plant density will be higher due to the shorter growing season. With a longer growing season and under optimum environmental conditions, there is normally no additional response to densities over 20 plants m⁻², while in suboptimal conditions, optimum plant density may increase to over 60 plants m⁻². Although the faba bean crop displays considerable plasticity in response to variations in plant density, mainly with regard to number of pods per square meter, it is not wholly clear to which component of yield this should really be ascribed. Number of stems per plant appears to be the most influential factor, although further research is required to confirm this.     

Simulation of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) root system development under Mediterranean conditions

Root growth of faba bean genotype ILB 1814 grown under both limited and sufficient moisture supply was studied in 1993–1994 and 1994–1995 at ICARDA's Tel Hadya research station. Crops were sown on two dates in both growing seasons. Root-length density (RLD) and root dry weight were measured at four depths in three locations relative to the crop row. In general, RLD decreased considerably with depth, and by the start of pod-filling, around 60% of the roots were found in the top 15 cm of soil. In the upper 30 cm soil profile, the RLDs of drought-stressed faba beans were significantly lower than those measured beneath well-watered crops. In the deeper soil layers, the RLDs were similar in both moisture supply treatments. An existing root model was employed for the simulation of faba bean root growth. The model estimates the depth of rooting and RLD in each soil layer based on dry matter allocation to the root system, soil layer water contents, genotype-specific rooting characteristics, and soil physical properties. A faba bean growth model provided daily allocation of dry matter to roots as well as soil layer water contents. Overall, with a few modifications, the root model was capable of predicting the RLD of faba bean grown both under limited and sufficient water supply realistically. Limitations of the model and some aspects that need further improvement are discussed.     

Increasing pre‐acclimation temperature reduces the freezing tolerance of winter‐type faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

Autumn‐sown winter‐type faba bean (Vicia faba L.) has been shown to have a yield advantage over spring sowing. Still, adoption of this overwintered pulse crop remains limited in temperate locations, due to inadequate winter hardiness. This research sought to understand how the prevailing temperature during emergence and seedling development, that is pre‐acclimation, influences freezing tolerance. Seedlings grown under a controlled “warm” 17/12°C (day/night) pre‐acclimation environment were initially less freezing tolerant than those grown under a “cold” 12/5°C temperature treatment. Stem and particularly root tissues were primarily responsible for slower cold acclimation, and there was a genotype specific response of above‐ground tissues to pre‐acclimation treatment. Both above and below‐ground tissues should be tested across a range of pre‐acclimation temperatures when screening faba bean germplasm for freezing tolerance.     

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in faba bean: new loci from Orobanche-resistant cultivar 'Giza 402'

Genomic DNA from an inbred line from the Orobanche crenata resistant cultivar 'Giza 402' was restricted and enriched for AG-containing simple sequence repeats (SSRs). The overall SSR enrichment rate was 54.6%. Of 73 selected SSR markers that successfully amplified in 'Giza 402' 54 were polymorphic among a group of 10 Egyptian and Spanish faba bean genotypes extensively used in Orobanche crenata resistance/susceptibility studies and linkage map development. The polymorphism information content ranged from 0.16 to 0.72 and Unweighted Pair-Group Method using Arithmetic averages cluster analysis based on these loci placed all resistant genotypes descended from the parental line F 402 in the same group. Successful amplification from 28 primer pairs was also observed in five European faba bean genotypes. The SSR loci described here will be extremely useful in studies focusing on Orobanche crenata resistance, genetic diversity studies and will provide additional co-dominant loci to complement existing faba bean linkage maps based primarily on dominant markers.     

Integrating genotype,fungicide, and spray schedule reduced gall (Physoderma) disease progression and enhanced grain yield in faba bean

Journal of Crop Science and Biotechnology - Faba bean is a cool season food legume crop. However, productivity of the crop is constrained by faba bean gall (FBG), which is an emerging disease that...     

QTL detection for flowering time in faba bean and the responses to ambient temperature and photoperiod

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a grain legume primarily used for animal feed and human food grown in a range of environments, globally. Time of flowering in faba bean is critical for adaptation to specific environments and is controlled largely by factors such as ambient temperature and photoperiod. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic control of flowering time and the responses of flowering time to ambient temperature and photoperiod in faba bean. A bi-parental recombinant inbred line population (Icarus × Ascot) was evaluated over three years in field trials and three different controlled environments with varying temperatures and photoperiods. QTL analysis identified eight regions of co-localised QTLs associated with days to flowering, thermal time to flowering and node of first flower; on Chr-I.A/III/V, Chr-I.B.3, Chr-III.1, Chr-III.2, Chr-V.1 and Chr-V.2. Two of the detected regions are common with previously detected QTLs, up to two more are possibly common and the remaining four appear to be novel. For the first time, the associations of these QTLs with ambient temperature and photoperiod response were described. Candidate genes for some of the QTLs were identified using the associations with ambient temperature and photoperiod response together with knowledge extended from other legumes that have a syntenic relationship with faba bean.