Nondestructive and Rapid Leaf Measurements for Use as Selection Criteria in Vicia faba L.*

Four Vicia faba F₂ populations were studied to identify leaf characters that can be scored precisely at low cost and cause minimal disturbance to the plant during the leaf scoring in a selection program to change leaf canopy architecture. From correlation and biometrical analyses, involving eight measurements of leaflet and rachis characters, it was ascertained that the area index (length × width) of the first basal leaflet and the total rachis length of the leaf on the 5th flowering node, were the most informative, rapidly, and nondestructively determined leaf characters serving- the above-men tinned requirements.