Validation of quantitative trait loci for height-related traits in faba bean

Abstract

Most faba bean genotypes show indeterminate growth habit. These genotypes may become very tall when water is available. Indeed faba bean crops may grow to a height of 2 m at maturity although faba bean crops are not usually that tall. Excessive plant height (PH) may result in plant lodging. Besides, the crop may result in poor pod set due to predominant vegetative growth, uneven maturity. Accordingly shorter genotypes are imp ortant in faba bean breeding. Other height-related traits are also important. The height of the lower flower (HLF) and the height of the lower pod (HLP) are important agronomic traits. Pods located near ground may remain unharvested and they may be more af fected by disease incidence. Previous studies in our group identified preliminary quantitative trait loci (QTL) for these traits in the population derived from the cross VF6 x Vf27. In this work we have validated QTL for PH, HLP and HLF at field conditions. Besides, the role of candidate genes for height-related traits in model species was investigated in relation with these QTL.