Agronomic characteristics related to grain yield and crude protein content in common vetch (Vicia sativa) accessions of diverse geographic origin

Abstract

We analysed the grain yield and quality in common vetch accessions to assess their breeding potential. A small-plot trial was carried out in 2005 and 2006 at the experimental field of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops at Rimski Sanevi. 14 accessions, of diverse geographic origin and status, from the Novi Sad Vicia collection were tested. The highest grain yield was in accession VIC 006 (2205 kg ha(-1)), while the highest grain dry matter crude protein was in accession Topaze (329 g kg(-1)). Significant positive correlations were found between the time from sowing to harvest and grain dry matter crude protein content (r(gxy) = 0.754). A cluster analysis of the tested common vetch accessions showed four main groups that are assumed to correlate with geographic and biological origin. The variability measured offers a basis for developing novel common vetch cultivars that could increase the use of this crop among the farmers in Serbia and the Balkans.