Ex situ evaluation of seed quality and bruchid resistance in Greek accessions of red pea (Lathyrus cicera L.)

Red pea ( Lathyrus cicera L.), one of the early domesticated and cultivated grain legumes in the world, today is heavily neglected and/or underutilized despite that its seeds are rich source of protein and minerals. The antinutritional factor β-ODAP contained in seeds and pests like seed weevils ( Bruchus spp.) can be causes for its limited use. The aim of the present work was the ex situ evaluation of seed traits contributing to bruchid resistance including endoparasitism by Triaspis thoracicus . Eight L . cicera accessions (one cultivar and seven wild populations) were tested for two growing seasons under rain-fed, Mediterranean conditions. β-ODAP concentration in seeds was higher than previous reports even for the released cultivar (cv. Rodos) tested. The seeds were rich in protein and metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn), especially in Fe, with cv. Rodos to have the lowest protein but the highest Fe concentrations. Accessions differed in resistance to bruchids (percentage of bruchid-damaged seeds; BD) and the percentage of damaged seeds by Triaspis thoracicus (PD). Interestingly, cv. Rodos was the most resistant to bruchids. Bruchid infestation level (BD + PD) was positively correlated with β-ODAP content per seed (ODAP C ). In accordance, PD was also correlated with ODAP C and protein content per seed indicating a preference of both bruchids and parasitoids for seeds offering plenty of nitrogenous compounds. Parasitoids preferred the large (high 1000-seed weight) and soft seeds. The negative association between seed Fe concentration and PD was an indication of putative toxic effects of Fe on parasitoids. Testa color, measured in L * a * b * scale, showed that accessions with higher L * (lightness) had lower BD while seeds shifting to red (higher a *) were better hosts for parasitoids (higher PD).