Estimation of diversity among faba bean accessions based on agro-morphological attributes using multivariate analysis approach

Faba bean is an important grain legume crop worldwide, and the use of plant genetic breeding resources can help develop high-yield and stress-tolerant plant genotypes. In order to attain optimal outcomes, breeding programs must collaborate with a substantial range of genetic variations. In this study, we evaluated the genetic diversity of 144 faba bean accessions collected from different parts of the world and grown under Saudi Arabian conditions, based on agro-morphological characteristics. We recorded a wide range of variability for all the qualitative characters, except growth habit (determinate 1.3%; indeterminate 98.7%) and pod shattering (non-shattering 99.4%; shattering 0.6%). We found a high level of diversity in qualitative characteristics, including leaflet size, stipule spot pigmentation, flower ground color, the intensity of streak, wing petal colors, pod colors, pod angle, hilum color, pod shattering, ground color of testa and seed shape in the tested faba bean accessions. Based on agro-morphological characteristics, the genotypes were identified as significant for traits including average seed weight, number of branches from the basal node, plant height, pod length, seed weight per plant, number of seeds per pod, seeds per plant, pods per plant, and 100-seed weight. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the highest (95.32%) diversity came from three PCs, and the dendrogram analysis divided faba bean accessions into 8 distinct groups based on their origin. The cluster study of the tested faba beans accessions was based on the origin as well as on the genetic history. The extent of variability and diversity observed in the tested faba bean accessions indicates their potential for use in the faba bean breeding program.