Lathyrus Genetic Resources Network
Proceedings of a IPGRI-ICARDA-ICAR Regional Working Group Meeting
8-10 December 1997
New Delhi, India
P.N. Mathur, V. Ramanatha Rao and R.K. Arora, editors
The International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) is an autonomous international
scientific organization, supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural
Research (CGIAR). IPGRI’s mandate is to advance the conservation and use of plant
genetic resources for the benefit of present and future generations. IPGRI’s headquarters
is based in Rome, Italy, with offices in another 14 countries worldwide. It operates through
three programmes: (1) the Plant Genetic Resources Programme, (2) the CGIAR Genetic
Resources Support Programme, and (3) the International Network for the Improvement
of Banana and Plantain (INIBAP). The international status of IPGRI is conferred under
an Establishment Agreement which, by January 1998, had been signed and ratified by the
Governments of Algeria, Australia, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon,
Chile, China, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador,
Egypt, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kenya,
Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania,
Russia, Senegal, Slovak Republic, Sudan, Switzerland, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda
and Ukraine.
Financial support for the Research Agenda of IPGRI is provided by the Governments
of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, F.Y. Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea,
Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway,
Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, the UK, the USA and by the Asian
Development Bank, Common Fund for Commodities, Technical Centre for Agricultural
and Rural Cooperation (CTA), European Union, Food and Agriculture Organization of
the United Nations (FAO), International Development Research Centre (IDRC),
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), International Association for
the promotion of cooperation with scientists from the New Independent States of the
former Soviet Union (INTAS), Interamerican Development Bank, United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and
the World Bank.
The geographical designations employed and the presentation of material in this
publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IPGRI
or the CGIAR concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or its
authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Similarly, the
views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of these
participating organizations.
Citation:
Mathur, P.N., V. Ramanatha Rao and R.K. Arora, editors. 1998. Lathyrus Genetic Resources
Network: Proceedings of a IPGRI-ICARDA-ICAR Regional Working Group Meeting, 8-10
December 1997, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi. IPGRI Office for
South Asia, New Delhi, India.
ISBN-92-9043-394-9
IPGRI-Office for South Asia
c/o National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa Campus, New Delhi-110 012,
India
' International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, 1998
ii LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Contents
Foreword iv
Preface vi
Summary and conclusions viii
Papers presented
Genetic resources of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.)
in Bangladesh
M.A. Malek 1
Status of Lathyrus genetic resources in India
R.L. Pandey, R.N. Sharma and M.W. Chitale 7
Need for a crop network on Lathyrus genetic resources for
conservation and use
P.L. Gautam, I.P. Singh and J.L. Karihaloo 15
Status of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) genetic resources
in Nepal
M. Joshi 22
Status of Lathyrus germplasm held at ICARDA and its
use in breeding programmes
L.D. Robertson and A.M.A. El-Moneim 30
Introduction, evaluation and utilization of Lathyrus
germplasm in Australia
K.H.M. Siddique and C.D. Hanbury 42
International collaboration on Lathyrus genepool
conservation and use
S. Padulosi and Y. Adham 46
Databases and information networking for Lathyrus
genetic resources
P.N. Mathur 52
Utilization of Lathyrus
J. Kumar 57
Biochemistry of the Lathyrus toxins
F. Lambein, B. Chowdhury and Yu-Haey Kuo 60
Utilization of genetic resources in Lathyrus
A.N. Asthana and G.P. Dixit 64
Networking for collaborative research and technology
exchange in Lathyrus
C.L.L. Gowda and J. Kumar 71
Performance of low ODAP somaclones of Lathyrus sativus
I.M. Santha, K. Ali and S.L. Mehta 74
Technical programme 79
List of participants 81
Acronyms 84
CONTENTS          iii
Foreword
A relatively small number of crops are used to produce the bulk of the world’s food, fibre,
and other industrial products. A much larger number of crops are used by local people
for specific purposes, or important only in certain ecosystems. Such crops termed
neglected or underutilized, possess a great range of genetic diversity and may hold
potential both for improving the livelihood for local people where such crops are
adapted, and for improving the diversity, productivity and sustainability of agricultural
systems. Neglected and underutilized crops’ have received relatively less attention in
national or international priorities. IPGRI has recognized the potential importance of
such crops, and in partnership with others around the world, has undertaken a series of
activities to understand and promote the role of such crops in helping to achieve food
security and agricultural sustainability through local peoples’ maintenance of diversity
and in realizing their potential for improvement. In Asia, the Pacific and Oceania region,
IPGRI has given priority to work on a limited number of such crops including safflower,
sesame, buckwheat, Lathyrus, taro, minor millets and minor legumes. As a result, a
number of networks have been initiated to effectively conserve and utilize the diversity
of these crops.
The potential of Lathyrus sativus (Grass pea) as a nutritious pulse with high quality
grain and fodder, is well recognized in South Asia, Ethiopia and parts of Central, West
and North Asia, where other species of this genepool also occur. The local types are
tolerant to flood and drought conditions and possess unique adaptation as a post-rice
crop across much of South Asia. Other cultivated species of Lathyrus are L. ochrus and
L. cicera mainly grown in Central, West and North Africa as a fodder crop.
Interest in South Asia – India, Bangladesh and Nepal has been primarily to develop
low neurotoxin level types in grass pea possessing high yield so that these can be grown
as a pulse. In West Asia, there is interest to develop improved Lathyrus lines as a fodder
legume. These countries thus through concerted national efforts and collaboration with
international organizations including IDRC, in Canada; ICARDA, in Syria; and CLIMA,
in Australia have been able to produce varieties and develop a research programme
directed towards improvement of grass pea. IPGRI has assisted to catalyse these activities
by bringing such countries together to share their experiences and also develop a concern
on a collaborative approach through a regional network based on Lathyrus genetic
resources conservation and use. In 1995, IPGRI and Indira Gandhi Agriculture University
organized a Lathyrus genetic resources workshop in Raipur (India) wherein the
participating countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal from South Asia; Jordan and Turkey
from Central and West Asia; and international organizations including ICARDA, IPGRI,
CLIMA and ICRISAT) recommended that a Lathyrus Genetic Resources Network should
be considered. In this workshop, the status of Lathyrus genetic resources was reviewed
and a working group was proposed to follow-up on the suggested network activities.
These proceedings are the outcome of the first meeting of this Working Group. This
meeting, which took place at NBPGR, New Delhi in December 1997, reviewed progress,
reaffirmed the concern and interest of the participating countries in this crop and worked
out on the modalities of the Lathyrus Genetic Resources Network (LGRN) – its proposed
structure and functioning. It also reviewed the status of genetic resources activities since
the last meeting. These proceedings thus deal with the Lathyrus genetic resources and
improvement activities being carried out by different national programmes and the
recommendations that emerged from the three day deliberations of the Working Group.
iv LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Several activities have already been taken up as part of an important network.
The strengthening and support for priority research and development activities in
such low cost, informal networks, can be an effective mechanism for the promotion of
neglected and underutilized crops such as Lathyrus. It is felt that the establishment of a
Lathyrus Genetic Resources Network as proposed will help further promote and strengthen
and sustain activities on conservation and use of Lathyrus genepool. As a follow up of the
recommendations of this workshop, IPGRI will soon be publishing a Lathyrus Directory,
and also the Descriptor List for the use of participating scientists and other interested
partners.
We would like to thank Drs. V. Ramanatha Rao, R. K. Arora and P.N. Mathur for their
efforts to organize this workshop and produce these proceedings, and Dr. Stefano
Padulosi for providing needful assistance during the workshop.
George Ayad Kenneth W. Riley
Regional Director  Regional Director
IPGRI-Central and West Asia  IPGRI-Asia, The Pacific
and North Africa and Oceania
December, 1998
FOREWORD v
Preface
In South and West Asia, IPGRI has been promoting several activities on genetic resources
of underutilized crops important to Asia, namely buckwheat, safflower, Lathyrus, sesame,
taro, minor millets, and minor legumes. In most cases, the emphasis has been on the
development of low transaction cost networks to promote collaboration in the region. To
prioritize and organize activities on Lathyrus improvement, conservation and utilization
in a network mode, a regional workshop was organized jointly by IPGRI and ICAR in
December 1995 at the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur. This meeting was
important in many ways. It helped to develop a Lathyrus Genetic Resources Network
(LGRN) based on an assessment of the status of genetic resources of Lathyrus in the
region and to prioritize and organise collaborative activities by various participating
national programmes.
The proceedings of the 1995 workshop were widely circulated and the IPGRI South
Asia office coordinated several activities that were carried out within the frame work of
an informal network. IPGRI helped to keep links with participating countries and
international organizations and other countries/concerned partners, to develop
information base needed to produce a Directory on Lathyrus and in developing a
descriptor list for Lathyrus. Lathyrus improvement by using low ODAP lines was
emphasized for producing high nutritional grain quality grass pea particularly in
Bangladesh, India and Nepal. The value of cultivated and wild genepool of Lathyrus to
facilitate its exploitation as both grain and fodder crop was emphasized. Research on L.
ochrus and L. cicera, two other cultivated species was undertaken at ICARDA.
As a follow up on the recommendations of the Raipur Workshop, a Working Group
meeting was organized by IPGRI at NBPGR, New Delhi during December 1997. At this
meeting, the progress on Lathyrus genetic resources activities since the Raipur workshop
was presented (the proceedings include 13 papers on different aspects). At this meeting,
it was possible to re-ascertain the interest of the national programmes and international
organizations in this neglected crop, as well as the interest of the countries/partners to
work within a network on Lathyrus. The need to somewhat formalise the network was
recognised and agreed. The network was named Lathyrus Genetic Resources Network
(LGRN) and its structure and functioning worked out. The future programme was also
discussed and recommendations finalized. The envisaged network would span two
IPGRI Regions i.e. South Asia and CWANA and represents an example of strengthened
international collaboration through Crop Networks. WANANET, a network implemented
by IPGRI-CWANA has already identified Lathyrus as a regional priority.
The Coordinator, IPGRI South Asia Office will be the focal point for this network and
provide the interim Secretariat to the network. Among these activities, at present, priority
is assigned to the publication of a Directory on Lathyrus, and a Descriptors list. Both are
considered important in dissemination of information for use of partners. It was agreed
that the LGRN will promote conservation and enhancement of Lathyrus genetic resources
for increased production and facilitate germplasm exchange between member countries
as per their national policies, and promotes utilization through development of promising
cultivars with improved adaptation and nutritional qualities. Research thrust will be
through five Working Groups, namely  Genetic Diversity, Germplasm Enhancement and
Use, Nutritional Quality, Information Management and Training, and Socioeconomics.
The focal species of LGRN will be L. sativus, L. cicera, and L. ochrus.
While some work has been taken up by IPGRI-APO within its project on underutilized
crops, other activities such as on establishing international nurseries, toxicological and
vi LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
biotechnological work and participatory breeding and on-farm conservation, emphasis
on Lathyrus as a fodder crop will follow soon. Efforts to mobilise resources needed to
carry out the proposed activities  and to develop LGRN into a sustainable entity were
endorsed by the participants and all countries agreed to support the development of a
proposal by IPGRI for submission to a suitable donor. It was also suggested by participants
that in the year 2000, a larger global conference on Lathyrus genetic resources may be
organized in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to have much wider participation.
We are confident that these proceedings will generate more interest in Research &
Development of Lathyrus genetic resources, and promote further the conservation and
utilization of this underutilized but important genepool in Lathyrus growing areas of Asia
and Africa in particular.
P.N. Mathur
Associate Scientist, South Asia Associate Coordinator
IPGRI-South Asia
V. Ramanatha Rao
Senior Scientist (Genetic Diversity/Conservation)
IPGRI-Asia, the Pacific and Oceania
R.K. Arora
Consultant
IPGRI-South Asia
PREFACE vii
viii LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Summary and Conclusions
During the Regional Working Group Meeting on Lathryus Genetic Resources Network, the
participants agreed to establish the network formally. The group discussed the name, scope
of the network, objectives, membership, etc., and the following decisions were taken:
Name
Lathyrus Genetic Resources Network (LGRN)
Scope
The major emphasis will be on L. sativus, with some attention given to the two other most
important species, viz., L. cicera and L. ochrus. The rest of the species will be included for
the purpose of documentation and for use in other activities including genetic diversity
studies/resistance breeding etc.
Objective
Conservation and enhancement of Lathyrus genetic resources for increased production and
promotion of germplasm exchange between member countries per their national policies
and priorities and utilization by developing cultivars with improved adaptation and
nutritional qualities.
Membership
Membership is open to all countries with interest in Lathyrus genetic resources conservation
and/or use and includes people from different discipline and backgrounds including
biotechnologists, medical, etc., and from formal and informal sectors.
Structure
The following is a tentative structure agreed and details will have to be filled in later on
when actual network gets organised:
Secretariat – IPGRI South Asia Office, New Delhi, India
Coordinator – Dr. R.K. Arora (Interim)
Country Coordinators:
Bangladesh Dr. M.A. Malek
India Dr. A.N. Asthana
Nepal Grain Legume Coordinator, presently Dr. M. Joshi
Australia CLIMA
Pakistan IPGRI-CWANA – to follow up
Ethiopia ICARDA to follow up
Jordan etc. A representative from WANA-NET (Pasture/forages working group
member). IPGRI-CWANA to follow up
China IPGRI-SA to follow up (proposed: Dr Yu Jing-Zhong, Associate
Professor at The Soil and Fertilizer Institute, Academy of Agricultural
Sciences, Yangling, Shaanxi 712 100, P.R. of China)
Canada IPGRI-SA to follow up (proposed Dr Clayton Campbell, Kade Research
Ltd., 135 13th street, Morden, Manitoba, Canada R6M 1E9)
Italy, Spain, Poland, Contact persons to be identified through ECPGR of IPGRI-Europe
U.K., Belgium, etc. Group; IPGRI-CWANA to follow up
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS ix
ICARDA Dr. Larry Robertson
IPGRI-CWANA Dr. S. Padulosi
The following international organizations whose support is to be sought may be invited to
participate in LGRN meetings:
EC Office, Brussels/EU; FAO; ICRISAT; ACIAR; IDRC; IFAD.
Steering Committee (SC)
Steering Committee is the planning body for the network and shall consist of all country
coordinators and representatives for same regions/organizations and the Coordinator.
Additionally, when need arises, specialists may be co-opted to enhance the effectiveness of
Steering Committee.
Steering Committee will have a Chairperson (a member country) as determined by the
SC members. Selection of the Chairperson will be by consensus and on rotation basis.
Working Groups (WG)
Theme-based Woking Groups (WGs) shall provide focus to the LGRN. Thematic WGs are
not representational, but will consist of experts from different discipline. These are:
WG1 Genetic Diversity
WG2 Germplasm Enhancement and Use
WG3 Nutritional Quality (including Chemistry, Biochemistry and Biotechnology)
WG4 Information Management and Training
WG5 Socioeconomics
Country coordinators, in consultation with the concerned authorities and Lathyrus
researchers in their respective countries, will identify the members for different WGs. WG
Chairperson(s) will be determined by the members of each WG. When there is no Country
Coordinator in a WG, then the Chair of that WG will also be SC member.
Activities under LGRN
The group discussed at length various activities that can be undertaken by LGRN and
funding needs. There are activities that are either already ongoing or planned by certain
organisations, but could be considered as activities by the Network as the results would be
applicable in general. Such activities do not need to wait for additional funds to become
available. On the other hand, there are activities that will require sourcing of funds. These
could be included in any proposal that may be developed or funds could be sourced
separately. On this basis, the Group agreed on the follow-up given hereunder.
LGRN activities between now and the time when funds become available
1. Lathyrus database
These are either low cost or no cost activities, some of which are being carried out by
IPGRI-South Asia office. Dr. P.N. Mathur will continue to coordinate information and
documentation activities for LGRN and will continue to work on Lathyrus Germplasm
Directory, Lathyrus Workers Directory etc. ICARDA will provide information from WANA
and Ethiopia. Other countries could provide this directly to Dr. Mathur.
Considering the need for some level of standardisation for developing the Lathyrus
database, priority was accorded for developing descriptors. A small group to work on the
development of the descriptors was identified, consisting of the following:
IGAU, Raipur, India (Dr. R.L. Pandey)
NBPGR, New Delhi, India (to nominate)
IPGRI-South Asia Office, New Delhi, India (Dr. P.N. Mathur)
x LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
ICARDA, Aleppo, Syria (Dr. Larry Robertson)
The descriptors will focus mainly on L. sativus, L. cicera and L. ochrus (focal species of
LGRN). Dr. R. L. Pandey will take the lead to develop first draft of the list by 1 May 1998.
2. Development of a proposal and sourcing for funds
The Group discussed the need for developing a comprehensive proposal on the activities
that could be carried out with LGRN. The Group agreed that:
l IPGRI-APO to continue developing the proposal with inputs from all the members.
l there may be need for the meeting of Network-members, even before any external
funds could be sourced and need to explore possibilities of meeting of LGRN members
within 2 years, in the absence of any external funding.
l ICARDA may be able to help the participation of a representative from Ethiopia.
l WANA–NET may help the participation of the members from WANA-NET
l IPGRI to explore possibilities for other members, while the country coordinators will
also look for their own resources.
The group noted that most of the relevant background material is available in the draft
prepared by IPGRI. Additional information and comments will have to be provided by the
members. So the Group urged all the members provide additional information as well
comments to IPGRI-APO within one month i.e. before the end of January 1998. Dr. R.K.
Arora will also send request for the same.
Information will also be needed on currently funded Lathyrus work/projects in different
countries and different agencies. These funds may be shown as co-financing in the proposal.
The Group recommended that each national programme to indicate the amount spent on
Lathyrus research and development that could be shown in the proposal as budget from the
participating countries.
The Group suggested that the funding request should include the following:
l Network meetings
l Newsletter
l Assistance to Secretariat
l WG meetings
l Funds for key research and development activities
3. Proposed research activities
Various reviews presented at the meeting as well as the discussions that followed the
presentations helped in clarifying several issues related to Lathyrus genetic resources
conservation and use. Based on this information, the group recommended that the following
activities be included in any proposal that will be developed:
A. Development of database based on descriptor list: This activity will link with the current
ongoing activities on Lathyrus information management. The Group urged country
coordinators to send the information to Dr P.N. Mathur, who will coordinate the information
and documentation activities, to put it into the Central Database on Lathyrus Genetic
Resources. Analysis of this database will help in the rationalization of the collections.
B. International Nurseries: It was agreed to have three international nurseries:
1. Low ODAP content accessions, and lines with improved nutritional qualities,
2. High yield and high biomass lines, and
3. Disease nurseries.
ICARDA is already organizing some international nurseries for Lathyrus, hence the Group
urged ICARDA to develop the above proposed nurseries for LGRN. Dr. Larry Robertson
will follow up with appropriate people in ICARDA to promote this activity which can start
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS xi
right away and does not need much funding. Seed needs to be multiplied first at ICARDA
to facilitate quarantine needs and dispatch of seeds from one location. The suggested time
frame is given below:
l 1998 - 99 - Seed Multiplication
l 1998 - 99 - Nursery with material at ICARDA
l 1999 - 2000 - First full international nursery
The Group felt that the analysis of ODAP could be done in different institutes e.g.,
CLIMA (Australia), Raipur (India), Ghent (Belgium). There will be some need for upgrading
the facilities for ODAP analysis and training in the use of the analysis technique. Genotype
x environment variation in ODAP content can also be built into this activity, which is an
important area to look into.
This activity will also focus on breeding for high yield (including forage yield) and low
ODAP content lines. ICARDA is already doing some breeding work and early generation
material may be supplied for testing in key countries. The hybrids needs to be developed
with locally adapted parents.
C. Toxicological work: In the study of the mode of action of the Lathyrus neurotoxin, there are
following major limitations:
l Since the epidemic of 1972-74, only a few cases have occurred in Bangladesh and
Ethiopia.
l An animal model for lathyrism does not yet exist (A medical group in Ethiopia,
organised by Dr Redda Tekle Haimanot, is working on the development of an animal
model, using goat and horse).
l The agro-economic conditions that preceded the historical epidemics can not the
reproduced and the seed that was consumed at that time is no longer available.
l The individual variation in the susceptibility is as yet unexplained, suggested
precipitating factors include: zinc deficiency, under-nourishment and environmental
effects on the level of neurotoxin in the plant.
A recent outbreak of human lathyrism is now reported in Ethiopia (Monitor, 6 November
1997, Addis Ababa). This offers a sad but unexpected opportunity to examine both the
plant, whose seeds might have caused the disease, and the patients who recently developed
lathyrism. Analysis of the level of toxin and other secondary compounds in the plant
should indicate whether there is a critical difference in composition. Analysis of the nutritional
status of patients, including amino acid profile in serum and urine, micronutrient status
(Zn, Mn, Fe etc.), vitamins etc., should indicate whether nutrition deficiencies may be
responsible for the sudden increase in susceptibility to this permanently crippling disease.
The Group strongly felt that an urgent survey of the foods consumed in the affected
region of North and South Wollo zones, chemical analyses in specialised laboratories must
be done. Medical examination of representative patients, preservation of serum and urine
samples, and eventually tests are also required. Local medical doctors who recently were
involved in the epidemiological survey of the regions (directed by Dr. Redda Tekle Haimanot)
should be carrying out these. The analysis of freeze dried samples may be carried out in
specialised laboratories in Europe (London or Ghent).
Identification of the deficiency that can enhance the susceptibility to the Lathyrus
neurotoxin may lift the stigma on the consumption of Lathyrus seeds, which under all
conditions is the cheapest source of protein available to people in the Indian subcontinent
and Ethiopia and the neighbouring African countries.
This work can well link with the EC project as well as Nile project in Ethiopia.
ICARDA Nile Valley Project will be contacted and a survey of lathyrism epidemic will
be suggested. Dr. Fernand Lambein will supply the names of the contact persons for this
xii LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
work. Dr. Lambein has some funds and he will look into the possibilities for using some
of these funds for this work. ICARDA Anthropologist will be contacted to be involved
in this work by Dr. Robertson.
D. Lathyrus Genetic Resources Conference: The Group agreed that an International Conference
be held about two years after the present meeting in New Delhi, to bring together all
researchers actively involved in Lathyrus/lathyrism research. The Group suggested that
such a conference be held in 2nd week of January 2000 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Dr Dan Cohn
in Tel Aviv, Israel, a neurologist following the victims of lathyrism from a WW II labour
camp, plans to organise a meeting two years from now covering various aspects of Lathyrus/
lathyrism. The proposed conference could benefit from organising it back to back with the
former). The Group also agreed on the following:
Objective of the Conference: Review of the progress in producing and utilization of Lathyrus
cultivars with better nutritional quality for food and feed. Also to review the progress made
in other network activities.
Participation: All Lathyrus research and development workers may be invited to participate.
The Network, Steering Committee and the Working Group meetings could be held at the
same time. Also, this time can be used to review the progress made by the Network and
to plan for the immediate future. Depending upon the participation some or all the Working
Groups will also have an opportunity to discuss and develop new/modified thematic
activities.
E. Publication of Working Group Proceedings: It was agreed that the Proceedings of the current
workshop will be published and distributed by the IPGRI Office for South Asia, New Delhi,
with editing of presentations as needed.
LGRN activities that will need funding to start
A. Pilot Project on farmers' participatory breeding and on-farm conservation
The Group agreed that, considering the status of Lathyrus cultivation, participatory methods
of its improvement will be highly relevant. Adapted material can be given to farmers
allowing farmers to make selections for local adaptation. The adapted material can come
from segregating populations (F3 and advanced lines) of crosses made using locally adapted
material. Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) methods have to be used for the identification of
farmers, preferences and incorporate their needs into the programme. Nutritional quality
of the material on-farm could be included. Farmers’ preferences for dual purpose (food and
fodder) can be usefully included in such an effort. Additionally, there is a scope for
socioeconomic studies.
Although there are other legumes that can be grown, most of such legume crops will
require additional irrigation while Lathyrus does not need irrigation, hence it will be a big
advantage from the point of environmental health as well as sustainability. Additionally,
Lathyrus is a superior fixer of nitrogen and thus helps in improving the soil fertility status.
This also results in the reduction of nitrogen fertilizer, production of which is harmful for
the environment.
B. Lathyrus as a fodder crop
The Group agreed that the emphasis on Lathyrus as a fodder will have to be increased and
for this another set of parameters for the development of dual purpose Lathyrus cultivars
should be used. This should include traits related to quality in terms of animal feeds (seed,
straw and hay palatability etc.). It will need to include comparative studies with other
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS xiii
legume crops for fodder. Analyses at different growth stages using different plant parts
will have to be made. Example: chickpea and lentils are not preferred as forages. In WANA
region lentil straw may be preferred. The quality of biomass would be greater in the case
of Lathyrus. Nitrogen fixation and use in marginal lands will be additional advantages of
using Lathyrus as a fodder crop. Rhizobial strains with higher nodulation frequency are also
available which can be used for Lathyrus. Some of the animal research institutes can also be
involved in this testing. There are areas where Lathyrus is only grown as fodder. International
Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has some germplasm from ICARDA but ILRI itself is not
doing any work on Lathryus. CLIMA has plans to review the animal uses of Lathyrus and
also is planning to develop animal tests using pigs for Lathyrus quality. Animal testing is
presently going on in Poland, which were reported at a recent symposium in Radom, 9-10
June 1997, contact person: Prof. E. Grela (Emal: ergrela@ursus.ar.lublin.pl). Work has also
been done in Canada from the animal nutrition viewpoint, and in Ethiopia on goat and
horse from the medical and neuropathological viewpoint.
C. Sustainability issues
Lathyrus has great sustainability value for use in marginal areas and as a cover crop. It is
known that Lathyrus sustainability value is about 50% in a farming system. This needs
further investigation to promote Lathyrus cultivation and production. A study could be
designed to investigate the sustainability value of Lathyrus which will not only help with
respect to public awareness, but also in identifying the appropriate and non-traditional
areas for its cultivation.
D. Training
Need for training in analysing toxin content was recognized by the Group. Countries like
Nepal do not have any facility at this point of time. It may be better for such countries to
focus on training in germplasm conservation and enhancement. However, the countries
may need at least minimum facilities to monitor ODAP content. LGRN has to develop
human resource development (HRD) activities that will focus on the various aspects of
Lathryus research as well as conservation of its genetic resources. The Group urged countries
to coordinate these activities with international and regional organisations like CLIMA,
ICARDA and IPGRI (Training in biotechnology is also possible in Ghent, Belgium).
E. Developing ex situ conservation technologies
Though Lathyrus produces orthodox seeds considering hard seededness, some research into
conservation of seeds for long-term (-20oC and cryopreservation) will be needed. Additionally,
one could look at conservation of pollen. Considering the high stress environment where
the Lathryus is produced, pre-harvest conditions for improved storage life need to be studied.
The Group felt that this could form a good project for training at institutes like NBPGR
which are willing to facilitate this type of studies.
F. Outcrossing and seed regeneration
Considering the extent of variation in outcrossing in Lathyrus, the Group felt that there is
a need to standardise the regeneration technique and provide protocols for seed regeneration
for the ex situ genebanks. Estimation of outcrossing rates in the locations where the Lathyrus
accession will be regenerated is important.
G. Assessment of diversity
The Group strongly expressed the need for the assessment of genetic diversity in L. sativus
and its relatives, using phenological, morphological and molecular markers, needs to be
carried out to better understand the extent and distribution of the genetic diversity in the
xiv LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
materials already available. This will also help in the classification of available diversity
from different regions and help mapping genetic diversity to identify gaps in future
collections. When the analysis is carried out on in situ material, then this will also help in
the identification of sites for in situ conservation. This could be extended to different species
of Lathryus to determine phylogenetic relationships and geneflow. Herbarium surveys along
with ecogeographic studies in conjunction with above suggested that genetic diversity
studies will help us to better understand the genetic diversity for its efficient utilization in
Lathyrus improvement.
H. Biotechnology
Need for promoting the use of biotechnological methods where possible was recognised by
the Group as another area for the Network to pursue. The resistance to Ascochyta blight
resistance genes from Lathyrus could also be transferred to other crops like peas. The genes
for ODAP biosynthesis could be identified and transgenic Lathyrus lines can be produced
with either low or no ODAP, or with other improved nutritional qualities such as higher
methionine in the seed. For example, the work that Dr. S.L. Mehta had started, but now
abandoned since the production of low ODAP somaclones, can be revitalised. Genetic
transformation may prove more useful as this can help in altering only the ODAP trait in
otherwise locally adapted landraces, thus helping to continue genetic diversity on farms.
Regenerating Lathyrus plants from callus tissues derived from different parts of the plant
and from different varieties, is now being routinely done in several laboratories in India, the
U.K. and Belgium. The main or single focus of this work has been to attain low or zero-
ODAP lines. Other favourable traits such as pest resistance, frost and drought stress tolerance,
higher content of essential amino acids etc, need to be promoted. Conventional methods of
wide crossing and embryo rescue could also be used for traits such as disease resistance etc.
(prepared for the Group by Dr. V. Ramanatha Rao, IPGRI-APO)
GENETIC RESOURCES OF GRASS PEA IN BANGLADESH 1
Genetic resources of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) in Bangladesh
M.A. Malek
Director (Training and Extension), Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur,
Gazipur, Bangladesh
Introduction
Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.), locally known as Khesari, is a protein-rich legume grown in
harsh conditions of dry to lowlying, water-logged and flooded land. The crop is widely
cultivated in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan in cold winter months under
rainfed condition. It is also grown to a small extent in the middle Eastern countries, Southern
Europe, and parts of Africa and South America. In Bangladesh, grass pea is cultivated in
an area of about 231 343 ha with annual production of 182 000 mt of grain, the mean yield
being 750 kg ha-1 (BBS 1995). Among the pulses, it occupies the highest area (33%) and
production (34%).
Grass pea is the hardiest of the pulse crops because it can tolerate flooding, drought, and
moderate soil salinity. This attribute has made it a very popular pulse crop as food and
cattle feed among the poor farmers of Bangladesh. It is commonly cultivated as a relay crop
in the wet rice fields without any input and care.
Agroecological requirements
Adverse agricultural conditions exist in grass pea growing areas of Bangladesh. These range
from very lowlying rice fields where flood water remains stagnant for a long period to very
dry and saline conditions. When the flood water starts receding, the heavy clay soil looses
its moisture so quickly that the sowing of crops in the following winter season becomes
difficult. These harsh conditions of growing grass pea may be classified into three distinct
environments.
Environment I
The central part of Bangladesh, characterized by heavy rainfall during monsoon (June/July-
August) and inundation by flood water every year, falls into this catagory. With the stagnant
water receding, the calcarious dark grey/brown soil loses its moisture at a much faster rate
after rice harvest, making sowing of winter crops extremely difficult. The farmers under
such conditions largely practise relay cropping of grass pea. Even the grass pea crop suffers
from water stress with the advance of the winter season and its yield is thus reduced.
Environment II
The environment II includes northern part of Bangladesh having high temperature and
practically no rainfall during the winter season. The grey terrace soil becomes very hard
and cracks easily and no winter crop is grown during November to April. The farmers are
forced to go either for relay cropping of grass pea with rice or keep the land fallow.
Environment III
This covers the entire coastal belt area facing the Bay of Bengal and is situated in Southern
Bangladesh. The soil is Gangetic tidal flood plain/grey flood plain and saline. As the land
is being exposed to salinity, it is impossible to grow other winter crops profitably. Therefore,
the farmers of these areas either go for relay planting of grass pea with rice or keep the land
fallow.
2 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Germplasm collection
Until 1982, there were a few collections of grass pea germplasm. The collections were either
damaged or lost due to lack of proper storage facilities. No passport data of these collections
are available. A systematic collection programme was initiated in 1992 by Bangladesh
Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) in collaboration with Directorate of Agriculture
Extension (DAE) and 2078 accessions of grass pea from areas under environment II and III
were collected. These collections have been stored at Pulses Research Centre (PRC) and
Genetic Resources Centre (GRC) of BARI. In 1995, a collecting mission collected 62 accessions
of grass pea from environments I & III under a BARI/CLIMA/ICARDA collaborative project
entitled "Collection and Conservation of Bangladeshi landraces of Lentil and Lathyrus".
Passport data sheets of all these collections are available at PRC/GRC, BARI. Half of the
collected materials from each of these accessions were sent to ICARDA.
Germplasm evaluation
The germplasm collected from environments I, II and III was evaluated during 1993, 1994
and 1995 at BARI. Each entry was grown in 1.5 m row plot at a distance of 50 cm between
rows. Data on days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, pod length, seeds per pod and 1000-
seed mass were recorded. These germplasm were also analyzed for diaminoproponic acid
(ODAP) content (Tables 1 to 3).
The germplasm collected from twenty-seven districts of Bangladesh under environment I
was evaluated at BARI in 1996-97 and data on different characters of 748 accessions of grass
pea are presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Range, mean, standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) of grass pea
accessions collected from environment I
Characters Range Mean SD CV(%)
Days to 50% flowering 50-83 70.0 11.01 15.2
Days to maturity 102-125 114.0 5.62 4.1
Pod length (cm) 2.9-4.1 3.0 0.17 4.9
Seeds/pod (No.) 3.2-5.8 4.6 0.42 9.9
ODAP (%) 0.0857-0.2 307 0.1239 0.0466 29.9
A wide range of variation was observed in days to 50% flowering, seeds/pod and ODAP
content. The highest CV was observed in ODAP content and the lowest in days to maturity.
The germplasm from environment II was evaluated at BARI during 1996-97 and data on
different characters of 538 accessions are presented in Table 2.
Table 2. Range, mean, standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) of grass pea
accessions collected from environment II
Characters Range Mean SD CV(%)
Days to 50% flowering 55-88 71.0 4.96 7.0
Days to maturity 105-119 113.0 3.81 3.4
Pod length (cm) 2.5-3.3 2.8 0.15 5.5
Seeds/pod (No.) 2.3-4.9 3.4 0.41 11.9
ODAP (%) 0.0817-0.2209 0.1512 0.0455 30.1
A wide range of variation was observed in days to 50% flowering, seeds/pod and ODAP
content. The highest coefficient of variation was again observed in ODAP content and the
lowest in days to maturity.
The germplasm from environment III was evaluated at BARI and data on different
characters of 535 accessions of grass pea are presented in Table 3.
GENETIC RESOURCES OF GRASS PEA IN BANGLADESH 3
Table 3. Range, mean, standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) of grass pea
accessions collected from environment III
Characters Range Mean SD CV(%)
Days to 50% flowering 43-82 69.0 10.09 14.6
Days to maturity 99-122 114.0 4.92 4.3
Pod length (cm) 2.8-3.6 3.2 0.15 4.8
Seeds/pod (No.) 3.4-5.7 4.4 0.35 8.0
ODAP (%) 0.0791-0.2315 0.1621 0.0545 28.2
A similar trend for variation was observed in days to 50% flowering, days to maturity,
seeds/pod and ODAP content. The germplasm from the three environments were similar
for days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. The germplasm accessions of environment
II had lesser pod length and smaller seed size. The mean ODAP content was less for
environment I collections (Table 4).
The detailed characterization and evaluation of these collected germplasm is underway
with the financial assistance from CLIMA. After characterization, the collections will be
conserved in GRC.
Table 4. Mean values of different characters for collections from environments I, II and III
Characters Environment I Environment II Environment III
Days to 50% flowering 70.0 71.0 69.0
Days to maturity 114.0 113.0 114.0
Pod length (cm) 3.0 2.8 3.2
Seeds/pod (No.) 4.6 3.4 4.4
ODAP (%) 0.1239 0.1512 0.1621
Varietal improvement
BARI and Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) have the mandate to carry
out research on grass pea. BARI uses conventional breeding techniques whereas, BINA
applies nuclear techniques. So far BARI has released two varieties of grass pea viz., BARI-
Khesari-1 and BARI-Khesari-2, having high yield and low ODAP content compared to local
check (Table 5). The breeder seed of these varieties have been handed over to Bangladesh
Agricultural Development Corporation (BADC) and Non-Governmental Organizations
(NGO’s) for multiplication. Since outcrossing occurs in grass pea, these seed multiplying
agencies have been advised to grow the crop in isolation. To maintain purity of seeds the
farmers will be supplied with seed every year (a particular variety for a particular locality).
Table 5. Average performance and ODAP content of the grass pea varieties released by BARI
Varieties Days to Plant 1000-seed Seed yield ODAP
maturity height (cm) mass (g) (kg ha-1) content (%)
BARI-Khesari-1 115 70 64 1720 0.06
BARI-Khesari-2 115 70 68 1727 0.14
Local Check 112 60 40 1616 0.53
Seven entries alongwith local check were tested in four environments for the final year
during 1995-96. The entries were sown in a randomised complete block design using 3
replications in 8m x 4m plots at a between row distance of 40 cm. Data on days to 50%
flowering, days to maturity, 1000-seed mass, seed yield (kg ha-1) and ODAP content (%) are
presented in Table 6.
4 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Table 6. Average performance of the entries in different locations
Lines Days Days 1000- Seed yield kg ha-1 ODAP
to 50% to seed content
flower- maturity mass  (%)
ing (g) Joy+ Isd+ Rah+ Jes+ Mean
112/14-1 85 114 51.0 1 105   911 651 1 655 1 105 0.272
112/15-1 84 116 61.0 1 735 1 200 612 1 625 1 293 0.280
112/7-2 85 116 64.6 1 239 1 132 612 1 481 1 119 0.285
114/26-1 84 115 64.4 1 664 1 718 573 1 712 1 417 0.178
114/6-1 87 116 52.5   942 1 393 495 1 643 1 118 0.275
110/3-1 91 112 62.0   908 1 171 814 1 436 1 082 0.233
104/11-1 86 116 60.7 1 638 1 661 547 1 384 1 308 0.100
Local check 90 119 60.3 1 378 1 390 468 1 251 1 122 0.533
F. test * ** ** ** ** ** NS - -
CV(%) 2.95 0.78 3.43 2.60 21.37 9.25 21.1
LSD(0.05) 4.406 1.566 3.519 60.1 500.7 137.9
* Significant at 5 % level of probability; ** Significant at 1 % level of probability.
+Joy - Joydebpur; Isd - Ishurdi; Rah - Rajshahi; Jes - Jessore
The entries 104/11-1 and 114/26-1 have been identified to be high yielding having low
ODAP content compared to local check. So these entries will be proposed for registration/
release.
Cropping systems and agronomic practices
Agronomic research on grass pea has not been conducted in Bangladesh. Grass pea is
grown popularly as a relay crop in low lying areas in broadcast aman rice field. Seeds are
broadcast in the rice crop in wet soil from mid-October to end of November, 4-5 weeks
before rice harvest. Seed rate of 30-40 kg ha-1 is used by the farmers. Growing of grass pea
as intercrop with sugarcane in some upland sugarcane growing areas is gaining popularity
only very recently. Some rhizobial strains compatible with grass pea nodule formation
followed by increased yield have been identified by BARI, BINA and BAU (Bangladesh
Agricultural University).
Lathyrism
Dry grass pea seed contains ODAP (ß-diaminopropionic acid), a water soluble substance
which has been found to be toxic to human beings. If grass pea consumed continuously
without processing as a substitute for cereals, this toxic substance can cause lathyrism, a
neurologic disease and the consumer becomes crippled. There were a few suspected cases
reported in Bangladesh after 1971 with the out break of famine. The cases were examined
later on and it was found that the patient who took boiled grass pea dal continuously for
3-4 months without processing in place of rice or cereal had lathyrism. Soaking seed in
water for 7-8 hours and then decanting off the water removes most of ODAP. The best way
to avoid lathyrism is to develop and cultivate the low toxin varieties.
Consumption
Grass pea is mainly consumed as dal with rice. Boiled green pods and roasted seeds are also
consumed by the villagers. Soaking the split seed overnight and decanting water has been
found make the dal toxin-free and safe for consumption. But when Khesari powder (besan)
is used for making pakoras, chapatis, dalpuri etc., the danger of lathyrism still remains.
GENETIC RESOURCES OF GRASS PEA IN BANGLADESH 5
Marketing
Majority of the farmers are poor and thus can not keep their produce for long. During
harvest time the price becomes minimum when the farmers sell their crop. The price goes
up as the season advances and the poor farmers are deprived of this high price. So, the price
should be fixed before harvest and government agencies should procure as they do in the
case of rice and wheat.
Research priorities
l Characterization and conservation of the collected germplasm.
l Breeding for short duration, salinity tolerant, disease resistant (downy and powdery
mildew).
l Breeding for low toxin cultivars with better nutritional qualities for consumers’
acceptance.
l Breeding cultivars suitable for relay and inter-cropping.
Importance of Lathyrus network
Lathyrus is one of the most important legume crops grown in Asia. The crop can be used
both as a food for human and feed for cattle. No input is needed to grow this crop. Inspite
of all the advantages, the area under this crop is not increasing because of its low yield and
high ODAP content. Research programmes in the countries where the crop is grown get
low priority and there is a need for strengtheing these adequately. In this context, developing
a network of the Lathyrus-growing countries will help:
(i) in the collecting, characterization and documentation of Lathyrus germplasm,
(ii) in the exchange of germplasm, breeding materials and technology information,
(iii) better understanding of the socioeconomic conditions in the communites where
Lathyrus is a likely source of protein and calories,
(iv) development of a sound seed distribution system in replacing the high ODAP cultivars
with low ODAP ones, and
(v) promote Lathyrus as the most potential food source and stimulate global interest.
Conclusion
After the harvest of low land rainfed rice, a large area remains fallow during the winter
season where grass pea cultivation can be expanded. Farmers prefer to grow this low input
crop because of its versatility to grow well in water-logged, drought and saline conditions.
The low toxin, bold seeded cultivar developed by BARI should reach the farmers without
delay. Seed multiplication programme should be strengthened to ensure supply of quality
seeds to farmers. The price of Khesari should be fixed before harvest and government agencies
should go for its procurement. Low toxin, bold-seeded high yielding varieties suitable for
relay cropping and dual purpose should be bred for commercial production.
References
Arora, R.K., P.N. Mathur, K.W. Riley and Y. Adham, editors. 1996. Lathyrus Genetic Resources
in Asia: Proceedings of a Regional Workshop, 27-29 December 1995, Indira Gandhi
Agricultural University, Raipur, India. IPGRI Office for South Asia, New Delhi. 168 p.
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute. Annual Reports. Pulses Research Centre. 1987
to 1995.
Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). 1995. Yearbook of Agricultural Statistics of Bangladesh.
Elias, S.M. 1991. Socioeconomic constraints limiting pulse production. Pp. 169-175 in
Advances in Pulses Research in Bangladesh: Proceedings of the Second National
6 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Workshop on Pulses, 6-8 June 1989, Joydebpur, Bangladesh and International Crops
Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru.
Haque, R.M., M.S. Hassan and L. Lambein. 1993. Effect of salinity on ß-ODAP and other
free amino acids in Lathyrus sativus. Lathyrus Newsletter. Third World Medical Research
Foundation, New York, USA and London, U.K.
Malek, M.A., Ali Afzal, M.M. Rahman and A.B.M. Salahuddin. 1997. Lathyrus: evidence of
cropping in harsh environment. Paper presented at the III IFLC. held at Adelaide, 22-
26 September, 1997.
Malek, M.A., C.D.M. Sarwar, A. Sarker and M.S. Hassan. 1996. Status of grass pea research
and future strategy in Bangladesh. Pp. 7-12 in Lathyrus Genetic Resources in Asia:
Proceedings of a Regional Workshop, 27-29 December 1995, Indira Gandhi Agricultural
University, Raipur, India (R.K. Arora, P.N. Mathur, K.W. Riley and Y. Adham, eds.).
IPGRI Office for South Asia, New Delhi.
Quader, M. 1985. Genetic analysis of neurotoxin content and some aspects of reproductive
biology in Lathyrus sativus L. Ph.D. thesis, Division of Genetics, Indian Agricultural
Research Institute, New Delhi, India.
Sarwar, C.D.M., M.A. Malek, A. Sarker and M.S. Hassan. 1996. Genetic resources of grass
pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) in Bangladesh. Pp. 13-19 in Lathyrus Genetic Resources in Asia:
Proceedings of a Regional Workshop, 27-29 December 1995, Indira Gandhi Agricultural
University, Raipur, India (R.K. Arora, P.N. Mathur, K.W. Riley and Y. Adham, eds.).
IPGRI Office for South Asia, New Delhi.
Yadav. C.R. 1996. Genetic evaluation and varietal improvement of grass pea in Nepal. Pp.
21-27 in Lathyrus Genetic Resources in Asia: Proceedings of a Regional Workshop, 27-
29 December 1995, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, India (R.K. Arora,
P.N. Mathur, K.W. Riley and Y. Adham, eds.). IPGRI Office for South Asia, New Delhi.
STATUS OF LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES IN INDIA 7
Status of Lathyrus genetic resources in India
R.L. Pandey, R.N. Sharma and M.W. Chitale
Senior Scientist, Junior Scientist, and Junior Scientist, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University,
Raipur, India
Introduction
Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) known as khesari has unique adaptation to extreme harsh
conditions of drylands. Its cultivation is mainly concentrated in Madhya Pradesh,
Maharastra, Bihar and West Bengal especially as utera (relay crop). Exact statistics of its
area under cultivation and production in the country are not available because of ban on
its cultivation in certain states. It is estimated to be cultivated in an area of 0.5 million
hectares, of which 80% lies in south-eastern Madhya Pradesh. It is observed that in the
region where irrigation facilities are extended to winter crops, its area is declining
countinuously causing fast genetic erosion.  Thus, it is a major concern to collect and
conserve the available variability.  The National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR)
and the Indira Gandhi Agricultural University (IGAU), Raipur are involved in the
conservation of genetic resources and development of high yielding and low toxic varieties.
The Indian subcontinent is very rich in genetic diversity. In the literature (Duthie 1902;
Bamber 1916;  Wealth of India 1948-76;  Babu 1977; Tiwari 1979; Hooker 1876-96) nine
species viz. L. aphaca, L. pratensis, L. sphaericus, L. inconspicuus, L. odoratus, L. altaicus,
L. lecteus, L. imphalensis and L. sativus are reported to found in the Himalayan region (Singh
and Chandel 1997).
Activities on genetic resources have been discussed in detail in last Regional Workshop
held at IGAU, Raipur from December 27-29, 1995 (Arora et al. 1996).  Hence, onward activities
and developments are discussed here.
Genetic resources activities in Lathyrus
Germplasm status
The NBPGR as the nodal organization augmented indigenous and exotic collection of Lathyrus
for use in crop improvement programme in India. Presently 2 563 accessions have been
conserved in genebank under long-term storage. Beside these, active collections are being
maintained at NBPGR Regional Stations, IIPR, Kanpur, and IGAU, Raipur (Table 1).
Table 1. Germplasm holdings maintained at different locations
Source Accessions
Base collection maintained at NBPGR, New Delhi 2 563
Contribution from NBPGR, New Delhi 58
Contribution from NBPGR, Akola 146
Contribution from IGAU, Raipur 2 021
Contribution from IARI, New Delhi 338
Active collection
NBPGR, New Delhi 300
NBPGR, Akola 146
IGAU, Raipur 2 600
IIPR, Kanpur 180
Germplasm collecting and introduction
NBPGR, New Delhi is also the nodal agency for germplasm collecting and conservation.
8 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Not much germplasm was collected during the last two years.  However, 45 new collections
were made by Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur from Uttar Pradesh during
1995-96.  A total of 110 accessions were introduced.  These accessions were evaluated and
are being maintained as indicated in Table 2.
Table 2. Introduction of Lathyrus genetic resources
Lathyrus spp. Source Accessions Recepient
Lathyrus tingitanus South Africa 1 NBPGR, New Delhi
Lathyrus cicera U.S.A. 1 IGAU, Raipur
Lathyrus ochrus Germany 1 IGAU, Raipur
Lathyrus ochrus Greece 6 IGAU, Raipur
Lathyrus sativus Cyprus 7 IGAU, Raipur
Lathyrus spp. Syria 5 NBPGR, New Delhi
Lathyrus spp. ICARDA 45 IIPR, Kanpur
Lathyrus sativus ICARDA 15 IGAU, Raipur
Lathyrus sativus ICARDA 14 IGAU, Raipur
Lathyrus ochrus ICARDA 15 IGAU, Raipur
Total 110
Germplasm evaluation
Germplasm evaluation was independently taken up at IIPR, Kanpur, IGAU, Raipur and
NBPGR Regional Station, Akola. Centrewise number of accessions evaluated  and  lines
identified for economic triats are listed in Tables 3 and 4.
Range of variation for different characters varied from place to place for a set of accessions
evaluated. In general, flowering and maturity periods were shorter at Raipur and Akola
than at Kanpur, and pod bearing was better at Kanpur. ODAP content varied from 0.123
to 0.594 per cent.
Table 3. Evaluation of germplasm at different centres
Centres Acc. DF* DM** Plant Pods/ Seeds/ Seed yield/ ODAP (%)
No. height (cm) plant pod plant (g)
Min.Max. Min.Max. Min.Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max. Min. Max.
Akola 95-96 140 54 66 110 122 43 114 28 132 2.6 5.3 0.6 19.7 - -
IIPR  95-96 153 63 111 123 144 56 164 20 257 1.2 5.4 - - - -
IIPR  96-97 124 54 107 124 147 44 142 14 98 2.0 4.0 - - - -
IGAU 96-97 110 49 67 89 112 23 68 7 56 - - 0.5 9.0 0.123 0.594
*Days to 50% flowering; **Days to maturity
Genotypes identified for different traits
Akola Centre
Earliness IC 12466, IC 120473, IC 120490, IC 120472, IC 120507,  IC 120420, IC 12049,
(<114 days) IC 120596
Higher Pods/ IC 12507, IC 120497, IC 120537, IC 120422, NIC 18768, IC 18849, IC 18851,
Plant (>70) IC 18890
Higher IC 120479, IC 120512, IC 120526, IC 120530, IC 120531, NIC 18768, NIC 849,
Yield NIC 890, S-270, P-72, P-176
STATUS OF LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES IN INDIA 9
Raipur Centre
Earliness EC 200325, EC 209076, EC 208952, EC 208930, EC 209024, EC 208994, EC
(< 90 days) 208938, EC 209046, RLK 10012, RLK 3, RLK 4, RLK 5, RLK 6, RLK 7, RLK 8,
RLK 9, RLK 10, RLK 11, RLK 12, RLK 13, RLK 14, RLK 15, RLK 16, RLK 17,
RLK 18, RLK 19, RLK 20, RLK 21, RLK 22, RLK 23, RLK 24, RLK 25, RLK 26,
RLK 27, RLK 28, RLK 29, RLK 30, RLK 31, RLK 32, RLK 33, RLK 34, RLK 35,
RLK 36, RLK 37, RLK 38, RLK 39, RLK 40, RLK 42, RLK 43, RLK 44, RLK 47,
RLK 48, RLK 49, RLK 50
Higher Pods/ EC 208930, EC 208944, EC 209033, RLK 1037
Plant (>30)
ODAP BIO L-222, LS 155-6, LS 157-12, LS 157-14
(<0.20 % )
Grain yield/ EC 200322, EC 208930, EC 208994, EC 208942, EC 209046, EC 200326, EC
Plant 209065, EC 208952, EC 209021, EC 20906, EC 209041, EC 209059, RLK 1012,
(>5.0 g) RLK 1020, RLK 1043, RLK 1045, RLK 1046
Morphological variability observed
A. Flower colour
White : Raipur white 14, Bio L 208, EC 208930, EC 208944
Pink : EC 200330, JRL 2
Blue keel-white standard : EC 209032, EC 200325, EC 200629, EC 209026
Pink keel-blue standard : EC 209887, EC 209863, EC 200326
Royal Blue : EC 209041, EC 208942, EC 208955
B. Seed colour
    Grey mottled : Common colour
    Cream (white) : Raipur white-14, Bio L 208, Sel 453, Sel 456, Sel 463, Sel 471,
Sel 536, Sel 565
    Pink : RLS 6
    Green : RLK 195
    Black : RLK 2005
C. Other traits
Tetrafoliate : RLK 199
    Double podded : DL 241
Screening of germplasm against pest and diseases
Fifty six accessions were screened for three years (1994-95 to 1996-97) against thrips (Caliothrips
indicus), a major pest of Lathyrus. Though there was no regular trend in genotypic resistance,
RLK 273-1 and RLK 273-3 exhibited moderate resistance against this pest. Similarly L. cicera
and L. odoratus showed resistance against pod borers.
Genetic studies
Genetic divergence
From a study of 126 collections (68 indigenous and 58 exotic), it was inferred that no
geographical diversity exists among the genotypes studied. Mehra et al. (1996), Vedna Kumari
et al. (1993) had also reported that seed ODAP was not involved in the genetic diversification
of grass pea.
10 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Table 4. Screening of exotic accessions for ODAP content at IGAU, Raipur
Country of Accessions Accessions           ODAP estimation (%)
introduction introduced analysed            Range
Lathyrus sativus
Canada 6 6 0.180 - 0.554
France 7 5 0.526 - 0.697
Bangladesh 3 2 0.411 - 0.431
Germany 3 3 0.337 - 0.445
U.S.A. 1 1 0.506
Italy 65 65 0.273 - 0.740
Syria 3 3 0.311 - 0.605
Ethiopia 14 14 0.622 - 0.765
Tunisia 1 1 0.332
Poland 1 1 0.332
Cyprus 3 3 0.305 - 0.372
Turkey 4 4 0.327 - 0.379
Greece 1 1 0.434
Total 112 109 0.180 - 0.765
Lathyrus ochrus
Germany 1 1 0.416
Greece 6 6 0.472 - 0.505
Cyprus 7 7 0.442 - 0.490
Total 14 14 0.416 - 0.505
Table 5. Cluster composition in L. sativus
Cluster Number of accessions
Indigenous Exotic Total
I 27 - 27
II - 16 16
III 5 2 7
IV 7 17 24
V 11 - 11
VI 3 10 13
VII 6 6 12
VIII 2 1 3
IX 7 5 12
X - 1 1
The study further revealed that there was highest inter-cluster distance between cluster
I and X, VIII and X. Genotypes falling in these clusters having maximum divergence be
chosen for hybridization programme.
STATUS OF LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES IN INDIA 11
Table 6. Ranking of clusters for important traits
Characters Maximum Minimum
1 2 3 4 1 2
Seed yield VIII X IV II I V
Seed index III V VII IV I X
Seeds/plant X IV VIII VII V I
Pods/plant IV VIII X II V I
Days to maturity VI,II,X,IV IX VII VIII V I
ODAP content III II VI IX VII VI
Outcrossing in Lathyrus sativus
Lathyrus sativus is a self-pollinated crop but some extent of out-crossing is also reported
(Mehta and Santha 1996). A pilot study has been initiated since 1995-96 to know the extent
and mode of out-crossing. EC 209080  and DL 241 (White flower), JRL 2 (Pink flower) and
EC 208929 (Blue flower) were grown surrounded by blue flowered Pusa-24, during winter
of 1995-96. All seeds harvested were grown in winter 1996-97. Off plants observed in white
and pink flowered parents showed very limited out-crossing (0.199 to 2.267 %) in Lathyrus
(Table 7).  For confirmation of out cross/admixtures, the studies are in progress to observe
for segregation, if any.
Table 7. Frequency of plants observed in segregating generation
Accessions grown Total plants Blue flower Outcross (%)
EC 209080 (White flower) 136 2 1.47
DL 241 (White flower) 133 3 2.26
JRL 2 (Pink flower) 502 1 0.199
Inheritance of flower colour
Blue is the common flower pigmentation in Lathyrus. Vedna Kumari et al. (1996) have
reported four genes responsible for flower pigmentation. A study has been initiated to
know the genetics of flower colour and its relation with ODAP content if any. Freqency
observed for different flower colours in F2  populations of these crosses are presented in
Table 8. For further confirmation, F3 progenies have been sown during winter 1997-98.  In
two crosses between Blue x White, monogenic segregation was noted while in other two
crosses it was digenic.
Table 8. Frequency distribution in F2 generation
Crosses F1 F2
Blue White Pink Total Ratio
1. RW-14 x P-24 (WxB) Blue 385 171 - 556 3:1
2. P-24 x RW-14 (BxW) Blue 311 109 - 420 3:1
3. RW-14 x RLK 1422 (WxP) Blue 435 118 33 586 12.3:1
4. P-24 x RLK-1422 (BxP) Blue 204 - 22 226 15:1
Genetics of neurotoxin content
With the development of low neurotoxin lines it has become interesting to know the genetic
behaviour of neurotoxin in Lathyrus seeds.  F1, F2 and back cross generations of the following
four crosses involving high and low ODAP parents attempted during winter, 1995-96 have
12 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
currently been sown in winter, 1997-98.
1. Bio R 203 x Bio I-222 (Low x Low)
2. Bio R 203 x RLK 1098 (Low x high)
3. Bio I-222 x Bio R-231 (Low x Low)
4. Bio I-222 x Pusa-24 (Low x Medium)
In previous studies (Dahiya 1985; Quadar et al. 1985; Campbell and Tiwari 1995) Pusa-
24 and LS 8545 (0.20% ODAP) were used as low ODAP parent. In the present study parents
having less than 0.10 per cent ODAP are involved. Large number of single plants will be
analysed for ODAP content from F2 and backcrosses. This will need additional  human
resources and chemicals. Hence, national and international collaboration will be useful in
the completion of the study.
Development of low ODAP varieties
Large number of low ODAP strains have been developed through conventional breeding
and biotechnology. Ratan (BioL-212) as a result of biotechnology has been released for
general cultivation in India. Though the seed multiplication and distribution of low ODAP
varieties is being taken in Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Maharashtra, yet an ambitious seed
production and replacement of local varieties by newer ones will be taken on priority.  As
this compound is showing inconsistency over the varying environments, efforts should be
made to breed varieties with stable low ODAP content. Some lines developed at Raipur are
Table 9. Breeding varieties for low ODAP
Strains ODAP (%)
1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 Average
LS 157-2-8 0.077 0.068 0.082 0.076
LS 157-14-5 0.090 0.082 0.086 0.087
LS 157-5-14 0.057 0.087 0.080 0.075
LS 157-5-20 0.084 0.083 0.075 0.081
LS 157-5-19 0.094 0.099 0.082 0.092
LS 157-18-14 0.080 0.079 0.093 0.084
LS 157-12-8 0.084 0.083 0.081 0.083
LS 157-12-4 0.069 0.066 0.067 0.068
LS 157-14-11 0.088 0.086 0.076 0.083
LS 157-5-18 0.093 0.082 0.095 0.090
LS 157-10-3 0.097 0.077 0.083 0.086
LS 185-11-6 0.086 0.082 0.093 0.087
LS 57-11-5 0.086 0.083 0.097 0.088
LS 157-2-4 0.098 0.086 0.077 0.087
LS 157-2-14 0.094 0.074 0.071 0.079
LS 157-2-12 0.098 0.079 0.082 0.086
LS 157-5-2 0.090 0.096 0.069 0.085
LS 157-5-3 0.073 0.088 0.071 0.077
LS 157-5-10 0.077 0.092 0.094 0.088
LS 157-6-5 0.096 0.093 0.093 0.094
LS 157-12-6 0.089 0.075 0.085 0.083
LS 185-11-5 0.086 0.083 0.097 0.088
Pusa 24 0.344 0.436 0.246 0.343
STATUS OF LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES IN INDIA 13
showing stability over the last three years (Table 9). These are being further tested in
multilocational trials.
Future thrust
Exploration
Explorations should be made jointly by NBPGR and State Agricultural Universities to collect
the variability/diversity from the unexplored areas, especially in the Himalayan region.
The following priority areas/gaps have been identified by NBPGR for explorations:
Madhya Pradesh
(i) Chhattisgarh region : Bilaspur, Raigarh, Bastar, Balaghat
(ii) Bundelkhand region : Chhatarpur, Damoh, Sagar, Tikamgarh, Jhansi, Panna,
(iii) Central M.P. : Seoni, Chhindwara, Jabalpur, Raisen, Narsinghpur, Vidisha,
Bhopal,  Sehore, Hoshangabad, Rewa, Satna, Sidhi.
(iv) Malwa region : Shajapur, Dhar, Indore, Jhabua, Mandsaur
(v) Nimar region : Khandwa, Khargone
Orissa
(Northeast region) : Sundergarh, Sambalpur, Koraput
Maharashtra
(Eastern region) : Chandrapur, Nagpur, Bhandara, Garhchicholi and
Adjoining areas.
Bihar : Chota Nagpur, Ranchi, Sitamarthi, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur,
Purnea, Sharsha, Munger, Katiar, and adjoing areas of West
Bengal.
Germplasm evaluation and characterization
Of the 2 604 accessions of Lathyrus being maintained at IGAU, Raipur, 1 187 accessions have
been characterized and documented. Rest are to be evaluated for value added descriptors.
NBPGR has already initiated this activity. Evaluation for morpho-physiological traits could
jointly be done at IGAU, Raipur and NBPGR regional station Akola; ODAP estimation will
be done at Raipur.
Lathyrus cicera is another grain species which should be  tested for adaptation and
valuable genes to be utilized in breeding programme. It has low ODAP and is resistant to
pod borers.
Augmentation of soil microbes
ODAP-degrading soil microbes have been isolated from drain near IARI, New Delhi (Mehta
and Santha 1996). Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has already initiated
activity for the conservation, production and exploitation of these microbes/bacterial races
for the production of toxin free Lathyrus.
Need for Lathyrus network
Lathyrus being the underutilized crop invites the attention of the international scientific
group. It needs proper programming and financial assistance for genetic improvement.
During the first Regional workshop (1995) it was felt to have a strong network among the
countries where it is grown or some research/development work on this is going on.
Countries from South Asia, Africa and International Centres like ICARDA, CLIMA, FAO
and IPGRI  should be included in the Network. IPGRI has the mandate to advance the
14 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
conservation and use of plant genetic resources, and to provide asssistance to the developing
countries. IPGRI South-Asia office at New Delhi should act as coordinator and partner
countries be identified for the network. Similarly, network within each partner country
should also be strengthened. Working centres/institutes and their priority activities  should
be identified.
For vital and effective programme execution, a steering committee/working committee
may be constituted. For this purpose, CWANA network may be taken into account while
organizing South Asia Network.
References
Arora, R.K., P.N. Mathur, K.W. Riley and Y. Adham, editors.  1996.  Lathyrus Genetic
Resources in Asia: Proceedings of a Regional Workshop, 27-29 December 1995, Indira
Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, India.  IPGRI Office for South Asia, New Delhi.
168 p.
Babu, C.R.  1977.  Herbaceous Flora of Dehradun, CSIR, New Delhi.
Bamber, C.J.  1916.  Plant of the Punjab.  Superintendent, Government Printing Press,
Lahore.
Campbell, C.G. and K.R. Tiwari. 1995.  Breeding grass pea for reduced seed level of the
neurotoxin. In Lathyrus and Lathyrism: A decade of progress (R. Tekle Haimanot and F.
Lambein, eds.). University of Ghent, Belgium.
Dahiya, B.S. 1985.  Genetics and stability analysis in grass pea. Pp. 161 in Lathyrus and
Lathyrism (A.K. Kaul and D. Combes, eds.). Third World Medical Research Foundation.
New York.
Duthie, J.F.  1902.  Flora of the Upper Gangetic Plain, Vol. 1-3.  Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal
Singh, Dehradun.
Hooker, J.D.  1987-96.  The Flora of British India, Vols. I-VII.  Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal
Singh, Dehradun.
Mehra, R.B., D.B. Raju, and K. Himabindu. 1996.  Evaluation and utilization of Lathyrus
sativus collections in India. Pp. 37-43 in Lathyrus Genetic Resources in Asia: Proceedings
of a Regional Workshop, 27-29 December 1995, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University,
Raipur, India (R. K. Arora, P. N. Mathur, K. W. Riley and Y. Adham, eds.).    IPGRI Office
for South Asia, New Delhi.
Mehta, S.L. and Santha I.M. 1996.  Plant Biotechnology for development of non-toxic strains
of Lathyrus sativus. Pp. 129-138 in Lathyrus Genetic Resources in Asia: Proceedings of a
Regional Workshop, 27-29 December 1995, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur,
India (R. K. Arora, P. N. Mathur, K. W. Riley and Y. Adham, eds.).  IPGRI Office for
South Asia, New Delhi.
Quader, M., S. Ramanujam and G.K. Barat.  1985.  Genetics of flower colour, BOAA, and
their relationship in Lathyrus sativus.  Pp. 129-138 in Lathyrus and Lathyrism (A.K. Kaul
and D. Combes, eds.). Third World Medical Research Foundation. New York.
Singh, I.P. and K.P.S. Chandel.  1997.  Status of Lathyrus genetic resources. Paper presented
at the National seminar on Lathyrus Research and development-current status and future
prospect, held at Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR), Nagpur, 18-19 February,
1997.
The Wealth of India, 1948-76.  Raw Material series, Vol. I-XI, CSIR, New Delhi.
Tiwari, S.D.B.  1979.  The Phytogeography of Legumes of Madhya Pradesh.  Bishen Singh
Mahendra Pal Singh, Dehradun.
Vedna Kumari, R.B. Mehra, D.B. Raju and K. Himabindu. 1993.  Genetic basis of flower
colour  production in grass pea. In Lathyrus and Lathyrism. 5(1):10.
Vedna Kumari, R.B. Mehra, G.K. Barat, D.B. Raju and K. Himabindu. 1996.  Genetic diversity
in relation to ODAP Content in grass pea.  Indian J. Genet. 56(1):8.
NEED FOR CROP NETWORK ON LATHYRUS 15
Need for a crop network on Lathyrus genetic resources for conservation
and use
P.L. Gautam, I.P. Singh and J.L. Karihaloo
Director, Senior Scientist, and Project Director (NRC-DNA Finger Printing), National Bureau
of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, India
Introduction
South Asian countries account for about 40% of the area under pulses and 27% of the
world’s production. More than 87% of the production comes from India alone with an
annual production of about 16 m tonnes. The average yield is low, at about 600 kg ha-1
against 847 kg ha-1 at the world level. The yield gains have generally been low ranging from
0.3% in Bangladesh to 2.1% in Sri Lanka. Pakistan has registered a yield decline of 2.6% per
annum during the decade ending 1994. Promotion of Lathyrus cultivation, crop improvement
and its safe use for human consumption/animal feed is likely to mitigate declining trend
in pulse production. At the same time, certain production areas/pockets turning into drought
or flood prone and degraded or denuded soil cover could still be put to use by as hardy a
crop as Lathyrus. The trend of area, production and yield in India from 1989-90 onwards
have been given in Table 1. Lathyrus crop improvement through germplasm utilisation
made in the past resulted in the development of about 16 cultivars along with some promising
germplasm/donor stocks (Table 2). Distribution of different Lathyrus species in the country
and the present status of germplasm holding received from different sources/institutes and
maintained in the National Genebank as base collection are given in Tables 3, 4 and 5,
respectively.
 IPGRI has so far developed the crop network models and operational strategies of about
18 crops for various regions of the world. Lathyrus has also been considered a suitable
candidate crop for such a network. This crop has a very special significance in India. Being
possibly the most drought tolerant among Rabi (winter grown) pulses, it can be cultivated
under conditions of moisture stress where no other pulse crop would grow. However, its
cultivation generated a lot of controversy in the seventies, which is still continuing, as the
neurotoxin (BOAA or ODAP) present in the seeds is held responsible for a paralytic disorder
of lower limbs, especially when khesari dal forms a major component of daily diet. Under
constant pressure from medical and nutrition experts, some states like Maharashtra,
prohibited its trade, which continues even today, although no convincing case of lathyrism
has been reported for the last 2-3 years.
 Inspite of all the publicity, cultivation of Lathyrus is favoured due to its unique adaptation
to harsh climatic situations. It is, therefore, necessary to undertake network approach for
development of suitable varieties combining high yield with low neurotoxin content,
preservation of genetic resources through ex situ and in situ conservation and sustaining its
production levels.
The main impediments for Lathyrus crop improvement and increase in production are
given below:
1. Non-availability of widely adapted varieties for various ecological zones/regions
and their use in upland and utera systems of cropping.
2. Unstable behaviour of yield and neurotoxin content of the existing varieties.
3. Non-availability of suitable varieties resistant to biotic stresses such as thrips and
powdery mildew.
4. Imposition of ban on trading of khesari dal in the country.
There is a global need to undertake research and development activities, including
conservation, management and sustainable use of Lathyrus genetic resources, in a cohesive
16 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Table 1. State wise area, production and average yield per hectare of khesari
States and 1980- 1988- 1989- 1990- 1991- 1992- 1993- 1994-
Districts 81 89 90 91 92 93 94 95
Assam *A 9.2 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA
*P 3.8
*Y 413.0
Bihar A 447.8 312.0 317.0 304.1 271.0 208.3 207.7 203.3
(Ranchi, P 277.4 219.1 223.2 240.2 212.1 169.1 186.8 197.1
Sitamarhi, Y 620.0 702.0 703.0 790.0 783.0 812.0 899.0 970.0
Gopalgunj,
Muzaffarpur,
Purnia,
Saharsha,
Munger,
Katiar)
Madhya Pradesh
(Chhattis- A 682.1 497.3 524.0 674.9 625.9 601.8 682.5 656.4
garh P 220.3 162.1 202.2 278.1 329.8 290.1 376.7 338.5
region, Y 323.0 326.0 386.0 412.0 527.0 482.0 552.0 508.0
Rewa,
Satna and
Durg)
Maharashtra
(Bhandara, A 134.7 45.6 46.7 44.8 39.8 37.3 38.4 25.9
Chanderpur, P 14.5 24.4 19.7 14.2 4.2 8.1 16.9 21.3
Nagpur) Y 184.0 501.0 429.0 400.0 216.0 254.0 432.0 400.0
West Bengal
(Jalpaiguri, A 134.7 45.6 46.7 44.8 39.8 37.3 38.4 25.9
Cooch Bihar, P 49.5 35.2 35.0 29.1 25.3 43.1 40.1 20.8
north and Y 368.0 772.0 749.0 650.0 636.0 1155.0 1044.0 803.0
south Dinapur
Malda, 24
Parganas,
South Howrah
and Midnapur
east, Murshidabad
and Nadia)
Total A 1 352.6 903.4 934.1 1059.3 956.1 879.3 967.7 948.8
P 565.5 440.8 480.1 561.6 571.4 510.4 620.5 577.7
Y 418.0 488.0 514.0 530.0 598.0 580.0 641.0 609.0
*A - Area in thousand ha, * P - Production in thousand tonnes, * Y - Yield kg ha-1
mode. International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Area (ICARDA) has
suggested/initiated new crop breeding strategies, which would ensure food supply to the
NEED FOR CROP NETWORK ON LATHYRUS 17
Table 2. Cultivars developed and promising germplasm/donors identified
Phase/year Objectives Name of cultivars/ State/area of
promising production
germplasm
Phase I Collection of local T-2-12, No. 11, Madhya Pradesh,
1940-1960 landraces and isolation No. 91, BR-13, West Bengal
of single plant LC 76 and B-19
progenies for superior
yield
Phase II Low ODAP (0.2%) and Pusa 24 Widely adaptable
1974-90 for upland cultivation
Low ODAP (0.15- LSD-1, LSD-2, (Upland areas)
0.2%) LSD-3, LSD-6, Utera
Pusa-305 and
Sel. 1276
Phase III Good yielding with RL-6, RL-8 and Madhya Pradesh,
1990's low ODAP LS 157-14 Maharashtra
Useful germplasm/ Sel-521, Sel-443, Introduced from
donors Sel-519 and Sel-536 ICARDA
Low ODAP content LS-8246 and LS-8545 Introduced from
Canada
Powdery mildew RPLK-26, JRL-41 Central Zone
tolerant and Ris-2
Tolerant to thrips JRL-41, JRL-6 Raipur (Madhya
Pradesh)
Good yield with high Bio R-202 Promising
Harvest Index (H.I.) Bio L-203 germplasm
Bio L-212*
Bio R-231
Bio L-208
* Identified for North Eastern Plain Zone (NEPZ) and Central Zone (CZ) with low ODAP (0.7%), high
  yield potential (16 q ha-1) and bold seeds
poor people. Accordingly, its two fold approach, as given below, is worth consideration at
the regional/country levels and would be useful in arriving at suitable decisions for the
proposed network on Lathyrus:
1. Breeding crops that give greater yield, stability and ensure food security in the
world’s harshest/fragile environments and
2. Conserving the genetic diversity, while using diversity in situ/on-farm, and involving
the farmers in this process, for their primary concerns.
Future thrust
Areas to be explored
Efforts have been made to find the gaps for further augmenting the germplasm through
18 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
collections of the landraces/wild species from the already known sources, micro-centres,
mosaic situations and fragile environments. The priority areas would be based on rate/
extent of germplasm erosion, resulting from the development of new irrigation sources and
mechanised agriculture operations. Some of the priority areas/gaps have been identified
and are given as below:
l Chhatisgarh region : Bilaspur, Raigarh, Raipur, Rajnandgaon, Durg
l Bundelkhand region : Rewa/Satna, Chhatarpur
l Orissa (Northeast region) : Sundargarh, Sambhalpur, Koraput
l Eastern Maharashtra : Chardrapur, Garchiroli, Nagpur and adjoining areas
l Chhota Nagpur region : Ranchi, Sitamarhi, Gopalganj, Muzaffarpur, Purnea,
Saharsha, Munger and Katiar and adjoining areas
of West Bengal.
Table 3. Distribution of various Lathyrus species in India
Source: Singh and Chandel (1996)
Species Habit Distribution Altitude Use
L. aphaca Annual Plains of West Bengal 2 100 m Fodder
to Kashmir and
Kumaon, South Nilgiris
L. sativus Annual Northern plains, 1 300 m Grain
Central India,
Maharashtra,
Southern India and
Eastern Himalayas
L. tingitanus Annual An introduction from Green manure/
North Africa fodder/
ornamental
L. sphaericus Annual North-west provinces: 1 800 m
Bundelkhand region to
Punjab, Western
Himalayas and
West Bengal
L. inconspicuus Annual Plains and in Western 2 000 m
Himalayas
L. odoratus Annual Madhya Pradesh and Ornamental
sub-tropical region
L. altiacus Perennial Western Himalayas; 2 500 m
Chenab valley
L. luteus Perennial Western Himalayas; 3 000 m
Punjab to Kumaon and
Khagan region
L. imphalensis Perennial Manipur 1 200 m Fodder
L. pratensis Perennial Wester Himalayas; 1 800 m Dual purpose
Garhwal region to
Kashmir
NEED FOR CROP NETWORK ON LATHYRUS 19
Table 4. Germplasm holdings maintained as base collection in the national genebank from
different sources
No. of Accessions
Source Year of
Indigenous Exotic Total supply
NBPGR, New Delhi 57 1 58 1993
NBPGR, Akola 146 0 146 1995
IGAU, Raipur 1 061 0 1 061 1995
IGAU, Raipur 960 0 960 1995
ICARDA, Syria 0 11 11 1996
IARI, New Delhi 264 74 338 1997
Total 2 488 86 2 574
Table 5. Germplasm holdings maintained as active collection in the IN-PGR system
Institute No. of accessions
NBPGR, New Delhi 311
NBPGR, Akola 146
IGAU, Raipur 2 600
IARI, New Delhi 338
Total 3 395
Inventorisation of bio-physical resources
Inventorisation of bio-physical resources (soil, water, climate, flora, fauna) in different
ecophysical regions, along with the different habitats, cropping systems and particular
landraces, local cultivars, etc.
Augmentation of soil microbes germplasm
It would be desirable to have a research activity on the lines already initiated by the Indian
Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), for the exploitation of suitable microbe/bacterial
races. This would further help improve cultivar production potential as well as in isolating
the ODAP-degrading gene from the soil microbes.
Germplasm characterization for value addition
The NBPGR has been looking for cooperating institute for evaluation of germplasm collection
for various traits particularly those influencing value addition. This would include basic
studies pertaining to genetic potentials of different species for the production of biomass/
grain/fodder/dual purpose/straw feed, ornamental purposes, disease and pest resistance
and low neurotoxin content. These activities would thus require infrastructure development
and financial support to the cooperating centres/institutes for conducting laboratory/field
studies besides strengthening of storage facilities.
The international nursery testing and other breeding materials should also be made
available to farmers for participatory plant breeding approach. This would help exploit the
maximum genotype x environment interactions for specific adaptations under mosaic
situations.
The breeding efforts in the past were uni-directional and focused on improving grain
production which has adversely affected the quality and quantity of biomass of the released
cultivars. There is need to re-focus the objectives. Due importance should be given for the
improvement of quality and quantity of the crop residues based on joint product analysis
20 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Fig. 1. Proposed operational structure for Lathyrus improvement in India
of the end products, i.e., grain and straw which would be attained through breeding for
dual purpose varieties. On this score, morphological indicators for assigning quality of crop
residue should be used in the descriptors such as leaf : stem ratio, stay-green character and
high foliage/forage/feed potential.
Role of NBPGR in the proposed network
IPGRI’s initiative of developing a network on Lathyrus is timely and is likely to meet the
common objectives of the on-going crop improvement programmes of the countries. It
would certainly address the specific problems of the regions/sub-regions/zones by sharing
of information and materials for achieving the objectives/targets set forth. The role of
NBPGR in the proposed network operations, attuned with its mandate and in conjunction
with the activities of the IN-PGRS as governed by the Bureau, is structured as below:
NEED FOR CROP NETWORK ON LATHYRUS 21
Identified activities/areas of work
1. Revision/upgradation of descriptor list of Lathyrus spp. in association with IPGRI/
ICARDA.
2. Development of core collection of the national base collection/regional holdings.
3. Characterization, evaluation and documentation of germplasm under the IN-PGRS
for value addition traits.
4. Strengthening of ex situ collections, including duplicate safety collection sets.
5. Indigenous knowledge data bank and pilot scale in situ conservation studies for the
development of farmer’s participatory plant breeding programmes for enhancement
of germplasm.
6. Germplasm/genetic stock registration.
7. Imparting on-job training/human resources development on PGR in the Asian region.
References
Singh, I.P. and K.P.S. Chandel. 1996. Lathyrus germplasm resources at NBPGR, India:
Introduction and evaluation. Pp. 53-57 in Lathyrus Genetic Resources in Asia: Proceedings
of a Regional Workshop, 27-29 December 1995, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University,
Raipur, India (R.K. Arora, P.N. Mathur, K.W. Riley and Y. Adham, eds.). IPGRI Office
for South Asia, New Delhi.
22 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Status of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) genetic resources in Nepal
M. Joshi
Coordinator, National Grain Legume Research Programme, Rampur, Nepal
Introduction
Grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) known as khesari in Nepal, is one of the important grain
legumes. Its total area under cultivation, production and productivity has however declined
over recent years (Table 1). His Majestry Government has imposed ban on its cultivation in
Nepal since 1991-92 due to presumed neurological disorder called lathyrism. However, it
still occupies substantial area and is second to lentil among all pulses grown in the country.
Also, historically grass pea has been banned by many countries, but it is still produced in
significant quantities in many parts of the world (Campbell 1989).
Table 1. Area, production and productivity of grass pea in Nepal (1985-86 to 1995-96)
Source: CBS 1996.
Year Area ('000 ha) Production Productivity
('000 mt) (kg ha-1)
1985-86 53.30 28.12 527
1986-87 53.98 28.92 537
1987-88 44.02 19.57 443
1988-89 38.58 19.81 513
1989-90 38.13 21.19 556
1990-91 40.86 22.99 563
1991-92 38.72 20.70 535
1992-93 40.06 20.04 500
1993-94 40.88 21.00 514
1994-95 38.07 19.34 508
1995-96 34.20 17.20 500
Grass pea is mostly relayed with rice under marginal or zero level of inputs. It is an
important food, feed and fodder crop. Despite its tolerance to drought, grass pea is not
affected by excessive rainfall and can be grown on land subject to flooding (Campbell et al.
1994). In Nepal and other adjoining countries, grass pea is often broadcasted into standing
crop of rice about 1 to 2 weeks before the rice harvest, where it flourishes on residual soil
moisture after the rice has been harvested (Bharati 1986). Grass pea can be grown in all soil
types including very sandy loam soil to heavy clays as it has a very hardy and penetrating
root system. This hardiness together with its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen makes the
crop well designed to grow under adverse conditions (Campbell et al. 1994).
Grass pea is an important food item. Most often it is used as dal (an aqueous slurry
cooked with spices), atta (flour boiled in water) and satu (roasted flour mixed with water).
It is often used as adulterant to chickpea and pigeonpea dal or flour (Bharati and Neupane
1989). The young plant is used as leafy vegetable, eaten with rice meal. It is also an excellent
fodder and green manure crop. After harvesting, the dried straw and chaff are fed to farm
animals.
Germplasm collection
The first systematic collecting for grass pea was organized in April - May 1987 by Nepal
Agricultural Association (NAA) in collaboration with International Development Research
STATUS OF GRASS PEA GENETIC RESOURCES IN NEPAL 23
Centre (IDRC), Canada. Seventy six accessions were collected from 18 districts of Nepal
(Adhikary et. al., 1987). Subsequently, a total of 107 landraces of grass pea were collected
with the funding support of CLIMA during 1995. These collections included material from
terai and inner terai districts from east of Karnali river of the mid-western part of Nepal.
Experts from CLIMA, ICARDA and NARC participated in the expedition led by Dr. Larry
Robertson from ICARDA. These materials have been received by CLIMA and ICARDA for
long-term storage.
In 1987, selected local genotypes were crossed with genotypes with low ß-N-oxalyl-L-α,
ß-diaminopropionic acid (ODAP) content at Manitoba, Canada. The segregating population
was grown at Rampur during 1990-91. Most of the lines did not set flowers and the remaining
lines did not set fruits (Neupane 1995). At present, research work in grass pea is almost
absent except for maintenance of germplasm. However, National Grain Legume Research
Programme (NGLRP), Rampur is seeking access to low ODAP containing lines of grass pea
from any external source as far as possible.
Germplasm characterization and evaluation
Grass pea germplasm collected during 1987 were grown at NGLRP, Rampur for
characterization and evaluation (Furman and Bharati 1989). Passport information of 87
grass pea germplasm accessions are presented in Table 2. Data on 13 agro-morphological
characters were also recorded and are presented in Tabale 3.
A wide range of variability (Furman and Bharati 1989) was recorded in plant height,
number of pods per plant, seeds per pod, 100 seed mass and grain yield of genotypes under
study (Table 4). Seventeen exotic grass pea germplasm lines introduced from Canada were
also evaluated at Parwanipur (terai location). In general, local accessions were well adapted,
high yielding and early maturing, but had smaller seed size than the exotic ones (Bharati
and Neupane 1988). Evaluation, characterization and documentation of germplasm accessions
collected during 1995 from western parts of Nepal is yet to be undertaken.
Germplasm conservation
One set of both local and exotic collections of grass pea germplasm are being maintained
at NGLRP headquarter at Rampur, using upright freezers. Duplicate set of germplasm
collected during 1987 has been sent to Canada through IDRC for long-term storage.
Germplasm collected during 1995 through CLIMA/NARC collaborative programme has
Table 2. Passport information for Lathyrus germplasm accessions
Source: Furman and Bharati (1989)
Accession Accession Country of Province Location of Other names
number name origin of origin origin/source
1 2 3 4 5 6
Lth0001 LS-34 Nepal - Phanse Bauimiga -
Lth0002 LS-37 Nepal Saptari Paunia Raipur NAA 42
Lth0003 LS-61 Nepal Nawalparasi Wargauli -
Lth0004 LS-58 Nepal Bara Buniyad NAA 67
Lth0005 LS-32 Nepal Mahottary Mahottary Bazaar NAA 32
Lth0006 LS-71 Nepal Jhapa Dulabari NAA 56
Lth0007 LS-53 Nepal Bara Tokani Rampur NAA 69
Lth0008 LS-49 Nepal Siraha Matiarhwa NAA 62
Contd...
24 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Table 2. (Continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6
Lth0009 LS-42 Nepal Siraha Lahan NAA 60
Lth0010 LS-44 Nepal Saptari Inaruwa NAA 45
Lth0011 LS-63 Nepal Chitwan Mungalpur panchayat NAA 75
Lth0012 LS-62 Nepal Citwan Mangalpur Bazaar NAA 76
Lth0013 LS-38 Nepal Saptari Topa village NAA 43
Lth0014 LS-08 Nepal Sarlahi Nawalpur side -
Lth0015 LS-03 Nepal Nawalparasi Tilkapur NAA 9
-
Lth0016 LS-07 Nepal Nawalparasi Magarkota Panchayat NAA 10
Lth0017 LS-05 Nepal Nawalparasi Magarkota Panchayat NAA 7
Lth0018 LS-06 Nepal - - -
Lth0019 LS-04 Nepal Nawalparasi Arunkhola gram NAA 8
Lth0020 LS-09 Nepal - Babhiliya -
Lth0021 LS-02 Nepal - - -
Lth0022 LS-26 Nepal Rautahat Baidyanathpur -
Lth0023 LS-25 Nepal Rautahat Bahera, Chainpur NAA 26
Lth0024 LS-28 Nepal Sarlahi Judhpani NAA 29
Lth0025 LS-29 Nepal Sarlahi Judhpani, Nawalpur NAA 30
Lth0026 LS-30 Nepal Siraha Mahadewa village -
Lth0027 LS-27 Nepal Rautahat Chandranigapur NAA 25
Lth0028 LS-24 Nepal Rautahat Gaidaja -
Lth0029 LS-87 Nepal Bara Nautar Batwar -
Lth0030 LS-55 Nepal Bara Buniyad NAA 71
Lth0031 LS-57 Nepal Parsa Shripur, Birgunj NAA 70
Lth0032 LS-67 Nepal Morang Rangeli Village NAA 53
Lth0033 LS-64 Nepal Morang Tarbesha Village -
Lth0034 LS-46 Nepal Dhanusha Birhipur -
Lth0035 LS-33 Nepal Dhanusha Saphi Village -
Lth0036 LS-47 Nepal J Sunsari Jadhganj NAA 46
Lth0037 LS-52 Nepal Bara Khutwas -
Lth0038 LS-40 Nepal Mahottary Sahora village NAA 35
Lth0039 LS-54 Nepal Bara Mushri -
Lth0040 LS-74 Nepal Jhapa Gaila Durwa NAA 58
Lth0041 LS-72 Nepal Morang Amardah NAA 54
Lth0042 LS-75 Nepal Jhapa Birtha Bazaar NAA 59
Lth0043 LS-73 Nepal Jhapa Charali NAA 57
Lth0044 LS-63 Nepal Morang Rakhuwa Vill. Panchayat NAA 49
Lth0045 LS-67 Nepal Morang Ranjah Village NAA 51
Lth0046 LS-31 Nepal Mahottary Sahorwata NAA 31
Lth0047 LS-20 Nepal Banke Ranjhara Village -
Contd...
STATUS OF GRASS PEA GENETIC RESOURCES IN NEPAL 25
Table 2. (Continued
1 2 3 4 5 6
Lth0048 LS-30 Nepal Saptari Joginia village NAA 44
Lth0049 LS-21 Nepal Banke Nepalgunj -
Lth0050 LS-22 Nepal Kapilbastu Birpur NAA 22
Lth0051 LS-23 Nepal Kapilbastu Krishnanagar NAA 23
Lth0052 LS-76 Nepal Nawalparasi Parasi NAA 24
Lth0053 LS-59 Nepal Bara Tajpur Lipani NAA 72
Lth0054 LS-10 Nepal Jhapa Garamani NAA 55
Lth0055 LS-68 Nepal Morang Chowada village NAA 52
Lth0056 LS-73 Nepal Jhapa Charali NAA 57
Lth0057 LS-36 Nepal Sraha Baluwa village NAA 40
Lth0058 LS-41 Nepal Dhanusha Belachapi Naktajheyh NAA 36
Lth0059 LS-50 Nepal Parsa Sukchaina NAA 63
Lth0060 LS-60 Nepal Chitwan Jagatpur NAA 73
Lth0061 LS-31 Nepal Mahottary Sahora NAA 31
Lth0062 LS-43 Nepal siraha Bairia Lahan NAA 61
Lth0063 LS-66 Nepal Morang Aaptola Village NAA 50
Lth0064 LS-17 Nepal Kapilbastu Badara NAA 15
Lth0065 LS-11 Nepal Rupendehi Dudhraj -
Lth0066 LS-14 Nepal Rupandehi Bangai NAA 13
Lth0067 LS-12 Nepal Rupandehi Dugada NAA 12
Lth0068 LS-16 Nepal Banke Tingharena Panchayat NAA 16
Lth0069 LS-19 Nepal Banke Pipera Thute Pipal NAA 19
Lth0070 LS-13 Nepal Rupandehi Bangai NAA 14
Lth0071 LS-18 Nepal Banke Maita NAA 17
Lth0072 LS-01 Nepal Nawalparasi Bargadai -
Lth0073 Local Nepal Dhanusha - D-21
Lth0074 Local Nepal Parsaa - P-1
Lth0075 Local Nepal Siraha - S-1
Lth0076 Local Nepal Siraha - S-2
Lth0077 Local Nepal Siraha - S-3
Lth0078 Local Nepal Dhanusha - D-2
Lth0079 Local Nepal Siraha - S-23
Lth0080 Local Nepal Parsa - P-20
Lth0081 Local Nepal Sikraha - S-26
Lth0082 Local Nepal Parsa - P-24
Lth0083 NC8A-64 USSRl - - -
Lth0084 NC8A-74 India - - -
Lth0085 NC8A-96 India - - -
Lth0086 NC8A-97 Bangladesh - - -
Lth0087 NC8A-76 India - - -
26 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Table 3. Characterization and preliminary evaluation data for Lathyrus germplasm accessions
Source : Furman and Bharati (1989)
Acc. Days Days GRO Pl LFWD PLHT POD Seed Seed KGHA Seed
No. Flr Mat Hab Type Plnt Pod wt col
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Lth0001 83 135 2 1 3 54.2 35.0 4.3 4.0 1367.5 brown grey
Lth0002 90 134 1 2 3 54.6 43.4 4.2 5.0 1077.8 brown grey
Lth0003 88 134 1 2 3 58.8 47.6 3.8 4.1 1367.5 red grey
Lth0004 82 133 - 2 3 60.4 43.0 4.1 4.3 1348.3 brown grey
Lth0005 88 136 1 2 3 52.4 44.8 4.6 3.7 827.8 red grey
Lth0006 90 136 2 2 5 66.4 40.6 3.9 4.0 1102.8 brown grey
Lth0007 82 134 1 2 3 57.4 39.4 4.1 4.1 1312.0 grey
Lth0008 80 135 1 2 3 61.0 41.4 3.4 4.1 917.0 grey
Lth0009 81 133 3 2 3 60.8 56.8 3.6 4.0 855.3 brown grey
Lth0010 91 136 2 2 3 53.8 92.2 3.3 3.3 1113.3 brown grey
Lth0011 86 136 3 2 3 65.0 61.6 5.5 3.8 1204.0 brown grey
Lth0012 86 136 2 2 3 59.6 66.0 3.8 4.4 1483.0 red grey
Lth0013 80 135 1 2 3 48.0 18.2 2.9 3.6 1026.0 grey
Lth0014 86 137 3 2 3 75.6 65.8 5.5 6.1 1022.3 brown grey
Lth0015 86 137 1 2 3 69.4 76.6 4.2 4.4 1240.0 red grey
Lth0016 86 136 2 2 5 67.0 67.6 3.9 4.8 1215.8 brown grey
Lth0017 90 136 1 2 3 64.2 57.0 3.0 4.4 1203.8 red grey
Lth0018 87 136 3 2 5 76.4 53.8 4.0 4.0 1729.8 brown grey
Lth0019 90 136 1 2 3 64.8 59.2 2.9 3.2  839.3 brown grey
Lth0020 86 137 2 2 5 72.0 63.8 3.8 4.5 1267.5 brown grey
Lth0021 86 136 2 2 5 62.0 76.2 4.8 5.1 1313.0 grey
Lth0022 86 136 1 2 5 57.8 33.2 3.7 4.6 1274.3 grey
Lth0023 87 137 3 2 5 68.2 70.4 4.4 3.2 1386.0 broen grey
Lth0024 85 137 1 2 3 61.0 91.4 3.8 4.1 1610.0 broen grey
Lth0025 86 137 3 2 3 64.0 88.0 4.2 4.2 1495.0 brown grey
Lth0026 82 135 2 2 3 57.0 47.4 3.0 4.1 1648.0 brown grey
Lth0027 85 136 1 2 3 56.4 68.6 4.3 3.5 1534.0 brown grey
Lth0028 85 136 2 2 5 63.0 49.8 3.8 3.4 1485.0 brown grey
Lth0029 85 137 2 2 5 55.0 52.0 4.1 4.5 1387.8 grey
Lth0030 85 137 3 2 5 59.0 81.6 3.8 4.0 1456.3 brown grey
Lth0031 82 137 1 2 3 60.6 51.2 3.4 4.5 1493.3 grey
Lth0032 83 136 1 2 3 61.0 50.8 3.9 4.0 1408.5 brown grey
Lth0033 85 137 2 2 3 46.8 34.8 4.4 4.4 1496.3 brown grey
Lth0034 85 139 1 2 3 50.4 30.2 3.9 4.2 1496.8 grey
Lth0035 85 139 1 2 5 56.0 53.4 3.9 5.5 1302.8 grey
Lth0036 90 139 2 2 5 54.8 34.2 3.0 4.0 1409.0 brown grey
Lth0037 82 135 1 2 3 45.0 59.0 5.1 4.8 1380.5 grey
Lth0038 83 136 2 2 3 44.0 31.6 4.5 3.5 1192.5 brown grey
Lth0039 82 136 1 2 3 52.0 31.8 4.5 4.0 1407.8 grey
Lth0040 90 137 2 2 5 53.2 34.8 3.8 4.4 1192.8 grey
Contd...
STATUS OF GRASS PEA GENETIC RESOURCES IN NEPAL 27
Table 3. (Continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Lth0041 90 139 3 2 3 43.0 48.6 3.8 4.2 1224.8 grey
Lth0042 90 139 3 2 3 50.2 39.0 3.0 3.8 1268.8 brown grey
Lth0043 90 139 2 2 3 51.0 53.4 4.2 4.0 1266.0 grey
Lth0044 85 137 1 2 3 44.8 42.6 3.4 3.4 1072.0 grey
Lth0045 86 137 1 2 3 42.0 27.6 4.3 3.2 1027.5 brown grey
Lth0046 86 137 2 2 3 46.0 33.2 3.6 4.2 1245.0 grey
Lth0047 91 139 1 2 3 52.2 26.2 4.3 4.3 497.5 brown grey
Lth0048 85 136 1 2 3 41.0 48.6 3.6 3.9 868.8 brown grey
Lth0049 87 139 1 2 3 56.0 63.6 3.6 5.0 468.5 brown grey
Lth0050 85 139 2 2 3 58.0 30.8 3.8 4.8 939.0 brown grey
Lth0051 82 135 1 2 5 58.0 37.4 4.4 5.5 669.5 brown grey
Lth0052 82 135 1 2 5 50.0 53.0 4.2 4.1 757.5 grey
Lth0053 83 135 2 2 3 57.2 36.2 3.9 4.2 1603.8 grey
Lth0054 93 139 2 2 3 64.0 69.4 2.9 3.4 1131.3 red grey
Lth0055 85 137 3 2 5 67.8 41.8 4.1 3.4 1216.3 red grey
Lth0056 91 139 2 2 3 55.0 41.2 3.3 4.0 1088.8 grey
Lth0057 80 135 2 2 3 56.6 38.2 3.6 4.8 954.5 brown grey
Lth0058 85 134 1 2 3 56.2 85.8 4.0 4.1 1083.5 brown grey
Lth0059 83 134 3 2 3 59.0 41.4 3.5 4.4 1291.3 brown grey
Lth0060 86 135 1 2 3 63.0 43.0 4.5 3.5 865.5 red grey
Lth0061 91 139 1 2 5 60.4 24.4 3.9 2.7 1283.8 red grey
Lth0062 82 133 1 2 3 52.2 37.2 3.2 3.5 1214.5 red grey
Lth0063 85 132 1 2 5 58.0 30.4 3.4 3.9 1443.3 red grey
Lth0064 85 133 2 2 5 63.8 32.2 4.5 4.6 1004.5 red grey
Lth0065 85 139 1 2 5 76.0 29.8 3.7 3.2 1326.0 red grey
Lth0066 85 137 1 2 5 75.0 24.4 4.3 5.4 1285.0 red grey
Lth0067 84 136 1 2 5 72.0 61.6 3.9 3.6 1503.0 brown grey
Lth0068 91 139 1 2 5 69.2 29.6 4.0 4.2 975.0 grey
Lth0069 85 139 2 2 5 74.6 38.8 3.5 3.0 1391.0 brown grey
Lth0070 85 139 1 2 5 61.0 25.4 4.0 4.3 1458.8 brown grey
Lth0071 82 139 2 2 5 66.0 43.2 3.7 3.2 1132.5 brown grey
Lth0072 85 139 2 2 5 69.2 38.2 3.8 3.0 1136.8 brown grey
Lth0073 79 133 1 2 3 55.0 57.2 3.5 4.6 847.8 grey
Lth0074 85 136 1 2 5 59.0 31.8 3.8 3.9 1294.3 brown grey
Lth0075 82 136 1 2 5 63.8 23.4 3.7 4.5 1313.5 red grey
Lth0076 82 135 1 2 3 53.0 40.4 4.3 3.1 1090.5 brown grey
Lth0077 82 134 1 2 3 58.8 26.0 3..2 4.1 1193.8 brown grey
Lth0078 82 133 1 2 3 64.0 29.6 3.3 3.4 1065.5 brown grey
Lth0079 77 134 1 2 3 48.6 28.2 3.4 3.4 552.0 red grey
Lth0080 85 134 2 2 3 43.0 31.8 3.1 4.0 544.3 grey
Lth0081 80 135 1 2 3 48.0 34.8 3.4 4.5 673.5 grey
Lth0082 77 132 2 2 3 50.0 31.4 3.1 4.2 342.8 brown grey
Lth0083 85 139 2 2 3 56.0 29.6 3.9 4.7 1374.8 brown grey
Lth0084 80 137 2 2 3 62.0 23.6 3.0 3.5 1129.5 brown grey
Lth0085 80 139 3 2 5 75.2 25.6 2.9 6.5 445.3 grey
Contd...
28 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
been taken by CLIMA, Australia for long-term storage with duplicate samples being kept
at Plant Genetic Resources Unit at the Agriculture Botany Division, NARC, Khumaltar,
Kathmandu for mediun-term storage.
Table 4. Variability in agronomical characters in 86 accessions of grass pea grown at Rampur
during 1988
Characters Mean Minimum Maximum CV (%)
Days to 50% flowering 85.0 77.0 93.0 4.0
Days to maturity 136.0 132.0 139.0 1.4
Plant height (cm) 58.0 41.0 76.0 14.9
Pods per plant 46.0 18.0 143.0 43.7
Seeds per plot 3.8 2.9 5.5 14.3
100-seed mass (g) 4.1 2.7 6.5 16.4
Grain yield (kg ha-1) 1 160.0 343.0 1 730.0 25.9
Need for grass pea network
Grass pea will continue to play an important role in human protein needs and to maintain
soil fertility and sustainability particularly in South Asian countries. It is a traditional crop
grown mainly as a relay crop in rice-based cropping system. It has ability to withstand
extreme moisture conditions (drought or excessive rainfall) and other productivity constraints
(except thrips, downy mildew and powdery mildew). Future collaborative needs of the
network are suggested as follows:
1. Germplasm collection from unexplored areas of each paricipating member countries
of the network.
2. Free exchange of germplasm among grass pea growing countries and concerned
IARCs to ensure better utilization of genetic resources to improve the crop through
collaborating national programmes.
3. Setting of common regional observation nurseries and regional adaptation trials (of
both early and full season groups as well as of both fodder and grain types).
4. Crossing of materials with specific qualities like for zero or low ODAP content at
ICARDA/ICAR, etc., and then supplying early generation segregating materials (F2,
F3, etc.) to network countries.
5. Knowledge of genetic control of the neurotoxin in grass pea is required for the
development of low or no ODAP lines. Elimination of ODAP through biotechnological
techniques would be of great significance.
6. Joint monitoring through visit of scientists among member countries of the network.
7. A socio-economic study to determine the extent of lathyrism is needed in Nepal,
because no such work has been done so far. For this, a regional network project
support (both technical and financial) will be highly useful.
Table 3. (Continued)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Lth0086 85 136 - 2 3 49.0 49.0 3.5 3.0 429.3 grey
Lth0087 85 139 - 2 5 69.4 69.4 3.1 4.2 1048.8 grey
FLWRCOL - Flower colour of all accessions was blue (BL).
Acc. No. = Accession number, Days Flr = Days to 50% flowering, Days Mat = Days to maturity, GRO
Hab = Growth habit, Pl Type = Plant type, LFWD = Leaf width, PLHT = Plant height (cm), POD Plnt
= Pods per plant, Seed Pod = Seeds per pod, Seed wt = 100-seed mass (g), KGHA = Grain yield
(kg ha-1), and Seed col = Seed colour.
STATUS OF GRASS PEA GENETIC RESOURCES IN NEPAL 29
Mechanism of operation of grass pea network
Sustainability of a grass pea network seems feasible because it is an important crop in South
Asian countries and commitment among network cooperators has been expressed. However,
both financial and human resources must be available to run the network. Key sustainability
aspects of the network are suggested as follows:
1. Some common objectives of the network must be identified.
2. Plan for funding support from among the member countries, though it will be a
donor supported project.
3. There should be agreed commitment or MoU of participating countries of the network.
4. A steering committee from among representatives of the member countries must be
formed and it should have a coordinator to carry-out a leadership role for network
activities.
5. Development of a database of grass pea germplasm resources among network member
countries will be quite useful.
References
Adhikary, B.R., M.P. Bharati, R.P. Sah and R.K. Neupane. 1987. Collection of Lathyrus sativus
germplasm in Nepal. Nepal Agricultural Association (NAA), Kathmandu, Nepal.
Bharati, M.P. 1986. Status of Lathyrus sativus among grain legumes cultivated in Nepal. Pp.
142-145 in Lathyrus and Lathyrism (A.K. Kaul and D. Combes, eds.). Third World Medical
Research Foundation, New York.
Bharati, M.P. and R.K. Neupane. 1988. Situation of Lathyrus sativus cultivation and screening
of germplasm in Nepal. INILSEL Workshop, London, 2-6 May 1988.
Bharati, M.P. and R.K. Neupane. 1989. Lathyrus sativus cultivation and screening of germplasm
in Nepal. Pp. 159-157 in The Grass pea: Threat and Promise. Proceedings of the
International Network for the improvement of Lathyrus sativus and the eradication of
Lathyrism (P.S. Spencer, ed.). Third World Medical Research Foundation, New York.
Campbell, C.G. 1989. Improvement of Lathyrus sativus. Pp. 139-146 in The Grass pea: Threat
and Promise. Proceedings of the International Network for the improvement of Lathyrus
sativus and the eradication of Lathyrism (P.S. Spencer, ed.). Third World Medical Research
Foundation, New York.
Campbell, C.G., P.B. Mehra, S.K. Agrawal, Y.Z. Chen, A.M. A. El-Ali, H.I.T. Khawaja, C.R.
Yadav, J. Joy and W.A. Araya. 1994. Current status and future strategy in breeding grass
pea (Lathyrus sativus). Euphytica. 73:167-175.
CBS. 1996. Agriculture Statistics of Nepal, ASD, Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Furman, B.J. and M.P. Bharati. 1989. Collection and charactization of legumes germplasm
in Nepal. National Grain Legumes Improvement Program, HMG/MOA/NARC.
Neupane, R.K. 1995. Status of Lathyrus research and production in Nepal. Pp. 29-35 in
Lathyrus Genetic Resources in Asia: Proceedings of a Regional Workshop, 27-29 December
1995, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, India (R.K. Arora, P.N. Mathur,
K.W. Riley and Y. Adham, eds.). IPGRI Office for South Asia, New Delhi.
30 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Status of Lathyrus germplasm held at ICARDA and its use in breeding
programmes
L.D. Robertson and A.M.A. EI-Moneim
Legume Germplasm Curator and Forage/Legume breeder, International Centre for
Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, Aleppo, Syria
Introduction
Grass pea has been widely cultivated in South Asia and Ethiopia for over 2500 years (Bell
1989) and is used as a food and feed. It is rich in protein content, around 30 g/100 g edible
seeds (Aletor et al. 1994) and contains high amount of free L-homoarginine, which is a
precursor of lysine in higher animals (Quereshi et al. 1977). Agronomically, the species is
able to withstand both severe drought as well as water logging. During recent collections
in Ethiopia and Bangladesh by ICARDA, it was noted that most farmers grew Lathyrus
because of its water logging tolerance. In Ethiopia, Lathyrus was grown on heavy black clay
soils with poor drainage and in Bangladesh, the most common cropping system was relay
cropping of Lathyrus in rice, where Lathyrus was planted in the flooded paddy before it was
drained and harvested.
The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) was
given a regional mandate for the West Asia North Africa region (WANA) and for Ethiopia
for crop improvement of Lathyrus species as forage legumes by the Consultative Group on
International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) Centers. The WANA region is the center of
origin and primary diversity for Lathyrus species (Zohary and Hopf 1988). In WANA, Lathyrus
cicera (L.) is common in Cyprus, Greece, Iran, Iraq, Spain and Syria, and Lathyrus ochrus (L.)
DC. in Cyprus and Greece, used mainly for feed and forage (Sexana et al. 1993). Work at
ICARDA deals with three species; L. sativus (L.) (common chickling or grass pea), L. ochrus
(L.) DC (ochrus vetch) and L. cicera (L.) (dwarf chickling). Additionally, there is a small
amount of research with L. ciliolatus (L.) (underground chickling) which produces both
underground and aboveground pods. The breeding work has concentrated mainly on the
use of Lathyrus as a feed and forage legume with research on hay, straw and grain production.
The Genetic Resources Unit of ICARDA supports this work by collecting, conservation,
evaluation and genetic diversity research of Lathyrus species.
Though ICARDA originally was mandated a regional responsibility for Lathyrus research
as a forage species, recently work has been initiated to develop a programme for improvement
of Lathyrus as a pulse with emphasis on Ethiopia and Pakistan but also with consideration
of the other countries of South Asia. The collecting and conservation of genetic resources
of Lathyrus species, while concentrating in the ICARDA region has recently also entailed
activities outside of this region since this material might prove useful for improvement of
the crop.
Status of collection
The germplasm collection of Lathyrus maintained by ICARDA contains 44 species from 46
countries (Table 1) with a total of 3 038 accessions. These accessions are held in trust under
the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under a CGIAR agreement
with the FAO. All germplasm is distributed under a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA)
to protect the rights of the country of origin of the germplasm.
Except for a large number of accessions of L. sativus received from the Bangladesh
Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), the majority of the accessions are from WANA
(Figures 1-6). In WANA the most accessions are from Morocco, Turkey and Syria.
Additionally, a large number of accessions have also originated from Greece and Ethiopia.
STSTATUS OF LATHYRUS GERMPLASM AT ICARDA 31
Table 1. Lathyrus germplasm accessions held at ICARDA
Country L. sativus L. cicera L. ochrus Total
Afghanistan 19 - - 20
Armenia - - - 5
Australia 3 2 1 10
Azerbaijan - - - 13
Bangladesh 1 115 - - 1 115
Bulgaria 10 - - 14
Canada 5 - - 5
Switzerland - - - 1
Czech Republic 8 1 1 11
Cyprus 20 - 22 43
Germany 5 1 1 13
Denmark - - - 1
Algeria - 12 3 33
Ecuador 1 1 - 2
Egypt 1 - - 2
Spain 1 - 2 13
Ethiopia 178 - - 180
France 1 - - 3
United Kingdom - - - 1
Georgia - - - 10
Greece 20 48 29 110
Hungary 5 - - 5
India 7 1 2 10
Iran 13 - 1 22
Iraq - - - 10
Italy - - 3 3
Jordan 1 1 - 33
Morocco 14 31 9 152
Nepal 76 - - 90
Pakistan 83 2 - 91
Palestine - - 1 3
Poland - - - 1
Portugal 4 1 14 26
Russian Federation - 1 - 3
Union of Soviet 8 1 1 11
Socialist Republics
Slovak Republic 1 - - 1
Sweden - - - 1
Syprus 4 24 13 519
Tajikistan - - - 8
Turkmenistan - 1 - 10
Tunisia 16 2 30 39
Turkey 16 52 3 370
Ukraine 3 - - 3
Uruguay - - - 1
United States of America 1 - - 1
Yugoslavia - - - 1
Uzbekistan - 1 - 12
Unknown 1 - - 7
Total 1 627 183 136 3 038
32 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
A significant number of L. sativus accessions in the ICARDA germplasm collection, even
discounting the large donation form BARI, are from South Asian countries (Figs. 2, 4 and
7). The largest number of accessions in the ICARDA germplasm collection are of L. sativus,
L. cicera, L. ochrus and L articulatus (Table 2).
Recent germplasm collections (1992-1997) of Lathyrus species are given in Table 3. Nearly
half of these collected germplasm accessions are of L. sativus, the rest being mainly of
L. cicera, L. ochrus and L. articulatus (a potentially important species in Morocco). The majority
of these accessions have been collected in WANA, though 32% were collected from countries
of South Asia (Table 4). The majority of the accessions from WANA are from Syria and
Morocco. A series of targeted missions were conducted in 1993-1995 in Morocco to fill a
significant gap in representation of Vicia and Lathyrus species in the ICARDA and Moroccan
collections. A significant number of accessions have also recently been collected in Ethiopia
and two accessions were collected in Ecuador, where they have been used for human
consumption since their introduction by the Spanish 400 years back.
Evaluation of germplasm
Results of characterization of 1 082 accessions of 30 species of Lathyrus have been previously
reported by Robertson and Abd EI Moneim (1996). These accessions were characterized for
21 descriptors including phenological and agronomic traits. These evaluations showed useful
variation in flowering date and seeds per pod for L. cicera and for flowering date for
L. ochrus. This data is currently being prepared for a germplasm catalogue.
Table 2. Lathyrus species held in the ICARDA germplasm collection
Species No. of accessions Species No of accessions
L. amphicarpos 2 L. incurvus 2
L. angulatus 1 L. latifolius 1
L. annuus 68 L. laxiflorus 12
L. aphaca 260 L. marmoratus 34
L. articulatus 105 L. nissolia 9
L. aureus 1 L. occidentalis 1
L. basalticus 5 L. ochrus 136
L. belinensis 1 L. odoratus 3
L. blepharicarpus 37 L. pallescens 1
L. cassius 8 L. pratensis 2
L. chloranthus 1 L. pseudo-cicera 66
L. chrysanthus 3 L. rotundifolius 2
L. cicera 183 L. sativus 1 627
L. cilicicus 10 L. saxatilis 2
L. ciliolatus 3 L. setifolius 7
L. clymenum 9 L. sphaericus 21
L. digitatus 2 L. stenophyllus 2
L. gloeospermus 2 L. sylvestris 1
L. gorgoni 60 L. tingitanus 18
L. hirticarpus 2 L. tuberosus 4
L. hierosolymitanus 110 L. vinealis 4
L. hirsutus 17 other species 44
L. inconspicuus 149 Total 3 038
STSTATUS OF LATHYRUS GERMPLASM AT ICARDA 33
Fig. 1. ICARDA germplasm holdings of Lathyrus species
Fig. 2. ICARDA collected germplasm of Lathyrus species
Host-plant screening in Lathyrus species for resistances to powdery mildew (Eryisphe
pisi), Botrytis blight (Botrytis cicerea Pers. Ex Fr.) and Ascochyta blight (Ascochyta pisi Lib.)
have been previously reported by Robertson and Abd El Moneim (1996). Several resistance
sources in L. sativus for powdery mildew and Ascochyta blight (dual resistance) have been
found (Table 5). Accessions of L. ochrus have been reported that remain free of Orobanche
crenata (Linke et al. 1993), though accessions of L. sativus and L. cicera were found to be
highly susceptible to this obligate parasitic weed. Most accessions of L. cicera are resistant
to cold, whereas L. ochrus and L. sativus are generally very susceptible to cold (Abd EI
Moneim and Cocks 1993). The reasons for this are that most L. sativus and L. ochrus accessions
are from low altitude, mild winter environments, whereas many L. cicera accessions are
from high altitude, continental environments with severe winters (Robertson and Abd El
Moneim 1996).
1-9 accessions
10-24 accessions
25-49 accessions
50-99 accessions
100-500 accessions
>500 accessions
1-5 accessions
6-10 accessions
11-20 accessions
21-40 accessions
41-90 accessions
>90 accessions
34 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Fig. 3. Distribution of Lathyrus germplasm in the ICARDA collection
Fig. 5. Distribution of L. cicera germplasm in the ICARDA collection
Fig. 4. Distribution of L. sativus germplasm in the ICARDA collection
STSTATUS OF LATHYRUS GERMPLASM AT ICARDA 35
Fig. 6. Distribution of L. ochrus germplasm in the ICARDA collection
Table 3. Species of Lathyrus collected by ICARDA during 1992-97
Species No. of accessions
L. angulatus 1
L. annuus 1
L. aphaca 33
L. articulatus 71
L. basalticus 1
L. blepharicarpus 4
L. chrysanthus 1
L. cicera 35
L. clymenum 9
L. gloeospermus 1
L. hierosolymitanus 8
L. hirsutus 1
L. inconspicuus 16
L. latifolius 1
L. ochrus 41
L. pseudocicera 11
L. sativus 222
L. saxatilis 1
L. setifolius 2
L. tingitanus 4
Other species 27
Total 491
Utilization of collections
The germplasm collections have been the basis for the development of breeding programmes
at ICARDA for three species, L. sativus, L. cicera and L. ochrus. The objective of these breeding
programmes is to produce varieties for WANA with high yield of herbage, seed and straw
with abiotic and biotic stress resistances/tolerances (Table 6). Recently, ICARDA has decided
36 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Table 4. Recent collections of Lathyrus germplasm by ICARDA
Country Year No. of accessions
Bangladesh 1995 62
Ecuador 1996 2
Spain 1997 10
Ethiopia 1997 70
Iraq 1995 3
Morocco 1993 108
Morocco 1994 23
Morocco 1995 14
Morocco 1997 3
Nepal 1995 90
Pakistan 1996 3
Syria 1992 14
Syria 1994 20
Syria 1996 11
Syria 1997 20
Tunisia 1992 4
Tunisia 1994 31
Total 488
Fig. 7. Distribution of Lathyrus germplasm from South Asia in the ICARDA collection
STSTATUS OF LATHYRUS GERMPLASM AT ICARDA 37
Table 5. Resistant sources of chickling (Lathyrus) to cold, Orobanche crenata, downy mildew
and ascochyta blight
Stress/Species Resistant source
Orobanche crenata
L. ochrus IFLAO 84, 94, 95, 101
Cold
L. ochrus IFLAO 109
L. cicera Most accession
Downy mildew and ascochyta blight
L. sativus Sel. 553, 555, 563, 529, 504
Table 6. Use and environmental adaptation of different species of Lathyrus in West Asia and
North Africa
Species Uses Adaptation Priority Research Objectives
L. sativus GZ, G, S <300 mm rain, moderate Resistance to Orobanche and foliar
cold diseases; high harvest index; low
ODAP content
L. cicera G, S <300 mm rain, moderate Resistance to Orobanche and foliar
cold diseases; high harvest index; low
ODAP content
L. ochrus G, S <300 mm rain, mild Improved cold tolerance
winters
to seek funding to start a project on the improvement of L. sativus as a pulse crop for
countries in the ICARDA region (mainly Pakistan and Ethiopia) and also for countries of
South Asia.
The improved germplasm developed from the breeding programme is distributed through
an International Nursery Network. This programme has been successful in identifying
cultivars for release because of the efforts of breeders and agronomists of national programme
in testing the provided material for adaptation to local conditions. The national programme
of Jordan has released one cultivar of L. ochrus (IFLAO 101/185).
Breeding programme
Objectives and methodology
Annual forage legumes species, including Lathyrus species, are one of the options to replace
fallow in the cereal/fallow rotations in dry areas of WANA. They are defined as leguminous
species sown and harvested in a single year. They can be used for grazing during winter
and early spring and harvested either for hay in spring or for grain and straw at full
maturity. The adaptation and use of Lathyrus species are shown in Table 6.
The objective of the ICARDA breeding programme for Lathyrus has been mainly to
develop and produce improved cultivars to feed livestock in areas receiving less than 400
mm of rainfall (Table 6). It is also desirable to have widely adapted cultivars that can be
recommended for different locations with similar agro-ecological conditions. While improving
yield and adaptation to the environment, emphasis is also given to ensure that the palatability,
intake and other nutritive values of herbage, hay, grain and straw are acceptable.
Two approaches are adopted to develop improved lines of Lathyrus (Fig. 8). In one,
selection is affected in the wild accessions in the germplasm from the ICARDA genebank
to develop improved cultivated types. In the second, hybridization is used to overcome
specific shortcomings; shattering pods, prostrate growth, susceptibility to diseases and
38 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Fig. 8. Lathyrus breeding programme scheme at ICARDA
Table 7. Grain yield (kg ha-1) of Lathyrus sativus breeding lines in 1995 at three sites in Syria
IFFLS/Statistic Tel Hadya Breda K Fardan
567 1 187 684 1 117
504 1 130 756 1 083
516 1 084 624 1 000
528 1 188 616 983
531 1 136 710 933
Mean of trial 1 008 500 864
S.E.M. 90 29 107
C.V. 16.0 31.0 21.5
nematodes, cold susceptibility, high content of anti-nutritional factors, etc. The process
begins and ends with on-farm studies to determine farmers’ needs and to see how well the
new improved cultivars meet them.
Germplasm Evaluation
Selection of Progenitors
F2 and F3 generations
selection for yield potential,
agronomic traits, pest/disease
resistance and quality aspects
F4 and F5 generations.
Bulk selection tested for
yield potential, agronomic
traits, pest/disease resistance
and quality aspects
        Genetic manipulation
Advanced yield trials Tel
Hadya, Breda and Kfardan
tested for yield potential,
agronimic traits, pest/disease
resistance and quality traits
Multilocation yield trials
for stability and G x E
Commercial release
Preliminary microplot yield
trials Tel Hadya, Breda and
Kfardan. Selection for yield
potential, agronimic traits,
pest/disease resistance and
quality traits
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
STSTATUS OF LATHYRUS GERMPLASM AT ICARDA 39
Yield and adaptation
Significant progress has been made for improvement for yield and adaptation to WANA
region. Table 7 shows results for the five top lines of L. sativus for grain yield in advanced
yield trials at three locations in Syria for 1995. Several lines yielded over 1 t ha-1 in
environments of low rainfall. Similar progress has been made with the other species that are
being bred.
Quality traits
The quality parameters utilized in the forage breeding programme are protein (%), Neutral
Detergent Fiber (NDF), Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) and Dry Matter Organic Matter
Digestibility (DODM %). Hays of L. sativus and L. cicera are high in protein content, NDF
(%) and ADF (%), whereas, the hay of L. Ochrus is relatively low in protein content and fibre
resulting in high digestibility (Table 8). This is mainly due to leafiness and relatively thick
stems. The same trend has been found for straw.
Table 8. Mean and range of protein, NDF, ADF and DOMD for hay of three Lathyrus species
in advanced yield trials at Tel Hadya
Species Protein (%) NDF (%) ADF (%) DOMD (%)
L. sativus Mean 21.3 35.2 18.3 83.0
Range 14-24 26-41 16-20 80-86
L. cicera Mean 21.5 32.0 19.0 79.0
Range 19-24 27-35 15-23 75-82
L. ochrus Mean 17.5 26.0 17.0 86.0
Range 14-24 19-29 14-23 82-89
Fig. 9. ODAP content (%) of three Lathyrus species at three locations in Syria
40 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Special attention has been given in Lathyrus species to evaluate for low concentrations
of the free amino acid ß-N-oxalyl-L-α, ß-diaminopropionic acid (ODAP), a neurotoxin that
causes a neural disorder resulting in incurable paralysis of the lower limbs of human beings
or domestic animals. Evaluation of L. sativus, L. cicera and L. ochrus at three locations in 1995
showed large variation between species, between lines and between locations (Fig. 9). Breda
(the lowest rainfall site) had the highest levels of ODAP. As previously seen at one location,
L. cicera had the lowest and L. ochrus the highest ODAP content at all three locations.
A breeding programme with L. sativus was initiated at ICARDA in 1991-92 in which 21
high yielding L. sativus lines having ODAP content ranging from 0.27 to 0.75% were crossed
with low ODAP lines. Due to transgressive segregation towards earliness and high ODAP
content, a large proportion of F2 populations matured earlier than the parents. Selection was
done in F3, F4 and F5 generations for early maturity, small and large seed size, white or light
cream seed colour and a ODAP content less than 0.1 %. A total of 85 families with their
parents, were grown under rainfed conditions at two locations viz., Tel Hadya and Breda,
Syria, to assess their yield potential and ODAP content during 1996-97 growing season.
Three families (19, 18 and 85) had shown low ODAP content (0.02, 0.07 and 0.06 per cent,
respectively) and were characterized by white flowers and large white or cream coloured
seed. The yield ranged from 0.9 to 1.5 t ha-1. The effect of location on ODAP content was
non-significant. The three low ODAP families were 10-15 days later in maturity than the
lines with high ODAP content.
Distribution of germplasm
Germplasm of Lathyrus is distributed by ICARDA through two main mechanisms. Improved
germplasm from the crop improvement programme is regularly distributed through an
International Nurseries Network through a series of adaptation trials. Germplasm accessions
are distributed upon request by the genebank at ICARDA under the conditions of a MTA
mentioned previously.
The Genetic Resources Unit at ICARDA regularly distributes approximately 750 accessions
of Lathyrus species per year (Table 9). The total number of accessions distributed from 1992
through 1997, inclusive, is 4 578, with 503 of these distributed to countries in South Asia.
Approximately 55% of the accessions distributed are of the three main species for which
ICARDA has a improvement programme.
Table 9. Distribution of ICARDA Lathyrus germplasm
Year All countries South Asia L. sativus L. cicera L. ochrus
1992 709 327 358 68 42
1993 741 0 342 144 120
1994 869 0 296 57 92
1995 102 118 73 9 17
1996 1 782 0 438 184 124
1997 375 0 98 18 27
Total 4 578 503 1 605 480 422
Table 10. Distribution of International nurseries of Lathyrus by ICARDA
Species Trial 1994 1995 1996 1997
L. sativus ILAT-LS 46 40 46 39
L. cicer ILAT-LC 28 28 26 27
L. ochrus ILAT-LO 27 28 29 20
Total 101 96 101 86
STSTATUS OF LATHYRUS GERMPLASM AT ICARDA 41
ICARDA has an International Nursery Network that distributes trials of L. sativus,
L. cicera and L. ochrus in adaptation and yield nurseries. An average of 96 nurseries for these
three species have been distributed yearly (Table 10). These trials provide a mechanism for
distribution of improved germplasm to national programmes in WANA and worldwide
from selection at ICARDA within germplasm and from populations developed through
hybridization among improved types and germplasm accessions with important stress
resistance/tolerance or quality traits.
Future research projections
Collecting activities in the future will be concentrated on targeted missions to fill gaps in
geographical coverage of specific species and for important traits, such as disease resistance
and cold tolerance. The breeding programme will mostly be based on selections from within
populations developed through hybridization. In addition to work on the use of Lathyrus
as a forage and feed crop, the ICARDA breeding programme will work on L. sativus as a
food legume crop with a major emphasis on reducing ODAP content.
Genetic diversity research will be initiated in the three major species of Lathyrus
(L. sativus, L. cicera and L. ochrus) with the objective to map the diversity that exists in the
collection for these species. This will allow the identification of areas for possible in situ
conservation. Also, this could be used to identify areas of high genetic diversity that are
presently under-represented in the germplasm collections. Research will also be conducted
using molecular markers to calculate the genetic similarities between the species of Lathyrus
to determine the species that are most closely related to the three species of potential
importance.
References
Abd EI Moniem and P.S. Cocks. 1993. Adaptation and yield stability of selected lines of
Lathyrus spp. under rainfed conditions in West Asia. Euphytica. 66:89-97.
Aletor, V.A., A.M. Abd EI Moneim and A.V. Goodchild. 1994. Evaluation of the seeds of the
selected lines of three Lathyrus spp. for BOAA, tannins, trypsin inhibitor activity and
certain in vitro characteristics. J. Sci. and Food Agric. 65:143-151.
Bell, E.A. 1989. Lathyrus neurotoxin: history and overview. Pp. 86-97 in The Grass pea:
Threat and Promise. Proceedings of the International Network for the Improvement of
Lathyrus sativus and Eradication of Lathyrism (P. Spencer, ed.). Third World Medical
Research Foundation, New York.
Linke, K.H., A.M. Abd EI Moniem and M.C. Saxena. 1993. Variation in resistance of some
forage legumes species to Orobanche crenata Forsk. Field Crops Research. 32:277-285.
Querishi, M.Y., D. Pilbeam, C.S. Evans and E.A. Bell. 1977. The neurolathyrogen ß-N-
oxalylaminopropionic acid in legume seeds. Phytochemistry. 16:477-479.
Robertson, L.D. and A.M. Abd EI Moniem. 1996. Lathyrus germplasm collection, conservation
and utilization for crop improvement at ICARDA. Pp. 97-111 in Lathyrus Genetic Resources
in Asia: Proceedings of a Regional Workshop, 27-29 December 1995, Indira Gandhi
Agricultural University, Raipur, India (R.K. Arora, P.N. Mathur, K.W. Riley and Y. Adham,
eds.). IPGRI, Office for South Asia, New Delhi.
Saxena M.C., A.M. Abd EI Moniem and M. Raninam. 1993. Vetches (Vicia spp.) and chicklings
(Lathyrus spp.) in the farming systems in West Asia and North Africa and improvement
of these crops at ICARDA. Pp. 2-9 in Potential for Vicia and Lathyrus species as new grain
and fodder legumes for southern Australia (J.R. Garlinge and M.W. Parry, eds.). CLIMA,
Nedlands, Western Australia.
Zohary, D. and M. Hopf. 1988. Domestication of Plants in the Old World. Clarendon Press,
Oxford. 249 p.
42 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Introduction, evaluation and utilization of Lathyrus germplasm in Australia
K.H.M. Siddique 1  and C.D. Hanbury 2
1. Principal Pulse Physiologist/Agronomist and Manager, Agriculture Western Australia
and CLIMA, South Perth, Australia, and 2. Research scientist (Lathyrus), CLIMA, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, 6009, Western Australia, Australia
Introduction
Traditional Australian farming practices were largely based on a ley-farming system
consisting of cereal production rotated with a number of years of legume-based pastures
which were grazed by livestock. In general, there were few adapted species or cultivars of
pulse crops (grain legumes) suitable for Australian conditions, agronomic management of
pulses was poor, pulse marketing was unsophisticated and the whole-farm benefits of
growing pulses were undocumented. However, these factors were reversed during the
1970s and 1980s, and the emphasis of farming practices changed to one which was more
cropping intensive and yet more sustainable by including pulses in rotations. Australian
pulse production has increased rapidly as farmers appreciate the financial and rotational
benefits, such as increased soil nitrogen and reduced disease incidence that pulses provide
in the development of sustainable cropping systems. The area under pulse production has
increased from effectively zero in 1965 to about 2.0 million ha in 1996, and pulses now
occupy about 10% of the area cropped in Australia (Siddique and Sykes 1997). As might be
expected from the geographical range of cropping environments in Australia (latitudes 10
- 440S), pulses are produced under a wide range of climatic conditions. Cool-season species
such as lupin, chickpea, faba bean, lentil and vetch dominate the area and production of
pulses in Australia. The current commercial cool-season pulse crops may not be suitable for
every region or soil type in southern Australia and farmers may also require a range of
pulse crops for their cropping rotations to reduce the build up of disease. This is where the
potential of various Lathyrus spp. is of particular interest in Australia.
Early evaluation
Lathyrus spp. have been evaluated previously in Australia using a limited set of introduced
genotypes. In two early studies, Riceman and Powrie (1952) and Bailey (1952) found that
L. sativus, L. cicera and L. ochrus had good adaptation to the limited environments tested.
Silsbury (1995) observed that L. sativus and L. cicera (one genotype each) were late flowering
and had slow winter growth when compared with a local field pea cultivar. In a study with
a limited set of genotypes, Laurence (1979) found that Lathyrus spp. yielded well in certain
environments, especially in years with below-average rainfall. Walton and Trent (1988) also
examined up to two genotypes each of three Lathyrus spp. at one site and found that L. cicera
produced the greatest grain yields. A preliminary evaluation of a wider range of L. cicera
L. ochrus and L. sativus from the International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas
(ICARDA) found that they were all adapted to a site with 400 mm annual rainfall in
Western Australia (WA) (Davies et al. 1993). The concentration of the neurotoxin ß-N-
oxalyl-L-α, ß-diaminopropionic acid (ODAP) in the plant or seed is an important factor
affecting the potential of Lathyrus spp. as a stockfeed and human food. However, it was not
measured in any of the above studies.
Recent evaluation
In a recent study (Siddique et al. 1996a), the growth, phenology, grain yield and ODAP
content of L. sativus, L. cicera and L. ochrus were compared with a locally adapted field pea
cultivar to examine their potential in WA farming systems. About 17 genotypes of each
LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES IN AUSTRALIA 43
species were obtained from ICARDA, Syria, and grown at three agro-climatical sites. In
general, the species were later flowering than field pea, especially L. cicera and L. ochrus.
However, L. sativus was the last species to mature. The best Lathyrus genotypes produced
similar biomass near flowering to field pea. At the most favourable site, seed yields of 1.6,
2.6 and 1.7 t ha-1 were produced for L. sativus. L. cicera and L. ochrus, respectively compared
with 3.1 t ha-1 for field pea.
The ODAP concentration in the seed was measured in the same study using the capillary
zone electrophoresis method developed in Australia (Arentoft and Greirson 1995). There
was considerable genotypic and environmental variation. On average over all the genotype
evaluated, the ODAP concentration was lowest in L. cicera (0.13%), intermediate for L.
sativus (0.33%) and highest in L. ochrus (0.66%). The study concluded that considering Lathyrus
spp. have not had the same breeding effort as field pea and other pulses in Australia,
further germplasm evaluation, selection and breeding is worthwhile. The authors also
suggested that in short-seasoned Mediterranean-type environment of sourthern Australia,
seed yields and harvest indices of Lathyrus spp. could be improved with early flowering
and maturity, and emphasised the importance of reducing or eliminating ODAP in the
plant and seed.
An assessment of wide range of Lathyrus germplasm was subsequently initiated.
Accessions were obtained by the Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture (CLIMA)
from ICARDA, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and India including 454 of L. sativus, 127 of
L. cicera and 55 of L. ochrus genotypes (Hanbury et al. 1995; Siddique et al. 1996b). Several
genotypes of L sativus and L. cicera were identified with early flowering, good biomass
production, large seed yield and ODAP concentration of less than 0.1 per cent. Many
genotypes also produced similar or greater seed yield than field pea. In addition, 4
somaclonal genotypes of L. sativus with very low ODAP content (less than 0.02%) from
India were recently evaluated, of which the best adapted genotype (BIO L254) was selected
for further evaluation. Lathyrus ochrus genotypes were subsequently dropped from further
evaluation due to high levels of ODAP in this species (Siddique et al. 1996a). Susceptibility
of L. ochrus to frost damage is also likely to restrict its role in the dry margins of the
cropping regions, while other pulse crops appear to be a more profitable in areas where
rainfall is greater. Nonetheless, the vigorous growth and superior water-logging tolerance
of L. ochrus suggests that its role as a forage crop or green manure crop should be
investigated further.
Breeding and selection
Seventeen genotypes of L. cicera from the germplasm evaluation programme were assessed
at 12 sites throughout Australia (WA, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales)
during the 1995 and 1996 seasons. Several accessions showed superior adaptation and greater
seed yield than other genotypes at a number of locations, particularly at low rainfall sites
(<400 mm p.a.). One such accession of L. cicera (ATC 80490) originating from ICARDA,
produced similar seed yields to field pea in low rainfall environments. This accession has
very low concentrations of ODAP in the seed (0.09%) and will be released for commercial
production in early 1998 as a crop for low rainfall regions.
About 12 accessions of L. sativus were also tested at the same 12 locations in 1995 and
1996. Lathyrus sativus showed superior adaptation and seed yield to L. cicera at medium
rainfall sites (>400 mm p.a.). Several genotypes produced greater seed yield than field pea
at a number of sites. However, many of these had ODAP concentrations above 0.2 per cent.
For example, the highest yielding accession (ATC 80092) had an ODAP concentration of
0.32 per cent making it unsuitable for commercial release. One Canadian genotype (LS
96278) had a consistently low ODAP concentration (0.13%), but it was poorly adapted due
to its late flowering and maturity, and low seed yields at most sites.
44 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
The low ODAP somaclonal genotypes obtained from India showed lower yield potential
than other accessions, and produced yields up to 1.3 t ha-1 at the best site. Three of these
(BIO L254, BIO R202 and BIO R31) had mean ODAP concentrations of 0.06 - 0.07% over 3
sites in 1996. Because of the very low ODAP concentration, seed of the best adapted genotype
(BIO L254) is currently being bulked up for possible release in the near future.
A small hybridization programme was initiated in 1994 with the objective of developing
new cultivars of L. sativus with early vigour, zero or very low ODAP content, early maturity,
erect canopy and large yield potential suitable for the Mediterranean-type environments of
WA (Hanbury et al. 1995). Parents from ICARDA, Pakistan and Bangladesh with these traits
were used for these crosses. Progenies are now in the F4 generation and are currently being
evaluated for desirable characteristics.
Uses of Lathyrus
Recent evaluation of introduced Lathyrus germplasm in Australia suggests that two species
(L. cicera and L. sativus) are adapted to low to medium rainfall conditions of southern
Australia. Both Lathyrus species show adaptation to a wide range of soil types (pH 5.0-9.0
in CaCl2) and are tolerant to transient water-logging. Lathyrus could play an important role
as a disease break crop for cereals and other pulse crops. For example, the inclusion of field
pea in close rotations has resulted in an increase in the incidence of the disease black spot
(Mycosphaerella pinodes), and yield decline after several cycles of field pea. Black spot disease
does not affect Lathyrus, and no other major disease of Lathyrus has been observed in the
last 5 seasons of evaluation in southern Australia. Lathyrus is seen as a possible replacement
for field pea, or at least an opportunity to widen pea rotations.
Lathyrus will have diverse uses including forage production, grain for stockfeed and
green manuring to improve soil fertility and control herbicide resistant weeds. As a grain
or forage crop, there are also potential rotational benefits including increased yield and
protein content of the following cereal crop. The greatest potential for Lathyrus within
Australia is as a stockfeed both on and off farm. However, its feed value requires further
quantification before it will be widely accepted by growers, or stockfreed companies. If
suitable export food markets were to emerge, there is also scope to develop L. sativus
genotypes with low ODAP for human consumption.
Conclusions
The future of Lathyrus as a crop in Australia, particularly L. sativus, will depend upon
developing crop management packages for the various production environments, and
regionally adapted, high yielding cultivars with very low or nil ODAP contents. Increased
emphasis on early growth and greater final biomass production deserves further attention
as a forage. Hay production, and green manuring are seen as some of the uses of Lathyrus.
In addition to ODAP content, reduction in other antinutritional factors such as tannin and
trypsin inhibitors may require greater attention. Management of major insect pests and
diseases (as they arise) will be required in the major production areas.
In the future, primary, secondary and tertiary gene pools may contribute to the
improvement of Lathyrus spp. The role of biotechnological approaches and interspecific
hybridization techniques in reducing the ODAP content and improving biomass production
and seed yield deserves greater attention. Well targeted germplasm introduction and
evaluation, and identification of desirable traits are necessary to achieve the above objectives.
Recent collaboration on Lathyrus germplasm between CLIMA, ICARDA and various
national programmes have benefited all parties involved. This has included identification
and selection of Lathyrus genotypes for commercial release in Australia and collection mission
on Lathyrus undertaken in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and a number of countries in West
LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES IN AUSTRALIA 45
Asia and North Africa. CLIMA also assisted Bangladesh, India and Pakistan in analysing
ODAP concentrations in the seed of some advanced generation of Lathyrus spp. using the
method developed in Australia. Further international collaboration should be encouraged.
Acknowledgements
We gratefully acknowledge the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
(RIRDC) and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) for their financial
support on Lathyrus research in Australia. We thank S.P. Loss for his comments on the
manuscript.
References
Arentoft, A.M. and B.N. Grierson. 1995. Analysis of ß-N-oxalyl-L-α, ß-diaminopropanoic
acid (ODAP) and its isomer in grass pea (Lathyrus sativus) by capillary zone electrophoresis.
Journal of Agriculture Food and Chemistry. 43:942-5.
Bailey, E.T. 1952. Agronomic studies of vetches and other large seeded legumes in southern
Western Australia. Technical Paper No. 1. Pp. 21. CSIRO Division of Plant Industries,
Canberra.
Davies, C.L., K.H.M. Siddique and M.W. Perry. 1993. Preliminary evaluation of Lathyrus
and Vicia species in Western Australia. Department of Agriculture, Western Australia,
Division of Plant Industries, Technical Report No. 58, Perth.
Hanbury, C.D., A. Sarker, K.H.M. Siddique and M.W. Perry. 1995. Evaluation of Lathyrus
germplasm in a mediterranean type environment in south-western Australia. Occasional
Publication No. 8. CLIMA. Perth.
Laurence, R.C.N. 1979. A comparison of the grain and protein yield of some annual legume
species in South Australia. Asutralian Journal of Experimental Agriculture and Animal
Husbandry. 19:495-503.
Riceman, D.S. and J.K. Powrie. 1952. A comparative study of Pisum, Vicia, Lathyrus and
Lupinus varieties grown in Buckingham sand in the Coonalpyn Downs, South Australia,
Bulletin No. 269. CSIRO Adelaide. Pp. 36.
Siddique, K.H.M., S.P. Loss, S.P. Herwig and J.M. Wilson. 1996a. Growth, yield and neuretoxin
(ODAP) concentration of three Lathyrus species in mediterranean-type environments of
Western Australia. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture. 36:209-18.
Siddique, K.H.M., C.D. Henbury, A. Sarker, M.W. Perry and C.M. Francis. 1996b. Lathyrus
Germplasm evaluation in a Mediterranean environment of south-western Australia. Pp.
113-125 in Lathyrus Genetic Resources in Asia: Proceedings of a Regional Workshop, 27-
29 December 1995, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, India (R.K. Arora,
P.N. Mathur, K. W. Riley, and Y Adham, eds.). IPGRI Office for South Asia, New Delhi.
Siddique, K.H.M. and J. Sykes. 1997. Pulse production in Australia - past, present and
future. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture. 37: 103-111.
Silsbury, J.H. 1995. Grain yield and flowering of some introduced grain legumes in South
Australia. Australian Journal of Experimental Agricultural and Animal Husbandry. 15:
556-560.
Walton, G.H. and T.R. Trent. 1988. Evaluation of pulses and other seed legumes for crop
rotations in Western Australia. Department of Agriculture. Western Australia. Technical
Bulletin No. 79, Perth. 31p.
46 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
International collaboration on Lathyrus genepool conservation and use
S. Padulosi  and Y. Adham
Senior Scientist (Underutilised Mediterranean species) and Senior Scientist (WANANET
Coordinator), C/o ICARDA, P. O. Box 5466,  Aleppo, Syria
Introduction
This presentation is meant to complement IPGRI-APO in their contributions on the
importance of establishing a Lathyrus Genetic Resources Network as a tool to achieve better
conservation and use of this underutilized crop. It emphasizes in particular the role that
such an international collaboration could play in enhancing food security in disadvantaged
areas around the world where Lathyrus species are found to have a comparative advantage
over other crops. The importance of Lathyrus in Central and West Asia and North Africa
(CWANA) region is addressed while viewpoints for the implementation of the network are
made with regard to the contribution that the West Asia and North Africa Plant Genetic
Resources Network (WANANET) could provide as a partner in such scientific cooperation.
The WANANET
The West Asia and North Africa Plant Genetic Resources Network (WANANET) was
established in 1992, during a workshop held at ICARDA Headquarters in Aleppo, Syria and
sponsored by IPGRI, ICARDA and FAO. The meeting was attended by representatives from
13 countries (Algeria, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Syria,
Tunisia, Turkey and Yemen) who endorsed the launching of this collaborative activity with
the following overall objectives:
l Establish a regional network and formulate the type, mode of operation and
management structure of the network.
l Identify common problems and constraints hampering effective conservation and
utilization of plant genetic resources in member countries and in the region.
l Assist National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) in developing national plant
genetic resources programmes.
l Formulate and prioritize collaborative research work and strategies in collecting,
conservation, documentation, germplasm exchange and training.
l Formulate recommendations for regional cooperative programmes in plant genetic
resources.
The Network is governed by WANA Plant Genetic Resources Committee (WANA-PGRC)
which is composed of national plant genetic resources coordinators in member countries
and representatives of IPGRI, ICARDA and FAO. The Network operates through six Working
Groups viz., cereals, horticultural crops, industrial crops, food legumes, in situ and
biodiversity, pasture and forages. A Steering Committee assists the Working Groups to
develop plans, formulate and monitor projects, assess priorities and identify potential donors.
WANA's interest on Lathyrus
Lathyrus genetic resources assume significant role in the countries of West Asia and North
Africa. This region is a primary centre of diversity for Lathyrus, for example, out of the 187
Lathyrus species recorded around the world (Allkin et al. 1983) not less than 61 are found
in Turkey alone (Davis 1970), 15 in Palestine and 10 in Jordan (Zohary 1972). Among the
new Lathyrus species found in WANA is L. gloeospermus Warb. Et Eig, recorded from SE
Anatolia in Turkey (Ertekin and Saya 1990). Lathyrus spp., like the WANA indigenous
legumes Vicia, are being used in different cropping and land-use systems. Today L. sativus
is the most commonly cultivated species of the genus in WANA and its use is mainly as
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION ON LATHYRUS 47
source of feed and food in some traditional dishes. The minor uses of Lathyrus species
from WANA are as green manure (e.g. L. tingitanus L. known as the Tangier pea ), in
perfumery (e.g. L. tuberosus known as the earth chestnut of which flowers are being distilled
to prepare a scent) and as ornamentals (e.g. L. odoratus, the famous sweet pea cultivated
since ancient times for its beauty and is popular among the Edwardians and used for scent
extraction).
In Italy, a country not belonging to WANA but whose history has been always closely
associated with people and traditions of the Mediterranean basin, Lathyrus is known in the
southern region under various names and it is used in villages mainly as component of
traditional soups (Hammer et al. 1992).
Lathyrus has interesting potential for WANA particularly with regard to:
l food security support in degraded marginal lands and in areas where agricultural
inputs are not available or economically feasible.
l as drought resistant feed legume for contributing to increase livestock production in
drought prone agricultural areas.
l as a specialty crop for enriching culinary preparations in mixture with other legumes
and cereals.
l in maintaining ecosystem diversity in agricultural systems.
l in maintaining non-indigenous diversity in rangelands where it is not possible to
have re-seeding with original vegetation and where Lathyrus species could well fit
into a mixed vegetation system in harmony with existing ecosystem, and
l as a suitable species for food and feed adapted to environments under changing
climatic conditions.
An international collaborative network would be welcomed by WANA countries which
have a discrete number of activities going on and would be interested to be part of an
international cooperative effort in the framework of the existing regional cooperation of
WANANET. Since its establishment the WANANET gave particular emphasis to the better
conservation and use of pasture, forages and rangeland species of the region and this is the
reason why a specific Working Group on these species was established. The Working Group,
which has met since its inception already three times, drew a set of recommendations in
each meeting putting emphasis on Lathyrus as priority species for the region.
In these meetings the specific points that were made for enhancing Lathyrus conservation
and use refer to the development of tools for a better characterization and evaluation of its
diversity, namely:
l a descriptor list for a broad characterization and evaluation of pasture and forage
species and
l a descriptor list for in-depth evaluation for pasture and forage species.
Other species that have been identified along with Lathyrus as priority for the WANA
region are medics, vetch and Trifolium.
Apart from the above mentioned reasons, another important concern in WANA is the
genetic erosion that Lathyrus species are facing in the Mediterranean (Hammer et al. 1992;
Sabanci 1996). The loss of this useful crop diversity is due to more land use in intensive
cultivation systems, overgrazing, unsustainable use of natural resources etc., but most of all
neglect in its research which ultimately leads to its lesser use, abandoning of its cultivation
by farmers and inevitably its disappearance.
Like many other neglected and underutilized species, the state of rarity or even extinction
of a crop [see the case of the vegetable rampion, Campanula rapunculus L. lost by 1820
(Mabberley 1997)] could be reached without any evident sign, unless a monitoring system
48 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
on use and diversity is put into place. Likewise the legume Kerstingiella geocarpa known as
Hausa bean, a crop once very popular among the Hausa people in the savanna of Northern
Nigeria has today almost disappeared from cultivation. In this case the conservation efforts
carried out by the Nigerian plant genetic resources programme and by the International
Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) may not be enough if it is not accompanied by
similar efforts in its improvement and use. In the case of another similar neglected African
legume, Vigna, subterranea (bambara groundnut), an international network has been launched
in 1996 to encourage conservation through use.
WANANET therefore lays emphasis on the preservation of Lathyrus diversity and at the
same time encourages its better use through proper research.
Lathyrus network in IPGRI's overall strategy
IPGRI is in reprocess of developing an in-house strategy for neglected and underutlized
species (NUC). This strategy is expected to guide IPGRI’s work in this area which is at an
infancy in terms of priority setting. The main reason why IPGRI is emphasising work on
NUC is related to its ultimate institutional goal, shared with all the other CGIAR centers
and which is the improvement of the life of people particularly in the less developed
countries and in poorer areas around the world. IPGRI’s strategy to meet this goal is through
four objectives all of which rest on the premise that the deployment of plant genetic diversity
in agriculture will lead to more balanced and sustainable patterns of development. By
including the NUC, IPGRI’s efforts are to increase the use of diversity within species, which
are important in production and consumption systems but whose role is not officially
recognized. Lathyrus is one of those species that fits perfectly in our strategy for achieving
the ultimate goal of food security.
International collaboration on Lathyrus: some crucial issues
The proceedings of the 1995 meeting on Lathyrus (Arora et al. 1996) and the recently published
Lathyrus monograph (Campbell 1997) clearly describe Lathyrus research, conservation and
utilization. This is due to the accurate analyses made by the authors but also to the sound
work done by scientists engaged in this field, particularly in Asia. The point of concern now
is as to why we need a network approach on Lathyrus. A few critical issues related to the
launching of such a cooperative research effort is discussed here.
Over 135 scientists from 93 institutions in 22 countries around the world are engaged at
various level on Lathyrus work (Campbell 1997). The most cost-effective way to share benefits
from these scattered efforts and have a multiplier effect of research output is through
networking (Riley et al. 1996). Fundamental steps towards the establishment of the network
are the identification of focal points in each region and institutions, an agreed working
agenda in which specific tasks are spelled out together with the time frame necessary to
accomplish them. Partnership rests upon the basic principle that single contributions have
to be adequate to capacity and skills of each member. A realistic workplan in which each
partner can give a concrete contribution is preferable to an ambitious research agenda in
which only a few members can fully participate. This is a modus operandi that IPGRI has
been adopting since the early 80s. There are also other reasons why IPGRI encourages such
an approach and have to do with the fostering of collaboration among countries, along with
germplasm sharing resources. It may be noted here that after the Rio Convention on Biological
Diversity resulted in a slow down in exchange due to the reluctancy of countries and there
is a need to promote cooperation in a bona fidae germplasm exchange system.
For example, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Italy when negotiating its support to
IPGRI for the Underutilized Species of the Mediterranean (UMS) specifically stressed that
one of the objective of such project was the promotion of greater scientific collaboration
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION ON LATHYRUS 49
within the Mediterranean region. Being coordinator of two projects operating through
networks, we would like at this point to highlight some issues that we perceive as the most
crucial for achieving a truly effective Network.
Targeted species in the network: gene pool vs. crop diversity approach
The selection of the species on which to focus the attention of the network is always a
crucial decision at the onset on any Network. Such decision of course depends on the
resources available and the geographic area covered by the network. The broader is the
network the greater is the diversity expected to be taken into consideration by the network.
In the case of the UMS Project, the Rocket Genetic Resources Network decided to concentrate
the attention on those most used species viz., Eruca sativa, Diplotaxis muralis and D. tenuifolia
excluding other species such as D. erucoides which is not used very widesly. In the case of
the Beta Genetic Resources Network, all Beta species are being addressed by the Network
participants, and a similar approach has been taken for Prunus and Brassica Networks of the
European Cooperative Programme on Plant Genetic Resources (ECP/GR).
Our suggestion would be to adopt the genepool approach for Lathyrus, which focus the
attention on all those cultivated species grown in the various regions as well as their wild
relatives. Since it may not be possible to define the boundary of the primary, secondary or
tertiary genepools for each cultigen, we could perhaps leave a broad coverage now and
revise the prioritization pending the delimitation of the genepool boundary at a later stage.
Pillars of the conservation approach for Lathyrus would be the development of on-farm
conservation as a complementary tool to ex situ conservation while strengthening the support
for the use of genetic diversity in production and use systems. Ways to assess the
representativeness of germplasm collections and monitor genetic erosion would be a very
important task of the Lathyrus network and due to the scarce information we have for a
number of countries on this issue, the characterization, mapping of distribution of these
species would be extremely vital.
Participation
This is another crucial aspect. We would encourage the identification of focal points in each
country who will be responsible for representing the whole national scientific community
working on Lathyrus. We will discuss on the financial resources needed for the networking,
but I do not think that it would be enough to enable the participation of more than one
person per country. Depending where the meetings will be held we may have a larger
participation from local scientists at their own cost. This approach would of course save
money that could be used for research activities instead.
Role of the hub
It should be understandable that given the magnitude and the scope of such a cooperation,
the Network coordinator that will be identified will have limited capacities and will largely
count on the spirit of cooperation within the Group. The coordinator can only play the role
of a facilitator serving as a secretariat for the Network. Given the comparative advantage
of IPGRI in the international plant genetic resources context, we would encourage the
IPGRI-APO Office in New Delhi to play such role.
Country commitment
This is crucial for carrying out the agreed workplan. Role of the country focal point is to
seek support, establish links with other groups/experts in various organizations within the
country to undertake the tasks and possibly to cover costs associated with such work. The
question is obviously what is the actual possibility in each country to take up this commitment
50 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
and what will it be exactly. Addressing this issue while bearing in mind the importance of
safeguarding germplasm and traditional knowledge associated with it, it should be stressed
that among the countries commitments perhaps the most important and relatively costly
one is that of collecting and preserving Lathyrus genetic diversity. The impact of networking
for encouraging these activities in each country is perhaps the most dramatic one. Networking
would/should stimulate focal points in raising the awareness in their own country on
Lathyrus and hopefully indirectly promote other NUC species through such an example of
international cooperation.
Germplasm exchange
This is a very sensitive issue in the aftermath of the Biodiversity Convention, but it is
understood that an effective cooperation on Lathyrus needs to rely on the sharing of material
to be able to carry out trials in various countries and ultimately provide to the farmers the
product of such work. IPGRI considers networking as one of the most effective way to
facilitate sharing of plant genetic resources around the world and thus meet the ultimate
goals which are to fight hunger and improve quality of life. The possibility to adopt a
specific approach (like the agreement being put into place by the CGIAR for collections
under their trust) on plant genetic resources exchange can be eventually decided by the
network members.
Workshops and meetings
It would be very sensible to arrange every two years a conference on Lathyrus and the
network meeting. This is the approach taken by the Beta Network which is perhaps the
closest type of network to Lathyrus. The Beta Network has been receiving a small grant from
IPGRI every two years for covering the cost of the conference proceedings whereas support
from private companies has been used to cover conference costs. External support from
private groups might be less likely for Lathyrus given the importance of the crop, but grants
from international development organizations could perhaps be sought as alternative source
of funds. It is also suggested that the biennial meeting be held every time at a different
location in one of the participating country in the network. The convening country should
also try to involve other scientists working at the national level on this subject in order to
achieve a wide public awareness campaign on the network itself, while creating the
opportunities for a greater interaction and exchange of ideas within the scientific community
working on this crop. Certainly, the WANA office would welcome the possibility to arrange
a Lathyrus Network conference in the WANA region sometime in the near future, which
could be held back to back to a WANANET Forage and Pasture WG meeting.
References
Allkin, R., R.T.D. Macfarlance, R.J. White, F.A. Bisby and M.E. Adey. 1983. Names and
synonyms of species and subspecies in the Vicieae. Issue 2, Vicieae Database Project
Publication No. 2, Southampton.
Arora, R.K., P.N. Mathur, K.W. Riley and Y. Adham (eds.). 1996. Lathyrus Genetic Resources
in Asia: Proceedings of a Regional Workshop, 27-29 December 1995. Indira Gandhi
Agricultural University, Raipur, India. IPGRI Office for South Asia, New Delhi.
Campbell, Clayton G. 1997. Grass pea. Lathyrus sativus L. Promoting the conservation and
use of underutilized and neglected crops. 18. Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant
Research, Gatersleben/ International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Rome, Italy.
Davis, P.H. 1970. Pisum L. Flora of Turkey 3:370-372. Edinburgh, University Press.
Ertekin A.S. and O. Saya. 1990. A new record for the flora of Turkey. Doga, Turk-Botanik-
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION ON LATHYRUS 51
Dergisi. 15(1):75-77.
Hammer K., H. Knupffer, G. Laghetti and P. Perrino. 1992. Seeds from the Past. A catalogue
of crop germplasm in South Italy and Sicily. CNR, Istituto del Germoplasma, Bari, Italy.
Mabberley, D.J. 1997. The Plant Book. Cambridge University Press. 120 p.
Riley, K.W., M. Zhou and V. Ramanatha Rao. 1996. Regional and crop networks for effective
management and use of plant genetic resources in Asia, the Pacific and Oceania. XVIII
Pacific Science Congress on Population, resources and Environment: Prospects and
Initiatives, June 5-12 Beijing, China.
Sabanci, Cafer Olcayto. 1996. Lathyrus Genetic Resources in Turkey. Pp. 77-86 in Lathyrus
Genetic Resources in Asia: Proceedings of a Regional Workshop, 27-29 December 1995.
Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, India (R.K. Arora, P.N. Mathur, K.W.
Riley and Y. Adham, eds.). IPGRI Office for South Asia, New Delhi.
Zohary, M. 1972. Flora of Palaestine. The Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities. Text
II 498 p.
52 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Databases and information networking for Lathyrus genetic resources
P.N. Mathur
Associate Coordinator, IPGRI-Office for South Asia, New Delhi, India
Introduction
The conservation and sustainable utilization of plant genetic resources is the key to improving
agricultural productivity and sustainability thereby contributing to national development,
food security and poverty alleviation. Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
(PGRFA) consists of the diversity of genetic material contained in traditional varieties and
modern cultivars grown by farmers as well as crop wild relatives and other wild plant
species that can be used for food, feed for domestic animals, fiber, clothing, shelter, wood,
timber, energy, etc. One of the major challenges we face in moving towards food security
in the next generation is the effective management of plant genetic resources worldwide. In
this context, plant genetic resources databases are very important at national, regional and
global levels to back up conservation of rapidly disappearing genetic stocks for possible
future use and also for immediate utilization of already conserved and evaluated/
characterized germplasm in the ongoing crop improvement programmes. Success of both
activities is, to a larger extent, dependent upon the availability of descriptive information
on accessions stored in the genebank. There is also a need for an efficient characterization,
evaluation and documentation of plant genetic resources to avoid any legal complications
arising out in the wake of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), at the same time there is a need
for monitoring and controlling of factors leading to genetic erosion.
Need for PGR documentation system
It is now widely recognised that in order to strengthen the conservation and to enhance its
utilization, there is a strong need for the development of better and more accessible
information and documentation systems. Documentation skills are essential resources for
any genebank. Genebanks will have problems managing their collections if they do not
have up to-date, accurate and reliable information stored in a systematic and easily accessible
way. Much of the information acquired and generated by a genebank is of interest and of
value to the scientific community. Genebanks commonly distribute their accessions together
with relevant information. However, not all information generated in genebank activities is
of interest to other scientists but is of vital importance in its own activities and managing
resources. A documentation system will therefore allow genebanks to use information to
plan their day to day activities and to maximise the use of their often-limited resources.
Also, without an effective documentation system, genebanks cannot develop with a clear
sense of direction and they can not easily communicate or collaborate with other institutions.
Further, genebanks differ from one another according to their activities and how the
activities are organised. Since documentation systems support all these activities, it follows
that the documentation systems operated by separate genebanks will also be different.
Many genebank documentation systems do show some similarity in design and operation,
but each will be different, as they are tailored-made according to the documentation and
information needs of the genebanks. In any case, the information retrieved from a
documentation system must be accurate, reliable and up to-date for it to be of any significant
value which is turn depends on the quality of information entered into the system.
Additionally, the process of retrieving information should be simple and straightforward.
The documentation system should be flexible in its operation. It should be able to cope with
different requests for information and be able to accommodate changes in genebank
DATABASES AND INFORMATION NETWORKING FOR LATHYRUS 53
procedures. Therefore, in a documentation system, users needs must be taken into account
when organising data.
Lathyrus documentation activities at IPGRI-APO
It is well recognized that many of the world’s Lathyrus genetic resources are insufficiently
and/or poorly documented relatively to what should be known about them for its optimal
conservation, access and use. This situation is exacerbated due to fact that Lathyrus genetic
resources conservation and use is given low priority at national and institutional level in
general and its database management and documentation activities in particular, both in
terms of funding and manpower.
Realising the importance of documentation of Lathyrus genetic resources, IPGRI-APO
has initiated the following activities:
1. Development of descriptors for Lathyrus species.
2. Directory of Lathyrus germplasm holding and researchers.
3. Information Networking for Lathyrus genetic resources.
Development of descriptors for Lathyrus species
The process of characterization and evaluation begins with the adoption of descriptor list.
Depending on the circumstances, it may be compiled by the national organization, collection
manager, or an existing list might be adopted. The IBPGR/IPGRI descriptor lists are quite
exhaustive and are, by and large, widely used by the PGR scientists. IPGRI encourages the
collection of data for passport, management, environment and site, and characterization
descriptors. However, the number of descriptor types used will depend on the crop and
their importance to the crop description. Descriptors listed under evaluation allow for more
detailed description of the accession’s characters, but generally require replicated trials.
IPGRI descriptor lists have tended to be comprehensive for the descriptors. This approach
assists with the standardization of descriptor definitions. IPGRI does not, however, assume
that each curator will characterize accessions of their collections utilizing all descriptors
given. Descriptors should be used when they are useful to the curator for the management
and maintaince of the collection and/or to users of the plant genetic resources. Descriptors
for 79 agri-horticultural crops have already been published by the IBPGR/IPGRI and many
more are under preparation including one for Lathyrus.
Directory of Lathyrus germplasm holdings and researchers
IPGRI-APO organized a Regional Workshop on Lathyrus Genetic Resources in Asia in
collaboration with Indian Council of Agricultural Research/Indira Gandhi Agricultural
University at Raipur from 27-29 December 1995. The workshop was attended by 25 scientists/
managers involved in Lathyrus improvement representing Australia, Bangladesh, India,
Jordan, Nepal, Turkey and from IARC’s viz. IPGRI, ICARDA and ICRISAT. One of the
major recommendations of the workshop was to prepare a Directory of Lathyrus genetic
resources available with different organizations/institutes. Publication of such directory
will be very useful for the information exchange as well as for exchange of germplasm
among scientists working on Lathyrus improvement. This will also help in developing low
level network for promoting Lathyrus conservation and improvement. As a follow up of the
recommendations of the Regional Workshop, IPGRI-APO has undertaken publication of
Lathyrus germplasm directory. Accordingly, the following Performa was developed and
was circulated to more than 125 institutions in 46 countries. The information received are
being compiled and the directory will be published soon for wider circulation.
54 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Performa for collecting information for Lathyrus germplasm directory
Name of Institute/Center/Station
Full name and address of the institute(s) maintaining the collections alongwith their
Telephone, Fax, Cable, Telex, E-mail addresses, etc.
Curator/Person in-charge (capitalised surname if any)
Details of collection
l Record of individual Lathyrus species collections maintained at your center.
l Geographical representation.
l Duplicate conservation site(s).
l Number of indigenous collection.
l Frequency table showing number of indigenous accessions by province/state of
collection.
l Number of exotic collections.
l Frequency table showing number of exotic accessions by country of introduction/
origin.
l Future priority areas for collecting for each species in your country/region.
l If possible, a country map showing areas already explored and collected and areas
under threat requiring urgent collecting.
Passport information
l List of most common passport descriptors for which informations are available.
l Full name and address of donor institutes, wherever possible.
Characterization and evaluation information
Evaluation status
What is the status of evaluation? If evaluated/or being evaluated, what descriptors are
being used? Any further information on specific evaluation may be given.
Site of characterization
This includes information on Name of the institute(s), Latitude, Longitude, Elevation, Soil
texture, Normal sowing month, Normal harvest month, Field spacing (distance between
plants and between rows), Average climate during growing season (temperature range,
rainfall range, sunshine hours etc.), any other site-specific information.
Documentation information
Are the data recorded being documented and made available to users? If so, documentation
methods used and how the information is being made available to users (e.g. crop germplasm
catalogues, computer print out, electronic format, Internet, etc.)?
Identification of promising accessions
List of promising accessions identified for various descriptors, which are of direct importance
to users/plant breeders.
Information on utilization of genetic resources
Do you keep track of/or get a feedback on the utilization of germplasm by plant breeders
for developing improved cultivars in the country? If so:
l Cultivars released for general cultivation.
l Cultivars released exclusively for high seed yield.
l Cultivars released exclusively for fodder yield.
l Cultivars released with low ODAP content.
DATABASES AND INFORMATION NETWORKING FOR LATHYRUS 55
Seed conservation/regeneration information
l Responsibility for conservation/maintenance (name of institute/genebank).
l Maintenance of collection (Base, Active and/or Working) and duration of storage.
l Moisture content at harvest.
l Moisture content at storage.
l Germination at storage (%).
l Amount of seed of each accession normally kept for storage.
l How frequently you need to regenerate the collection and reason for regeneration?
l Total number of indents received for seed supply each year and number of samples
supplied (information for past five years).
Availability of germplasm
Are the collections available for free exchange?
Quarantine regulation
Are there specific permits etc., required for germplasm exchange? If so, provide details/
procedures to obtain such permits.
Lathyrus species reported from your country/region
Some general information
l Area under cultivation.
l Average production (t ha-1).
l Uses (Current/potential).
l Area under cultivation with local landraces.
l Area under cultivation with improved released cultivars.
Name and addresses of contact persons
Provide full names and addresses (including Telephone, Fax and Email) of scientists/
managers who are directly or indirectly involved in conservation and improvement of
Lathyrus in your country.
Any other information
Information networking for Lathyrus genetic resources databases
Individuals and organizations have been coming together to collaborate and to share
information and resources for a very long time. And such groups have been termed
“Networks”. Well over 100 agricultural research networks are now operating (Riley 1993).
These networks are seen as tools for more efficient and cost-effective methods to carry out
mutually beneficial activity, e.g., information exchange and research.
A common activity in Plant genetic Resources (PGR) Networks involves establishing
information network on a national and/or regional level. Information networking was
recognised as an important component of a viable and effective PGR management in the
region (Quek 1993). This is in line with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and
this enables information and/or PGR materials to be shared within and among countries.
In most instances, PGR information is available in genebanks. It is essential that genebanks
participating in Information Networks have proper documentation and available information
for dissemination, to avoid problems of under-utilization of accumulated collections of
germplasm held in many genebanks and research centres.
As indicated earlier, PGR documentation and information system usually gets low priority
and figure only after collecting, characterization and evaluation of an accession. For a strong
56 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
PGR programme, all available germplasm accessions must be documented and the
information must be available to the end users. Failing this, all the PGR materials collected,
characterized and evaluated would be either used only by the concerned institutes where
the PGR are maintained or, in some cases, not even by the researchers of the same institute
as they have no information about the desired traits available in the collection.
Information networking involves the process of making the national programmes (NPs)
ready for information exchange and then the exchange of information. Our experience
shows that NPs are reluctant to change their existing system, mainly due to lack of resources.
Therefore, the approach in APO is to develop an easy-to-use format for exchange of data
among genebanks using their existing system. The Data Interchange Protocol (DIP) is one
such tool developed to facilitate exchange of information between the genebanks irrespective
of systems used, developing electronic germplasm catalogues/directories, developing
database of PGR scientists/researchers etc. Efforts are also under way to link databases with
visual analysis tools like Geographical Information System (GIS) and Regeneration Decision
Support System, analytical tools like statistical software and data mining.
References
Quek, P. 1993. The importance of the national committees and information systems in
strengthening plant genetic resources programmes in RECSEA member countries. Paper
presented at RECSEA-PGR meeting, Bogor, Indonesia, 9-10 December 1993.
Riley, K.W. 1993. Networks for conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources.
Paper presented at the International Plant Genetic Resources Symposium, Tsukuba, Japan,
25-26 August 1993.
UTILIZATION OF LATHYRUS 57
Utilization of Lathyrus
J. Kumar
Senior Scientist (Breeding), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics,
Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh, India
Introduction
Khesari (Lathyrus sativus L.) is cultivated in a number of countries for human food, animal
feed and fodder. The crop is well adapted to the rice ecosystem as it tolerates flooding at
early stages and drought later in the season. Therefore, it makes a valuable contribution to
the sustainability of the rice production system especially in South Asia. In the absence of
Lathyrus or a similarly adapted crop much of the land following rice remains fallow.
Rotter et al. (1991) reported chemical composition of four samples of Lathyrus which
show it to be very high in its protein content. Lathyrus also shows a higher level of trypsin
inhibitor activity (Campbell 1997).
Lathyrus is infamous for a neurotoxin ß-N-oxalyl anino alanine (BOAA) or (ODAP)
which is associated with paralysis (lathyrism), a motor neuron disease of lower limbs in
human beings. This disorder may result from the use of Lathyrus as a staple food for three
or more months. However, reduction of ODAP through cooking, processing and by genetic
detoxification (breeding varieties with low toxin content) has been possible (Mehta 1997).
The major uses of Lathyrus include, green fodder, use as a pasture, dried stover, seed as
feed and as human food. In South Asia, Ethiopia and China the crop is dual purpose and
in other regions it is mostly used as fodder and feed. There is some information that the
toxin content in Lathyrus is increased in drought conditions and in zinc deficient soils. More
studies are required to investigate these relationships. In this paper uses of Lathyrus in
major producing countries are discussed briefly.
Uses of Lathyrus
Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, Lathyrus is eaten in different ways (Tekle-Haimanot et al. 1995). Boiled Lathyrus
seed (nifro) is often eaten. This preparation is not considered harmful as much of the toxin
is destroyed. Unleavened bread (kitta) is used in times of acute food shortage. Roasted
grains (Kollo) are used as snacks. Kitta and Kollo preparations do not destroy much of the
toxin.
Shiro is a flour prepared from legumes including Lathyrus and is used in making Wott,
an Ethiopian sauce. The pan-cake like unleavened bread - enjera, made out of teff, wheat,
barley, maize or sorghum is eaten with Wott. Role of Wott in lathyrism is not known.
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal
The most common use of Lathyrus is as dhal. Some people soak the seeds or dhal overnight
and decant the water before cooking. This system of preparation eliminates about 90% of
the toxin. Nearly 10% of the dhal is used mainly for culinary purposes. More than 90% of
dhal from the Madhya Pradesh state of India is sold to other states. The preparations from
Lathyrus besan appear to be similar to those from chickpea besan. These include pakoras,
piazu, chapati, dhal, vadi, dhokla and sweets. Therefore, substantial Lathyrus flour is used to
adulterate chickpea besan. Lathyrus dhal is also mixed with pigeonpea dhal (Pandey and
Kashyap 1995). This has reduced chances of lathyrism. Although the consumer pays relatively
high price for besan this does not benefit the farmer as sale of Lathyrus is banned in some
places.
58 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
The use of Lathyrus as leafy vegetable, green pods, green seeds as snacks or as cooked
vegetable is also common and appear to have less contribution in causing lathyrism. Snacks
made out of Lathyrus are noted for their taste. It was suggesed from Bangladesh that use of
Vitamin C rich foods alongwith Lathyrus reduces chances of lathyrism.
China
Lathyrus is used as animal feed and as a supplement in food processing in Shaanxi and
Gansu provinces. Farmers prefer it because of 20% higher yield and more stable production
than pea (Zhou and Arora 1996).
Turkey
Lathyrus species are tolerant to cold, water logging and drought. The green fodder yields
were up to 27 t ha-1, dry fodder 8 t ha-1 and seed yield 2.5 t ha-1. Among all Lathyrus species,
L. sativus appears to be the highest producer of biomass and grain. Therefore, the species
is ideal for feeding the cattle and is preferred by the farmers.
Animal feed and forage
Green leaves and stems of Lathyrus are fed to lactating cattle (because of phyto-estrogens)
or the crop is strip grazed by the cattle and allowed to regrow for seed harvest. The use of
dried stem and chaff after the grain is winnowed is often the most important factor in
growing this crop in parts of Asia. The fodder is used in lean dry season as a protein rich
fodder. Nearly 60% of the crop is used for forage and about 60% of the seed is used for
animal feed in the Sind province of Pakistan (Campbell 1997).
Briggs et al. (1995) reported that up to 20% Lathyrus in pig feed was acceptable for
commercial use in Canada. Lathyrus as animal and poultry feed is also being experimented
in Europe, Australia and the middle East.
Conclusion
Lathyrus sativus remains an important food and feed crop in some parts of the world despite
being known as causal agent for lathyrism. Its use as a relay crop and its tolerance to
flooding and drought has no competing crop in rice-fallows. Efforts are underway to
understand the toxin and genetic detoxification to develop low toxin lines which pose less
threat to human and cattle health. Considerable successes have been achieved in this direction
recently in Canada, India and Bangladesh, especially through support from IDRC and
IPGRI. While the seed of these new varieties may take time to spread, efforts should continue
to find ways for safe consumption of this high protein pulse crop and its use for enhancing
sustainability of the rice-based systems.
References
Briggs, C.J., C.G. Campbell and Adrian Castell. 1995. Analysis of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus),
and its evaluation as a component of animal feed. Pp. 81-84 in Lathyrus sativus and
Human Lathyrism: Progress and Prospects (H.K.M. Yusuf and F. Lambein, eds.). Proc.
2nd Int. Colloq. Lathyrus/Lathyrism. Dhaka, 10-12 December 1993, University of Dhaka.
Campbell, C.G. 1997. Grass pea. Lathyrus sativus L. Promoting the conservation and use of
underutilized and neglected crops. 18. Institute on Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research,
Gatersleben/International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Rome, Italy. 92 p.
Mehta, S.L. 1997. Plant Biotechnology for removal of ODAP from Lathyrus. Pp. 103-104 in
Lathyrus and lathyrism, a Decade of Progress (R. Tekle Hainranot and F. Lambein, eds.),
University of Ghent, Belgium.
Pandey, R.L. and O.P. Kashyap. 1995. Studies on socio-economic strata and Lathyrus
UTILIZATION OF LATHYRUS 59
consumption in rural Madhya Pradesh. Pp. 47-50 in Lathyrus sativus and Human Lathyrism:
Progress and Prospects (H.K.M. Yusuf and F. Lambein, eds.). Proc. 2nd Int. Colloq.
Lathyrus/Lathyrism. Dhaka 10-12 December 1993, University of Dhaka.
Rotter, R.G., R.R. Marquardt and C.G. Campbell. 1991. The nutritional value of low
lathrogenic Lathyrus (Lathyrus sativus) for growing chicks. Brit. Poultry Sci. 32:1055-1067.
Tekle-Haimanot, R.B. Abegaz, E. Wuhib, A. Kassina, Y. Kidane, N. Kebede, T. Alemu and
P.S. Spencer. 1995. Nutritional neuro- toxicological surveys of Lathyrus sativus consumption
in Northern Ehtiopia. Pp. 41-45 in Lathyrus sativus and Human Lathyrism : Progress and
Prospects (H.K.M. Yusuf and F. Lambein, eds.). Proc. 2nd Int. Colloq. Lathyrus/Lathyrism.
Dhaka 10-12 December 1993. University of Dhaka.
Zhou, M. and R.K. Arora. 1996. Conservation of underutilized crops in Asia. Pp. 91-95 in
Lathyrus Genetic Resources in Asia: Proceedings of a Regional Workshop, 27-29 December
1995, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur, India (Arora, R.K., P.N. Mathur,
K.W. Riley and Y. Adham, eds). IPGRI office for South Asia, New Delhi.
60 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Biochemistry of the Lathyrus toxins
F. Lambein 1, B. Chowdhury 2 and Yu-Haey Kuo 1
1. Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine,
Kluyskensstraat 27, B-9000 GENT, Belgium and 2. Department of Biochemistry, Bangladesh
Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
The toxin believed to be the cause of human neurolathyrism was isolated and characterised
independently by two groups as β-N-oxalyl-L-α, β-diaminopropionic acid (ODAP) (Rao et
al. 1964; Murti et al. 1964). The biosynthesis of this neurotoxin was proposed by Malathi and
co-workers to be derived from free diaminopropionic acid and oxalyl-Coenzyme A (Malathi
et al. 1970). For the origin of diaminopropionic acid no explanation was formulated, and the
compound as such was never identified in Lathyrus species.
Independently from this work, we found a group of eight heterocyclic isoxazolin-5-one
derivatives in the seedlings of garden pea (Pisum sativum) and sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus)
(Lambein et al. 1969 ; Lambian and Parijs 1974). This was a new heterocyclic ring for natural
products; the identity of the ring was proved very high sensitivity to ultraviolet light. The
breakdown products of these compounds included the known Lathyrus toxins
β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), the osteotoxin of Lathyrus odoratus; a, γ-diaminobutyric acid
(DABA), the neurotoxin of L. sylvestris, and L-α, β-diaminopropionic acid. This observation
suggested a link between the group of isoxazolinon derivatives and the Lathyrus toxins.
Much later we could confirm that one of these compounds, β-(isoxazolin-5-on-2-yl)-L-alanine
(BIA), is the biosynthetic precursor of the neurotoxin ODAP (β-N-oxalyl-α, β-
diaminopropionic acid) in L. sativus (Lambein et al. 1990, Kuo and Lambein 1991, Kuo et al.
1994a, Kuo et al. 1994b). BIA was formed from the free ring and O-acetyl-serine by casteine
synthase in L. sativus (Ikegami el al. 1993). Recent studies showed that BIA (0.5-2.0 mM)
itself also produced a concentration-dependent neurodegeneration in mouse cortical explants
(Riepe et al. 1995). This excitotoxic effect was mediated by non-NMDA type receptors similar
to the action of ODAP but to a much lesser degree. In another recent report, BIA was found
to be inactive in the NDMA receptor binding assay in rat brain, while ODAP exhibited an
inhibitory activity at a relatively high concentration (IC50 : 47 mM) (Ikegami et al. 1995). BIA
was found to be exuded by the roots of Pisum sativum and Lathyrus odoratus (Kuo et al. 1982)
and besides neurotoxic effect on the mammalian cells if acted as a potent growth inhibitor
of several eukaryotic organisms including yeasts phytopathogenic fungi, unicellular green
algae and higher plants (Schenk 1991). Its broad antifungal activity suggested that BIA
might play a role as allelochemical.
Considering the biological and ecological importance of BIA, the metabolism of this
compound was studied in L. sativus and in L. odoratus. Radioactive [14C]-labelled BIA was
obtained from in vivo labelling experiments with Pisum sativum seedlings, after feeding
[U-14C] serine to the imbibing seeds. [14C]-labelled BIA was extracted from 2-day-old seedlings,
purified and used for this study. Radioactive [14C] BIA was added to imbibing seeds of
Lathyrus sativus, and the seeds were allowed to germinate during two days. After extraction
of the two-day-old seedlings, we found that ODAP and also the γ-glutamyl derivative of
BIA, designated as compound XI (Lambein et al. 1992), were both labelled in the cotyledons
and in the embryo.
When the same radioactive BIA feeding experiment was carried out with L. odoratus, we
found that compound V, 2-(γ-glutamyl-aminoethyl)-isoxazolin-5-one was labelled (Lambein
and Parijs 1974). Structurally compound V is the decarboxylation product of XI. Although
compound XI is not normally found in L. odoratus, it can well be the short-lived precursor
of compound V, like α, β-diaminopropionic acid (DAPRO) is the short-lived precursor of
BIOCHEMISTRY OF THE LATHYRUS TOXINS 61
ODAP (Kuo and Lambien 1991). Therefore [14C]-labelled XI, purified from 2 day-old-seedlings
of L. sativus by feeding [U-14C] serine to imbibed seeds, was fed to the seeds of L. odoratus.
The results showed that compound V is labelled and this confirmed that compound XI
might be the short-lived intermediate between BIA and V in L. odoratus.
From the above experiments we can conclude that in L. sativus seedling BIA is metabolised
to ODAP and to XI, while in L. odoratus seedlings BIA is metabilised to V via XI as
intermediate, and not to ODAP (Fig. 1). An alternative way to reduce the neurotoxin ODAP
in L. sativus might be the introduction of the gene in L. odoratus responsible for the biosynthesis
of V into L. sativus plants and withdraw the molecules of BIA from the pathway leading to
ODAP (Kuo et al. 1998).
Fig. 1. Metabolism of BIA, β-(isoxazolin-5-on-2-yl)-L-alanine, in Lathyrus sativus and L. adoratus
seedlings. Brackets indicate that compound DAPRO (α,β-diaminopropionic acid) and compound XI (γ-
glutaMyl derivative of BIA) were not detected in L. sativus and in L. odoratus seedlings, respectively,
but are considered to be short-lived intermediates.
The level of ODAP in the seeds of Lathyrus sativus is very variable, due to the high
variability of the species, and high levels of ODAP are generally blamed for the occurrence
of human lathyrism. Since the identification of ODAP as a neurotoxin present in the seeds
of L. sativus, major efforts have been undertaken to select low toxin lines by traditional
breeding and selection, and also by the production of somaclones. The main focus of this
research was the level of ODAP. When other amino acids in the seeds are studied, we found
that the level of homoarginine, an inhibitor of nitric oxide biosynthesis occurring in the
seeds at levels to those of ODAP, is unaffected by the level of ODAP. In a series of somaclones
isolated by Patil and co-workers (Patil et al. 1997), we found a variation in ODAP content
of a factor 10, while the homoarginine levels varied with a factor of 3 only. In a preliminary
report, Yusuf and co-workers proposed a protective potential of homoarginine against the
toxicity of ODAP in chicks (Yusuf et al. 1995). If this is confirmed, then the real toxicity of
L. sativus seeds may be combination of several factors rather than only the level of ODAP.
Considering the rather erratic distribution of human neurolathyrism in the countries
where L. sativus is consumed, it may be worthwhile to look not only at the genetic variability,
but also at the impact of environmental changes on the toxin level. During our studies on
the biosynthesis in vitro of ODAP, we had noticed that the biosynthetic activity of both the
low toxin and the high toxin varieties was rather similar. When some environmental effects
62 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
such as drought stress were studied, it was found that the level of ODAP increased under
drought conditions in hydrophonic cultures, or could decrease by irrigation in the field.
Occurrences of epidemics of human lathyrism often coincide with a famine that was the
consequence of a period of crop failures due to drought or to other environmental disasters.
Unfortunately, the Lathyrus seeds consumed during such periods are not availabe for analysis.
From epidemiological surveys it can be suggested that there is a link between the agro-
ecological conditions and the incidence of lathyrism (Lambein and Kuo 1997).
In Ethiopia as well as in Bangladesh, the highest incidence of neurolathyrism is localised
in areas where the land is flooded during the rainy season and a subsequent drought seems
to increase the incidence of lathyrism. On the other hand, at the coastal areas of Bangladesh
no lathyrism occurs while the consumption is not drastically different from the rest of the
country.
Hussain and co-workers studied the effect of several environmental factors on the level
of ODAP and other amino acids, and observed that L. sativus demonstrates a relative tolerance
to salinity, and that an optimal concentration of salt has an increasing effect on the yield,
while at the same time the level of ODAP is minimal (Hussain et al. 1997). Under the same
conditions of salinity, the level of homoarginine shows a drastic increase (Hoque et al.
unpublished).
Environment effects due to the presence of heavy metals in the soil may also be a factor
in the etiology of lathyrism, because contamination with cadmium not only gives an important
increase in the level of ODAP in the seeds of L. sativus, the toxic cadmium also accumulates
in the seeds (Hussain et al. 1997).
Acknowledgements
This research programme has been supported by EC-project T53-CT92-0136.
References
Hussain, M., B. Chowdhury, R. Hoque and F. Lambein. 1997. Effect of water stress, interaction
of cations, stage of maturity of seeds and storage devices on the ODAP content of
Lathyrus sativus. Pp. 107-110 in Lathyrus and Lathyrism: A Decade of Progress (R. Tekle
Haimanot and F. Lambein, eds.). University of Ghent.
Ikegami, F., K. Kusama-Eguchi, K. Watanabe, F. Lambein and I. Murakoshi. 1995. Interaction
of some heterocyclic β-substituted alanines of plants with rat brain NMDA-glutamate
receptor. Biol. Pharm. Bull. 18:360-362.
Ikegami, F., G. Ongena, R. Sakai, S. Itagaki, M. Kobori, T. Ishikawa, Y.H. Kuo, F. Lambein
and I. Murakoshi. 1993. Biosynthesis of beta-(isoxazolin-5-on-2-yl)-alanine, the precursor
of the neurotoxin beta-N-oxalyl-L-alpha, beta-diaminopropionic acid, by cysteine synthase
in Lathyrus sativus. Phytochemistry. 33:93-98.
Kuo, Y.H., F. Ikegami and F. Lambein. 1998. Metabolic routes of beta-(isoxazolin-5-on-2-yl)-
l-alanine (BIA), the precursor of the neurotoxin ODAP (beta-N-oxalyl-L-alpha, beta-
diaminopropionic acid), in different legume seedlings. Phytochemistry. (in press).
Kuo, Y.H. and F. Lambein. 1991. Biosynthesis of the neurotoxin beta-N-oxalyl-alpha, beta-
diaminopropionic acid (ODAP) in callus tissue of Lathyrus sativus. Phytochemistry. 30:3241-
3244.
Kuo, Y-H., F. Lambein, F. Ikegami and R. Van Parijs. 1982. Isoxazolin-5-ones and amino
acids in root exudates of pea and sweet pea seedlings. Plant Physiol. 70:1283-1289.
Kuo, Y.H., J.K. Khan and F. Lambein. 1994a. Biosynthesis of the neurotoxin beta-ODAP in
developing pods of Lathyrus sativus. Phytochemistry. 35:911-913.
Kuo, Y.H., F. Lambein, L.C. Mellor, R.M. Adlington and J.E. Baldwin. 1994b. Ring-nitrogen
of beta-isoxazolinone-alanine is incorporated into the neurotoxin beta-N-oxalyl-L-alpha,
BIOCHEMISTRY OF THE LATHYRUS TOXINS 63
beta-diaminopropionic acid in callus tissue of Lathyrus sativus. Phytochemistry. 37:713-
715.
Lambein, F., J.K. Khan, C. Becu and A. De Bruyn. 1992. Characterization of gamma-glutamyl-
beta-(isoxazolinonyl)-alanine from Lathyrus sativus and its decarboxylation product from
Lathyrus odoratus. Phytochemistry. 31:887-892.
Lambein, F., and Y.H, Kuo. 1997. Factors affecting human susceptibility to neurolathyrism.
Pp. 9-13 in Lathyrus and Lathyrism: A Decade of Progress (R. Tekle Haimanot and F.
Lambein, eds.). University of Ghent.
Lambein, F., G. Ongena and Y.H. Kuo. 1990. Beta-isoxazolinone-alanine is involved in the
biosynthesis of the neurotoxin beta-N-oxalyl-alpha, beta-diaminopropionic acid.
Phytochemistry. 29:3793-3796.
Lambein, F., N. Schamp, L. Vandendriesache and R. Van Parijs. 1969. A new UV-sensitive
heterocyclic amino acid from pea seedlings: 2-alanyl-3-isoxazolin-5-one. Biochem. Biophys.
Res. Comm. 37:375-382.
Lambein, F. and R. Van Parijs. 1974. New isoxazolinone amino acids from Lathyrus odoratus.
Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 61:155-62.
Malathi, K., G. Padmanaban, and P.S. Sarma. 1970. Biosynthesis of beta-N-oxalyl-L-alpha,
beta-diaminopropionic acid, the Lathyrus sativus neurotoxin. Phytochemistry. 9:1603-1610.
Murti, V.V.S., T.R. Sheshadri and T.A. Venkitasubramaniam. 1964. Neurotoxic compounds
of the seeds of Lathyrus sativus. Phytochemistry. 3:73-78.
Patil, V.D., M.U.G. Kulkarni, S.R. Harkal and Y.S. Nerkar. 1997. Studies on in vitro plant
regeneration in grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.). Pp. 125-127 in Lathyrus and Lathyrism: a
Decade of Progress (R. Tekle Haimanot and F. Lambein, eds.). University of Ghent.
Rao, S.L.N., P.R. Adiga, and P.S. Sarma. 1964. The isolation and characterisation of beta-N-
oxalyl-L-alpha, beta-diamiropropionic acid: a neurotoxin from the seeds of Lathyrus sativus.
Biochemistry. 3:432-436.
Riepe, M., P.S. Spencer, F. Lambein, A.C. Ludolph and C.N. Allen. 1995. In vitro toxicological
investigation of isoxazolinone amino acids of Lathyrus sativus. Natural Toxins. 3:58-64.
Schenk, S.U., F. Lambein and D. Werner. 1991. Broad antifungal activity of β-isoxazolinonyl-
alanine, a non-protein amino acid from roots of pea (Pisum sativum) seedlings. Biol Fertil.
Soils. 11:203-209.
Yusuf H.K.M., K. Hoque, A. Uddin, B.C. Roy and F. Lambein. 1995. Homoarginine
antagonizes the toxicity of Lathyrus toxin in 1-day-chicks. Bangl. J. Physiol. Pharmacol.
10(2):74-75.
64 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Utilization of genetic resources in Lathyrus
A.N. Asthana and G.P. Dixit
Director and Senior Scientist, Indian Institute of Pulses Research, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh,
India
Introduction
Lathyrus sativus is one of the most ancient crops used by man in Asia, Africa, Europe and
South America for a multitude of purposes. The cultivated area under this crop is declining
and diversity of landraces is being eroded. Being very hardy crop, a cheap source of protein
to poor people and a good quality fodder, it is still being preferred by the farmers of
dryland areas inspite of discouragement. It has a promising future as a model crop for
sustainable agriculture, if the problems posed by the toxic compound (ODAP) can be solved.
In India, its cultivation is mainly confined to the states of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, West
Bengal and Maharashtra but is also grown in small pockets in other states. The most common
farming system is relay or Utera under which its cultivation is most prevalent in India.
Under this system, farmers give more emphasis for its fodder value and consider grain
yield as bonus.
For collecting the Lathyrus diversity in India, a joint effort was made by Pulses
Improvement Project of USAID, New Delhi; National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Hyderabad
and Directorate of Agriculture and Directorate of Health, Government of Madhya Pradesh
in 1967 to collect Lathyrus germplasm from seven districts of Madhya Pradesh. Later, in
1969, under PL 480 project at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi,
germplasm was collected from Bihar, West Bengal, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and
Haryana and was subsequently evaluated.
Germplasm evaluation
Genetic variability
For genetic improvement, an assesment of the variability in the germplasm is essential to
judge its potential as base material. Two hundred and eight accessions of Lathyrus sativus
were evaluated at Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur during Rabi 1994-95 in
an augmented block design using two checks, viz., Pusa 24 and LSD 3. The variability
parameters for six quantitative characters, viz., plant height, number of primary branches,
pods per plant, seeds per pod, 100-seed mass and grain yield were estimated (Table 1).
Phenotypic coefficient of variation was highest for pods per plant (39%) followed by
grain yield (38%) and 100-seed mass (33%). A considerable level of variability for these
characters has been reported by Vedna Kumari and Mehra (1989). These characters can
therefore, be directly utilized in the genetic improvement programmes. The other characters
like number of primary branches, plant height and seeds per pod showed comparatively
Table 1. Estimates of variability parameters for six characters in Lathyrus sativus
Character Mean Range C.V. (%)
Maximum Minimum
Plant height (cm) 33.75 14.0 59.0 21.01
No. of primary branches 3.90 2.0 6.0 21.28
Pods/plant 25.67 6.0 62.0 39.46
Seeds/pod 2.42 1.3 3.3 16.52
Grain yield (g) 3.89 1.0 8.8 38.56
100-seed mass (g) 6.92 4.5 15.7 32.94
UTILIZATION OF GENETIC RESOURCES IN LATHYRUS 65
lower levels of variability. However, it would be worthwhile to examine the association of
these characters with grain yield in order to utilize them in the breeding programme.
Association studies
Pods per plant, plant height and 100-seed mass displayed a significant positive correlation
with grain yield (Table 2). These results are in agreement with those of Kaul et al. (1982) and
Karup (1983). An indirect selection through these characters may be effective in  Lathyrus
improvement programme.
Table 2. Correlation coefficient for six quantitative characters in Lathyrus sativus
Character No. of primary Pods/ Seeds/ Grain 100-seed
branches plant pod yield mass
Plant height 0.256** 0.271** 0.077 0.487** 0.330**
No. of primary
branches 0.504** -0.062 0.490** 0.092
Pods/plant -0.224* 0.686** -0.063
Seeds/pod 0.026 -0.193
Grain yield 0.277**
* Significant at 5% level of probability; ** Significant at 1% level of probability.
Divergence analysis
Forty six germplasm lines, including 15 exotic collections, of Lathyrus sativus were evaluated
for ten characters to study the genetic divergence. The genotypes were grouped into eight
clusters. Days to maturity and 100-seed mass were found to be the important contributors
toward genetic divergence. Genetic diversity did not appear to be associated with
geographical distribution of the genotypes.
Varietal development
Plant breeding efforts during last three decades have led to the development of certain low
ODAP genotypes. Pusa 24, a selection from germplasm, was the first variety identified in
1974 with relatively low amount of ODAP (0.2%) and suitable for upland cultivation (Jain
et al. 1994). Another variety, Nirmal was also selection from local germplasm with ODAP
content 0.2% and released in 1980 in West Bengal. Later on, some other genotypes like LSD
1, LSD 3 and LSD 6 were developed with ODAP around 0.2%. Most of the genotypes
developed earlier were selections from germplasm (Table 3).
During the last few years, some cultivars have been developed with good yield potential
and ODAP below 0.2% (Table 4). Recent, development of some somaclones with low ODAP
(<0.1%) has opened a new avenue in Lathyrus improvement. These are Bio L 212, Bio R 202,
Bio L 203, Bio R 231, Bio L 208 and Bio I 222. The variety Bio L 212 was released in 1997
as low ODAP variety with good yield potential.
At IIPR, Kanpur some of the promising crosses involving low ODAP genotypes are in
advance generation. The low ODAP donors currently being used in our programme are Bio
R 202, Bio L 212, Bio L 203, Bio R 231, Bio L 208, P 94-3, P 28, L5 8246 and Bio I 222.
Male sterility
Male sterility has been reported in Lathyrus sativus by Srivastava and Somayajulu (1981)
which is conditioned by a recessive gene ms1. Also, the Gene-Cytoplasmic Male Sterility
system had been reported by Chekalin (1972) and Zelenskaya and Pestova (1974) wherein
the male sterility is due to the interaction of two fr genes and S-cytoplasm. It is possible to
66 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
use this male sterility system in population improvement programmes and to exploit some
of the non-additive gene action on characters affecting grain and forage yield.
Table 3. Pedigree of Lathyrus varieties/genotypes
Varieties/Genotypes Pedigree
P 24 Selection from utera crop field collection from Bihar in 1966
LSD 1 Selection from P 24 (P 24-1) in 1978
LSD 3 Selection from P 24 (P 24-4-1B) in 1978
LSD 6 Selection from P 24 (P24-2-C) in 1978
Sel. 505 Selection from Santhal-Pargana district in 1979-80
P 28 RED x P 24
P 90-2 Selection from EC 242692
Bio L 212 Somaclone developed from P 24
Bio R 202 Somaclone developed from P 24
Bio R 231 Somaclone developed from P 24
Bio L 208 Somaclone developed from P 24
P 94-3 P 505 x P 28
RLS 3 Selection from P 24
RLS 6 Selection from P 24
Disease and pest resistance
Not much emphasis has been given on other aspects (biotic and abiotic stresses) of Lathyrus,
as low ODAP content is considered to be the primary objective of research. However, thrips
are one of the serious pests to this crop, particularly in central zone of India. Certain lines
from germplasm like RLK-1, RLK-281, RLK-617 and RPL-26 have been reported by Raipur
centre as thrips tolerant. Also, powdery mildew and downy mildew are two major diseases
which infect this crop. At Raipur, RPL 26 and RL 41 have been found to be tolerant to
powdery mildew. In addition, a number of collections from surrounding Raipur area have
shown resistance to downy mildew. Some of these donors are being used in crossing
programmes.
Uses
Lathyrus sativus is used in many ways for human consumption and cattle feed. Some of the
major uses are:
i) Mainly as dal which is a principal source of protein for poor people. It is preferred
due to its better taste.
ii) The flour, besan, is used for preparing different food items.
iii) Green pods and young tendrils of Lathyrus are consumed as green vegetable.
iv) Vegetative parts are widely used as fodder for cattle. After threshing, the dried hay
and after milling the bran of Lathyrus seed are also used as cattle feed.
v) Flour is used as feed for lactating cattle.
vi) Improves soil fertility by fixing the atmospheric nitrogen.
Conservation
The cultivated area under this crop is declining rapidly and landraces diversity is in danger
of being lost. Also, with the development of low ODAP genotypes with good yield potential,
the landraces will be rapidly replaced by the improved varieties resulting in the extinction
of landraces. Therefore, conservation of available genetic resources for future use is very
essential. About 2600 collections are being maintained at Raipur as active collections. At
UTILIZATION OF GENETIC RESOURCES IN LATHYRUS 67
Table 4. Performance of low ODAP genotypes with respect to grain yield
          Grain yield (kg/ha-1) ODAP content (%)
Geno- Zones Average Year   Average   Average
types 1994-95 1995-96 1996-97 over Zones over    over Zones
& years          Zones     & Year
P 24 NWPZ 556(1) 1 367(1) - 984 1994-95 0.285 0.277
NEPZ 950(3) 742(1) 731(2) 1995-96 0.274
CZ 1 126(4) 951(3) 1 452(6) 1996-97 0.271
LSD 3 NWPZ 347(1) 1 227(1) - 1246 1994-95 0.228 0.297
NEPZ 2 308(1)  947(1) 1 096(2) 1995-96 0.363
CZ 1 378(1) 1 211(3) 1 448(4) 1996-97 0.299
Bio L 212 NWPZ 764(1) 1 031(1) - 1305 1994-95 0.088 0.093
NEPZ 1 751(3) 1 350(1) 1 161(2) 1995-96 0.095
CZ 1 741(4) 1 182(3) 1 463(6) 1996-97 0.095
Bio R 202 NWPZ  503(1) 1 141(1) - 1189 1994-95 0.050 0.077
NEPZ 1 572(3) 1 076(1) 1 070(2) 1995-96 0.085
CZ 1 414(4) 1 107(3) 1 628(6) 1996-97 0.095
Bio R 231 NWPZ 503(1) 1 141(1) - 1187 1994-95 0.077 0.114
NEPZ 1 356(3) 986(1) 1 269(2) 1995-96 0.152
CZ 1 566(4) 1 164(3) 1 508(6) 1996-97 0.112
Bio L 208 NWPZ  486(1) 1 016(1) - 969 1994-95 0.088 0.111
NEPZ 1 278(3) 853(1) - 1995-96 0.071
CZ 1 410(4) 767(3) - 1996-97 0.174
P 28 NWPZ  521(1) 1 047(1) - 966 1994-95 0.177 0.191
NEPZ 1 114(3)  931(1) - 1995-96 0.204
CZ 1 118(3) 1 060(3) - 1996-97 -
P 90-2 NWPZ 556(1) 1 375(1) - 701 1994-95 - 0.297
NEPZ - 222(1) - 1995-96 0.297
CZ - 646(3) - 1996-97 -
Sel. 505 NWPZ - 1 328(1) - 1122 1994-95 - 0.348
NEPZ - 1 135(1) - 1995-96 0.348
CZ - 903(3) - 1996-97 -
P 94-3 NWPZ 487(1) 1 414(1) - 1175 1994-95 0.123 0.149
NEPZ 1 403(3) 1 085(1) 973(2) 1995-96 0.169
CZ 1 566(3) 1 035(3) 1 437(6) 1996-97 0.156
RLS 6 NWPZ - 1 000(1) - 966 1994-95 - 0.261
NEPZ - 792(1) 556(2) 1995-96 0.263
CZ - 1 087(3) 1 393(6) 1996-97 0.259
RLS3 NWPZ - 742(1) - 736 1994-95 - 0.341
NEPZ - 238(1) 354(2) 1995-96 0.332
CZ - 1 031(3) 1 314(6) 1996-97 0.350
LS 157-14 NWPZ - 969(1) - 953 1994-95 - 0.187
NEPZ - 669(1) 912(2) 1995-96 0.189
CZ - 926(3) 1 291(5) 1996-97 0.184
Figures in parenthesis represent number of locations
NWPZ = North Western Plain Zone
NEPZ = North Eastern Plain Zone
CZ = Central Zone
68 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
NBPGR, more than 1000 accessions are conserved in long-term storage (base collection).
However, there is need to have medium term storage facility at the regional stations to
facilitate conservation and utilization of diversity of this crop.
More centres may be identified in the major Lathyrus growing states of India like Dholi
and Ranchi in Bihar, Berhampur in West Bengal, Bilaspur and Rewa in Madhya Pradesh,
and Akola in Maharashtra to collect and maintain the available landraces of the respective
states with duplicate set conserved at NBPGR.
Lathyrus and lathyrism
Lathyrus sativus has been a subject of controversy among agricultural scientists, nutrition
experts and the farming community for many decades. Its cultivation was banned by the
Government in 1961 under the Prevention of Food Adulteration Act 1954, on the ground
that its consumption was harmful to health.
In order to review afresh whether consumption of Lathyrus causes lathyrism, a high
powered committee comprising representatives of ICAR, Ministry of Health, Agriculture,
Governments of major Lathyrus growing states and National Institute of Nutrition has been
set up. On the recommendation of the Committee, Lathyrus feeding experiments are going
on at Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow on monkeys. Also, similar type of
study on rats is being done by Industrial Toxicology Research Centre (ITRC), Lucknow.
The objective of the study at the Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow is to
evalvate long-term (12 months) systemic toxicity in rhesus monkey for:
i) Cooked khesari dal paste/slurry with high ODAP content
ii) Cooked khesari dal paste/slury with low ODAP content
A total of 64 rhesus monkeys are being used for this study. Cooked paste of high and
low ODAP khesari dal are administered by dietary route to groups of 8 animals (4 males +
4 females) each at the following dose level for 12 months:
Low Dose - 2.50 g of dal/kg body weight
Intermediate Dose - 6.25 g of dal/kg body weight
High Dose - 12.50 g of dal/kg body weight
Control animals are fed with comparable volumes of distilled water.
The parameters of study includes daily obserervations on general behaviour and activity
of the animals, periodical recording of food and water intake, body weight, morbidity and
mortality, periodical analysis of blood and urine and at termination, macroscopic and
histopathological study of different body organs. The feeding study will be completed by
September 1998 and the final results are expected by the end of 1998.
Lathyrus network
Network is an effective tool to enable collaborating countries to carry out their responsibility
to conserve, use and share genetic resources and other informations (Riley 1996). Countries
holding collections of Lathyrus diversity need to examine methods by which this can be
done most effectively and inexpensively. A collection of available diversity will be useful
to the breeders as parents in hybridization for developing improved varieties of Lathyrus.
Mechanism and operation
l Objectives : Lathyrus germplasm collecting, exchange, evaluation,
characterization, conservation and utilization.
l Member Countries : Asian countries and International Institutions like ICARDA,
IPGRI.
l Species/Genepool : Primarily Lathyrus sativus. L. cicera and L. ochrus may also
be considered
UTILIZATION OF GENETIC RESOURCES IN LATHYRUS 69
l Networking : Country coordinator and a Steering Committee
l Activities : - Status of existing Lathyrus germplasm with different
member countries.
- To establish a safety duplicate collection.
- Database containing passport data and descriptor data
- To develop and publish a Germplasm Directory of the
addresses and ex situ collections held in different gene
banks.
- Multilocation testing across the region.
- Collaborative breeding programmes for developing low
ODAP and high yielding genotypes with resistance to
biotic and abiotic stresses.
- Basic studies e.g., genetics of various traits, micro-
biological and physiological studies, wide hybridization,
preparation of linkage maps, studies on molecular
markers and genetic engineering approaches.
l Funding : - Member countries and International Organizations.
- Other Countries and donors like Asian Development
Bank, IDRC, UNDP and the World Bank.
Future emphasis
1. Collecting of landraces from unexplored areas.
2. Development of stable genotypes containing very low or no ODAP content.
3. Development of genotypes with high seed yield, herbage production and harvest
index.
4. Development of genotypes with resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses.
5. Development of genotypes with other traits like earliness, deep rooted, small seeded,
erect plant habit and medium plant height for Utera system and also for replacement
of follows with Lathyrus sativus.
6. Development of genotypes with medium maturity, higher biomass, bold seed and
responsive to fertilizers and irrigations for irrigated areas with yield potential of
3 t ha-1.
7. Development of short duration Lathyrus ochrus genotypes for replacement of fallows
to increase forage production and improve soil fertility.
8. The techniques of molecular genetics may be applied to characterize the genes and
identify important linkages to facilitate gene transfer to suitable agronomic basis.
9. Development of Lathyrus Network.
Refrences
Chekalin, N.M. 1972. A study of the genetic nature of induced male sterility in the grass pea
vine (Lathyrus sativus). Sov. Genet. USSR. 8:1347-1351.
Jain, H.K., N. Somayajulu and G.K. Barat. 1994. Final Technical report on investigation in
Lathyrus sativus. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi.
Kaul, A.K., M.R. Islam and K. Begum. 1982. Variability for various agronomic characters
and neurotoxin content in some cultivars of khesari (Lathyrus sativus) in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Journal of Botany. 11:158-167.
Krarup, H.A. 1983. Characterization of a heterozygous population of Lathyrus sativus L. and
analysis of cause and effect among yield and its components under the influence of
distinct sowing dates and densities. Agro. Sur. 11(1):30-37.
Riley, K.W. 1996. A network approach for the conservation and use of Lathyrus sativus
70 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
genetic resources. Pp. 149-158 in Lathyrus Genetic Resources in Asia: Proceedings of a
Regional Workshop, 27-29 December 1995, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur,
India (R.K. Arora, P.N. Mathur, K.W. Riley and Y. Adham, eds.). IPGRI Office for South
Asia, New Delhi.
Srivastava, Y.C. and P.L.N. Somayajulu. 1981. Male sterility in Lathyrus. Indian Journal of
Genetics and Plant Breeding. 41:164-166.
Vedna Kumari and R.B. Mehra. 1989. Nature and limitation to genetic base for quantitative
traits in khesari. National Symposium on recent advances in Genetics and Plant Breeding
Research in India. November 15-16, 1989, BHU, Varanasi, India. Abstract 6:15-16.
Zelenskaya, L.A. and T.M. Pestova. 1974. A study of mutant forms with male sterility in
Lathyrus sativus. Uspekhikhim Mutageneza V. Selektsii Moscow USSR, pp. 186-189.
NETWORK FOR COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH IN LATHYRUS 71
Networking for collaborative research and technology exchange in
Lathyrus
C.L.L. Gowda and J. Kumar
Coordinator (CLAN), and Senior Scientist (Breeding), International Crops Research Institue
for the Semi-Arid Tropics, Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh, India
Introduction
Networks are increasingly becoming important in agricultural research as a means of
effectively and efficiently using limited staff, facilities and funds to achieve research goals.
Networking approach is being used to avoid duplication of effort and to engage a critical
mass of scientists, at relatively low cost, to address and solve specific problems confronting
the network members.  Networks also encourage and enhance interaction and exchange of
information, knowledge and technology among members.
Lathyrus network
Riley (1996) discussed the network approach for Lathyrus sativus.  He reviewed the past
research collaboration under INILSEL (International Network for the Improvement of Lathyrus
sativus and Eradication of Lathyrism) and suggested that a regional network for Lathyrus
may be necessary in Asia.
Regional networks are formed by memebrs (scientists and research administrators) from
countries in a region, based on the expressed need of the members to form such an association
for collaborative research and technology exchange.  Such networks use the existing facilities
and staff, and exploit the comparative advantages of member countries to carry out joint
research.  The stronger NARS in the network assist the weaker NARS to become self reliant.
Specific objectives of Lathyrus network
l Strengthen linkages and enhance conservation and exchange of germplasm, breeding
material, information and technology options among members,
l Facilitate collaborative research among members to address and solve high priority
production and utilization constraints, and
l Assist in improving the research and extension capability of member countries
through human resource development.
Network structure
Membership
Membership is the core or body of the network.  National programmes that have substantial
area and production of Lathyrus, and interested in working together to alleviate production
and consumption constraints, can become members of the network.  Other scientists from
interested regional and international research insitutions working in Asia, can become
members depending on their need and interest.
The proposed network structure is given in Fig. 1.  To be effective, the network needs
a Memorandum of Agreement among member countries to facilitate collaborative research
and for administrative procedures that are essential for joint research, movement of staff,
material and equipment, among network member countries.
A Coordination Unit  (CU) is essential to facilitate coordination of logistic support to
network activities.  Depending on the work load of the network, it is mandatory to appoint
a full-time or part-time Network Coordinator to provide the necessary administrative and
logistic support, and facilitate network activities.
72 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Each member country may nominate a senior scientist as the Country Coordinator for
in-country coordination of network activities.
A Steering Committee of the Country Coordinators may be needed to oversee the network
activities and provide guidance on future collaborative research.
Network activities
Based on the need, interest, and comparative advantage of member countries, the network
may have the following activities:
l Collaborative research workplans:  A focussed and time-bound workplan would help in
timely execution of planned research to address the needs of the network research
agenda.
l Exchange of germplasm and breeding material: Genetic resources and improved breeding
material are shared with the scientists in the network member countries.  Network
may facilitate the exchange and assists NARS in testing, evaluation and use of these
genetic materials.
l Training: Enhancing of skills and learning of new techniques will improve the research
capability of member countries.
l Information exchange:  Exchange of research results, technology and information among
network members is essential for dissemination of information.
l Regional workshops and meetings: Scientists working on collaborative research agenda
need to meet once in 2-3 years to interact, exchange information and plan for future
research at regional workshops and meetings.
Conclusion
Members can deliberate and decide whether they need a separate formal network for Lathyrus
or activities can be operated as a ‘Working Group’, with one of the scientists taking lead and
be responsible for coordination.  Although in-country network-related collaborative activities
are funded by members, coordination and related activities (training, meetings, etc.) need
external funding.  Whether this funding is available, or it will become available in the future
needs to be clarified.  It is suggested that the Lathyrus group may be linked or supported
by other institutions/regional fora such as Asia Pacific Association for Agricultural Research
Insitutions (APAARI) or other regional networks.
CU = Coordination Unit
A to H = Network member countries
>< = Interaction and exchange
Fig. 1. Proposed structure for a Lathyrus network
NETWORK FOR COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH IN LATHYRUS 73
Reference
Riley, K.W. 1996.  A network approach for the conservation and use of Lathyrus sativus
genetic resources. Pp. 149-158 in Lathyrus Genetic Resources in Asia: Proceedings of  a
Regional Workshop, 27-29 December 1995, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur,
India (R.K. Arora, P.N. Mathur, K.W. Riley and Y. Adham, eds). IPGRI Office for South
Asia, New Delhi.
74 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Performance of low ODAP somaclones of Lathyrus sativus
I.M. Santha 1, K. Ali 1 and S.L. Metha 2
1. Senior Scientist, NRC for Biotechnology, I.A.R.I., New Delhi and 2. .Deputy Director
General (Education), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi, India
Introduction
By exploiting somaclonal variation, a large number of Lathyrus sativus variants have been
developed with respect to morphological characteristices as well as biochemical aspects
which were discussed in our earlier report (Mehta and Santha 1996). In this paper, the
performance of the low ODAP somaclones at Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
farm as well as that of the few selected ones in all India Coordinate Varietal Trails conducted
by Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur are discussed.
Materials
Eighteen low ODAP (<0.1%) somaclones with better yield potential as compared to parent
P 24, were grown at IARI Farm alongwith parent P 24. The seed yield and ODAP content
of the seeds were estimated at the time of maturity.
Four of the somaclones viz., Bio L208, Bio L212, Bio R202 and Bio R231 alongwith parent
P 24 were selected for All India coordinated Varietal Trial programmes conducted by Indian
Institute of Pulses Reseach (IIPR), alongwith other checks. These were grown at different
geographical zones and their performance evaluated with respect to yield and ODAP content.
Result and discussion
The low ODAP somaclones alongwith parent P 24 were grown at IARI farm for the last four
consecutive years and their ODAP content estimated at maturity. The plants were grown
under natural conditions without any irrigation or nitrogenous fertilizer application during
their growth. The plants were covered with nets to prevent out-crossing through honey
bees. The seed yield was noted at the time of harvest. The ODAP content in the somaclones
for the 4 consecutive seasons and their average yield are presented in Table 1. The data
showed stability with respect to the low ODAP nature of the somaclones. The ODAP
content varied from 0.031 to 0.128% in somaclones as against 0.3 to 0.592% in parent P 24.
The average yield of somaclones varied form 33.65 kg ha-1 in case of Bio L208 to 18.75
kg ha-1 in Bio 164, as against an average yield of 13.0 kg ha-1 in parent.
Five of the somaclones were grown in CVT at Raipur during Rabi (Post-rainy) 1993
alongwith P 24 and other entries. The ODAP content of these somaclones alongwith other
entries are shown in Table 2. From the values presented in the Table, it can be seen that the
somaclones developed in our laboratory had lower ODAP content (<0.1 %) as compared to
check P 24 and other entries. Bio L203 showed the lowest ODAP content of 0.037%.
Four somaclones Bio L208, Bio L212, Bio R202, Bio R231 and P 24 were grown at different
locationes in Rabi 1994-95 under AVTI. The ODAP content of the seeds grown at different
locations are shown in Table 3. At all locations they showed lower ODAP than parent.
The average yield of somaclones (kg ha-1) at different geographical zones NEPZ and CZ
under AVT-1 1994-95 are shown in Table 4 A and B. In both the zones they performed better
than parent P 24, Bio L212 ranked first in both zones. At Bharari Bio L212 yielded as high
as 3q ha-1.
Three of these somaclones (Bio L208, Bio L212 and Bio R202) were grown at 6 different
locations in Rajasthan and the ODAP content estimated. The low ODAP nature remained
almost unchanged in these somaclones at various locations (Table 5 ).
LOW ODAP SOMACLONES OF LATHYRUS 75
Table 1. ODAP and yield in different somaclones of Lathyrus sativus
ODAP (%)
Somaclones Yield
(1994) (1995) (1996) (1997) (q ha-1)
BIO 158 0.044 0.056 0.070 0.038 19.42
BIO 164 0.034 0.031 0.089 0.053 18.75
BIO L203 0.063 0.065 0.081 0.034 22.12
BIO L207 0.050 0.044 0.095 0.069 19.46
BIO L208 0.028 0.047 0.125 0.056 33.65
BIO L212 0.037 0.038 0.087 0.050 23.40
BIO L254 0.046 0.062 0.095 0.050 20.87
BIO L256 0.065 0.050 0.065 0.047 20.00
BIO L257 0.063 0.059 0.105 0.065 23.00
BIO R202 0.034 0.056 0.117 0.072 27.12
BIO R215 0.041 0.100 0.150 0.150 25.65
BIO R224 0.046 0.056 0.097 0.047 20.75
BIO R229 0.063 0.068 0.111 0.063 23.61
BIO R231 0.050 0.046 0.128 0.072 27.51
BIO R233 0.069 0.075 0.132 0.132 28.12
BIO 1218 0.059 0.056 0.103 0.041 20.00
BIO 1222 0.031 0.040 0.076 0.076 31.65
BIO 1230 0.044 0.050 0.130 0.076 22.71
P 24 (Check) 0.321 0.320 0.592 0.365 13.00
Table 2. ODAP content of Lathyrus sativus varieties grown in CVT at Raipur during 1992-93
Varieties ODAP content (%)
Pusa 24 0.220
LSD 3 0.207
REW A2-28 0.248
RL 298-104 0.345
P 28 0.108
P 90 0.287
P 90 2 0.159
RLS 3 0.212
RLS 4 0.213
RLS 5 0.208
Bio R 231 0.089
Bio I 222 0.045
Bio L 203 0.037
Bio R 227 0.145
Bio R 202 0.048
During Rabi 1995-96 these somaclones were grown under special CVT programme at
various locations and seeds were analyzed both at Biochemistry Division, IARI (Table 6) as
well as IGAU, Raipur (Table 7). From Table 7 it can be seen that Bio L208 had the lowest
average ODAP content. The yield data for different zones under the special CVT- (1995-96)
are shown in Table 8. Bio L212 ranked first in NEPZ and second in CZ in yield.
Based on the performance of the somaclones under various All India Varietal trials and
recommendations by Central Sub-committee in crop standards, notification and release of
76 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Table 3. ODAP content of different somaclones of Lathyrus sativus grown at different locations
in Rabi 1994-95 (under All India Varietal Trail-1)
Varieties Akola Amgoan Berhampur Dholi Delhi Kanpur Raipur
Bio L203 0.088 - 0.103 ** 0.065 0.078 0.108
Bio L208 0.143 ** 0.141 ** 0.047 0.096 0.168
Bio L212 ** 0.116 0.094 0.112 0.038 0.086 0.119
Bio R202 0.106 0.116 0.109 0.125 0.056 0.074 0.103
Bio R231 0.156 0.175 0.113 0.112 0.046 0.085 0.123
LSD-3 - - 0.505 - - 0.338 0.383
P 24 0.344 0.378 0.468 0.393 0.320 0.356 0.489
P 28 0.312 0.550 0.369 0.386 0.157 0.161 0.322
P 94-1 0.412 - 0.528 0.138 0.308 0.417 -
P 94-2 - 0.572 - - 0.305 0.276 -
P 94-3 0.215 0.194 - - 0.111 0.131 -
RLS-6 0.250 0.365 0.447 - - - -
Table 4(a). Yield (kg ha-1) of Lathyrus sativus varieties under AVT-1 in Rabi (1994-95) from
North-Eastern Plain Zone
Variety Berhampur Dholi Kanpur Zone mean
P 24 check 764 836 1 250 950
P 28 819 853 1 670 1 114
P 94-1 1 031 867 1 765 1 221
P 94-2 889 129 1 705 908
P 94-3 878 711 2 621 1 403
Bio R231 771 969 2 328 1 356
Bio L208 924 626 2 283 1 278
Bio R202 990 1 053 2 673 1 572
Bio L212 1 420 1 228 2 605 1 751
Bio L203 983 687 1 888 1 186
Table 4(b). Yield (kg ha-1) of Lathyrus sativus varieties under AVT-1 in Rabi (1994-95) from
Central Zone
Varieties Bharari Amagaon Raipur Akola Zone mean Raipur
(Utera)
P 24 (Check) 1 758 1 233 952 562 1 126 1 428
P 28 1 178 - 1 580 833 940 1 118
P 94-1 2 881 - - 643 1 487  -
P 94-2 2 754 851 - - 1 803 -
Bio L208 2 268 1 528 1 111 731 1 410 -
Bio R202 2 198 1 424 1 450 782 1 414 1 178
Bio L212 3 541 1 380 1 230 811 1 741  -
Bio L203 2 093  - 1 111 1 145 1 445 1 232
Bio R231 2 738 1 528 952 1 057 1 566 1 178
varieties for agriculural crops recommended the release of Bio L212 and Ministry of
Agriculture, Government of India notified the release of Ratan-Bio L212. This has been
recommended for growing in the Central and North Eastern Plain Zone. This is the first
ever variety of Lathyrus sativus released for cultivation in recent years based on low ODAP
LOW ODAP SOMACLONES OF LATHYRUS 77
and yield performance. Release of this extremely low ODAP variety should help in lifting
the ban imposed on Lathyrus. Some steps have been taken in this regard and a high power
committee constituted by Government of India and Indian Council of Medicinal Research
(ICMR) to look into this matter, recommended the conducting of nutritional feeding
experiments on monkeys to know the toxicoligical effects. This work has been assigned to
Central Toxicological Research Institute, Lucknow and we have provided 65 q of Bio L212
(Ratan) dal as well as Check P 24 to them.
Table 5. ODAP content of different somaclones of Lathyrus sativus grown at different locations
in Rajasthan in Rabi 1994-95
Somaclones Ajmer Bharatpur Bundi Chittorgarh Srikaranpur Sumerpur
Bio L208 0.053 0.100 0.078 0.096 0.072 0.094
(Moti)
Bio L212 0.072 0.081 0.181 0.128 0.069 0.063
(Ratan)
Bio R202 0.084 0.069 0.062 0.137 0.053 0.059
Table 6. ODAP content (%) of Lathyrus sativus varieties grown in special CVT during 1995-96
(Estimation was done at IARI, New Delhi)
Varieties Raipur Bilaspur Berhampur Delhi Kanpur Sakoli Dholi Rewa
Sarkanda
Bio R231 0.245 0.139 0.133 0.092 0.091 0.280 0.120 0.153
Pusa 24 0.700 0.316 0.437 0.227 0.379 0.580 - 0.400
Pusa 28 0.352 0.214 0.333 0.162 0.226 0.780 0.230 0.266
LSD-3 0.667 0.424 0.550 0.315 0.530 0.630 0.430 0.440
P 90-2 0.688 0.217 0.732 0.256 0.360 0.520 0.280 0.330
Sel 505 0.745 0.270 0.575 - 0.453 0.560 0.300 -
P 94-3 0.332 0.127 - 0.118 0.248 0.303 0.160 0.370
RLS3 0.710 0.411 0.535 0.321 0.400 0.670 0.430 0.456
Bio L208 0.224 0.070 0.147 0.090 0.060 0.206 0.091 0.128
Bio L212 0.230 0.069 0.139 0.063 0.100 0.200 0.090 0.116
Bio R202 0.263 0.067 0.127 0.057 0.092 0.250 0.096 0.106
LS 157-14 0.425 0.214 0.293 0.169 0.280 0.540 0.130 0.256
RLS6 0.520 0.291 0.432 0.274 0.147 0.480 0.260 0.330
Local 0.630 0.331 0.575 - - 0.700 0.460 0.490
Table 7. ODAP content (%) in somaclones of Lathyrus sativus varieties grown under special
CVT during 1995-96 (Estimation was done at IGAU, Raipur)
Somaclone Raipur Akola Bilaspur Berhamur Delhi Kanpur Amagoan Sokali Average
Bio L208 0.131 0.096 0.046 0.102 0.052 0.055 0.161 - 0.071 (I)
Bio L212 0.154 0.135 0.042 0.092 0.046 0.056 0.108 0.125 0.095 (III)
Bio R202 0.151 0.089 0.069 0.084 0.039 0.054 0.083 0.113 0.085 (II)
Bio R231 0.343 0.185 0.061 0.099 0.073 0.093 0.185 0.186 0.152
P 24 (check) 0.436 0.267 0.168 0.286 0.153 0.217 0.415 0.252 0.274
Values given in parentheses indicate rank.
78 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
But a lot of extension work will be needed to popularise this. Being a bee pollinated crop
extra care will be needed to maintain genetic purity for neurotoxin level. It is also necessary
to discourage growing of other high toxin varieties side by side as well as an admixture.
Acknowledgments
The financial assistance provided by Department of Biotechnology is acknowledge with
thanks. We also acknowledge the assiatance provided by various institutes like IIPR, IGAU,
Raipur, State Government of Rajasthan etc. in conducting various trials.
References
Mehta, S.L. and I.M. Santha. 1996. Plant biotechnology for development of non-toxic strains
on Lathyrus sativus. Pp. 129-138 in Lathyrus Genetic Resources in Asia: Proceedings of a
Regional Workshop, 27-29 December 1995, Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, Raipur,
India (R.K. Arora, P.N. Mathur, K.W. Riley and Y. Adham, eds.). IPGRI Office for South
Asia, New Delhi.
Table 8. Yield of Lathyrus sativus somaclones under special CVT (1995-96)
Yield (kg ha-1)
Somaclones NEPZ CZ NWPZ
Bio L208   853   767 1 016
Bio L212 1 350 (I) 1 182 (II) 1 031
Bio R202 1 076 1 107 1 141
Bio R231   986 1 164 (III) 1 141
P24 (check)   742   951 1 367
Values given in parentheses indicate rank.
TECHNICAL PROGRAMME 79
Technical Programme
IPGRI-ICARDA-ICAR Regional Working Group Meeting on
Lathyrus Genetic Resources Network
8-10 December 1997
[ Venue: National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa Campus,
New Delhi, India ]
Sunday, 7 December 1997
Arrival of participants : Hotel Janpath
Monday, 8 December 1997
0900-1000 Distribution of workshop materials,
Administrative arrangements.
1000-1100 Opening Session
Welcome and Introduction : R.K. Arora IPGRI
Remarks : J.L. Karihaloo NBPGR
  L. Robertson ICARDA
  V. Ramanatha Rao IPGRI
Chairman’s address : Mangala Rai DDG(CS), ICAR
Vote of thanks : P.N. Mathur IPGRI
[ 1100-1130: Tea/coffee break ]
1130-1300 Session I: Discussion on workshop agenda and presentation of status
reports
Chairman   : Dr. Mangala Rai
Co-Chairman   : Dr. J.L. Karihaloo
1130-1200 Discussion on workshop agenda
1200-1700 Presentation of status reports - progress since last workshop
1200-1230 India             R.L. Pandey
1230-1300 Bangladesh      M.A. Malek
[ 1300-1400: Lunch break ]
1400-1700 Session I: To continue
1400-1430 Nepal M. Joshi
1430-1500 ICARDA Larry Robertson
80 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
[ 1500-1515: Tea/Coffee break ]
1515-1545 CLIMA K.H.M. Siddique
1545-1615 IPGRI V. Ramanatha Rao
1615-1700 Discussion
Tuesday, 9 December 1997
0900-1030 Visit to NBPGR Genebank
[ 1030-1100: Tea/Coffee break ]
1100-1300 Session II: Need for Lathyrus Network
Chairman                    : Dr. Larry Robertson
Co-Chairman                    : Dr. Fernand Lambein
Improvement and Utilization S.L. Mehta
A.S. Asthana
Regional Lathyrus Database P.N. Mathur
Discussion on Lathyrus Network
[ 1300-1400: Lunch Break ]
1400-1700 Session II:  To continue (Finalization of Lathyrus Network Document)
Chairman                    : Dr. Larry Robertson
Co-Chairman                    : Dr. K.H.M. Siddiqe
Dr. A.N. Asthana
Discussion on Network Proposal
Wednesday, 10 October 1997
0900-1030 Session II:  To continue
Discussion on Network Proposal
[ 1030-1100: Tea/Coffee Break ]
1100-1300 Session  III:  Concluding Session
Chairman : Dr. N.B. Singh
Presentation of working group : Larry Robertson
discussion/Remarks V. Ramanatha Rao
R.K. Arora
Vote of thanks : J.L. Karihaloo
[ 1300-1400: Lunch Break ]
PARTICIPANTS 81
List of participants
Dr. R.K. Arora
Coordinator
IPGRI Office for South Asia
c/o NBPGR
Pusa Campus
New Delhi 110 012
India
Phone : 91-11-5731845/5786112
Fax : 91-11-5731845
Telax : 031-77257 NBGR IN
Email : r.arora@cgnet.com
Dr. A.N. Asthana
Director
Indian Institute of Pulses Research
Kanpur 208 024
Uttar Pradesh
India
Phone : 91-512-250264
Fax : 91-512-250264
Telax : 0325-271 250264 IIPR IN
Email : iipr@x400nicgw.nic.in
Dr. Madhav Joshi
Coordinator
National Grain Legume Research
Programme
Rampur
Nepal
Phone : 977-1-525703 / 525704
Fax : 977-1-521197 / 523653
Telax : 2262 NARC NP
Dr. J.L. Karihaloo
Project Director, NRC-DNA Finger Print-
ing
National Bureau of Plant Genetic Re-
sources
Pusa Campus,
New Delhi 110 012
India
Phone : 91-11-5786416
Fax : 91-11-
Telax : 031-77257 NBGR IN
Email : nbpgr@x400nicgw.nic.in
Dr. Sudhir Kochhar
Senior Scientist
National Bureau of Plant Genetic Re-
sources
Pusa Campus
New Delhi 110 012
India
Phone : 91-11-5786416
Fax : 91-11-
Telax : 031-77257 NBGR IN
Email : nbpgr@x400nicgw.nic.in
Dr. Jagdish Kumar
Senior Scientist (Breeding)
Genetic Enhancement Division
International Crops Research Institute for
the Semi-Arid Tropics
Patancheru 502 324
Andhra Pradesh
India
Phone : 91-40-596161
Fax : 91-40-241239
Telex : 422 203 ICRI IN
Email : J.KUMAR@cgnet.com
Dr. Fernand Lambein
Laboratory of Physiological Chemistry
Faculty of Medicine, University of Ghent
J. Kluyskensstraat 27
B-9000 Ghent
Belgium
Phone : +32 9 2240224  ext. 214
Fax : +32 9 2338831
Email : Fernand.Lambein@rug.ac.be
Dr. Mohamed Abdul Malek
Director (Training and Extension)
Bangladesh Agricultural Research Insti-
tute Joydebpur
Gazipur 1701
Bangladesh
Phone : 880-2-9662901
Fax : 880-2-841678
Telex : 642401 SHER BJ
82 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Dr. P.N. Mathur
Associate Coordinator
IPGRI Office for South Asia
c/o NBPGR
Pusa Campus
New Delhi 110 012
India
Phone : 91-11-5731845/5786112
Fax : 91-11-5731845
Telax : 031-77257 NBGR IN
Email : p.mathur@cgnet.com
Dr. S.L. Mehta
Deputy Director General (Education)
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Krishi Anusandhan Bhawan
Pusa Campus
New Delhi 110 012
India
Phone : 91-11-5747760
Fax : 91-11-5781327
Telax : 031-77123 KAB IN
Email : mehta@x400nicgw.nic.in
Dr. Ram Nath
Principal Scientist
National Bureau of Plant Genetic Re-
sources
Pusa Campus
New Delhi 110 012
India
Phone : 91-11-5786416
Fax : 91-11-
Telax : 031-77257 NBGR IN
Email : nbpgr@x400nicgw.nic.in
Dr. Stefano Padulosi
Scientist, Underutilized Mediterranean
Species, IPGRI-WANA
c/o. ICARDA, PO Box 5466
Aleppo
Syria
Phone : (963-21) 231412
Fax : (963-21) 225105/213490
Email : Padulosi@cgnet.com
Dr. R.L. Pandey
Senior Scientist
Indira Gandhi Agricultural University
Raipur 492 012
Madhya Pradesh
India
Phone : 91-771-424481 / 424315
Fax : 91-771-424532
Telax : 775-332 IGKV IN
Dr. Mangala Rai
Deputy Director General (Crop Sciences)
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Krishi Bhawan
New Delhi 110 001
India
Phone : 91-11-3382545
Fax : 91-11-3387293
Telax : 031-62249 ICAR IN
Email : mras@x400nicgw.nic.in
Dr. V. Ramanatha Rao
Senior Scientist - Genetic Diversity Con-
servation
IPGRI-APO
P.O. Box 236 UPM Post Office
Serdang 43400, Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia
Phone : 603-9423891-4
Fax : 603-9487655
Email : v.rao@cgnet.com
Dr. Larry Robertson
Legume Germplasm Curator
International Centre for Agricultural
Research in the Dry Areas
Aleppo
Syria
Phone : 963-21-297485
Fax : 963-21-213490
Telax : 331263 ICARDA SY
Email : L.Robertson@cgnet.com
PARTICIPANTS 83
Dr. K.H.M. Siddique
Principal Pulse Physiologist/
Agronomist and Manager
Pulse Productivity and Industry Devel-
opment
Agriculture Western Australia and
CLIMA
Baron-Hay Court
South Perth WA 6151
Australia
Phone : 61-9-3683493
Fax : 61-9-3682165
Telax : AA 93304
Email : msiddique@agric.wa.gov.au
Dr. I.P. Singh
Senior Scientist
National Bureau of Plant Genetic Re-
sources
Pusa Campus
New Delhi 110 012
India
Phone : 91-11-5786416
Fax : 91-11-
Telax : 031-77257 NBGR IN
Email : nbpgr@x400nicgw.nic.in
Dr. N.B. Singh
Assistant Director General (Oilseeds and
Pulses)
Indian Council of Agricultural Research
Krishi Bhawan
New Delhi 110 001
India
Phone : 91-11-3385357
Fax : 91-11-3387293
Telax : 031-62249 ICAR IN
Email : nbsingh@x400nicgw.nic.in
84 LATHYRUS GENETIC RESOURCES NETWORK
Acronyms
ACIAR Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research
ADB Asian Development Bank
ADF Acid Detergent Fibre
APAARI Asia Pacific Association for Agricultural Research Institutes
BADC Bangladesh Agricultural Development Cooperation
BARI Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute
BAU Bangladesh Agricultural University
BINA Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture
CBD Convention on Biological Diversity
CDRI Central Drug Research Institute, India
CFC Common Fund for Commodities
CGIAR Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
CICR Central Institute for Cotton Research, India
CLIMA Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture, Australia
CWANA Central and West Asia and North Africa
DAE Directorate of Agriculture Extension, Bangladesh
DIP Data Interchange Protocol
ECPGR European Cooperative Programme on Plant Genetic Resources
EU European Union
FAO Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations
GIS Geographical Information System
GRC Genetic Resources Centre, Bangladesh
GRDC Grains Research and development Cooperation, Australia
IARCs International Agricultural Research Centres
IARI Indian Agricultural Research Institute
ICAR Indian Council of Agricultural Research
ICARDA International Centre for Agricultural Research in Dry Areas
ICMR Indian Council of Medical Research
ICRISAT International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
IDRC International Development Research Centre, Canada
IFAD International Fund for Agricultural Development
IGAU Indira Gandhi Agricultural University, India
IIPR Indian Institute of Pulses Research
IITA International Institute of Tropical Agriculture
ILRI International Livestock Research Institute
INIBAP International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain
INILSEL International Network for the Improvement of Lathyrus sativus and Eradication
of Lathyrism
ACRONYMS 85
INTAS International Association for the Promotion of Cooperation with Scientists
from the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union
IPGRI International Plant Genetic Resources Institute
ITRC Industrial Toxicology Research Centre, India
LGRN Lathyrus Genetic Resources Network
MTA Material Transfer Agreement
NAA Nepal Agricultural Association
NARC Nepal Agricultural Research Council
NARS National Agricultural Research Systems
NBPGR National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, India
NDF Neutral Detergent Fibre
NGLRP National Grain Legume Research Programme, Nepal
NGO Non-Governmental Organization
NIN National Institute of Nutrition, India
NPs National Programmes
NUC Neglected and Underutilized Species
ODAP ß-N-Oxalyl-L-α,ß-Diaminopropionic acid
PGR Plant Genetic Resources
PGRFA Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture
PRC Pulses Research Centre, Bangladesh
RIRDC Rural Industries Research and Development Cooperation, Australia
UMS Underutilized Species of the Mediterranean
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
WANA West Asia and North Africa
WANANET West Asia and North Africa Plant Genetic Resources Network