Genetic variation in tannin-related characters of faba-bean seeds (Vicia faba L.) and their relationship to seed-coat colour.

Tannin content and tanning power on haemoglobin were evaluated in a collection of faba-bean genotypes differing in seed and flower colour. All tannin-related measurements gave near-zero values for white-flowered genotypes: they showed intermediate values in brown and green-seeded genotypes, brown being lower in tannin values than green. Genetic analysis in the F[SUB3] of a half-diallel design confirmed the strong link between brown and green testa colour and intermediate tanning activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]