8–5.1 mg g− 1) [1], [23] and [24]. The NIR models of protein

and oil have been seen in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) (153 intact beans), soybean in Brazil (100 powder samples), field pea (Pisum arvense L.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) (165 and 151 in powder and intact seeds) were to improve seed quality in breeding program [25], [26] and [27]. In this study, a total of 244 genotypes of faba bean were evaluated with NIR models to determine content range of the seed constituents which is a far greater number than previous study [28]. The model for intact seed of faba bean was less precise than powder model possibly due to wide differences in particle size. The seed models click here could be optimized through principal component analysis (PCA). Several studies indicated that physical characteristics of seed samples, such as particle size, water

content and interaction between constituents significantly, influenced near infrared absorption and led to variation in the NIR results [29] and [30]. For field pea and chickpea, the calibration accuracy for the chemical constituents of the ground powder was also generally better BMS-354825 nmr than those for the intact seed samples [27] and [31]. Zong et al. [32] and [33] divided the varieties of faba bean germplasm into spring and winter types according to their natural seeding time and discussed their regional distribution. Based on the current research, a two-step cluster analysis determined the relationship between the contents of the seed constituents and regional differences accounted for differences in the seed characteristics of the faba bean samples. The majority

of faba bean varieties in the same producing area would be clustered into one group and the minority might be kicked out because of their special genotypes or growing conditions [1]. Additionally, the clustering results were in accordance with those of cluster research on faba bean using ISSR (Inter-simple Sequence Repeat) markers reported by Wang et al. [34]. In current study, influences of STK38 longitude, latitude, and elevation were observed on the nutrients content in faba bean. Nevertheless, latitude and elevation had a greater influence on these traits than longitude. Compared with faba bean, the influence of latitude on protein (negative, P < 0.01) and oil (positive, P < 0.05) in soybean was different [35]. In Poland, the highest crude protein yields were obtained on an altitude of 300 m and the lowest at 700 m [36]. Over a range of altitudes from 0 to 2256 m in Guatemala, the content of protein, starch, tannin and catechin were not affected [37]. Higher altitude is often associated with lower temperature and higher UV absorbance. The starch content of faba bean plants was significantly increased at lower temperature and higher UV exposure [38]. High level of UV irradiation will enhance the damage caused lipid peroxidation.