Selection of Tunisian Local Pea Populations for the Development of a Composite Variety

Amina Mohamed; Mohamed Loumerem

doi:10.56027/JOASD.322025

Authors

Amina Mohamed Dryland and Oases Cropping Laboratory, Arid Land Institute. Street El Jorf, 4119, Medenine (Tunisia)
Mohamed Loumerem Dryland and Oases Cropping Laboratory, Arid Land Institute. Street El Jorf, 4119, Medenine (Tunisia)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56027/JOASD.322025

Keywords:

Pisum sativum, selection, Agro-morphological, biochemical, molecular characterization

Abstract

This study aims to address the challenges of agricultural sustainability and food security in arid regions by focusing on the genetic improvement of local pea (Pisum sativum L.) populations cultivated in the southern arid zones of Tunisia. Given the absence of locally adapted pea varieties for irrigated areas in these regions, a breeding program was initiated to develop composite varieties with improved yield, quality, and resilience to environmental stresses. Classical breeding methods, augmented by molecular tools such as SSR and ISSR markers, were used to evaluate genetic diversity and identify promising genotypes. The application of index selection proved effective in enhancing traits related to yield. A thorough multi-marker analysis, integrating genetic, morphological, and biochemical data, classified the populations into two distinct groups: white-flowered populations (P3, P5, P7), characterized by high yields and protein content, and purple-flowered populations (P2, P6, P8, P9), distinguished by their high seed productivity and rich antioxidant content. These findings highlight the successful integration of traditional breeding techniques and molecular approaches, providing a robust foundation for developing resilient pea varieties tailored to arid environments.

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