Phenotypic markers for selection of .ODAP content in grasspea seeds

Abstract

Continuous consumption of grasspea seeds is known to cause a neurological disorder called 'Lathyrism' which is characterized by a non reversible paralytic condition in lower limbs. The factor responsible has been identified as an amino acid called p-N-Oxalyl-L-a-p Diamino Propionic Acid (ODAP) found in the seeds at a concentration of 0.5-2.5% dry weight [1]. It is of paramount importance and of practical significance to identify observable characters which would effectively describe ODAP level in the seeds of grasspea and would thereby serve as important phenotypic markers. Attempts were made to identify morphological markers such as flower colour and seed coat pigmentation for ODAP content to help selection for low ODAP. The results were not consistent [2]. The study was, therefore, undertaken to examine critically the relationships of different characters with ODAP content in the seeds of grasspea with a view to identify specific character(s) as an aid in selection for low ODAP.