Genetic Diversity and Seed Quality of the “Badda” Common Bean from Sicily (Italy)

1. Introduction

Legumes occupy an important place in human nutrition being a good source of proteins, dietary fiber, starch, minerals and vitamins. They are characterized by global adaptability, high genotypic and phenotypic diversity, and are used in a variety of food preparations. Among pulses, the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is recognized as the most widely grown species being cultivated extensively in the five continents and spanning from 52° N to 32° S latitude, and from near sea level in the continental USA and Europe, to more than 3000 m asl (above sea level) in Andean South America. After the discovery of Americas, the common bean rapidly spread into Europe and its cultivation has been practiced uninterruptedly for five centuries. This produced a myriad of landraces well adapted to the new agro-environments. A significant number of these landraces are still cultivated, mainly in the marginal areas of Italy, the Iberian peninsula and Greece [1,2,3,4,5]. Here, after each harvest, farmers store a portion of seeds for sowing the following year. This practice, known as on-farm conservation, allows the survival of precious plant genetic resources without economical charges for governmental institutions [6].

Historical investigations provide evidence of a long-lasting tradition of common bean cultivation in Italy [1]. In the last decades, several landraces have been investigated to promote their safeguard, valorization, and on farm conservation [7,8,9]. Although the attention devoted by researchers to common bean landraces has greatly increased, studies on this topic are far from being exhaustive. Recent collecting missions carried out in the hilly environments of the Nebrodi mountains and the Madonie natural park (north Sicily), evidenced that several landraces are cultivated in marginal areas, where the agriculture is still based on traditional agro-techniques [10,11].

For more than two centuries, at Polizzi Generosa, a village situated in the Madonie natural park, cultivation of the “Badda” common bean is practiced (Figure 1). In the local language “Badda” means “ball” and refers to the round seed shape. This name is usually used by local farmers to indicate local varieties characterized by bicolored seeds. Two morphotypes are easily distinguished: one named “Badda bianco” (white Badda) with background cream and a spot from light brown to brown, and the other with cream background, but a spot from violet to black, known as “Badda nero” (black Badda) or sometimes “Munachedda”. Plants have a climbing habit, and are traditionally cultivated in small clay soil fields, located between 700 and 900 m asl. The sowing period ranges from the second decade of June to the second decade of July in dependence of field elevation; the harvest is conducted from October to November. The harvest is mainly sold in regional markets as dry seed, but also as green pod (“fasoli virdi”).

The attention of local community towards “Badda” bean safeguard has brought about some initiatives such as: the inclusion in the list of traditional agro-food products held by Italian Ministry of Agriculture Food and Forestry Policies [12]; and the constitution of: (i) the Slow Food presidium “Fagiolo Badda di Polizzi” [13]; (ii) the consortium “Fagiolo Badda”; (iii) the farmers’ association “Fagiolo Badda di Polizzi” [14].

Figure 1. The small black rectangle indicates the Polizzi Generosa village in the Sicily island, where the cultivation of the “Badda” bean is practiced.

Figure 1. The small black rectangle indicates the Polizzi Generosa village in the Sicily island, where the cultivation of the “Badda” bean is practiced.

To improve the knowledge on the genetic variation present within and between “Badda nero” and “Badda bianco”, seed material gathered by local farmers was investigated using biochemical and molecular markers. Phaseolin (PHAS), the major seed storage proteins of P. vulgaris, is the biochemical marker routinely used for a fast attribution of landraces to the Andean or Mesoamerican common bean gene pools [15]. Moreover, a variety of PCR-based molecular markers are useful tools for the study of common bean genetic diversity [16,17]. In particular, SSRs (Simple Sequence Repeats), or microsatellites, are short (mostly 2–4 base pair tandem repeats of DNA sequence; their polymorphism originates from a different number of repetitive core motifs present at one locus. They are useful genetic tools to construct genetic maps, to evaluate genetic diversity in commercial and local varieties, lines or genotypes of common bean [9,18,19].

In the present study, PHAS and SSRs markers were used, together with the determination of some nutritional and culinary seed traits, for the characterization of the “Badda” bean.

2. Experimental Section

2.1. Plant Materials

Nine “Badda” accessions, gathered in 2006 by farmers of Polizzi Generosa (Sicily, Italy), were investigated. Four of them (PH05-PH08) belonged to the “Badda bianco” and five (PH09-PH13) to the “Badda nero” morphotype, respectively (Figure 2). Two accessions, one for each morphotype, were obtained from three different farmers, while the three accessions (PH5, PH9, and PH10) were obtained from the same farmer. A seed sample of each accession was provided by farmer’s stock and was representative of the bulk from which it was extracted.

Figure 2. Seeds of (a) the “Badda nero” and (b) the “Badda bianco” common bean.

Figure 2. Seeds of (a) the “Badda nero” and (b) the “Badda bianco” common bean.

2.2. Biochemical and Molecular Markers

Total seed proteins were extracted from three single seeds per accession, dry cotyledons were finely ground and proteins extracted for two hours by adding 10 volumes of 0.002 M borate buffer pH 9.0. Proteins were dissociated by heating to 90 °C for 2 min in presence of the denaturing buffer (20 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.6 containing 1% SDS, 2% 2-mercaptoethanol, and 8.3% glycerol). One-dimensional SDS/PAGE was performed using 15% polyacrylamide gel slabs [20]. For electrophoretic analyses, protein extracts of T, C, and S phaseolin pattern types were used as reference standards.

DNA was extracted from young leaves of ten individuals per accession as described by Paz and Veilleux [21]. The genetic diversity within and among the accessions was evaluated by using a total of sixteen SSR molecular markers. The list of loci, core motif, and annealing temperature is reported in Table 1. PCR was performed in a total reaction volume of 25 µL containing 1.25 U Taq DNA polymerase (5 PRIME, Hamburg, Germany), 10 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.3, 50 mM KCl, 1.5 mM MgCl₂, 0.25 mM of each dNTPs, 0.05 µM of each primer and 20 ng of template DNA, using a PE 9700 Thermo Cycler (Perkin Elmer, Waltham, MA, USA). Amplifications were programmed for an initial step at 95 °C for 3 min, followed by 35 cycles of denaturation at 94 °C for 30 s, annealing at the required Tm for 30 s and elongation at 72 °C for 45 s, followed by a final elongation step at 72 °C for 5 min. One SSR flanking primer for each pair was fluorescently labeled, so that amplified fragments could be visualized on an automated sequencer (CEQ 8800, Beckman-Coulter, Fullerton, CA, USA) and allelic variants at each locus determined.

2.3. Seed Quality

Fifty grams of dry seeds per accession were finely ground in a Cyclotec 1093 mill (Tecator, Hoganas, Sweden) and used for moisture, protein (N × 6.25) and ash content measurements. All these analyses were performed according to the official AOAC methods [22]. Thirty seeds, randomly selected, were used to determine seed density, hydration and swelling indices (HI and SI, respectively), and coat percentage. Seed soaking was performed at room temperature and HI and SI measurements were done at regular time interval according to literature [23]. Forty seeds per accession were used for determination of cooking time as previously described [23].

Table 1. List of 16 microsatellite loci of common bean identified in the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) nucleotide database, temperature used (Tm), fragment size range, and number of alleles detected.

EMBL access. No.	Locus	Core motif	Tm	Fragment size range	No. of alleles
AB070627	PVSBE2	(ATA)8	52	148–194	3
AF402604	HDZ1	(GAA)4 (GT)1 (ATC)5	55	198	1
AY007525	PVPDX1	(TC)6 (AG)8	50	158–162	2
J04555	PVPVPK	(CTT)3 (T)3 (CTT)6	58	154–163	2
K03289	PHVDLECB	(ATGC)4	56	142–144	2
M68913	PHVARC1A	(ATCT)3	51	198	1
M75856	PVPR3A	(CT)11 (TTC)6	57	157	1
U18791	PV18791	(TA)22	55	239–295	13
U34754	PV34754	(AT)8	58	247–251	2
U70530	PVU70530	(CT)7	52	245	1
X04001	PVGSR1	(AG)8	59	167	1
X80051	PVME1G	(AT)12	57	194–233	14
X60000	PVRBCOS	(AT)4 (T)2 (AT)6	55	135–139	2
X61293	PVGLND5	(AT)18	50	154–273	12
X63525	PVLOXA	(AT)7	57	292–301	4
X96999	PVYPR10GN	(AT)9	57	170–178	4

Table 1. List of 16 microsatellite loci of common bean identified in the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) nucleotide database, temperature used (Tm), fragment size range, and number of alleles detected.

EMBL access. No.	Locus	Core motif	Tm	Fragment size range	No. of alleles
AB070627	PVSBE2	(ATA)8	52	148–194	3
AF402604	HDZ1	(GAA)4 (GT)1 (ATC)5	55	198	1
AY007525	PVPDX1	(TC)6 (AG)8	50	158–162	2
J04555	PVPVPK	(CTT)3 (T)3 (CTT)6	58	154–163	2
K03289	PHVDLECB	(ATGC)4	56	142–144	2
M68913	PHVARC1A	(ATCT)3	51	198	1
M75856	PVPR3A	(CT)11 (TTC)6	57	157	1
U18791	PV18791	(TA)22	55	239–295	13
U34754	PV34754	(AT)8	58	247–251	2
U70530	PVU70530	(CT)7	52	245	1
X04001	PVGSR1	(AG)8	59	167	1
X80051	PVME1G	(AT)12	57	194–233	14
X60000	PVRBCOS	(AT)4 (T)2 (AT)6	55	135–139	2
X61293	PVGLND5	(AT)18	50	154–273	12
X63525	PVLOXA	(AT)7	57	292–301	4
X96999	PVYPR10GN	(AT)9	57	170–178	4

2.4. Statistical Analyses

The average number of alleles observed per locus (n_o), the effective number of alleles (n_e) and the percent of polymorphic loci (95% criterion) were computed. The genetic diversity computed as H = 1 – Σp_i², where pi is the frequency of the ith allele at each locus, is equivalent to the expected heterozygosity (H_e) [24]. The Student’s t-test was performed using the statistical package STATISTICA, version 7.1 (Statsoft, Tulsa, OK, USA). Based on allelic frequencies, Nei’s distance matrix was used to construct a dendrogram by the UPGMA method by means of the software POPGENE, version 1.32. [25]. The levels of support for the nodes were evaluated using a bootstrap analysis with 1000 replicates, which was carried out using the POPTREE2 software [26].

3. Results and Discussion

Common bean landraces with bicolored seed represent a small fraction of those surviving on-farm in Italy [1]. Among the bicolored types, “Badda” bean has a preeminent position being able to boast structures, such as the “Slow Food presidium” and the “Farmers’ Consortium”, aimed to support the continuation of its cultivation. A detailed characterization of “Badda” bean can help to better safeguard its genetic structure, as well as to support its distinctiveness respect to other landraces or cultivars with similar coat pattern.

3.1. Seed Storage Protein Variation

When analyzed by SDS/PAGE, protein extracts showed some major bands around 45 kDa, corresponding to PHAS, the major seed storage protein. The PHAS pattern type allows the attribution of landraces to the Mesoamerican or to the Andean gene pool [15]. All “Badda” accessions analyzed were homogeneous for this character, showing only the C phaseolin pattern type, which is associated to the Andean gene pool.

The European common beans arose from the introduction of domesticated forms from both the American gene pools. The proportions of the two gene pools within the European materials have been extensively investigated. The prevalence of Andean types was first described by Gepts and Bliss [15], and confirmed by subsequent studies at national [3,27,28] and regional [1,2,11,29] level. Probably, types belonging to the Andean gene pool, characterized by medium or large-seeded size, are widespread in Europe since they had a higher adaptation to the new environments and were preferred by both farmers and consumers [1,27]. The ratio between the two gene pools within the European germplasm is linked to geographical areas [30]. A clear-cut prevalence of Andean phaseolin types was recorded in Iberian Peninsula, Italy, and the Balkan area, while in central and south-eastern Europe, the proportion of Mesoamerican types tends to increase [31]. As concerns Italy, studies carried out at regional level, proved the presence of the three major phaseolin types (C, T, and S). The recorded frequencies were 40%, 28%, and 32% for C, T, and S type, respectively [1,8,32,33]. The C phaseolin type is the predominant one in Sicily as well as in other southern Italian regions [11,34,35]. In a recent study on twenty-five landraces cultivated in the Nebrodi mountains (northeast Sicily), the C phaseolin type was detected in 17 landraces [11].

The electrophoretic bands corresponding to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), the lectin protein representing the second storage protein of common bean seeds, were detectable in the protein profile around 34 kDa. Eleven PHA pattern types have been described in cultivated common bean; their nomenclature was coded by Brown et al. [36]. The “Badda” accessions showed as unique PHA pattern the TG₂ type. Although the gene families coding for PHAS and PHA are not linked, it has been proved that in cultivated materials there is a close association between their pattern types. Experimental results collected in this study agree with the described narrow association between C and TG₂ patterns (PHAS and PHA protein fraction, respectively) [37].

3.2. Genetic Variation Based on Molecular Markers

Molecular markers of SSR type, which are specific in target, are commonly used to assess diversity among common bean landraces [19,38,39]. The polymorphism revealed by SSR markers or microsatellites was variable depending on the locus. In this study, the number of alleles per locus ranged from 1 to 14 (Table 1).

Overall, 65 alleles were identified at the 16 loci examined, with a mean of effective alleles per locus equal to 1.50 (Table 2). The mean value of the percent of polymorphic loci (P, 5% criterion) was 32% with values ranging between 19% and 44%. A particularly high level of polymorphism was observed at the locus PVME1G with 14 alleles, and at the loci PV18791 and PVGLND5 with 13 and 12 alleles, respectively (Table 1). The mean genetic diversity or expected heterozygosity (H_e) values were calculated for each accession, and ranged from 0.27 to 0.07, with a mean value of 0.17 (Table 2).

Table 2. Genetic diversity statistics relating to Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) markers for each accession of “Badda” bean examined.

Work Code	no a	ne b	P c	He d	Ho e
Badda bianco
PH05	1.75	1.34	38	0.17	0.01
PH06	1.81	1.54	44	0.21	0.01
PH07	2.19	1.92	38	0.24	0.00
PH08	2.38	2.10	38	0.27	0.00
Mean	2.03 *	1.66	40 *	0.22 *	0.005
Badda nero
PH09	1.88	1.56	44	0.21	0.00
PH10	1.31	1.14	19	0.07	0.01
PH11	1.75	1.57	25	0.16	0.00
PH12	1.56	1.30	19	0.12	0.00
PH13	1.31	1.19	19	0.09	0.00
Mean	1.56 *	1.33	25 *	0.13 *	0.002
Total mean	1.77	1.50	32	0.17	0.003

^a mean number of observed alleles; ^b mean number of effective alleles; ^c Percentage of polymorphic loci (95% criterion); ^d Expected heterozygosity; ^e Observed heterozygosity; * significant at p = 0.05.

Table 2. Genetic diversity statistics relating to Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) markers for each accession of “Badda” bean examined.

Work Code	no a	ne b	P c	He d	Ho e
Badda bianco
PH05	1.75	1.34	38	0.17	0.01
PH06	1.81	1.54	44	0.21	0.01
PH07	2.19	1.92	38	0.24	0.00
PH08	2.38	2.10	38	0.27	0.00
Mean	2.03 *	1.66	40 *	0.22 *	0.005
Badda nero
PH09	1.88	1.56	44	0.21	0.00
PH10	1.31	1.14	19	0.07	0.01
PH11	1.75	1.57	25	0.16	0.00
PH12	1.56	1.30	19	0.12	0.00
PH13	1.31	1.19	19	0.09	0.00
Mean	1.56 *	1.33	25 *	0.13 *	0.002
Total mean	1.77	1.50	32	0.17	0.003

^a mean number of observed alleles; ^b mean number of effective alleles; ^c Percentage of polymorphic loci (95% criterion); ^d Expected heterozygosity; ^e Observed heterozygosity; * significant at p = 0.05.

Six out of the accessions exhibited homozygosity across all loci (H_o = 0.0). In the others, a scarce number of heterozygotes were observed (H_o), according to the predominantly autogamous mating system of common bean (Table 2). When analyzed separately, the mean values of genetic diversity parameters resulted higher for “Badda bianco”, indicating that these accessions showed a higher level of genetic variability. The quantification of genetic diversity within and between “Badda bianco” and “Badda nero” bean, based on Nei’s genetic diversity statistics is shown in Table 3.

Table 3. Genetic diversity statistics of “Badda” bean accessions.

Morphotype	Nei’s genetic diversity analysis
	HT	HS	DST	GST
Badda bianco	0.25	0.22	0.03	0.12
Badda nero	0.21	0.13	0.08	0.38

H_T total genetic diversity; H_S intrapopulation genetic diversity; D_ST interpopulation diversity; G_ST interpopulation genic differenziation coefficient.

Table 3. Genetic diversity statistics of “Badda” bean accessions.

Morphotype	Nei’s genetic diversity analysis
	HT	HS	DST	GST
Badda bianco	0.25	0.22	0.03	0.12
Badda nero	0.21	0.13	0.08	0.38

H_T total genetic diversity; H_S intrapopulation genetic diversity; D_ST interpopulation diversity; G_ST interpopulation genic differenziation coefficient.

The total genetic diversity (H_T) was slightly higher in “Badda bianco”. The observation that intrapopulation diversity (H_S) was higher than the interpopulation genetic diversity (D_ST), suggests that the diversity among accessions is lower than that within them. The coefficient of genic differentiation (G_ST) among populations was 0.12 and 0.38 in “Badda bianco” and “Badda nero” bean, respectively. These results indicated that 12% of “Badda bianco” total genetic diversity is among accessions, while this value increased to 38% in “Badda nero”.

Pairwise comparison of Nei’s genetic distances is reported in Table 4. The average genetic distance among the nine “Badda” accessions was 0.119. The smaller values were observed between PH07 and PH08 (0.032), and PH11 and PH12 (0.033), belonging to “Badda bianco” and “Badda nero” bean, respectively.

Table 4. Pairwise comparison of Nei’s genetic identity (above diagonal) and genetic distance (below diagonal) between common bean “Badda” accessions.

Accession	PH05	PH06	PH07	PH08	PH09	PH10	PH11	PH12	PH13
PH05	-	0.943	0.924	0.919	0.894	0.771	0.871	0.866	0.777
PH06	0.059	-	0.960	0.951	0.879	0.808	0.901	0.889	0.820
PH07	0.079	0.041	-	0.969	0.921	0.842	0.935	0.939	0.856
PH08	0.084	0.051	0.032	-	0.910	0.878	0.913	0.905	0.899
PH09	0.112	0.123	0.082	0.095	-	0.819	0.946	0.939	0.830
PH10	0.260	0.213	0.172	0.130	0.200	-	0.876	0.825	0.963
PH11	0.138	0.102	0.067	0.091	0.055	0.133	-	0.968	0.886
PH12	0.143	0.117	0.063	0.100	0.062	0.192	0.033	-	0.840
PH13	0.252	0.198	0.156	0.106	0.186	0.037	0.121	0.174	-

Table 4. Pairwise comparison of Nei’s genetic identity (above diagonal) and genetic distance (below diagonal) between common bean “Badda” accessions.

Accession	PH05	PH06	PH07	PH08	PH09	PH10	PH11	PH12	PH13
PH05	-	0.943	0.924	0.919	0.894	0.771	0.871	0.866	0.777
PH06	0.059	-	0.960	0.951	0.879	0.808	0.901	0.889	0.820
PH07	0.079	0.041	-	0.969	0.921	0.842	0.935	0.939	0.856
PH08	0.084	0.051	0.032	-	0.910	0.878	0.913	0.905	0.899
PH09	0.112	0.123	0.082	0.095	-	0.819	0.946	0.939	0.830
PH10	0.260	0.213	0.172	0.130	0.200	-	0.876	0.825	0.963
PH11	0.138	0.102	0.067	0.091	0.055	0.133	-	0.968	0.886
PH12	0.143	0.117	0.063	0.100	0.062	0.192	0.033	-	0.840
PH13	0.252	0.198	0.156	0.106	0.186	0.037	0.121	0.174	-

The UPGMA dendrogram, based on Nei’s genetic distances as defined by SSR markers, is shown in Figure 3. The nine “Badda” accessions were grouped in three sub-clusters. The first one included all the “Badda bianco” accessions, while the “Badda nero” ones were grouped in two well-distinguished sub-clusters. The PH10 and PH13 accessions, located in a well-separated branch, showed fairly different results than the other materials analyzed, thus indicating more distant genetic relationships with the other two groups (see Table 4).

Figure 3. Dendrogram based on Nei’s genetic distances as defined by SSR markers showing the genetic relationships among the “Badda” bean accessions. Support values are shown.

Figure 3. Dendrogram based on Nei’s genetic distances as defined by SSR markers showing the genetic relationships among the “Badda” bean accessions. Support values are shown.

Recently, Paniconi et al. [10] studied three “Badda” bean accessions using morpho-physiological traits and ISSR (Inter Simple Sequence Repeat) molecular markers. Although different accessions and marker types were used, they also recorded the presence of a more distant population among the three analyzed and attributed this result to a different introduction or contamination by foreign germplasm. Results presented in this study confirm the possibility that two constitutive nuclei contributed to the genetic background of “Badda nero” bean. The co-existence of two or more nuclei within a single landrace was described for “Fagiolo del Purgatorio”, an Italian landrace traditionally cultivated in Central Italy [19]. The authors reported that the differences between the two nuclei identified within “Fagiolo del Purgatorio” were at agronomic, biochemical, morphological and genetic level. It is interesting to underline that this landrace belongs to the Mesoamerican gene pool, suggesting that the presence of more nuclei within the same landrace could not be prerogative of the Andean gene pool. To explain the co-existence of different nuclei within a landrace, different scenarios can be hypothesized: (a) genetically different individuals were already present in the original material; (b) presently detectable different nuclei are the result of selection processes operated over the time by environment and/or farmers; (c) introduction of foreign materials, morphologically similar to the original one, has occurred.

3.3. Nutritional and Technological Seed Traits

The nutritional and technological seed quality of the “Badda” bean were investigated by analyzing nine traits. As shown in Table 5, for all traits the range of variation relative to “Badda bianco” and “Badda nero” bean overlapped to a great extent. This suggests that the two “Badda” bean morphotypes have a comparable seed quality.

Table 5. Grain quality traits. Seed composition values are referred to dry matter.

Work code	100 seed weight (g)	Seed density (g mL−1)	Coat (g kg−1)	HI (%)		SI (% 24 h)	Moisture (g kg−1)	Protein (g kg−1)	Ash (g kg−1)	Cooking time (min)
				5 h	24 h
Badda bianco
PH05	56.2	1.20	59.2	45.4	106.4	100	111.2	258.0	47.7	41
PH06	44.2	1.07	57.6	2.5	80.1	92	108.7	243.8	41.0	42
PH07	46.5	1.26	56.0	4.4	87.4	136	110.4	232.7	40.6	42
PH08	52.2	1.13	52.8	15.2	89.7	92	101.7	245.7	46.1	45
Mean	49.8	1.16	56.4	16.9	91	105	108.0	245.0	43.8	42.5
Std Dev	5.45	0.08	2.73	19.82	11.11	21.01	4.33	10.36	3.59	1.73
Badda nero
PH09	45.7	1.27	59.1	12.5	87.0	127	110.2	242.0	42.0	38
PH10	59.1	1.09	57.0	59.7	85.5	94	106.5	243.1	38.8	44
PH11	44.1	1.10	59.3	8.2	87.9	75	112.5	224.8	40.9	42
PH12	41.7	1.11	60.5	5.6	90.4	100	111.3	222.7	43.0	48
PH13	59.3	1.18	57.1	30.2	92.4	123	103.1	249.4	45.8	50
Mean	50.0	1.15	58.6	23.2	88.6	104	108.7	236.4	42.1	44.4
Std Dev	8.54	0.08	1.51	22.53	2.75	21.49	3.86	11.91	2.59	4.78

HI = Hydration Index; SI = Swelling Index.

Table 5. Grain quality traits. Seed composition values are referred to dry matter.

Work code	100 seed weight (g)	Seed density (g mL−1)	Coat (g kg−1)	HI (%)		SI (% 24 h)	Moisture (g kg−1)	Protein (g kg−1)	Ash (g kg−1)	Cooking time (min)
				5 h	24 h
Badda bianco
PH05	56.2	1.20	59.2	45.4	106.4	100	111.2	258.0	47.7	41
PH06	44.2	1.07	57.6	2.5	80.1	92	108.7	243.8	41.0	42
PH07	46.5	1.26	56.0	4.4	87.4	136	110.4	232.7	40.6	42
PH08	52.2	1.13	52.8	15.2	89.7	92	101.7	245.7	46.1	45
Mean	49.8	1.16	56.4	16.9	91	105	108.0	245.0	43.8	42.5
Std Dev	5.45	0.08	2.73	19.82	11.11	21.01	4.33	10.36	3.59	1.73
Badda nero
PH09	45.7	1.27	59.1	12.5	87.0	127	110.2	242.0	42.0	38
PH10	59.1	1.09	57.0	59.7	85.5	94	106.5	243.1	38.8	44
PH11	44.1	1.10	59.3	8.2	87.9	75	112.5	224.8	40.9	42
PH12	41.7	1.11	60.5	5.6	90.4	100	111.3	222.7	43.0	48
PH13	59.3	1.18	57.1	30.2	92.4	123	103.1	249.4	45.8	50
Mean	50.0	1.15	58.6	23.2	88.6	104	108.7	236.4	42.1	44.4
Std Dev	8.54	0.08	1.51	22.53	2.75	21.49	3.86	11.91	2.59	4.78

HI = Hydration Index; SI = Swelling Index.

The 100 seed weight, ranging from 42 to 59 g, is in agreement with its assignation to Andean gene pool, that generally contains large-seeded types. The coat content showed a low variation (52.8–60.5 g kg⁻¹), and was not related to seed size. It is well known that common bean seeds need a period of soaking before cooking, and that short soaking times are preferred by consumers. On the base of HI values recorded after 5 h of soaking, the “Badda” accessions can be divided in two groups (Table 5). The first one was constituted by accessions having a very low hydration rate (HI ≤ 30%), while the second comprised the accessions PH05 and PH10 that had high hydration rates (HI ≥ 45%). The detection of low and high HI values within both “Badda bianco” and “Badda nero” bean indicated that hydration rate was not related to coat color. The detection of genotypes having high hydration rates could discourage the cultivation of those that do not possess this trait. However, a similar choice is questionable in relation to genetic resources safeguard, which is devoted to the conservation of the original genetic background of a landrace. The difference of hydration rate among the accessions disappeared when the soaking time was long as 24 h (Table 5). At that time, seeds have absorbed as much water as almost their dry weight (HI > 80%). Moreover, prolonged soaking allowed a high increase of seed size (SI > 90%), with the only exception of PH11 accession (SI = 75%).

As predictable for large seeds, high cooking times were recorded for the “Badda” bean, though this trait was shown not to be significantly correlated to seed size. Mean cooking time value of “Badda nero” slightly exceeded that of “Badda bianco” (Table 5). In order to estimate the nutritional quality of “Badda” bean, the protein content was determined. This trait varied little among the accessions (CV ≤ 5%), but is significantly correlated to 100 seed weight (R = 0.74, p < 0.05). The highest value was recorded for the “Badda bianco” PH05, while the lowest one was that of the “Badda nero” PH12. Finally, ash content showed a low degree of variation, from 38.8 to 47.7 g kg⁻¹, and the calculated CV was ≤8.2%.

When the “Badda” seed quality traits were compared with those relative to 25 landraces traditionally grown in northeast Sicily, it appears a certain resemblance with the landrace named “Monaca” [11]. In detail, the percentage of coat, protein, and ash were comparable, while 100 seed weight, cooking time and HI after 5 and 24 h of soaking, showed differences.

Seed morphology of “Badda” bean results attractive for consumers being a round large-seeded type with partially colored coat. It is widely accepted that only some landraces surviving on-farm possess quality traits that can justify their promotion as niche products. Consumers are attracted by visual, textural, and sensory seed traits. Nutritionists focused their attention on the evaluation of the main seed components, as well as on the minor ones having potential nutraceutical value. Data reported in this study, far from a complete nutritional evaluation of the “Badda” bean, represents a starting point for its promotion as niche product.

4. Conclusions

Italian common bean germplasm is characterized by a high degree of genetic diversity, as a result of five centuries of uninterrupted cultivation and unconscious selection, in addition to a capillary diffusion of this crop. As a consequence of a wide diversification, the overall number of Italian accessions stored ex-situ, and landraces still surviving on-farm, is remarkable. Taking this into account, only a multidisciplinary approach can be fully effective to characterize this precious material and to help plan adequate safeguard actions. Economic motivations, such as the commercialization of landraces as niche products, are fundamental to encourage young farmers and local communities to participate in initiatives of on-farm conservation. However, the market requirements as well as the constraints to obtain one of the European quality marks could encourage the selection of some genotypes, modifying irremediably the original genetic structure. In this frame, the questions related to the safeguard of a landrace characterized by a complex genetic structure, such as the “Badda” bean, become relevant.