Segregating allozyme and DNA polymorphisms were used to construct a preliminary linkage map for faba bean. Two F2 populations were analyzed, the most informative of which was segregating for 66 markers. Eleven independently assorting linkage groups were identified in this population. One of the groups contained the 45s ribosomal array and could be assigned to the large metacentric chromosome I on which the nucleolar organizer region is located. This linkage group also contained two isozyme loci, Est and Tpi-p, suggesting that it may share some homology with chromosome 4 of garden pea on which three similar markers are syntenic. Additional aspects of the map and the extent of coverage of the total nuclear genome are discussed.

The higher carotenoid content (commonly referred as "yellow pigment content") of tritordeum seeds as compared to wheat and the potential of this species as a donor of useful traits to wheat led us to investigate the detailed carotenoid composition of 53 accessions of hexaploid tritordeums originating from different stages of the tritordeum breeding program developed at IAS-CSIC. In addition, seven durum wheat accessions were also studied for comparison. Lutein was the unique carotenoid detected, either free or esterified with fatty acids. On average, tritordeum had 5.2 times more carotenoids than durum wheat, which suggests a high potential of this species to become a functional food. In addition, the most outstanding result of this work is the high esterification degree of lutein found in tritordeums as compared to durum wheat. This difference may indicate the differential esterification ability between tritordeum and durum wheat species. The implications of this high level of lutein esterification on both carotenoid accumulation and stability are discussed.

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