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Underestimated lesser-known species often prove to be a very attractive object of research. For example, they adapt very well to various marginal growing conditions, e.g. highlands, arid areas, salt-affected soils, etc. Some species of the genus Lathyrus may be examples of such crops. In this study the species and their accessions were compared as regards to coefficients of vanation. A considerable degree of variability is important to breeders of new vaneties, since the chance of obtaining new cultivars significantly different from established varieties is thus increased. Thus the coefficients of variation were compared using both visual and statistical methods, with those highest in value being of greatest interest. The highest variability of 100 seeds weight was noticed in species L. aphaca, L. clymenum, L. hirsutus.