Identification of the Promising Lines of Lentil for Varietal Improvement

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate and identify promising lentil genotypes for varietal enhancement, conducted at the Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC), Agriculture Botany Division (ABD), Khumaltar. Eighteen genotypes sourced from the National Grain Legumes Research Program (NAGRC) and the International Centre for Agriculture Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA) was assessed. Various parameters, including plant stand, flowering duration, maturity period, plant height, yield-related traits, chlorophyll content, and disease severity, were recorded. Notable correlations were found between grain yield and key attributes such as pods per plant, 1000-seed weight, chlorophyll content, final plant stand, and branches per plant. Genotypes exhibiting high chlorophyll content, optimal plant height, increased branching, greater seed weight, more pods, enhanced plant stand, and lower disease susceptibility displayed positive correlations with grain yield. Among these, genotype ILL-10071 demonstrated the highest average grain yield, highlighting its potential for further breeding and improvement programs. Other promising genotypes included ILL-9924, ILL-3338, ILL-10265, ILL-1920, ILL-6458, ILL-6465, and RL-71, showcasing significant grain yield and warranting consideration in future varietal enhancement initiatives. These findings underscore the importance of specific traits in lentil genotypes and provide valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at enhancing lentil productivity.