Genetic studies for yield and component characters in large seeded exotic lines of lentil

With respect to seed size in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus), two groups namely microsperma (< 2.5 g/100-seeds) and macrosperma (>2.5 g/100-seeds) are prominent. As the seed size increases, the number of seeds per pod and pods per plant decreases considerably that affect the seed yield adversely. To evolve cultivars having large seed size and high yield potential, it becomes necessary to evaluate the available germplasm for variability and to workout interrelationship among yield and contributing traits. Variability and association studies were conducted in a set of 63 large seeded diverse advanced breeding lines procured from ICARDA, Syria. Sufficient variability was present in the germplasm for days to flowering, plant height, pods per plant, 100-seed weight, biological yield, harvest index and seed yield. Harvest index, 100-seed weight and seed yield had high heritability coupled with high genetic advance and pods per plant with moderate heritability and high genetic advance. Pods per plant, seeds per pod, biological yield and harvest index showed significant positive correlation, whereas days to flowering, days to maturity and 100-seed weight showed significant negative correlation with seed yield. Harvest index had maximum direct effect on seed yield followed by biological yield and pods per plant. Days to flowering and days to maturity had negative direct effect on yield. Harvest index, biological yield, pods per plant and seeds per pod were identified as important yield components, hence selection should be focused on these traits to improve yield in large seeded lentil.