Genetic Variability of Physiochemical Traits in Exotic and Indigenous Lentil (Lens culinaris L.) Genotypes

Abstract

Assessment of different physical attributes and hydration properties of lentil is imperative for its storage, cooking quality and market acceptance. Present study evaluated the genetic diversity based on different seed hydration properties among 59 lentil genotypes including exotic (43) and indigenous lines/cultivars (16). The 100- seed weight (HSW), hydration capacity (HC), hydration index (HI), seed volume (SV), swelling capacity (SC), and swelling index (SI) were examined in a complete randomized design (CRD). Significant genotypic differences were observed for the studied traits. Highest HSW (4.9 g), maximum SV (0.041 ml seed^-1) and HC (0.0734 ml seed^-1) were exhibited by exotic genotype (ILL4402×ILL5588), after 24 hours of soaking. Besides, MANSEHRA 89 and NIA-Masoor 2016 outperformed other genotype for SC (0.0715 ml seed^-1) and SI (0.0337), respectively. Maximum value for HI (0.0213) and SI (0.025) were presented by exotic lines (ILL10731×ILL4637 and ILL4605×ILL7950), respectively. The correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlation between HSW with HC (0.811) SV (0.524) and SC (0.196), while SV showed significant positive correlation with HC (0.404). In addition, SC and HC also showed significant positive association (0.203). Heritability analysis revealed that, HSW exhibited highest heritability (30.81) and genetic advance (34.37), followed by HI and SI. The Principle component analysis further concluded the first three components (PC1, PC2 and PC3) explained about 91.94% of the variation. It is concluded that the identification of superior exotic and existing cultivars through hybridization can broaden the genetic base. Further, the genotypes with desired hydration properties identified in this study can serve as promising source of variability for efficient utilization in future lentil breeding and crop improvement.