Analysis of Genetic Parameters and Trait Relationship for Seed Yield and its Attributing Components in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Background: Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik. ssp. culinaris) is the oldest domesticated grain legume. It is cultivated for its nutritious lens-shaped seed in marginal and rainfed areas of temperate countries and most tropical highlands. The present study was carried out to get better insights into genetic variability, trait association and to assess direct and indirect effects of various attributing components on seed yield. Methods: The experimental material consisted of 43 lentil genotypes, grown in randomized block design with three replications during Rabi 2019-20 and 2020-21. The data on 11 quantitative traits was pooled across two seasons and statistical analyses were done using R studio and INDOSTAT software. Result: High PCV and GCV coupled with high heritability and genetic advance were observed for 100-seed weight, seed yield and biological yield suggesting that expression of these traits is controlled by additive gene action. Most of the quantitative traits were positively correlated with seed yield. Biological yield, harvest index, number of primary branches and number of pods per plant had highest positive direct effect on seed yield. Therefore, genotypes LL 931, L 4717, IPL 316, LH 18-04, LH 17-19 and DPL 15 should be used in crossing programmes to obtain high yielding transgressive segregants.