Genetic variability and diversity for various agro morphological traits in lentil (Lens culinaris M.)

The present study was undertaken at DARS, Budgam to study the variability and diversity in exotic accessions of lentil. A set of 45 genotypes of Lentil comprising 44 accessions from ICARDA BIGM nursery and a local variety Shalimar Masur 1 as check were evaluated for various agro-morphological and quality traits. Significant variability was found for all the traits under study. Large differences between phenotypic and genotypic variances were found for these two traits, which means environment has a role in these traits. Plant height was correlated with days to maturity and flowering, which means late flowering due to temperate conditions, can affect plant height. Primary branches per plant, pods per plant and seeds per pod were positively and significantly correlated with seed yield per plant. The said set of 45 genotypes was divided into 7 clusters, the check was found in cluster IV. Considerable inter and intra cluster distances were found. In cluster VI two genotypes were placed which were bold seeded but exhibited higher yield than the check. The above set was also morphologically characterized for stem, flower and seed traits as per PPV&FR guidelines. Considerable variability was found for seed characters also.