Nutrient Quality and Yield Potential of Some Moroccan Lentil Genotypes (Lens Culinaris Medik)

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) grains are considered as dietary source of proteins, minerals and antioxidants mainly in developing countries. Thus, the interest combining nutritional quality with high productivity in releasing novel varieties. In this context, current study aims on assessing genetic potential of 40 genotypes. A total of four morphological traits and two nutrient components were used. Recorded data were analyzed for ANOVA and a hierarchical cluster was built on the basis of Jaccard similarity and dissimilarity index. Studied genotypes have exhibited significant variability for most of measured traits. The nutritional and morphological analysis showed that some genotypes were excellent sources of proteins, iron and had good productivity. Four clusters have been identified at 78% of similarity. The first cluster grouped twenty-two genotypes characterized with booth high yield and high protein content. The second cluster grouped some genotypes with high protein levels whereas third Cluster gathers genotypes with high productivity. However, cluster IV regrouped genotypes with low yield potential and low protein contents, but high iron levels. Among the first cluster, genotypes V9 and Ad8 might be a promised novel variety.