Incorporation of resistance against rust (Uromyces viciae-fabae) in lentil

Lentil rust caused by Uromyces viciae-fabae is considered as a major limiting factor in successful cultivation of lentil. In order to combine rust resistance and high yield potential, 53 elite lentil lines were developed through hybridization of well adapted high yielding rust susceptible lines with rust resistant indigenous and exotic lines. The derivative lines were evaluated under natural epiphytotic field conditions to identify high yielding rust resistant lines during 2010–11 and 2011–12. Out of 53 lines, 7 lines viz., LL1217, LL1218, LL1219, LL1239, LL1240, LL1241 and LL1243 showed highly resistant reaction, while 26 lines showed resistant reaction. Of the highly resistant or resistant lines, one or two lines can be released as cultivar or alternatively can be utilized in lentil breeding programme as donor for the development of rust resistant cultivars.