Effect of pendimethalin herbicide on seed germination of seven Lens culinaris varieties

Pendimethalin (PND) is the most widely applied herbicide in Algerian lentil cultivation, with minimal or no control from farmers. This study evaluated the effect of various concentrations (0, 1.1, 2.2, and 3.3 g L^-1) of pendimethalin herbicide on the seed germination of seven lentil (Lens culinaris) varieties (Syrie 229, Idlep 1, Balkan 755, Ibela, LVS, LBC, and Metropole). The physiological, biochemical, and antioxidant properties of the seeds were assessed at 24, 48, and 72 h of the germination test in Petri dishes. Pendimethalin decreased seed germination percentage at 24 and 72 h, reaching 46.85% and 94.25% respectively, while radicle length was reduced at all time points. The water content initially decreased and subsequently increased at 48 and 72 h after soaking. Similarly, the sugar content was reduced at 48 h and increased at 72 h. These increases were inversely related to the reduction in α-amylase activity at 72 h. Herbicide concentrations did not induce proline or hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) accumulation in most lentil varieties. However, PCA showed that LVS was grouped with H₂O₂ on the three days, making it the variety most affected by pendimethalin-induced oxidative stress. Neither catalase nor ascorbate peroxidase levels correlated with H₂O₂ and were unaffected by pendimethalin treatment, confirming the absence of oxidative stress. Based on these findings, Syrie 229 appears to be an unaffected or the least affected variety and, consequently, could be considered a valuable candidate for lentil cultivation when treated with pendimethalin.