Mutation-derived lentil genotypes confer better tolerance against post-emergence herbicides

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Breeding
• Genetics

Background:

• Weed control is a significant challenge in global lentil production, with post-emergence herbicides often impacting crop yield.
• Developing herbicide-tolerant lentil varieties is essential to mitigate yield losses and improve agricultural sustainability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate 60 lentil genotypes developed via mutation, hybridization, or combined methods against eight herbicides.
• To identify herbicide-tolerant lentil genotypes and determine the most effective breeding strategy for inducing herbicide tolerance.

Main Methods:

• Genotypes were assessed over two growing seasons using an augmented design.
• Statistical analyses included ANOVA, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering, and the multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance index (MGIDI).

Main Results:

• Significant genotype × treatment interactions indicated varied responses to herbicides.
• Multivariate analyses, particularly MGIDI, identified specific high-performing genotypes, predominantly mutants.
• Mutation breeding emerged as a highly effective method for developing herbicide tolerance in lentils.

Conclusions:

• Specific lentil genotypes (e.g., G45, G32, G41, G30, G17, G9, G4) demonstrated significant herbicide tolerance.
• These identified genotypes are valuable genetic resources for lentil breeding programs aimed at herbicide tolerance and variety development.