Early generation selection in microsperma-macrosperma derived gene pool of lentil

Abstract

Evaluation of 475 recombinant lines of 26 crosses in Fs generation and 409 recombinant lines of 24 crosses in F4 generation derived from crosses involving microsperma and macrosperma groups of lentil, raised in augmented design, revealed sufficient genetic variability for seed yield/plant, biological yield/plant, 100-seed weight, harvest index, seeds/pod, days to 50% flowering, and days to maturity. Biological yield/plant and seed yield/plant showed high degree of PCV, GCV and genetic advance. Heritability was high for biological yield/plant and days to maturity whereas moderate for seed yield/plant and most of the traits. Seed yield/plant showed significant positive association with biological yield/plant, harvest index, seeds/pod, 100-seed weight and days to 50% flowering in both Fs and F4 generations in almost all the crosses of different groups. Crosses involving Precoz and PL-639 as one of the parents were promising. Crosses L-4145 x PL-639, Precoz x PL-639, Vipasha x PL-639 and Precoz x L-259 were with higher transgressive segregants. About 15% (123) and 10% (92) of the progenies gave higher yield over the better parent and the best check, respectively. Seven per cent (55) bold seeded progenies were identified in the population with nine progenies having both high yield and bold seeds.