Editorial Book

Book Title: Advances in Plant Breeding - Volume 1

PAID ACCESS | Published on : 25-Jun-2026 | Pages: 48-54 | Doi : 10.37446/volbook022026/48-54

Introduction, Distribution, Centres of Origin, Economic Importances, Classification, Floral Biology, Breeding Objectives, Breeding Methods and Marker Assisted Selection of Lentil

• Bharath Kumar K
• M.Sc. (Agri.), SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Vendhar Nagar, Baburayanpettai, Elapakkam (Post), Chengalpattu (Dt.), Tamil Nadu, India.


• Selvakumar Gurunathan
• Associate Professor (Genetics and Plant Breeding), SRM College of Agricultural Sciences, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Vendhar Nagar, Baburayanpettai, Elapakkam (Post), Chengalpattu (Dt.), Tamil Nadu, India.

Abstract

Lentil (Lens culinaris L., 2n=14) is a significant leguminous plant that primarily reproduces through self-pollination and is extensively cultivated for its seeds, which are high in protein. India leads the world in both the area under cultivation and the quantity produced, with additional growth occurring in parts of North America, West Asia, and Europe. This legume is a rich provider of protein (24–28%), iron, and lysine, playing a crucial role in enhancing nutrition and maintaining soil health through the process of nitrogen fixation. Lentils are categorized into two main types: microsperma and macrosperma, which differ in their seed sizes. The plant showcases the typical structure of papilionaceous flowers. Goals of lentil breeding focus on increasing yield, enhancing resistance to diseases, and improving nutritional quality, while techniques employed include selection, hybridization, and mutation breeding. The use of marker-assisted selection is becoming more prevalent for the targeted enhancement of beneficial traits.

Keywords

Lentil, Lens culinaris, Origin, Distribution, Classification, Floral biology, Breeding methods, Marker-assisted selection, Protein crop

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