Identification of Lentil Desirable Genotypes Using Multivariate Statistical Methods and Selection Index of Ideal Genotype under Rainfed Conditions

In order to study some agronomic characteristics and identify the desirable genotypes using different statistical methods, 15 lentil genotypes received from ICARDA were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replicates under rainfed conditions at Sarab-Changai Research Station, Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Centre, Khorramabad, Iran during 2019-2020 cropping year. According to the results, analysis of variance indicated significant genotypic diversity between the studied genotypes in terms of most traits. The correlation between grain yield per plant and most of the traits, especially yield components, was positive and significant. Genotypes 13, 14, 7 and 1 were known as the best and genotypes 15, 12 and 4 were identified as the weakest genotypes based on the results of various statistical methods including mean comparisons, cluster analysis, “genotype × trait” biplot and SIIG index. The highest direct positive effect on “seed yield per plant” belonged to the “number of one-seeded pods per plant” (0.580) and “hundred seed weight” (0.437), respectively, and therefore these traits can be applied as selection criteria. Moreover, genotype 7 was the best genotype in terms of important agronomic traits and has the potential to be used in the future breeding and subsequent agronomic research programs.