Application of RAPD molecular markers to confirm hybridization in Lentil

Due to the role of genetic diversity in breeding programs, identification and producing genetic diversity through crossing is one of the basic steps for breeders. Major lentil breeding programs in Iran are including the selection of lines among landraces with high yield and suitable agronomic characters as the lentils crossing challenges. So, setting up a crossing program for lentil will be effective in producing F1 and using them for introducing new varieties. The aim of this project was to produce genetic diversity and gather suitable characteristics such as high yield, cold tolerance, erect type and etc. in a single genotype. So, 8 genotypes that were morphologically and genetically distinct, were used as parents and artificially crossed. 49 out of 230 crosses were successful and 69 F1 seeds were collected. In order to verify the hybridity, 30 plants of the F1 generation were screened with 14 RAPD primers. Respectively 5 plants of 4, 5, 6 crosses and 4 plants of 1, 2, 3 crosses were true hybrids because of the carried minimum of one male parent specific band. This research showed the successful deployment of molecular markers role in lentil crossing program advancement.