Estimation of selection criteria in Lens culinaris under dryland Condition

Lentils are one of the most important legumes, which have a high amount of protein and vitamins A and B, fiber, potassium and iron, and are an inexpensive food for low-income people. The objective of this study was the determination of variability, heritability, correlations between yield and yield components in 14 Lentil (Lens culinaris L.) genotypes using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that secondary stem per plant and productivity degree had the highest GCV and PCV but the lowest GCV and PVC was found for a number of pod/ m2 and number of the plant. Maximum heritability was estimated for 100-seed weight, number two-seed pod, biological yield, grain yield, productivity degree and plant height respectively. The high genetic advance and heritability were observed for the number of the two-seed pod and biological yield. The phenotypic correlation revealed that rainwater productivity, biological yield and plant height had the greatest, positive and significant association with seed yield. By performing path analysis based on stepwise regression, rainwater productivity had the most direct effect on seed yield, while the number of secondary stems per plant through rainwater productivity had the most indirect and negative effect on seed yield. That means with increasing number of the secondary stem, rainwater productivity is decreased which results in reduced grain yield. As a result, it was concluded that rainwater productivity and biological yield can be good selection criteria for improving seed yield per plant in Lens culinaris.