Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Grain Legume Genetics Physiology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #100124
Title: GENETIC VARIATION FOR BIOMASS AND RESIDUE PRODUCTION IN LENTIL: II. FACTORS DETERMINING SEED AND STRAW YIELD

Author
item KUSMENOGLU, ISMAIL - WA STATE UNIVERSITY
item Muehlbauer, Frederick

Submitted to: Crop Science
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/24/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: As part of a series of experiments designed to evaluate the potential for improving biomass, residue and seed production by lentil crops, we evaluated germplasm and breeding populations for the factors that affect seed and straw yield. The results indicate that past variety improvement efforts have achieved higher seed yields by shortened vegetative and reproductive growth periods, greater rates of growth, a greater amount of biomass partitioned to the seeds, and a moderate response to rainfall. Greater straw yields have come from a longer vegetative growth period, greater growth rates and greater partitioning to the straw rather than to the seeds. These results indicate that seed and residue yields can be simultaneously improved with existing lentil germplasm. These improvements will lead to greater amounts of residue produced by lentil crops, greater seed yields and better returns to the producers.

Technical Abstract: Understanding the influence of vegetative and reproductive traits in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) on biomass production and seed yield would facilitate cultivar improvement. The objectives of this study were (I) identify and evaluate the morphological changes that have taken place during past cultivar improvement efforts, and (ii) quantify the effect of rainfall on seed and straw production. Seven breeding lines and three checks were evaluated at Pullman and Farmington, WA, and Genesee, ID, from 1993 to 1995 for vegetative growth period (VGP), generative growth period (VGP), crop growth rate (CGR), seed growth rate (Sd.GR), straw growth rate (St. GR), and partitioning coefficients for seed (p) and straw (q). Results indicated that past cultivar improvement efforts have achieved higher seed yields by (I) shorter generative and vegetative growth periods, (ii) greater rates of crop and seed growth, (iii) higher seed partitioning coefficients, and (iv) a moderate response to rainfall. Greater straw yields have been achieved by (I) longer generative and vegetative growth periods, (ii) greater crop and straw growth rates, (iii) a higher straw partitioning coefficient, and (iv) a greater response to rainfall. Simultaneous improvement of straw and seed yields is possible within existing lentil germplasm.