Skip to main content
ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Pullman, Washington » Grain Legume Genetics Physiology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #100341
Title: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF LENTIL PRODUCTION

Author
item Muehlbauer, Frederick
item SUMMERFIELD, R. - UNIVERSITY OF READING, UK
item KAISER, W. - WA STATE UNIVERSITY
item Clement, Stephen
item BOERBOOM, C. - UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
item WELSH-MADDUX, M. - UNIV. OF NORTH DAKOTA
item Short, Richard

Submitted to: Principles and Practice of Lentil Production
Publication Type: Government Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/1998
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Information on the production of lentil in the U.S. and worldwide is reviewed and discussed. Principle areas covered in the review include: lentil production in the U.S., practices used in traditional production systems, a description of the lentil plant, taxonomic and historical perspectives, requirements for successful lentil production, harvesting and dmarketing and the need for collaboration, cooperation and communication. The paper is intended for field personnel, students, extension agents, producers and marketers of the crop. Major points emphasized include the origin of the crop in the Middle East, the transition of the germplasm from the wild species progenitors to modern varieties and the changes during that transition. A major part of the paper includes the important diseases such as ascochyta blight and virus. Insect problems discussed include the problem of 'Chalky Spot' caused by Lygus bugs, and aphid infestations. Finally, prospects for improved yields of the crop are discussed.

Technical Abstract: Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) Has not been researched as extensively as many other pulse (grain legume) crops. Until recently, most lentil cultivars had been developed by pureline selection from local germplasm collections. However, breeding programs have been established at several centers and have been successful in developing improved cultivars from hybridization and selection. The large, international, and multidisciplinary crop improvement program based at ICARDA in Syria has strengthened regional and national programs in many countries. While these resources provide opportunities for research and development on a far greater scale than in the past, there remain many researchers who are unfamiliar with the crop and many farmers who do not fully appreciate the constraints that must be overcome if yields are to be stabilized and improved. This publication describes various aspects of the crop, reviews the culture of lentils in the United States and worldwide, and advocates greater cooperation, collaboration, and communication among researchers, breeders, administrators, producers, and the various sectors of industry in general.