Lentil

Lentil is the third-most important cool-season grain legume in the world after chickpea and pea; between 2010 and 2015, it accounted for 6% of the total dry pulse production with an average yield of 926kgha^-1. The production of lentil is constrained by several biotic and abiotic factors (drought, salinity, high temperature, and mineral deficiency). The narrow genetic base of lentil challenges the development of stress tolerance. Studies are being undertaken to identify lentil germplasm having superior root system architecture, water use efficiency, transpirational cooling, mineral use efficiency, reproductive function, yield, and quality, especially under stress. Many linkage maps have been developed, and QTL for biotic and abiotic stress tolerance have been identified in lentil, which might facilitate the development of improved varieties. Various agronomic practices to improve water use efficiency, nutrition requirements, canopy management, and root architecture are being researched to enhance lentil yield under various agro-climatic regions.