Variability for agromorphological traits, genetic parameters, correlation and path coefficient analyses in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Lentil is (Lens culinaris Medik.) also popularly known as Masur which is extensively grown in Bangladesh for its economic importance. It is the second most important pulse crop both in acreage and production but stands first in consumer’s preference in Bangladesh [1]. Lentil is considered as poor mean’s meat, a substitute of animal protein for the underprivileged people of Bangladesh who cannot afford to buy animal protein [2,3]. It is an excellent source of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and several essential micro-nutrients like iron, zinc and betacarotene [4,5,6]. The crop has great significance in cereal-based cropping systems because it can fix atmospheric nitrogen and thereby enriching the soil by Rhizobium bacteria [7,8]. Recently, lentil has received considerable interest by the scientific community due to its higher nutritive value and lower seed yield plant-1. Increasing yield is therefore the prime breeding objectives of lentil breeder around the globe including Bangladesh. Low production and acreage of lentil in Bangladesh is due to the shortage of lentil varieties with high yield, poor technological intervention during production and competition for a place in the existing cropping pattern. This lacking can be overcome by developing high yielding varieties with wider adaptability and stability.