Evaluation of Early Stage Traits as an Indicator of Genetic Variation in Winter Lentil

Lentil is one of the oldest cultured crops with cereals which are cultivated in the wide geography of the world due to its high adaptability, quality nutritional value, important usage areas and economic value. Morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters during the early vegetative stage are an important indicator of adaptation to environmental conditions. This study was carried out to investigate the variation on some agronomic and physiological traits of 49 lentil genotypes during the early growth stage. Although there were significant differences in terms of plant height and total chlorophyll content, differences between genotypes for plant dry and fresh weight, stem diameter and length of epicotyl were statistically found insignificant. Plant height, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, length of epicotyl, stem diameter and total chlorophyll content varied between 2.53-4.78 cm, 0.17-0.39 g, 0.04-0.13 g, 1.53-3.00 cm, 0.72-1.05 cm and 28.4-38.2%, respectively. As a result, it was determined that observations taken 30 days after emergence are not sufficient to constitute genetic variation and use as an early prediction criteria field conditions. The longer-term and comprehensive studies should be carried out to form genetic variation and interpret the results in field conditions.