Lantil in world and Ukraine: current state and prospects

Abstract

Aim. The aim of the article is to describe lentil seeds as an essential source of nutrition for the population of our planet; substantiate the need to introduce this crop to rotation in arid conditions of the steppe zone of Ukraine. Methods. Field research was conducted in the central area of Odesa region, which is characterized by high air temperatures and a significant deficit of soil moisture. Accessions were sewn by hand in two-meter rows, the control nursery – by a breeding seeder „Klen-1.5C”. During the growing season, the dates of emergence, the beginning and end of flowering, full ripening, resistance to disease and lodging were noted. In the laboratory, the estimated plants' height, the number of the first and second-order branches, the number of beans and seeds per plant, and the mass of seeds per plant were evaluated in the collected cultivars. Results. Based on a three-year study, significant genetic variability in the duration of the growing season and its phases, elements of productivity, resistance to lodging and disease were identified. The most effective forms that come from different countries had been described. Attention is paid to the Canadian gene pool of lentil, which was distinguished by high seed productivity, drought resistance, increased attachment of the lower beans from the soil surface. The results of competitive variety testing of the best forms are given, which testify to the significant prospect of lentil in the steppe zone. Conclusions. Among the 290 foreign accessions of lentil, sources with a set of economically valuable traits were identified. We recommend to use them as parental forms for creating a new breeding material.