The influence of different intensities of chalky spot damage on seed germination, grain yield and economic returns of red lentil

Abstract

Chalky spot damage caused by Dolycoris baccarum (L.) and Piezodorus lituratus (F.) causes significant losses to productivity and marketing lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) in southeastern Anatolia region, Turkey. The chalky spot-damaged grains attract lower price in the market, which decreases productivity. Limited is known about the influence of varying intensities of chalky spot damage on seed germination, productivity and economic returns of lentil in the region. The current study was conducted to assess the influence of varying intensities of chalky spot damage, on seed germination, yield and economic returns of lentil in laboratory and field. Seeds of different lentil cultivars (5 for laboratory and 2 for field studies) were sorted to get 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% damaged seeds with chalky spot. The data relating to grain weight, reduction and percent reduction in 1000-grain weight were collected. Seed germination of Altintoprak, Cagil, Firat-87, Seyran and Tigris with varying chalky spot damage intensities was inferred in laboratory, whereas seed germination and yield of Cagil and Tigris cultivars was observed under field conditions. The 1000-grain weight, seed germination percentage under laboratory and field conditions, grain yield and gross income were linearly decreased with increasing intensity of chalky spot damage. The cultivar Cagil observed lower reduction in grain yield and gross income compared to Tigris cultivar. It is recommended that non-damaged, certified seeds should be sown in the region to get higher grain yield and economic returns of lentil.