Lentil Cultivars Research Articles

Omics-Driven Strategies for Developing Saline-Smart Lentils: A Comprehensive Review

A number of consequences of climate change, notably salinity, put global food security at risk by impacting the development and production of lentils. Salinity-induced stress alters lentil genetics, resulting in severe developmental issues and eventual phenotypic damage. Lentils have evolved sophisticated signaling networks to combat salinity stress. Lentil genomics and transcriptomics have discovered key genes and pathways that play an important role in mitigating salinity stress. The development of saline-smart cultivars can be further revolutionized by implementing proteomics, metabolomics, miRNAomics, epigenomics, phenomics, ionomics, machine learning, and speed breeding approaches. All these cutting-edge approaches represent a viable path toward creating saline-tolerant lentil cultivars that can withstand climate change and meet the growing demand for high-quality food worldwide. The review emphasizes the gaps that must be filled for future food security in a changing climate while also highlighting the significant discoveries and insights made possible by omics and other state-of-the-art biotechnological techniques.

The History and Pedigree of Australian Lentil Cultivars

The History and Pedigree of Australian Lentil Cultivars

Genome-wide transcript expression analysis reveals major chickpea and lentil genes associated with plant branching.

The search for elite cultivars with better architecture has been a demand by farmers of the chickpea and lentil crops, which aims to systematize their mechanized planting and harvesting on a large scale. Therefore, the identification of genes associated with the regulation of the branching and architecture of these plants has currently gained great importance. Herein, this work aimed to gain insight into transcriptomic changes of two contrasting chickpea and lentil cultivars in terms of branching pattern (little versus highly branched cultivars). In addition, we aimed to identify candidate genes involved in the regulation of shoot branching that could be used as future targets for molecular breeding. The axillary and apical buds of chickpea cultivars Blanco lechoso and FLIP07-318C, and lentil cultivars Castellana and Campisi, considered as little and highly branched, respectively, were harvested. A total of 1,624 and 2,512 transcripts were identified as differentially expressed among different tissues and contrasting cultivars of chickpea and lentil, respectively. Several gene categories were significantly modulated such as cell cycle, DNA transcription, energy metabolism, hormonal biosynthesis and signaling, proteolysis, and vegetative development between apical and axillary tissues and contrasting cultivars of chickpea and lentil. Based on differential expression and branching-associated biological function, ten chickpea genes and seven lentil genes were considered the main players involved in differentially regulating the plant branching between contrasting cultivars. These collective data putatively revealed the general mechanism and high-effect genes associated with the regulation of branching in chickpea and lentil, which are potential targets for manipulation through genome editing and transgenesis aiming to improve plant architecture.

Investigating the effect of salinity stress on photosynthesis and physiological traits of different lentil cultivars and its relationship with molecular markers

Investigating the effect of salinity stress on photosynthesis and physiological traits of different lentil cultivars and its relationship with molecular markers

Phenotypic characterization of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) induced bigger pod (bp) with multiple seed mutant in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Lentils (Lens culinaris Medik.) is a protein- and nutrient-rich crop with limited genetic diversity and climate adaptability, making it ideal for mutation breeding research. Hence, in this study, we aimed to select and characterize distinct mutations in the flower and pod traits of lentil crops for enhanced yield and yield stability. In this study, healthy and viable lentil seeds were mutagenized using different concentrations of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) (0.10%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.0%). The mutagenized lentil populations were cultivated up to the third generation (M3) to identify stable mutations in the flower and pod structures with increasing plant height. The notably larger 'bigger pod’ (bp) mutant, characterized by its unusually large pods containing 6–7 seeds per pod, was meticulously studied and quantified for its morphological traits in subsequent generations. Morphological observations of the tall bp mutant revealed significant mutations induced by EMS (0.10%) treatment. The quantitative trait means and confidence intervals showed that the mutant and parent cultivar L-4076 exhibited considerable variation. Seed yield (g) and yield-related components, including pods per plant, pod length (cm), and seeds per pod, were significantly higher in the mutant. Seed yield exhibited a significant positive phenotypic correlation with pod length, followed by branches per plant, seeds per pod, plant height, and pods per plant. The novel bp mutant induced in the present study produced increased number of seeds per plant and ensured optimal resource utilization, thus possibly contributing to yield improvement and stability. Further, it also aided in understanding the genetic networks that control legume flower and pod architecture and in genomics-assisted breeding for the development of superior lentil cultivars.

Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Antioxidant Properties of Two Iranian Lentil Cultivars: A Comparative Study of Cooking and Germination Effects

Background: Lentils are one of the most important rainfed legumes in the world. They are an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. Methods: Proximate composition (moisture, total ash, total fat, protein, fiber, and carbohydrate), mineral content, antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50), and total phenolic compounds (TPC) were determined in the raw, germinated, and cooked samples of two cultivars of Iranian lentils. Results: Cooking and germination showed a significant effect on TPC, antioxidant activity, and minerals. The highest amount of phenolic compounds was obtained in raw black lentil, followed by raw green and germinated lentils. The black cultivar showed a higher quantity of K, Cu, Ca, and Zn and treatments decreased the concentrations of mineral elements in the investigated samples. Moreover, losses of the minerals in the cooked samples were higher than the germinated ones. Conclusions: Cooking and germination brought about a significant reduction in the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Meaningful reductions were also recognized in the mineral content during cooking and germination.

Applying a non-GMO breeding approach with an identified natural variation to reduce food allergen Len c3 in Lens culinaris seeds.

Lentils (Lens culinaris) are produced in diverse agroecological regions and are consumed as one of the most important food legumes worldwide. Lentils possess a nutritional profile from a human health perspective that is not only nutrient dense but also offers a better balance between protein and carbohydrates. However, lentil causes food allergy, which has been a significant concern due to increased consumption in parts of the world. Len c3, a non-specific lipid transfer protein (LTP), was identified as one of the allergens in lentil seeds. In this study, we identified an LTP gene Lcu.2RBY.4g013600 that encodes the lentil allergen Len c3. We then focused on gene screening from a collection of natural accessions to search for natural mutations of the Len c3 allergen-encoding gene. A natural lentil line M11 was identified with mutations at LcLTP3b and low accumulation of vicilin through genomic-assisted approaches. Furthermore, we generated a pool of lentil germplasms with LcLTP3b mutation background through crossing the identified lentil plant M11 with two lentil cultivars, CDC Redmoon and CDC Gold. These generated lentil hybrids can be used as a breeding resource targeting at reducing allergen risk in lentil consumption.

Light-Induced Antioxidant Phenolic Changes among the Sprouts of Lentil Cultivar.

Lentil is a leguminous crop with a high content of health-beneficial polyphenols. Lentil sprouts are popularly consumed in fresh vegetable markets, although their phytochemical qualities are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the accumulation of phenolics in lentil sprouts in response to photosynthetic and stress light qualities, including fluorescent light (FL), red LED (RL), blue LED (BL), ultraviolet A (UV-A), and ultraviolet B (UV-B). Three lentil cultivars, Lentil Green (LG), French Green (FG), and Lentil Red (LR), were used to evaluate sprouts grown under each light condition. The adequate light intensities for enhancing the antioxidant activity of lentil sprouts were found to be 11 W/m2 under photosynthetic lights (FL, RL, BL), and 1 W/m2 under stress lights (UV-A, UV-B). Subsequently, HPLC-ESI/Q-TOF MS analysis was conducted for the quantitative analysis of the individual phenolics that were accumulated in response to light quality. Four main phenolic compounds were identified: ferulic acid, tricetin, luteolin, and kaempferol. Notably, tricetin accumulation was significantly enhanced under BL across all three lentil cultivars examined. Furthermore, the study revealed that the other phenolic compounds were highly dependent on FL, BL, or UV-B exposure, exhibiting cultivar-specific variations. Additionally, the antioxidant activities of lentil extracts indicated that BL was most effective for LG and FG cultivars, whereas FL was most effective for enhancing antioxidant activity of LR cultivars as the sprouts grew.

An Explanatory Model of Red Lentil Seed Coat Colour to Manage Degradation in Quality during Storage

This study presents an explanatory biophysical model developed and validated to simulate seed coat colour traits including CIE L*, a*, and b* changes over time for stored lentil cultivars PBA Hallmark, PBA Hurricane, PBA Bolt, and PBA Jumbo2 under diverse storage conditions. The model showed robust performance for all cultivars, with R2 values ≥ 0.89 and RMSE values ≤ 0.0019 for all seed coat colour traits. Laboratory validation at 35 °C demonstrated a high agreement (Lin’s Concordance Correlation Coefficient, CCC ≥ 0.82) between simulated and observed values of all colour traits for PBA Jumbo2 and strong agreement (CCC ≥ 0.81) for PBA Hallmark in brightness (CIE L*) and redness (CIE a*), but not in yellowness (CIE b*). At 15 °C, both cultivars exhibited moderate to weak agreement between simulated and observed values of all colour traits (CCC ≤ 0.47), as very little change was recorded in the observed values over the 360 days of storage. Bulk storage system validation for PBA Hallmark showed moderate performance (CCC ≥ 0.46) between simulated and observed values of all colour traits. Modelling to simulate changes in seed coat colour traits of lentils over time will equip growers and traders to make informed managerial decisions when storing lentils for long periods.

Increasing diversity among Lens species for improving biological nitrogen fixation in lentil

AbstractExotic germplasm is a key resource for reintroducing genetic variability into cultivars. We evaluated 36 accessions from cultivated lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) and six related wild species inoculated with a commercial strain of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae under greenhouse conditions. The objective was to explore Lens species and/or accessions that can contribute higher biological nitrogen fixation ability to the lentil crop. A split plot design was used with either Rhizobium inoculation, added nitrogen (+N), or neither as the main plots, and accessions in subplots randomized in blocks. Two repeats of the experiment were evaluated at flowering for N fixation and nodulation characters, and two subsequent experiments, with a subset of 14 accessions, were evaluated at maturity for seed production, seed quality, and harvest index. Differences in phenotypic expression corresponded to specific accessions but not to any particular Lens species. CDC Greenstar had the highest N fixation among lentil cultivars and also had superior yield results compared to the added N treatment. When inoculated, wild accessions, including IG 72643 (Lens orientalis), displayed unique and multiple desirable characteristics compared to cultivars, including indeterminate nodulation, higher N translocation, stable yield compared to added N treatment, and exceptionally high protein concentration in seeds.

Identification and expression profile of the SMAX/SMXL family genes in chickpea and lentil provide important players of biotechnological interest involved in plant branching

Main conclusionSMAX/SMXL family genes were successfully identified and characterized in the chickpea and lentil and gene expression data revealed several genes associated with the modulation of plant branching and powerful targets for use in transgenesis and genome editing.Strigolactones (SL) play essential roles in plant growth, rooting, development, and branching, and are associated with plant resilience to abiotic and biotic stress conditions. Likewise, karrikins (KAR) are “plant smoke-derived molecules” that act in a hormonal signaling pathway similar to SL playing an important role in seed germination and hairy root elongation. The SMAX/SMXL family genes are part of these two signaling pathways, in addition to some of these members acting in a still little known SL- and KAR-independent signaling pathway. To date, the identification and functional characterization of the SMAX/SMXL family genes has not been performed in the chickpea and lentil. In this study, nine SMAX/SMXL genes were systematically identified and characterized in the chickpea and lentil, and their expression profiles were explored under different unstressless or different stress conditions. After a comprehensive in silico characterization of the genes, promoters, proteins, and protein-protein interaction network, the expression profile for each gene was determined using a meta-analysis from the RNAseq datasets and complemented with real-time PCR analysis. The expression profiles of the SMAX/SMXL family genes were very dynamic in different chickpea and lentil organs, with some genes assuming a tissue-specific expression pattern. In addition, these genes were significantly modulated by different stress conditions, indicating that SMAX/SMXL genes, although working in three distinct signaling pathways, can act to modulate plant resilience. Most CaSMAX/SMXL and partner genes such as CaTiE1 and CaLAP1, have a positive correlation with the plant branching level, while most LcSMAX/SMXL genes were less correlated with the plant branching level. The SMXL6, SMXL7, SMXL8, TiE1, LAP1, BES1, and BRC1 genes were highlighted as powerful targets for use in transgenesis and genome editing aiming to develop chickpea and lentil cultivars with improved architecture. Therefore, this study presented a detailed characterization of the SMAX/SMXL genes in the chickpea and lentil, and provided new insights for further studies focused on each SMAX/SMXL gene.

IDENTIFICATION OF LENS CULTIVARS IN MARKET BY MOLECULAR TOOLS: DNA BARCODING AND SSRs

Substitution of plant cultivars of high commercial value with a cheaper, lower quality one is a common fraud committed against consumers and producers. Since it is one of the most widely grown legumes, lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is suitable for such frauds. This study aimed to identify lentil cultivars which are registered and authorized in the market in Türkiye by using current molecular methods. For this purpose, 26 lentil cultivars were analyzed for 15 SSR markers and two DNA barcode regions (trnH-psbA and matK). A high allele diversity was observed by 12 scorable SSR markers, and the average number of alleles was determined to be 16. One of the important findings was the presence of “cultivar-specific alleles” that can be used to identify each cultivar in the lentil market in Türkiye. At least one “cultivar-specific allele” was obtained for each cultivar. The lentil cultivars were also analyzed by two DNA barcode regions as trnH-psbA and matK. While it was observed that the rate of the intra-species variation for the trnH-psbA region was low and 26 varieties were divided into 7 groups, higher rate was found for matK and samples were distributed into 14 groups. Nevertheless, it was observed that intra-species discrimination can be made more effective when both loci are used together and 26 species were distributed into 18 different groups. We expect that the results of this study, especially the cultivar-specific SSR alleles and DNA barcoding sequence data may be used routinely to identify production and packaged products that are commercially available in markets.

Waterlogging Response of Lentil Cultivars Grown in Greenhouse Throughout The Early Vegetative and Recovery Period

Under conditions of global climate change, the frequency of climate anomalies is predicted to increase. One of these issues is the problem of waterlogging in agricultural areas as a direct result of the unexpected and severe rainfall that has occurred over the last decades. In this study, the morphological responses to waterlogging stress and the recovery capacity of the lentil cultivars were investigated. A waterlogging stress study was conducted in small water pools with four different lentil varieties (Çağıl, Fırat 87, Kafkas and Kayı). Lentil cultivars were exposed to waterlogging stress for 7 and 14 days in the same greenhouse conditions. Measurements were taken at the end of 7 and 14 days of waterlogging (W-7 and W-14) and during the recovery period after flowering (R-7 and R-14). Lentil cultivars and plant traits were negatively affected by waterlogging stress applications (W-7 and W-14). According to the study, 14-day waterlogging had a greater impact on lentil cultivars than 7-day waterlogging. Total biomass measured after flowering at R-7 and R-14 waterlogging decreased by about 31.5% and 49.3%, respectively. Çağıl cultivar had a tolerance to waterlogging stress, but Kafkas cultivar was sensitive to waterlogging stress.

Malting-A method for modifying volatile composition of black, brown and green lentil seeds.

Technique of malting legume seeds is not currently widespread among scientists as well as industrial maltsters. However, this method of seed modification is successfully used by humankind for millennia to improve technological parameters, as well as change taste and aroma of various food products. Three lentil cultivars (black, brown and green) were malted (steeped, germinated for three various time periods and then kilned) to produce nine lentil malts. Malting had significant influence on the volatile composition of lentil seeds. Total concentration of volatiles in the green lentils increased and decreased in the case of black and brown lentils after malting procedure. However, most importantly, in every lentil cultivar the contribution of various groups of compounds (such as aldehydes, alcohols, terpenes or ketones) to the overall volatilome was changed due to the malting procedure.

Storage Temperature and Grain Moisture Effects on Market and End Use Properties of Red Lentil

Storing lentil is a strategy used by growers to manage price volatility. However, studies investigating the impact of storage conditions on the market and end use properties of lentil are limited. This study examined the effects of storage temperature (4, 15, 25, and 35 °C) and grain moisture (10 and 14%, w/w) on traits related to market (seed coat colour), viability (germination capacity), and end use properties (hydration capacity, milling efficiency, and cooking quality) in four red lentil cultivars (PBA Bolt, PBA Hallmark, PBA Hurricane, PBA Jumbo2) over 360 days. Storing lentil at 14% moisture content and 35 °C significantly (p = 0.05) darkened seed coat after 30 days, caused complete loss of viability within 180 days and reduced cooking quality (cooked firmness) after 120 days across all tested cultivars. Storing lentil at 10% moisture content and 35 °C reduced hydration capacity after 30 days, and milling efficiency after 120 days across all cultivars tested. PBA Jumbo2 exhibited a higher rate of degradation in hydration capacity and cooking quality, and a lower rate of degradation in the other traits studied. Storing lentil at ≤15 °C prevented degradation of all quality traits. These findings will support improved lentil storage protocols to maintain quality and improve economic outcomes for the pulse industry.

Modified Storage Atmosphere Prevents the Degradation of Key Grain Quality Traits in Lentil

Lentil seed coat colour influences market value, whilst germination is associated with crop establishment and hydration capacity with optimal processing outcomes. Storing lentil grain assists growers in managing price fluctuations; however, exposure to oxygen at higher temperatures during extended storage degrades seed coat colour, germination, and hydration capacity. Depleting oxygen prevents such degradation in other crops; however, studies in lentil are limited. This study examined the effects of oxygen-depleted modified atmospheres and temperatures on seed coat colour, germination, and hydration capacity in two red lentil cultivars, PBA Hallmark and PBA Jumbo2, stored for 360 days. Small volumes of lentil grain were placed in aluminium laminated bags filled with nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), or air and stored at either 15 or 35 °C. At 35 °C in an air atmosphere, the lentil’s seed coat significantly (p = 0.05) darkened after 30 days of storage, whereas germination and hydration capacities decreased after 60 days regardless of cultivar. In contrast, N2 and CO2 atmospheres maintained initial seed coat colour, germination, and hydration capacities in both cultivars throughout the study period regardless of temperature. Storing lentil grain in an oxygen-depleted modified atmosphere may assist to maximise returns to grower and maintain key quality traits.

Virulence Profiles and Genome-Wide Association Study for Ascochyta lentis Isolates Collected from Australian Lentil-Growing Regions.

Ascochyta lentis, the causal organism of Ascochyta blight (AB) of lentil (Lens culinaris), has been shown to produce an avirulence effector protein that mediates AB resistance in certain lentil cultivars. The two known forms of the effector protein were identified from a biparental mapping population between isolates that have reciprocal virulence on 'PBA Hurricane XT' and 'Nipper'. The effector AlAvr1-1 was described for the PBA Hurricane XT-avirulent isolate P94-24 and AlAvr1-2 characterized in the PBA Hurricane XT-virulent isolate AlKewell. Here, we performed a genome-wide association study to identify other loci associated with AB for a differential set of lentil cultivars from a diverse panel of isolates collected in the Australian lentil-growing regions from 2013 to 2020. The chromosome 3 AlAvr1 locus was strongly associated with the PBA Hurricane XT, 'Indianhead', and Nipper disease responses, but one other genomic region on chromosome 11 was also associated with the Nipper disease trait. Our results corroborate earlier work that identified the AlAvr1 locus for field-collected isolates that span the period before release and after widespread adoption of PBA Hurricane XT. A multiplex PCR assay was developed to differentiate the genes AlAvr1-1 and AlAvr1-2 to predict PBA Hurricane XT avirulence and pathotype designation in the diversity panel. Increasing numbers of the PBA Hurricane XT-virulent pathotype 2 isolates across that time indicate strong selection for isolates with the AlAvr1-2 allele. Furthermore, one other region of the A. lentis genome may contribute to the pathogen-host interaction for lentil AB.

Effects of PEG-Induced Drought Stress and Different Boron Levels on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth Characteristics in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

In the present study, the drought tolerance potential of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) and lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) seeds under different boron (B) levels were assessed. One chickpea (Azkan) and one lentil cultivar (Sahan) were selected for the genetic material. To provide drought condition, different level of polyethylene glycol solution (PEG 6000) was applied to seeds. Germination experiments were performed under PEG-induced stress to create water potentials of 0 (control), -2, and -4 MPa. Then, boron was applied as H3BO3 at 0 (control), 5, and 10 mM. The effects of these abiotic stresses were determined with the measurement parameters of germination rate and root traits. Drought stress adversely affected germination rate and seedling growth characteristics in chickpea and lentil. Especially, seed germination rate is extremely reduced by increased levels of drought stress. An increase in PEG levels from 0 to -4 MPa drastically decreased root and shoot width, and shoot length in chickpea whereas they did not generate a significant difference in seedling growth traits except for root width in lentil. Additionally, the results showed that increasing B treatments decreased the germination rate in both chickpea and lentil. The low concentration of B (5 mM) increased root and shoot length; however, a remarkable decrease was observed in root and shoot growth traits at the highest concentration of B (10 mM). The overall findings show that germination and seedling growth parameters were greatly inhibited by different concentrations of PEG and > 10 mM B levels for chickpea and lentil production.

Strategies for identifying stable lentil cultivars (Lens culinaris Medik) for combating hidden hunger, malnourishment, and climate variability.

Iron and zinc malnutrition is a global humanitarian concern that mostly affects newborns, children, and women in low- and middle-income countries where plant-based diets are regularly consumed. This kind of malnutrition has the potential to result in a number of immediate and long-term implications, including stunted growth, an elevated risk of infectious diseases, and poor development, all of which may ultimately cause children to not develop to the fullest extent possible. A determination of the contributions from genotype, environment, and genotype by environment interactions is necessary for the production of nutrient-dense lentil varieties that offer greater availability of iron and zinc with a high level of trait stability. Understanding the genotype and environmental parameters that affect G x E (Genotype x Environment) interactions is essential for plant breeding. We used GGE(Genotype, Genotype x Environment interactions) and AMMI (Additive Main effects and Multiplicative Interaction) models to study genetic stability and GE(Genotype x Environment interactions) for grain Fe, Zn, Al, and anti-nutritional factors like phytic acid content in sixteen commercially produced lentil cultivars over several different six geographical locations across India. Significant genetic variability was evident in the Fe and Zn levels of different genotypes of lentils. The amounts of grain iron, zinc, and phytic acid varied from 114.10 to 49.90 mg/kg, 74.62 to 21.90 mg/kg, and 0.76 to 2.84 g/100g (dw) respectively. The environment and GE (Genotype x Environment interactions) had an impact on the concentration of grain Fe, Zn, and phytic acid (PA). Heritability estimations ranged from low to high (53.18% to 99.48%). The study indicated strong correlation between the contents of Fe and Zn, a strategy for simultaneously increasing Fe and Zn in lentils may be recommended. In addition, our research revealed that the stable and ideal lentil varieties L4076 (Pusa Shivalik) for Fe concentration and L4717 (Pusa Ageti) for Zn content, which have lower phytic acid contents, will not only play an essential role as stable donors in the lentil bio-fortification but will also enable the expansion of the growing area of bio-fortified crops for the security of health and nutrition.

Evaluation of Lentil Genotypes in Different Sowing Windows in the New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal

Background: Being a cool season crop, lentil is very sensitive to temperature during its growth stages. It is found that delayed harvest of the preceding crop which is most frequently rice causes the majority of the country’s lentil sowings to be postponed in India. As a result, the late-sown crop suffers during the seed-filling stage due to the rising high temperatures in most of its cultivated areas and results in lower yield. Therefore, there is a need to work out the optimum sowing time for realizing maximum yield potential as well as the selection of varieties suitable for normal as well as late sown condition of the crop. Methods: A field experiment was carried out in the new alluvial zone of West Bengal at the District Seed Farm of BCKV, Kalyani during the two subsequent rabi seasons (November-March) of 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to examine the difference in yield between normal and late seeding conditions for various lentil cultivars. There were a total of ten genotypes evaluated, with each one being planted at one of two different times (15th Nov and 30th Nov). Result: The experimental findings revealed that lentil sown on 15th November recorded higher seed yield (2.34 t ha-1) compared to 30th November sown crop (1.63 t ha-1). Among the ten varieties, unreleased genotype C23E21 recorded the highest seed yield (2.25 t ha-1), followed by ILL 10802 (2.25 t ha-1). According to the results of this study, delaying the sowing window from the middle to the end of November can reduce yields by as much as 27.77%. Therefore, it is prudent to encourage the lentil farmers in the new alluvial zone region of West Bengal to sow their crops no later than the 15th of November of the Rabi season, to prevent a drop in production.