Inheritance of qualitative and quantitative traits in interspecific crosses of lentil

Abstract

A study was conducted to study mode of inheritance of qualitative and quantitative traits in six inter sub-specific crosses (Lens culinaris × Lens culinaris ssp. orientalis). The results showed monogenic inheritance for leaf pigmentation, leaf pubescence, seed cotyledon color and digenic inheritance for tendril formation and seedling stem pigmentation. A wide range of genetic variability was observed agronomically important quantitative traits in inter sub-specific crosses. Further, transgressive segregants were also identified in the progeny of each wide cross for the studied traits. The moderate (52.5%) to high heritability (97.5%) observed for quantitatively inherited traits suggests the effectiveness of selection for these traits in segregating and later generations. These findings indicate that Lens culinaris ssp. orientalis can be used for making genetic improvement for yield contributing traits in lentil.