• Lentils
• University of Saskatchewan

Objective

To increase productivity and quality of Canadian lentils by widening the genetic base of the breeding program through effective use of un-adapted lentil germplasm and crop wild relatives.

Outcome

In this project, we characterized the genetic variability available within the primary and secondary gene pools of genus Lens through genotyping and phenotyping. The information was used to determine the genetic basis of the contrasting adaptation characteristics of lentils from the three main growing regions. Breeder-friendly markers for tracking response to photoperiod, temperature and light quality were generated and resources and tools to allow breeders to better use exotic germplasm and wild relatives while reducing any negative impacts to adaptation, were developed. The systematic study of symbiont diversity and their interaction with lentil germplasm allows for a better understanding of ways to improve nitrogen fixation in lentils. Our GE3LS research identified factors that may influence producer decision making processes and propose a strategy for effective communication and knowledge exchange/transfer, which will encourage sustainable and profitable production of lentils in Canada. Results from AGILE have allowed us to develop a more thorough understanding of lentil and its wild relatives. Resources developed by this project will improve the agility of the lentil breeding program by introducing genetic diversity with greater precision and speed up the breeding cycle.

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