OPTIMIZING LENTIL YIELD: THE ROLE OF GENETIC DIVERSITY AND MODERN BREEDING APPROACHES


 Sawrab Mia, Khairul Alam Bhuiyan Hamim, Tamim Hasan, Anurupa Chanda,Md. Ibne Zayed,Muhammad Sirajuddaula, Easir Arafat

DOI: 10.26480/bda.01.2025.10.19

ABSTRACT
Lentils (Lens culinaris Medik.) are a staple legume crop, essential for their nutritional value and role in sustainable agriculture. Despite their importance, lentil yields have been stagnant due to limited genetic diversity and suboptimal breeding strategies. This study delves into the critical role of genetic diversity and modern breeding approaches in optimizing lentil yield. Building upon comprehensive genetic analysis and innovative breeding techniques, we assessed the genetic variability of lentil accessions and their potential for yield improvement. In our research, we explored a diverse set of lentil germplasm, utilizing advanced molecular markers to evaluate genetic diversity. The study was conducted at Sardarpara village of Patgati in Tungipara upazila, Gopalganj, leveraging the region’s unique agro-ecological conditions. Our findings revealed substantial genetic diversity among the lentil accessions, suggesting a robust genetic base that can be exploited for breeding programs. The application of marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) emerged as highly effective strategies, enhancing yield traits and stress resilience.

The integration of traditional breeding methods with biotechnological tools, such as CRISPR-Cas9 and other gene-editing techniques, showcased significant improvements in yield and disease resistance. Notably, the breeding strategies employed in this study resulted in the development of high-yielding and resilient lentil varieties, which are better adapted to the local environmental conditions of Bangladesh. Furthermore, soil fertility and nutrient management, key components of sustainable agriculture, were carefully monitored throughout the study. Our results emphasize the importance of maintaining soil health through balanced nutrient management, which, when combined with genetic improvements, can lead to sustainable yield enhancements. The findings also underscore the critical role of genetic diversity in breeding programs, providing actionable insights for breeders and policymakers. By adopting these advanced breeding strategies and optimizing nutrient management practices, significant yield improvements in lentil cultivation can be realized. This not only contributes to food security but also supports sustainable agricultural practices. This research paves the way for future studies to further explore genetic resources and refine breeding techniques to meet the growing demand for lentils globally.

KEYWORDS
Yield improvement, Genetic diversity, Molecular markers, Gene-editing techniques