Seed vigour and field performance of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) under different irrigation treatments

The effect of seed vigour on field performance of lentil under different irrigation treatments was investigated in 2010 at the Research Farm of the University of Tabriz, Iran. A sub-sample of lentil seeds was kept as control or high vigour seed lot (V-1) and two other sub-samples with about 15% moisture content were artificially aged at 40 degrees C for 18 and 22 days (V-2 and V-3, respectively). So, three seed lots with different levels of vigour were provided. Laboratory vigour tests were carried out as CRD to determine mean germination time and seedling dry weight. However, the field experiment was arranged as split-plot based on ROB design with three replications. Irrigation treatments (I-1, I-2, I-3 and I-4: irrigation after 70, 100, 130 and 160 mm evaporation from class A pan, respectively) and seed lots (V-1, V-2 and V-3) were allocated to main and sub-plots, respectively. Mean time to germination and seedling emergence was increased with decreasing seed lot vigour. In contrast, seedling dry weight and emergence percentage were increased with increasing seed vigour. Increasing irrigation treatments and decreasing seed vigour led to significant reductions in ground cover, mainly due to poor stand establishment. Plants from high vigour seed lot produced the highest biological and grain yields per unit area. These plants also had the highest harvest index under all irrigation treatments, but the differences between V-2 and V-3 plants were more evident under limited irrigation conditions. It was concluded that cultivation of high vigour seeds can considerably improve field performance of lentil.