DETERMINATION OF ANCESTRAL RELATIONSHIP TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF ADVANCED BREEDING LINES OF LENTIL (LENS CULINARIS MEDIK) VARIETIES IN INDIA

Pedigree analysis was performed to assess the ancestral contribution of 58 varieties of lentil released in India and were traced back to 47 ancestors. The relative genetic contribution (RGC) from ancestors was also computed. Ludhiana local, a selection from local collection of Punjab was most frequently used parent followed by Bihar local, P 495, P 230, Precoz etc. On the pedigrees of 369 lentil advanced breeding lines (172 small seeded and 197 large seeded types) were tested in initial varietal trial on MULLaRP. They were traced back to 106 ancestors of small seeded and 98 of large seeded types. The mean genetic contribution of these ancestors revealed that Ludhiana local contributed maximum to the genetic base in small seeded entries of initial varietal trial followed by Bihar local, Precoz, Sehore 74-3 and P 495. Similarly, among large seeded types, Precoz contributed maximum followed by Ludhiana local, Sehore 74-3, P 230 and Bihar local. Extensive and repetitive use of superior genotypes with common ancestors explained why the genetic base of released varieties is narrow and the integration of new germplasm is of great importance for broadening the genetic base of released varieties of lentil.