Variation in Seedling Quality Attributes of Lentil (Lens <i>culinaris</i> Medik.) After Harvested Under Different Sowing Dates

Planting dates are the most important components for Lentil seedling growth and development. Seeds planted in diverse environmental situations lead to changes in various seedling development and the final output of the yield. The present study, aimed to assess the effect of different planting (sowing) dates harvested seeds on the physiological properties of nineteen (19) lentil genotypes. Lentil was growing during two consecutive planting days on average the normal (main) 17/08/2021 and lately 16/09/2021, then harvested seed extract after five months of storage, planted CRD with two factorial designs and three replications under laboratory condition within a white plastic container filled with autoclaved 3.0kg sand applying 100ml distilled water. The lentil was grown per standard, and the lentil's postharvest physiological quality parameters were evaluated. Results indicated that the lowest speed of germination index was obtained during late planting time or stress situations on the genotype Adda (8.78) and ILL-1760 (8.94). Seedling length is the seedling vigor criterion and is statistically significantly different between planting dates at 1%. The effect of planting day on seedling fresh weight was significantly different (p < 0.01) on genotype Beredu (0.0022) on the main planting day. The seed viability on vigor index (II) as shown in was affected by planting date (p < 0.01) and genotypes (p < 0.01). The heritability value of shoot length, root length, and seedling fresh weight equal zero was the variation due to environmental it had no genetic effect after five months of storage both main and late planting. The seedling vigor index, fresh and dry weight traits maximum on the main planting day on the genotype Beredu indicates 0.0445, 0.00218, and 0.00045 respectively. Seeds from the main planting day had the best seedling traits performance and recorded minimal germination time compared to late planting seeds. Lentil seeds planted lately finally recorded lower seedling fresh and dry weight, vigor, and speed of germination index as compared to those harvested lentil seeds in main planting dates. As a result, when there is adequate rainfall necessary for lentil growth, development, and final output.