DUS Characterization in Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) using Morphological Descriptors

DUS (Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability) characterization is a critical process in the identification and registration of new plant varieties, ensuring their uniqueness, consistency, and reproducibility. In lentil (Lens culinaris), the Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) characterization is vital in plant breeding, ensuring new varieties have unique, consistent, and stable traits. This characterization protects breeders' intellectual property, supports varietal registration, and aids in efficient crop improvement. The present study was carried out to characterize the twenty-eight lentil genotypes on the basis of thirteen DUS characters following the guidelines from Plant Protection of Varieties and Farmer’s Right Authority, GOI. The experimental material was planted in randomized block design (RBD) with three replications during Rabi 2022 and 2023. No variation was observed for two traits viz., flowering and leaf pubescence, whereas rest of the characters showed the variation in lentil genotypes. The cotyledon colour of four genotypes was yellow and remaining 24 genotypes showed orange cotyledon colour. Foliage intensity of green colour, leaflet size (length), Plant growth habit, flower colour, seed size and seed testa colour showed trimorphic variation while stem anthocyanin, Plant height, Pod anthocyanin colouration, Seed testa mottling and Cotyledon colour showed dimorphic variation. This study on lentil genotypes revealed significant genetic diversity in agro-morphological traits, supporting variety registration under the PPV & FR Act. The insights gained enrich lentil breeding programs, fostering advancements in trait selection, molecular breeding, and variety improvement.