Characterization of some morpho-physiological responses, seed chemical composition and grain yield in Lentil varieties (Lens <i>culinaris Medik culinaris</i>) under irrigated and rainfed conditions

Abstract

In Algeria, pulses are rain crops and are drought prone during their breeding period, resulting in a loss of yield. To this end, four varieties of lentil are tested for the ir drought tolerance through bio stress indicators in a field trial during the 2016/2017 crop year. Plants are grown under rained and irrigated conditions (irrigation rainfall), from the " stage to the "filling of grains" stage. The results ind icated that drought stress significantly decreased the relative water content ( leaf surfaces ( and grain yield of all genotypes tested (The chemical composition of lentil seeds showed a reduction in starch content ( and an in crease in p rotein content ( Potassium ions and Sodium ions were present at the highest and lowest concentrations (747.91ppm 4.5ppm) in rainfall conditions, respectively, while Ca++, PO4 and Mg++ concentrations were not affected by drought. In c onclusion, the emphasis on bio indicators of water stress tolerance at the reproductive period is of great importance in minimizing grain yield losses and the quality of seeds.