ARS | Publication request: APPLICATION OF BIOTECHNOLOGY IN BREEDING LENTIL FOR RESISTANCE TO BIOTIC AND ABIOTIC STRESS.

Submitted to: Euphytica
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: January 31, 2006
Publication Date: January 31, 2006
Citation: Muehlbauer, F.J., Cho, S., Sarker, A., Mcphee, K.E., Coyne, C.J., Rajesh, P., Ford, R. 2006. Application of biotechnology in breeding lentil for resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. Euphytica 147: 149-165.

Interpretive Summary: Biotechnological approaches to crop improvement have great potential for lentils. In this paper we review the emerging biotechnological procedures including gene mapping, marker assisted selection, array technology, reverse genetics and TILLING and genetic modification. We also review the traits where these procedures can be applied to improve the lentil crop. Included are the biotic stresses (diseases and insects) that affect lentil crops. We review diseases stresses such as Ascochyta blight, Anthracnose, Fusarium wilt, Sclerotinia white mold, mildew, and certain viruses. Insects reviewed include aphids and bruchids. The review is intended for use by scientists and students working toward improving lentil germplasm and crop productivity.

Technical Abstract: Lentil is a self-pollinating diploid (2n=14 chromosomes) annual cool season legume crop that is produced throughout the world and is highly valued as a high protein food. Progress has been made in mapping the lentil genome and several genetic maps are available; however, development of a consensus map is still needed. Also, increased marker density, particularly with the addition of co-dominant markers, is needed on the genetic linkage map in order to be more useful in providing closely linked markers for use in marker-assisted selection. Molecular breeding of lentil for disease resistance genes is underway but is rather restricted to well-supported programs in developed countries. Comparative genomics and synteny analyses with closely related legumes promises to further advance the knowledge of the lentil genome and provide lentil breeders with additional genes and markers that can be used for crop improvement. Genomic tools such as macro and micro arrays, reverse genetics and genetic transformation are all available for use in lentil. These and other biotechnological tools are discussed in this review.