Comprehensive evaluation of large-seeded lentil (Lens culinaris Medik. L.) germplasm for ecological plasticity, stability, and stress tolerance under the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan

Abstract

Background and Aim. Increasing climate instability in the dry-steppe zone of Northern Kazakhstan necessitates the development of lentil cultivars combining high productivity with adaptability to contrasting hydrothermal conditions. The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of large-seeded lentil (Lens culinaris Medik. L.) germplasm based on yield performance, ecological plasticity, stability, and stress tolerance in order to identify valuable breeding material.

Materials and methods. The study was conducted during 2021–2025 and included a comprehensive assessment of 38 large-seeded lentil accessions grown on southern carbonate chernozem soils of Northern Kazakhstan under pronounced interannual variability of weather conditions. Adaptive parameters were evaluated using regression analysis according to the Eberhart–Russell methodology and by calculating stress indices (STI, TOL). Statistical data processing was performed using standard methods.

Results. All selected accessions exceeded the standard cultivar Shyraily by 24.3–60.3% in terms of the selection index. Highly plastic intensive-type accessions (K-2721, K-2706) and stable genotypes (Centinela, K-2717, E-140) were identified, demonstrating stable realization of yield potential under contrasting moisture conditions. Analysis of coefficients of determination revealed that the number of seeds per plant is the key predictor of yield, accounting for 33.64% of yield variation.

Conclusion. The obtained results substantiate the feasibility of targeted selection of adaptive lentil genotypes for breeding programs aimed at developing cultivars with high yield potential and resistance to abiotic stresses under the conditions of Northern Kazakhstan.

Keywords: lentil, adaptability, plasticity, stability, stress tolerance, yield.