Predicting transgressive segregants in early generation using single seed descent method-derived micro-macrosperma genepool of lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus)

In a self-fertilised crop like lentil, the identification of transgressive segregants for economically important trait such as seed yield is an important aspect of any practical breeding programme. The prediction of expected transgressive segregants in F1 generation obtained as a ratio of additive genic effect [d] and additive variance (D) i.e. [d]/√D was studied in 28 crosses of lentil generated in a diallel fashion involving four parents each of macrosperma (exotic) and microsperma (Indian) types, respectively, resulting in three hybridization groups. The seed material advanced to F2, F3 and F4 generations through single seed descent method was evaluated to determine the observed transgressive segregants for seed yield/plant. The observed frequency of crosses showing more than 20% transgressive segregants in F2 to F4 generations were exhibited in 9(32%) crosses, of which 7(77%) crosses were of macrosperma × microsperma type. Genotypes Precoz and HPL-5 of the exotic group (macrosperma) produced maximum number of transgressive segregants with the genotypes L-259, L-4145 and PL-406 of the Indian origin (microsperma). Goodness of fit (non-significant χ2 value) in F2 generation was observed for 19(68%) crosses of the total genepool, out of which 9(56%) crosses each in F3 and F4 generation belonged to the macrosperma × microsperma group, depicting it as the gene pool of paramount importance to obtain maximum transgressive segregants, therefore establishing the efficacy of the method used.