Seed Coat Color Stability and its Genetic Associations in Green Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.)

Title

Seed Coat Color Stability and its Genetic Associations in Green Lentil (<em>Lens</em> culinaris Medik.)

Publication Type
Journal Article
Volume
66
Publication Year
2026
Issue
3
Page Numbers
e70278
Journal Abbreviation
Crop Science
Publication Date
24 April 2026
Unique Local Identifier

Remenda, M.D., Stonehouse R., Bett, K.E. 2026. Seed Coat Color Stability and its Genetic Associations in Green Lentil (<em>Lens</em> culinaris Medik.) https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/csc2.70278.

Citation

Remenda, M.D., Stonehouse R., Bett, K.E. 2026. Seed Coat Color Stability and its Genetic Associations in Green Lentil (<em>Lens</em> culinaris Medik.) https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/csc2.70278.

Authors

Matt D. Remenda, Robert Stonehouse, Kirstin E. Bett

Abstract

Green lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is typically consumed whole; consequently, the color of the seed coat is an important factor in determining its market value. However, green seed coat color is not stable and tends to deteriorate toward dark brown over time. This reduces the desirability of the lentil seed and results in a lower market value. The purpose of this project was to generate information to assist breeders in developing strategies for improving seed coat color stability in green lentil. The population used in this study (LR-06) consists of 160 recombinant inbred lentil lines and was grown in three replications, in two locations, during the summers of 2019, 2021, and 2022. Approximately 200 individual seeds from each plot were imaged using a high-throughput imaging device at different time points, post-harvest. Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) L*a*b* scores were extracted from images using BELT's accompanying software, PhenoSEED. Mixed linear models were used to evaluate the predictability of seed coat color quality following aging based on the initial screenings. The results of this study provide evidence that lentil seed coat color quality following aging is predictable based on these initial screenings. Genotyping was performed using a legume single nucleotide polymorphism chip, and the genotypic data, combined with CIE L*a*b* scores, were used to perform quantitative trait locus analysis. The results of this analysis provide evidence that seed coat color quality is genetic and specific regions of the genome can be targeted during selection.