Wild lentils

Wild lentils are potential genetic resources for the cultivated lentil, Lens culinaris ssp. culinaris. Their actual value for crop improvement depends on their genetic relationships with the cultigen and their diversity for traits of economic importance. The current view on Lens taxonomy and the latest information on geographic distribution and ecology of the wild taxa are reviewed. The latter is essential for successful collection of wild lentils in their natural habitats. Intraspecific variation is extensively reviewed and evidence for cryptic speciation has been indicated. Crossability potential divides the genus into two groups: L. culinaris — L. odemensis and L. ervoides — L. nigricans. Crosses between members of different group fail because of hybrid embryo abortion. Using embryo culture, viable hybrids can be obtained between L. ervoides and members of the other group. Of the wild lentils, the putative ancestor of the cultigen, L. culinaris ssp. orientalis, is a member of the crop's primary gene pool, whereas L. odemensis and L. ervoides constitute the secondary gene pool. Morphological, physiological, and genetic attributes of ssp. orientalis have been used to assess the process of lentil domestication. It has been pointed out that elimination of seed dormancy was a necessary step for successful lentil cultivation, and that the dormancy-free type probably evolved in wild stands by the aid of selection pressure exerted by man.