Agronomy

Any improvement in agricultural systems that results higher production aimed to reduce negative environmental impacts and enhance sustainability plant growth regulators (PGRs) such as gibberellin have similar physiological and biological effects to those of plant hormones, and therefore used widely in agriculture to minimize unwanted shoot growth without lowering plant productivity. An experimental field was conducted at Giza Experimental Station Egypt, on sugar beet plants (Beta vulgaris L. var. Sara poly) with some plant growth regulators (gibberellin and proline) foliar application at three rates of zero (control), 100 and 200 mg l-1 and boron sources (Boric acid and B-NPs) with 75% of macro-nutrients from full dose. The main target of this study to evaluate another plant growth regulator source like proline which is safer than gibberellin for maximizing sugar beet biological parameters to reduce the gap between sugar consumption and production in presence of boron sources. Data showed that the foliar applications of gibberellin (GA3) at rate 100 mg l-1 and proline at 200 mg l-1 were found to be the more effective without significant differences for plant growth, productivity and quality may be due to increased N use efficiency, especially at sub-optimal macro nutrient fertilizers. Regard to boron sources, B-NPs had positive effect on all biological parameters under study due to sugar transport, cell membrane synthesis, nitrogen fixation, respiration, carbohydrate metabolisms, root growth, functional characteristics and development.

Lentils are a good source of essential minerals for the proper functioning of the human body. We evaluated 34 cultivars and elite lentil lines representing the breadth of the Canadian breeding program. Trials were established in 10 site-years across Saskatchewan Province. Concentrations of 27 minerals were quantified with an inductive coupled argon plasma emission spectrometer in whole and dehulled lentil seeds. Li, V, Cr, Co, As, Ag, Cd, Sn, La, Hg, and Pb had concentrations below the quantification limit and were excluded from further analysis. The effects of site year, tissue type (whole and dehulled), and lentil genotypes were analyzed using a mixed model. Mineral concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, B, and Ba were stable across site years. Na, Zn, P, Cu, Se, and Mo had similar concentrations in whole and dehulled seeds. Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, B, Al, and Ba were more concentrated in whole seeds, while K, S, and Ni were higher in dehulled seeds. Several lentil genotypes had outstanding concentrations of several minerals. Lentil genotypes with a higher composition of several minerals could be a starting point for enhancing mineral composition in lentils.

Field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.), is a new oilseed winter annual crop being investigated as a source of biofuel in the United States. The purpose of this study is to assess long term survivability and dormancy of both wild-type pennycress and gene-edited golden pennycress seed. Seeds from one wild type and three gene-edited golden types that carried an edit to TT8 gene were buried at 2 cm and 15 cm depths under well-drained and poorly-drained field conditions. The seeds were exhumed at 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after burial and germinated to determine the viability of the seed over time. All golden seeded gene-edited lines decreased to 0% germination by 6 months while the wild black seeded variety ARV1 retained almost 60% germination after 2 years. A significant difference was seen in the ARV1 survival in the well- drained field but not in the poorly-drained field. However, there was no significant difference in seed viability for burial depth in the well-drained field but there was significant difference for burial depth in the poorly-drained field. These results indicate that gold seeded varieties carrying the edit to TT8 through gene-editing have dramatically decreased the survivability of the seed in the seedbank. Reduced survivability will greatly assist in the adoption of golden pennycress as a new viable off-season crop in the Midwest without concerns of adding to the seedbank or serving as weed pressure in primary crops.

Eucalyptus is a commonly planted tree in North India and its cultivation area is increasing. Leaves of Eucalyptus are used for tea which has healing properties and many other economic uses. Silicon is the second most abundant element in the earths crust next to oxygen. Silicon (Si) can improve photosynthesis, decrease transpiration, increase water use efficiency and provide resistance against biotic and abiotic stress. The clear information was not available regarding Silicon nourishment in tree species like Eucalyptus. Although a positive in plant development and overall dry matter production was noticed in Eucalyptus with Si application. The amount of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were inclined leaf whereas Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) content was not affected by Si application potassium silicate (K2SiO3). Finally results revealed that upon Si application significant increase in the leaf mineral content in almost all genotypes was recorded. Correlation studies revealed that leaf N and P were highly and significantly correlated with leaf copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) content, leaf Mg and leaf Cu were positively and significantly correlated with leaf N, manganese (Mn) and Fe content, leaf Mn and Fe content were highly and significantly correlated with leaf N, Mg and Cu content. To our detailed knowledge this is the first ever study conducted in Eucalyptus. Here the influence of potassium silicate on popular North Indian cultivars leaf mineral content Nevertheless, more studies are required to analyze the effect of Si application in tree species like Eucalyptus.

BackgroundMine tailings contain rare earth elements, including lanthanum and cerium, and plant micronutrients including iron. Previous studies have demonstrated that fertilizers containing rare earth elements and/or micronutrients can influence plant physiology, nutrient uptake and crop yield. However, applying the right dose of these fertilizers is critical since the concentration range associated with benefits is often narrow, and overapplication can lead to crop yield reductions. This study aimed to quantify the effects of a water-soluble fertilizer, REAP, on the yield of greenhouse crops. MethodsIn the first experiment, the effects of three concentrations of REAP (100, 250 or 500 ppm) were compared to a control (0 ppm REAP) on growth of lettuce, tomato and pepper growing in soilless media. In the second experiments, the effects of REAP applied at higher rates (500, 1000 and 2000 ppm) were compared to a control (0 ppm REAP) on the growth of lettuce, peppers, tomato and cantaloupe. ResultsIn the first experiment, there were no significant differences in yield between treatments, REAP appeared to promote root development. In the second experiment, there were significant yield increases for all crops treated with REAP. Gas exchange rates and nutrient concentration of tomato plants receiving REAP were not significantly different from the control. These results demonstrated that nutrient elements in REAP, including lanthanum, cerium, and micronutrients, improved the growth and yield of vegetable crops when applied at rates ranging from 500 to 2000 ppm.

Guava is a small, tropical fruit tree grown in various tropical and subtropical regions. Salicylic acid (SA) is a phenolic compound that enhances disease resistance and delays the fruit ripening process. Calcium is an essential cell component that delays ripening, particularly softening of the fruit. The effect of foliar spray of CaCl2, and SA, on the physical and biochemical traits of guava was investigated in the present investigation. The application of CaCl2 2% + SA 2mM was more effective as compared with both when applied alone. The data were recorded on fruit set (%), fruit weight (g), fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (cm), fruit yield (kg), ripening period (days), TSS, acidity, total sugar, ascorbic acid, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium. CaCl2 2% + SA 2mM was showed better performance in all cases, followed by SA 2mM and CaCl2 2%. Overall, this work determines the influence on guava's essential traits by pre-harvest calcium chloride and salicylic acid.

Rumex spp. is most dominating broad-leaf weed of wheat crop. Complaints of poor efficacy of different herbicides against Rumex spp. have reported recently from different locations of Haryana state. Therefore, the present study was carried out under completely randomised design, replicated thrice, using three different herbicides namely carfentrazone + metsulfuron, sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron and halauxifen as treatments applied with three doses against four populations of Rumex spp. Plant height, chlorophyll fluorescence, electrical conductivity, mortality percentage and dry weight were recorded as observations. Results indicated that most of the Rumex biotypes were found resistant against sulfosulfuron + metsulfuron application. Majority of biotypes were moderately controlled by the application of halauxifen. Carfentrazone + metsulfuron effectively controlled the Rumex spp. and provided 70-90 % control to all biotypes at double of the recommended dose. As per results of this study, carfentrazone + metsulfuron can be recommended for control of Rumex spp. in wheat.

Two year field experiment was conducted at Rajasthan Agriculture Research Institute, Durgapura, during rainy seasons of 2019 and 2020 in factorial block design with three replications to study the growth, productivity and economics of pearl millet - chickpea cropping system by using three genotypes (RHB-173, MPMH-17 and RHB-177) and five treatments of zinc [0, 5, 7.5 kg Zn/ha through ZnSO4.7H2O and 5, 7.5 kg Zn/ha through Zn-EDTA) applied to pearl millet and two foliar spray treatments applied in both of crop at booting stage in pearl millet and pre-flowering stage in chickpea. Results revealed that total nitrogen and zinc contents of chickpea were increased significantly and highest with the residual effect of 7.5 kg Zn/ha through Zn-EDTA and 7.5 kg Zn/ha through ZnSO4.7H2O and phosphorus contents of chickpea was recorded depressive effect on residual zinc fertilization, while, potassium contents was not influenced significantly. However, the significant increase in uptake of nutrients nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and zinc were obtained with 7.5 kg Zn/ha through Zn-EDTA higher per cent over control, during the years 2019-20 and 2020-21. The highest nitrogen, protein content and zinc contents and uptake values were obtained with 5, 7.5 kg Zn/ha through Zn-EDTA. The residual effect of 7.5 kg Zn/ha through Zn-EDTA was at par with 7.5 kg Zn/ha through ZnSO4.7H2O. The increased in total uptake of nitrogen, it could be ultimately increased protein yield were 16.54 and 27.48 per cent, during respective years over control. The highest nutrient use efficiency was obtain with lowest of fertilizer dose of Zn-EDTA as compare to zinc sulphate.

Cover cropping is considered a valuable tool for integrated weed management. However, weed suppression by cover crops can be inconsistent. We hypothesized that a native cover crop species may have greater capacity to suppress weeds than an introduced species owing to adaptive advantages. A study was conducted from 2020 to 2022 in a newly-established Autumn King tablegrape vineyard in Parlier, CA. Two cover crop treatments, a native plant species, phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia), or an introduced species, rye (Secale cereale L. Merced), were compared to a no cover crop, herbicide-managed control for impacts on weed control. Cover crops were sown in 2019 in the center 1.8 m of the 3.6 m space between the grapevine rows. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. Percent cover, weed density, and weed biomass in different seasons were assessed in the inter-row spaces and the vine rows. Soil samples were collected in 2021 from the grape row and interrow spaces to assess the weed seedbank. After the cover crops were terminated, percent weed cover was lower in the interrow of the phacelia compared to the no cover crop plots at two sampling times. When cover crops were actively growing (winter/spring), phacelia plots had a 7-fold higher cover crop to weed biomass ratio compared to that of the rye plots, thus indicating greater weed suppression. However, weed seedling emergence from the seedbank samples of the cover crop plots were 2- to 4-fold greater (in the phacelia and rye, respectively) than from the no cover crop plots. In summary, phacelia suppressed weeds more than rye; however, they both resulted in a bigger weed seedbank size compared to the herbicide-managed no cover crop plots, so additional management practices will be needed for long term weed management with cover crops in vineyards.

Teff is an Ethiopean cereal that has the potential for increased global production. However, as a very small-seeded grain, it experiences high levels of post-harvest loss. As ethylene is reported to have a negative effect on grain size, this study sought to test whether 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), an ethylene action inhibitor, is a suitable molecule to improve grain size of teff as well as to determine the optimum application time and concentration. The 1-MCP treatment was evaluated on well-watered plants as well as plants subjected to moderate water stress, with the stress treatment imposed one week before the expected flowering date. Application of 1 PPM 1-MCP to individual panicles improved grain size and thousand-grain weight (TGW) by 22% and 29% under moderate water stress and 10% and 16% under well-watered conditions, respectively. It also increased yield per panicle. However, when applied to whole plants it was not effective, due to the extended flowering time of teff and differing responses of panicles at different developmental stages. These observations suggest that genetic modification leading to lower production of endogenous ethylene could benefit grain size in teff. However, 1-MCP treatment is unlikely to be effective in the field.

ContextCold plasma is an ionised gas composed of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, with demonstrated potential for improving wheat seed vigour. AimTo assess wheat seed vigour and grain quality after Blown-Arc plasma treatment. MethodsWheat seeds were treated with Blown-Arc plasma for 60 or 180 s from a distance of 21 cm in a closed environment to assess in vitro germination, seed quality, seedling emergence, and crop yield in the field. Key ResultsSeeds treated with Blown-Arc plasma showed significantly faster initial in vitro germination (day 4), although total germination by day 8 was similar to untreated controls. In the field, the treated seed showed no significant difference in seedling emergence in 2020, but in 2021 seed treated for 180 s produced a significantly lower number of seedlings, possibly due to differences in the soil microbial environment. The wheat grown from 180 s Blown-Arc plasma-treated seed produced more heads per plant; however, overall yield was unchanged. The treatment had no adverse effect on grain quality parameters, all remaining within acceptable Australian standards. ConclusionsBlown-Arc plasma did not alter seedling emergence, yield, or grain quality properties of the crop produced from treated wheat seeds. ImplicationsBlown-arc plasma is a safe treatment that can potentially increase wheat seed germination without affecting grain quality or yield. Faster germination of seeds when sown under adequate moisture may promote healthy root systems and plant growth. Further research is needed to determine how these benefits translate under variable field conditions in Australian wheat-growing regions.

Ranking test entries or test sites on a quality basis is very difficult in wheat as value addition is perceived by several grain properties and end-products. Here, a novel approach has been developed and tested by deriving wheat quality index based on principal component analysis of 13 physico-chemical grain parameters and 3 end products of 45 wheat varieties. Depending upon the observed index range (0.15 to 0.71), the cultivars were assorted into 3 distinct classes i.e. elite, moderate and poor. The top group ascertained high quality standards of grain suited for bread and chapati whereas bottom group assured better cookies quality. This technique was also tested to differentiate quality enriched test sites within a zone or demarcate the most suited production environments to harness good quality wheat. The index will have an implication on farmers (premium price for varietal segregation), industry (product specific quality cultivars), and consumers (superior quality products).

Inoculation of legume seed with rhizobacteria before planting is an efficient and convenient way of introducing effective rhizobacteria to soil vicinity of legume root and ensuring nitrogen fixation in cover cropped field. However, there are still challenges in identifying the proper seed coating technique to ensure microbial survival in adverse environmental conditions and maintaining the symbiotic relation with plants. The objectives of this study are firstly, to analyze the effectiveness of different sticking agents aiding inoculation of Bradyrhizobium japonicum L. in sunn hemp seeds to enhance root nodule formation. Secondly, to observe nodulation pattern over time as affected by the treatment and lastly to check if there is significant difference between main root and lateral root nodulation pattern due to the treatments. Two similar field studies were conducted in fall 2019 and summer 2020 using four sticking agents: water, peanut oil, 10% jaggery solution, and 40% gum arabic solution. The fall study showed no significant differences among total nodules across treatments, but percentage of active nodules was highest in the oil treatment and lowest in the water treatment. In the summer study, significantly higher total nodules were seen in the jaggery treatment and the lowest was in water treatment again, however, there were no differences in percentage of total active nodules across treatments. Interestingly, the trend across weeks showed gum arabic treatment exhibiting higher main root nodulation and jaggery treatment exhibiting higher lateral root nodulation. Overall, water as an adhesive was less effective in aiding nodulation compared to other treatments. Peanut oil and jaggery showed better performance as adhesives aiding active nodulation and could be more effective than gum arabic or water.

Change in climate of the entire globe due to elevated temperature and minimum annual rainfall in barren zone frequently leads to salinity of soil. The current study was aimed to evaluate the importance of sugar beet extract (SBE) as a bio-stimulant to improve the adverse damages of induced salinity stress (40mM) on growth, oosmolytes and antioxidant defense system of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Pot experiment was carried in green house under different concentrations of SBE (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%) pre-soaked seeds of Hordeum vulgare for 5 hours SBE was analyzed for glycine betaine (100mmol/kg), betalains (1.3mg/l), phenolics (1.30g/100ml), flavonoids (0.59mg/ml), carotenoids (0.23ml/100ml), vitamin E (0.002%), vitamin C (8.04g/100ml), sugar (8g/100ml), protein (1.39mg/100ml), and oxalic acid (38mg/100ml) while Ca (13.72mg/l), Mg (7.121 mg/l) and K (11.45mg/l) contents were also determined. We found significant improvement in germination parameters of Hordeum vulgare L. via SB extract on coefficient of velocity of emergence (CVE), mean emergence time (MET), germination energy (GE), timson germination index (TGI), germination rate index (GRI) and time to 50% emergence (E50) under induced salinity stress. However, photosynthetic pigments, e.g., chlorophyll and carotenoids were enhanced using 40% SB extract, soluble sugar, protein, proline, POD, MDA with 50% SB extract while SOD and H2O2 in 20% SBE, respectively. Our findings suggested that SB extract promotes both agronomical and physiological attributes, is a positive way to enhance our economy by increasing crop yields in arid and semi-arid areas along with plant tolerance to under induced salinity stress. HighlightsThe recent study is of utmost importance owing to the following reasons:[tpltrtarr] Changes in climatic condition results in salinity, droughts, floods, earthquakes, fluctuation in temperature and other environmental hazards. [tpltrtarr]Salinity stress has myriad of damaging effects on crop growth and productivity and becoming a global issue of major concern especially in the Asian countries including Pakistan. Statistical analysis showed that 6.30 million of lands is affected with salinity. [tpltrtarr]Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.) being an important crop of economic and nutritional value has been facing salinity stress condition in Pakistan, resulting in productivity reduction and ultimately paving the way for food scarcity and crippling economy. [tpltrtarr]The sole purpose of this research article is to assess and ameliorate the physio-biochemical responses via application of sugar beet extract as bio-stimulants in Barley (Hordeum Vulgare L.) grown under induced salinity stress; in order to cope with the dire consequences of salinity stress especially in the southern areas of Pakistan being badly affected by salt stress. [tpltrtarr]Furthermore, there is a great need for adaptive measures suggested by the present research and other findings made by researchers in pursuit of tackling this alarming global menace.

AbstractsViola odorata, also known as sweet violet, is a valuable plant for its fragrance and medicinal properties, but the cultivation is hindered by poor seed germination due to dormancy. The dormancy of V. odorata mainly resulted from a hard seed coat, and various methods has been reported in breaking the seed dormancy. However, most engaged in corrosive chemicals and highly dependent on the variety, or a lack of uniformity when using sandpapers. This study presents a simple, effective mechanical scarification method using rat-tooth tweezers to gently nick the seed coat tip. This mechanical scarification significantly increased germination, reaching a 70% rate after eight weeks, while non-scarified seeds failed to germinate. Combining mechanical scarification with cold stratification further enhanced germination compared to room-temperature (RT) storage. Additionally, growth at 18 {degrees}C produced higher rates than at RT and the addition of gibberellic acid (GA3) in the media promoted both germination and seedling growth, accompanied by increased water uptake. These findings propose a combination of mechanical scarification, cold stratification, and optimal GA3 treatment as a reliable, broadly applicable strategy for breaking dormancy and facilitating large-scale propagation and breeding of V. odorata.

Gibberellic acid (GA3) phytohormone responsible for bakanae disease development is well-known and identified. But a number of secondary metabolites along with GA3, produced by the causal pathogen in relation to bakanae symptoms expression were unknown. Therefore, the aims of this research were to evaluate the symptoms expression analysis of bakanae disease by pre-seed treatment with pure (synthetic) phytohormones and metabolites in susceptible rice variety MR 211. The typical bakanae symptoms were evaluated by applying pure GA3, FA and MON either singly or in mixtures. It was confirmed that higher concentration of GA3 singly or with higher concentration of GA3 and MON in mixtures, caused unusual elongation of internodes. Plants became stunted when high concentration of FA was applied. Browning of leaves and stems, crown rot, root necrosis occurred and root length was decreased when mixtures of higher concentration of FA *MON*GA3 were used as pre-treatment. Similar observations were noted in plants inoculated with F. proliferatum at different score levels. The mechanisms of bakanae disease development through different symptoms expression in susceptible variety infected with F. proliferatum were identified.

This study investigated the mutagenic effects of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) on the M{square} generation in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) cultivar Wang Kae. A total of 275 M{square} seeds were treated with EMS concentrations of 20 mM, 40 mM, and 80 mM (75 seeds per treatment) by soaking for six hours, while 50 untreated seeds served as the control (0 mM). Phenological, yield-related and yield traits were recorded, and data were analysed using Jamovi 2.7.15 and JASP 0.95.4.0 through one-way ANOVA with post hoc contrast, principal component biplot, and cluster analyses. No optimal mutagenic concentration (LD50) was identified. Seed germination and seedling survival rates increased with increasing EMS concentration, ranging from 70.00% and 62.00% in the control (0 mM) to 89.33% and 74.67% at 80 mM, following the trend 0 mM < 20 mM < 40 mM < 80 mM. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed among treatments for all phenological traits, pod length, locule number, seed traits, and yield per plant. Yield was significantly higher (P = 0.047) at 20 mM (61.19 {+/-} 3.34 g) compared to the control. Contrast analysis identified genotypes B33 and D56 as the most productive mutants, with yields of 125.44 g and 111.85 g, respectively. Principal component analysis extracted eighteen components, with the first four cumulatively explaining 50.60% of total variation. Biplot analysis of PC1 and PC2 captured all phenological traits, key seed traits, and yield attributes, highlighting the superior performance of B33 and D56. Cluster analysis partitioned the 190 genotypes into six groups, with B33 and D56 constituting distinct clusters. EMS mutagenesis effectively induced heritable phenotypic variation, with putative superior genotypes identified for advancement to M{square} and evaluation in replicated multi-environment trials toward the development of farmer- and consumer-preferred cowpea varieties.

The commercial importance of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) has attracted breeders to increase its seed yield using various breeding approach. Adverse soil factors however hampered progress made in crop development, especially micronutrient toxicity. Plant growth stimulators (PGS) have a significant role in enhancing growth parameters in Sorghum. In the present study, seeds were primed in 50, 150, and 250 ppm of each of gibberellic acid, indole acetic acid, and ascorbic acid respectively for 1 hr before sowing in Petri dishesmoistened with 10 ml of the iron-rich solution obtained as filtrate from a mix of distilled water and ferruginous soil (1:1 v/w). Results showed that although germination percentage in ferruginous medium was significantly reduced, there was enhancement in germination percentagewhen the seeds were primed in gibberellic acid (GA). Germinability in the iron-rich medium was 31.2 hrs; this was significantly reduced to 19.6 to 21.1hrs when these seeds were primed with growth stimulators.Although, shoot length was significantly reduced in plants exposed to ferruginous solutions, the root parameters were however enhanced. They were no significant changes in the total number of root branches regardless of ferrugenic status or use of growth stimulating agents. The utilization of growth stimulators as priming agents is called for to reduce stress impacts imposed by ferruginous soils during germination.

High yield and stability of performance across environments are required for success in agricultural systems. Selection of high yielding and stable genotypes is always hindered by Genotype by environment interaction (GEI). Hence plant breeders have proposed diverse methods to help increase their efficiency of selection in multi environment yield trials. The aim of this experiment was to identify and select high yielding and stable cassava genotypes using to GGE biplot and Yield selection index (YSi) techniques and to determine the efficiency of the techniques. 24 hybrids and 2 checks were tested across five locations in Nigeria using the randomized complete block design with 4 replications. ANOVA provided clear evidence of GEI (P<0.001) for dry root yield. 23 of the hybrids showed 10% to 83% economic improvement over the best check variety. GGE biplot identified genotypes TMS-IBA090574, TMS-IBA090521, TMS-IBA090590 and TMS-IBA090576 as high yielding and stable, while YSi selected 14 genotypes TMS-IBA090454, TMS-IBA090504, TMS-IBA090506, TMS-IBA090509, TMS-IBA090521, TMS-IBA090523, TMS-IBA090536, TMS-IBA090564, TMS-IBA090574, TMS-IBA090576, TMS-IBA090581, TMS-IBA090590, TMS-IBA090597 and TMS-IBA090609. Six of these genotypes (TMS-IBA090523, TMS-IBA090536, TMS-IBA090574, TMS-IBA090581, TMS-IBA090506, TMS-IBA090521) were marked as unstable by the Shuklas stability variance which indicates a weakness of YSi. The two techniques identified TMS-IBA090590 and TMS-IBA090576 as high yielding and stable genotypes. These two clones performed above average in at least four of the five locations used for evaluation. The genotypes jointly selected by both methods may therefore be released to increase the productivity of the crop in Nigeria and comparable agro ecology.

Biofortification of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) was investigated to potentially increase bioavailable iron (Fe) in the human diet. This study assessed the genetic variation for seed Fe concentration (SFeC) and identified the genomic regions associated with SFeC in an interspecific mapping population derived from crossing between L. culinaris cv. Eston and L. ervoides accession IG 72815. A total of 134 RILs were evaluated in three environments. The SFeC data for individual environments and best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) of the SFeC across environments were used for QTL analysis. The seeds of the RILs exhibited variation for SFeC from 47.0 to 102.9 mg kg-1 and several RILs showed transgressive segregation for SFeC. QTL analysis identified two QTLs on chromosomes 2 and 6 that accounted for 11.9-14.0% and 12.5-20.5%, respectively, of the total phenotypic variation for SFeC. The SNP markers linked to the identified QTLs may prove useful for increasing SFeC via marker-assisted selection. RILs with high SFeC can be incorporated into the lentil breeding program to broaden the genetic base of the breeding pool and/or used for the development of genetic resources for future genomic studies.