WILD LENTILS

Wild lentils are potential genetic resources for the cultivated lentil , Lens culinaris ssp. culinaris. Their actual value for crop improveme nt 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 eco logy of the wild taxa are reviewed. The latter is essential for succes sful collection of wild lentils in their natural habitats. Intraspecif ic variation is extensively reviewed and evidence for cryptic speciati on has been indicated. Crossability potential divides the genus into t wo groups: L. culinaris - L. odemensis and L. ervoides - L. nigricans. Crosses between members of different group fail because of hybrid emb ryo abortion. Using embryo culture, viable hybrids can be obtained bet ween L. ervoides and members of the other group. Of the wild lentils, the putative ancestor of the cultigen, L. culinaris ssp. orientalis, i s a member of the crop's primary gene pool, whereas L. odemensis and L . ervoides constitute the secondary gene pool. Morphological, physiolo gical, and genetic attributes of ssp. orientalis have been used to ass ess the process of lentil domestication. It has been pointed out that elimination of seed dormancy was a necessary step for successful lenti l cultivation, and that the dormancy-free type probably evolved in wil d stands by the aid of selection pressure exerted by man.