Advances in lentil genomics

Abstract

Lentil is a diploid (2n = 2X = 14) self-pollinating crop with a genome size of 4 Gbp. The use of genomics tools in lentil breeding programs has been limited, since available genomic resources are not adequate. Recent advances in high-throughput genotyping and sequencing technologies have brought in new impetus in the development of genetic and genomic resources and high resolution marker-trait association in lentil. Their integration in marker-assisted breeding is expected to improve the precision and efficiency in breeding programs with accelerated and directed genetic gains in crops like lentil. Molecular markers are expected to facilitate indirect selection for difficult traits, introgression of novel genes into adapted varieties, pyramiding genes from different sources, and combining multiple stress resistance. The present review highlights recent advances in lentil genomics and future outlook in the light of rapid advancement in the genomics tools.