Advances in diseases of lentil (Lens culinaris medik)

Abstract

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) is an important grain legume crop and occupies a prominent position on account of its manifold uses in daily life. It is one of the early domesticated crops and plays an important role in human and animal nutrition as a source of low-cost protein and other valuable nutrients. Besides being protein rich, its seed is a rich source of minerals and vitamins (Table 6.1) for human nutrition and its straw is a valued animal feed. Its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen and sequester carbon results in improved fertility and nutrient status of soil, which in turn contributes to the sustainability of production system. Lentil also provides an opportunity to contribute to food supplies through diversification of agricultural systems in many countries.