Outcrossing in lentil (Lens culinaris) depends on cultivar, location and year, and varies within cultivars

Knowledge about the degree of outcrossing is essential for onfarm crop management and breeding schemes and for lentil (Lens esculenta Medik.) only restricted evidence was available. Three varieties were investigated in two central European locations to foster research into on farm maintenance and development of cultivars. To determine outcrossing rates, the complete dominance of ‘orange cotyledons’ over ‘yellow cotyledons’ was used as a marker. The degree of outcrossing ranged from 0.06% to 5.12%. Results were strongly influenced by cultivar, year and location. The outcrossing rate of individuals also varied within cultivars, the extremes being 0% and 22.2%. There is evidence that the degree of outcrossing can be heritable. The potential for evolutionary changes in lentil cultivars can be considerable. Growing cultivars close together or as a mixture can lead to natural or even conscious selection and local adaptation. On the other hand, spatial separation may be necessary to avoid undesirable cross‐pollination.