Tolerant genotypes of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) identified for imazethapyr as a post-emergence application

The genotypic tolerance of 27 lentil genotypes was tested against imazethapyr (10% SL) 100 g a.i./ha as a post-emergence (POST) application at 25 days after sowing (DAS). Six lines of each genotype were grown in herbicide-treated and non-treated conditions for five consecutive years (2020-21 to 2024-25). The visual phyto-toxicity score was recorded at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, and 45 days after herbicide application (DAHA) on a 0-10 scale in all years. Major weed flora in lentil included Chenopodium album, Coronopus didymus, Medicago denticulata, Melilotus indicus, Spergula arvensis, Fumaria parviflora, and Phalaris minor. Tolerant genotypes of lentil (lower phytotoxicity score) included EC 208330A and ILL 6540B for POST application of imazethapyr 100 g a.i./ha. The visual phyto-toxicity score for EC 208330A ranged between 0-1 over the years. While, phyto-toxicity score of ILL 6540B ranged between 1-2 during the study periods. The genotypes IPL 238, IPL 602, and IPL 316 had a higher phyto-toxicity score of 6-7 over the years. Thus, five years of study indicated EC 208330A and ILL 6540B as tolerant genotypes of lentil for POST application of imazethapyr 100 g a.i./ha. Hence, these genotypes can be utilized as a potential donor for future lentil breeding programmes towards the development of herbicide (imazethapyr) tolerant varieties and in other basic studies.