Identification of Genetic Sources of Broomrape (Orobanche crenata) Tolerance in Mediterranean Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) Population

Abstract Lentil ( Lens culinaris Medik.), an essential food legume for global food security and agricultural sustainability, currently confronts several major challenges related to biotic constraints such as Orobanche. This root parasite significantly reduces yields, requiring effective breeding strategies to develop tolerant genotypes. In this study, we evaluated a Mediterranean population of 112 lentil genotypes to identify sources of tolerance to Broomrape ( Orobanche crenata ) in pots under greenhouse conditions. The results of this study revealed significant genetic variability among genotypes, based on key traits such as performance and parasitism indexes, severity and agronomic traits. By integrating these traits, the Multi-Trait Performance Index (MGIDI) was used and the best-performing genotypes were selected in terms of their broomrape tolerance and productivity. These genotypes represent promising candidates for breeding programs aimed at developing Orobanche-tolerant lentil varieties.