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seed has been used in traditional practices to treat various ailments, including diabetes mellitus, in Ethiopia. Previous phytochemical screening studies indicated that germination of the seed of contains more bioactive constituents compared to raw seeds. The aim of this study was to investigate the antidiabetic activity of an aqueous methanol extract of germinated seed extract in streptozotocin (Stz)-induced diabetic mice. The antidiabetic effect of germinated seed extract was determined using Stz-induced diabetic mice. An 80% aqueous methanol extract of germinated seed at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg was used in the treatment group. Glibenclamid (5 mg/kg) and dimethyl sulfoxide 2% were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The test extract and controls were given daily for 3 weeks. Blood-glucose levels and body-weight changes were measured weekly. Lipid-profile levels were measured at the end of each experiment. Oral glucose-tolerance tests were performed to evaluate the postprandial effect of the extract. The aqueous methanol extract of germinated significantly reduced blood-glucose levels and increased body weight ( <0.05). The extract also improved serum-lipid profiles in diabetic mice after 21 days ( <0.05). The seed extract also resulted in significant reductions in blood-glucose levels after an oral glucose load in normal mice ( <0.05). An aqueous methanol extract of germinated seed has both antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects.

Lentils are marketed as dry seeds, fresh sprouts, flours, protein isolates, and concentrates used as ingredients in many traditional and innovative food products, including dairy and meat analogs. Appreciated for their nutritional and health benefits, lentil ingredients and food products may be affected by off-flavor notes described as “beany”, “green”, and “grassy”, which can limit consumer acceptance. This narrative review delves into the volatile profiles of lentil ingredients and possible de-flavoring strategies, focusing on their effectiveness. Assuming that appropriate storage and processing are conducted, so as to prevent or limit undesired oxidative phenomena, several treatments are available: thermal (pre-cooking, roasting, and drying), non-thermal (high-pressure processing, alcohol washing, pH variation, and addition of adsorbents), and biotechnological (germination and fermentation), all of which are able to reduce the beany flavor. It appears that lentil is less studied than other legumes and more research should be conducted. Innovative technologies with great potential, such as high-pressure processing or the use of adsorbents, have been not been explored in detail or are still totally unexplored for lentil. In parallel, the development of lentil varieties with a low LOX and lipid content, as is currently in progress for soybean and pea, would significantly reduce off-flavor notes.

Genetic progress in seed yield in lentils ( Lens culinaris Medik) has increased by 1.1% per year in Australia over the past 27 years. Knowing which plant traits have changed through breeding during this time can give important insights as to how lentil yield has increased. This study aims to identify morphological and physiological traits that were directly or indirectly selected between 1993 and 2020 in the Australian lentil breeding program using 2 years of experimental data. Major changes occurred in plant architecture during this period. Divergent selection has seen the release of varieties that have sprawling to very upright types of canopies. Despite this genetic diversity in recently released varieties, there is an overall tendency of recently released varieties having increased plant height and leaf size with reduced number of branches. Increased light interception was positively correlated with year of release (YOR) and yield, and likely results from indirect selection of yield and taller plant types. There is an indication that recently released varieties have lower CO 2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance and canopy temperature depression (CTD) at high ambient temperatures (~30°C). Understanding lentil physiology will assist in identifying traits to increase yield in a changing climate with extreme weather events.

ISSR markers were used in the study of the genetic diversity of 46 imported lentil varieties. The lentil collection had a strikingly high level of polymorphism (76%). The UBC 810 and UBC 809 primers have the highest polymorphism rates among the primers, exceeding 85.7%. The use of nine ISSR markers resulted in 69 pieces, with 76% displaying polymorphism. The computed average genetic diversity index ranged from 0.56 to 0.81, indicating a wide range of genetic variation among lentil genotypes. Accessions were classified into six unique groups as a consequence of cluster analysis. The most divergent genotypes within their respective clusters were identified as Flip 2010-96 and Flip 2011-41, Flip 2011-32 and Flip 2011-97, 10932 and Flip 2011-20, and Flip 2010-81 and Flip 2011-19. These findings bear noteworthy implications for the future of lentil breeding, cultivation, and protection. The observed genetic diversity imparts valuable insights that can be harnessed to fortify lentil crops, fostering resilience and adaptability. The identified distant genotypes present promising avenues for targeted breeding initiatives, facilitating the development of lentil varieties harboring diverse and desirable traits. In summation, this study contributes pivotal information to the scientific community, establishing a framework for subsequent research and progress in the improvement of lentil crops.

We investigated whether juglone is the only allelochemical in a leaf extract from the walnut (Juglans regia L.). This was achieved through comparisons of the effects of pure juglone (1 mM, 100 μM, 10 μM control juglone) and J. regia leaf extract (prepared as 1 mM, 100 μM leaf juglone) on seed germination, seedling growth, and secondary metabolism of the selected crop vegetables. Two control treatments were also applied, as extraction medium and water. For inhibition of seed germination, S. lycopersicum, B. rapa var. japonica, and V. locusta were more sensitive to 1 mM leaf juglone, and L. sativa was more sensitive to 1 mM control juglone. This suggests that this walnut leaf extract contains specific phenolic substance(s) that can stimulate seed germination in some species and inhibit it in others. Seedling length was more sensitive to 1 mM leaf juglone than 1 mM control juglone, with selective strong inhibition of root length versus shoot length by 1 mM control juglone. Juglone also had significant effects on the secondary metabolism of L. sativa, in particular for seedlings treated with 100 μM control juglone, with marked decreases in all secondary metabolites studied. Flavonols constituted the majority of these metabolites in L. culinaris, which showed the least sensitivity to both control juglone and leaf juglone treatments. Thirty compounds were identified and quantified in S. lycopersicum, L. culinaris, and L. sativa, some for the first time in these plants, and all for the first time in the seedlings of these crop vegetables.

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) production faces challenges due to shifting environmental conditions, potentially leading to a transition towards cooler or highland Mediterranean environments. This study assessed the responses of five lentil genotypes across five diverse locations (L1–L5) managed under organic cropping systems over two seasons, focusing on key parameters including seed yield (SY), crude protein (CP), cooking time (CT), seed loss percentage (SL), and yield loss per hectare (YL) caused by bruchid (Bruchus sp.). Excessive seasonal rainfall (500 mm), low winter temperatures (−17.9 °C), bruchid SL, and spring sowing were identified as crucial, particularly in challenging environments like highlands. Genotype selection was highlighted as essential for balancing yield and stability, with the small-seeded cultivar ‘Dimitra’ demonstrating lower YL due to bruchid. Additionally, increased CP was noted in response to heightened bruchid infestations. Specific recommendations were proposed for different environments: In productive lowland areas with low bruchid pressure and high CTs (L1), prioritizing cultivars like ‘Samos’, ‘Dimitra’, and ‘Thessalia’ enhances quality. Locations with high bruchid populations (L4) were not favored organic production but can serve as genetic resistance screening sites. High-elevation environments (L3, L5) proved significantly less productive, underscoring the requirement for earlier and winter-hardy cultivars. These insights guide lentil cultivation, emphasizing the need for tailored breeding strategies adaptable to changing environments.

Light-emitting diodes are an attractive tool for improving the yield and quality of plant products. This study investigated the effect of different light intensity and spectral composition on the growth, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant metabolism of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) seedlings after 3 and 5 days of LED treatment. Two monochromatic light quality × three light intensity treatments were tested: red light (RL) and blue light (BL) at photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 100, 300, and 500 μmol m−2 s−1. Both light quality and intensity did not affect germination. At both harvest times, the length of seedling growth under BL appeared to decrease, while RL stimulated the growth with an average increase of 26.7% and 62% compared to BL and seedlings grown in the darkness (D). A significant blue light effect was detected on ascorbate reduced form, with an average increase of 35% and 50% compared to RL-grown plantlets in the two days of harvesting, respectively. The content of chlorophyll and carotenoids largely varied according to the wavelength and intensity applied and the age of the seedlings. Lipid peroxidation increased with increasing light intensity in both treatments, and a strong H2O2 formation occurred in BL. These results suggest that red light can promote the elongation of lentil seedlings, while blue light enhances the bioactive compounds and the antioxidant responses.

The search for techniques that allow for the rapid and accurate assessment of seed vigor, such as the Seedling Analysis System (SAPL®) and ILASTIK®, can be promising alternatives for seedling image analysis. The objective of this work was to classify the vigor of lentil seeds using seedling image analysis techniques and interactive machine learning. Seeds from seven lots were characterized for physiological potential through germination and vigor tests. For computerized seedling analysis, the seeds were subjected to seedling growth tests at 20 °C for three, four, five, and ten days, and then photographed using a digital camera. The images were processed using SAPL® software, yielding values for total length, root length, shoot length, and vigor, growth, and uniformity indices. ILASTIK® provided data on the percentage of vigorous seedlings, non-vigorous seedlings, and dead seeds. The total length of seedlings, root length, shoot length, and vigor indices determined at 4 days of germination by SAPL® allowed for the classification of lots in terms of vigor. Data obtained by ILASTIK® at 4 days of germination, used in machine learning studies, enable the development of models with high accuracy for seed vigor assessment. Resumo: A busca por técnicas que possibilitem avaliar o vigor de sementes de forma rápida e assertiva como o Sistema de Análise de Plântulas (SAPL®) e o ILASTIK® podem ser alternativas promissoras para a análise de imagem de plântulas. O objetivo do trabalho foi realizar a classificação do vigor de sementes de lentilha utilizando técnicas de análise de imagem de plântulas e aprendizagem interativa de máquina. Sementes de sete lotes foram caracterizadas quanto ao potencial fisiológico pelos testes de germinação e vigor. Para a análise computadorizada de plântulas, as sementes foram submetidas ao teste de crescimento de plântulas a 20 °C por três, quatro, cinco e dez dias e, em seguida, fotografadas utilizando uma câmera digital. As imagens foram processadas pelo software SAPL®, obtendo-se valores de comprimento total, da raiz, parte aérea e índices de vigor, crescimento e uniformidade. Pelo ILASTIK®, foram obtidos dados de porcentagem de plântulas vigorosas, não vigorosas e sementes mortas. O comprimento total das plântulas, raiz, parte aérea e os índices de vigor determinados aos 4 dias de germinação pelo SAPL® permitem classificar os lotes quanto ao vigor. Os dados obtidos pelo ILASTIK®, aos 4 dias de germinação, utilizados nos estudos de aprendizagem de máquina, permitem o desenvolvimento de modelos com alta precisão para avaliação do vigor das sementes.

Lentil is a versatile and profitable pulse crop with high nutritional food and feed values. The objectives of the study were to determine suitable locations for high yield and quality in terms of production and/or breeding, and to identify promising genotypes. For this reason, five lentil genotypes were evaluated in a multi-location network consisting of ten diverse sites for two consecutive growing seasons, for seed yield (SY), other agronomic traits, crude protein (CP), cooking time (CT) and crude protein yield (CPY). A significant diversification and specialization of the locations was identified with regards to SY, CP, CT and CPY. Different locations showed optimal values for each trait. Locations E4 and E3, followed by E10, were “ideal” for SY; locations E1, E3 and E7 were ideal for high CP; and the “ideal” locations for CT were E3 and E5, followed by E2. Therefore, the scope of the cultivation determined the optimum locations for lentil cultivation. The GGE-biplot analysis revealed different discriminating abilities and representativeness among the locations for the identification of the most productive and stable genotypes. Location E3 (Orestiada, Region of Thrace) was recognized as being optimal for lentil breeding, as it was the “ideal” or close to “ideal” for the selection of superior genotypes for SY, CP, CT and CPY. Adaptable genotypes (cv. Dimitra, Samos) showed a high SY along with excellent values for CP, CT and CPY, and are suggested either for cultivation in many regions or to be exploited in breeding programs.

Pulses have desirable nutritional properties and a wide range of applications in the food industry as meat-free, casein-free, gluten-free, and functional food products. Unfortunately, the legume raw material contains some anti-nutrients and allergenic agents; nonetheless, fermentation processes may reduce some of these undesirable compounds. Therefore, the objective of the preliminary investigation was to determine the profile of bacteria occurring after spontaneous fermentation of Lens culinaris Medik. and detect changes in the protein–peptide pattern, including potential modifications of Len c3, i.e., a non-specific lipid-transfer protein (nsLTP) recognized as an important allergen. This study involved MALDI TOF/TOF, Illumina next-generation sequencing, and FT-IR spectroscopy analyses. Sixteen different species were identified in the plant-based material after 48-h spontaneous fermentation. The most abundant species were Lactococcus taiwanensis and Pediococcus pentosaceus (54.95% and 25.34%, respectively). The performed initial analysis revealed that after spontaneous fermentation had occurred the degradation of proteins (~10 kDa) and peptides (6–8 kDa), as well as the decomposition of proteins in the mass range that might be attributed to allergenic nsLTP. The preliminary findings encourage further research into the functional and technological properties of the isolated bacteria and in-depth analyses of the possibility of the removal of allergenic compounds from red lentils through fermentation carried out by the isolates.