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Journal of Agricultural Science and Botany | Volume: 2
November 15-16, 2018 | Paris, France
Plant Science
Natural Products,Medicinal Plants and Traditional Medicines
International Conference on
Joint Event
&
Collection and ethno botanical investigation of lentil (
Lens culinaris
Medik) cultivated in Algeria
Djouher Gaad
National Height School of Agriculture, Algeria
L
entil (
Lens culinaris
M.) is one among the historic crop
cultivated since time immemorial time. In Algeria, the
cultivated lentil was introduced in 1920, during the colonial
period. Significant variability has been built up since their
introduction and acclimatization. However, genetic erosion
linked to the loss of local crop varieties being replaced by high
yielding improved cultivars is becoming a notable concern.
Therefore, accessions collected and information gathered
regarding the farmers traditional knowledge are the first steps
to undertake before starting plant breeding work. Surveys
and collection of lentil accessions were conducted in different
agro-ecological zones of Algeria in 2011. From ten regions
(Departments), fifteen villages were surveyed and 30 lentil
accessions were collected. The information on ethno botanical
uses was collected through semi-structured questionnaires
with local villagers, elders and those people having knowledge
associated with the production and utilization of lentil. The
study revealed that among the interviewed farmers, 64% were
males while 36% were females. The commonest cropping
system found was the cultivation of lentil alone (95.5% of
producers) and associated with grass pea (2.5%). Low yield
(40% of responses), disease and insect attack (36%), and low
rainfall (24%) were the main production constraints reported
by the interviewees. The objectives of this study were (1) Draw
the geographical distribution map of lentil accessions in Algeria
using DIVA-GIS software, to (2) gather information regarding
knowledge related to the use, traditional cultural practices of
lentil, (3) collect samples to establish a national germoplasm
collection of lentil for
ex situ
conservation and further research
and development studies.
e:
gaad_djouher@yahoo.frPlant science & Natural Medicine 2018, Volume 2
DOI: 10.4066/2591-7897-C1-003