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The narrow genetic base of lentil (Lens culinaris) has challenged the efforts of breeders to increase its productivity under changing environmental conditions. Inclusion of wild species and diverse cultivated genotypes offers an opportunity to generate new variation through wide hybridisation to broaden the genetic base of cultivated lentil. We evaluated 96 elite, interspecific (L. culinaris×L. orientalis) and intraspecific advanced lentil genotypes along with four checks to determine the extent of genetic variation, resistance to lentil rust (Uromyces viciae-fabae), and the nature and magnitude of their genetic divergence. Sufficient genetic variability was revealed for all of the traits. High heritability and genetic advance were recorded for number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, seed yield per plant and biomass per plant. A positive correlation was recorded between grain yield and ten important plant traits. Statistical (D2) and molecular analyses grouped all genotypes into two main clusters and revealed sufficient genetic diversity among advanced lines. Our study showed promising results for creating new variation through wide hybridisation and identified lines L-354 and L-437-1 (rust-resistant) and HPLL-32 (moderately rust-resistant) superior for seed yield and related traits.

Seeds of Macrotyloma uniflorumcollected from different Himalayan regions of Himachal Pradesh, India were screened for inhibition potential of calcium oxalate crystals along with their antioxidant and amino acid profiling. Aqueous, ethanol, 50% ethanol extracts were tested using agar-gel overlay, nucleation, and artificial urine methods in comparison to marketed products. The aqueous extract of Sundernagar and Rampur seeds showed highest inhibition potential (9.0 ± 0.81 mm) than alcohol and hydroalcohol. Sundernagar seeds (aqueous extract) also showed maximum inhibition (45 ± 1.2 and 24 ± 0.88%) in nucleation and artificial urine assay, respectively. The Tris-buffer (pH. 8.0) extract of dry seeds showed more inhibition with low protein than high protein germinated seeds. The findings revealed that horse gram protein is not alone responsible for CaOx-crystals inhibition but its secondary metabolites may also contribute. Among all samples, buffer and aqueous extracts showed maximum activity, followed by hydroalcohol and alcohol. Further, TLC and UPLC method were used to monitor the presence of amino acids in aqueous and Cystone extracts. Sundernagar seeds contain 11 amino acids with additional arginine, aspargine, and methionine. Moreover, higher antioxidant potential was observed in seeds of high altitude, which relates the factors of altitudinal variation in secondary metabolism of plants. Therefore, this study will help in the development of economical and more reliable plant based nutraceuticals for kidney stone problems and related health issues.