Grain legumes known as “Pulse crops” are economically and nutritionally one of the most important crop families after cereals. Climate change and abiotic stress factors are limiting yield potential in these crops. Root system architecture, a neglected field, is promising for improved environmental adaptability and higher growth potential. Genotypes with deep and dense root system may cope better with water and nutrient limitations. This study aimed to evaluate 12 common cultivars from six different legume species. Root system architectures were evaluated under controlled conditions in a plexiglass system at the early vegetative stage. Roots were divided into four depth zones (0, 5, 10, 15> cm), and inter and intra species diversity were analysed. Significant diversity was obtained within and between the species. Bean, chickpea, and broad bean constituted deeper and dense root systems while lentil, soybean, and pea formed non-dense and shallower root systems. There was a significant correlation between earliness and early vegetative root vigour. The results of the study may provide a better understanding of the root system architectures of each species-genera. The results presented here may shed light on the selection of root traits in legume breeding programs.

Background: The importance of organic fertilizers in agricultural production has increased due to the negative effects of intensive chemical fertilizer use on soil, the environment and human health. Vermicompost, as a rich organic fertilizer and soil amendment material, maybe a viable alternative to chemical fertilizers. While a low concentration of vermicompost has a promotive effect on growth, it may lead to inhibition of germination and seedling growth. Therefore, this study aimed to find appropriate dose ranges for vermicompost application.Methods: The study was carried out as a factorial experiment with a completely randomized design with three replications. The experiment was conducted in a growth chamber as a pot study with four doses of vermicompost (control, 10, 20 and 30%). Eight cultivars from four different species were used. The response of germination and seedling traits to increased vermicompost concentration was investigated.Result: In general, while 10% and 20% of vermicompost showed a promotive effect depending on species, higher dose inhibited the germination and dry matter accumulation. As a result, the promotive effect of low dose and inhibitory effect of higher doses are thought to be caused by the complex chemical composition of vermicompost and increasing medium pH. Therefore, the concentration of the vermicompost that will cause pH changes should be carefully considered and the pH range in which the plant species show optimum growth should be well determined.

Lentil is one of the oldest cultured crops with cereals which are cultivated in the wide geography of the world due to its high adaptability, quality nutritional value, important usage areas and economic value. Morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters during the early vegetative stage are an important indicator of adaptation to environmental conditions. This study was carried out to investigate the variation on some agronomic and physiological traits of 49 lentil genotypes during the early growth stage. Although there were significant differences in terms of plant height and total chlorophyll content, differences between genotypes for plant dry and fresh weight, stem diameter and length of epicotyl were statistically found insignificant. Plant height, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, length of epicotyl, stem diameter and total chlorophyll content varied between 2.53-4.78 cm, 0.17-0.39 g, 0.04-0.13 g, 1.53-3.00 cm, 0.72-1.05 cm and 28.4-38.2%, respectively. As a result, it was determined that observations taken 30 days after emergence are not sufficient to constitute genetic variation and use as an early prediction criteria field conditions. The longer-term and comprehensive studies should be carried out to form genetic variation and interpret the results in field conditions.