Abstract

Lentil (Lens culinaris) is a vital cool-season legume crop, widely cultivated for its nutritional and economic importance. However, its productivity is severely challenged by various abiotic stresses including heat, drought, cold, and salinity. These stresses disrupt physiological, biochemical, and morphological processes, leading to reduced germination, impaired growth, compromised reproductive development, and significant yield losses. Heat stress accelerates reproductive failure and diminishes seed quality, while drought stress affects water relations, photosynthesis, and nutrient uptake, causing stunted growth and lower biomass. Cold stress, particularly during reproductive stages, hampers flowering and pod formation, resulting in decreased yield and quality. Salinity induces osmotic and ionic imbalances, adversely affecting germination, photosynthesis, and nutrient content. Effective management strategies, such as breeding for stress-tolerant cultivars, improved agronomic practices, and biotechnological interventions, are essential to mitigate these impacts and sustain lentil productivity under changing climatic conditions. This review not only discusses the diverse effects of these abiotic stresses on lentil but also explores current management strategies including breeding for stress-resistant genotypes, agronomic practices, and biotechnological tools aimed at enhancing lentil tolerance. Integrating these approaches is critical for improving lentil resilience under adverse environmental conditions, contributing to sustainable production and food security in the face of climate change

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