Lentil crops have been noticeably influenced by planting dates, primarily due to variations in rainfall, temperature, and genotypes. Therefore, the study was conducted to examine the effects of planting date and its interactions with genotypes possessing important traits. The results indicated that lentil genotypes planted more than a month earlier exhibited longer times to 50% flowering and emergence. The tallest plants were observed on the main or mid- August planting day for this genotype, with Adda reaching 32.3. 3cm at Ak and 38. 0 cm for genotype 09583227-04 on day 1. The influence of planting date and genotype on plant height was statistically significant. Early seedling emergence, earlier flowering, and greater plant height positively contributed to yield growth. Our data analysis revealed a significant difference (P< 0. 001) in seed yield. A one-month delay in planting caused a yield reduction of 1. 74 t/ha at Bishoftu and 0. 71 t/ha at the Ak substation for genotype R- 186. Additionally, the Derash genotype showed larger yield differences of 1.83 t/ha at the Dz station and 1. 29 t/ha at the Ak sub- station compared to the second planting date. However, the study results demonstrated that the most suitable genotypes for breeding purposes, such as Dz 2012- Ln 0050, R- 186, and Derash, produced higher yields than the tested genotypes at both locations and across the two planting dates. A notable direct relationship was observed between harvest index (HI) and seed yield (r = 0. 56); days from 50 % emergence to flowering (r = 0. 44); and plant height to harvesting index (r =0.2. 2). In conclusion, our results indicate that planting date is a critical factor interacting with genotype to influence traits; therefore, an analysis of genotype by planting date interaction is essential for plant breeding.
correlation, flowering, interaction, traits, yield