What Factors Can Affect the Quality of Lentils?

- Class

Lentils are designated into two classes: Lentils, Red, and Lentils, other than Red. The method of determining the class of a lentil is by cotyledon color. Inspectors may need to visually inspect cotyledons to determine the class.

Lentils on export are graded in accordance with the primary and export grade determinants tables. The following are some items that affect lentil quality:

- Ascochyta

Ascochyta is a fungal disease that attacks the lentil plant and seed. Any degree of white fungal growth on the seed is considered damaged.

- Bleached

Bleached seeds have a whitened seed coat distinctly faded from the natural red color of sound lentils. Lentils having a lighter pink shade that is contrasting with the overall sample are considered sound.

- Color

Color is evaluated after the removal of stained and damaged lentils.

- Copper

Copper seeds have a rust color covering both sides of the seed and the entire seed coat. The rust color is in distinct contrast with the natural red color of sound lentils.

- Damage (DMG)

Damaged lentils may be peeled, split, broken, sprouted, distinctly green, frost-damaged, distinctly deteriorated or discolored by weather or disease, insect damaged, heat damaged, or otherwise damaged in a way that materially affects quality.

- Ergot (ERG)

Ergot is a plant disease-producing elongated fungal body with a purplish-black exterior, a purplish-white to off-white interior, and a relatively smooth surface texture.

- Excreta

Excrement from any animal, including mammals, birds, and insects.

- Fertilizer pellets

Fertilizer pellets are manufactured plant nutrient products used by producers in the production of grain. The looks are typically small, round, or irregularly shaped and usually white, grey, brown, pink, or reddish.