Iranian Journal of Rangelands and Forests Plant Breeding and Genetic Research
Year:2015 | Volume:23 | Issue:1|Papers Count:18

Nowruzak (Salvia leriifolia) is a dicotyledonous and perennial plant from Lamiaceae family, which is grown in Khorasan and Semnan provinces of Iran. About 56 percent oil in kernel, essence, and secondary metabolites in its roots and shoots, and its qualitative forage make it suitable as a potential oil seed, medicinal and forage crop. This study was conducted to investigate genetic diversity of 44 genotypes taken from 10 populations of Nowruzak from Khorasan Razavi, South Khorasan and Semnan provinces. We used 13 Primers of Inter Simple Sequence Repeat markers, of which 6 primers were selected as the best primers. The most polymorphic alleles and PIC created by UBC834 with formula (AG)8 YT. Results showed that there was high genetic diversity within and between the studied plant populations. According to the results of grouping of the populations, they were classified in separate groups. However, ISSR markers could reveal differences between the populations, but the results of cluster analysis of the different populations illustrated that the genetic distances between the populations of Nowruzak were not matched with their geographic distances.

Inter- and intra-population diversity of nine brant oak (Quercus brantii) populations, comprising of 125 genotypes from north-Zagros forests was investigated using start codon targeted (SCoT) molecular marker, and seed and leaf biochemical characteristics. Variance analysis of 12 biochemical properties disclosed significant inter-population differences for most of the estimated parameters. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the first three components contributed in 63% (seed) and 71% (leaf) of revealed phenotypic diversity. Cluster analysis of phenotypic data grouped the studied populations into three distinct main clusters. Ten SCoT primers amplified 118 amplicons, of which 113 products (95%) were polymorphic. The primers revealed a high genetic diversity at species level (H e=0.231; PPL%=95.7%). Analysis of molecular variance attributed only 23% of total revealed genetic diversity to intra-population diversity. Low-level genetic differentiation of populations seemed to be due to extensive gene flow by wind-pollination of the populations, which occurs naturally on oaks. SCoT markers-based cluster analysis divided the Q. brantii’s populations into distinct groups. According to Mantel’s test, there was no significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances among the studied populations. In conclusion, this study indicated that both phonotypic and molecular markers could be useful to conduct studies when investigating the geographic pattern of genetic diversity of oak natural populations.

Fritillaria contains up to 160 taxa in the family Liliaceae, through which imperial crown (F. imperialis L.) is of high medicinal and ornamental values and importance. Nineteen ecotypes of the species were collected from their natural habitats grown in 6 provinces of Iran during spring, 2011. Phylogenetic analysis was performed based on DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the nuclear ribosomal cistron. The phylogeny was constructed using neighbor joining and maximum likelihood inference methods. The analysis revealed a fair feasibility of ITS region DNA sequence for phylogeny of F. imperialis L. Results showed that the examined samples were evidently diverged into 3 distinct clades. Although, two yellow-colored samples as well as two red-colored samples, all collected from a common region, formed one clade, but they located at different groups according to their colors. The other clades also followed relatively reasonable distribution based on the geographical conditions and climate specifications. Separations through the clades were mostly supported with high bootstrap values. This study is the first phylogenetic analysis on the species based on ITS region.

Ziziphus jujube belongs to Rhamnaceae and consist 50 genus and 600 species that grow in European and tropical areas. Fruits of the species possess medicinal potentials. For propagation of Z. jujuba micropropagation was investigated. Various sterilization techniques, culture conditions, and different hormonal treatments on pollution, regeneration, proliferation and root induction were studied. Apical and axillary buds were used as explants. Buds were sterilized by 0.02% mercuric chloride for 3 min, 70% ethanol for 2 min and 30% NaOCl for 15 min. To evaluate the culture conditions, the explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different hormones such as IAA, BA, IBA and TDZ. Results indicated that MS basal medium supplemented with 0.01 mg/L IBA+2 mg/L BAP was suitable to obtain shoots from axillary buds (96.9%). Apart from that, there was no significant differences (p>0.05) among the studied media for multiplication. Root induction from shoots was observed at concentration of 5 mg/L of IBA in MS medium.

Mature ovary culture was used to develop inter-specific hybrid between Populus caspica L. and P. nigra. Manual pollination of Populus caspica, female flower was conducted by P. nigra L. pollen grains, using twigs and pod breeding system. Developed ovaries in different developmental stages (10, 14 and 21 days after pollination) were then aseptically transferred to hormone growth regulator free MS culture media supplemented by two different sucrose concentrations (30 and 60 g/L) for embryo germination. Analysis of collected data indicated that there were highly significant differences between embryos age for germination at a=0.01 level. Fourteen days old embryos showed highest embryo germination (85%) then the other two There were no differences between culture media for embryo germination but highly significant differences was observed between culture media for growth rate of plantlets at a=0.01 level. MS medium supplemented with 60 g/L sucrose showed 4.41 cm growth rate while average 2.09 cm was observed for MS medium containing 30 g/L. Plantlets were transferred to the same medium within jars, before being transferred to the potting soil. One hundred seventy two plantlets were successfully acclimatized in green-house and transplanted to the field.

European aspen (Populus tremula L.) is an adapted species of Populus genus in Iran which is propagated by micropropagation techniques. It seems necessary to increase the efficiency of the medium by giving appropriate balance between two main different nitrogen ionic sources. Total mineral nitrogen content (TNC) of ACM medium was changed into different concentrations of 0.5, 1 and 1.5. TNC treatments were defined as: 1- control NH4+: NO3- 1: 2, 2 - NO3- without ammonium ions, and 3 - NH4+: NO3-- 1: 1. Effects of mentioned treatments were determined at the end of subculture on several morphological traits such as shoot length, number of lateral shoots, leaf number, green intensity, fresh weight, and dry weight of in vitro shoots. Using half-TNC in ACM medium resulted in acceptable shoot length and the highest fresh and dry shoot weight. Increasing TNC concentration to 1.5 or decreasing to 0.5 was reflected in inhibition of shoot initiation but no statistical significant differences was observed between NH4+: NO3-- 1: 1 treatment and the control. Most green intensity was recorded in 1.5 TNC of ACM medium with NH4 +: NO3-- 1: 1 treatment. This research showed that decreasing to half-TNC in the aspen basic media improved shoot length, as the most determinant trait of in vitro mass propagation of aspen micropropagation.

Ribes khorasanicum is one of the most invaluable shrub plants belonging to the Grossulariaceae family which has wide use such as medicinal applications. Natural reproduction of the species is mainly through vegetative propagation via rhizomes. High palatability, grazing, restricted ecological range, high ecological demands, and its sexual reproduction difficulties exposed the species to the extinction. Tissue culture techniques are the modern approaches to maintain and develop the valuable plant species. Axillary and apical buds of branches obtained from several endemic plants in Hezarmasjed mountains were used as initial explants. Various treatments for surface sterilization were investigated. Aseptic culture was established on MS, DKW and QL media with deferent concentrations of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA). MS media with BAP and IBA were used for multiplication phase, whereas, MS medium with different concentration of IBA and BAP were used for rooting phase. Results showed that MS medium was the best medium for establishment of explants and 1mg/L BAP was considered as an optimum concentration for multiplication phase. MS medium with 0.5 or 2 mg/l IBA, was the best one for rooting phase. Well developed root system and high quality rooted plants were acclimatized properly.

Somatic embryogenesis and whole plant regeneration were achieved in callus cultures derived from cotyledon, hypocotyl and root explants excised from in vitro seedlings of Securigera securidaca. The explants were cultured in MS medium supplemented with various concentrations of BAP or TDZ in combination with various concentrations of NAA in a factorial experiments based on a completely randomized design with four replicates. Twelve explants per replicate were studied. No callus was produced on control (hormone-free medium) treatment, while well developed calli with proembryogenic structures were obtained using BAP or TDZ in both cotyledon and hypocotyl explants. Although, TDZ in combination with NAA was the most effective on somatic embryo regeneration in calli derived from all studied explants, however, it was more efficient on callus production in root explants and subsequently embryo regeneration. The protocol described in the present study can be used for the production of a large number of true-to-type plants and production of secondary metabolites of pharmaceutical values of S. securidaca.

Plants due to their secondary metabolites have world value and wide applications in various fields of technology. Birch genus (Betula) contains secondary metabolites, especially terpenes which have preventive properties for skin cancer, HIV virus, hepatitis, and malaria. Finding a suitable alternative for pharmaceutical industry is essential due to the limited mother trees and danger of extinction of the mentioned species. Considering the problems associated with crop production and forestry, other methods such asin vitro plantation by applying triggers to obtain the herbal ingredients can be used. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of light and dark on Betulin production in four month calli of in vitro produced B. litwinowii. Explants were prepared by leaves of 25 years old mother plants and 5 years old seedlings during summer from Sangdeh site. They were cultured on WPM plantation medium at light and dark conditions. For analysis of callus production a t- independent test with 5 replicates was used, Analysis of Betulin rate was used using a calibration curve that was obtained by injection of standard solutions using HPLC system. Results showed that light conditions (16 hours light and 8 hours dark) with white light intensity of 1000-1500 lux were essential for callogenesis explants and Betulin quantity was higher in explants prepared from older mother plants.

Cryopreservation or storage at -196oC is a new and most important method of preserving plant species materials for a long period of time. Using cryopreservation, most of seeds, vegetative organs, cells, and pollens can be preserved for a long time. Cryogenic conditions stop much of the metabolic processes of the cells and, period of preservation dramatically increases. Seeds of Acacia nilotica and Acacia tortilis were collected from Hormozgan provience, located in south part of Iran. Three pretreatments including vitrification (PVS2), desiccation and 30% glycerol were applied before transferring the seeds into liquid nitrogen. Seeds were stored in liquid nitrogen for one month. Following removal from liquid nitrogen, the seeds were subjected to heat shock (+42oC) and germinated under laboratory conditions. Different attributes including seed germination percentage, root and shoot length, germination speed, root/shoot length ratio and seed vigor index (VI) were recorded and statistically analyzed. Second sample of the same seeds were sown in pots and grown under greenhouse conditions. High seed germination percentage (<80%, <75% and<41% for Acacia nilotica and Acacia tortilis respectively) and other attributes, either in laboratory or greenhouse conditions revealed the cryotolerance of seeds of the species. In greenhouse experiments, plants developed from cryogenic seeds grew normally and did not show any abnormality compared to those of the control plants. In general, results of the present study indicated that cryopreservation (-196oC) technology can be used for long-term preservation of Acacia nilotica and Acacia tortilis seeds.

Smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis) is an open pollinated grass with gametophytic self-incompatibility. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of mandatory self fertility on morphological and agronomic traits of Bromus inermis. Three populations including self-pollinated, open pollinated and parental genotypes (each consisted of 25 genotypes of Bromus inermis) were evaluated using a split plot experiment based on randomize complete block design. Significant differences were found among the populations for flag leaf width, days to ear emergence, days to pollination, fresh yield, and dry matter yield. For most of the traits, means of self-pollinated population didn’t have significant differences with open pollinated and parental population due to increasing of homozygosity level, desirable allele frequencies, and fixation of additive effects. Positive correlation was found between dry matter yield with spread and fresh forage yield in self-pollinated population. Positive correlation was found between dry matter yield with number of stems in the open pollinated population. Factor analysis for the populations indicated that four factors accounted 78% of the total variation. Finally the results indicated that inbreeding depression is low in Bromus inermis. Therefore, it is possible to develop inbred line in the plant species for breeding objectives.

Introduction of drought-resistant species of Eucalyptus for planting in arid and semi-arid areas of Iran for silviculture and landscaping is emphasized. In order to determine the effects of different soil moisture regimes on physiological characteristics of E. microtheca and. E. sargentii, the experiment was carried out in Shahid-Sadoghi Desertification Research Station of Yazd, in center part on Iran. An experiment was carried out based on a completely randomized design with three replications and three treatments: 100% (control), 70% (moderate stress) and 40% (severe stress) of field capasity. Results indicated that water potential, relative water content, specific leaf area and relative chlorophyll content reveiled significant different effects between the stress treatments at 1% level. With reduction of soil moisture, E. sargentii was more sensitive to drought stress than E. microtheca in similar conditions.

Damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) is known as “National Flower” of Iran. Determination of elite genotypes is important for achievement of high quantity of essential oils and flower yield. Twenty five Rosa damascena accessions collected from different regions of Iran were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replications in Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center of Kermanshah, located in North West part of Iran, during 2005-2009. Essential oils were extracted and measured from their flower petals using water distillation producer. Flower yield per hectare and flower numbers per plants were also recorded. Results of analysis of variance showed a significant variation (P<0.01) between the accessions. Significant phenotypic correlation was observed (P<0.01) between flower yield per hectare and flower number per plant but significant correlation was not observed between essential oils quantity with both flower yield per hectare and number of flower per plant. Based on mean comparison, cluster analysis and discriminate function analysis, two elite groups of accessions were introduced for climatic conditions of Kermanshah; First group included ARAK, ESF5, GILA, KR5, KR6, KR8, KORD and YAZD accessions with the most flower yield per hectare and second group included accessions AZR-GH, ESF2, ESF4, KR4, KR7 and KR9 for the most essential oils quantity. In addition, two accessions named KR8 and KR9 were the best for both flower yield and quantity of essential oils.

This investigation was carried out on 14 populations of Silybum marianum which were collected from different regions of Iran. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with 3 replications at Isfahan Agriculture Research Center. Results of analysis of variance showed significant differences for all of the studied traits (p<0.01). There were considerable genotypic coefficient of variation for grain yield, total capitulum weight per plant and single capitulum weight. Correlation coefficients showed significant positive correlation between grain yield and total capitulum weight per plant. Principal components analysis revealed that, the first two PCA components comprised about 76% of the total variation. Ward cluster analysis grouped the populations in 4 groups. The least Euclidean distance was observed between the populations 5 and 6. The highest Euclidean distance occurred between populations 1 and 4. The results also showed high genetic potential among the Iranian Silybum marianum populations. This feature is used in breeding programs such as crossing and producing synthetic cultivars with desirable agronomic characteristics.