SEED AND PLANT IMPROVEMENT JOURNAL
Year:2013 | Volume:29-1 | Issue:3|Papers Count:14

Pistachio with dioecious and heterozygous nature has a high genetic diversity and its kernel contains essential proteins and minerals. In this study, morphological and phonological traits of 40 male and female genotypes, as well as kernel chemical components of 25 female genotypes from Feizabad region of Khorasan were evaluated. Results showed that some characteristics such as tree canopy, annual growth, winter bud density and time of flowering and leaf bud burst had high coefficients of variation. There were positive and negative correlations among studied traits that some of them such as correlation of phenological traits with fruits, buds and flower attributes was remarkable. Kernel protein and lipid contents of genotypes were 16.2 - 32.1% and 45 – 75%, respectively, that the highest amount of lipids was in Garmeh Riz 1 genotype. The highest Fe concentration was 62.4 ppm in Genotype 24 and the highest P contents was 0.73% in Genotype 19. The cluster analysis of morphological data divided the female genotypes into seven groups and the male genotypes into two groups. Among the female genotypes, Badami Sefid 1, Sefid Sabuni 2, Garme Siah and Ghermez Zoodras were the best genotypes in point of split shells, size of nut and protein and lipids contents of kernel.

To study genetic architecture of resistance of rice to blast disease, five diverse rice cultivars viz. Neda, Dasht, Domsiah, SHZ-2 and Ahlami tarom were selected and all cross combinations were made among them (a half-diallel). All genotypes including ten F1 together with their five parents were evaluated in RCBD with three replications for components of resistance to blast in Rice Research Institute of Iran in Rasht and Amol during 2005-2007. Analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences among all rice cultivars and their cross combinations for all traits. Combining ability analysis based on Method II and Model Mixed B (Griffing) revealed that mean of squares for GCA and SCA were significantly different, hence both additive and non-additive components of genetic variance were important in controlling of traits. For most of traits additive components were predominant. Cultivars Neda, Dasht and SHZ-2 were good combiner for increasing resistance to blast disease. Most of combinations showed high significant SCA for components of resistance. Genetic analysis through Hayman`s method also proved the results obtained via Griffing’s method.

Gene action and heritability of bread making quality characteristics for six bread wheat cultivars (Arvand, Atrak, Zarrin, Karaj-3, MV-17 and Navid) were studied in a 6´6 full-diallel cross. All crosses among the parents were made in 2009-2010 cropping season. Parents and their hybrids were grown in a randomized complete block design with three replications in research field of Mahidasht station, Kermanshah, Iran, in 2010-2011 cropping season. The bread making quality attributes were recorded and analyzed by Jinks and Hayman’s method. Analysis of variance of data showed significant differences (P<0.01) among the genotypes for all studied traits. Results of graphical analysis based on Hayman’s method showed the prevalence of additive effect over the non-additive effect for all traits. The highest and lowest heritability of traits belonged to kernel hardness index and falling number which was 79% and 31% respectively. Embryo and endosperm additive variances for grain protein content, kernel hardness, water absorption, wet gluten and gluten index were similar to Hyman’s method. Mother’s effects in triploid’s method and Hyman’s method for baking quality traits were similar and significant. The additive and non-additive gene actions were also observed. Considering the significant role of additive effects on control of 1000 grain weight, seed protein content, moisture content of grain, grain hardness and bread volume, therefore they can be improved in breeding programs via selection procedures.

To determine the genetic variation in gene bank sainfoin collection, 137 populations of Onobrychis altissima together with three populations as control were planted in augmented design in the experimental field of Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran in 2009. Statistical parameters including mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variance, Shannon index, correlation coefficients and cluster analysis were calculated for different traits of the populations. The results showed a considerable variation in the studied traits. Leaf/stem ratio was the most useful trait for distinction of populations from each other in comparison with pod length and pod width. Hundred seed weight and plant height at 50% flowering had a positive and significant correlation. Using Ward’s method for Cluster analysis, populations were divided into six sub-clusters, but no relationship was found between genetic variation of populations and their geographical distribution. The populations of second cluster are important due to high leaf/stem ratio, so they can be used in breeding program for high protein and forage quality.

Recently, red-fleshed apple genotypes have been widely studied due to their high antioxidant level and good marketing traits. In the present study, six red-fleshed apple genotypes planted in Kamalshar Research Station, Karaj, Iran and three genotypes collected from Shahrood were studied for morphological, phenological, pomological, physicochemical traits and organoleptic characteristics during 2010 and 2011. Based on the results, genotype GH-R had the highest and H-GH3 the lowest tree height (425 and 305 cm, respectively). The highest trunk and scaffold cross areas were also observed in these genotypes. Regarding phenological traits, the longest flowering period (20-22 days) was observed in genotypes B-R and GH-R. Genotype T3 had the highest flower diameter (4.9 cm). The highest fruit weight, length and diameter was observed in genotype SH-10 (89.06 g, 5.33 cm and 6.18 cm, respectively) and the lowest in B3 (19.49 g, 3.12 cm and 2.60 cm, respectively). The highest fruit firmness was detected in genotype B3 (6.22 kgcm-2) and the lowest in H-GH (3.11 kgcm-2). Except SH-10 which had conical fruits, other genotypes had spherical fruits. At ripening stage, genotypes B3, B-R and GH-R had dark red flesh, while in other genotypes, flesh color was pink or red observed only around carpel. Genotypes B-R and GH-R had favorable taste and acceptability, therefore could be used as table fruit or for processing.

To study the genetics of yield and some agronomic traits in bread wheat, the bi-plot of diallel data was used. Parents (Gascogne, Ghods, Gaspard, Pishtaz, Alborz, Toos and Sardari) and their crosses (without reciprocal crosses) were investigated for two cropping seasons (2009- 2010 and 2010- 2011) using a randomized complete block design with three replications in research field of Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch. Average over years was used for analysis. Analysis of variances indicated significant differences among genotypes for all traits. For evaluation of cultivars genetic potential, the GGE bi-plot graphical method was used. The measured traits were grain yield per plot, spike weight, 1000 kernel weight, fertile tiller number, spike length, awn length, peduncle length and plant height. General and specific combining ability for all traits were significant. Gascogne was the best general combiner and the Gascogne ´ Gaspard and Ghods ´ Pishtaz had the highest SCA. These results were confirmed by the biplot analysis. Alvand cultivar was the best tester for 1000 kernel weight. Gaspard and Sardari cultivars were the best testers for grain yield.

To evaluate the variation in morphological traits of some wild grape genotypes in Sardasht and Piranshahr forests and their relationship with Rasha grape cultivar, this research was conducted. In the first year wild grapevine genotypes were identified and marked by plaques based on the sexuality of flowers. In the same regions some plants of Rasha cultivar in vinegards were also marked. In different phenological stages, based on global gene bank descriptor for grape, different traits related to growth end point, young stem, young leaves, mature leaves and fruit were measured and recorded. Results showed differences between various traits in wild genotypes. The frequency ratio of female accessions to male grapes was 3:13. Based on cluster analysis, all genotypes of wild and cultivated Rasha grape were divided into three groups. The first group consisted of genotype PR1 from Piranshahr, in the second group all wild grape genotypes of Piranshahr and Sardasht and in the third group only cultivated Rasha cultivar were located. In this clustering, the high similarity was observed between GH7 and GH5, GH3 and GH6 and PR8, PR3 and PR4, PR5, and PR8, respectively. Rasha cultivar showed very little similarity with the wild grapes.

To study the effects of drought stress treatments on rapessed, an experiment was carried out in greenhouse using a randomized complete block design with five replications. Seeds of Falcon cultivar were sown on light filler and transferred into the greenhouse after vernalization. Drought stress treatments were -0.5, -1, -2, -4 and -6 bar which applied by using equivalent water. To measure the amount of chlorophyll and TABARM (oxidative index at cellular level), leaf samples were collected monthly. Leaf sample were also collected at maximum vegetative growth for molecular studies and gene expression interpretation. Traits such as leaf number, leaf area, days to 50% flowering and phenotypic appearance were recorded in each treatment. Based on the results, amount of most traits decreased significantly by increasing drought intensity. Chlorophyll amount reflected also the same pattern. There was no visible difference between the effects of control treatment and -0.5 bar on gronomic traits and level of gene expression, whereas deterioration of traits and increase of TABARM were severe in -2 bar drought treatment which coincided with gene expression alteration. The activity of most drought stress related resistance genes started in -1 bar and increased by increase of drought stress intensity. Synchronization between alteration of traits, biochemical indices and gene expression in response to drought stress was detected in this investigation.

The simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used for developing genetic identification barcode for of 28 trees of 10 Iranian commercial cultivars of hazelnut. A total of 63 alleles with an average of 6.3 alleles at each locus were amplified. The number of alleles per SSR locus ranged between five to 10 alleles. The highest member of alleles was observed for SSR locus CAT-B107 with 10 alleles. The average polymorphic information content (PIC) was estimated as 0.70, which indicated a high degree of genetic variation in Iranian hazelnut cultivars. Cluster analysis based on the profile of SSR alleles, separated cv Shirvani from all other cultivars, whereas the other cultivars were placed into five different groups under one clade. Based on DNA polymorphism of these alleles all cultivars were distinct from each other, except cultivars Pashmineh and Gercheh. Although only four primer pairs were sufficient to distinguish cultivars examined in this study from each other, the two cultivars Pashmine and Gercheh showed no genetic difference even with the use of 14 primers. Therefore considering the asexual multiplication of hazelnut and similarity of origin of these two cultivars, the probability of having one genotype for these two is high. Based on these results genetic identity and true to typness of clones belonging to all cultivars, except for one tree of each cultivar Tabestsneh, Shastak, Mahali Karaj and Rasmi were confirmed and their genetic identification barcode was developed. This will facilitate not only for the plant certification but also for the protection of hazelnut cultivars registered in Iran.

In order to assess the adaptability of olive cultivars in Northern Khuzestan, an experiment was conducted as a complete randomized block design with 21 cultivars in three replications. Study of flowering of cultivars showed that X-S and Doebli cultivars had 20% (lowest) and 100% (highest) complete flowers, respectively. Results of analysis of variance for quantitative traits showed that cultivar had a significant effect on all studied traits (P£0.01). Results of combined analysis (2007-2009) also showed that the effect of year on fruit yield and oil yield/tree was significant (P£0.05). Considering the yield and size of trees in different cultivars, the highest fruit yield was achieved in cultivars Conservalia (7549 kgha-1), Mahzam Abu-Satl (6769 kgha-1), Kronaieki (6239 kgha-1) and X-D (4022 kgha-1) respectively. Cultivar X-S had the highest and Valanolia had the lowest oil content /fresh weight (18.1 and 3.1%, respectively). Based on yield, oil content and size of trees, the highest oil yield /ha was achieved in Conservalia (723 kgha-1), X-D (404 kgha-1), Amigdafolia (396 kgha-1) and X-S (373 kgha-1) respectively. Based these results, Conservalia could be suggested as a double purpose cultivar in commercial olive orchards in Khuzestan due to its high yield and good conserving quality.

Seed dormancy has a critical role in ecological adaptation of wild plant species such as Hordeum spontaneum, a wild relative of barley. In this study, 192 ecotypes of Hordeum spontaneum maintained in National Plant Gene Bank of Iran (NPGBI) originating from different climatic zones of the country were evaluated. Morphological, phenological and physiological traits were recorded in the field. After harvest, the seeds were kept at 5oC for six months then were evaluated for seed dormancy. Evaluation of seed dormancy in different ecotypes of wild barley indicated that, seed dormancy was significantly higher in ecotypes of desert and cold desert climates (77.6% and 83.7% respectively) compared to ecotypes originating from cold steppe climates (45.6%). The germination index was higher in cold steppe ecotypes (2.08) than ecolypes of other climates. Correlation of seed dormancy and some qualitative traits such as glum color, grain color and awn color was significant. In this study the seed dormancy was higher in ecotypes with darker color glum, grain and awn.

Six bread wheat advanced lines and nine lines selected from Seri/Babax population with Chamran cultivar as the cheek were evaluated in three locations in two cropping seasons (2009-2011). Two separate experiments including optimum irrigation until physiological maturity and terminal drought stress were applied in each location using complete randomized block design with three replications. Drought stress tolerance of the genotypes to were evaluated by 15 indices. Results showed that simple and multiple effects of experimental factors were significantly different under well-watered and terminal drought stress conditions. Grain yields of Chamran cultivar were 6056 kgha-1 and 5109 Kgha-1 and the grand mean of grain yield were 6006 kgha-1 and 4667 kgha-1 under well-watered and terminal drought stress conditions, respectively. The highest grain yield was obtained from line No. 9 with 6376 kgha-1 under optimum condition. None of genotypes yielded more grain than Chamran cultivar under terminal drought stress. Except in a few instances, there were no similar genotypes grouping based on susceptibility and tolerance criteria used in this research. Modified stress tolerance (MSTI) and yield index (YI) efficiently distinguished better the genotypes. According to the results of this study lines No.4, 9 and 12 with 6337, 6376 and 6242 kgha-1 grain yield under optimum condition and with 4730, 4781 and 4785 kgha-1 grain yield under terminal drought stress showed higher drought tolerance than the other genotypes. Considering the stress intensity (SI = 0.22) of this study, it seems that high yielding genotypes selected under optimum condition, will also produce higher grain yield under terminal drought stress condition.

Introduction of a suitable vetch as winter crop in cold drylands of Iran is highly important. Line VP-2670 with origin of Turkey was selected from ICARDA nursery during 2002 and was evaluated along with other selected lines and local checks over nine years in different stations and on-farm conditions. VP-2670 with mean 3500 kgha-1 dry biomass over environments, high stability and protein content higher than local check cultivars was introduced officially in Iran in April 2012 and named Golsefid as a winter crop for cold and semi-cold dryland areas of Iran.

Katoul is a new soybeam cultivar originated from a genotype named D.P.X.3589 imported from the United States of American in 1990. This genotype was examined together with other soybean genotypes and check cultivars in different preliminary and advanced yield traits in Gorgan and other research stations during 1999-2002. The mean seed yield of D.P.X.3589 in all these experiments was 3333 kgha-1 which was 748 kgha-1 higher than the yield of check cultivar Gorgan 3. In farmer’s fields it also produced 3397 kgha-1 seed yield, 839 kgha-1 more than the check cultivar. In experimental trials and farmer’s fields, D.P.X.3589 was relatively resistant to charcoal rot disease and soybean cyst nematode. This genotype shows a good standing for lodging and shattering and is suitable for mechanized harvesting due to poding in higher nodes of stem and also homogeneity of plants at harvesting time. The other feature of this genotype is a high rate of compensatory in environmental stresses with producing further flowers. D.P.X.3589 was officially registered in Iran by the National Cultivar Release Committee of Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization in October 2010 and named Katoul, for cultivation in Golestan province of Iran.