Iranian Journal of Field Crop Science
Year:2009 | Volume:40 | Issue:1|Papers Count:26

Hybrid rice varieties from wild abortive (WA) type CMS accounted for approximately 90% of hybrid rice. Majority of the studies, indicated that the fertility restoration in this system is controlled by two independent genes, however lack of proper understanding of the genetic analysis of restorer fertility gene (s) for WA cytoplasm still remains unresolved. To identify the restorer genes, an F2 population from a cross between IR42686R and IR58025A was raised in the field as single plants during the experimental cropping season. For the first time 3 separate genes are reported governing this trait through triplicate dominant epistatic model giving a ratio of 63:1 (pollen fertile: sterile single plants). These three genes were detected on chromosomes 1, 7 and 10 by microsatellite (SSR) markers. Out of 181 pairs of microsatellite markers, 30 (16.6%) markers showed polymorphism between IR42686R and IR58025A. The rest of the markers showed monomorphism or no amplification bands. Among the 30 markers that showed polymorphism in parental survey, 5 markers exhibited the same banding pattern between CMS line and completely sterile plants, and F2 individuals being assayed through these markers. Microsatellite markers RM443 and RM315 were flanking Rf3 the gene at a genetic distance of 4.4 and 20.7 cM on chromosome 1 respectively while RM6344 was closely linked at a distance of 6.6 cM to Rf1 on chromosome 7. The third gene Rf2 was flanked on either side with SSR markers RM258 and RM591 on chromosome 10 at a genetic distance of 4.4 and 22 cM respectively.

Augment of germination rate is important in seedling establishment and crop yield. A set of study in laboratory & field conditions at Agronomy Department of University of Tehran was conducted during 2004-2005. In lab. experiment the effects of seed priming was evaluated on germination indices (germination percentage and rate) of chickpea genotypes in a factorial experiment of 4×3×2 arranged in a complete randomized block design of three replications. The treatments included: some priming solution (PEG, KNO3 and H2O), duration of seed priming (6, 12 and 24 hours) and two chickpea genotypes (Jam and Kourosh). Analysis of variance indicated that seed priming had significant effect on germination indices (p£0.01). PEG affected germination indices more than KNO3. Prolonged priming duration for 24 hours increased speed of seed germination (p£0.05); however the germination indices did not significantly differ among chickpea genotypes. In field trials the effects of both seed priming and change in sowing date were assessed on yield in chickpea genotypes through a similar design (3×2×2 factorial) arranged in a complete randomized block design of four replications. Treatments were comprised of three kinds of priming solution (PEG, H2O and nonprimed or check), two sowing dates (March 1st and April 5th) along with the same chickpea genotypes. The chickpea traits were significantly affected by priming and sowing date treatments (p£0.05). First (early) sowing date significantly differed from the other date as to seed & biological yield, harvest index, number of pods per plant, seed no. per pod and 1000 seed weight. Primed seed sown early produced more seed and biological yields (p£0.05). Chickpea seed yield and yield components showed significant relationships. In general, the earlier sowing date (March 1st) prolonged the phenological stages of chickpea genotypes and resulted in more seed yield as well as yield components. The selection of proper seed priming treatments also led to improved germination indices and prolonged crop duration with more yields, thus higher yields.

The effect of seed inoculation by phosphate solubilizing microorganisms on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of maize (Zea mays L. SC. 704) was studied in a field experiment. This experiment was conducted in Meshkin Abad Experimental Station during 2005. The experiment design consisted of four randomized complete blocks in a split-factorial arrangement. The main-plots regarding simulating water deficit stress levels consisted of three water regimes, achieved by scheduling cumulative pan evaporation in mm. The irrigations were scheduled for various treatments, when the cumulative pan evaporation readings reached 70, 100 and 130 mm. The sub-plots included the application of microbial inoculants [Glomus intraradices; Pseudomonas fluorescens strain 93; Glomus intraradices + Pseudomonas fluorescens strain 93] and none [triple super phosphate fertilizer; without fertilizer (control)]. Positive effects on plant growth, nutrient uptake, grain yield and yield components in maize was recorded in the treatment receiving mixed inoculums of Glomus intraradices (AM) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf). Co-inoculation treatment significantly increased grain yield, yield components, harvest index, grain N and P, soil available P and root colonization percentage under water deficit stress. Seed inoculation with only AM positively affected the measured parameters as much as co-inoculated treatments. In some investigated characteristics under well-watered conditions, chemical fertilizer treatment was superior to co-inoculated treatments, but the difference was not significant. According to the results obtained, in contrast to the inoculated treatments with AM+Pf and AM, the application of Pf alone led to a comparatively poor response. Therefore, this microorganism needs a complement for its activity in soil. All the assessed parameters in inoculated treatments were of higher values than those in the uninoculated treatments under water deficit stress conditions. Furthermore, the investigated characteristics of co-inoculated plants under severe water deficit stress were significantly less pronounced than co-inoculated plants under well-watered and moderate-stressed conditions. Therefore it could be stated, these microorganisms need more time to fix and establish themselves in soil. The present finding showed that phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms can positively interact in promoting plant growth as well as in P uptake in maize plants, leading to plant tolerance improving under water deficit stress conditions.

In order to study the effect of plant density and sowing date on ear economic yield and sugar content in sweet corn (Zea mays L. cv. Saccarata), a field experiment was conducted at Tarbiat Modarres University (Tehran West) in 2004. The experiment was carried out using split plots based on randomized complete block design of 4 replications. Four levels of sowing date (May 22th, June 10th, July 1th and July 21th) as the main factor and four levels of plant density (45000, 55000, 65000 and 75000 plants/ha) as sub-plots were investigated. Yield and yield components as well as ear formative characteritics, including ear number per plant, ear length and diameter, grain row number per ear and grain number per row were assessed. Results showed that ear fresh yield in different sowing dates was varied and S2D4 treatment (sowing in June 10th with 75000 plant/ha) with 3250 g/m2 being the superior treatment. Also ear yield was affected by plant density. This treatment carries the highest rate of total sugar and sucrose (6.96 and 4.97 percent respectively). Therefore sweet corn sowed on June 10th produced about 28 tons/ha of fresh ear (22.6 percent increment due to early sowing, May 22th). A large number of ears per unit area in the high density treatment compensated for the yield loss per each plant.

Post-dispersal weed seed predation is an important source and means of weed seed diminution and loss in agricultural fields. To determine the effect of seed distribution patterns on post-dispersal seed predation of Avena ludoviciana, Sinapis arvensis, Hordeum spontaneum and Rapistrum rugosum, a field experiment was conducted in a barely field in Mashhad in 2007. Three factors (4 weed species, 3 distribution patterns and 6 sequential record taking weeks) were arranged in a randomized complete block design, replicated four times. Seed distribution patterns significantly effected predation, so that aggregate and randomly distributed seeds faced the highest and the lowest predation respectively. Mean total predation was significantly different among species. The interaction between weed species and distribution pattern was significant too. S. arvensis aggregated seeds and H. spontaneum random distributed seeds bore the highest and the lowest predation respectively. Results indicate that the potential of post- dispersal seed predation, as a control method is not the same for all weed species. The reliance on this method is less responding for species with large seeds like Hordeum spontaneum as well as for seeds with random distribution than small seeded species like Sinapis arvensis and also aggregately distributed seeds. Meanwhile, according to promising reports on mean total number of predated seeds, post-dispersal seed predation can be integrated in as a measure weed management as a nature friendly control method.

To study the relationships between different traits and yield, and as well to make a determination of genetic diversity and a classification of genotypes, 100 rice genotypes were investigated through a 10×10 simple lattice design of two replications at Rice Research Institute of Iran, Rasht in year 2000. Results of the variance analysis indicated showed that there were significant differences among genotypes for all traits at 1% probability level. The highest and the lowest genotypic and phenotypic variation coefficient was related to the panicle exit length from flag leaf and to days to 50% flowering, respectively. Broad sense heritability was recorded as the highest for amylose content and gelatinization temperature while the lowest recorded for grain yield per plant and overall yield. Total as well as the number of fartile tillers, filled grain number, grain yield per plant and amylose content exhibited positive and significant genetic correlatin with yield. Results of path analysis demonstrated that grain yield per plant can be used as selection index to improve yield. In factor analysis, 6 independent factors namely plant morphology, grain size and shape, yield and yield components, grain number, grain filling and the panicle exit which respectively determined abd explained up to 79.6% of total data variaton among varieties. Cluster analysis as based on Ward’s minimum variance classified genotypes into seven clusters of 8, 27, 10, 5, 12, 9 and 29 genotypes, respectively.

Drought is considered as a main abiotic constraint, limiting crops, specially cereals' yield throughout in the world. With regard to the importance and multiple uses of barley as well as its suitability for cropping in potentially and agriculturally limited regions like dry and saline lands in Iran, it is important for breeders to identify resist/tolerant genotypes and to improve barley yield for these areas. This study was conducted to assay some barley lines and to determine the effective factors affecting the crop's yield in stress and non-stress conditions. Genotypes were grown in two trials similar in design and agricultural practices except for irrigation or water regime. Results indicated that there were significant differences among traits within genotypes as regards different moisture regime conditions. Biomass and plant yield were in high correlation with stress (0.88) and non-stress (0.92) conditions. Stepwise regression employed to specify yield-affecting characters in either of the experiments excerpted four triats in normal and seven characteristics in stressed trial, which exhibited high and significant effects on yield. Because of the difference in number of these traits, it seems that there are several characteristics upon which yield is highly dependent if the cropfaced with water limitation during its growth period. These would be the traits which will determine the plant's final yield. Based on results of this study barley yield could be improved by selection for high grain weight, early maturity, higher stems with many spikes and weighty biomass genotypes in drought stress conditions. Also plants with shorter growing seasons, more and bigger spikes and higher biomass volumes yield more grain in normal conditions. Finally, selecting for high biomass, more spike number and weight in non-stress conditions could improve yield also in moderately stressed conditions.

To study the effects of sowing dates on seed germination and on seed vigor of 12 spring rapeseed cultivars, an experiment was performed in years 2005-2006. During the first year, 12 cultivars of spring rapeseed were planted in the Research Field of Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran. During the second year, standard germination test was conducted to study the performance of the seeds grown during the first year of the experiment. A factorial experiment in randomized complete block design was employed. According to the results, the seeds grown during the two seasons were significantly different from the view point of seed weight, germination, length of radicle and plumule, seedling vigor index, number of normal and abnormal seedlings, mean daily germination as well as daily germination index. In addition, the effect of cultivar was significant on seed weight, germination, length of radicle, plumule and seedlings, seedling vigor index, number of normal and abnormal seedling, mean daily germination as well as daily germination index. The seeds of autumnal cultivation were better off from the view point of seedling vigor as well as other important characteristics of seed vigor. Among the cultivars, RG405/02 was better than the others due to its high seed weight. A reduction of seed weight during germination could be used as a valuable index to determine seed vigor.

The aim in this study was to evaluate seed dormancy, period of after-ripening and pre-harvest sprouting resistance in barley genotypes. Fifty seven barley genotypes from Wageningen seed germplasm and two Iranian cultivars as control (Gorgan and Valfagr) were arranged in a randomized complete block design of two replications and planted at the Research Farm of Collage of Agriculture, University of Tehran in 2005. Date of heading and growing stage of ZGS92 were recorded during the growing season. As for ZGS92, 50 heads were collected, and following hand threshing of seeds several related measurements were conducted. First, percentage of seed germination under dark conditions and at 20oC (three replications) was evaluated. Among the 57 genotypes, 36 had a low percentage of germination (dormant) and the rest (21 genotypes) were non-dormant. The control cultivars also showed a high level of seed dormancy and a low percentage of germination. To evaluate the length of dormancy in seeds, tests of after-ripening were conducted with dormant genotypes and with control cultivars over five weeks (3 replications). The results indicated that most of the genotypes had a high germination percentage during the first week showing they did not have deep dormancy. A number of genotypes and control cultivars last their dormancy after a lapse of five weeks. Sprouting resistance was assessed through Clark (sprouting score) and Hucl (sprouting index) methods. Dormant genotypes exhibited high resistance to pre-harvest sprouting.

Analysis of genetic diversity in germplasm collections can facilitate reliable classification of accessions as well as identification of subsets of core accessions with possible utility for specific breeding purposes. To investigate the pattern of genetic variation in tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb) germplasm, a field experiment was accordingly conducted. Seeds of 25 Iranian, 11 Hungarian, one American as well as one Polish accession were germinated in a greenhouse. After a lapes of 3 months, seedlings were transported to field and plants surveyed in a randomized complete block design of three replications. Significant differences were observed for all the characters indicating broad variation in germplasm. Genotypic coefficients of variability for forage hay yield and for number of stems were 57.7 and 29.1 respectively showing a high rate of variation. Estimates of broad sense heritability for height, date of inflorescence emergence and pollination were recorded higher than 85 and for crown diameter as 40.37 percent. Correlation coefficients of hay yield with date of inflorescence emergence and pollination were observed as negative and with height and number of stems as significantly positive. Also, correlation coefficients for date of inflorescence emergence and pollination with plant height and number of stems were significantly negative showing tillering and height as two major components affecting hay yield. Applying WARD method of cluster analysis on the studied attributes, three groups of clusters were obtained. Accessions from same country were clustered in a same cluster. As regards the morphological characters, the least and the most similar accessions were identified to be further employed in the future breeding projects.

To evaluate the effects of sowing density, deferred harvesting, and harvest intensity on forage yield and an some vegetative characteristics of annual medic (Medicago scutelatta Var Robinson) an experiment was conducted on the Research Farm of College of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj, during 2005 growing season. The expremental treatments were arranged in split-split plots based on a complete randomized block design of four replications. Where the commencement of harvesting (continues and deferred) were allocated to main plot, the sowing density of 25, 75 and 225 plant/ m2 to split plots and the harvest intensities (different heights of forage cutting from ground level) of 2, 4 and 8 cm to the split-split plots. The results indicated that the total forage (accumulated forage) production in continuous harvesting system (3624 kg/ha) was significantly higher than in the deferred system. As the sowing density increased, forage production followed an increasing trend. The best harvest height was determined as 4 cm from ground surface. As sowing density and harvest intensity increased, branch number per plant, number of nodes/plant and branch length followed a decreasing trend. Time of defoliation commencement was significant (P<0.01) on mean availability of forage, Medic forage yields and growth rates across all harvests.

To study the tolerance of genotypes under terminal drought stress, 20 promising winter and facultative bread wheat genotypes were evaluated at Karadj, Ardebil, Arak and Hamedan Agricultural Research Stations during 2001-02 cropping season. The experimental design in all the locations was randomized complete block of three replications. Grain yield (YLD), Harvest Index (HI), Grain Number per Spike (GNS) and Thousand Kernel Weight (TKW) were the traits evaluated in the study. Combined ANOVA showed significant effect for irrigation, genotype and genotype × location interaction on YLD, HI, GNS and TKW. Comparison of the genotypes using TOL, SSI, MP, GMP and STI showed genotypes 20 (1-27-6275/ Cf1770/ 5/ Gds/ 4/ Anza/ 3/ Pi/ Nar/ Hys) and 13 (Darunk) as the superior ones under terminal drought for YLD and HI, respectively. For GNS and TKW, genotype 6 (1-60-1//Emu"s"/Tjb84/3/1-12638) was identified as the superior genotype under terminal drought stress condition. All in all, MP, GMP and STI were identified as better means than TOL and SSI for a determination of the tolerant and high yielding genotypes.

Weeds are reported as one of the most serious problems in red kidney bean production. To evaluate the competitive ability of red bean cultivars with red root pigweed an experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of the University College of Agriculture and Natural Recourses, University of Tehran in 2006. Different densities of pigweed including 0, 4, 8, 16 and 32 plants/m2 along with three cultivars of red bean (AKHTAR, SAYYAD and Line D81083) were employed in a factorial experiment with complete randomized block design. The effects of pigweed density on leaf area index, crop growth rate, biological and grain yield of dry bean were investigated during the study. Results indicated that at a density of 32 plants/m2 of pigweed, cultivar SAYYAD and Line D81083 had the most vs. the least leaf area index and crop growth rate, respectively. Differences between grain and biological yield of cultivars were significant with Line D81083 exhibiting the least grain and biological yield. The density of 32 plants/m2 of pigweed, reduced grain yield of cultivars SAYYAD, AKHTAR and Line D81083 about, 42, 57 and 72%, respectively. Grain yields of red bean cultivars were more seriously affected by pigweed interference, in comparison with their biological yields. Based on the coefficients of yield loss models (a & m), red bean cultivar of SAYYAD had the most competitive ability among the red bean cultivars. The Line D81083 suffered from the most grain and biological yield loss. Also cultivar SAYYAD and Line D81083 had the most vs. the least effect on biomass and leaf area index of pigweed respectively, indicating that cultivar SAYYAD has the most competitive ability against pigweed.

In order to investigate the effect of animal manure application, in drought stress conditions, on soybean (Glycine max L.) quantitative and qualitative characters, an experiment in the form of split plot and based on randomized complete block design of four replications was conducted at Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, in 2004. Irrigation treatments as the main factor were in three levels of 50 (control), 100 (medium stress) and 150 mm (severe stress) water evaporation from Class A Pan, and manure application as sub plot at four levels of 0, 15, 30 and 45 t/ha. Plants were irrigated at 50 mm evaporation from pan of class A, from V3 germinative stage (trifoliate exposed). Drought stress decreased plant height, number of nodes, internode length, number of branches, number of pods and seed weight per m2 as well as 1000 seed weight. Animal manure application reduced drought stress effects. The yield decreased with when drought stress intensity increasing. Increase in animal manure application increased seed yield. The highest yield was obtained in control with 2511 kg/h. Water stress reduced grain yield in medium and severe stress treatments by 22% and 39%, respectively. Application of 45 t/h of animal manure produced the highest yield of 2244 kg/h. Increase in animal manure application increase caused in number of pods per m2 and in 1000 seed weight. Seed oil content decreased while protein content increasing, when drought stress intensity increased. Animal manure exerted a significant effect on seed protein content, the lowest seed protein content being obtained at 45 t/ha of manure application.

To study Genotype × Environment (GE) interaction, assess and determine the general and specific adaptation of grain yield in maize hybrids, AMMI (Additive Main effect and Multiplicative Interaction) method was employed. Twelve late and mid mature maize hybrids were evaluated in 24 environmental conditions, namely (2 years × 12 locations). The experiment was conducted in 2003 and 2004 in RCB design of 4 replications in all the locations. According to simple and combined ANOVA results, differences among genotypes were significant. AMMI analysis revealed that treatment, model, genotype, environment and GEI had highly significant effects on the first four components in total expressing more than 80% of GEI sum of squares. According to AMMI analysis SC 76 with the lowest IPC1 was determined as the most stable hybrid. AMMI 4 parameters (SIPC 4, EV 4 and AMGE 4) confirmed the above results. Also, pattern analysis on basis of the first two components of the model distinguished SC 76 as the most stable for either release or being used in breeding programs. So, according to the obtained results SC 725 and 726 with 11.93 and 11.84 tha-1 of grain yield respectively as well as stable performance in all environments were determined as the desired varieties.

Five rice genotypes (Hasseni, Dailamani, Shastak-mohammadi, Sange-tarom and Daei-shastak) and their 10 hybrids obtained through half diallel set were evaluated for combining ability and gene effects for some rice traits. Single seedlings of each entries were transplanted at 20×20 cm spacing in 3×5 m2 plots in a randomized block design of three replications during 2004-2005 at the Research Station of the College of Agriculture, University of Mazandaran. General combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were assessed for all the agronomic traits. The results indicated significant differences between general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for the investigated characteristics. This indicates the role of additive and non-additive gene effects in inheritance of the traits. Variances due to GCA were greater than those due to SCA for plant height, flag leaf width, number of primary panicles, total grain and number of fertile grain per panicle, suggesting the role of additive gene effects as predominant in inheritance of the traits. These characteristics are of high heritability the selection for which may well succeed. But, low heritability of tiller number, date to 50% flowering, flag leaf length, panicle length, seed width, 1000-grain weight and plant characteristics, were emanated from a high degree of non-additive variance in the genetic variance. Thus these characteristics were suggested as important for production of hybrid variety and exploitation of heterosis. The GCA effects of each parent for the named traits showed that the Daei-shastak is a suitable general combiner for yield.

Water stress enhances essential oil content in medicinal plants. Animal manure in soil provides the essential elements, improving quality and quantity of crop plants. To study the effects of water stress and animal manure on yield components, oil percentage and its main components on Cuminum cyminum, this experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station of Zahak, Zabol, during 2003–2004 in a randomized complete block factorial design of four replications. Treatments including number of irrigations (I1: two times of irrigation, I2: three times of irrigation, and I3: four times of irrigation) and animal manure (F1: no manure, F2: 20 t/ha of organic manure). The chemical composition of the essential oil was determined through GC and GC-MS. The composition was significantly affected by water stress as well as animal manure (a>0.05). The treatment I2F2 had the highest number of umber per plant, seed yield, biological yield while the lowest 1000–seed weight and number of seeds per umber. The effects of water stress and animal manure were significant on essential oil and its chemical compositions. The treatment I2F2 had the highest amount of cuminaldehyde and r-cymene and while the lowest b-pinene, g-terpinene and a-pinene. This is an indication of the existing relationship or correlation between cumin oil constituents (unver water stress conditions) and soil mineral contents.

Iran is widely drought prone, considering its semi-arid climate. Eleven wheat cultivars differing in yield potential and drought resistance were employed to determine the possible relationship among grain filling rate and duration, stem reserves remobilization and grain yield under either irrigated (IR) or non-irrigated (NIR) conditions at Gerizeh research station in Sanandaj for a duration of 3 years (2001–2003). A split plot design based on RCB of four replications in which water moisture regime (irrigated and non-irrigated conditions) was considered as main plot and cultivar as sub plot were employed in each experimental year. Mahdavi, Alvand and Roshan- Back cross appeared as high yield while Sabalan, Sardari, Agosta-Sefid as low yield cultivars under irrigation conditions. Meanwhile, Mahdavi and Alvand (the high yield cultivars) produced low yields and thus suffering from greater yield loss under NIR conditions. Sardari, Agosta-Sefid, Azar 2 and Sabalan exhibited low values of stress susceptibility index (SSI) and thus were considered as resistant cultivars whereas Alvand, Cross-Shahi and Mahdavi with high SSI as susceptible ones. Water stress decreased the rate of stem reserves remobilization but increased the efficiency of remobilization under NIR conditions. Water stress reduced grain filling rate. At an earlier stage, grain filling rate of resistant cultivars was higher than that of susceptible ones. Under NIR conditions, Agosta-Sefid (resistant cultivar) with the highest stem remobilization showed a highest value of grain filling rate during the 14 to 28 days after anthesis, whereas Cross-Shahi (susceptible cultivar) with lowest stem remobilization, showed a low value of grain filling rate during the foregoing growth stage. Water stress also reduced grain filling duration from 42 to 28 days. Under IR conditions, there was no relationship observed between grain yield, and grain filling rate and its duration. Under NIR conditions, resistant cultivars had a higher grain filing rate than the susceptible ones although the grain filling period was the same in either of the resistant and susceptible cultivars. Since Mahdavi cultivar benefitted from a higher mean yield than the other cultivars, thus it is proposed that this cultivar be cultivated in such cold areas as Kurdistan province.

Drought stress is a major factor limiting crop production. Investigation of physiological characteristics related to drought tolerance and crop production may be useful in selecting drought tolerant cultivars as well as in improving crop yield. Two drought tolerant (Azar2 & Back cross Roshan) and two drought susceptible (Marvdast & Shiraz) cultivars were investigated in both greenhouse and field experiments. Post-anthesis drought stress caused decrease in Relative Water Content (RWC), photosynthetic rate, leaf area durability duration, chlorophyll content, biomass production, harvest index as well as grain yield. Drought tolerant cultivars exhibited higher RWC, stem reserve remobilization and lower yield losses compared to susceptible cultivars. High stem reserve remobilization resulted in grain yield stability under drought stress conditions. Among the yield components only thousand seed weight was reduced by post-anthesis drought stress. Both source and sink limitation appeared to be responsible for reduction of thousand seed weight under drought stress conditions. RWC was significant and positively correlated with photosynthetic rate and with grain yield. RWC was higher in tolerant cultivars than in susceptible ones. Thus RWC could be used as a useful marker for selecting drought tolerant cultivars. High stem reserve remobilization may result in yield stability and lower reduction of yield under post-anthesis drought stress conditions.

To determine the effect of Zn and Mn enriched seed on quality of two winter safflower varieties under drought stress, an experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Faculty Research Field, Tarbiat Modarres University, during 2004-2005 cropping season. The design was a split factorial randomized complete block one of 3 replications. Main plots were composed of 3 different levels of drought stresses (S1: no cutting of irrigation water, S2: cutting irrigation at vegetative stage, S3: cutting irrigation at reproductive stages). Subplots were composed of different Zn and Mn concentration levels in seeds and varieties. The three different Zn and Mn concentrations in seed were: F1: low Zn and Mn, F2: high Zn, F3: high Mn while the 2 varieties were V1: Varamine 295 and V2: LRV5151. Parent field (pervious cultivation) had been sprayed with adequate zinc and manganese sulfate. Seeds harvested from the previous field were tested for Zn and Mn to make sure of their high contents of these elements as compared with the control. Measured traits were leaf proline and total soluble carbohydrates, seed oil content and fatty acid composition of seed oil. Drought stress significantly affected proline and total soluble carbohydrates were accumulation in the leaves so that the most proline and soluble carbohydrates accumulated in leaf under drought stress. Seed oil content was not affected by any of the treatments (as an example drought stress). The highest palmetoleic acid content (16:1) was produced under drought stress and the at reproductive stage. The highest saturated fatty acids e.g. palmetic and stearic acids and the least unsaturated fatty acids like lenolenic were produced under drought stress conditions.