JOURNAL OF CROP BREEDING
Year:2023 | Volume:15 | Issue:45|Papers Count:20

Introduction and Objective: Multi-environment trials and study genotype-by-environment interaction have a fundamental role in the selection of the high yielding and stable genotypes across different environments before its commercial release. Material and Methods: In the present study, 19 barley genotypes were evaluated across four research stations including Moghan, Zabol, Gonbad, and Darab in a randomized complete block with three replications in terms of the number of days to heading, number of days to physiological maturity, grain filling period, plant height, 1000-grains weight and grain yield during 2020-2021 cropping season. Results: Statistical analyses showed a significant difference among environments, genotypes, and their interaction for grain yield and other measured traits. The likelihood ration test (LRT) showed significant effect for genotype-by-environment interaction on grain yield and other agronomic traits, hence, the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) analysis was computed. The values of estimated genetic variance components based on the BLUP model showed that the genotype-by-environment interaction (GEI) effect accounted for a high portion of phenotypic variance in all measured traits. Furthermore, plant height, 1000-grains weight and grain yield showed the highest values for broad heritability compared with other measured traits. Based on the multi-traits stability index (MTSI), genotypes G5, G6, G8, and G17 were identified as the most stable genotypes. Besides, the biplot rendered based on grain yield and the weighted average of absolute scores for the best linear unbiased predictions of the GEI recognized G5, G9, G10, and G17 as high-yielding and stable genotypes compared with others. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results revealed that genotype G5 has the most general adaptability, and other identified genotypes showed specific adaptation with some of the warm regions in the south and north of the country. Hence, this genotype can be introduced as a high-yielding and stable commercial cultivar after an investigation of its stability over various years.

Introduction and Objective: Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) contains considerable oil and so it is an important oil crop. This plant has been grown for its colorful petals to use them as a food coloring and flavoring agent, medicine and nutrition of livestock and birds. Moreover drought as one of the most important environmental stresses causes decrease in amount and efficiency of this crop production. The pupose of this research was evaluating the drought tolerance of safflower genotypes using some drought tolerance indices Material and Methods: This experiment was carried out as split plot in complete randomize block design with three replications in Abarkouh in 2016-2017. Irrigation treatment as the main factor was including three levels, includes non-stress, cut off irrigation from 50% of flowering stage to maturity (flowering stress) and cut off irrigation from the onset of seeding stage to maturity (seeding stress). Ten genotypes of safflower including Faraman, Sina, Goldasht, Parnian, Soffeh, local Arak 2811, local Isfahan, Kashan, Shiraz and Kerman were as sub factor. In this research, drought tolerance indices such as tolerance index (TOL), stress susceptibility index (SSI), mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), harmonic mean (HM), stress tolerance index (STI), yield index (YI) and yield stability index (YSI) were calculated using seed yield under non-stress (Yp) and drought stress (Ys) conditions. Results: The results of combined analysis of variance revealed that genotype, stress and stress × genotype were significant for seed yield. Analysis of variance indicated that there were significant differences between the genotypes for Yp, Ys, and MP, GMP, HM, STI and YI indices at both stress conditions. Correlation coefficients between drought tolerance indices and seed yield showed that MP, GMP, HM, STI and YI indices had a positive and significant correlation with seed yield under non-stress and both stress conditions. Therefore these indices can be suitable for selecting better genotypes. Comparison of different safflower genotypes using multivariate biplot graph indicated that Sina, Kerman and Faraman genotypes were considered as superior genotypes in non-stress and both stress conditions because of locating of these genotypes next to the vectors of suitable drought tolerance indices. Biplot results were also confirmed by the results from three- dimensional graph of Yp, Ys and STI. Conclusion: Biplot and three- dimensional graph results for studied genotypes showed that Sina, Kerman and Faraman genotypes could be suggested as drought tolerant genotypes under flowering and seeding stress conditions.

Introduction and Objective: Terminal heat stress as one of the major abiotic stresses has an important role in reducing growth and crop production in many areas of the world including central and southern Iran. Material and Methods: To evaluate the effect of terminal heat stress on grain yield and some its related traits in bitter vetch, a field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications on 18 bitter vetch ecotypes from four provinces (East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan, Ardabil and Zanjan) in the Research Field of Faculty of Agriculture at Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Iran in 2020-2021 cropping seasons. The ecotypes planted in three sowing dates (13 Feb., 28 Feb. and 15 Mar.) and the data were combined and run in a combined analysis of variance. The sowing dates were considered the plant will end with the heat of season. Days to 50% flowering, days to flowering end, days to maturing end, plant height, root length, biomass, grain yield, thousand kernel weight and harvest index were measured. Results: The results of combined analysis of variance showed there were significant differences among the studied ecotypes for all traits in their reaction to terminal heat stress that were implicated high genetic diversity among ecotypes. According to the results of mean comparison of the evaluated traits, terminal heat stress (induced by delay in differnrt sowing dates) caused significant reduction in all traits except plant height and root length. Aso, the results showed that the interaction of sowing date and ecotypes had significant effects on the most of traits. Cluster analysis based on the measured traits at different sowing dates (13 Feb., 28 Feb. and 15 Mar.), was done and the studied bitter vetch ecotypes were divided into 3 groups in each sowing date. Conclusion: Regarding to the results, Maragheh and Bayghout ecotypes both from East Azerbaijan in terms of tolerance to terminal heat stress were superior to other ecotypes and recommended for direct planting in Rafsanjan condition or using in breeding programs for terminal heat stress.

Introduction and Objective: The genetic diversity of wild species associated with the early barley gene pool is crucial for exploitation in breeding programs. Barley (H. vulgar) and its ancestor (H. spontaneum) are excellent and economical model systems for genetic research, exploration and exploitation. In the study of the genetic diversity of 114 native barley populations collected from the west of the country, the EST-SSR molecular marker has been used to aim at the degree of genetic diversity of these native genotypes and evaluate the efficiency of these native genotypes and evaluate Is. There is genetic diversity in genotypes. Material and Methods: First, seeds were cultured in pots for DNA extraction. DNA extraction was performed by modified CTAB method for each genotype. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed in a volume of 20 μl. The PCR product was injected in 4% agarose gel with 1% TBE reaction buffer and Safe View dye to show the strips. In order to perform statistical analysis, the data were prepared in the form of a matrix and the parameters related to primers and populations were evaluated. Results: The number of amplified alleles varied from 2 to 4 alleles for markers and the studied primers reproduced a total of 40 alleles in the studied genotypes with an average of 2.85 per marker. The average percentage of polymorphisms for the studied primers was 96.42%. The content of polymorphic information (PIC) ranged from 0.397 to 0.189. The results showed that there is the highest level of diversity in the populations of Lorestan province and the lowest level of diversity in the populations of Kurdistan province. The dendrogram obtained from the cluster analysis of genotypes was divided into 14 groups, which according to the grouping of genetic diversity were partially adapted to the geographical distribution. Also, the results of the analysis to the original coordinates were somewhat consistent with the cluster analysis. Conclusion: The results showed that there was good diversity among the studied populations. Also, suitable polymorphisms were observed among the primers. The primers GBM1221 with 3 alleles, GBM1461 with 3 alleles and SCSSR04163 with 4 alleles, which had the best polymorphism, are introduced as superior primers for use in future atmospheric research. The presence of high genetic diversity in natural populations of H. spontaneum wild barley indicates that the germplasm of this plant can be preserved in natural habitats. This diversity is also a valuable resource for identifying molecular markers informative for different phenotypic traits.

Introduction and Objective: The most important factor limiting plant growth in rainfed conditions is water, and since most of the land in Iran is located in arid and semi-arid regions, determining the relative drought tolerance in crops is of particular importance. By evaluating the genotypes of each plant that are able to provide relatively acceptable yield under low water conditions, they can be grown with more confidence in arid and semi-arid regions. Material and Methods: In order to investigate the effect of drought stress and selection of drought tolerant genotype in barley, 15 different genotypes under two conditions of normal irrigation and rainfed conditions in randomized complete block design with four replications in 2020-2021 in Khairabad and Khodabandeh research stations Of Zanjan province were studied. Results: The results of combined analysis showed that there was a significant difference between genotypes in terms of grain yield between normal irrigation and rainfed conditions and rainfed conditions reduced grain yield by more than 50% compared to normal irrigation conditions. Under normal irrigation conditions, the highest yields belonged to G3, G10 and G11 genotypes, respectively, and under rainfed conditions, despite the lack of significant differences between genotypes, the highest yields belonged to G3, G6 and G2 genotypes, respectively. There was a significant difference between the studied genotypes in terms of all quantitative indices of drought tolerance (except YI and SNPI) as well as yield under stress. Correlation analysis of indices with yield under normal irrigation and rainfed conditions showed that there was a significant correlation between MP, STI, GMP, MSTI2, HM and RDY indices with yield under normal irrigation and rainfed conditions. Correlation of indices with yield under normal irrigation and rainfed conditions showed that there was a significant correlation between MP, STI, GMP, MSTI2, HM and RDY indices with yield under normal irrigation and rainfed conditions. Principal component analysis based on indices showed that the first component and second components explain 79.95% and 14.049% of the total changes. The bioplate diagram of the components showed that genotypes G1, G2, G3, G9, G10, G11, G12 and G13 were in the positive part of the first component diagram and these genotypes had good adaptation in normal irrigation conditions. Among these genotypes, G2, G3 and G13 genotypes were in the positive part of the second component diagram, so these genotypes can be introduced as high-yield genotypes in both irrigated and rainfed conditions. Cluster analysis showed that G1, G2, G3, G9, G10 and G11 genotypes were in the same group and these genotypes can be considered as drought tolerant genotypes in terms of calculated indices. Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between MP, STI, GMP, MSTI2, HM and RDY indices calculated with yield under normal irrigation and rainfed conditions. Therefore, these indices can be used to select stress-tolerant genotypes. Grouping of barley genotypes based on calculated quantitative and qualitative indices showed that G2, G3 and G13 genotypes were identified as superior genotypes in full irrigation conditions and the most tolerant barley genotypes to low water stress.

Introduction and Objective: The most important factor limiting plant growth in rainfed conditions is water, and since most of the land in Iran is located in arid and semi-arid regions, determining the relative drought tolerance in crops is of particular importance. By evaluating the genotypes of each plant that are able to provide relatively acceptable yield under low water conditions, they can be grown with more confidence in arid and semi-arid regions. Material and Methods: In order to investigate the effect of drought stress and selection of drought tolerant genotype in barley, 15 different genotypes under two conditions of normal irrigation and rainfed conditions in randomized complete block design with four replications in 2020-2021 in Khairabad and Khodabandeh research stations Of Zanjan province were studied. Results: The results of combined analysis showed that there was a significant difference between genotypes in terms of grain yield between normal irrigation and rainfed conditions and rainfed conditions reduced grain yield by more than 50% compared to normal irrigation conditions. Under normal irrigation conditions, the highest yields belonged to G3, G10 and G11 genotypes, respectively, and under rainfed conditions, despite the lack of significant differences between genotypes, the highest yields belonged to G3, G6 and G2 genotypes, respectively. There was a significant difference between the studied genotypes in terms of all quantitative indices of drought tolerance (except YI and SNPI) as well as yield under stress. Correlation analysis of indices with yield under normal irrigation and rainfed conditions showed that there was a significant correlation between MP, STI, GMP, MSTI2, HM and RDY indices with yield under normal irrigation and rainfed conditions. Correlation of indices with yield under normal irrigation and rainfed conditions showed that there was a significant correlation between MP, STI, GMP, MSTI2, HM and RDY indices with yield under normal irrigation and rainfed conditions. Principal component analysis based on indices showed that the first component and second components explain 79.95% and 14.049% of the total changes. The bioplate diagram of the components showed that genotypes G1, G2, G3, G9, G10, G11, G12 and G13 were in the positive part of the first component diagram and these genotypes had good adaptation in normal irrigation conditions. Among these genotypes, G2, G3 and G13 genotypes were in the positive part of the second component diagram, so these genotypes can be introduced as high-yield genotypes in both irrigated and rainfed conditions. Cluster analysis showed that G1, G2, G3, G9, G10 and G11 genotypes were in the same group and these genotypes can be considered as drought tolerant genotypes in terms of calculated indices. Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between MP, STI, GMP, MSTI2, HM and RDY indices calculated with yield under normal irrigation and rainfed conditions. Therefore, these indices can be used to select stress-tolerant genotypes. Grouping of barley genotypes based on calculated quantitative and qualitative indices showed that G2, G3 and G13 genotypes were identified as superior genotypes in full irrigation conditions and the most tolerant barley genotypes to low water stress.

Extended Abstract Introduction and Objective: Salinity stress is one of the most severe constraints limiting rice production worldwide. Thus, the development of salt-tolerant rice can provide increasing food demand due to climate change effects. Material and Methods: To investigate the reaction of mutant genotypes to salinity stress in the seedling stage, 309 selected mutant genotypes selected in the third generation along with Hashemi local cultivar and FL478 (resistant) in two levels of NaCl salinity (0 and 10 dS/cm) were evaluated as a completely randomized factorial design with two replications. Growth parameters like root length, shoot length, root fresh and dry weight, shoot fresh and dry weight and plant biomass were measured after 14 days of exposure to two levels of stress namely, non-stress (EC ~ 1.2 dS/m) and saline stress (EC ~ 10 dS/m) in hydroponics at seedling stage. The Stress tolerance index (STI), Stress susceptibility index (SSI), Mean productivity (MP), Stress tolerance (TOL) and Geometric mean productivity (GMP) for each genotype was calculated for all the traits. Results: The results of analysis of variance showed a significant difference between genotypes for all traits that indicated genetic diversity between them. A wide range of genetic variability was observed among genotypes for studied traits that root traits were identified as the best descriptors for tolerance to salt stress conditions. Results of correlation coefficients among the indices showed that STI, HMP and GMP indices were the most suitable resistance indices. Salt stress response indices (SSRI) were used to classify the number of 144 mutant genotypes; 25 mutant genotypes (17.4%) were identified as salt-sensitive, 46 (32.6%) with Hashemi parent in salt-sensitive group, 41 (32.6%) with FL478 each in salt-tolerant group, and 30 (20.8%) as highly salt tolerant. Among the mutant genotypes, four mutant genotypes em3hs290, em3hs292, em3hs165 and em3hs84 were identified as the most tolerant genotypes based on stress tolerance indicators, minimum leaf tubing, high biomass rate and better stress compensation ability. Also, the mutant genotype em3hs31 was introduced as the most sensitive genotype with a minimal performance at the stress level. Conclusions: Induced mutation of EMS has desirable effect on creation of salinity tolerant mutant genotypes and the studied indices can utilize for separating of salinity tolerant mutant genotypes in rice mutant populations. This mutant population could serve as a valuable genetical resource in the development of novel salt-tolerant varieties for the salinity prone regions under rice cultivation.

Extended Abstract Introduction and Objective: Environmental stresses such as drought, salinity, cold and heat stress as one of the consequences of climate change are the main factors of reduction in agricultural products. Study of gene expression (transcriptomic studies) plays an essential role in understanding the mechanism of plants in dealing with environmental stresses. Gene expression is the process by which information encoded in a gene is produced in the form of a transcript, which often the transcript itself or its protein product involves in various molecular processes and mechanisms in the cell and ultimately in the life of the organism. Assessing gene expression levels is an important step in elucidating gene functions temporally and spatially. Material and Methods: This review article is a content analysis study that has been performed by searching Transcriptome analysis, RNA sequencing, suppression subtractive hybridization, microarray, polymerase chain reaction keywords in related articles on google scholar, science direct, PubMed and scopus websites. Results: Decades ago, typical studies were focusing on a few genes individually via techniques such as northern blot, or RNA blot, western blot, microarray hybridization, subtractive hybridization (SH), suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH), real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR), whereas now researchers are able to examine whole genomes at once thanks to sequencing based approaches such as RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). The upgrade of throughput levels aided the introduction of systems biology approaches whereby cell functional networks can be scrutinized in their entireties to unravel potential functional interacting components. The birth of systems biology goes hand-in-hand with huge technological advancements and enables a fairly rapid detection of all transcripts in the studied biological samples. Even so, earlier technologies that were restricted to probing single genes or a subset of genes still have their place in the research laboratories. Conclusion: The objective of this study was to describe the types of methods used in the gene expression analysis in plant responses to environmental stresses, or, more generally, any other conditions of interest. The choice of technique or strategy used is determined by the available technology and equipments along with the costs and limitations of the analysis. In selection of techniques for a particular study, these limitations should be minimized methodologically or statistically so that the results are reliable and representative of the situation under study.

Extended Abstract Introduction and Objective: Maize is one of the most important cereals that is cultivated in many parts of the world and it is one of the most important cereals for the production of food for people all over the world. The most common environmental stress is drought, which limits the growth and survival of plants in arid and semi-arid areas. The selection of tolerant genotypes to drought can help to improve the performance of maize hybrids under these conditions. Material and Methods: In this research, to investigate the tolerance of maize hybrids to drought stress, 18 maize hybrids were evaluated in an experiment in the form of the split-plot design based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. In the control conditions, irrigation was done after 70 mm and under drought stress conditions, after 120 mm of evaporation from the class A pan. Based on the grain yield under water-deficit stress and normal conditions, the indices including the stress tolerance index (STI), stress susceptibility index (SSI), tolerance (TOL), mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), harmonic mean (HARM), reconnaissance drought Index (RDI), drought resistance index (DI), yield stability index (YSI) and selection index of ideal genotype (SIIG) were calculated for the studied hybrids and the most tolerant and sensitive hybrids were identified. Also, the grouping of hybrids was done based on cluster analysis and principal component analysis. Results: In this research, yield under normal and water-deficit stress conditions had a low correlation with the TOL index, a negative and significant correlation with SSI, and a positive and significant correlation with MP, GMP, STI, HARM, YSI, RDI, DI and SIIG and therefore, hybrids with higher values for these indices had higher yield in the water-deficit stress and normal conditions. Thus, MP, GMP, STI, HARM, YSI, RDI, DI, and SIIG were suitable indices for identifying hybrids with higher yield in both conditions due to their higher correlation with the grain yield in water-deficit stress and non-stress environments. Conclusion: In normal conditions, SC704, has the highest (18.57 tons/ha) and SC703 (11.81 tons/ha), SC702 (11.76 tons/ha), SC720 (12.66 tons/ha), SC701 (11.77 ton/ha), K19/2×K3651 (11.09) and AR66 (11.43 tons/ha) had the lowest yield. Also, under water stress conditions, SC704 had the highest (15.9 tons/ha) and AR66 had the lowest (6.16 tons/ha) yield. Based on the results of the studied indices, SC500 and SC704 were identified as water deficit tolerant hybrids and SC670 and AR66 were also identified as sensitive hybrids to water deficit stress. The results of cluster analysis and principal component analysis and biplot diagram also confirmed this issue.

Extended Abstract Introduction and Objective: Bacterial blight of rice caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is one of the destructive diseases of this product in different parts of the world. Due to the inefficiency of chemical management and environmental contamination, the use of resistant cultivars is one of the most effective and economical ways to manage this disease. In addition, the lack of sufficient information to understand the mechanism of resistance in Iranian rice and in resistant cultivars, show that molecular evaluation of genes expression in sensitive and resistant cultivars in interaction with the disease agent, is needed. Material and Methods: In this study, the expression pattern of NPR1 and several PR genes (including PR1b, PR3 and PR5) in different time courses after inoculation was evaluated. Quantitative Real time PCR was performed in resistant and sensitive populations (Khazar and Tarom) to bacterial blight. Results: In the study of gene expression, the trend of increasing gene expression in the Khazar resistant cultivar compared to the sensitive cultivar was confirmed from the early hours after inoculation. The maximum expression of NPR1 gene in resistant cultivar was at 12 hours after infection (hai). In the case of pathogen-related genes expression, the activity of PR1b gene at 72 hai in resistant cultivar was 11.2 fold and in 96 hai was 25.7 fold higher than sensitive cultivar. High expression levels of PR3 gene at 12 and 48 hai in resistant cultivar was evaluated 38 and 10.4 times higher than sensitive Tarom local cultivar, respectively. The expression level of PR5 gene in resistant Khazar cultivar at 48, 72 and 96 hours was 4.1, 7.6 and 22 fold higher than the sensitive cultivar, respectively. Conclusion: Since the accumulation of mRNA transcripts and increased activity of these genes is an important indicator of the development of a defense response in interaction with the disease agent, the activity of these genes indicates the presence of resistance potential in the Iranian Khazar cultivar is important against this disease. In general, activation of different pathways of systemic resistance (SAR) and induction of resistance genes in the emergence of resistance of Khazar cultivar compared to Tarom susceptible cultivar, is part of the defense mechanism of rice against Xoo. The results of this research along with the evaluation of the gene expression can promise the proper efficiency of the Khazar variety during the epidemic of the mentioned disease or a potential for transferring the resistance gene to sensitive cultivars in integrated management or pyramidal resistance.

Extended Abstract Introduction and Objective: Quinoa is an attractive crop in many parts of country based on its tolerance to salinity and drought stresses and its adaptability to poor soils. Area under Quinoa cultivation has been increased in recent years in Iran. Breeding of new Quinoa cultivars is essential to keep this trend. Assessment genetic diversity in the germplasm is the first step of plant breeding. In this study, genetic diversity of within and among of some Quinoa populations were determined by ISSR molecular markers. Material and Methods: Diversity among and within 13 Quinoa populations (by assessment of three plants in each population) was examined by 9 ISSRs primers. A total of 13 genotypes including breeding material Q1, Q3, Q4, Q5, Q12, Q26 and Q2, four Chen wild accessions and Giza1 and Titicaca cultivars. Results: A total of 90 bands (with 87.69% polymorphism) were detected with using of 9 ISSR primers. The genotypes were divided in two groups (Q group: including those genotypes with prefix Q in their names and None Q group: other genotypes) with a few exceptions by cluster analysis. Peru or Bolivia are the origin of None Q group genotypes (consisting Titicaca, Giza1 and Chen wild accessions). Also Chile is the origin of other genotypes located on Q group except Q1, Q3, Q4 and Q5 that their origin was not specified. According to the results of clustering, origin of Q1, Q3, Q4 and Q5 populations must be Chile. The first two components in the principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) account for 26.17% of total variance. The genotypes were divided into two groups by PCoA almost similar to the dendrogram grouping. Molecular analysis of variance (AMOVA) recognized high variation within the populations. AMOVA showed that 73% and 27% variations were within and among populations, respectively. Cultivars Titicaca and Giza exhibited lowest within population variance in comparison of other populations. Conclusion: ISSR markers showed acceptable polymorphism based on the results. Positive mass selection is recommended according to the high variation within populations. In general, consideration of two origins for quinoa germplasm management, including Andean highlands and coastal areas is suggested.

Extended Abstract Introduction and Objective: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the most important crop and staple food of three quarters of the world's population. Therefore, the study of genetic diversity of this strategic plant helps breeders to identify the genetic potential and capacity of traits related to breeding goals, including yield and yield components. Knowing the differences between different wheat genotypes and how these differences relate to their potential yield is crucial in improving the yield of new cultivars. Material and Methods: In order to achieve the desired wheat genotypes, study of genetic diversity of yield, yield components and interaction of genotype × treat of 21 promising wheat lines in terms of 14 important agronomic traits in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications with important commercials cultivars of the region (Tirgan and Kalateh) as controls, was performed. The experiment was planted in the Agricultural Research Station of the Ardabil Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (Moghan). Among the existing methods for evaluating diversity, multivariate analysis is one of the most important and widely used methods. Results: The results of analysis of variance at the probability level of 0.01 and 0.05 indicated that the studied wheat lines had significant differences in all traits except the number of grains per spike. Comparison of the mean performed by Duncan method also showed that G17 and G15 lines were selected as desirable lines in terms of all measured traits; while, G3 and G19 lines also had the lowest rank in this analysis. The results of correlation analysis also showed that the grain yield had a positive and significant correlation with all the evaluated traits except the number of tillers, peduncle length and number of grains per spike. Based on the principal component analysis performed on the experimental data, the first 5 components explained more than 75% of the variance of the data. According to the grouping diagram of the lines in terms of the first and second components, the lines were grouped into four groups. Based on the graphical analysis of the line ranking chart, the promising wheat lines G15 and G17 had better performance in the evaluated traits than the other studied lines, and the G4 line in terms of stability in the traits, as stable line, was selected. The multidimensional diagram also identified G15, G17, G18, G23, G6, G10 and G12 lines as desirable genotypes, and in terms of line ranking diagram based on the ideal line, G15 and G17 lines were also identified as the top ranking line. Conclusion: Lines with high yield potential and other desirable agronomic traits identified in this study can be used to create superior populations and compatible with the characteristics of hot and humid zone in the north of the country.

Extended Abstract Introduction and Objective: Sunflower is a plant with high economic value and adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions. Spring cultivation is one of the ways to enhance in Iran the area under cultivation of this crop, which is usually accompanied by terminal low temperatures. In this regard, there is a need to identify and introduce indices for selecting tolerance to low temperatures in the reproductive stage. Material and Methods: This research was conducted in 2014 and 2017 as a split plot in the form of a randomized complete block design with three replications in Tarbiat Modarres University and Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, respectively. The main plots included planting dates in two levels and the subplots consisted of five inbred lines and three sunflower hybrids. Planting dates were adjusted to allow temperatures of 25± 2 °C and 15± 3 °C during and after anthesis. Single plant yield and physiological traits such as components related to remobilization from stem and receptacle base to seeds, dry weight of leaves and electrolyte leakage of receptacle tissue were evaluated on all treatments. Multivariate analyzes were performed on the measured traits. Results: The results of combined analysis of variance of the data showed that the interaction effects of experiment-planting date-genotype of all traits were not significant. The second planting date reduced grain yield in all genotypes. In both planting dates, the hybrids had the highest grain yield and the lowest electrolyte leakage. Low temperatures differentiated the yield behavior in the inbred lines. A significant negative correlation was observed between electrolyte leakage in the first planting date and grain yield in the second planting date. Also, the correlation between stem diameter in top of the stem in the first planting date was significant and positive with dry weight of the head and stem at anthesis, grain yield, 1000-seed weight and remobilization from receptacle base to the grain in second planting date. Stepwise regression analysis of plant yield in the second planting date on the measured traits in the first planting date showed a significant positive effect of head dry weight at maturity and stem diameter in top of the stem and a negative effect of electrolyte leakage. The first and second principal components, explaining 79% of the total data variance, were able to group genotypes based on differences in grain yield and its components, electrolyte leakage, stem diameter in top of the stem and resistance to assimilate transfer from storage to grain. Conclusion: Increased cell membrane stability is an evolutionary mechanism by which some genotypes maintain their yield and performance to some extent under cold stress conditions. This trait along with the stem diameter in top of the stem can be used as indices for selecting inbred lines in segregating generations to withstand low temperature conditions in the second planting date.

Extended Abstract Introduction and Objective: In rice, the use of male sterility is a prerequisite for the commercial exploitation of heterosis. Two well established male sterility systems in rice are cytoplasmic genetic male sterility (CMS), a three-line system, and environmentally sensitive genic male sterility (EGMS). EGMS has two types of mechanisms: PGMS and TGMS. TGMS lines are sterilized when they are at a temperature above 25-30°C during the cluster and flowering stages. In order to accelerate the development of TGMS lines in various genetic fields, marker-assisted selection (MAS) can increase the speed and accuracy of this transmission. The aim of this study was to identify the chromosomal location of the gene controlling the sterility trait TGMS and the SSR marker associated with this gene in Nemat TGMS cultivar. Material and Methods: For this study, Nemat TGMS cultivar was crossed with Fajr cultivar to obtain F2 and BC1 populations for genetic studies. After DNA extraction from 142 genotypes and PCR, the results observed in F1, F2 and BCF1 generations clearly indicated that the TGMS trait in TGMS is controlled by a recessive gene. For this study 14 SSR markers were used to determine the marker correlated with TGMS gene. The frequency of recombination between markers and TGMS locus was estimated using maximum likelihood, assuming that all individuals were completely sterile in terms of TGMS homozygous location. Linkage between marker loci and TGMS QTL was tested by chi square (χ2) test and LOD score. Results: Among the markers, RM110 and RM29 primers had a high correlation with TGMS gene (5.74 and 11.63 cM, respectively). Various markers have been reported by researchers for the TGMS gene on chromosome 2. Conclusion: The use of mutation in sterilization (TGMS) and variation in cultivar genotype has led to different markers being reported even for a particular gene. The use of markers that have a high correlation with this trait (MAS) can facilitate the transfer of TGMS gene to other cultivars.

Introduction and Objective: Existence of genotype × environment interaction for quantitative traits such as grain yield can limit the selection of superior genotypes for the development of improved cultivars. In order to calculate the interaction of genotype × environment, breeders evaluate genotypes in several environments to identify genotypes with high yield and stability. This experiment was performed to investigate the interaction of genotype in the environment on 11 bean genotypes using parametric and nonparametric methods and GGE bioplot model to evaluate genotypes and environments, determine the relationship between genotypes and environments and identify the ideal genotype. Material and Methods: In this experiment, 9 lines of pinto beans along with Ghaffar cultivars and Cos16 lines (11 lines in total) were performed in a randomized complete block design with three replications in order to achieve high yield and marketable bean cultivars. Parametric and non-parametric methods were used to select stable genotypes with high yield and GGE bioplot analysis was used to select superior genotypes that are compatible with regional environments. Results: There was a significant interaction between genotype and environment, indicating significant differences in the response of genotypes to different environments of the experiment. In parametric methods G4, G8, G9 and to some extent G2 genotypes and in nonparametric methods G2, G8, G3, G4 and to some extent G9 genotypes were introduced as stable cultivars. Biplot analysis showed that G1 genotype in Zanjan in first and Second years and G2 genotype in Khomein n first and second environments showed the highest yield. G11 and G7 genotypes with the longest distance to the ATC line had low yield and low yield stability. None of the genotypes were found to be desirable genotypes with average yield and high yield stability, but G2 genotype and later, G4 genotype was a short distance from the ideal genotype. None of the studied environments is close to the ideal environment and therefore none of them can be considered as representative of environments for genotype segregation. Results: Zanjan in first and Second years and G2 genotype in Khomein n first and second environments have the highest yield. No ideal genotypes were observed, but two genotypes, G1 and G4, can be introduced as superior genotypes.

Introduction and Objective: Considering the requirement of the country to meet the nutritional needs of the society and the nutritional needs of the existing livestock in order to meet the nutritional needs, it is necessary to introduce cultivars that can be superior to the existing cultivars in terms of adaptability and stability in arid and semi-arid regions. The use of forage plants such as Grass pea can play an important role in crop rotation, soil protection, reducing weeds and diseases due to high adaptability to dry and semi-arid climates and high yield potential, nitrogen fixation, tolerance to drought and salinity. This research was carried out with the aim of evaluating the interaction effect of genotype × environment and the stability of forage and grain yield of Grass pea genotypes in different regions of the country. Material and Methods: This study was carried out with 16 advanced Grass pea lines in Gachsaran, Mehran, Shirvan Cherdavel and Kohdasht stations for three crop years in the form of a randomized complete block design with three replications. Each genotype was cultivated in 6 lines with a length of 7.03 meters and a distance of 0.25 cm from each other. After analyzing the composite variance for different years in different regions, mean comparison was done using the minimum significant difference method at 5% and 1% probability levels. To analys the stability and compatibility of lines, were used the stability methods of Francis and Kanenberg, Eberhut and Russell, Rick's equivalence, Shokla's stability variance, Plasted and Patterson's stability parameter, Finley and Wilkinson, Perkins and Jinks, Gang's total ranking, and the single-variable, non-parametric method, Nassar- Han and Tanazaro. Results: The results of composite variance analysis of forage yield and grain yield showed that the simple effect of year, genotype, location and the genotype × location interaction effect for both traits were statistically non-significant, and the interaction effect of year × genotype was significant for forage yield and non-significant for grain yield. It was meaningful. The three-way effect of year × location × genotype was not significant at statistical probability levels for forage; but it was significant for grain yield. The forage yield for kholer lines from 12839 kg ha-1 for line number 5 to 16680 kg ha-1 for genotype number 10 with 11.5% drop and 15% superiority compared to Naghadeh, respectively. Also, in terms of grain yield, Grass pea lines fluctuated from 1239 kg ha-1 for line No. 7 to 1723 kg ha-1 for Line No. 10 with a 2% drop and 36.3% superiority compared to Naghadeh. The results of the stability analysis of forage yield showed that in terms of the Coefficient of variation parameter, genotypes 16, 5 and 10, in terms of Phenyl Wilkinson genotypes 15, 2, 13, in terms of Shokla genotypes 14, 9, 6, and in terms of Rick's equivalence, genotypes 14, 9, 6, and 13 were the most stable genotypes. The analysis of grain yield stability by univariate method showed that in terms of Coefficient of variation, genotypes 11, 12, 3, in terms of Phenyl Wilkinson, genotypes 13, 12, 4, 5, 6, in terms of Shukla's, genotypes 7, 12, 5, 6, and in terms of Rick's equivalence, genotypes 7, 12, 5, 6, and 8 were determined to be the most stable Grass pea genotypes. Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, in terms of forage yield lines No. 1, 10, 3, 9 and 15 and in terms of grain yield genotypes No. 12, 15, 8, 10 and 7 had high stability and yield compared to other genotypes. In general, considering all parameters of stability and compatibility, lines number 1, 10, 12, 15, 8, 7 and 9 were selected as the most stable lines, and genotypes No. 10 and 15 were suitable for both forage and seed.

Extended Abstract Introduction and Objective: Bread wheat is one of the most important nutritional products throughout the world. Wheat, like other crops, faces many environmental constraints during the growing season, such as iron deficiency in the soil. Iron is one of the essential micronutrients in plants that act as a catalytic cofactor in several key processes including photosynthesis and respiration. Material and Methods: to investigate the expression pattern of genes encoding transcription factors WRKY1, bZIP56 and NAM-B1 under soil Fe deficiancy, a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Pishtaz (Fe-efficient) and Falat (Fe–inefficient) bread wheat cultivars were planted under Fe deficiency (less than 1.5) and adequacy (5 mg Fe / kg soil) conditions and the relative expression of genes was measured in roots and leaves of the plants at vegetative (one month after germination) and reproductive (30% of heading) stages using real time PCR technique. Results: the results revealed the considerable enhanced expression of WRKY1 in the roots of Fe-efficient (Pishtaz) and -inefficient (Falat) cultivars at vegetative stage. The highest increased expression of bZIP56 and NAM-B1 genes was observed in the leaves and roots of Fe-efficient cultivar (Pishtaz) at vegetative and reproductive stage, respectively. The bZIP56 expression was also considerably enhanced in the leaves of Fe-inefficient cultivar in both stages. Conclusion: Due to the increased relative expression of WRKY1 gene in leaves and roots of both cultivars at vegetative stage, this gene is likely involved in activating and inducing the expression of genes participating in iron uptake and transport in the early stages of plant growth. Also, the increased relative expression of bZIP56 gene in the roots of both cultivars in the reproductive stage indicates that this gene might be participated in activating the transcription of genes involved in iron absorption from the soil at the end of plant growth stages.

Extended Abstract Introduction and Objective: Chickpea is known as a plant with high nutritional and economic value; however, it is sensitive to salinity stress. Nowadays, a lot of research has been done to identify cultivars tolerant to salinity stress in chickpeas to increase their yield in saline soils. In general, due to the economic value of chickpeas, including chickpea as an important and useful food for humans, the need to grow chickpeas in areas that are less stable and obtained for resources, soil and cultivars of salt-resistant chickpeas selection of salt-resistant cultivars is needed. Results: In the present study, 72 cable-type chickpea genotypes were selected and studied in terms of tolerance to salinity stress. Material and Methods: In this study, seeds of 72 chickpea genotypes were prepared from the seed bank of the Plant Science Research Institute of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and cultivated in a greenhouse under hydroponic conditions. The study was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications at salinity stress of 12dSm-1sodium chloride (NaCl) one week after grow. Four weeks after stress, different characteristics were examined. Results: The results showed that 53 genotypes (equivalent to 74%) were in the range of survival of more than 76% and most of them had 100% survival. Also, none of the genotypes survived less than 25%. Most genotypes were in the vegetative stage at harvest time and only MCC1299, MCC1254, MCC1134, MCC1058 and MCC1037 genotypes were in the flowering stage and had a survival range of more than 75%. As the survival percentage increased, the number of lateral branches increased. Leaf survival percentage in the survival range of 75-51% showed the highest value of this index (76.78%). The highest amount of sodium (11.09 mg. g-1. DW-1) was observed in the survival range of 75-51%. But the amount of potassium showed an insignificant decrease with increasing survival percentage. With an increasing survival percentage, the amount of dry weight increased significantly and increased from 50-26 to 75-51 and 100-76% by 1.6 and 1.8 times, respectively. The results of cluster analysis showed the relative superiority of the forth group genotypes including MCC1058, MCC1291 and MCC1296 in most of the studied traits. Conclusion: In general, the results indicate that the genotypes belonging to the fourth group are more suitable to use their superior traits in tolerance to salinity stress.

Extended Abstract Introduction and Objective: Due to the increase in population and unfavorable environmental conditions, especially various stresses and the problem of water scarcity, evaluation of plant genotypes in various environments is inevitable. The interaction effect of the genotype and environment can be used as a mean by plant breeders to select the best genotypes/cultivars in plant growth environments (in one or more years). Material and Methods: In order to evaluate the stability of grain yield, this experiment was performed on 108 chickpea genotypes in the cropping years 2017-2018, 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 in the form of a randomized complete block design. By carefully planting, holding and harvesting operations, during the growing season and postharvest, seed yield, 100-seed weight, plant height, number of days to 50% flowering, number of days to maturity, number of pods per plant, number of main branches was recorded. Results: The results of combined analysis of variance showed that there was a significant difference between the genotypes in terms of plant height, grain yield, number of pods per plant, number of main branches. Comparison of mean grain yield showed that genotype number 10 had the highest yield (54.038 gram).significancy of GE interaction effect showed the response of genotypes within various environments so then it is possible to perform the stability analysis of genotypes and for this reason, the GGE biplot was used in parallel with some findings of AMMI model and mixed AMMI model (AMMI in conjunction with BLUP) which GGE biplot resulted that first 2 components accounted for 76.3 percent of total variation of grain yield and in this context varieties 1, 26, 60 and 101 acconted as ideal ones and so genotypes 32, 69, 76, 89, 90, 94, 98 and 108 mentioned as suitable genotypes compared to other genotypes and that 4th enfironment (year 3-Kermanshah) mentioned as ideal environment. Conclusion: Considering the superiority of some chickpea cultivars in this study in terms of both grain yield and yield stability, in 2 temperate and cold regions in terms of stability and high grain yield, these cultivars can be candidates to introduce the cultivar or be used as parents of crosses in future breeding programs of this plant.

Introduction and Objective: The most important goal in all crop breeding programs is to increase yield, and yield improvement requires the use of efficient statistical methods to identify superior genotypes. In determining the superiority of genotype, in addition to high yield, yield stability in different environments must also be considered.Biplot analyses are good tools for selecting superior genotypes and to increase efficiency in selection. Material and Methods: In the present study GGE biplot method was used for assessment yield and yield stability of 130 genotypes of soybean under two environmental conditions, natural conditions and disease stress (artificial induction of charcoal rot disease), were evaluated in a simple lattice design with two replications at Seed and Plant Improvement Research Institute (SPII), Karaj, Alborz province, Iran, during 2014 and 2015 (four environments). Results: The results of combined analysis of grain yield/plant revealed that effects of location, genotype and interaction of genotype × location were significant. The results of stability analysis using GGE-biplot method revealed that the first (Genotype) and second (genotype × environment interaction) components explained 70% and 14%, respectively, and the both components 84% of the total variation, which indicates a good validity of the biplot in explaining the variations of genotypes and genotype × environment interaction (G + GE). Polygonal biplot showed that the genotype 66 had the highest grain yield in environment E2 (disease conditions in 2014) and E4 (disease conditions in 2015), however, the genotypes 1, 3, 5, 43, 63, 66, 75, 76, 77 and 89 had a good combination of stability and yield. Conclusion: Some of these genotypes such as genotype 66 did not show any signs of charcoal rot in both experimental years, they also had a good grain yield.