IRANIAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE)
Year:2007 | Volume:38-1 | Issue:2 (AGRONOMY AND CROP BIOTECHNOLOGY)|Papers Count:27

To determine the most desirable index for drought tolerance and for a detection of tolerant genotypes under restricted irrigation, among 25 inbred lines, an experiment was conducted in field conditions, using a randomized complete block design of three replications under three irrigation regimes of: fun irrigation and restricted irrigation (during vegetative and reproductive growth stages), in 2003. Based on the genotypes, performance in the two irrigation regimes (i.e. complete and restricted irrigation), different indices including mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), stress susceptibility index (SSI), stress tolerance (TOL) and stress tolerance index (STI), were evaluated. Correlation coefficients between these indices and between yields indicated that MP, GMP and STI indices were the desirable ones and based on these, the most tolerant genotypes were pointed out to 25, 5, 19, 8, 12, 14, 3 and 1. In restricted irrigation in reproductive stage GMP and STI indices were the most desirable ones based upon which the most suitable genotypes were found as: 25, 5, 8, and 9. Using biplot method for a determination of tolerant genotypes it was shown that in restricted irrigation in vegetative stage the 8 inbred lines of 25,5,19,8, 12, 14,3 and I, and in restricted irrigation in reproductive stage five inbred lines of25, 5, 8, 9 and 6 were located in the part of high yield potential along with low sensitivity to drought. Therefore, it is shown that selection for drought tolerance among inbred lines is possible. According to these results, one can select lines with high production potential and low sensitivity to drought and to employ them for production of tolerant hybrids.

A complete diallel set of five maize inbred lines along with their parental lines were investigated to estimate genetic parameters of grain yield and yield components as well as gene distribution between parents, using a randomized complete block design of four replications at Seed and Plant Improvement Institute(Karaj) in 2003. Results indicated that, ear diameter, number of kernels per ear row and number of kernels per ear were controlled by over-dominance, while number of kernel rows per ear and kernel width exhibited partial dominance. Kernel width was controlled by recessive alleles, while number of kernels per ear, number of kernel rows per ear, number of kernels per ear row as well as ear diameter were controlled by dominant alleles. Line MO17 and B73 possessed maximum recessive genes for ear diameter, kernel width and number of kernels per ear, while for number of kernels per row and number of kernel rows, line B73 and MO17 possessed the maximum recessive genes, respectively. For number of kernels per ear row, number of kernels per ear and kernel width, inbred line K74/1 carried the maximum number of the dominant genes.

In order to study the genotype environment interaction for grain yield in new maize hybrids, 12 single crosses were evaluated based on a randomized complete block design with four replications (in 24 environments including 12 stations) within 2 years. Simple and combined analyses of variances showed that there were significant differences among genotypes. Significance of Bartlet test indicated the requisiteness of environment (with the highest coefficient of variation) elimination in all analyses. In order to evaluate interaction and determine the adaptation of genotypes, eight different parametric stability analysis methods were employed in the study, including: Roemer environmental variance, Environmental coefficient of variation of Francis and Kanenberg , Finlay and Wilkinson's regression method, Eberhart and Russell's deviation of regression coefficient, Penthus coefficient of determination, stability variance of Shukla, Wrick ecovalance and finally Muir method based on partitioning of GxE interaction sum of squares into change in order and in value. Based on Muir method it was indicated that 96/65% of interaction sum of squares were composed of change in rank. Based on SSIC which represents the two first types of Line and Binns stability concepts Sc 76 was the most stable and high yielding genotype and this method was the most efficient one among the univariate parametric methods.

One of the complex problems, in improvement programs for, production of high yielding and adapted crop cultivars is Genotype x Environment (GE) interaction. To reduce the GE interaction effects and to increase the accuracy of selection, yield and stability of hybrids must simultaneously be taken into account. In this study, nine early maturity foreign corn hybrids with KSC 301 were evaluated for two years in seven locations in Iran in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The objectives were to compute and compare different univariate parametric methods and to determine the most stable hybrids. Results of environmental variance, coefficient of variation (CY), and Lin and Binns MSy/1 statistics introduced hybrids no. 7 and 3 as the most stable hybrids while the other parametric methods namely Shukla's variance, Wricke's ecovalance, regression coefficient of Finlay and Wilkinson, statistic of Plaisted and Peterson presented hybrids no. 2 and 8 as the most stable ones. Kang's method, which i.e.a combination of Shukla and rank's nonparametric methods, introduced hybrids no. 2 and 8 the as the stable hybrids. Finally according to the results of different stability methods, hybrid no. 8 (KE8212/12 x K1263/1) was introduced as the most stable genotype.

In order to study the effect of different irrigation levels on yield and yield components of three wheat cultivars, a field experiment was conducted in Firoozabad, Fars in 2003-2004 growing season. The experiment design was a split-plot one arranged in randomized complete block of four replications. Main plots consisted of four irrigation levels ( I1=every 8, I2= 12 I3= 16, and I4= every 20 days) subplots consisted of three wheat cultivars (V1= Marvdasht, V2=Star, and V3=Darab-2 ). The results showed that Darab-2 with a higher number of grain per spike, and 1000 grain weight, produced higher dry matter as well as higher grain yield. Also, this cultivar exhibited a higher CGR than the other two cultivars. In a comparison between Marvdasht and Star cultivars, it was determined that Marvdasht was superior in a majority of traits. It was determined that the number of grain per spike as well as 1000-grain weight were more sensitive to limited irrigation than the number of spikes per square meter trait. Physiological growth indices decreased with increasing irrigation intervals. Interaction of cultivar x irrigation intervals showed that Darab-2 was superior at all irrigation levels and produced a higher grain yield than the other two. In total, it seems that Darab-2 is more tolerant to limited irrigation: it has a higher grain yield, and can be introduced as tolerant cultivar.

In this study, eight commercial Iranian wheat cultivars were tested for their microspore culture response. Spikes aseptically pretreated in strile inducer formulation [0.1g L-1 of 2-hydroxynicotinic acid, 10-6 mol L -1 2,4-D and 10-6 mol L -1 BAP] and placed in incubator at 33oC for a required period of time, ranging between about 48 and 72 h. Microspores were isolated through blending of spikes in microspore is olation soluting (0.3 mol L-1 mannitol). Isolated microspores were cocultured with immature ovaries in liquid NPB99 medium at a density of approximately 4x103 microspores mL-1 and incubated in the dark and at 27oC. After 3-4 weeks, response of wheat cultivars for embryogenesis was evaluated. Cytological investigations using inverted microscope showed that multicellular structures, were formed in approximately one week after culture. During the second week, the microspore wall ruptured and immature embryoids emerged which grew into mature embryos within about 10 to 14 days. Analysis of variance indicated significant differences among cultivars for embryogenesis that demonstrates the genetic dependence of this trait. Cultivars of Falat and Moghan1 with means of 1427±81.58 and 1108±54.55 embryos per spike respectively, were identified as the most superior cultivars in microspore culture.

To determine the critical period of weed control in tobacco, an experiment was conducted in Tobacco Research Institute of Rasht in 2005. The experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications and 12 treatments of hand weedings in two sets. The first set of treatments included weed infested periods of 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, and 85 days after tobacco transplantation (DAT) and the second set of treatments included weed free periods of 0, 10, 30, 50, 70, and 85 days. These two sets of treatments were fitted to Logistic and Gompertz functions to determine the critical period of weed control. Crop height, number of leaves, crop yield, the number and weight of weeds in a square meter of each plot before harvesting were also determined. The most dominant weeds of the field were Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotandus L.), Large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis L.), Yellow foxtail (Setaria glauca L.), Bermudagrass (Cyndon dactylon (L.) Pers). and Redroot Pigweed (Amarantus retroflexus L.). Increasing the periods of controlling weed infestation reduced the number of weeds and created a better condition for tobacco growth. Critical periods of weed control between 27 and 50 DAT and between 23 and 59 DAT were found as suitable, while allowing 10% and 5% acceptable yield reduction, respectively. A positive relation was observed between controlling weeds within critical the period of weed control and plant height as well as number of leaves. By increasing weed free periods, plant height, and the number of leaves were increased.

Medicinal plants are among valuable natural resources and sources of potentially curative safe drugs. They have been playing important roles in alleviating human sufferings by contributing herbal medicines in the primary to health care systems of rural and remote hilly areas where the health of society depends on folklore and traditional systems of medication. On the other hand, most crop seeds have within themselves the physiological phenomenon of dormancy afterb being harvested. Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch, (or Carum persicum) is a grassy plant belonging to umbelliferae (Apiaceae) family with dormant seeds. It grows wildly on the mountainous areas of Iran. Several therapeutic properties including those reloted to digestive disorders, urinary tract disorders, diuretic gynaecologic, anti-convulsion, anti-helmetic as well as anti-asthma, and dyspnea, have been recognized and mentioned for the seeds of this plant as evident from ancient Iranian medical books. Because of these pharmaceutical effects, termination of seed dormancy before cultivation is necessary and important. Studies about the phenology of Bunium persicum show that the seeds germinat in spring and require exposure to cold temperature prior to germination. Also previous studies have shown that some concentration of plant growth regulators help the overcoming having seed dormancy in this plant. In this research, treatments were consisted of dry storage (the seeds having been collected in 2001 and in 2004), cold stratification (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 weeks) at 4oC in refrigerator and treatment with plant growth regulators (GA3, KI, GA3+KI and H20). Simple and combined effects of treatments on seed germination were investigated and recorded following 3 weeks of being placed in a germinator. The treatments were arranged as a three level factorial. The data were analyzed and statistically compared using on the basis of a Randomized Block Design of three replications. The results revealed that 10 weeks of cold stratification along with 3 years of dry storage could enhance seed germination to an acceptable level.

Plant breeders are usually faced with GxE interaction in their studies on crop varieties in multilocation trials (METs). This Study was carried out to determine the yield performance and adaptability of 10 lentil genotypes at four stations of: Kurdistan, Maragheh, Zandjan and Ardebil west of Iran, during three successive growing seasons (2001-03). The experiments were conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replications. Fallowing homogeneity test for error variances, combined analysis of variance was carried out. F-test for sources of variations revealed the fact that the effects of variety, year, location, variety x location, and variety x year x location were significant. Additive main effects along with multiplicative interactions (AMMI) analysis indicated that the yield performances of genotypes were affected by the major environmental effects of genotype x environment interaction. The first two principal component axes (PCA1 and 2) were significant (P<0.01), cumulatively contributing to 72.47% of the total genotype x environment interaction. A bipolt diagram, generated using genotypic and environmental scores of first and second AMMI components showed that genotypes with lower PCAI and higher absolute PCA2 scores yielded high, and therefore designated as stable genotypes.

The effect of different levels of nitrogen and plant density on plant growth, development, herb yield and active substances of Tanacetum parthenium cv. "Zardband" were studied. A factorial trial in randomized complete block design, with three replications was employed in the study. Nitrogen fertilizer applications in three levels of 0, 75, 150 Kg/ha nitrogen and plant density treatments in two levels of 35x10 cm (28.5 plants per m2) and 35x20 cm (143 plants per m2) were aemployed. The highest quantity of camphor and chrysanthenyl acetate were extracted from the essential oil obtained from plants that received 75 kg/ha of nitrogen and with 28.4 plants per m2 density. Since of 150 kg/ha of nitrogen along with 143plant per m2 density treatment produced the largest amount of herb, therefore, based upon to the climatic conditions of the experimental site the above mentioned treatment (N2 DI) is recommended for the cultivation and production of this plant.

This study was carried out to evaluate the agronomic traits of nine genotypes of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) at two spring planting dates of 16 March and 28 April in years of 2003 and 2004.The experiments were separately conducted at Research Farm of Isfahan University of Technology by using a randomized complete block design with three replications. The effects of genotype, planting date and year were significant on most of the studied traits. In average, the range of days to maturity, plant height, seed yield per plant, seed yield and seed oil content for the genotypes were 102.3 to 108.8 days, 32.87 to 60.75 cm, 0.62 to 1.13 g, 1245 to 2598 kg ha-1 and 31.88 to 35.34%, respectively. The lowest mean of plant height along with the highest mean seed yield per plant as well as the highest seed yield in either year (2985 and 2211 Kg ha-1, respectively) were observed for Kordestan landrace. Late planting significantly increased the number of seedlings per m2 while decreasing the mean for other traits including maturity, yield per plant, seed yield, and seed oil content. In average, seed yield per plant and seed yield for the first and second planting dates were 0.91 and 0.58g, and 1622 and 1450 kg ha-1, respectively. The significant interaction between genotypes and planting dates for seed oil content was due to increasing seed oil content in SP1066 genotype and its reduction in the other genotypes in the second planting date. The significant interaction between year and genotype for seed yield showed that seed yield in 2004 was significantly lower than that in 2003 for all genotypes, except for CDC1747. The results of regression analysis and correlation coefficients showed that the number of capsules per plant and number of seeds per capsule were the most important yield components of seed yield per plant.

The genetic diversity of seed storage proteins in four loci; Gli-Albt, Gli-A2bt, Glu-Albt, and Glu-A3bt, in the diploid wild progenitor of wheat, Triticum boeoticum was studied electrophoretically in 412 individuals representing 36 accessions of west and northwest of Iran. The degree of these characters occurred in the order: Glu-A 1bt < Glu-A3bt < Gli-A2bt < Gli-A1 bt. Although polymorphism for these traits was quite high, only a limited number of variant forms identified as Gli-Albt, Gli-A2bt, Glu-A1bt, and Glu-A3bt loci were closely matched with their analogous variants in the A genome of hexaploid wheat. More than 36 different gliadin electrophoretic patterns (spectra) were found in acid-PAGE, each pattern being consisted of 13-30 gliadin bands. From the analysis of 13 grains in each, only 7 accessions were found to be uniform, others being consisted of two or more grain variants differing in their gliadin spectrum. No null allele at any of the Gli-A 1 bt and Gli-A2bt loci has been found. High and low molecular weight glutenin subunits were analyzed by using one-step one-dimensional sodium doedecyl sulfate gradiant-polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis (SDSG-PAGE) and divided into A-, B- and C- subunits in accordance with their electrophoretic mobility. A large range of allelic variations at the Glu-A I bt locus were found in this collection and some novel subunits observed in both x- and y-type glutenin subunits, including x- and y-type null forms. The genes coding for the 1Ax and 1Ay subunits exhibited very little (3%) inactivity. Many accessions exhibited 3-4 bands in the high molecular weight glutenin subunits region. The active genes for "y" subunits, if transferred to bread wheat, may be useful in improving bread-making quality. Extensive polymorphism, both in the number, staining density and electrophotetic mobility, was detected in low molecular weight glutenin subunits present in the studied accessions of T. boeoticum. Thirty-six different patterns for B- and C-subunits were identified. A majority of LMW-GSs found in the studied accessions were not present in normal bread wheats. The data suggest that they represent a rich source of new variation for the LMW-GSs, considered to be very important in modulating wheat flour-processing properties. These results provide new basic knowledge regarding the genetic variability of the seed storage proteins, as well as their potential to create novel germplasm for the improvement of wheat quality in breeding programs.

In order to study seed aging and its effects on germination characteristics and enzymatic antioxidant activities of barley genotypes, this study was performed at the seed lab of Faculty of Crop and Animal Science, University of Tehran. After harvesting, to evaluate the seed vigor of 20 barley genotypes, an accelerating-aging test in complete randomized design with three replications was conducted in the laboratory. Such traits as germination %, germination speed as well as germination index were assessed. In a second set of experiments, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, catalaze and peroxidaze were evaluated in seed embryos of two barley genotypes with higher and lower seed vigour. The seed accelerate- aging test showed that aging would reduce a germination percent, speed, as well as index. The genotypes with higher vigour possessed high mean characteristics. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, catalaze and peroxidaze, under different hydration treatments as well as aging and non-aging tests revealed that the enzyme activity of genotypes with lower vigor was less than that of the genotypes with higher vigor and that accelerated aging would cause reduction in the enzyme activities of these two barley genotypes. The overall results indicated that catalaze activity would be more affected by seed ageing than peroxidase would.

The effects of salinity (NaCl) in-vitro on microtuberization and investigated genetic diversity under saline and no saline conditions in potato, twelve cultivars (clones) of potato named Rangerrusset, AGB-69-1, MEX-32, Maine-28, Loman, Araucana INTA, Surena INTA, American-INTA, Aracy, FLS-5, Agria and Marphona, were planted in the greenhouse. Young shoots were cut and transferred to Tissue Culture Laboratory of Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute. Apical and axillary meristems were cultivated on MS medium and samples were subcultured every four weeks on the same medium for plantlet production. Plantlets were then propagated through single nodal culture. To study the effects of salinity on microtuberization, they were cultivated on MS media with different concentrations of NaCl including 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 m mol l- 1. Microtuberization response on different saline media was also different and indicated that all the studied characters, except the number of microtubers and the mean minimum microtuber diameter, had significant difference at P<0.01 for cultivars, salinity levels as well as interaction effects. Genetic diversity on the basis microtuberization using analysis of cluster among potato cultivars, and phenotypic correlations among characters under saline and non-saline conditions were also studied. This clustering indicated that there were differences among all cultivars under saline and non-saline conditions. Under non-saline conditions, commercial cultivars (Ranger-russet, Agria and Marphona) performed better than wild-type cultivars and ranked higher, whereas under saline conditions the commercial cultivars performed worse and were ranked 10werPhenotypic correlations among characters indicate that some associated factors correlating with each other contribute in occurring these characters.

Since a vast section of Iran is located in arid and semiarid region, identification of resistant genotypes to drought, is of paramount importance in reducing the damages that this restriction factor can bring about. So in order to find out the resistance of different genotypes, we need tools, such as resistance indexes, Biplot and Three-dimensional Charts that can help us in this regard. In this research program which was carried out in Miandoab Agricultural Research Station, the effects of drought stress on 8 sunflower genotypes were investigated. The stress was exerted on the plants in two different: stages of flowering and seed formation. A Split Plot experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design. Main plots included 3 levels of irrigation: 1-normal irrigation. 2-stoping irrigation cut at flowering, and 3-stopping irrigation cut at seed formation slage. Eight different genotypes were allocated to sub-plots. In order to evaluate either resistance or tolerance to drought, six indexes were assessed, that consisted of: Stress-Susceptibility Index (SSI), Mean- Productivity(MP), Geometric-Mean Productivity (GMP), Tolerance(TOL), Stress-Tolerance Index(STI), and Drought-Response Index (DRI).In order to identify better indexes they were concluded on the basis of Biplot and Three-dimensional charts, and also their correlation with seed yield. The better index (es) for stress at flowering stage was MP and for stress on seed formation were GMP, STI and MP. Finally using the obtained information of Three-dimensional charts, the better indexes lead to the selection of Golshid and TPK25630 cultivars for stress resistance at both flowering and seed formatting stages.

Azospirillum and Azotobacter are two molecular nitrogen fixing microorganisms which, in symbiosis with the roots of cereals and other graminae, enhance growth and development of the plant. In this research five bread wheat cultivars were treated with Azospirillum, Azotobacter as well as with microelement application by using split-split plots (on the basis of a randomized complete block design) with three replications in Shiraz region during 2004-2005. Main plots consisted of two methods of microelement application (through either soil or foliar application). Sub plots included application or non application of Azospirillum and Azotobacter, while sub-sub plots were consisted of five cultivars (Darab-2, Star, Shiraz, Pishtaz and Chamran). Measurements were made of plant height, grain yield, yield components, biological yield, harvest index and grain protein percent. The results showed that soil and foliar application of microelements only increased the number of spike per m2 and 1000-kernelweight, respectively. Inoculation of seeds with Azospirillum and Azotobacter bacteria increased 1000-kernel weight and grain protein percentage. A study of cultivars also indicated that Chamran and Star cultivars were superior in quantitative and qualitative traits, respectively. In general, it appeared that Chamran and Darab-2 are the best cultivars for planting after corn in such areas. Azospirillum and Azotobacter inoculation was more effective on qualitative than on quantitative traits. Any of the two application methods of microelements (with respect to conditions) can be recommended in this and similar areas.

In order to evaluate the interaction effects of weeds and nitrogen on growth and yield of dryland wheat, an experiment was conducted at the research station of the college of agriculture, Shiraz University at Bajgah in 2005. The experimental design was split plot with randomized complete block arrangement in which weedy and weed free treatments were main factors, while three levels of nitrogen (0, 40, and 80 kg N ha-1 ) constituted the sub factors. Under weedy conditions, wheat grain yield decreased significantly (from 1282 to 729 kg/ha). Among yield components, number of seeds per spike decreased significantly. The number of spikes per m2 was reduced but this reduction was not significant. Results indicated that with increase in nitrogen level, wheat yield increased significantly (from 661.5 to 1370). Under weedy conditions, harvest index decreased. Harvest index increased by increase in nitrogen rate but there was no significant difference observed between 40 and 80 kg nitrogen ha-1 treatments. Results indicated that in the respective weedy and weed free conditions, maximum rate of soil organic carbon was obtained from the additions of 40 and 80 kg of N ha-1 respectively. Under weedy conditions, soil organic carbon was observed to increase significantly.

Multi-trait selection has been employed by plant breeders (based upon complex quantitative traits) for increasing economic value in a population. Index selection is one of the most effective methods for improving grain yield as well as its associated traits. In this study, an F3 population consisting of 117 lines derived from a cross between two Iranian rice cultivars, Hashemi and Kadous, were evaluated to find a suitable selection index. The number of days to maturity (MD), plant height (PH), panicle length (PL), flag leaf length (FL), flag leaf width (FW), number of panicles per plant (PP), number of grains per panicle (GP), number of spike lets per panicle (SP), 100-grain weight (GW), grain yield per plant (GY), biomass (8M), harvest index (HI), grain length (GL) and grain breadth (G8) were assessed while twenty different selection indices being calculated based on optimum as well as base indices. The results indicated that selecting for 8M, HI, GP, GW and PP resulted in increased economic value in a population. Moreover, this study showed that both optimum and base indices would usually give the same genetic gain for all traits, but as the base index is much easier to be used in calculations and interpretations it is preferably recommended.

Potato Virus Y (PVY) a member of the largest family of viruses, Potyviridae, is capable of infecting a large range of plants in several families causing an economically devastating disease. In order to manage viral diseases, sensitive and accurate detection methods are required. In this study, RT-PCR was employed to detect Potato Virus Y in samples collected from fields in Tehran province. DAS-ELISA test was initially carried out for all samples and the infected samples were inoculated to test plants (using phosphate buffer). Following total RNA extraction, with a pair of primers complimentary to the 5' non- translated terminal and pi protein region, RT-PCR as well as immunocapture RT-PCR were carried out. A 974bp fragment was amplified enabling us to recognize all known strains with a high sensitivity. It was further shown that, the plants which were kept at -20°C for up to 5 months did not show any significant differences in PCR reaction.

In order to investigate the type of gene action and heritability for seed protein percent, seed protein yield and some other traits in bread wheat, seven cultivars namely, Atrak, Khazar, Tajan, Falat, Bezostaya, Golestan and Mahdavi were intercrossed in a half diallel fashion. Parents and their progenies were planted in a randomized complete block design with three replications in normal and drought stress conditions. Analysis of variance indicated a significant difference among genotypes for all traits in either condition. Griffing & Hayman-Jinks procedures were employed to analyze the data. Analysis of general and specific combining abilities (GCA & SCA) was done using Griffing method (II). Mean squares of GCA & SCA were significant for all characteristics in both normal and drought stress conditions, showing additive and non-additive effects control of these characteristics. On the other hand, the results show that seed protein percent is controlled by only additive effects while additive and non-additive effects control yield and seed protein yield. Regression coefficient (b) wasn't significantly different from 1, that shows the results are corrected. Narrow-sense heritability estimates ranged from 21% to 67% with plant height having the highest estimates. The estimates of narrow-sense and broad-sense heritability for seed protein percentage (59% & 78% respectively) indicated the effectiveness of selection for this trait. But the narrow-sense heritability ranging from 21% to 26% for seed protein yield in normal and drought conditions shows that there isn't much expectation in the effectiveness of selection for it. The results indicate that seed protein percentage is controlled by additive effects but additive-dominance model can be appropriate for yield and seed protein yield. A comparison of banding patterns resulted from the electrophoresis of seed storage proteins under normal and drought stress conditions revealed that drought stress had no effect on the banding patterns and it was only bands densities that were affected.