IRANIAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES (JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE)
Year:2006 | Volume:37-1 | Issue:1 (AGRONOMY & CROP BIOTECHNOLOGY)|Papers Count:24

To achieve a higher grain yield in wheat the matching of vegetative and reproductive stages of growth with the optimum environmental conditions, through a selection of appropriate planting date and rate, is crucial. The appropriate planting date and seeding rate for winter wheat cv. Shiraz under Shiraz environmental conditions has not yet been studied in detail. The present experiment was conducted during 2001/2002 and 2002/2003 growing seasons at the Experimental Farm of Shiraz University, College of Agriculture located at Badjgah, using RCBD with a split plot layout of four replicates in either year. Main plots consisted of three planting dates (November 6th, December 6th and January 6th) while four planting densities (150, 250,350 and 450 plants/m2) were chosen and layed out as subplots. The results indicated that planting date significantly affected grain yield, number of grains per spike, number of spikes per m2 and 1000 grain weight, so that the highest grain yield was achieved for the second planting date (i.e.Dec.6th) and a delay in sowing date was accompanied by a significant decrease in grain yield. In the first sowing date, due apparently to coincidence of flowering with a period of low temperature, florets were not fertilized appropriately and hence the number of grain per spike was decreased significantly. In addition, the number of spikes per m2, grains per spike and 1000 grain weight were significantly affected by planting densities, so that the highest number of spikes per m2 was obtained for the highest planting density (i.e. 450 plants/m2) however, the highest number of grain sper spike and mean grain weight were obtained for the lowest planting density (i.e. 150 plants/m2). With increasing plant density, the number of spikes per m2 increased for all planting dates. Altogether, the results revealed that December 6th and 350 plants per m2 were the most appropriate planting date and rate for wheat (cv. Shiraz) under environmental conditions in Bajgah or under similar climatic conditions.

Nitrogen is among the most needed nutrients in wheat plays a key role in the crops's reaching its maximum yield potential. Producing cultivars of high yield and high grain protein content is important. In order to, investigate Nitrogen Utilization Efficiency (UIE), Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency (UPE), and Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) and to determine the relationship among these factors and grain protein as well as yield, an experiment was conducted during 2002-2003 growing season in Arak. The experiment was established in a randomized complete block design of three replications. Treatments included six winter wheat cultivars which had been released in Iran during the past 50 years. Results indicated that the modem cultivars (Qods, Alamout and Navid) benefited from a more pronounced increase in biomass yield, grain yield and NUE in comparison with the old cultivars (amid, Bezostaya and Azadi). However, UPE and UIE were not significantly different among the cultivars. On the other hand, grain protein concentration in modem cultivars was significantly lower in recent cultivars than in old cultivars probably because of the negative correlation that usually exists between grain yield and grain protein content.

In order to find out the effect of irrigation regimes on forage production, an experiment was conducted to determine the quantitative and qualitative traits in forage millet, sorghum: and corn as related to irrigation intervals. A split plot scheme based on a randomized complete block design with four replications was employed. Irrigation intervals of one week (I1), two weeks (I2), three weeks (I3), and four weeks (I4), along with three forage crops of millet (M),. sorghum (S) and corn (C) were allocated as main and sub plots, respectively. The results indicated that, the effect of irrigation intervals on leaf, stem and sheath yields as well as digestible dry matter were significant, but there were not any significant differences observed in percentage of inflorescence, dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, digestive value (D-value), ash, and crude protein for the first harvest There were significant differences observed among different forage species in all traits for the first harvest. Irrigation intervals significantly affected all traits except percentage of sheath, D-value and ash. For the second harvest there were significant differences observed between the two forage species (millet and sorghum) in dry matter digestibility as well as in percentage of organic matter digestibility. The results also indicated that the highest and the lowest total dry matter digestible yields in corn were obtained at one and four weeks irrigation intervals, respectively.

In order to investigate the effects of zinc and boron micronutrients on yield, quality and nutrients uptake characteristics of two grain maize cultivar, 647 and 704, an experiment was conducted during 2003 growing season, at the experimental research station of Qharakheil Mazandaran, Iran. A factorial experiment was conducted with ten treatments and three replications in a completely randoinized block design (CRED). Ten treatments, no fertilizer control, three levels of zinc sulfate (30, 40 and 50 kg/ha), three levels boric acid (10,20 and 30 kg /ha), and foliar sprays of 0.3 percent zinc sulfate, boric acid, and a mixture of zinc sulfate and boric acid were compared in this experiment. The results showed that effects of zinc sulfate and boric acid on the seed yield per unit area and the yield per ear, were significantly different at (1% level) for treatments and two cultivars. The best fertilizer treatment on the yield for both cultivars was 40 (kg/ha) zinc sulfate, and 20(kg/ha) boric acid was better than the other levels application this element. The results also revealed that fertilizer treatments were significantly affected (5% level) the zinc and protein content of seeds for both cultivars. The effects of these treatments were not significant (5% level) differences between of B, Fe and Mn concentration and P and K percentage. Application of zinc decreased Fe and Mn concentration and P percentage but had no effect on K percentage. The lowest yield and quality was recorded from control treatment. Considering foliar sprayed fertilizers the 0.3 percent mixture of zinc sulfate and boric acid revealed best results than others foliar application. Soil application of these micronutrients was more effective on yield characteristics while foliar application showed to be better considering qualitative.

In order to investigate the effect and efficiency of nitrogen levels on quality and quantity of yield and yield components of two cultivars of spring rapeseed, an experiment was conducted in split plot design with four replications in the year 2000-2001 at the experimental farm of faculty of Agriculture, Chamran University of Ahwaz. Two cultivars, PF7045.91 and Hyola 308 were assigned in the main plots and four nitrogen levels, 100, 150, 200 and 250 KgN/ha in sub plots. Traits under study were, yield, yield components, seed protein percentage and also pattern of nitrogen uptake in whole plant. Results indicated significant differences among cultivars, nitrogen levels and their interactions for most of the traits. The study of nitrogen uptake pattern in fertilizer levels showed that Hyola 308 hybrid had lower fertility range, compared to PF7045.91 cultivar, while, it has the higher nitrogen use efficiency. Results of interactive effects indicated that the highest grain and oil yield of PF7045.91 and Hyola 308 cultivars were obtained at the fertilizer levels of 250 KgN/ha and 150KgN/ha, respectively. Same result was observed for yield components, except 1000 kernel weight in PF7045.91 cultivar. Among yield components, number of pods per plant and number of grains per pod, indicated significant positive relations with grain and oil yield, while a significant negative relation was detected between 1000 kernel weight and number of grains per pod. Also, a high correlation coefficient of grain yield with oil yield showed that selection of cultivars and N levels could be conducted based on oil yield.

In 1999 and 2000, 10 varieties and lines of bread wheat of different degrees of resistance and susceptibility to cold, were crossed in a half - diallele scheme. The plant materials were cultivars Boulani, Sabalan, Khalij, Bezostaya and lines 591, 592, 273, 746, 581 and 583. The 10 parents and their 45 F1 hybrids were planted in greenhouse as well as field, at the College of Agriculture University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran. The traits of days to flowering LT50, survival at - 8°C, -12°C, -16°C, membrane stability (electrolyte leakage) were assessed. Membrane stability (electrolyte leakage) of the plants was found at -12°C. Results of ANOVA showed significant differences between genotypes in 1% and 5% levels of probability. Analysis of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) through Griffing method indicated significant differences between genotypes. It was found that genes with additive as well as non - additive effects control these traits. Graphic interpretations of the results of diallele cross, by using Hayman's method revealed that dominant genes with additive effects control cold resistance. It was found that resistant cultivars Bezostaya and Sabalan bear a large number of Dominant genes, whereas other cultivars Bolani, Khalij as well as lines 746 and 518 carry mostly recessive genes.

Gossypium genus includeds 50 species, classified cytologically in two diploid and tetraploid groups. Diploids and tetraploids are incompatible and therefore embryo rescue has to be employed for hybridization. In order to optimize this technique for making crosses among, different species as well a she response of embryo to various media, some crosses among two tetraploid (G.hirsutum, G.barbadense (2n=4x=5a2n)) do diploid species (G.herbaceum and G.arboreum (2n=2x=26)) were made in Karaj Agriculture Faculty Research Center. The best time for choosing and transfer of embryos to in vitro was found out. The resulting in ovulo embryos of hybrids and parents were cultured on four different media. The analysis of data on the basis of a factorial experiment in randomized complete block design indicated that genotype, media and the interaction among them affect callus size, callus percentage as well as germination percentage. G.herbaceum, G.arboreuamnd G.hirsutum exhibited more callogenesis while G.barbadense along with its hybrids demonstrated higher germination and regeneration, suggesting that G.barbadense is a useful donor parent and MS3 a suitable medium.

Taxol is a diterpenoid that is produced by Taxus Spp. (Yew trees). It is known as the most effective drug in cancer therapy. In order to improve callus induction and taxol production in Taxus baccata some experiments were performed. These experiments were carried out using factorial design based on CRD. In all experiments, explants (stem and leaf), culture media (B5 and MS) and light conditions (dark and light) were studied. In addition, in the first experiment, BAP and Kin with constant levels of auxin were studied at two levels. In the second experiment, different ratios of auxines; NAA, 2, 4-D and cytokinin (Kin) were tested. Results indicated that the most callus induction (97.46%) as well as callus growth (10 mm/two week) were obtained from stem explants on B5 medium supplemented by NAA (2 mg/l), 2,4-D( 0.2 mg/l) and Kin (0.2 mg/l). The light factor did not show any significant effect on either callus induction or growth. In the third experiment, activated charcoal, polyvinyl pyrolidine (PVP), citric acid and ascorbic acid were added to the selected medium for inhibition of callus subculture browning. Results indicated that the above mentioned compounds well inhibited callus browning, but only the media containing ascorbic acid (50 mg/l) rendered suitable cell growth too. A comparison of xtracted taxol from light and brown calli through HPLC showed that taxol in light calli was 2.45 mg/kg, while being negligible in brown calli (lack of ascorbic acid).

In order to determine the relationship between yields and some morphological traits, as well as important traits that affect grain yield in triticale, a field experiment was conducted at Cereal Research Farm, Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karajin 2000. Fifty lines and cultiyars were evaluated in an. Alpha Lattice design with two replications. Grain yield was positively correlated with biological yield, number of spikes per plant, number of seeds per spike, Harvest Index and date of maturity. A stepwise regression analysis was also carried out for grain yield (dependent variable) and other characters. Path analysis showed that number of spikes per plant and number of seeds per spike exerted the most direct effects on grain yield. On the basis of these results, it is suggested that criteria such as biological yield, Harvest Index, number of spikes per plant, number of seeds per spike, 1000 seed weight and spike length could be considered as effective criteria for selecting towards grain yield improvement in triticale.

Fars is the pioneer Province in Iran from maize production point of view. Because of the importance of foreign hybrids in either direct release or use as new germplasm in breeding programs, 17 foreign maize hybrids, were compared with 3 local hybrids in a randomized complete block design of four replications, in Zarghan (temperate zone and as first cropping), and Darab (warm region and as second cropp after wheat) in 2003. Traits were evaluated and data collected during the growing season following which combined analysis was made. Results indicated that hybrids were different in plant height, ear height, row number, as well as kernel number per row, kerneldepth, 1000 kernel weight, cob percent, as well as grain yield. Some foreign hybrids yielded more than local ones but this difference was not significant. Hybrids no. 1, 2, and 15 (OSSK 713, OSSK 602 and SP1042) respectively yielded higher than the others. Hybrids were infected with maize rough dwarf virus to an extent of 33 to 82 percent in Zarghan but not in Darab location. SP1042 hybrid (NO. 15) was the least susceptible to maize rough dwarf. Independent comparisons indicated a significant difference between local and foreign hybrids as to row number, kernel number, kernel depth and 1000 kernel weight but yield did not differ at %5 level of probability. The highest correlation as to grain yield was observed with kernel depth, 1000kernel weight as well as with kernel number in row.

Microsatellite markers were employed for germplasm analysis and an estimation of the genetic relationship and diversity among 21 genotypes Jranian bread wheat. Thirty-five microsatellite markers were used in the analysis. A total of 199 alleles were detected. The number of alleles per microsatellite marker varied from 2 to 10 with ad average of 5.37. The averages for polymorphism information content and genetic similarly were. 0.56 and 0.328 respectively. The highest level of genetic similarity (0.755) was found between Ghods and Alvand genotypes while the lowest (0.188) between Bolani and Niknejhad. The results indicated that the genotypes could be distinguished and clustererl into 4 groups through UPGMA clustering method. The data suggest that a relatively small number of microsatellites can be used to estimate genetic diversity in the germplasm of Triticum aestivum. This also confirms the putative potential of microsatellite marker for the analysis of germplasm in wheat.

Lorestan province accounts for nearly 21 percent of total lands under chickpea cultivation in Iran. Chickpea is traditionally spring-planted under dryland conditions. Not much information is available on either its appropriate seeding rate or method, particularly in the temperate parts of this western province, namely Khorram Abad. A 4-replicate split-plot RCBD field experiment was conducted under dryland conditions of Khorram Abad during spring 2003. Two seeding methods consisting of planting on four 4-m long rows spaced 0.30 m apart (row seeding) and planting in 4 x 1.20 m plots followed by disk harrowing (scatter seeding) were used as main plots.Three genotypes, namely Jam, ILC482 and Greet, seeded on March 1st 2003 at four seeding rates of 20, 28, 37, and 45 seeds m-2, were assigned as subplots. Among genotypes studied, Greet appeared relatively earlier in maturity and lower in terms of seeds per pod, but higher in 100-grain weight and consequently dry matter, grain yield and harvest index, as compared to the rest of the genotypes. With an increase in seeding rate, there was no meaningful trend observed with most grain yield components, though significant increases in genotypes' grain and biological yield were observed. Seedling emergence in all genotypes with scatter seeding varied from 65 to 75 percent of that with row seeding, which along with a lower number of pods per plant, led to a significantly greater grain and biological yield in the former seeding (row cropping) method. Despite a relatively low grain along with biological yield obtained with the present genotypes under dryland conditions of Khorram Abad, it could be concluded that with row seeding of at least 45 seeds m-2 a higher grain yield might be produced with spring chickpea under the mentioned climatic conditions.

To evaluate the effects of drought stress and timing of nitrogen (N) application on some physiological characters, grain yield and contribution of pre-anthesis photoassimilates to grain of bread wheat (triticum aestivum var Mahdavi), a field experiment was conducted at Research Station of Agricultural Collage, Karaj in 2000-2001. A split plot design based on RCB with four replicates was employed. Soil moisture regime (SMR) considered as main plot, included control (C) and drought stress (S) conditions and timing of N application (TN), as sub plots, included; no nitrogen (N0), 120 Kg/ha nitrogen which was applied as 20% + 80% (N1) and 40% + 60% (N2) at sowing and flowering respectively. The drought stress condition reduced significantly grain yield (GY), biological yield (BY), 1000 seeds weight, harvest index (HI) total leaf area index (TLAI), flag leaf and second leaf area (FSLA) and crop growth rate (CGR). TN affected GY, BY, TLAI and CGR, but did not affect the 1000 seeds weight, HI, and FSLA. The Highest and lowest amount of GY, BY, CGR and TLAI were obtained in N2 and N0 treatments respectively. The interaction, between SMR and NT on GY, BY and CGR was significant so that N2 treatment showed the highest yield and CGR in control condition and the lowest ones under stress condition. Correlation between CGR and GY was positive and significant in C and S conditions. The contribution of pre-anthesis photo assimilates to grain (CPPG) was significantly increased under drought stress conditiolt. The effect of NT on CPPG was significant. Minimum CPPG belonged to the N2 treatment. Interaction between SMR and NT on CPPG was significant. Correlation between CGR and grain yield was positively significant in control condition. The grain yield was negatively correlated with CPPG.

The proportion of its fatty acids determines the quality of oilseed rape. In the present study RAPD, ISSR and SSR DNA markers were used to construct a genetic map of a doubled haploid population with 119 individuals in oilseed rape. A total of 151 markers were assigned into 21 linkage groups and the total genome length corresponded to 1173 cM. QrL analysis for five fatty acids including palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids identified 13 QTLs. Three QTLs were mapped for palmitic acid and explained about 31% of phenotypic variation. For stearic acid, three QTLs were detected that explained 30% of phenotypic variation. Two QTLs were identified for oleic acid; a major one explained 20.2% of phenotypic variation. For linoleic acid, two QTLs were mapped; the major one in linkage group one explained 48.5% of the phenotypic variation. Five QTLs were identified for linolenic acid; one QTL with oleic acid and one with linoleic acid were similar ones. QTLs identified in this research can be used for mapping the important genes in fatty acid composition. The congregations of markers with these QTLs provide an opportunity for marker-assisted selection in oilseed rape breeding programs.

In order to investigate heritability and gene action for resistance to wheat brown rust, two resistant cultivars, N-75-15 and N-75-20, were crossed with a susceptible one. Parents, F1, F2 and F3 generations were planted in a randomized complete block design. Susceptible cultivar that was planted among experimental materials and around the field was inoculated with a isolate of the pathogen at three times. Generation mean analysis was performed for infection type, final coefficient of infection, area under disease progress curve and relative area under disease progress curve. The study of mode of gene action by analysis of generation mean showed that in controlling traits additive, dominance and epistasis effects had main role, but dominant variance was more important than additive variance. At crosses of N- 75 -15x Boolani and N-75-20 x Boolani, at least one resistant gene was estimated for infection type and final coefficient infection and at least four and five resistant genes were estimated for AUDPC and r AUDPC.

Considering the increase in average earth's surface air temperature and CO2 concentration during the past decades, an experiment was performed to study the dry matter accumulation as well as partitioning patterns between above and below ground organs in sesame genotypes (I.S., Oltan, and Naaz) under three temperature regimes (33/21, 35.5/23.5, and 38/26°C day/night) and two concentrations of CO2 (400 and 700 ppm). Results indicated a significant difference among genotypes with respect to root (R), shoot (S), and total dry matter (TDM) genotypes as well as R/S and R/TDM. Both temperature and CO2 concentration had significant effects on the above characters. Increasing temperature increased TDM in genotypes, so that highest TDM was recorded for genotype Oltan under 38/26°C day/night (19.3 g/plant). Under both CO2 concentrations, increasing temperature resulted in increased R. Total Dry Matter (TDM) and R . followed a logistic model in the experiment. Based on the results, 700 ppm CO2 concentration increased R in all genotypes. Genotype Oltan had the highest R under 700 ppm CO2 concentration at 35.5/23.5°C day/night. According to the results, a period between 22 and 83 Days After Planting (DAP) was critical for R accumulation in response to temperature x CO2 concentration interaction. Increasing CO2 concentration not only increased R/S, but also increased the minimum effective temperature for R/S. Minimum R/TDM was 5.75%, recorded for genotype Naaz in 33/21°C under 400 ppm CO2 concentration. Increasing CO2 concentration delayed decrease of R/TDM after reaching its peak. This means that higher CO2 concentration maintained CH2O translocation for a longer period.

The relative magnitude of contribution of a photosynthetic source, to fulfill sink demands depends, at least in part, on the relative distance between the sources and sinks. For crop plants, in general, a major source for a reproductive sink is the close Stone, i.e. inflorescence as well as the adjacent leaves. In order to evaluate the contribution of photosynthetates of inflorescence and the adjacent leaves to grain filling and yield in four safflower genotypes, planted in summer as a second crop, a 4-replicate RCBD field experiment was conducted in Isfahan in 2002.Treatments included three shading levels after pollination (control, head only, and head along, with the two upper leaves), and four genotypes (Arak2811, Kouseh, Nebraska10 and AC-sterling). Based on phenological studies, Kouseh and AC-sterling were the latest and earliest in terms of maturity and the tallest and the shortest genotypes, respectively amongst genotypes studied in the experiment. While number of heads per plant was not significantly affected, number of seeds per head, 1000-seed weight and grain yield per plant were significantly decreased due to shade in the shading treatment. No significant difference was detected between the two shading levels, with respect to traits, except 1000-seed weight. With the environmental conditions encountered in this experiment and the method used, the contribution of photosynthetic surfaces of inflorescence, as well as the two adjacent leaves to safflower grain production was estimated to be relatively low, i.e. 12.4 to 14.2 percent. Among genotypes studied, Arak2811, Nebraska10 and Kouseh outperformed AC-sterling, thus the first three genotypes could be recommended for planting in summer as a second crop in Isfahan.

The critical period of weed control is the portion of the life cycle of a crop during which it must be kept weed-free to prevent yield loss due to weed interference. A critical period experiment was conducted at two locations in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) in 2002 in Gorgan, and it consisted of two sets of treatment. In the first set of treatment, the crop was kept weed-free for increasing lengths of time to determine when emerging weeds would no longer reduce crop yield. In the second set of treatment, weeds were permitted to grow in the crop for increasing lengths of time to determine when weeds emerging with the crop began irrevocably to reduce crop yield. The beginning and end of the critical period of weed control (CPWC) based on an arbitrarily 5% acceptable yield loss level were determined by fitting the Logestic and Gompertez equations to relative yield data representing increasing duration of weed interference and weed-free period, respectively. Results showed a critical period of weed control (based on 5% of acceptable damage) was from 4-5 leaf stages (22-26 days after crop emergence and 146-211 GDD) to second sympodial branch (37-51 days after crop emergence and 341-360 GDD). Thus, weed control practices should begin no later than 4-5 leaf stages and continue until at least second sympodial branch form aximum cotton yield.

Due to an oil content of more than 40%, rapeseed (Brassica napus) is of great importance for meeting the world's edible oil demand. There have been reports of 60% oil content in some rapeseed cultivars in recent plant breeding experiments. Regression and path analysis were carried out to characterize important agronomic traits of high correlation with oil content, pinpoint the traits influencing oil percent, determine the etiological relationships and to introduce the effective oil increasing traits. Some important quantitative and qualitative traits in 29 rapeseed (Brassica napus) fall cultivars were studied in a randomized complete block design of four replications in Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Tehran University during the agronomic year 2000-2001. Analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences among varieties for traits under study, indicating the existence of genetic variation aniong varieties which can be efficiently exploiled in breeding programs. Genotype correlation coefficients indicated that oil percent had a significant negative correlation with seed yield (rg=-OA83**) as well as with protein percent (rg=-0.179*) at a 1% probability level. Oil content also exhibited a significant negative correlation with days to flowering, flowering period, duration of growth period, number of pods per plants as well as number of seeds per pod at a 1% probability level. Considering oil percent as a dependent variable, while using stepwise regression analysis, 53.2% of oil percent variation was attributed to three traits of duration of growth period, 100-seed weight and protein percent, the model significant at 1% probability level (R2 =0.532). Results of path analysis indicated that the duration of growth period exerted the highest direct negative effect on oil percent (p=-0.73.Thus, due to decreasing effect of duration of growth period trait on oil percent that is temperature increases leading to degradation of fatty acids and decrease oil percent with the increase in growing period in during seed, formation, early trait should be known as selection criteria for oil percent increase. Negative correlation between oil percent and protein percent results from their competition for occupying seed volume. Thus, selection for decreased protein percent lead to increase in oil percent. 1000- seed weight had high direct positive effect on oil percent (p=0.418) but its genotype correlation with oil percent (rg=0.083) was not significant, which is to carry out some restriction to zero undesirable indirect effects in order to benefit its direct effect. Results of factor analysis showed the qualification of four factors for 14 given traits considering the least character roots. This factor explained %78.3 of total variation in data.

Response of five cultivars (with different levels of resistance to sunnpest) and their F1 progenies, produced through half - diallele crossing, were evaluated under field conditions, using a randomized complete block design of three replications. The experiment was carried out in Agricultural College, of Razi University in 1997. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among genotypes regarding percentage of increase in weight of mother sunnpest, decrease in biological yield, seed, yield and seed number in spike. Diallele analysis using Griffing (method II) and Hayman procedures were performed. Combining ability analysis indicated significant differences in percent increase in weight of mother sunnpest for both general and specific combining ability effects. Regarding the above mentioned traits, Rashid (with the lowest GCA effect), Navic Sardari (with the lowest SCA) were the most suitable varieties and hybrids for higher resistance. Non-additive gene effects for the increase in weight of mother sunnpest were of over dominance natures while for the other traits, of partial dominance. There is the highest number of dominant genes for the increase in weight of mother sunnpest present in Sabalan cultivar whereas the highest number of recessive genes is observed in Sardari cultivar. Broad and narrow sense heritabilities for the increase in weight of mother sunnpest were 74.58 and 25.25 percent, respectively. No significant correlation between grain damage and morphological characters was observed. Correlation observed between grain damage and protein quality was negative and significant.