Genetic variation of vegetative and reproductive characteristics in Stipa barbata var. arabica genotypes in Isfahan province

In order to evaluate genetic variation and relationship among 16 genotypes of Stipa barbata، an experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with 3 replications at Fozveh research station of Isfahan، during 2013-2014. Results of analysis of variance showed significant differences among the genotypes for all of the studied traits. Broad sense heritability was moderate to high (60-99%) for all of the traits except leaf length. Polkalle and Meymeh genotypes had the highest herbage yield and seed yield (3129، 2804 and 409، 265 kg/h، respectively). Correlation coefficients showed a positive correlation between seed yield and forage yield. Using principal components analysis، the first six components determined 83% of total variation. Plant dry weight، seed weight per plant، herbage yield، and seed yield were the most important traits in the first component. Stem height at maturity and cover in the second component، leaf length in the third component، panicle length at seed maturity stage in the fourth component، panicle length and plant height at anthesis stage in the fifth component and number of panicle seeds and panicle seeds weight in the sixth component were noticeable. Genotypes were classified into 3 groups with distinct variations for seed yield and forage yield.