Evaluation of yield and quality traits in some Elymus hispidus Var. villosus populations under irrigated condition in Hoseinabad station, Fars province, Iran

In order to study of forage yield and quality traits, 19 populations of Elymus hispidus were sown under irrigation condition using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) during 2006-2009 in Hosein Abad, Shiraz, Iran. Data were collected and analyzed for spike emergence date, dry matter (DM) yield, plant height, stem number, leaf to stem ratio (LSR), and five quality traits as: dry matter digestibility (DMD), water soluble carbohydrate (WSC), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and total ash for three years. The results showed significant difference among populations for all traits except total ash. The populations T24, Feriden, Saghez-Ghameshloo, Asadabad and Pashelki-Eghlid with average values of 5458, 5307, 5114, 4696 and 4565 kg/ha had higher annual DM yield. Results of correlation showed positive correlation between stem number with both DM yield and plant height. The correlation between CP/WSC and between DMD /ADF were negatively significant. Using principal component analysis, the first three components determined 67% of the total variation. The spike emergence date, plant height, and DM yield in the first component and CP, WSC and leaf to stem ratio in the second components were the important traits. The 19 genotypes were grouped into three clusters based on Ward cluster analysis method. In terms of forage quantity and quality, Feriden and Ghameshloo (Saghez) populations had higher values as compared with other populations; therefore, these two accessions are recommended for semi-steppe rangelands of Fars province.