Evaluation of selected Haloxylon persicum Bge. genotypes established in Yazd Haloxylon seed orchard

The research was performed to evaluate the genetic potentials and variation of Haloxylon persicum genotypes, and establishment of a seed orchard, using the selected genotypes of the species in Yazd province. The study was conducted in the desert research station of Shahid Ayatollah Sadoughi, located in Askezar city.The seeds of fifteen genotypes were collected from natural habitats and planted in plastic pots during early spring.The seedlings were transplanted into the seed orchard after two months based on the orchard plan.Several traits including plant height, crown diameter, vigor, and susceptibility to powdery mildew were recorded on the plants.The data were analyzed using the correlation coefficient analysis.The genotypes with a vigorous crown growth and seed production were regarded as the best genotypes for seed production.Therefore, the best progenies were observed for three of the genotypes studied, whereas, the progenies of four other genotypes didn’t show any superiority.