Genetic Variability in Different Accessions of Agropyron Based on Morphological Traits

The perennial grass is one of important grassland plants, which have special importance based on their feeding production, protection, and prevention of soil erosion. One of the important genera of the wheat family is the Agropyron. The aim of this study was to evaluate genetic variability in different accessions of Agropyron based on morphological traits. In this experimental research, 31 populations belonging to the 3 species of the Agropyron were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 3 replications in research farm of Agricultural Biotechnology Research Institute of Northwest and West region of Iran. The cluster analysis was performed by SPSS 17, using Euclidean space and UPGMA and the principal components analysis was performed through trait correlation coefficient matrix and Minitab 14 software. Findings: The highest value of phenotypic coefficient of variation was seen in traits, including panicle length, fresh forage yield in the first cutting, and dry matter yield in the first cutting, respectively. In the second component, seed yield and crown diameter were the most important in explaining this component. There were significant differences between different populations in terms of morphological traits, so that for these traits, the various species in this genus could be separated. From a morphological point of view, there was a great similarity between A. cristatum and A. desertorum. Different populations of A. elongatum species could be distinguished from the populations of the A. cristatum and A. desertorum in terms of morphological traits, while utilization of molecular markers is mandatory to segregate the populations of A. cristatum and A. desertorum from each other.