Study and introduction of optimum morphological traits for distinctness and registration of new durum varieties in Iran

This experiment was done to find those dorum (Triticum durum Desf) traits which effectively distinguish different cultivars from each other.  For this purpose, Iranian varieties were studied using morphological Characteristics. The Guidelines for the conduct of tests for Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability were used as recommended by UPOV. Eight common varieties (Arya, Behrang, Dena, Dehdsht, Saji, Seymareh, Karkheh and Yavarous) were sown using a randomized complete block design with three replications for the years 2011-2012 at Seed and Plant Certification and Registration Institute, Karaj, Iran. Twenty nine morphological traits were then observed visually or measured for all varieties observed in the test. The variety distinctness was evaluated using analysis of variance, means comparisons (LSD) and cluster analysis. The results of analysis of variance of five quantitative traits (plant length, length of ear, length of awns at  thetop of ear, pith in cross of straw and ear density) revealed the significant difference existed between all the cultivars. The results obtained from Comparison between 8 varieties showed that there was significant difference in the plant length, length of awns at the top of ear, ear density and length of ear distinct one pair varieties (a total of 25 pairs. While, this trait could distinct twenty, five, two and one pair varieties respectively at %5 of probability level. The Cluster analysis of qualitative characteristics caused that all varieties to be categorized into two main groups. Cluster analysis of quantitative traits, divided the varieties in different group as well