Evaluation of Quality and Quantity in Forage and Grain Yield of Iranian Rye Ecotypes

Genetic resources of Iranian rye have a high adaptation and diversity which provides the required forage in diverse climates of our country. Utilization of these resources is important in the development of new varieties. In this study, nine rye ecotypes, along with commercial cultivars of rye, barley, and triticale have been evaluated in three growing seasons 2014-15, 2016-17 and 2017-18 in research field of Seed and Plant Improvement Institute. The research is carried out in three separate experiments in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The study of phenological, morphological, and agronomic traits show that interaction of year and ecotype is significant for all traits, except for days to flowering. Based on the dry forage yield, Ecotype 119 has had the highest mean and Triticale cultivar, the lowest (5.68 and 4.14 t/ha respectively). Correlation coefficeint between grain yield, forage yield, 1000 kernel weight, and flag leaf area is significant. Comparison of ADF percentage in the forage show that these traits are significantly lower in ecotype 119 and barley cultivar Valfajr than other samples (60% and 56%, respectively). Based on the average of fiber in forage, Ecotype 119 has had the lowest average (33%). It seems that Ecotype 119, in addition to high potential for forage production, also has good forage quality.