Investigation of morphological diversity and some micro nutrients of Piatacia atlantica Desf. fruit in east and centre of Iran

According to the importance of Pistachio atlantica, identifying the site of this species and examining the environmental conditions of its growing areas can be an effective assist in preventing the destruction of this national asset. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the morphological and micro nutrients diversity of 11 habitats in the eastern and central regions of the country. The research was performed in a randomized complete block design with three replications. For statistical analysis, clustre analysis, one-way analysis of variance and comparison of means was used by Duncan's multiple range test at 1% probability level. The results indicated there was a significant difference at the level of 1% between the tested samples. The results of cluster analysis of morphological characteristics of fruits illustrated that Bajestan, Nehbandan, Qasemabad, Bardaskan, Taybad, Shahrbabak, Ghaen and Sarbisheh habitates were in cluster 1, and Khaf, Zirkouh, and Zahedan cities were in cluster 2, and have similar characteristics. Khaf habitat is superior to other habitats in terms of diameter and weight of fruits and seeds. The habitats of Bajestan and Taybad had the highest amount of nitrogen, calcium and magnesium and the habitat of Shahr-e-Babak had the highest potassium and the habitat Zirkouh had the highest sodium. In general, the morphological characteristics and the amount of micro nutrients in climatic or micro-climatic conditions of such as precipitation, annual temperature, latitude and longitude and the length of the dry season are different.