مجله پژوهش های حبوبات ایران
سال دوازدهم شماره 2 (پیاپی 24، پاییز و زمستان 1400)

Drought stress is the most influential factors affecting crop yield particularly in irrigated agriculture in arid and semiarid regions. Drought, being the most important environmental stress, severely impairs plant growth and development, limits plant production and the performance of crop plants, more than any other environmental factor. The impact of the drought on plant species depends on variety, severity and duration of the stress as well as on the development stage. The closing stomata which reduce transpiration and conserve water in plants is the first mechanism of plants against dehydration stress, which in turn limits CO2 fixation. One of the important strategies for increasing of carbon dioxide concentration in plants is using compounds such as methanol that can increase the concentration of CO2 in a plant will improve photosynthesis rate and growth under water deficit conditions. Among the numerous microorganisms in the rhizosphere, some have positive effects on plant growth promotion. These microorganisms are bio fertilizers such as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), which colonize the rhizosphere and roots of many plant species and confer beneficial effects to plants. Using rhizosphere microorganisms, particularly beneficial bacteria are an alternative strategy that can improve plant performance under stress environments and, consequently, enhance plant growth through different mechanisms. Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between plant roots and fungi and form symbiotic association with terrestrial as well as aquatic plants. They also impart other benefits to them including production/accumulation of secondary metabolites, osmotic adjustment under osmotic stress, improved nitrogen fixation, enhanced photosynthesis rate, and increased resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses. The mechanisms used by mycorrhiza to enhance the water relations of host plants are not amply clear, however, this may occur by increasing water absorption by external hyphae, regulation of stomatal apparatus, increase in activity of antioxidant enzymes and absorption of nutrients particularly phosphorus. Hence, application of bio fertilizers and methanol presumably looks to be a promising practice in plant yield optimization under suboptimal growth conditions. So, better understanding of chickpea physiological responses under water limitation may help in programs which the objective is to improve the grain yield under water limitation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate of grain filling components of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) using segmented model under irrigation withholding condition, methanol application and seed inoculation with bio fertilizers. 

 A factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications at the farm of Piralger from Ardabil provence in 2017-2018. The experimental factors included: application of methanol (foliar application with water as control, application 20 and 30 volume percent), bio fertilizers at four levels (no application as control, Mesorhizobium ciceri application, both application mycorhyza with Mesorhizobium ciceri, application of mycorhyza with Mesorhizobium ciceri and Psesomonas putida) and three irrigation levels (full irrigation as control, severe water limitation or irrigation withholding at flowering stage, moderate water limitation or irrigation withholding at podding). To investigate grain filling parameters in each sampling, two plants in each plot were taken. The first sampling was taken on day 12 after podding, and other samplings were taken in 5-days intervals to nv xfrikh determine the accumulation of grain weight. At each sampling, grains were removed from pods manually and were dried at 80°C for 48 h. We applied grain dry weight and number to estimate the mean grain weight per sample. Following Borrás and Otegui (2001), we calculated total duration of grain filling for each treatment combination through fitting a bilinear model: Where GW is the grain dry weight; a, -intercept; b, the slope of grain weight indicating grain filling rate. Borrás, Slafer, and Otegui (2004) determined grain filling using a bilinear model. Effective grain filling period (EFP) was calculated from the following equation:Where MGW: the highest grain weight (g) and b: grain filling rate (g day-1). Conversely, an increase in kernel weight in filling period was calculated using the above-cited equation in statistical software SAS 9.2 via Proc NLIN DUD method. The analysis of variance and mean comparisons were performed using SAS computer software packages. The main effects and interactions were tested using the least significant difference (LSD) test at the 0.05 probability level.

 A two part linear model was used to quantify the grain filling parameters. The highest number and weight of noduls per plant (11.6 and 113.21 mg per plant, respectively), chlorophyll index (50.28), grain filling rate (0.0117 g/day), grain filling period (39.57 days), effective grain filling period (32.2 days) and grain yield (1455 kg/ha) were obtained in full irrigation and high levels of methanol and application of mycorhyza, Mesorhizobium ciceri with Psesomonas which, there were 237 and 148 increases, respectively in number and weight of nodule per plant, 84.17% in chlorophyll index, 34.48% in grain filling rate, 21.38 and 25.3% in grain filling period and effective grain filling period respectively and 111% in grain yield in comparison with no application of methanol and bio fertilizers under irrigation withholding at flowering stage conditions. 

Based on the results, it seems that seed inoculation by bio-fertilizers and foliar application of methanol in order to increasing of grain yield, rate and grain filling period under water limitation is effective.

Xanthium strumarium (Cocklebur) is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to the America, Eastern Asia, South Africa and Australia. It is coarse, herbaceous annual plant growing to 50-120 cm tall, which invades agricultural lands. Its seedlings and seeds contain the glycoside carboxyatractyloside and can be poisonous to animals, including cattle, horses and pigs. Its successful spread in so many parts of world has mainly attributed to its allelopathic properties, which enable it to complete effectively with native crops and/or pasture species. Vigna radiata is an important food legume cultivated in rainfed areas in the west and northwest of Iran. One of the main reasons of its lower yield is competition from weeds, because it does not compete well with weeds. Thus, weeds reduce yield and quality of mungbean through competition for light, moisture and nutrient. This study was aimed at determining the possible effects of the widespread weed X. strumarium L. whole plant A.E. on germination and seedling growth of mungbean under laboratory and greenhouse conditions.

Naturally growing common cocklebur plants around our university campus were randomly uprooted and collected during flowering stage in August 2018. The plants were immediately brought to laboratory and the whole plant cut into 2 to 3 cm pieces, air-dried in greenhouse and ground in a mill of 2 mm sieve size. Then 3, 6 and 9 g of ground materials were mixed in 100 ml distilled water and soaked for 24 h at room temperature (21 to 22 oC) and filtered through four layers of cheesecloth. The aqueous extracts were stored in conical flasks in dark until use. Both in laboratory bioassays or greenhouse studies were done from August to December, 2018 and the rates of 90, 180 and 270 g powdered material or 3, 6 and 9% extracts were based on the previous studies.  

Results showed that mean rate of germination in control treatment was higher than that of other treatments, but there was not any significant difference between control and 3% treatment. The lowest value for this trait belonged to aqueous extract i.e. 9%. The increase in X. strumarium L. A.E. concentration was concomitant with decrease of the mean rate of mungbean seed germination. In this case, there was a negative linear regression between A.E. concentration and plumule length as well. It is noteworthy that decrease in germination rate led to a delayed emergence and poor establishment of mungbean seedlings. X. strumarium A.E. did not adversely influence plumule dry weight of mungbean in the 3% A.E. treatment, compared to the control. The A.E. concentrations of 6 and 9% resulted in significant reduction of 20.87 and 30.97% in plumule length compared with those of the control, respectively. The soil incorporation of dry mix residues decreased both germination and seedling growth of mungbean. There was an increase in inhibitory effect with increase in amount of dry residues incorporated. However, no significant difference was observed between control and 90 g for both germination (%) and rate, and root and shoot lengths. Compared to soil incorporated dry mix residues, the soil surface applied dry whole plant residues drastically inhibited the mungbean germination and seedling growth. This is congruent with previous report. All rates of soil surface placed X. strumarium dry mix residues significantly inhibited the mungbean seedling emergence (%) and rate and root and shoot lengths over the control. 

High concentrations of X. strumarium L. A.E. negatively influenced seed germination rate, plumule length and seedling dry weight of mungbean. However, their effects were not considerable at low concentrations. In conclusion, we can claim that mismanagement of weed population in field condition especially high densities of X. strumarium L. weed and presence of high concentrations of water soluble chemicals produced by this weed adversely influence early growth (delayed emergence and dwarf and weak seedlings) of mungbean plants. Eventually, this trend negatively influences homogenous emergence of plants and the result would be plants susceptible to biotic and abiotic stresses, leading to very low marketable yields.

According to statistics released by the Ministry of Agricultural Jahad, the area under cultivation of beans in Iran is 105,000 hectares, with an average yield of 2200 kg/ha. Thrips is one of the pests that reduce bean yield. The different developmental stages of Thrips tabaci, by settling under the bean leaves and feeding on the plant sap, cause colored silver spots, that the black feces of pest are visible inside these spots. These signs of damage indicate the presence of pests. Thrips is evident from the beginning to the end of its growing population of active beans in the fields and its damage. Onion thrips is the most well-known thrips in the world and causes significant damage to onion, cotton, lettuce, tomato. It also carries some viral diseases. 

Phaseolus vulgaris is one of the most important legumes cultivated in most countries of the world. This crop is attacked by various pests including onion thrips. This study was conducted in two years in field condition by planting cultivars Ghaffar, Sadri, Koosha, talash, local chiti of Khomein (control) and KS-21492 genotype in a randomized complete block design with four replications in two experiments with spraying and non-spraying treatments, at the National Bean Research of Khomein Station. Sampling was also conducted weekly to evaluate changes in pest populations (separately from larvae, nymph and adult) from the beginning of infestation to the end of infestation was performed. For sampling, five plants were randomly selected from each plot and scored based on the amount of damage and contaminated leaf area. Yield and yield components were also calculated. The results of this study were analyzed using SAS 9.1 statistical software and the means were compared by Tukey test in 1% and 5%. 

The two-year results of this study showed that Ghaffar and Koosha cultivars had the highest average yield of 3749.88 and 3602.25 kg/ha, respectively. Chiti of Khomein and sadri had the highest of population. On the other hand, KS-21492 genotype had less damage scale than Sadri and control, but its yield (2212.50) was lower than other cultivars. Given that this genotype had the lowest yield loss and population among cultivars. Sedaratian et al, (2010) also studied the population density of thrips onion on seven cultivars and one soybean genotype and reported the highest density of thrips on Dpx and genotype KS-3494 and the lowest population density on two cultivars L17 and Tellar. This is not consistent with the results of the present study due to differences in the product studied. Cultivars resistance based on population count of onion thrips and evaluation of crop yield characteristics were also used by Kalafchi et al, (2002). These researchers evaluated nine onion varieties for damage. Red Azarshahr cultivar with the highest number of thrips and the highest damage to other cultivars was sensitive, and Sefid-Qom cultivar with the lowest number of thrips, it is less contaminated than this pest. The results of this study are different from the results of recent research due to differences in product and cultivars tested. The results of the research (Mohiseni & Kushki, 2016) showed that the plant growth type had a significant effect on the resistance of cultivars to two spotted mites, which requires further investigation on the impact of the plant growth type on the onion population. Research has shown that different varieties of common beans contain anti-nutritional compounds such as phytic acid, lectin and trypsin inhibitors that can influence the biology of herbivorous pests such as onion thrips. This is similar to the results of the present study due to differences in populations studied as well as differences in yield and damage scale. Studies have shown that the levels of these anti-growth factors in different bean genotypes are different. 

Based on the results of this study Koosha and Ghaffar cultivars due to higher yield Priority for cultivation in the area.

Chickpea provides N benefit to cereals grown in crop rotation. In addition to the N benefit, chickpea provides a disease break for wheat grown in the crop rotation. Imazethapyr, applied preemergence at the rate of 0.053 kg ai/ha, reduced plant height, delayed plant maturity, and caused leaf chlorosis. Imazethapyr, applied at 0.053 kg/ha, significantly reduced plant height compared with the nontreated or hand-weeded checks. Visual injury symptoms observed with Imazethapyr treatment included chlorosis and delayed maturity of chickpea. There was an apparent rate effect with imazethapyr, when this herbicide was applied at 0.026 kg/ha with sulfentrazone, visual injury symptoms were significantly reduced. The risk of crop injury from the higher use rate of Imazethapyr is probably not commercially acceptable, whereas the injury from the lower use rate probably is acceptable. Pre-emergence application of low-rate of imazethapyr caused minor levels of injury to the plants, it had only minor effects on plant development and yield compared with sulfentrazone. Post-emergence applications of imazethapyr, imazamox and metribuzin, delayed flowering and maturity and reduced yield. Herbicide effects varied with chickpea cultivar. Most of the commonly used herbicides that are recommended for wheat fields weed control are not able to fully control the wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum C. Koch) weed. Hence, utilizing appropriate agronomic strategies for managing this weed is critical. The evaluation of the effect of Wild barley spike cut-off on the previous wheat field, and the effects of chickpea sowing date and weed control measurements in chickpea cultivation in the next year in crop rotation on chickpea yield are among the aims of this study. 

The effect of wild barley weed spike cut off in wheat crop and sowing date and management strategies in chickpea cultivation on chickpea yield in the following year was evaluated in Khorramabad, Lorestan, during 2008-2009 and 2009-2010. The experiment was factorial split plot based on completely randomized block design with three replications. The factorial of the wild barley weed spike cut off in wheat (in two levels: 1- No spike cut off, and 2- Spike cut off) and chickpea sowing date in the following season (in two levels: 1- early sowing and 2- late sowing) was assigned to main plots, and the weed management factor levels in chickpea cultivation at five levels: 1- Pre emergence application of Metribuzin (0.7 kg/ha from Sencor 75%), 2- Pre emergence application of Imazethapyr (0.7 L/ha from Pursuit 10%), 3- Post emergence application of Clethodim (1 L/ha from Select 12%), 4- Hand weeding, and 5- Weedy check was assigned to sub plots. 

Wild barley weed spike cut off in wheat in previous year increased the average grain yield of chickpea by 26.5%. Chickpea grain yield for early sowing was 49.9% higher than late sowing. Pre emergence application of Imazethapyr (0.7 L/ha) and Metribuzin (0.7 kg/ha) had a persistence phytotoxic effect on chickpea. Reducing plant height, leaf brushing, increase the number of branches and delay in reproductive phase, were the negative effects of Imazethapyr herbicide on chickpea. Weed interference in early and late chickpea sowing date significantly reduced 17.8% and 49.8% of chickpea grain yield, respectively. The highest grain yield of chickpea (2309 kg.ha-1) was observed in hand weeding treatment in early chickpea sowing under Wild barley Weed spike cut off in wheat crop conditions, and the lowest chickpea grain yield (449.3 kg.ha-1) was associated to Imazethapyr herbicide application in the late sowing chickpea with under Weed No spike cut off Wild barley in wheat crop in previous season.

The results of this study showed that with the spike cut off wild barley weed in the previous wheat cultivation and preventing current year weed seed rain, we can greatly reduce the population of this grass weed in chickpea cultivation in the following year and consequently reduce its interference effects on chickpea. Chickpea early sowing was also effective in increasing the chickpea yield due to the high efficiency of sowing equipment in controlling wild barley plants and decreasing the population of this weed and, also due to synchrony of crop growth stages with better environmental conditions. In the case of herbicides tested, the Clethodim is an appropriate graminicide for controlling the wild barley in chickpea cultivation, which, of course, achieving a good control requires application in the early stages of grass weeds, and the delay in spraying reduces the control efficiency of this herbicide.

Moisture stress is one of the most important limiting factors which can affect crop production in semi-arid regions. Proper management and application of advanced techniques to maintain soil moisture and improve soil moisture holding capacity in the soil are effective in increasing water use efficiency and improving water resource utilization. Due to the importance of chickpea as a source of protein and the irreparable damage of moisture stress to yield of chickpea, the selection of methods that can increase the tolerance of the plant to moisture stress is very important. Recently, the use of superabsorbent has increased due to the ability to absorb and maintain water and consequently increase water use efficiency in the soil. Diatomite, as a superabsorbent, is a unique natural material with interesting features including very fine structure, low mass density, high porosity, high specific surface, chemical neutrality and high silica content. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the proper amount of diatomite to obtain maximum chickpea yield under moisture stress conditions. 

In order to investigate the effect of diatomite on yield and yield component of chickpea under different irrigation regimes, an experiment was conducted in Khaf in the year 1396-1397. This research was conducted as split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications. The main factor of irrigation regimes was five levels (dry farming, full irrigation, one irrigation in vegetative stage, one irrigation in reproductive stage, two irrigations: one vegetative stage and one reproductive stage) and factor the subdivisions of diatomite were in three levels (0, 3.5 t/ha and 7 t/ha). Each plot has 6 cultivating lines 30 cm long and 3 meters long. In this experiment, diatomite was placed at a depth of 20 cm (maximum root zone density) under seed. The cultivation was carried out manually on the fifth of March with a density of 45 plants per square meter and a depth of 5 cm. In flowering after full yellowing of chickpea pods, number of pods, number of seed in pod, 100 seed weight, percentage of pod unfilled, seed yield and biological yield were measured. Harvest was calculated by dividing the seed yield into biological yield and multiplying it by 100.

 The results showed that changing the irrigation regime from full irrigation to dry farming caused a decrease in the quantitative traits studied. The lowest seed yield (318.54 kg/ha) and biological yield (725.44 kg/ha) were obtained in dry farming treatment. Application of diatomite under different irrigation regimes increased all evaluated traits and seed yield. The highest seed yield (1745.67 kg/ha) was obtained in irrigation treatment in vegetative and reproductive stages and consumption of 7 ton/ha of diatomite and the lowest amount (363.97 kg/ha) was recorded in dry farming without diatomite application. Also, application of 7 ton/ha of diatomite compared to non-application of diatomite increased by 29, 29, 77 and 39% in irrigation regimes including dry farming, one irrigation in vegetative stage, one irrigation in reproductive stage, two irrigations including stage, respectively. Vegetative and reproductive were in the trait of seed yield. Based on the results of interaction effects in irrigation treatment in vegetative and reproductive stage and other low irrigation treatments including irrigation in vegetative stage, irrigation in reproductive stage and dry farming application of 3.5 ton/ha diatomite with application of 7 ton/ha of diatomite in all studied traits in a statistical group it placed; Therefore, it can be said that the use of 3.5 ton/ha diatomite is the most appropriate amount in increasing the yield of chickpeas under low irrigation regimes. 

Generally, the results showed that the amount of irrigation water had a significant effect on yield and yield components of chickpea, thus reducing irrigation water in the treatments of two irrigations: one vegetative stage and one reproductive stage, one irrigation in reproductive stage, one irrigation in vegetative stage and dry farming in compared to the full irrigation treatment, it reduce 37, 63, 81 and 86% in seed yield, respectively, and this decreasing trend in other measured traits was observed. At the same time, reducing the amount of irrigation water increased the percentage of pod unfilled. However, the negative effects of reduced irrigation water can be reduced by using diatomite. The result showed that the application of 3.5 ton/ha diatomite at different irrigation levels in all measured traits didn't differ significantly from the application of 7 ton/ha of diatomite. Based on this, it can be said that the application of 3.5 ton/ha is the optimal amount. In general, using advanced methods such as using diatomite as a super absorbent while saving the cost of crop production in dry areas, by maintaining and storing moisture in the soil and improving water permeability in the soil can be an effective step in order to exploit limited water resources and increase seed yield.

Dust creates fine particulate matter and industrial and urban pollutants including factories of cement, gypsum, stone crasher, flour, daily winnowing of grain storage silos, heavy and light machinery traffic on dirt roads, car smoke and burning oil derivatives, power plants, etc. The dust damages the plants in various forms. The first damage the photosynthetic system by entering through the pores, and then by deposition on the leaf surface, reducing the light reached to the leaf, reducing the amount of photosynthetic pigments, changing the leaf temperature, and reducing the quantum yield, reducing the assimilation and closing stomata, exacerbated fungal and bacterial activity, pests and diseases, and ultimately reduce growth and yield. The amount of damage to the plant depends on the type of plant, cultivar, leaf area characteristics, the growth stage of the dust on the leaf surface, the type of dust and wind speed, the amount of dust thickness on the leaf, and the irrigation regime. Accordingly, the simulation of the effect of dust deposition and the reduction of light intensity due to it and their interactions on the growth and yield of chickpea cultivar Bivanich was performed as the dominant cultivar in the region. 

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of dust and light intensity on yield and some physiological and agronomic characteristics of chickpea cv. Bivanich, at the Research Field, Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran in 2016-2017. Experiment was Factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Factors included light intensity (100, 75, 50, 25 and 0% light intensity) and dust deposition at flowering onset and no dust deposition. Sowing date was in late March 2016 in dryland with 25 cm line spacing and 13.5 cm inter-plant spacing in 6 lines with 3 m plots long. Shading was applied with plastic wrap fasteners that were 1 cm wide. The amount of chlorophylls a, b, total and carotenoides and soluble carbohydrates were investigated in mid grain filling. Yield traits and components of grain yield were studied at physiological maturity. The water requirement and water use efficiency were calculated for both total dry matter and grain yield. The data were analyzed by SAS software and the means were compared with LSD at 5% probability level. 

The results showed that from flowering stage, the interaction effects of dust deposition and different light intensities were significant on yield traits such as biomass yield, grain yield and number of seeds per plant. Both biomass and grain yields at 100 and 75% light intensities were not significantly different in non-dust treatments, but the number of seeds per plant decreased at 75% light intensity compared to 100%. In dust conditions, there was a significant difference between the light intensities of 75% and 100%, which was reduced significantly. This indicates that the deposition of the dust by increasing stress on the plant increased the sensitivity of chickpea to the amount of light intensity. In this experiment, the number of grains per plant was ranged between 13.6 to 16.9 for the light intensity levels and 9.3 and 14.3 between the dust conditions. The effects of dust deposition on the 100-grain weight were not significant but were significant due to light intensities and the light intensity of 0% decreased maximum of 8.4%. The effects of two treatments on photosynthetic pigments and soluble carbohydrates were significant. In general, the dust deposition reduced the amount of photosynthetic pigments and soluble carbohydrates. With decreasing light intensities decreased chlorophyll a and carotenoids, but increased chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll. Water requirement and water use efficiency were also affected by treatments. 

In general, the results showed that the deposition of dust from flowering stage caused damage to biomass yield, grain yield, grain number per plant, 100 seed weight, photosynthetic pigments and water use efficiency. Rate of this damage for biomass yield was 24.4%, grain yield 16.8%, grain number per plant 15.4%, chlorophyll a 13.5%, chlorophyll b 21.7%, carotenoids 10.7%, soluble carbohydrates 18.8% Water use efficiency was 24.6%. By reducing the light intensity up to 75% were not significantly decreased in no-dust conditions (control treatment), total dry matter yield, grain yield and grain number per plant. Effect of light intensity reduction from 50% (at no dust treatment) until 0% (without direct light) reduced the most important traits such as biomass yield, grain yield and grain number per plant, but in dust treatment with decrease in light intensity from 100% decreased significant. Both the deposition of dust and the reduction in light intensity had severe effects on the water use efficiency of chickpea. Accordingly, the ranges of changes were for water use efficiency between 0.61 and 1.23 (based on total dry matter).

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) is a neglected crop with a wide diversity of its landraces in Iran, which acclimated to different climates. Cowpea is considered as one of the most tolerant food legumes under heat and drought stress. Although cowpea is distributed in a wide range of arid and warm climate of Iran, no extensive study has been done to determine the diversity of the landrace originated from these regions. Increasing yield, early maturity for grain production, long vegetative period for fodder yield, nutrient in leaf and grains, cooking quality, and germination rate are some crucial traits in cowpea breeding programs. Agro-morphological characterization of the existence germplasm would help to identification of the valuable genetic resources which could be entered into cowpea breeding programs to overcome challenges facing this crop production. 

Fifty landraces of cowpea originated from the arid and warm climate of IRAN along with Sistan local cowpea landrace (Mak) were evaluated for the diversity of 39 quantitative and qualitative agro-morphological traits. IBPGR descriptor was used to the characterization of traits; including terminal leaflet shape, leaf area, plant height, number of main branches, hypocotyl length, growth habit, number of nodes on the main stem, internode length, plant vigor, number of fixation nodules in root, fresh weight, dry weight, days to flower initiation, days to flowering (50%), days to flower termination, days to first mature pods, days to maturity, days to harvest, flower color, raceme position, pod color, seed crowding, pod wall thickness, plant hairiness, attachment of testa, pod length, number of locules per pod, 100-seed weight, number of pods per peduncle, number of pods per plant, yield, seed length, seed width, pod curvature, eye pattern, testa texture, canopy temperature, leaf chlorophyll concentration, and heat stress effects %. This experiment was done at the Zahak agricultural station of Sistan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center. The experiments were performed observationally using furrow planting. Each landrace was sown in a five-meter row. 100 and 10 cm were considered for between and within row spaces of plants, respectively. Irrigation was carried out based on the needs of the plant and considering the conventional method of cowpea irrigating in the Sistan region, almost every two weeks. Statistical methods, including correlation, factor analysis, canonical correlation, path analysis, and cluster analysis, were used to identify the diversity and relationship among traits. 

Yield components included 100-seed weight and number of pods per plant were the most diverse traits in the current study. Based on the results, studied landraces could be potentially categorized in two grain and forage types. N7222 (Sarmoshk local landrace) and Mak (Zabol local landrace) showed the highest grain yield among evaluated landraces. TN7241 (another Zabol local landrace) and TN7274 (Kahnouj local landrace) were detected as landrace with the highest potential for forage production. It was also identified that two other Kahnouj local landraces, including TN7292 and TN7291, are the earliest maturity landraces among evaluated landraces. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship between yield and number of N2 fixation nodules in the root. A significant positive correlation was also identified between pod length with a dry weight of the plant, the number of locules per pod, and 100-seed weight. Furthermore, it was revealed that yield was directly affected by pod length using path analysis. Path analysis distinct phenological traits from quantitative traits related to yield. Canonical correlation showed a negative correlation between days to flowering with grain yield, and it was shown that dwarf bushes with high yield component and 100-seed weight matured lately. 

Notable diversity for cowpea landraces was observed in the current study. The results of this research divided the accession to two grain and forage types. It was identified that high biomass yielded plants were not comfortable for grain production while they product suitable forage production. According to the results, two landraces were the best ones in grain production that were confirmed by cluster analysis. Pod length and the number of locules per pod were detected as the main two traits related to yield. The observed diversity in yield components could be applied further in the cowpea breeding programs.

It has been proven that microorganisms such as mycorrhiza and rhizobium can improve the nutrients absorption in crops such as chickpea. Rhizobiums are effective to provide nitrogen by biological form in crops and mycorrhizal fungi are involved to supply biological phosphorus to the plants. Among them, the endo myccorihza (or Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhiza) that abbreviated VAM, in creation of symbiosis with the roots of crops such as legumes have been more successful. Of course, the mycorrhizal fungi and rhizobium bacteria before create symbiosis with host plant, directly affect in the overlay in rhizosphere environment of host plant. Creating colonies in the roots by mycorrhizal fungi leads to conducive for forming nodulation of rhizobium. Studies have shown that the VAMs (which are newly named AMF (Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi)) are generally belongs to Zigomaycota groups and ecto-myccorihza are mainly to Basidiomaycota. But recently a new species of Basidiomaycota has been identified with name of Piriformospora indica that acts as AMF and is an entophyte fungus (or pseudo endo mycorrihza). It seems that this symbiotic relationship between plants, mycorrhizal and rhizobium can be either normal or adverse environmental conditions, is effective in promoting the product of crop. In Iran, among pluses, chickpea has been allocated the most area under cultivation. Meanwhile, the average yield of irrigated and dryland chickpea is about 1000 and 500 kg ha-1, respectively and Iran is located the lowest ranking among the countries producing this product. Thus, the triplet symbiosis of chickpea, mycorrhiza and rhizobium and also chickpea genotypes response to this symbiosis were examined in this research. 

This study was conducted to investigate the inoculation of Kabuli seeds of chickpea genotypes with arbuscular mycorrhiza and pseudo endo mycorhiza, in split plot by arrangement of two factors with a randomized complete block design and three replications in Research Field, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2014. Main plots were consisted of three levels of mycorhiza (arbuscular mycorhiza of Glomus mosseae, pseudo endo mycorhiza of Piriformospora indica and non-used mycorhiza) and sub plots were consisted of nine genotypes of chickpea: MCC80, MCC358, MCC361, MCC392, MCC427, MCC537, MCC693, MCC696 and MCC950. These genotypes had good yield potentials and selection and presented in the studies on germplasm from the Institute of Plant Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad seed bank. Before the sowing, all seeds of genotypes were infected to the symbiotic rhizobium bacteria of chickpea. During the growing season, traits of chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, SPAD readings and protein of plant tissues were measured and by measuring dry matter and leaf area, their process was investigated under different treatments. Also, at the end of the growing season, seed yield of genotypes was measured. 

The results indicated that G. mosseae significantly increased seed yield and dry matter of chickpea since mid-season upward compared to other treatments. Arbuscular mycorrhiza significantly increased chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, carotenoids and SPAD readings. Also the most protein of plant tissues belonged to the factor of arbuscular mycorrhiza in two genotypes of MCC537 and MCC427. The combined application of rhizobium and mycorrhiza increased leaf area index. Evaluation of leaf area index process at the end of the growing season showed an increase in the lower range of leaf area index curve in rhizobium and mycorrhiza treatments, which was not significant in the fifth sampling and was significant in the sixth sampling. Among study genotypes, MCC537 showed the highest seed yield and higher dry matter than other genotypes during the growing season at harvest time. The most content of carotenoids and SPAD readings were in genotypes of MCC537, MCC427 and MCC392. 

It seems that application of pseudo endo mycorrhiza had not significant effect on the absorption of seed yield in chickpea. But application of G. mosseae along with rhizobium can improve the physiological traits and seed yield of chickpea. Also, in a general conclusion, among the studied genotypes, MCC 537 and MCC 427 were better than the others.

Pulses play an important role in supplying human food and are a major source of protein in developing countries, so they have a special role in producing food in these countries. Peas (Pisum sativum L.) belongs to legume family and is well adapted to the cold climate. This plant has a lot of crude protein and starch and is therefore high in energy. Evaluating the status of pulses production is essential because of their importance in feeding the people of the world and their role in the design of cultivation patterns. Eliminating the gap between the yield currently achieved on farms and the yield that can be achieved by using the best environmentally adapted varieties and the optimum water, soil and plant management techniques is a key strategy to overcome the nutritional challenge of a growing global population. In recent years, due to concerns about food safety issues, studies on the issue of yield gap have also been increasing worldwide and it is necessary to estimate the yield gap and its causes using appropriate methods. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the yield gap of peas and determine the limiting factors and their contribution to the yield gap in pea farms in Gonbad kavus. 

This study was carried out in pea farms (40 farms) during 2017-18 in Gonbad Kavus, Golestan province. The required information about farms was completed through observation, questioning of farmers or measurement. Information on soil properties was obtained using digital maps available at the Agricultural Jihad Office of Gonbad Kavus. Comparative performance analysis (CPA) method was used to determine the yield gap rate and to identify its causes. In this method, the relationship between all measured variables (quantitative and qualitative) and yield was evaluated using multiple regression. In this section, first, we used stepwise method to determine which variables should be included in the final production model. The average yield was calculated by placing the observed variables (x) of the studied farms in the yield model. The maximum yield obtained was then calculated by placing the best observed value of the variables in the model. The discrepancy between these two functions was considered as the performance gap. The ratio of yield gap for each variable to total yield gap represents its contribution in the yield gap and was expressed as a percentage. 

The actual and potential yield calculated by the model were estimated to be 7941 and 17708 kg/ha, respectively, and yield gap was 10078.7 kg/ha. The reasons for this yield gap were as follows: Seed rate (19.56%), Nitrogen rate (17.04%), Frequency of herbicide application (15.02%), amount of available potassium in soil (34 (13%), soil organic matter (12.81%), amount of available phosphorus in soil (11.87%), farmer experience (10.36%). Therefore, it seems that with proper management of farms and taking into account the yield gap factors mentioned above, the yield of peas in Gonbad kavus can be increased to about 10078.7 kg/ha in comparison with current yield. 

Based on the results in 40 farms studied, out of 45 variables studied, the final model was selected with seven independent variables. In the yield model, the actual and potential yield of farms calculated by the model were 7941 and 17708 kg/ha, respectively, and the yield gap was 10078.7 kg/ha. The recommendations of this research are based on the findings of the mentioned years in the region. Obviously, these recommendations may change in the future with changing farming systems (such as extension of conservation agriculture), agricultural management and possibly climatic conditions. In addition, by modifying the first-order causing factors of the yield gap discussed in this study, the second-order factors will emerge. Therefore, monitoring and evaluation of crop management in farms should be carried out on a continuous basis and the yield gap and its causes identified and resolved. In this study, among all the common agricultural management of farms, the cases that have the most impact on the yield gap and need to be modified and improved in the first stage are identified.

Chickpea is one of the valuable pulses and rich source of protein. In most years, in west of Iran, the amount of rainfall is low and the distribution of rainfall is not suitable. In many cases, rainfed lands are affected by drought stress. On the other hand, most rainfed lands have low fertility, especially in nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients. In higher plants, salicylic acid applied to reduce the dangerous effects of drought stress. Different varieties of chickpeas show different responses to environmental changes. This experiment was carried out in order to investigate the effect of salicylic acid and biofertilizers on the physiological characteristics of two chickpea cultivars. 

This experiment was done in factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications in Kermanshah under rainfed conditions in the 2016. Kermanshah is located at an altitude of 1319 m of sea level (Latitude: 34°21′ N and Longitude: 47°9′ E). Experimental treatments included two chickpea cultivars (Bivanij and Azad), foliar spraying of salicylic acid (non-application, 0.5 and 1 mill molar concentrations) and biological fertilizer (non-application of biofertilizers, bio-superphosphate bacteria (Pseudomonas+Enterobacter), biosulfur bacteria (Thiobacillus spp.), a rhizobium bacterium (Mesorhizobium ciceri), and mycorrhiza fungus (Rhizophagus irregularis). Each plot was six m2 (four meters long and 1.5 meters wide) with 6 lines (density= 40 plants per m2, sowing line spacing= 25 cm, sowing distance on each line= 10 cm and sowing depth= 7 cm). The sowing date was March 19. The studied traits were relative water content, relative water loss, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a/b ratio, carotenoids, hydrogen peroxide, catalase and peroxidase enzyme activity and grain yield.

Foliar spraying of salicylic acid and the application of biofertilizers increased the production of hydrogen peroxide and decreased the activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes. The highest catalase activity were obtained in Bivanij cultivar×non-application of salicylic acid, Bivanij cultivar×non-use of biofertilizer, non-application of salicylic acid and the lowest catalase activity were obtained in Azad cultivar×one mM salicylic acid, Bivanij cultivar×bio-superphosphate and one mM salicylic acid×biosulfur application. The highest and lowest peroxidase activity were obtained under non-application of salicylic acid×non-application of biofertilizer and one mM salicylic acid×rhizobium application, respectively. The highest relative water loss (RWL) was obtained in Bivanij cultivar×non-application of biofertilizer, while the lowest RWL was observed in Azad cultivar×biosulfur application biofertilizer. Relatively, the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll a/b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids increased with the application of biofertilizers. Bivanij cultivar had a higher grain yield than Azad cultivar. In both Bivanij and Azad varieties, the highest grain yield was obtained from the use of rhizobium and mycorrhiza biofertilizers. The highest grain yield (1626 kg.ha-1) was observed from the application of the concentration of 0.5 mM of salicylic acid and rhizobium biofertilizer. In both Bivanij and Azad varieties, the highest catalase activity was observed due to non-use of salicylic acid and non-application of biofertilizer. 

In general, at all three levels of salicylic acid, the highest peroxidase activity was observed in the absence of biofertilizer application. It is possible that biofertilizers reduce both nutrient deficiencies and drought stress, thus reducing peroxidase activity. In general, in this experiment, in terms of grain yield and physiological traits affecting grain yield, between the cultivars, native Bivanij cultivar, among the salicylic acid levels, the concentration of 0.5 mmol and among the biofertilizers, rhizobium biofertilizer were superior treatments.

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the world’s most important food legume crop. This staple considered as a nearly perfect food mainly because of its high protein content (about 25 percent) and abundant fiber, complex carbohydrates (about 60 percent), and other daily food needs such as vitamins (folate) and minerals (Cu, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn). Water use in agricultural production as one of the most important environmental factors affecting plant growth and development, especially in arid and semi-arid climatic conditions of Iran. 

In order to study the effect of plant growth promoting Rhizobacteria and nitrogen chemical fertilizer on some characteristics of root and growth indices of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) under water stress conditions, a split-plot design based on RCBD with three replications was conducted during growing season of 2015-16 at Agricultural Research station, College of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Three levels of irrigation (100%, 75%, 50% water requirement) assigned to main plots and different types of biofertilizers (Nitroxin®, containing Azotobacter sp. and Azospirillum sp., Biophosphor®. containing Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp.), Nitrogen fertilizer) urea form, and Control (no fertilizer) were assigned to sub plots. Destructive sampling was performed to calculate the growth indices (such as TDW (total dry weight), LAI (leaf area index), CGR (crop growth rate), RGR (relative growth rate) and NAR (net assimilation rate)) randomly from competing plants regarding the marginal effects from 1 real completed leaf stage to the end of the growing season from 5 m2 surface (every 7 days; 12 steps). The growth indices of LAI, CGR, RGR and NAR were calculated using equations (1-4). At the end of the growing season SRL (specific root length) was determined by Tenant Modified Method. Leaf area calculated by Leaf Area Meter device (Delta T, UK). Data analysis of variance and figures preparation were done by Minitab Ver. 16, Slide Write Ver. 2, and Excel 2010 softwares. At the end, Means comparing did by Duncan's test at probability 5%.
 
Equation 1:LAI= (1/GA)[(LA2+LA1)/2]                                                                           
Equation 2:CGR= (1/GA)[(W2–W1)/(t2–t1)]                                                                                
Equation 3:RGR= (lnW2–lnW1)/(t2–t1)                                                                            
Equation 4:NAR= [(W2–W1)/(t2–t1)] [(lnLA2–lnLA1)/(LA2–LA1)]                                 
where GA is ground area (m2), LA is leaf area (m2), W is shoot dry weigh (g) and t is time (day).

According to the result, the effect of biological fertilizers especially Nitroxin significantly increased maximum values of bean`s growth indices included total dry matter (TDM max), leaf area index (LAI max), crop growth rate (CGR max), relative growth rate (RGR max) and net assimilation rate (NAR max) compared to control and even nitrogen fertilizer. So that the highest and the lowest total dry matter (TDM max) at 91 days after planting were observed in Nitroxin (370 g.m-2) and control (342 g.m-2) traits (p≤0.01), respectively. The highest and the lowest leaf area index (LAI max) at 91 days after planting were observed in Nitroxin (2.0) and control (1.7) traits (p≤0.01), respectively. The highest and the lowest crop growth rate (CGR max) at 77 days after planting was observed in Nitroxin 11.04 g.m-2.day-1 and control 8.81 g.m-2.day-1 traits (p≤0.05), respectively. The highest and the lowest relative growth rate (RGR max) at 21 days after planting was observed in Nitroxin 0.23 g.g-1.day-1 and control 0.20 g.g-1.day-1 traits (p≤0.01), respectively, and then decreased gradually. Similar to RGR, the highest and the lowest net assimilation rate (NAR max) at 21 day after planting was observed in Nitroxin 35.5 g.m-2.day-1 and control 28.4 g.m-2.day-1 traits (p≤0.05), respectively. All attributes, showed highest values at 100% water requirement treatment. Also, the effect of fertilizers (p≤0.05) and water requirement (p≤0.01) were significant on grain yield. The main and interaction effects of fertilizer and irrigation were significant (p≤0.05) on specific root length (SRL). So that, the highest specific root length (30.15 m.25cm-3 soil) were obtained from Nitroxin and 100% water requirement. 

In total, the results showed that it could be possible to produce the healthy production of bean, moreover, attain the optimum yield as equal as to conventional systems.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important plants in the legume family, which is very important in the diet. Chickpea leaf-miner, (Liriomyza congesta, Becker) is one of the most important chickpea pests. Chickpea leaf-miner fly indirectly reduces the yield of chickpea by feeding on chickpea leaves. The amount of damage of chickpea leaf miner is not completely known due to its indirectness. Chickpea leaf miner fly has 3-4 generations per year and spends the winter as a pupa at a depth of 5-6 cm in the soil. The management of the leaf miner flies of the Agromyzidae family has been the subject of extensive scientific research for many years. Many chemical and botanical insecticides have been studied to control of leaf miner flies and are now widely used by farmers around the world. Today, the indiscriminate use of pesticides has created many problems and their effectiveness has been severely reduced due to improper use, adverse effects on natural enemies, and the development of resistance among populations of leaf miner flies. Management control is one of the most effective and simple methods used in integrated pest management. In this control method, by changing the planting date, planting density and using resistant cultivars, the compatibility of pest biology with plant phenology is disturbed and the establishment of the pest on the host plant is prevented. Changing the planting date causes no synchronization between the critical growth stage of the plant and the damaging stage of the pest and it delays the establishment of the pest on the plant, also reduces the reproduction and survival of the pest and the damage of the pest on the sensitive growth stage of the plant. Considering that the cultivation of chickpeas in the drylands of the south of West Azerbaijan province after wheat is of great importance, attention to its important pests, especially leaf miner fly and non-chemical methods to control this pest by changing the cultivars and planting times was one of the necessities of this research.  

In order to study the effect of cultivar and planting date on control of chickpea leaf-miner, an experiment was conducted as factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications in Oshnavia, west Azarbaijan province at the field conditions during 2018-2019. The first factor was chickpea cultivars including Bionij, Grit, Jam, ILC482 and Pirouz, and the second factor was three planting times on March 19, April 4 and April 20. Traits of plant infestation, number of larvae per plant, leaves infestation, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per plant, 100-seed weight, biological yield and grain yield were evaluated. The data analysis of variance was performed using SAS 9.2 software. Means were also compared by LSD (Last Significant Difference) test at 5% probability level and the figures were drawn with Excel 2013. 

Analysis of variances showed that there were significant differences between different cultivars (p<0.05) and different planting times (p<0.01) for all studied traits. Interaction of cultivar and planting time were significant on all studied traits other than the number of infested plants and percent of infested plants (p<0.05). The highest number of infested plants (17.77±1.84%), number of larvae per plants (4.66±0.38 larvae), percentage of infested leaves (11±0.58%) and the lowest number of seeds per plant (20±0.58 seeds) and 100 seed weight (16.66±0.88 g) were found in Jam cultivar. The highest number of pods per plant (19.66±2.19 pods), number of seeds per plant (26±1.53 seeds), 100 seed weight (33±1.30 g), biological yield (2547.3±158.57 kg.ha-1) and grain yield (1397.4±46.76 kg.ha-1) and the lowest percentage of infested plants (7.4±0.61%) was observed in ILC428 cultivar. 

In the present study, March 19 was the best planting time and ILC482 was the most resistant and high yielding cultivar. Therefore, setting the planting time and using resistant cultivars can effectively control leaf-miner chickpea. According to the results of the present study, although the highest percentage of infested leaves was observed on March 19, however, the plant had the highest yield and yield components due to the increase in the length of the growth period and the compensatory mechanism of the plant and pest tolerance.

Lentil is a plant that often grows in marginal lands and in less fertile soils. Lentil with high protein content play an important role in feeding livestock in these areas. A great part of the land in Iran is classified within the arid and semi-arid zone where water scarcity is the main limiting factor for crop production. So, increasing water productivity with respect to crop yield per unit area is the best approach for rain-fed farming systems. Drought stress that occurs during the reproductive growth period, adversely affects the yield and yield components. Supplemental irrigation can be an efficient technique to cope with the limited water availability and to stabilize the crop yields. Organic matter enhances soil quality by improving soil structure, nutrient storage, and biological activity. The use of biofertilizers reduces the use of chemical fertilizers and in addition to providing nutrients in a way that is fully compatible with the natural nutrition of plants, helps to preserve the environment, fertility of agricultural lands and more and better yield of plants. On the other hand, growth-promoting bacteria that can make a symbiosis with the roots of most crops not only affect the biological fixation of nitrogen, but also increase cell division in plants, change root morphology, increase the number of root hairs, and enhance nutrient uptake. The combination of these fertilizers makes it possible for the fertilizer to provide the plant with absorbable nutrients in the initial period of growth, and in the later periods of growth, and ideal conditions are provided for plant growth and while reducing production costs, it also increases the quantitative and qualitative yield of plants. 

This factorial experiment was done as a complete randomized block design with three replications at Urmia University in 2017. Experimental treatments included once supplemental irrigation and dry farming as the first factor and application of different fertilizer resources including: chemical fertilizer (100%), biofertilizers (phosphate Barow-2 and Azotobacter) (100%), cow manure (100%), combined treatment: chemical+biofertilizer 50%, chemical+cow manure 50%, biofertilizer,+ cow manure 50%, biofertilizer+chemical+cow manure 50% and control at three replications were the second factor. Lentil plants were harvested on the 25-27th of June years. At harvest, random samples of plot for each experimental plants. The analysis of variance data was performed using GLM procedure (SAS 9.1, SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). The effects of irrigation regimes, the application of different fertilizer resources and interactions of these two factors were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were compared using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) (P≤ 0.05).

The results showed that additional irrigation increased the percentage of protein, forage ash, water-soluble carbohydrates, digestible dry matter, and the activity of the enzyme glutathione reductase. But the highest amount of insoluble fiber in neutral and acid detergents was obtained in rainfed conditions. Also, the highest percentage of protein, forage ash, water-soluble carbohydrates, digestible dry matter and the activity of glutathione reductase enzyme were observed in the combined treatment of 50% chemical+biofertilizer+animal manure. While the use of different fertilizer sources compared to control had a significant effect on increasing the content of photosynthetic pigments and the activity of catalase enzyme in each of the irrigation conditions. Maximum forage yield (1460.52 kg/ha) and forage protein yield (336.38 kg/ha) were obtained in 50% chemical fertilizer+biofertilizer+animal manure treatment under additional irrigation conditions. Supplemental irrigation at flowering and pod filling period of Lentil enhanced the biological yield by positively influencing the development of auxiliary branches and plant height. The combined application of different fertilizer resources may improve nutrients uptake rate of the plants, thereby enhancing growth and development and leaf chlorophyll content followed by the increased level of photosynthesis and assimilation. The final result is the improvement of plant forage yield.

Application of different fertilizer resources could improve the uptake of forage yield in Lentil under supplementary irrigation. Therefore, according to the findings of this research, the combined use of different fertilizer resources to increase yield and maintain long-term production under rainfed conditions can be desirable for sustainable agriculture.

Seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) extract can play an effective role in plant growth and development due to having plenty of nutrients, plant growth regulators and helpful microorganisms can improve soil physicochemical characteristics. Seaweed extract is rich in growth hormones such as auxin, cytokinin, nutrients and widely used elements such as nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, trace elements such as iron, zinc, copper, manganese and other valuable compounds such as mineral salts, vitamins and Antioxidants have a positive and significant effect on morpho-physiological and functional characteristics of plants. In this regard, several studies have reported that the use of seaweed extract as a foliar application can increase the morphophysiological characteristics of crops. Water deficit stress is one of the most important factors limiting plant yield, the use of remedial treatments to reduce the negative effects of stress is essential and increases the strength and resistance of plants to abiotic stresses. The main purpose of this study was the effect of foliar application of Ascophilum nodosum seaweed extract in reducing the negative effects of water deficit stress on chickpea (Adel cultivar). 

In order to evaluate the effects of seaweed extract on morpho-physiological indices of chickpea (Adel cultivar) under water deficit stress, a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design was conducted in natural environment and with three replications at the Khatam Alanbia University of Behbahan. The experiment treatments consisted of four levels of seaweed extract (0, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5%) and three levels of water deficit stress: non-stress, moderate stress and severe stress (irrigation at 25, 50 and 75 of field capacity, respectively). In this study, morphological and physiological traits such as plant height, number of leaves per plant, number of lateral branches, number of pods per plant, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, root length, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids and Total chlorophyll), net photosynthesis, cell membrane stability and relative water content were measured. At the end of the growth period (about 50 days after planting), the aerial part was separated from the plant roots. In order to determine the dry weight of shoots and roots, the samples were dried in an oven at 72 °C for 48 hours and then their weight was determined with the AND scale model GT-300 made in Germany with an accuracy of 0.001 g. Lichtenthaller and Wellburn (1983) method was used to measure chlorophyll and carotenoids. In order to measure the amount of net-photosynthesis, a KR8700 gas exchange-measuring device made by Korea Tech Company was used. Bian and Jiang, (2008) method was used to measure the relative water content of leaves. 

The results on the simple effects of seaweed extract showed that all foliar application levels led to a significant increase in plant height, leaf number, root dry weight, net-photosynthesis rate, cell membrane stability and carotenoids content compared to the control. Seaweed extract of 2.5 and 3.5% levels led to a significant increase in root dry weight, number of leaves per plant, plant height and cell membrane stability compared to the control. Foliar application of 2.5% compared to other levels resulted in a significant increase in net-photosynthesis and carotenoids. Evaluation of simple effects of water deficit stress showed that severe stress (25% of field capacity) significantly reduced plant height, number of leaves, root dry weight, net photosynthesis, cell membrane stability and carotenoids content compared to non-stress conditions (75% of capacity) and moderate stress (50% of field capacity). The results of interaction of treatments showed that in non-stress conditions, levels of 2.5 and 3.5% of algae extract significantly increased the number of lateral branches, number of pods per plant, shoot dry weight, root length, relative water content, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll content compared to the control. Under moderate stress conditions, application of 2.5% of seaweed extract significantly increased the number of lateral branches (+33%), number of pods per plant (+22%), shoot dry weight (+19%), root length (+12 %), Relative water content (+7%), chlorophyll a (+12%), chlorophyll b (+10.5%) and total chlorophyll (+11%) were compared with the control. Under severe stress conditions, 2.5% foliar application was able to increase the number of lateral branches (+30%), number of pods per plant (+27%), relative water content (+6%) and chlorophyll b content (+10%) in compare with control. 

According to the results of this study, the use of Ascophilum nodosum seaweed extract in all studied levels is recommended for chickpea in non-stress conditions, but in moderate and severe stress levels, 2.5% is recommended to improve the morpho-physiological characteristics of chickpea.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important legumes in the world after pea and bean and is rich in protein (21.7-23.4%), minerals (iron, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, potassium and magnesium), carbohydrates (41.1-47.4%) and vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C, E, K). The interaction of genotype by environment, as a response of genotypes to the environmental variation is a source of complexity for breeding programs and preparation of high yielding and stable genotypes. One of the most important ways to discover the nature of genotype by environment interaction is stability analysis, which identified the stable or compatible genotypes. Different methods for investigation of genotype by environment interaction and determination of stable genotypes have been reported, which generally include uni-variate and multivariate methods. One of the multivariate methods is AMMI analysis. The purpose of present study is the evaluation of the stability of chickpea genotypes using AMMI indices and biplots. 

Eighteen selective advanced genotypes of chickpea from ICARDA with two check verities (Arman and Azad) evaluated across four locations (Gachsaran, Ilam, Gonbad and Khoramabad) at three growing seasons, in a completely randomized block design with three replications. The data of 3rd year in Gonbad were lost and therefore, the analysis of data performed on 11 environments. Average seed yield of genotypes estimated at each environment (combination of location and growing season) and used for analysis. Statistical analyses including simple analysis of variance, combined analysis of variance and stability analysis carried out by metan (Multi environment trial analysis) R package. Five AMMI stability indices including ASV (AMMI stability value), SIPC (Sum of IPCs scores), EV (Eigenvalue stability parameter of AMMI), Za (Absolute value of the relative contribution of IPCs to the interaction), WASS (Weighted average of absolute scores) and simultaneous selection index (ssi) of these parameters was used for stability evaluation of genotypes. 

Combined analysis of variance indicated environment, genotype and genotype by environment interaction accounted 79.2, 2.4 and 10.0% of the phenotypic variation of seed yield, respectively. The significant effect of genotype indicated the wide genetic background of genotypes, while the significant effect of genotype by environment interaction is indicated the diversity of genotypes in test locations and growing years and exhibited the necessary of evaluation of genotypes in multiple environments. According to the significant effect of genotype by environment interaction, AMMI analysis was carried out by principal components analysis and the results indicated the significant effects of five principal components on seed yield. The first two principal components contributed to 42.5 and 19.4% of genotype by environment interaction. Genotype G3 (1663 kg ha-1) followed by G1, G17, G20 and G5 had the highest seed yield. According to the ASV and WAAS indices, G3, G4 and G13; EV and ZA indices, G3, G14, G16 and G6; and SIPC, G14, G3, G11, G4 and G16 were the most stable genotypes. Selection of these genotypes was done only on stability aspect of genotypes, therefore simultaneous selection index (ssi) based on any of these parameters was used to evaluate the simultaneously selection of genotypes based on seed yield stability and performance. Genotypes G3, G1, G4, G13 and G16 selected as superior genotypes by ssiASV, ssiZA and ssiWAAS indices; while based on ssiSIPC and ssiEV, G3, G16 and G20 were as the best genotypes. The other applications of AMMI stability analysis are selection of best genotypes in any of environments. According to this procedure, genotype G3 was placed in the first order in E1, E5 and E7; in the second order in E2, E3 and E9; in the third order in the E6 and E7; and in the fourth order in the E5. The AMMI1 biplot (IPCA1 vs grain yield) identified G1, G3, G17 and G13 as high yielding and stable genotypes with seed yield higher than total mean and lowest IPCA1 values. This biplot was also indicated environments E1, E9, E5, E2 and E3 had the lowest contribution in genotype by environment interaction interaction. The first principal components explained only 42.5% of genotype by environment interaction, and therefore, it seems that using the AMMI2 biplot is more efficient to identify the superior genotypes. In AMMI2 biplot (IPCA1 vs IPCA2), genotypes G4, G3, G13, G1 and G10 had high general stability. The environments E3, E4 and E10 with long vectors, had high discriminating ability and can estimate the relative efficiency of genotypes well.

In general, based on different indices, G3, G1 and G13 had high yield in most of environments, and in most methods had good stability and could be candidates for introduction of new cultivars.