پژوهشنامه اصلاح گیاهان زراعی
پیاپی 41 (بهار 1401)

By progeny trial after a diallel crossing, the function of genes and inheritance of quantitative traits can be estimated. This increases the ability to select parental lines, to participate in crosses, and determines the management of generations in the segregating populations.

In order to understand the genetic structure of grain yield and yield components, seven bread wheat cultivars including Bolani, Falat, Mehrgan, Meraj, Kalateh, Frontana and MV17 were planted in the crossing block and direct crosses were performed among the seven cultivars to produce F1 generation. The progenies of the crosses with their parents were evaluated based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in Gorgan agricultural research station in 2020-2021 cropping season.

The results of this experiment showed a significant difference among the genotyps in all the studied traits. Estimation of genetic parameters using Heiman's method showed that the values of dominance variance were significantly greater than the additive variance in grain yield, biological yield, 100-kernel weight, number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike and peduncle length. There was a small difference between the values of dominance and additive variance in the plant height and days to anthesis. In biological yield, 100-kernel weight and days to anthesis, the proportion of dominant alleles and was greater than the recessive alleles in parents, while the proportion of dominant and recessive alleles was equal in the other traits. High broad-sense heritability in grain yield (89%) and biological yield (93%) and grain weight per spike (74%) and their low narrow-sense heritability (10%, 10% and 13, respectively) showed a greater share of the dominance effect in controlling these traits. The results of graphical analysis showed that grain yield, biological yield and 100-kernel weight were controlled with dominance gene action and number of grains per spike, peduncle length and plant height were controlled with incomplete dominance gene action. The distribution of parents around the regression line showed that Falat and Mehregan cultivars carried the most dominant genes and MV17 and Frontana cultivars carried the most recessive genes in controlling grain yield and biological yield.

The results of this study indicated that due to the greater share of non-additive effects of genes in grain yield, biological yield and yield components, it is better to select among the progenies of the crosses be postponed to more advanced generations. While, genetic improvement in plant height and days to anthesis can be achieved in the early generations.

Drought stress is one of the most important factors in reducing yield and barley production in rainfed arid regions, and counteracting or reducing the effect of stresses as a useful solution to increase barley yield. Therefore, improvement of stress-tolerant and suitable barley cultivars for arid and semi-arid regions is essential.

In order to evaluate drought tolerance of 121 genotypes, lines and barley cultivars and identify tolerant and susceptible genotypes based on grain yield and drought tolerance indices, an experiment in a randomized complete block design with two replications in Maragheh rainfed agricultural research station was carried out in rainfed and irrigated conditions during the cropping years of 1394-94 and 1394-95. Evaluated traits included spikes number, seeds numder, 1000-seed weight, days to heading, days to maturity and grain yield.

The results of correlation between drought tolerance indices and grain yield in rainfed and irrigated conditions showed that tolerance index (STI), mean productivity (MP), harmonic mean (HM) and geometric mean productivity (GMP) were positively correlated, and had significance with grain yield traits in both environmental conditions. So, they were suitable indicators for selecting high yielding cultivars in both rainfed and irrigated environments. Also, the number of fertile spikes and 1000-seed weight had a significant correlation with STI, GMP, MP and HM indices in both conditions. In the principal components analysis based on drought tolerance index and grain yield under water conditions, the three components together accounted for 81% of the diversity of the initial data. In rainfed conditions, the three components described about 88% of the total diversity.

In this study, genotypes 10 (71557), 100 (Tokak / Demir-2) and 38 (72480) in both rainfed and irrigated environments showed higher grain production potential than other genotypes.

Medicinal plants have many applications in the treatment of humans, among which chamomile is one of the most valuable and widely used medicinal plants in the world. One of the most important breeding programs is the recognition of genetic diversity for the initial evaluation of plant masses. For this purpose, a study of genetic diversity and classification of experimental chamomile ecotypes was designed and implemented.

25 native and foreign ecotypes of chamomile were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications in the research farm of German Pharmaplant. Some of these ecotypes were collected from their natural growing areas and some were chamomile cultivars. For this purpose, some morphological, phenological and essential traits were evaluated.

The results of analysis of variance showed that the difference between ecotypes in terms of all traits was significant at the level of 1% probability and showed great genetic diversity between traits. The results of phenotypic correlations and comparison of the mean of the studied traits showed that the traits of essential oil percentage, flower diameter, number of flowers and shoot weight were among the important and effective traits on essential oil yield. Slovakia, Izeh (2) and Poland had the highest fresh and dry shoot weight, flower diameter and essential oil yield, but Izeh (1) and Darrehshahr had the highest percentage of essential oil. According to the results of factor analysis, three factors were selected that explained 85.79% of the changes. The first factor, which justified the highest percentage of data changes, was named as the essential oil yield factor, which after drawing a biplot based on two components, Izeh (2) and Poland ecotypes were identified as superior ecotypes. Cluster analysis also classified the ecotypes into four groups, which performed well in differentiating the ecotypes based on the desired traits, and confirmed the distribution of the ecotypes based on the biplot diagram.

Wild relatives of wheat are one of the most important genetic resources for use in wheat breeding programs. Therefore, identifying wheat wild relatives and Awareness of the diversity in them, also protecting these species is undeniably effective in expanding the richness of the gene pool and the genetic base of new cultivars and can be a good tool for future breeders.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the genetic diversity and to investigate the relationships between traits in 49 species of wild wheat relatives in augmented design in five blocks in the Genetic Research and National Plant Gene Bank of Iran of Seed and Plant Breeding Research Institute in 2019-2020 crop year.

Based on the results of analysis of variance, there was a significant difference in the probability level of 0.01 between different wild relatives of wheat in terms of height, peduncle extrusion length, peduncle length and grain length and grain width. The values ​​of diversity coefficients also indicated high diversity between different species of wild relatives in terms of morphological traits other than flag leaf length. The highest coefficient of genetic variation and the highest heritability was related to peduncle length trait. Based on the results of estimating the correlation coefficients between traits, there was a positive and significant relationship between yield and yield components. Based on the results of regression analysis, five traits of spike weight, harvest index, height, grain length and number of grains per spike were determined as traits affecting grain yield. Among these traits, spike weight was mainly direct and number of grains per spike was indirectly, affected grain yield. The results of factor analysis led to the identification of three factors that explained 84.39% of the differences between the data. The dendrogram obtained from the cluster analysis divided cultivars and species into three general groups based on all traits. The genotypes in the fourth and fifth groups can be used for breeding and production of new cultivars by improving biological yield and grain yield, due to positive deviation from the total mean for height, flag leaf length and grain length traits, and the first group genotypes can be used to harvest index improvement. 

There was a significant variation in morphological traits among the studied wheat wild relatives, which can be used for breeding programs of genetic resource.

Small grain cereals such as wheat, are affected by types of destructive environmental factors such as abiotic and biotic stresses that severely reduce crop yields. To cope with these conditions, transcription factors cause plant resistance to these stresses by activating or suppressing the expression of genes involved in the resistance responses. In the present study, the transcription factor NAC69-3 gene expression pattern was investigated.

 To determine and select resistance genes to biotic and abiotic stresses, Triticum aestivum microarray data at the NCBI GEO site were reviewed and the NAC69-3 transcription factor was selected for laboratory confirmation. two wheat cultivars SBP-CL16 (resistant to fungus) and Silverstar (resistant to nematode)  were under drought, Fusarium culmorum, and Heterodera filipjevi, and their simultaneous stress conditions. sampling was performed three times 24 h, 48 h, and 7 days after stress. Real-time PCR reactions were performed using specific primers of the NAC69-3 gene to investigate the expression pattern.

This study showed a significant increase in the NAC69-3 gene relative expression at most treatments compared to the control in both wheat cultivars. Fungus-resistant cultivar (SBP-CL16) under fungus stress showed a higher increase in expression than nematode stress, while in nematode-resistant cultivar (Silverstar)  high expression was observed under nematode stress conditions. Also, under simultaneous stresses conditions, the C69-3 gene has a higher expression level than the application of each stress separately.

 NAC transcription factors are usually induced by multiple stresses, so maybe manipulation of these multiple stress-responsive genes will provide the opportunity to produce the multiple stress tolerance plants with high yields.

Due to the lack of micronutrient elements and the urgent need for biofortification in important and strategic plants in the nutrition of human society such as wheat, it is necessary to evaluate any strategy to optimize the quality and production of this product. This has led researchers to investigate the effect of foliar application of zinc and iron at different stages of growth to evaluate grain yield and quality traits of wheat.

In order to investigate the effect of foliar application of zinc and iron on the traits zinc and iron concentration and leaf chlorophyll content, nitrogen content in flag leaf, chlorophyll index, canopy temperature, Cytoplasmic membrane stability, grain nitrogen percentage, grain protein yield and grain yield of dryland wheat of Aseman cultivar, the experimental was carried out as a factorial based on randomized complete block design with 4 replications at the Agricultural Research Station And natural resources of Gonbad Kavous was done in 2019-2020 crop year. Experimental factors include foliar application at four levels (foliar application of zinc, foliar application of iron, simultaneous application of zinc and iron and foliar application of pure water as a control) and the second factor at three levels of foliar application time (tillering, shoot elongation and grain filling) Was considered.

The results showed that foliar spraying with iron, foliar application of zinc and mixed use of iron + zinc had a significant effect on the studied traits. Also, foliar application at different stages of growth had a significant effect on the evaluated traits except chlorophyll index and grain yield. The interaction effect of foliar application at the time of foliar application also showed that the maximum amount of zinc in the flag leaf was related to the foliar application of zinc (at grain filling time) and the highest amount of iron in the flag leaf was related to the combined foliar application of zinc and iron (in Grain filling stage) and foliar application of iron (at the shoot elongation stage) were obtained. The highest percentage of grain nitrogen was obtained in foliar application of iron (2.06%) and foliar application simultaneous of zinc and iron (2.04%) at the time of shoot elongation foliar application. Who were statistically in a group. In addition, the grain protein yield in the simultaneous foliar application of zinc and iron at the time of shoot elongation had the highest amount compared to other treatments. Finally, the highest grain yield was obtained by simultaneous application of iron and zinc at grain filling time and shoot elongation.

In general, foliar application of zinc and iron micronutrients improved the quality traits of wheat and increased wheat grain yield compared to the control treatment. Also, foliar application of iron and zinc elements alone or in combination with each other increased grain yield and qualitative traits of dryland wheat in the climatic conditions of the region.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is an important crop plant similar to wheat and rice. Barley is a great source of food  for human, and it is also used for feeding livestock. The ultimate goal of barley breeding programs is to increase production efficiency and stability on farmers' farms, which is made possible by replacing more productive cultivars with less productive and older cultivars. Participatory variety selection in farmers' lands is designed with the same objectives, in fact, it complements and supports breeding experiments that allow the direct participation of farmers and their views in the selection of more suitable cultivars. This study was conducted to compare the performance of barley cultivars and promising lines outside Agricultural Research Stations and make farmers, experts, and promoters more familiar with these lines' characteristics.

In order to evaluate a number of cultivars and barley lines from different climates (warm, cold and temperate climates and saline regions) in the southern cities of Fars province in terms of agronomic traits and especially grain yield, in the agronomic conditions of farmers, four separate experiments were performed in the form of non-repetitive experiments over two years in four cities of Fars province. Participatory variety selection was carried out in the cropping year of 2018-2019 in two County of Larestan (Joyem city) and Fasa (Shibkuh section) and in the cropping year of 2019-2020 in two cities of Jahrom and Estahban (Abanjirak village of Eij city). In order to select the appropriate cultivars and lines for each region, the selection index of ideal genotype (SIIG) was used.

SIIG index was calculated based on seed yield, 1000-kernel weight and number of days to ripening. The results of SIIG index showed that 5, 2, 5 and 9 lines and cultivars in Larestan, Fasa, Jahrom and Estahban with high SIIG index values (SIIG ≥ 0.600) were among the top lines, respectively. In Larestan, Fasa and Jahrom counties, the yield of all barley cultivars and promising lines was higher than the local check. The average yield of barley cultivars and promising lines in Larestan was 1138 kg ha-1, in Fasa was 2047 kg ha-1 and in Jahrom was 2193 kg ha-1 higher than the local check of each city.

In total, the proposed cultivars for cultivation in Estahban included Jolgeh (cold climate cultivar), Nanius (foreign cultivar), Golshan (saline regions cultivar), Ryhan03 and Beh Rokh (temperate cultivars) and Norooze (warm climate cultivar). Suitable cultivars for cultivation in Fasa included Norooze and Reyhan03, in Jahrom included WB-95-3 and WB-94-4 lines and in Larestan included Golchin and Auxin cultivars.

 Drought stress as one of the most important abiotic stress is the main limiting factor of oilseed rape cultivation in arid and semi-arid climates. Therefore, the identification of drought tolerant genotypes is the essential programs in these regions. One of the appropriate methods to identify drought tolerant genotypes is the use of stress tolerance indices. To this end, the present study was designed to detect drought tolerant among 38 winter genotypes using drought tolerance indices.

 The experiment was based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications under both normal and drought conditions during 2016 to 2017 cropping season. In the well-watered experiment, irrigation was performed in five stages, while in drought treatment, irrigation was stopped before flower initiation. The yield of genotypes under normal and drought conditions using drought tolerant indices, including; TOL, MP, GMP, HM, STI, YSI, SSI, YR, K1STI, K2STI and RDI were investigated to identify drought tolerant and susceptible genotypes.

 Analysis of variance showed a significant difference among evaluated genotypes for all drought tolerance indices. The highest coefficient of genotype variability was observed for TOL and SSI, YR and K2ST1 indices. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between Yp and TOL, SSI and YR, while a negative correlation was observed for Ys. The principal component analysis showed that the two first components covered 99.64% of all data variations. 65.36 and 34.28% of the variation were covered by the first and second components, respectively.  The first component detected tolerant genotypes, but the second component identified drought sensitive genotypes. Cluster analysis, while confirming the results of principal component analysis, classified genotypes into three categories. Cluster analysis confirmed the PCA results, which separated drought tolerant genotypes (Class 3) from sensitive genotypes (Class 1).

 Finally, this research detected five superior genotypes, including; G6, G10, G18, G23 and G33, which were the most drought tolerant genotypes and their yields were not significantly changed under normal and drought stress conditions.

Sugar beet is one of the most important agricultural products in the world and most of the sugar consumed in our country is prepared from this plant. Plant breeding programs are based on creating variety and selection of quantitative and qualitative traits. Examining genetic diversity is the first step in breeding programs.

In this study, in order to investigate genetic diversity, 30 genotypes of (O-Type lines) with different phenotypic traits were used. This experiment was performed as a randomized complete block design on a farm level. 30 genotypes were examined for morphological traits (growth score, leaf color, root uniformity, root rhizomania, sugar percentage, yield (weight), sugar yield).

The results of statistical analysis of variance of the studied traits showed that genotypes have meaningful differences and variation in terms of all measured traits. Also, Genotypes were examined by 10 pairs of SSR primers, which showed 3 polymorphic primers out of 10 SSR primers. These three primers were examined in terms of band pattern and bands were scored based on the presence or absence (zero and one) and the similarity matrix was used to better understand the similarities and differences. The results showed that among the 3 primers studied, SB06 primer showed 100% polymorphism, which can be concluded that this marker shows diversity better. In addition to evaluating traits and genetic diversity using SSR molecular markers, in order to determine the relationship between morphological traits and molecular data and identify markers that are associated with these traits, stepwise regression was performed. The results of stepwise regression analysis showed that there is a significant relationship between traits and some gene loci of the studied primers. The gene locus of SB06-1 primer was associated with the highest number of traits. They showed the highest correlation between SB06-1, SB06-3 primer gene loci and root uniformity trait (r = 0.40**) at 1% level.

With the results of correlation analysis, it can be concluded that the gene locus of SB06-1 primer for SSR primer showed the highest correlation with traits. Therefore, these markers can be used to study genetic diversity and relationship analysis in the study of sugar beet breeding programs and use them in marker selection. The results of this study showed that SSR markers can differentiate sugar beet genotypes and show genetic diversity well. Therefore, these markers can be used in correction programs. The results of this study showed that SSR markers can differentiate sugar beet genotypes and show genetic diversity well, so these markers can be used in breeding programs.

Brassica napus (L.) one of the most important oilseeds in temprate climates. In the most breeding programs, especially when comparing several genotypes in different environments, due to the interaction of genotype×environment, genotypes show different performances in different environments. Therefore, to accurately estimate grain yield, multi-environment tests should be performed by breeders.

In order to study the interaction between genotype × environment and identify stable genotypes, 16 rapeseed genotypes were tested in five regions of Karaj, Kermanshah, Isfahan, Mashhad and Hamedan in a randomized complete block design with three replications for two cropping years (2016-2017 and 2017-2018). In order to analyze the interactions of genotype with the environment, the model of additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) and the GGE biplot model (genotype and genotype interaction in the environment) were used. AMMI stability value (ASV) was used to evaluate the stability of genotypes.

The Results of combined analysis of variance showed that 40.59, 26.01 and 33.39 percent of total variation were related to the effect of environment, genotype effect and genotype×environment interaction, respectively. The results showed that the first four main components of AMMI were significant and explained 85.5% of the total sum of squares of genotype×environment interaction. Stability assessment using ASV parameter showed that genotypes No. 7 and 2 had the highest stability, respectively. These genotypes with the lowest ASV rate and higher overall performance were known as genotypes with good general stability. The study of polygonal biplot of GGE recognized four superior genotypes and two mega-environments and the best genotypes within each environment were determined. The other five genotypes were located in sectors that no environment was present and these genotypes were weak in the most environments. Simultaneous study of the stability and yield of genotypes using average environment coordinate biplot showed that genotypes No. 13 and 15 were the most unstable genotype for grain yield. Genotype No. 9 was selected as highest grain yield and relative yield stability. The two genotypes No. 9 and 7 were the closest genotypes to the ideal genotype.

Analysis of AMMI and AMMI stability value (ASV) compared to GGE biplot showed that all of these indices had good potential for evaluating the stability of genotypes, but GGE biplot could be more widely used and more useful and can be applied extensively in the study of yield adaptability and stability of winter rapeseed genotypes in multi-envirnmental trials in breeding programs. Finally, genotypes No. 7 and 2 are recognized as most stable genotypes with the lowest interaction effect and mean yields higher than the mean average.

The economic value of a genotype depends on its various traits and therefore the accurate knowledge of genetic behavior and identification of genomic locus involved in controlling these traits can help the breeder to improve genotypes.

In this study, the relationship between microsatellite markers with some important agronomic and morphological traits in 130 different soybean genotypes through communication models, including the general linear model (GLM) and the mixed linear model (MLM) in 2015 was evaluated. The studied traits were including plant height, pod length, number of pod per plant, number of grain per pod, number of grain per plant, pod weight, grain weight, 100-grain weight and grain yield.

According to the molecular diversity among the 130 studied genotypes on the basis of microsatellite markers, 87 alleles were amplified by markers, of which 85 alleles (97.7%) were polymorph. Results of allelic diversity revealed averace number of effective alleles, shannonsʹs index, polymorphic information content and gene diversity Nei equal to 1.7, 0.52, 0.62 and 0.48 respectively. The results of structural analysis showed that there were three sub-populations (k=3) in the studied germplasm, so that from the 130 soybean genotypes, 34 (26.15%) belonged to first structure, 43 (33.07%) to second structure, 44 (33.84%) to third structure and nine genotypes (6.92%) to mixed structure, which were confirmed by the results of the bar plot. The association analysis of microsatellite markers with traits under a mixed linear model (MLM) indicated that 33 and 35 markers had significant relationships with the evaluated characteristics. Some microsatellite markers had significant relationships with the several traits (e.g. the relationships between Satt460 marker with plant height, pod length, number of grain per pod, and 100-grain weight), which can be due to either the pleiotropic effects or the tight linkage of genomic regions controlling these traits. The relationship between several markers with a specific trait (for example relationship between Sct_028, Sat_124, Satt359 and Satt361 markers with trait of grain yield) indicating the quantitative and polygenic inherentance of the evaluated traits.

The results of this research showed that in addition to using markers as useful markers in assessing genetic diversity in soybeans, markers that were more closely related to the genomic regions controlling these traits, to modify the population by marker assisted selection.

Due to the water resources limitation required for agriculture in Iran, providing effective methods to reduce the negative effects of drought on crop yield is one of the important studies to plant breeding. Drought tolerance in crops is very important. By using different cultivars of crops that are able to produce relatively good yield in drought stress, they can be grown with more confidence in arid and semi-arid regions.

In order to evaluation genotypes of chitti bean based on tolerance and susceptibility indices, experiments were conducted in two environments without stress and drought stress in 2016-17 at research farm of Bean Research and education, Khomein. 24 genotypes of chitti beans along with Ghaffar cultivar as control (25 genotypes in total) were compared in Latis design with two replications. In this study, mean productivity index, geometric mean productivity index, stress tolerance index, stress susceptibility index and tolerance index were evaluated.

Drought stress reduced evaluated properties, significantly. Among the genotypes of chitti beans in optimal irrigation and drought stress conditions, KS21578 genotype had the highest grain yield with 2805 and 1719 kg ha-1, respectively. The lowest grain yield were achieved at KS21591 and KS21596 genotypes in optimal irrigation and drought stress conditions, respectively. Due to drought stress, grain yield of evaluated genotypes decreased by 49.1%. Drought stress has increased flowering and maturity periods in genotypes. The highest mean productivity index (1086.6), geometric mean productivity index (2124.8) and stress tolerance index (2054.2) belonged to KS21578 genotype. Also, the highest and lowest tolerance index (respectively, 1288.6 and 126.4)  was observed in Ghaffar cultivar (control) and KS21591 genotype, respectively. Also, the lowest stress susceptibility index (0.2) was obtained in KS21585 genotype.

Totally, based on chitti bean grain yield under normal irrigation and drought stress conditions and evaluation of stress tolerance indices as well as two-way diagram of geometric mean production indices and stress susceptibility index and considering maturity period, plant form and grain marketing 8 chitti bean genotypes were selected for advanced testing.

In the present study, the effects of radiation from radioactive waste in an obsolete uranium mine on the change in the quantity and quality of the metabolic content in the essential oil of Artemisia absinthium were investigated.

In order to have full access to the radiation exposure information of the study areas, a point-to-point radon map was measured at 10 points with a radiometer for two consecutive years. This measurement included points at the same level in two neighboring mountains (the mountain had points that contained radioactive material A and the mountain had points that did not contain radioactive material B). Sampling of Artemisia absinthium branches was performed systematically in three different replications. The essential oil in the branches was extracted by steam distillation methods, and the essential oil of metabolites was identified using Gas chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometer (GC-Mass).

Mean comparisons (P <0.01) with protected fisher by the statistical software GenStat12.1 showed significant changes in the values of the metabolites in both study points. At an altitude of 930 m with the highest radioactivity of 1.8 mSv (A930 / R1.8), in comparison with the control point (B930 / R0.16), increasing changes in the levels of Gamma-terpinene, Eucalyptol, Thujon, and Camphor were observed.

Prolonged exposure of perennial plants to environmental radiation has led to biochemical changes that may be the result of the mutagenicity of radioactive elements in genes involved in the biosynthetic pathways of secondary metabolites.

Capparis spinose is from Capparis genus, and Capparidaceae family includes 350 species. It is originated from Mediterranean region. Human as food uses entire parts of C. spinose as young stems, flower buds, fruit, and seed. Caper, trade name, has several species in Iran. C. spinose has a high capacity in international agriculture markets. Today, focused on Caper selection and breeding programmes in many countries in the world. Kinds of genetics analysis techniques accompanied by genetic markers based on PCR are presented to evaluate genetic variation on plant species. ISSR and Scot are dominant markers used for genetic variation evaluation in plant germplasm.

To evaluate C. spinosa population structure, which grows naturally in western Iran, collected 80 genotypes from 12 different locations.

Neutral statistical clustering of genotypes without previous knowledge of populations, using two ISSR and SCoT markers, distributed 80 genotypes in the two groups. According to the results of morphological analysis of morphological traits based on ISSR and SCoT markers, all reported markers were significant. Based on the results, 966 SCoT markers and 571 ISSR markers were identified with a significant relationship (with a probability level of 5%) with the studied traits.

Based on structure analysis, using SCot markers, collected genotypes from Kermanshah, Charmeleh, Ilam, Sarpolzohab, Ghasr Shirin, Gor Safid, Gilan, Khosravi, Naft Shahr, Somar classified in group one, and collected genotypes from Karand and Ivan classified in group two. Based on structure analysis, using ISSR markers, collected genotypes from Karand, Khosravi, Naft Shahr, and most of genotypes from Somar were classified in group one and collected genotypes from Kermanshah, Chaemeleh, Ilam, Ivan, Sapolzohab, Ghasr Shirin, Gor Safid, Gilan and little Somar genotypes classified in group two. Generally, ISSR and SCoT markers showed high genetic diversity in samples collected from western Iran. The results of correlation analysis showed that using GLM method with a combination of different markers can identify markers related to morphological traits in C. spinose.

In order to increase the motivation of farmers to cultivate open pollinated oilseed rape cultivars, new cultivars with appropriate yields should be introduced. Also, due to the effects of climate change, increase in temperature, early arrival of heat and intensification of drought stress at the end of the season in the warm and dry regions, it is also necessary to pay attention to traits such as early maturity in identifying oilseed rape genotypes. Accordingly, the purpose of this study is to identify the most desirable lines compatible with warm and dry climates.

In order to investigate agronomic characteristics of the promising oilseed rape spring lines, an experiment was conducted with 21 spring genotypes in the Sistan region in a randomized complete block design with three replications during cropping season 2020-2021.

Analysis of variance showed that there are significant differences for traits including day to end of flowering, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods in sub-branches, number of pods per main stem, total number of pods per plant, main stem length, yield and biological yield among the studied genotypes. The study of broad sence heritability showed that phenological traits were more influenced by environmental factors; while quantitative traits of yield and its components were more influenced by genetic factors. Also, the number of branches per plant, the number of pods per main stem and grain yield had the highest values of genetic coefficients of variance, respectively. In addition, the number of pods per main stem, plant height, length of main stem, number of pods per plant, number of branches per plant, seed yield, day to end of flowering and biological yield, had the highest broad sense heritability among the studied traits, respectively. In terms of grain yield, G9 line (SRL-99-1) had the highest yield with a value of 2992 kg/ha. This genotype showed a significant difference with the control cultivar RGS003. Also, G11 (SRL-99-9), G2 (SRL-99-2), G1 (SRL-99-1), Dalgan,G18 ( SRL-99-16),  G20 (SRL-99-18), G21 (SRL-99-19)  and  G13 (SRL-99-11) lines were in the next ranks in terms of yield, respectively. Additionally, using various statistical methods such as mean comparison, principal component analysis and cluster analysis, lines were grouped based on the studied traits in this study.

  In this study, 8 lines with desirable characteristics were identified. The superior lines which were identified in terms of yield and its components in this study, could be introduced as new lines compatible with the warm regions if the trend of superiority continues in adaptability tests.

Medicinal plants have many applications in the treatment of humans, among which chamomile is one of the most valuable and widely used medicinal plants in the world. One of the most important breeding programs is the recognition of genetic diversity for the initial evaluation of plant masses. For this purpose, a study of genetic diversity and classification of experimental chamomile ecotypes was designed and implemented.

25 native and foreign ecotypes of chamomile were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications in the research farm of German Pharmaplant. Some of these ecotypes were collected from their natural growing areas and some were chamomile cultivars. For this purpose, some morphological, phenological and essential traits were evaluated.

The results of analysis of variance showed that the difference between ecotypes in terms of all traits was significant at the level of 1% probability and showed great genetic diversity between traits. The results of phenotypic correlations and comparison of the mean of the studied traits showed that the traits of essential oil percentage, flower diameter, number of flowers and shoot weight were among the important and effective traits on essential oil yield. Slovakia, Izeh (2) and Poland had the highest fresh and dry shoot weight, flower diameter and essential oil yield, but Izeh (1) and Darrehshahr had the highest percentage of essential oil. According to the results of factor analysis, three factors were selected that explained 85.79% of the changes. The first factor, which justified the highest percentage of data changes, was named as the essential oil yield factor, which after drawing a biplot based on two components, Izeh (2) and Poland ecotypes were identified as superior ecotypes. Cluster analysis also classified the ecotypes into four groups, which performed well in differentiating the ecotypes based on the desired traits, and confirmed the distribution of the ecotypes based on the biplot diagram.

The results showed that the essential oil percentage, flower diameter, number of flowers and shoot weight were important and effective traits on essential oil yield. Due to the fact that diversity for these traits was observed among the studied ecotypes, so screening to increase these traits can increase yield. Slovakia, Izeh (2) and Poland had the highest fresh and dry shoot weight, flower diameter and essential oil yield, but Izeh (1) and Darrehshahr ecotypes had the highest percentage of essential oil.

Selection of desirable hybrids compared to other maize hybrids (Zea mays L.) is one of the methods used to achieve high grain yield in maize. Also, the most important morphological features affecting grain yield can be used in the selection and introduction of genotypes.

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between different traits with grain yield and the selection of the most important morphological characteristics affecting the grain yield of corn hybrids for genotype selection. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in the research farm of Islamic Azad University, Karaj Branch in the cropping years of 2018-2019 on 12 commercial single cross corn hybrids.

The results of combined analysis of variance showed that the genotypes had a significant difference in the probability level of 0.01 in terms of agronomic traits. The effect of  year × genotype was also significant in ear length, grain width, grain length, grain thickness, 1000-grain weight and grain yield. Based on the results of Duncan method comparison, KSC704 and KSC707 genotypes were selected as the highest ranked hybrids. In comparison with the mean of genotype × year in terms of grain yield, SC302 hybrid and KSC701 and KSC706 hybrids in the second crop year were identified as top-ranked genotypes. Factor analysis by Verimex method introduced four factors that explained 73% of the variance of the data and were named as grain characteristics, ear characteristics, plant height and ear length. The results of correlation analysis between traits also showed a positive and significant correlation between ear length trait with number of rows per ear and grain yield. Also, the number of rows per ear had a positive and significant correlation with grain width and grain length. Graphic analysis based on polygonal view of KSC707, KSC706, KSC260, KSC705 and SC604 genotypes were more superior to other hybrids studied. In the genotype ranking chart, KSC707 hybrid was identified as the ideal genotype, which was more favorable than other genotypes in terms of studied traits. The correlation diagram between the traits showed a positive and significant correlation of most of the traits with the yield trait, based on which the traits of grain width, 1000-grain weight, grain length, ear length, number of rows per ear and grain yield had a positive and significant correlation. They were together. Based on the grouping diagram of genotypes according to the studied traits, genotypes were grouped into four parts.

In general, KSC707 genotype was identified as the optimal genotype in terms of the studied traits. The results of this study, which was evaluated in two cropping years, indicate that these genotypes can be used in breeding programs to increase yield.

Polyploidy is one of the main factors in plant adaptation that can increase secondary metabolites production in plants. Salvia officinalis L. is a perennial plant from the Lamiaceae family with a long history of use in the medicinal industry. Tanshinones are crucial active compounds biosynthesized in Salvia. This study was aimed to analyze the expression of genes involved in the tanshinones biosynthesis pathway in diploid and tetraploid sage plants and compare between them.

polyploidy in S. officinalis was induced by seed treatment with 0.5% colchicine for 24 h, and tetraploid plants were selected and confirmed by flow cytometry, chromosomal observations, morphological characteristics, and the number of stomata. RNA was extracted from the leaves samples of diploid and tetraploid plants of sage and then cDNA synthesis and the gene expression analysis of genes involved in the biosynthesis of tanshinones including KSL, IPPI, CMK, and DXR genes was performed using real-time PCR. In order to investigate the expression of genes by RT-PCR in sage leaf samples, the 18srRNA gene was used as a reference gene to normalize the data. The thermal program for amplification of the target genes by the RT-PCR method included the initial activation of the enzyme, the steps of denaturation, and binding of primers. The amplification accuracy of the genes product was confirmed by the melting curve of each gene and the amplification validity was checked by gel electrophoresis.

Evaluation of the quality of extracted RNAs with 1% agarose gel showed a relatively good quality of the extracted RNAs. The melting curves obtained from the RT-PCR reaction using forward and reverse primers for the target genes showed that the primers bind correctly to the target sites at the specified temperature and cause their specific amplification. The results of RT-PCR showed that the expression of the genes involved in the biosynthesis pathway of tanshinones including KSL, IPPI, CMK, and DXR genes in tetraploid plants was significantly increased compared with diploids.

In tetraploid plants, the expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis of tanshinones increased and this could increase the production of these secondary metabolites. Analysis of gene expression in different polyploidy series can increase our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and improve their production through polyploidy induction.

The sunflower is one of the most important oilseed plants in the world and its oil has nutritional and high economic value. Identification and selection of high-yielding genotypes with desirable characteristics are especially important in this plant. Evaluating sunflower genotypes under different environmental conditions would be useful to identify genotypes with high stability and yield potential. Therefore, this study was conducted to the selection of the best sunflower hybrids.

In this study, 24 new sunflower hybrids along with Golsa cultivar were evaluated in a simple lattice design with two replications in four experimental field stations (Karaj, Boroujerd, Shahroud, and Gorgan) during the 2020 cropping season. GGE biplot statistical method (genotype effect + genotype × environment interaction) was used to study the stability of genotypes in the studied environments.

Results of combined analysis of variance indicated that the effects of environments, genotypes, and genotype × environment interaction were significant, suggesting that the genotypes responded differently in the studied environment conditions. So, there was the possibility of stability analysis. Results of stability analysis using the GGE biplot method indicated that the two first and second principal components of the GGE biplot explained 67.7% of the total seed yield variation. Based on the polygon view of biplot, the genotype G13 in shahroud environment, the genotype G6 in Karaj and boroujerd environments, and genotypes G5 and G19 in Gorgan environment were superior genotypes with the high specific adaptation. Based on the hypothetical ideal genotype biplot, the genotypes G6, G14, G3, and G4 were better than the other genotypes for seed yield and stability and had the high general adaptation to all environments. Also, the results showed that all environments had high discriminating ability so that could able to show differences between genotypes. The Boroujerd environment was the nearest environment to the ideal environment that had the highest discriminating ability and representativeness.

Consequently, the genotypes G6, G14, G3, and G4 were better than the other genotypes for seed yield and stability. Therefore, these genotypes can be used for further testing, including adaptation tests.

Sesame is an ancient oilseed plant known for its medicinally important lignans and its high quality edible oil. ptimization of tissue culture in order to achieve high frequency regeneration is the first step for genetic transformation. the plant recalcitrant to plant tissue culture thus limiting the use of modern biotechnology for its genetic improvement. Therefore, sesame is one of the plants that need a suitable protocol for its Tissue culture and effective regeneration.

In this study, the rate of callus induction and regeneration three explants (cotyledon1, cotyledon2, hypocotyls) two sesame cultivars (Darab, Dashtestan) tested in different hormones including BAP in five levels (0, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5 and 7.5 mg/l), IAA in four levels (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/l), Agno3 (5 mg/l). The shoots transferred to rooting media after regeneration. The experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design )CRD( with factorial arrangement and 3 replications.

According to the results, regeneration induction in hypocotyls explants and callus induction in cotyledon 1 and cotyledon 2 explants were not observed in any of the genotypes. Results of means comparison revealed best result for traits (fresh weight, dry weight, diameter callus and callus induction) In MS medium containing supplement of 5.5 mg/l BAP and 1 mg/l IAA, 6.5 mg/l BAP and 1 mg/l IAA cultivar Dashtestan, 5.5 and 6.5 mg/l BAP in 1 mg/l IAA cultivar Dashtestan, 5.5 mg/l BAP in 0.5 and 1 mg/l IAA cultivar Dashtestan.

the highest rate of regeneration occurred in cotyledon1 explants with 6.5 mg / l BAP and 1 mg / l IAA. Finally, this medium is an efficient medium for the regeneration of these cultivars of sesame. All shoots formed roots after 15 days and Plantlets were transferred into pot with perlite and Cocopeat bed.