نشریه علوم و تحقیقات بذر ایران
سال دهم شماره 4 (زمستان 1402)

Wheat, as one of the most important crop on earth, is the main supplier of human food. This research was conducted to investigate the wheat recombinant inbred lines based on the germination components and compare them with the control varieties of the region to select the best lines using the selection index of the multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance (MGIDI). For this purpose, 40 wheat inbred lines (F8) were evaluated along with six control varieties (Arman, Araz, Ehsan, Tirgan, Meraj and Kalateh). According to the results of the analysis of variance, a significant difference between the studied lines was observed for all traits (P<.01). The results of factor analysis for the studied traits identified three factors that explained 86.93% of the total variation. Based on the MGIDI index, seven lines L3-4, L7-5, L7-4, L8-5, L4-4, L5-3, and L3-3 were selected as the superior genotypes with the lowest distance to the ideal genotype. Based on the cluster analysis, the genotypes were divided into five groups, and the genotypes of the fifth group were identified as the best genotypes in terms of all germination components and seedling traits, and were consistent with the genotypes identified based on the MGIDI index. The highest percentage of differential selection and genetic gain was assigned to the fresh weight vigour index (49.16% and 29.14%, respectively), which shows that the superiority of the selected genotypes is more prominent in terms of this trait. Based on the results, the recombinant inbred lines were significantly superior to the control cultivars in terms of the studied traits. Also, the results of this study showed that the use of the MGIDI index can efficiently identify superior genotypes.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of applying different levels of vermicompost and nitrogen fertilizer and their combination on seed yield, seed protein, oil content, and fatty acids profile of the Blessed thistle. The experiment was arranged as a complete block design with three replications in 2018 and 2019 in the experimental field of the faculty of agriculture of Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran. Treatments consisted of (control (no fertilizer), 100% nitrogen fertilizer requirement, 75% nitrogen fertilizer requirement + 25% vermicompost, 50% nitrogen fertilizer requirement + 50% vermicompost, 25% nitrogen fertilizer requirement + 75% vermicompost and 100% vermicompost). The results showed that the highest biomass (10.32 ton ha-1) and plant height (100.2 cm) was obtained in the combination of 50% nitrogen requirement and vermicompost. The highest 1,000-seed weight (30.9 g), seed yield (1708.3 kg/ha), seed oil percentage (18.9%), and oil yield (323.52 kg/ha) were observed in 100% vermicompost treatment. The highest percentage of linoleic acid (66.7) and oleic acid (25.8) were observed respectively in the treatment of 100% vermicompost and 100% nitrogen fertilizer requirement, and the lowest in the treatment of 100% nitrogen (61.01% linoleic acid) and without Fertilizer consumption (control) (23.09% oleic acid). The results indicated that the vermicompost fertilizer treatments had a positive effect on the quantity and fatty acid composition of the blessed thistle seeds, the treatment required 50% nitrogen fertilizer + 50% vermicompost and for seed production, 100% vermicompost treatment is more suitable in the climatic conditions of the experimental site.

Quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa Willd, plays a strategic role in establishing food security under changing climatic conditions due to its nutritional value, genetic diversity, and high adaptability under stressful conditions and different environments. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the germination and biochemical characteristics of 12 quinoa genotypes adapted to the climatic conditions of Iran. This experiment was conducted in the form of the randomized complete blocks design with three replications in the Laboratory of Seed Physiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Guilan University. In this experiment, the characteristics of germination percentage, germination rate, germination uniformity, D10, D50, D90, radicle fresh and dry, shoot and seedling weight, radicle, shoot, and seedling length, electrical conductivity of seed solution, malondialdehyde content, alpha-amylase enzyme activity and saponin content were investigated. The analysis of the data's variance demonstrated significant differences between genotypes in all studied traits. Q26 Genotype showed high values in germination percentage (91.33%), germination rate, radicle, shoot and seedling length, seedling fresh weight, alpha-amylase enzyme activity (0.234 micromoles released glucose per one gram of seed weight) and saponin content. Q26 genotype had the worst, and Q2 and Q12 genotypes had the best performance in terms of germination uniformity, electrical conductivity of seed solution and malondialdehyde content, respectively. Among the studied genotypes, the Q26 genotype demonstrated better results in comparison with other genotypes. It seems that this genotype may have better conditions for planting in the climatic conditions of Iran

The deterioration of the seed is a natural phenomenon, and seeds tend to lose quality and viability even under optimal storage conditions. The ability of hydropriming to ameliorate seed deterioration damage was studied in kochia. The experiment was a completely randomized design with four replications. Kochia seeds were subjected to accelerated ageing for 48 hours at 40 °C and then hydroprimed at 20 °C for 1.5, 3 and 4.5 hours. Regardless of duration, hydropriming significantly improved final germination percentage, germination rate, seedling length, vigour index, antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase and superoxide dismutase), soluble sugars and proteins of aged seeds. Mean germination time and malondialdehyde content of primed seeds decreased compared to non-primed seeds. Hydropriming for 1.5, 3 and 4.5 hours increased final germination to 15, 23 and 37 %, germination rate by 45.4, 72.7 and 109 % and superoxide dismutase activityby 8.6, 14 and 27 % compared to non-primed seed, respectively. Thus, hydropriming for 4.5 hours is the most suitable priming period to recover loss of kochia seed quality and to improve germination characteristics of deteriorated seeds.

Seed is one of the most important agricultural inputs, which plays a key role in achieving optimal yield and quality of the product. Ever since mankind realized the role of the suitable seed in economic profit and food security, it has always made breeding efforts to provide cultivars with desired genetic characteristics. For the maximum effectiveness of other production inputs such as water, fertilizer and pesticides, access and use of new high-yielding and compatible cultivars is a necessity. In the present study, using the metafrontier frontier function, the technological gap ratio of certified seed of Hashemi rice variety was analyzed. The information of 531 farmers was used for the research. This information was obtained in 2018 using the cluster sampling method according to the size of the population. In this study, data envelopment analysis (DEA) model was used to estimate the technical efficiency relative to the group frontier, and the metafrontier method was used to estimate the technological gap ratio (TGR). The results of the frontier production function estimation showed that the technical efficiency for farmers who used certified seeds is 0.88 and for farmers who did not use certified seeds is 0.82. It means that these producers with a certain amount of inputs averagely produce about 88 percent and 82 percent of product respectively, which using the available input and the type of seed could be produced. The technical efficiency compared to the metafrontier production function was 0.82 in the group that used the certified seeds and 0.72 in the group that did not use this type of seed. The technological gap ratio for the above two groups was 0.93 and 0.86 respectively. In other words, farmers who used certified seeds had better technical performance and had a higher technological gap ratio. This is a promising point for policymakers in the agricultural sector that by promoting the use of certified seeds and taking necessary measures to encourage farmers to use this type of seed, the level of production can be improved.

Wheat, as a crucial staple food, has gained heightened importance following the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the escalating impacts of climate change. Its adaptability to various climates, ease of cultivation, and rich nutritional value make it indispensable. Iran, with its arid climate and saline arable lands, necessitates a focused study on innovative approaches for wheat cultivation. In this challenging environment, it's imperative to seek cost-effective methods to boost wheat production. Addressing salinity involves diverse techniques like leaching saline soils, improved irrigation management, cultivating salt-tolerant varieties, and utilizing biological fertilizers. Additionally, the application of effective microorganisms stands out as a promising biological method. By influencing the rhizosphere and leaf through biological and molecular priming, these microorganisms enhance the plant's resistance to salinity and drought, ultimately leading to increased growth and yield. Embracing such approaches is essential for sustainable wheat cultivation in these harsh conditions.