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In this study, we investigated the effect of genotype × environment interaction (GEI) on the grain yield of 15 different sesame genotypes on four test areas (Arak, Birjand, Karaj and Shiraz) in two years (2017–2018). We observed significant differences in all sources of combined variance analysis. The interaction items in AMMI (additive main effects and multiplicative interactions) analysis of variance were divided into three parts, in which the interaction principal components IPC1 and IPC2 items justified about 85% of interactions. Also, IPC2 and residual items were non-significant. Our experiments showed that the superior genotypes were G8 > G13 > G9 > G10 > G15 > G14 > G7. The labile locations were Karaj > Birjand > Arak > Shiraz. Furthermore, G4, G1, G13, G8 and G10 (G4 > G8 > G9 > G10 > G13 > G6, respectively) had the least GEI concerning IPC1 vs. grain yield (IPC1 vs. IPC2, respectively). The recommended genotypes for each region include G9, G2, G3 and G12 for Arak and Birjand; G7, G11 and G14 for Karaj; and G10, G8, G4 and G13 for Shiraz. According to the low environmental impact and the proximity of the IPC values of Shiraz, Arak and Birjand environments, Arak can be considered as the mega-environment for these three locations. The stable genotypes with higher general durability consisted of G4 > G6 > G1 > G2. Based on the AMMI stability value (ASV) and genotype selection index (GSI), Jirouf 13 (G4), Darab 14 (G8), Safi Abad 1 (G9), Ahwaz Local Cultivar (G10) and Isfahan Local Cultivar (G13) were superior genotypes about grain yield and GEI impact, and can be recommended for future investigations.

Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) as the main herb in the world is cultivated in many countries. Essential oil from the sage leaf is used as raw material in pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. To determine the effects of bio-fertilizers and foliar splay of L-phenylalanine on growth and morphophysiological characteristics and the main constituents and yield of essential oil from the sage leaves, a field experiment in a 2-year study (2016 and 2017) was done according to a combined design in southwestern Iran. Foliar spray levels of L-phenylalanine were 0, 250, and 500 ppm and various bio-fertilizers including control or without inoculation (i), inoculation of the roots of sage seedlings with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (ii), inoculation of the roots of seedlings with P. fluorescens bacterium as a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (iii), inoculation of the roots with equal mixture of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and P. fluorescens bacterium in prepared suspension (iv). The main constituents of the essential oils from the sage leaves were oxygenated monoterpenes including 1,8-cineole, camphor, α-thujone, and β-thujone. Results indicated that the foliar spray of L-phenylalanine significantly influenced measured characteristics, especially quantity and quality of the essential oils from the sage leaves. The foliar spray of L-phenylalanine improved the concentration of chlorophylls, fresh and dry herbage weights, and essential oil yield under treatments of inoculation (fungi and bacteria). Generally, the highest contents of oxygenated monoterpenes in the essential oil of sage were obtained from the foliar spray of L-phenylalanine at 500 ppm under inoculation of the roots of sage seedlings with P. fluorescens bacterium. Indeed, the applied biofertilizers and L-phenylalanine had synergistic effects on the amounts secondary metabolites of sage especially oxygenated monoterpenes. In conclusion, we found that the foliar application of L-phenylalanine along the inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and P. fluorescens and as well as their equal mix can be improved the growth, quantity and quality yields of the essential oil of sage in organic and sustainable agriculture systems.

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) damping-off disease caused by Phytophthora melonis is a limiting factor affecting cucurbit production. This study assessed a collection of 38 domestic and exotic commercial cucumber genotypes for damping-off resistance at transplanting and 50% flowering. Plants were classified using a four-score scale, the average damping-off percentage ranging from 7.92% (resistant) to 88.01% [highly susceptible (HS)]. Most of the genotypes were susceptible and HS to P. melonis. These genotypes were analyzed with 15 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. A total of 317 bands were produced, of which 297 bands (93.69%) were polymorphic. The primer ISSR29 possessed the highest resolving power, polymorphic information content and marker index value, which could be the most informative primer for distinguishing cucumber genotypes. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis were carried out and there was a probable connection between cucumber genotypes and resistance level against P. melonis, indicating possible application for ISSR in studying disease resistance of cucumber and producing cultivars that resist damping-off. The expression of three candidate genes probably involved in the defence against P. melonis was quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in five cucumber genotypes showing different susceptibility to the pathogen. CsWRKY20, CsLecRK6.1 and LOX1 genes were differentially expressed depending on genotype in early stages of infection. LOX1 was the most expressed gene across experiments and the one that best discriminated between susceptible and resistant genotypes. These results are a valuable resource for future functional genomics studies to unravel the molecular mechanisms of C. sativus/P. melonis interaction.

Phytophthora melonis is the causal agent of damping-off or crown rot, one of the most destructive cucumber diseases that causes severe economic losses in Iran and some other parts of the world. Despite intense research efforts made in the past years, no permanent cure currently exists for this disease. With the aim to understand the molecular mechanisms of defense against P. melonis, root collars and leaves of four cucumber genotypes consisting of resistant Ramezz; moderately resistant Baby and very susceptible Mini 6-23 and Extrem, were monitored for quantitative gene expression analysis of five antifungal and/or anti-oomycete genes (CsWRKY20, CsLecRK6.1, PR3, PR1-1a and LOX1) at three points after inoculation with P. melonis. The gene expression analysis indicated that P. melonis strongly enhanced the expression of these genes after inoculation in both leaves and root collars. Further, not only the transcript levels of these genes were significantly higher in the resistant and moderately resistance genotypes, but also the time point of the highest relative expression ratio for the five genes was different in the four cucumber genotypes. CsWRKY20 and PR3 showed the maximum expression in Ramezz at 48 hours post inoculation (hpi) while CsLecRK6.1, and LOX1 showed the highest expression at 72 hpi. In addition, PR1-1a showed the maximum expression in the Baby at 72 hpi. Root collars responded faster than leaves and some responses were more strongly up-regulated in root collars than in leaves. The genes found to be involved in disease resistance in two different organs of cucumber after pathogen infection. The results suggest that increased expression of these genes led to activation of defense pathways and could be responsible for a reduced P. melonis colonization capacity in Ramezz and Baby. Overall, this work represents a valuable resource for future functional genomics studies to unravel the molecular mechanisms of C. sativus- P. melonis interaction.

Background & Aim:The genus Salvia (commonly known as sage) is a broad genus belonging to the family Lamiaceae. This study is aimed at assessing the essential oil composition and antimicrobial activities of two Salvia species. Experimental: The chemical composition of the essential oils of Salvia officinalis L. and Salvia virgata Jacq, cultivated in Estahban (Fars, South Iran), was studied by means of GC-MSanalyses. Antimicrobial activity was tested against a panel of microorganisms including one Gram-positive (Staphylococcus epidermidis PTCC NO. 1435) and one Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and three fungal strain (Alternaria alternata PTCC NO. 5224, Penicillium funiculosum PTCC NO. 5301 and P. funiculosum PTCC NO. 5169) using the disk diffusion and agar-well diffusion methods and the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) technique. Results: In all, 57 compounds were identified, 42 for S. officinalis, accounting for 98.94% ofthe total oil, 29 for S. virgata (98.81%). The major components of S. officinalis essential oil were α-thujone (37.18%), 1,8-cineole (12.71%), β-thujone (9.10%) and the major components of S. virgata essential oil were caryophyllene oxide (30.23%), β-caryophyllene (22.63%), sabinene (11.82%). The antimicrobial activity of the total essential oil evaluated by the agar-well diffusion method, the results showed that the highest active against S. epidermidis and also the least active against E. coli. Inhibition of growth was tested by the disk diffusion method, the results showed that essential oil of S. officinalis and S. virgata were highest active against E. coli and P. funiculosum (PTCC NO. 5301), respectively. Also the least active against A. alternata. Recommended applications/industries: The results showed thatS. officinalis oil had higher antimicrobial activity compare to S. virgata

Chitosan is a biopolymer with various industrial, medicinal, pharmaceutical, and agricultural applications. Effects of exogenous application of chitosan, a marine polysaccharide with unique bioactive properties, under normal irrigation and stressed conditions on morphology, physiology and biochemical characteristics of two species of sweet basil, including Ocimum ciliatum and O. basilicum in a pot experimental at semiarid and cold climate, southwestern Iran were investigated. Treatments comprised control, 0.0, 0.2, and 0.4 g/L chitosan applied to plants under normal irrigation, slight and mild drought stress conditions. Results indicated that drought stress had significant effects on some morphology, physiology and biochemical characteristics. In both species of basil, drought stress decreased the content of photosynthetic pigments and growth parameters. Exogenousapplication of chitosan (in particular 0.4 g/L) increased plant growth parameters in both species of basil under stressed or non-stressed conditions as compared to untreated plants. In addition, results indicated that the different levels of chitosan had significant effects on total phenol content and antioxidant activity of the extracts of two species. In conclusion, it is suggested that chitosan could be a promising material used to reduce the harmful effect of water stress on the growth parameters of basil plants and as a whole, treatment with chitosan partly could alleviate the effect of drought stress.

The genus Mentha, which belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Essential oil yield and chemical components of two Mentha species including Mentha longifolia (L.) Huds. and (Mentha spicata L.) collected from three ecotypes in Iran were investigated. The essential oils of samples were obtained by hydro-distillation, and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A significant difference (p < 0.05) in oil yields was obtained from the aerial parts of two Mentha species. The essential oil yields were obtained from the aerial of M. longifolia, 0.62, 0.85 and 1.24 ml / 100 g dry matter identified in Ardestan, Saman and Kuhrang province, respectively and the aerial of M. spicata, 0.49, 1.02 and 1.54 ml / 100 g dry matter identified in Ardestan, Saman and Kuhrang province, respectively. Results indicated significant differences (p < 0.01) among the aerial for the main constituents in the essential oil from two Mentha species. The major constituents of the essential oil from the aerial of M. longifolia collected from Ardestan province were pulegone (31.21%), 1,8-cineole (23.01%), sabinene (6.76%), the aerial of M. longifolia collected from Saman province were pulegone (31.06%), 1,8-cineole (24.34%), sabinene (7.45%) and the aerial of M. longifolia collected from Kuhrang province were pulegone (36.42%) and 1,8-cineole (29.49%). The major constituents of the essential oil from the aerial of M. spicata collected from Ardestan province were 1,8-cineole (35.28%), carvone (30.71%), the aerial of M. spicata collected from Saman province were carvone (35.37%), 1,8-cineole (24.35%), pulegone (18.67%) and the aerial of M. spicata collected from Kuhrang province were carvone (41.51%), 1,8-cineole (25.95%). Generally, a comparison of our results with the previous reports suggests differences in the essential oil compositions and oil yield of the plant material could be attributed to genetic diversity in two Menthe species.

In order to evaluate and classify morphological and morpho-physiological traits of durum wheat genotypes in drought and irrigated conditions 200 durum wheat genotypes were sown in modify augmented design with four replications during 2013- 2014 farming season. Two replications were considered as drought condition and two as irrigated. Factor analysis based on principal component analysis method and varimax rotation indicated that four important factors accounted for about 87 and 92 percent of the total variation among traits in drought and irrigated conditions, respectively. In drought stress condition, the first factor assigned 37 percent of total variation between traits and was significantly related with spike yield and it’s components. Therefore, this factor was regarded as spike seed yield factor. Other factors in drought stress condition accounted for 22, 16 and 12 percent of variation between traits and were entitled as plant seed yield, spike density and assimilate transmission factors, respectively. In irrigated condition, the first factor assigned 36 percent of total variation between traits and was significantly related with traits plant and spike seed yield, plant and spike harvest index, No. seed/spike and plant height. This factor was regarded as plant seed yield factor. Other factors in irrigated condition accounted for 24, 18 and 14 percent of variation between traits and were entitled as production, assimilate transmission and spike density factors, respectively. Overall, results revealed effect of different environments on extracted factors, percent of variation accounted for by factors and traits related with each factor.

Plant breeding programs are formulated based on the diversity and selection of superior quantitative and qualitative traits. Hence, assessment of genetic diversity is the first step of every plant breeding program. In this regard, use of new methods for studying genetic diversity seems necessary. In the present study, the genetic diversity of thirty sugar beet genotypes was determined using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker. Following the DNA extraction and optimization of experiment conditions, of the 40 primers under study, 10 primers that induced polymorphism and produced good and clear bands in the genotypes of sugar beet were randomly selected. Statistical calculations were carried out based on the Jaccard similarity coefficient and UPGMA-based grouping in the NTSYS software (version 2.02). The amplitude of the multiplied bands varied between 100 and 3000 of alkaline pair. The polymorphism of all primers was 82.33% within the similarity limit. The Cophenetic coefficient for the similarity matrix and the resulting curve was obtained to be r=0.75. Genotypes 4 and 18 with a similarity coefficient of 0.91% demonstrated the highest similarity while genotypes 21 and 15 with a similarity coefficient of 0.63% showed the lowest similarity. Of the primers in use, the OPB-18 primer produced 12 bands (the highest number of bands) and the OPA-09 primer produced 5 bands (the lowest number of bands). Cluster analysis also confirmed the results obtained from the profiles produced in the genetic differentiation of cultivars under study as well as the correlations resulting from the Jaccard similarity coefficient. Finally, genotypes were categorized into 13 groups based on the results and resulting dendrogram. Results of the cluster analysis performed using the Jaccard similarity coefficient revealed the genetic diversity among genotypes that emphasize on efficiency of selection in sugar beet genotypes.

Assessment of genetic control, mode of inheritance, general and specific combining abilities and effect of drought stress on genetic parameters of harvest index and biological yield traits in bread wheat were achieved by using Diallel mating design. Parents (eight cultivars) along with F1 progenies (28 crosses) were sown in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications under stress condition in Karadj Agricultural Research Center. The data were analyzed according to methed of Hallauer and Miranda as well as fixed model of Griffing’s method II. Jinks-Hayman model was used to estimate broad and narrow-sense heritabilities and mean degree of dominance. There were significant differences between genotypes for mentioned traits in both environments. Studying mean of squares of general combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), the ratio of GCA to SCA mean of squares and portion of additive and dominance variances showed importance of both additive and non additive gene effects for harvest index, but in biological yield heredity, additive effect was more important. Estimating broad-sense and narrow-sense heritabilities showed low efficiency of harvest index and high efficiency of biological yield for selection programs in stress environments.

In order to compare mode of inheritance, combining ability, heterosis and gene action in genetic control of traits flag leaf area, relative water content and grain filling rate of bread wheat under drought stress, a study was conducted on 8 cultivars using of Griffing?s method2 in fixed model. Mean square of general combining ability was significant also for all traits and mean square of specific combining ability was significant also for all traits except relative water content of leaf which show importance of both additive and dominant effects of genes in heredity of these traits under stress. GCA to SCA mean square ratio was significant for none of traits. Results of this study showed that non additive effects of genes were more important than additive effect for all traits. According to results we can understand that genetic improvement of mentioned traits will have low genetic efficiency by selection from the best crosses of early generations. Then it is better to delay selection until advanced generations and increase in heritability of these traits.

Dracocephalum moldavica L. and Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss. are aromatic plants belonging to Lamiaceae family. The aim of this study was to identify the chemical components of D. kotschyi and D. moldavica from Iran. The aerial parts of D. kotschyi were collected from (Kamu Mountain) Isfahan province and the aerial parts of D. moldavica were collected from Sari (Mazandaran province) North of Iran, during 2014. The essential oil was extracted by a Clevenger approach and analyzed using GC/MS. In total, 32 and 24 compounds were identified in the essential oil from the aerial parts D. kotschyi and D. moldavica, respectively. The results obtained in our study indicated that the major components in the oil D. kotschyi were limonene (23.56 %), carvacrol (14.65 %), γ-terpinene (12.99 %), α -pinene (12.62 %), 2-methyl-1-octen-3-yne (9.73 %), camphene (4.66 %), myrcene (3.65 %) and α -terpinene (3.12 %). The major constituents of the oil D. moldavica were geranyl acetate (36.62 %), geraniol (24.31 %), neral (16.25 %) and geranial (11.21 %). D. kotschyi is one of the important sources of limonene and D. moldavica is one of the important sources of geranyl acetate.

Mode of gene action, heritability and determination of the effective breeding strategy for improvement of physiological and traits specifically in drought stress conditions is very important. Therefore, this study was conducted by using two drought susceptible and tolerant wheat cultivars. Cultivars Sakha8 (tolerant) and Pishtaz (susceptible) as parents along with F1, F2, BC1 and BC2 generations were sown in a randomized complete block design with three replications in drought stress conditions. Results of analysis of variance indicated significant difference between generations as well as degree of dominance revealed over-dominance for the both traits. Fitting simple additive-dominance model designated that this model was not able to account for changes of traits relative water content and mean of grain filling rate. It was revealed that m-d-h-i-j model for relative water content and m-d-h-i model for mean of grain filling rate are the best models. Estimation of heritability and mode of gene action indicated that selection for improvement of traits studied in stress condition and specifically in early generations have medium genetic gain. In conclusion, grain filling rate is better than relative water content as indirect selection criteria to improve plant grain yield in drought stress condition.

To evaluate the relationship among seed and oil yield as well as determine the best indirect selection criteria for genetic improvement of seed and oil yield in canola a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted using 17 cultivars. Step-wise regression of seed and oil yield revealed that 98.4 and 98.9% of total variation exists in these traits accounted for by the traits seed yield, oil percent, plant height and days to physiological maturity for oil yield while the traits biological yield, harvest index, days from planting to flowering initiation and no. grain/pod for seed yield . Path analysis for seed and oil yield designed high efficiency of the traits plant height and days to physiological maturity as indirect selection criteria for genetic improvement of oil yield and the traits biological yield and no. grain/pod for seed yield improvement in canola cultivars especially in early generations of breeding programs. Key words: Canola, correlation analysis, path analysis, indirect selection, selection criteria, genetic improvement.

PurposePlant materials continue to play a major role in primary health care as therapeutic remedies in many developing countries. Medicinal herbs contain physiologically active principles that over the years have been exploited in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments as they contain antimicrobial properties. This paper aims to determine the antibacterial activity of Iranian endemic plants.Design/methodology/approachAntibacterial activities of ethanol extract and essential oil of ten Iranian folklore herbs including Heracleum lasiopetalum Boiss., Hypericum scabrum L., Thymus daenensis Celak., Ziziphora teniur L., Echiophora platyloba L., Dracocephalum multicaule Benth., Kelussia odoratissima Mozff., Mentha longifolia Hudson., Achillea kellalensis Boiss. and Arnebia euchroma (Royle.) Johnston. were investigated against Yersinia enterocolitica PTCC 1151 by agar disc diffusion and serial dilution assays.FindingsMost of the extracts and essential oils showed some antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria with the diameter of inhibition zone ranging between 9 and 16 mm. Of the plants studied, the most active extracts were those obtained from essential oil of H. lasiopetalum fruits and ethanol extract of A. euchroma roots. The MIC values for active extract and essential oil ranged between 0.039 and 0.156 mg/ml.Practical implicationsThe results obtained appeared to confirm the antibacterial potential of the plants investigated.Originality/valueThe essential oil H. lasiopetalum fruits could be used as natural antibacterial agent Y. enterocolitica in the food preservation and human health.

In order to assess the impact of physical and chemical treatments on dormancy and germination ability of medicinal species Salvia nemarosa, two separate experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design in five replications in laboratory of Faculty of Agriculture of Azad University of Isfahan. The treatments included: control 1 (without laser light), red laser light for 15 min, control 2 (without gibberellic acid), gibberellic acid for 24 h. After 21 days, germinated and green seeds were counted and some traits such as germination per cent, fresh weight of rootlet and plumule, dry weight of rootlet and plumule, rootlet and plumule length, the number of germinated and green seeds in 21 days were measured. The results showed that exerted treatments had significant effects on the germination per cent and measuring traits compared to control and treatment of 500 ppm gibberellic acid had the greatest impact on most of the traits. In general, it could be concluded that the impact of chemical treatments was more than physical treatment, but in terms of health and improving agricultural crops, physical treatments were more affordable and were a proper alternative for chemical treatments.

Correlation analysis showed the significant relation of seed and protein yield with all the traits except correlation of grain filling duration and peduncle length with seed yield as well as spike yield and peduncle length with protein yield. Factor analysis indicated that four important factors accounted for about 94.31% of the total variation among traits studied. The first factor assigned 34.99% of total variation between traits and was significantly related with traits seed yield, biological yield, protein yield and protein percentage. This factor was regarded as quantitative and qualitative yield improvement factor. Other factors accounted for 43.70, 27.90 and 22.40% of variation between traits so were entitled as spike yield, grain filling ability and photosynthesis reservoir enhancement factors, respectively. Overall, results revealed effect of grain filling rate, biological yield, number of seeds/spike, spike yield and protein percentage on seed and protein yield. Hence, these traits are recommended as indirect selection criteria for genetic improvement of seed yield especially in early generations.

This study was performed to identify genetic diversity of soybean lines, to determine the best parents for crossing to improve the yield and to find out more effective genetic characteristics in Khoramabad, Lorestan province, Iran. Field experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design. Our present results implied that the lines had significant effects for all the studied traits except days taken to physiological maturity, days taken to full maturity and oil percentage. The results of correlation coefficients showed that grain yield positively correlated with number of grains per pod, harvest index and seed filling rate at the 1% possibility level and oil percentage at the 5% possibility level. The step-wise regression results illustrated that grain filling rate, grain filling duration and days taken to physiological maturity had significant effects on the grain yield variations. Grain filling rate and grain filling duration also justified variations of oil yield. On the base of the regression analysis, grain filling rate and period and days taken to physiological maturity were the most important traits for improving the seed and oil yields of soybean lines. Path analysis indicated that grain filling rate and period had a significant positive effect on seed yield. Moreover, grain filling rate also had a significant positive effect on oil yield. The results of path analysis and regression analysis suggested that grain filling rate was the effective trait to improve the seed and oil yields of soybean lines.

Evaluation of suitable and efficient selection indices in early generations through traits having heritability higher than yield as well as correlated significantly with seed yield is one of the most important breeding procedures. In order to determine the most yielding bread wheat genotypes and identify the traits effective on seed and protein yield as well as parents of the best crosses, an experiment was conducted during 2013–14. The randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Bread wheat genotypes comprised Sepahan and Roshan cultivars as controls along with 18 lines entitled M-92-3 to M-92-20. Correlation analysis showed significant and positive reltionship among seed yield and other traits. Moreover, step-wise regression and path analysis designated that grain filling rate, grain filling duration and number of spikes/m2 were the best indirect selection criteria to increase seed yield in common wheat. Increasingly, peduncle length, number of seeds/spike and number of spikelets/spike were recommended to improve spike yield, while peduncle diameter, days to flowering, days to maturity and plant height for photosynthetic reservoir improvement.

Effect of different attributes on grain and protein yield of bread wheat was assessed using 20 genotypes. Randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Relationship among measured traits was assessed by Pearson's correlation coefficient and factor analysis. Correlation analysis showed the significant relation of grain and protein yield with all the traits except correlation of grain filling duration and peduncle length with grain yield as well as spike yield and peduncle length with protein yield. Factor analysis based on principal component analysis method and varimax rotation indicated that four important factors accounted for about 98% of the total variation among traits studied. The first factor assigned 48% of total variation between traits and was significantly related with traits grain yield, biological yield, protein yield and protein percentage. This factor was regarded as quantitative and qualitative yield improvement factor. Other factors accounted for 20, 16 and 14% of variation between traits so were entitled as spike yield, grain filling ability and photosynthesis reservoir enhancement factors, respectively. In conclusion, results revealed effect of grain filling rate, biological yield, number of grains/spike, spike yield and protein percentage on grain and protein yield. Hence, these traits are recommended as indirect selection criteria for genetic improvement of grain yield especially in early generations.

In order to assess the effect of different tillage methods on growth period of two safflower cultivars, an experiment was conducted using strip plot design in the layout randomized complete block design with four replications in the research field of Isfahan Branch, Islamic Azad University during 2014. The horizontal factors were three tillage methods comprising conventional, low tillage and no tillage, whereas the vertical were two spring safflower cultivars, namely, Soffeh and Goldasht. Data were analyzed using SAS software. Mean comparison was conducted based on Duncan's multiple range test. The results showed significant effect of tillage methods on days to greening, days to stem elongation, days to maturity and capitulum development. So no tillage and conventional had the lowest and the highest amount of these traits. The effect of cultivar was significant on days to capitulum development, heading and maturity with the maximum amount in Soffeh cultivar. The interaction effect of cultivar and tillage method on days to heading and maturity was significant revealing necessity of interpretation of the results based on these effects.

In order to evaluate genetic diversity of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to identify the most drought resistant genotypes and also finding the best drought tolerance indices, an experiment was carried out in research center of Kabotarbad, Isfahan, Iran, using randomized complete block design in three replications. Twenty wheat genotypes were selected for this study. The experiment was done under normal (Yp) and water stress (Ys) conditions. The stress was applied after heading stage. The results showed that stress tolerance index (STI), geometric mean productivity (GMP) and mean productivity (MP) indices had the most correlation with the yield, therefore, they were used for screening drought tolerant varieties. Biplot analysis also showed that genotypes 10, 18, 19 and 20 had the highest grain yield under both the conditions. Genotypes 3, 6, 14 and 15 were also suitable for the stress condition. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that two first components accounted for 99.945% of the variance for the observed genotypes. The first component had the most positive coefficients in both irrigated and stress conditions and also the highest GMP and STI values, therefore, it can be named as the yield potential component under drought condition and also the tolerance index. The second one had the most positive and highest correlation with tolerance index (TOL) and SSI and it can be referred as the drought susceptibility component.

Correlation and path coefficient analyses were studied on three diverse genotypes of sunflower in order to understand the relationship and contribution on eight characters towards the seed yield. The seed yield exhibits highly significant and positive correlation with plant height, oil yield and total number of seeds per head. Days to full flowering and head diameter showed significant and negative relation with seed yield. Path coefficient analysis revealed that total number of seeds per head had the highest and positive direct effect on seed yield. On the other hand, days to full flowering and head diameter showed the highest and negative direct effect on seed yield. Hence, the study revealed the importance of total number of seeds per head, days to full flowering and head diameter as indirect selection criteria for genetic improvement of seed yield in sunflower breeding programs especially in early generations.

Fifty common bean genotypes were cultivated in two separately field trials at the research station of Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan Branch during 2008-2009. The experimental design was randomized complete block. Bean seeds were inoculated by Rhizobium legominosarum biovar Phaseoli isolate L-109 in one of the experiments before sowing. The dose of Rhizobium for seed inoculation was 7 miligrams of bacteria for 1 kilogram of seed. The second experiment was control. The second experiment was analyzed in the same way as the first except for biological nitrogen fixation. The results showed definite positive and significant correlation in percentage of nitrogen fixation with some other been characters. Step-wise regression designated that total nitrogen percentage in shoot, number of nodules per plant and biomass yield accounted for 93.8% of variation expect for nitrogen fixation percent. Path analysis indicated that total nitrogen percentage in shoot, number of nodules per plant and biomass yield have direct and positive effect on nitrogen fixation index. Hence, total nitrogen percentage in shoot, number of nodules per plant and biomass yield are promising indirect selection criteria for genetic improvement of nitrogen fixation capability in common bean genotypes.

Salinity stress is one of the major problems for crop production in arid and semiarid regions of the world. Hence, germination ability and salt stress tolerance of Agropyron desertorum were evaluated using ten genotypes originally collected from different areas of Iran in greenhouse condition. Five different concentrations of NaCl solution were used in this experiment. Analysis of variance showed considerable variation in all the germination attributes under salinity stress. Principal component analysis revealed that first and second components accounted for about 97.6% of the total variation among the traits studied. The first component included root length, plumule length, seedling length and seed vigor and accounted for 62.3% of the total variation among the traits. This component is entitled as the seed germination ability. Hierarchical cluster analysis classified the genotypes in three groups. In conclusion, selection for the higher amount of the traits roots length, plumule length, seedling length and seed vigor can improve the seed germination ability and salinity tolerance in A. desertorum genotypes at the seedling stage in greenhouse condition. Furthermore, crosses between the genotypes classified in the clusters 1 and 3 can cause the broadening of genetic variation and possibility of the efficient selection among the progenies obtained from these crosses.Key words: Agropyron desertorum, salt stress, biplot analysis, hierarchical cluster, probit analysis, seedling stage.

Indirect selection in early generations through traits having heritability higher than yield as well as correlated significantly with seed yield is one of the most important breeding procedures. Therefore, in order to determine the most yielding bread wheat genotypes, identification of the traits effective on seed and protein yield as well as parents of the best crosses, an experiment was conducted during 2013–14. The randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Bread wheat genotypes comprising Parsi and Sirvan cultivars along with 18 lines were used in this experiment. Analysis of variance revealed significant difference among genotypes for traits like spike height, plant height, days to maturity, 1000-seed weight, seed yield, protein yield and percentage, number of spikes and grain filling rate. Coefficient of variation revealed considerable genetic variation for these traits. Correlation, step-wise regression and path analysis designated that grain filling rate and grain filling duration were the efficient indirect selection criteria to improve seed yield genetically.

Denaian thyme is scientifically named as Thymus daenensis Celak., which belongs to Lamiaceae family. The Mediterranean region can be described as the center of the genus. Thyme is one of most important medicinal plants that was used in pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics and hygienic industries in most of developed countries. Thymus species have strong antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, spasmolytic and antioxidant activities. Breeding programmes need to identify the best land races as base population. Existence sufficient genetic diversity also is important in selection the superior individual amongst. In the present study, the dried aerial parts of plant analyzed by using GC/MS. The nineteen compounds were identified in dried aerial parts. The major components were γ-Terpinene (42.35%), Thymol (14.18%), α-Thujene (10.74%), linalool (5.42%), Borneol (2.48%), α-Terpine (1.54%) and Carvacrol (1.07%). This land race was collected from Isfahan province having high amount of γ-Terpinene and Thymol so is promising population for breeding programmes via selection to improve medicinal value of this important medicinal plant.

The study carried out in tow provinces (Isfahan and Chaharmahal va Bakhtyiari), central and southwest, Iran. The study area covers approximately 37659 Km2 of total area. This area is located between latitude 30° 42′ N and 33° 37′ N and between longitude 49° 56′ W and 51° 57′ W. The climate variables taken into account were maximum and minimum daily average temperature, Growth Degree Day (GDD) between four dates of sowing to physiological maturity and four dates sowing to freezing start day (rosette), monthly precipitation, monthly relative humidity (March to May) and number of freezing days. Climate variables and DEM data layers were prepared and suitability classes were determined, using simple limitation (SLA) purposed by modified of FAO method, were matched against specific winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) requirements derived from agricultural experiments and literature review. The results indicated that the main limited factors are GDD from sowing to physiological maturity and sowing to freezing start day. The overlay maps for climate variables and DEM suitability evaluation using SLA identified 11.2% (sowing date: 20 August to 5 September), 12.5% (sowing date: 6 September to 20 September), 0.4% (sowing date: 21 September to 5 October) and 0.06% (sowing date: 6 October to 20 October) of the surface area land have suitable in study area.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) is a perennial sub shrub belonging to family Lamiaceae. Thyme essential oils have been used for many thousands of years, especially in food preservation, pharmaceuticals, alternative medicine and natural therapies. In order to determine the effect of harvest time on quality and quantity of essential oil in thyme, this experiment was done in a randomized complete block design with three replications at research station of Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan (Isfahan) during 2010-2011. Plants were harvested in five stages: before blooming, beginning of blooming, 50% blooming, full blooming and fruit set. The essential oils obtained from the phenological stages of thyme were analyzed by using GC/MS. The results obtained in our study showed that the phenological stages had very significant effects (P < 0.01) on essential oil yield and percentage as well as thymol percentage and yield. The highest essential oil content of thyme (2.42%) was extracted at the beginning of blooming stage. Analysis and identification of components showed that thymol is the main compound in all samples. The highest thymol content of thyme (74.8%) was extracted at the full blooming stage. According to the results of this research, harvesting the thyme at 50% blooming stage have maximum essential oil quality and quantity in Isfahan province.

In order to determine the mode of inheritance, genes action, general and specific combining abilities and effect of various environmental conditions on genetic parameters of harvest index and biological yield in bread wheat, diallel crosses design with eight parents was used. Parents and F1 progenies were sown in a randomized complete block design with three replications under drought stress and non-stress conditions in experimental field of Shahrekord Agricultural Research Center during 2011-2013 growing season. The data were analyzed according to method of Hallauer and Miranda as well as fixed model of Griffing’s method II. Jinks-Hayman model was used to estimate broad and narrow-sense heritabilities and mean degree of dominance. There were significant differences between genotypes for mentioned traits in both conditions. Studying mean square of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA), the ratio of GCA to SCA mean square and portion of additive and dominance variances showed importance of both additive and non-additive genes effects for harvest index in both conditions, but in biological yield heredity, additive effect was more important. Estimating broad-sense and narrow-sense heritabilities showed low efficiency of harvest index and high efficiency of biological yield for selection programs in both conditions.