Improvement and breeding
Korosh Ahmadi; Ehsan Shahbazi; Poorandokht Golkar; Keramatollah Saeidi
Abstract
Background and objectives: Nigella sativa L. is an important medicinal plant widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Considering the increasing demand for medicinal plants worldwide and the need to produce cultivated and breeding varieties, it is necessary to study the ...
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Background and objectives: Nigella sativa L. is an important medicinal plant widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Considering the increasing demand for medicinal plants worldwide and the need to produce cultivated and breeding varieties, it is necessary to study the genetic resources. The gain from selection for a trait depends on the relative importance of genetic factors in the occurrence of phenotypic differences among genotypes; in other words, the success of breeding programs depends on the genetic variation and heritability of traits. Therefore, this study investigated the genetic variation and inheritance of seed yield and yield component traits in different black cumin genotypes and identified desirable genotypes for use in breeding programs.Methodology: This study investigated the genetic variation in 20 different black cumin genotypes (Iranian and foreign) regarding different agronomic traits as a randomized complete block design with three replications at the research farm of Shahrekord University. The genotypes were planted in the middle of March. Each genotype in every repetition was cultivated in four rows, each 1.5 meters long. The distance between the rows of cultivation was 30 cm, with seeds planted 15 cm apart within the row at a depth of 1-2 cm. The traits studied included seed yield, number of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule, thousand seed weight, capsule diameter, number of branches per plant, and plant height. Based on the expectation of mean square components, environmental, genetic, and phenotypic variance were calculated, and then the genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation and broad-sense heritability were estimated. Statistical analyses, including analysis of variance and comparison of the mean traits between genotypes, were performed using the least significant difference (LSD) test using SAS 9.0 software. Pearson correlation between traits and cluster analysis based on Ward's method according to squared Euclidean distance using R 3.6.1 software. Also, to ensure the correctness of grouping, multivariate tests and analysis of variance tests were performed based on a completely random, unbalanced design.Results: The analysis of variance showed a significant difference between the studied genotypes for all the agronomic traits (p<0.01). The plant height in the studied genotypes varied from 22 cm (Nige7) to 58.4 cm (Nige1). The highest number of capsules per plant was observed in the Nige 53 genotype, with 20.45 capsules, and the lowest number of capsules per plant was observed in the Nige63 genotype, with 5.3 capsules. The number of branches per plant ranged from 3.9-11.5 per plant. The yield ranged from 263.56 kg/ha (Nige3) to 1409.39 kg/ha (Nige78 genotype). The phenotypic coefficient of variation varied from 48.58% (seed performance) to 5.20 (capsule diameter), and the genotypic coefficient of variation varied from 48.29% (seed performance) to 4.7 (capsule diameter). The highest genetic coefficient of variation (48.29%) belonged to the grain yield trait. The estimated heritability for the assessed traits ranged from 73.81% for number of branches per plant to 98.8% for seed yield. Heritability was 91.91% for the number of capsules per plant trait. According to the correlation coefficient results, seed yield per plant showed a positive and significant correlation with the number of capsules per plant (r=0.87**) and branches per plant (r=0.54*). In the cluster analysis, the studied genotypes were divided into four different groups, and the results of the multivariate analyses indicated appropriate grouping and significant differences in the amount of grain yield and yield components among the groups resulting from the cluster analysis.Conclusion: The high genetic variation among the studied genotypes indicates the high efficiency of this germplasm for improving grain yield and various traits and the high efficiency of selection in black cumin. Genotypes Nige53, Nige78, and Nige60 had high grain yields compared to other genotypes, which can be used to improve and increase grain yield in black cumin.
Improvement and breeding
R. Zandi; M.H. Mirjalili; Gh. Eghlima; A. Sonboli; H. Rezadoost
Abstract
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz-Bip.) is a perennial medicinal plant from Asteraceae family and a rich source of sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasm, and especially anti-migraine properties. In this study, the aerial parts of five wild populations ...
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Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz-Bip.) is a perennial medicinal plant from Asteraceae family and a rich source of sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasm, and especially anti-migraine properties. In this study, the aerial parts of five wild populations of this plant were harvested from Mazandaran (Marzanabad, Siah Bisheh, and Valiabad) and Tehran (Ahar and Gachsar) provinces at full flowering stage in 2020 to evaluate their morphological traits and parthenolide content. The results showed a significant difference at 1% probability level among the studied populations for all the traits. The highest plant height (130 cm), flower dry weight (8.60 g.plant-1), and parthenolide content (0.33 mg.g-1 dry weight) were observed in Gachsar, Siah Bisheh, and Marzanabad populations, respectively. Parthenolide content correlated with leaf length, number of lateral branches, and crown diameter negatively and with number of capitols positively and significantly at 5% probability level. Cluster analysis put the feverfew populations in two main groups. Principal coordinate analysis showed that the first three factors could explain 93.06% of the total variance. Overall, the results indicated the existence of high diversity in feverfew populations for use in breeding programs and cultivation and domestication of this species.
S.H.R. Salmani Hosseini; K. Nozad Namin; H. Dehghanzadeh
Abstract
To study the phenotypic and genotypic variation of Iranian flixweld (Descurainia sophia L.) populations and the effect of complementary irrigation on their yield and yield components, an experiment was conducted as a split-plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research ...
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To study the phenotypic and genotypic variation of Iranian flixweld (Descurainia sophia L.) populations and the effect of complementary irrigation on their yield and yield components, an experiment was conducted as a split-plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research farm of Islamic Azad University, Naragh Branch, during 2017-2018 growing season. Irrigation at two levels of rainfed cultivation and cultivation with one complementary irrigation was considered as the main plot and flixweld populations at eight levels of Hamedan, Esfahan, Chadegan in Esfahan, Markazi, Abuzeid Abad in Kashan, Bashrouye, Nakhjiravan, and Khomein as sub-plots. The results showed that grain yield, biological yield, the number of siliqua, the number of grains per silique, 1000-grain weight, and the number of sub-stems increased by complementary irrigation. There was a high variation among flixweld populations in terms of different traits. The highest grain yield under complementary irrigation and rainfed conditions was observed in Chadegan and Khomein populations with 499.1 and 359.1 kg ha-1, respectively. Cluster analysis divided flixweld populations into four groups under rainfed conditions. Populations Hamedan, Esfahan, Boshrouyeh, and Khomein were placed in the first group, Nakhjiravan in the second group, Markazi and Abuzeid Abad in the third group, and Chadegan in the fourth one. The highest broad-sense heritability (68.4%) was obtained for grain yield and number of siliqua traits.
S. Hossein Jafari; A. Saadatfar
Abstract
Black caraway, Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch., belonging to the Apiaceae family, is one of the most important medicinal plants in Iran. In this study, genetic and phytochemical relationships were investigated among some populations of this plant using ISSR markers and GC-MS method in Yazd and Kerman ...
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Black caraway, Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch., belonging to the Apiaceae family, is one of the most important medicinal plants in Iran. In this study, genetic and phytochemical relationships were investigated among some populations of this plant using ISSR markers and GC-MS method in Yazd and Kerman habitats. In order to study genetics using 10 ISSR primers, sampling of the fresh plant leaves was done. DNA was extracted using CTAB method. To investigate phytochemicals, the essential oil was extracted from black caraway seeds using hydrodistillation method and Clevenger apparatus. According to the results, ISSR-13 primer had better performance with 40 bands, the highest amounts of PIC (0.39), and Marker Index (15.6). Cluster analysis using Jacquard's coefficient and UPGMA algorithm divided the four black caraway populations of the two provinces into six groups. Principal coordinates analysis showed that three components explained 60.56% of total variance and completely separated the populations. The results of this analysis were consistent with cluster analysis and geographical distribution of samples. Based on the GC-MS results, 13 and 16 compounds were identified in Yazd and Kerman habitats, respectively. The compounds α-pinene, β-pinene, ρ-cymene, limonene, γ-terpinene, and cuminaldehyde were identified as the same and main compounds between Yazd and Kerman habitats. Based on the results of cluster analysis of phytochemical parameters and location of the habitats Sirjan (Kerman province), Mehriz and Ardekan (Yazd province) in one cluster and Sirch in a separate cluster, it can be concluded that grouping based on essential oil compounds does not correspond with genetic grouping and geographical distance in the natural habitats.
Gh. Eghlima; A. Kheiry; M. Sanikhani; Javad Hadian; M. Aelaei
Abstract
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) is one of the oldest and most important medicinal plants in Fabaceae, used for curing many diseases since 4000 years ago. This study was conducted to evaluate the genetic diversity of 22 different licorice populations based on morphological and yield traits at the research ...
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Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) is one of the oldest and most important medicinal plants in Fabaceae, used for curing many diseases since 4000 years ago. This study was conducted to evaluate the genetic diversity of 22 different licorice populations based on morphological and yield traits at the research field of the Faculty of Agriculture, Zanjan University, during 2016 to 2018. Morphological and yield traits including plant height and width, leaf length and width, number, length and width of leaflets, number of lateral branches, main stem diameter, aerial parts fresh and dry weight, root fresh and dry weight, root to aerial parts ratio and aerial parts and root yields (per m2) were measured. Canonical discriminant (CDA) and cluster (CA) analyses were used to group the populations. In CDA, the first two canonical variables were significant. The first canonical variable included plant height and width, main stem diameter, leaf length and the number of leaflets, and the second one included aerial parts fresh and dry weight, root fresh and dry weight, root and aerial parts yields. The second canonical variable had the greatest role in population separation and grouping. Canonical variables divided populations into four main groups and confirmed CA clustering results. In general, the results indicated the good potential of canonical discriminant analysis in evaluating the genetic diversity and identifying the index traits in licorice.
M. Aghaei; A. Hassani; H. Nazemiyeh; B. Abdollahi Mandoulakani
Abstract
Plant polyphenolic compounds have long been of interest to researchers due to their antioxidant and possibly anti-cancer effects. In this research, in order to study the phytochemical diversity of 32 wild populations of Salicornia iranica Akhani grown around Lake Urmia, some traits including the content ...
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Plant polyphenolic compounds have long been of interest to researchers due to their antioxidant and possibly anti-cancer effects. In this research, in order to study the phytochemical diversity of 32 wild populations of Salicornia iranica Akhani grown around Lake Urmia, some traits including the content of chlorophyll, carotenoids, total phenol, total flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity were measured in the Department of Horticultural Science, Urmia University in 2016. The results revealed a wide range of phytochemical diversity among populations studied. The highest amount of total chlorophyll (12.05 mg/g fw) was observed in "Karkhaneh Maseh" population, while the lowest value (0.84 mg/g fw) was found in "Ghoshchi I" population. The highest (10.41 mg gallic acid/g fw) and lowest (3.7 mg gallic acid/g fw) amount of total phenol were observed in "Ghoshchi II" and "Karkhaneh Maseh" populations, respectively. Also, "Dashkhaneh" and "Aji Chai river" populations had the highest (2.12 mg quercetin/g fw) and lowest (0.18 mg quercetin/g fw) total flavonoids, respectively. The extract antioxidant capacity of different populations varied in the range of 3.16% ("Aji Chai river" population) to 70.89% ("Myghitalou" population). Cluster analysis divided the populations studied into three groups. The highest genetic distance was found between populations "Aji Chai river" and "Myghitalou". Overall, the findings of this experiment showed that the studied Salicornia iranica populations had a high diversity, especially from the viewpoint of antioxidant capacity, which can be used in the germplasm management and plant breeding of the species.
R. Heydari; M. Khodagholi; M. Zarean
Abstract
Agriculture and natural resources are strongly dependent on weather and climate; therefore, climate variation and its changes have a key role on production rate and sustainability. The goal of this study was to investigate and determine the most important climatic elements affecting the distribution ...
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Agriculture and natural resources are strongly dependent on weather and climate; therefore, climate variation and its changes have a key role on production rate and sustainability. The goal of this study was to investigate and determine the most important climatic elements affecting the distribution of Teucrium orientale L. as well as bioclimatic zoning of this species in Isfahan province. Initially, a database of 16 climate variables, which were more important in connection with plant ecology, was established during a 40-year statistical period (1970-2009). To decrease the dimensions of data matrix, factor analysis method with Varimax Rotation was used, and for the bio-climate zoning of Teucrium orientale L., Ward’s Hierarchical Clustering method was applied. As a result, five bioclimatic zones, based on the heights of the province, were identified and labeled. To investigate the climatic variables spatially, the results of the factor analysis were entered into GIS environment and the zoning of these factors was done. The results of this study showed that the first four factors explained 93.6% of the primary variation. These factors included precipitation, frost day, radiation, and wind speed, showing 42.43%, 31.93%, 10.40%, and 8.83% of variations, respectively.
B. Ghavami; H. Zeinali; M. Khosrowchahli; S. Davazdahemami
Abstract
Crocus sativus L. is one of the most important medicinal plants and expensive spice in the world. This study was carried out to evaluate morphological traits and picrocrocin composition of 27 genotypes derived from different regions of country. Twenty-seven genotypes were cultivated in a randomized complete ...
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Crocus sativus L. is one of the most important medicinal plants and expensive spice in the world. This study was carried out to evaluate morphological traits and picrocrocin composition of 27 genotypes derived from different regions of country. Twenty-seven genotypes were cultivated in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications at Shahid Fozveh Station of Esfahan Research Center of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Stigma yield, flower fresh weight, number of flower, number of days to appearance of the first flower, plant height at flowering stage, flowering period and picrocrocin content were measured. Variance analysis of data showed significant differences among genotypes for all traits (p<0.01). Based on mean comparison, the highest and the lowest number of days to appearance of the first flower were recorded for Hamedan genotype and Ghaen and Boshroye genotypes, respectively. The variation range of picrocrocin varied from 0.425 to 0.681. Neishaboor and Esfahan genotypes had the highest and the lowest stigma yield, respectively. In addition, the highest number of flower was recorded for Neishaboor genotype. Cluster analysis divided the genotypes in to seven clusters. According to the obtained results, the genotypes classified in the 6th cluster showed appropriate traits of stigma yield, flower fresh weight, number of flower, flowering period, and number of days to appearance of the first flower. Results of this study revealed considerable variation among the genotypes probably because of the variety of ancestors or mutation phenomenon. Our results showed no relationship between agronomic diversity and geographic distribution.
R. Kalvandi; S.M. Hesamzadeh Hejazi; M. Mirza; M. Atri; Z. Jamzad; K. Safikhani; M. Ahmadian
Abstract
In order to evaluate several ecological factors, morphological traits, essential oil productivity and ploidy levels of Thymus eriocalyx (Ronniger) Jalas with uses of DSS method ten natural habitats were selected in Lorestan, Markazi, Hamadan, Kermanshah and Kurdestan provinces in Iran. To ...
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In order to evaluate several ecological factors, morphological traits, essential oil productivity and ploidy levels of Thymus eriocalyx (Ronniger) Jalas with uses of DSS method ten natural habitats were selected in Lorestan, Markazi, Hamadan, Kermanshah and Kurdestan provinces in Iran. To study and evaluate morphological characters, five complete plant samples and flowering branches were collected from each locality at flowering stage for essential oil extraction in spring season of 2008. Ecological data of ten localities were also recorded. Vegetative and reproductive traits and essential oil quantity of each population were studied. Seeds were also collected in the seed production season to study seed characters, chromosome counting and ploidy level. At least 10 mitotic cells of each population were studied to determine chromosome numbers and ploidy levels. All populations were classified in 4 groups. Results revealed that specimens from "Te9 population" had the highest average length and width of inflorescence leaf, inflorescence leaf length to width ratio, stem leaf length to width ratio, petiole length, calyx tube length, corolla length and the highest average length and width of bracteole. The results of chromosome counting showed that specimens of Te1, Te2, Te3, Te4, Te5, Te6 and Te8 populations were diploid (2n=2x=30) and specimens of Te7, Te9 and Te10 populations were tetraploid (2n=4x=60). The highest essential oil production belonged to Te5 population (3.04%).
M.S. Salamati; H. Zeinali
Abstract
Cuminum cyminum L. is one of the most important and economic medicinal plants with a considerable distribution in different regions of the country. This study was carried out in order to evaluate genetic variation and relationships among traits in 16 populations of Cuminum cyminum L. under field conditions ...
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Cuminum cyminum L. is one of the most important and economic medicinal plants with a considerable distribution in different regions of the country. This study was carried out in order to evaluate genetic variation and relationships among traits in 16 populations of Cuminum cyminum L. under field conditions using a completely randomized design with 4 replications. Morphological traits including seed yield, biological yield, plant height, plant weight, the number of umbels per plant, the number of umbelet per umbel, the number of seed per umbel and 1000-seed weight were studied. Results of analysis of variance showed significant differences for all studied traits (p< 0.01) except for number of umbelet per umbel. High values of phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were recorded for most of the traits, indicating high variations for the studied traits. Seed yield varied from 0.75 g per plant in accession of Sirjan to 0.99 g in accession of Birjand. According to the results of correlation coefficients, a high and positive significant correlation was recorded between seed yield per plant and seed number per umbel, the number of umbel per plant, biological yield and plant height. Sixteen populations were classified into four groups based upon cluster analysis. Populations of cluster IV had superiority for seed number per umbel, seed yield, biological yield, and number of umbel per plant compared to other clusters. Consequently, crossing between superior genotypes of different clusters and testing their progeny through breeding and selection programs may result in production of cultivars with desirable agronomic characteristics.
M.S. Salamati; H. Zeinali
Abstract
This study was performed to investigate genetic diversity and relationships among morphological traits in 21 genotypes of Nigella sativa L., in a completely randomized design with four replications. Morphological traits included seed yield/plant, biological yield, follicle number, seed number per follicle, ...
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This study was performed to investigate genetic diversity and relationships among morphological traits in 21 genotypes of Nigella sativa L., in a completely randomized design with four replications. Morphological traits included seed yield/plant, biological yield, follicle number, seed number per follicle, 1000- seed weight, number of stem branches, follicle weight, plant height and harvest index. Results of analysis of variance showed significant differences for all studied traits (p < 0.01) except harvest index. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were high for most traits indicating high diversity of the studied traits. Seed yield varied from 63.34 g in genotype of Shiraz to 147.36 g in genotype of Zabol 1. Correlation coefficients among traits showed that seed yield/plant had a significant and positive correlation with biological yield, seed number per follicle, plant height, number of stem branches and harvest index. Results of stepwise regression analysis for seed yield showed that biological yield, seed number per follicle, number of stem branches and harvest index were entered into the model, respectively, and 95 percent of total variation of seed yield was justified. Path analysis showed that biological yield and seed number per follicle had the highest direct effect on seed yield per plant. Factor analysis revealed three factors that justified 94.12 percent of the total variation among studied traits. These factors were respectively named as efficiency factor (seed yield and biological yield), yield component factor (number of stem branches and follicle number per plant) and follicle factor (follicle weight and seed number per follicle). According to the cluster analysis, 21 genotypes were classified into 3 groups and there were significant differences among the groups especially in terms of seed yield, follicle number per plant and seed number per follicle. Consequently, crossing between superior genotypes of different clusters and testing their progeny through breeding and selection programs may result in production of cultivars with desirable agronomic characteristics.
M. Sarrami; H. Zeinali; Gh. Bakhshi Khaniki; S. Esmailkhanian; Z. Bordbar
Abstract
This investigation was carried out on six populations of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. in Isfahan Research Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources, 2009. Karyotype of mitotic cells in metaphase of root apical meristem was studied. The base number of chromosomes for all populations was x = 17 and ...
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This investigation was carried out on six populations of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn. in Isfahan Research Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources, 2009. Karyotype of mitotic cells in metaphase of root apical meristem was studied. The base number of chromosomes for all populations was x = 17 and all populations were diploid. Based on Stebbins' two- way table, all populations were located in class 2B indicating the same evolutionary status. Analysis of variance showed significant differences for the length of the smallest chromosome, asymmetric index, and coefficient variation of centromic index (p < 0.01), total chromosome length, sum of small arms, sum of long arms and the largest length of chromosome (p < 0.05). Factor analysis introduced two factors that justified more than 94 percent of total variation. In the first factor, total chromosome length (TL) and sum of long arms (SLa) were identified as the most important factors while asymmetric index (AI) and coefficient variation of centromic index (CVci) in the second factor were highly effective. All populations were classified in four groups by cluster analysis. The least Euclidean distance was between Ahvaz and Sary populations and the highest Euclidean distance was observed between Ahvaz and Amol. Analysis of variance showed significant differences for all traits among groups. Populations of Ahavaz, Sary and Esfahan in the first group were superiour in terms of TL, SSa, SLa, LC and SC compared to other goups. Population of Amol in the second group showed the lowest SC, Cvci, and AI. Maximum CVci and AI were observed in population of Kordestan while TL, SSa, SLa and LC were the least in this population. Population distribution diagram was drawn based on the first and the second component values that would confirm the results of the cluster analysis.
A.R. Yavari; V. Nazeri; F. Sefidkon; M.E. Hassani
Abstract
Thymus migricus Klokov & Desj.-Shost.is one of the 14 species of genus Thymus L. which grows naturally in Iran. In this study, natural habitats of this species were identified during travels to different regions in East and West Azerbaijan provinces in the early of growth season in 2008. Five complete ...
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Thymus migricus Klokov & Desj.-Shost.is one of the 14 species of genus Thymus L. which grows naturally in Iran. In this study, natural habitats of this species were identified during travels to different regions in East and West Azerbaijan provinces in the early of growth season in 2008. Five complete plants were collected from five localities in order to study and evaluate quantitative morphological characters. To study seed character, inflorescences were collected at the time of seed production. Flowering stems were used to investigate essential oil quantitatively. Data of locations, vegetative and reproductive characters of every population and amount of essential oils of each location were recorded. The results were analyzed using cluster analysis method with SPSS software. Populations were clustered based on vegetative, reproductive characters and essential oil amount. All populations were classified into 3 groups. "Band", "Nazloo" and "Ghushchi" populations in a same group, "Heris" clustered separately. Finally "Jolfa" population was placed in independent group. Specimens from "Jolfa" and "Nazloo" showed longest flowering stems, largest leaves and flowers and also highest essential oil production, therefore it is recommended for breeding programs in cold regions of northwest Iran.
A. Sepahvand; H. Astereki; M.R. Naghavi; J. Daneshian; A. Mohammadian
Volume 24, Issue 1 , May 2008, , Pages 109-116
Abstract
In this study since 2004 to 2005, 16 accession of Persian shallots were collected from Lorestan province andevaluated to determine the diversity among them. The studied morphological characters were: Bulb weight, number of bulb, plant height, bulb diameter leaf length and leaf width. Duncan’s multiple ...
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In this study since 2004 to 2005, 16 accession of Persian shallots were collected from Lorestan province andevaluated to determine the diversity among them. The studied morphological characters were: Bulb weight, number of bulb, plant height, bulb diameter leaf length and leaf width. Duncan’s multiple range tests showed that the accession of Persian shallot were significantly different in all evaluated parameters except bulb diameter and leaf length. Correlation coefficients showed that bulb weight was positively correlated with number of bulb (r = 0.474) and bulb diameter (r = 0.624), which is useful for indirect selection of accession with high number of bulb and bulb diameter and therefore high amount of bulb weight. Cluster and principal component analyses based on six morphological traits separated the accession into four main groups, but did not indicate significant relationship between genetic diversity and geographical origins.
E. Talebi Kohyakhy; M. Mohammad Aliha; M.R. Naghavi
Abstract
Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers have been used to characterize the genetic diversity among 13 Iranian landraces of Ferula gummosa Boiss. The 7 primers used in this study amplified 69 scorable RAPD bands among which 64 were polymorphic (94%). The average number of bands was 9.14 for each ...
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Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers have been used to characterize the genetic diversity among 13 Iranian landraces of Ferula gummosa Boiss. The 7 primers used in this study amplified 69 scorable RAPD bands among which 64 were polymorphic (94%). The average number of bands was 9.14 for each primer. Dice similarity index was used for measuring genetic similarities among landraces. The highest similarity (0.80) was found between Hamlon and Reef populations, whereas the lowest was between Hamloon and Semnan. UPGMA algorithm was used for cluster analysis. Cluster analysis separated the 13 landraces into three main groups. The results indicated that RAPD technique is an efficient tool for assessing genetic diversity in Ferula gummosa populations.