Correlation and path-cofficient analysis of seed yield and yield related trait in Iranian confectionery sunflower populations

This study was undertaken in order to determine the association among yield components and their direct and indirect effects on the seed yield of confectionery sunflower. 36 confectionery sunflower populations originated from different regions of Northwest Iran were characterized using 11 agromorphological traits including: Days to 50% flowering, plant height, stem diameter, head diameter, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, petiole length, number of seeds per head, 100-seed weight and seed yield. Phenotypic correlations results show that seed yield per plant was positively and significantly associated with 100-seed weight, head diameter, number of seeds per head, stem diameter and plant height. Path coefficient analysis revealed that number of seed per head, 100-seed weight, and head diameter has positive direct effect on seed yield. Therefore, selection based on these characters would be more effective to improving seed yield in confectionery sunflower in breeding programs.Key words: Helianthus annuus L., direct effect, phenotypic correlation, indirect selection

Collection, evaluation and classification of Iranian confectionary sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) populations using multivaraite statistical techniques

Characterization of confectionary sunflower germplasm resources is critical to their efficient collection and management as well as for breeding programs. Thirty six (36) confectionary sunflower populations originating from different regions of Northwest Iran were characterized using 15 agro-morphological traits. Among the studied traits, high coefficients of variation were observed for harvest index (48.36), seed yield (42.07) and petiole length (41.63). Cluster analysis using Ward's method classified the 36 populations into four groups. A large number of genotypes was placed in cluster III (16 genotypes) followed by cluster I (13), cluster IV (4) and cluster II (3). Clusters I, III and VI include genotypes from different sources indicating no association between clustering pattern and eco-geographical distribution of genotypes. The maximum inter-cluster distance of 9.03 was observed between clusters II and VI indicating the possibility of high heterosis if individuals from these two clusters are cross-bred. Principal component analysis resulted in the first four components with Eigen value greater than one accounting for 78% of the total variation. The results of PCA were closely in line with those of cluster analysis. These results can now be used by breeders to develop high yielding sunflower hybrids.Key words: Cluster analysis, confectionary sunflower, genetic variability, principal component analysis

Evaluación de la reacción de líneas puras de girasol y sus híbridos F1 a las condiciones de sequía mediante diversos índices de tolerancia al estrés

In this study, 21 genotypes of sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) derived from a half diallel cross between six inbred lines were evaluated in both water-stressed and well-watered environments. In each environment, the genotypes were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications. From the grain yield data, drought tolerance indices comprising of stability tolerance index (STI), mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), harmonic mean (HM), stress susceptibility index (SSI), tolerance index (TOL), yield index (YI) and yield stability index (YSI) were calculated for every genotype. The resulting data were analyzed as obtained from a randomized complete block design. Significant differences among genotypes were observed for all drought tolerance indices except for SSI and YSI. High yield value in non-stress and stress environments was exhibited by genotypes ‘LR4 × LR25’ (14.02 g) and ‘LR25 × C100’ (3.84 g) respectively. The maximum value of STI (0.93), MP (8.72), GMP (6.91) and HM (5.48) indices was by genotype ‘LR4 × LR25’. Correlation coefficients revealed that TOL, MP, GMP, STI, HM, and YI indices could effectively be used for screening of drought tolerant genotypes. Using MP, GMP, HM, TOL, YI and STI indices, genotypes UPGMA classification was done and three clusters were established that paralleled the biplot analysis results. According to results in this study, ‘LR4 × LR25’ is the most drought tolerant genotype which was clustered as group A. We suggest that tolerance indices including MP, GMP and HM are suitable for sunflower drought tolerant genotypes selection.En este estudio, 21 genotipos de girasol ( Helianthus annuus L.) derivados de un cruce medio dialélico entre seis líneas puras se evaluaron con y sin estrés hídrico. Para cada ambiente, los genotipos se evaluaron usando un diseño de bloques completos al azar con tres repeticiones. De los datos de rendimiento de grano se calcularon los índices de tolerancia a la sequía para cada genotipo: índice de estabilidad de la tolerancia sexual (ITS), productividad media (MP), productividad media geométrica (GMP), media armónica (HM), índice de susceptibilidad al estrés (SSI), índice de tolerancia (TOL), índice de rendimiento (YI) e índice de estabilidad del rendimiento (YSI). Los datos resultantes se analizaron como obtenidos a partir de un diseño de bloques completos al azar. Se observaron diferencias significativas entre los genotipos en todos los índices de tolerancia a la sequía a excepción de SSI y YSI. Los genotipos ‘LR4 × LR25’ y ‘LR25 × C100’ exhibieron un alto rendimiento en ambos ambientes (14,02 y 3,84 g, respectivamente); ‘LR4 × LR25’ presentó el valor máximo de los índices STI (0,93), MP (8,72), GMP (6,91) y HM (5,48). Los coeficientes de correlación revelaron que los índices TOL, MP, GMP, STI, HM y YI podrían ser utilizados para la selección de genotipos tolerantes a la sequía. Utilizando los índices MP, GMP, HM, TOL, YI y STI, se hizo una  clasificación UPGMA de los genotipos y se establecieron tres grupos análogos a los resultados del análisis biplot. De acuerdo a los resultados de este estudio, ‘LR4 × LR25’, del grupo A, es el genotipo más tolerante a la sequía. Se concluye que los índices de tolerancia MP, GMP y HM son adecuados para la selección de genotipos tolerantes a la sequía en girasol

Effect of Different Nitrogen Levels on Current Rate of Photosynthesis and Dry Matter Remobilization inTwo Cultivars of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

To study the effect of different amounts of nitrogen fertilizer on dry matter remobilization in two cultivars of rapeseed a factorial experiment was conducted in complete randomized block design with three replications in the 2010-2012 years in Rasht, Iran. The experimental factors were two cultivars of rapeseed (Sarigol and Hayola308) and nitrogen fertilizer rate (from urea source) at five levels of 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 kg ha-1 of N as 1/3 at planting 1/3 at stem elongation 1/3 before flowering. The results indicated that in the second year a higher dry matter remobilization (400 g m-2), current photosynthesis (1750 g m-2) and grain and oil yield (2149.8 and 927.2 kg ha-1 respectively) was achieved. Between nitrogen rates, application of 200 kg N ha-1 led to the highest current photosynthesis, dry matter remobilization, grain and oil yield. Hayola308 cultivar with 150 and 200 kg ha-1 of N indicated the highest oil yield (1518 and 1333 kg ha-1, respectively) and dry matter remobilization (531.5 and 492.4 g m-2 respectively). According to the results of the present experiment, it seems that cultivar Hayola308 with application of 150 kg N ha-1 can increase the current rate of photosynthesis, dry matter remobilization and oil yield of rapeseed, due to increase in the photosynthetic surfaces

Effect of Fe and Zn Micro Nutrients on Yield and Yield Components of Pimpinella anisum L.

The higher levels of essential elements in soil may be caused in optimum yields and crop quality. So it seems to be necessary to examine different levels of nutrients like Fe and Zn on plants and their productivity. To evaluate effects of iron and zinc application on yield and yield components of Pimpinella anisum an experiment was conducted at the research farm of Urmia University in 2009. Treatments, iron application (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6%) and zinc (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6%), were arranged as factorial based on randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Results showed the significant effect of interaction between iron and zinc on the number of seed in per plant,1000 seed weight, biomass yield, seed yield and harvest index (HI). The maximum value of the 1000 seed weight (2.22 g) was obtained from 0% of Fe and 0.2% of Zn, whereas the minimum value of the 1000 seed weight (1.92 g) belonged to 2% of iron and 0% of zinc. The highest number of seed per plant (762), maximum value of biomass yield (2652 kg/ha) and highest of seed yield (1372 kg/ha) were obtained from 0.6 and 0.4 percent of Fe and Zn and the lowest number of seed per plant (272), maximum value of biomass yield (716 kg/ha) and highest of seed yield (470 kg/ha) were obtained from 0 and 0.6 percent of Fe and Zn, respectively. The highest HI (66.18) was obtained at control treatment and the lowest one (46.67) at both 0.4 percent of Fe and Zn. The essential oil percent increase in average values of Fe and Zn spraying. But accumulation of Fe and Zn were the maximum in higher levels of spraying

Fodder value and physiological aspects of rainfed smooth vetch affected by biofertilizers and supplementary irrigation in an agri-silviculture system

In an agri-silviculture of the plum (Prunus domestica L. Cv. Opal), the forage quality of smooth vetch (Vicia dasycarpa L.) was evaluated. For this purpose, a two-year (2016 and 2017) factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications at Urmia University, Iran. The treatments included the combined and individual application of biofertilizers {Azotobacter chroococcum (Az), Thiobacillus spp. (Th)., Rhizophagus intraradices (AMF) and control} under rainfed and once supplementary irrigation. The results showed that irrigated plants contained higher P than rainfed plants. Dual inoculation with “AMF + Az” had higher Ash, K, CP and WSC than plants with fungal or bacterial inoculation alone. In comparison with control, biofertilizers improved the forage and protein yield by 32 and 45.50% under rainfed conditions and by 47 and 60.04% under supplementary irrigation, respectively. The amount of CAT, GR, APX, and SOD were reduced in rainfed plants, but the co-inoculation of mycorrhizal plants with Az and/or Th enhanced enzymatic antioxidants. In conclusion, the combined use of AMF and Az improved smooth vetch forage quantity and quality in irrigated plants as much as rainfed did, and hence it can be desirable for sustainable agriculture

Correction to: Fodder value and physiological aspects of rainfed smooth vetch affected by biofertilizers and supplementary irrigation in an agri-silviculture system (Agroforestry Systems, (2021), 10.1007/s10457-021-00695-7)

In the original publication of the article, Table 3 was incorrectly published. This has been corrected with this Correction. The original article has been corrected

Evaluation of the reaction of sunflower inbred lines and their F1 hybrids to drought conditions using various stress tolerance indices

In this study, 21 genotypes of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) derived from a half diallel cross between six inbred lines were evaluated in both water-stressed and well-watered environments. In each environment, the genotypes were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications. From the grain yield data, drought tolerance indices comprising of stability tolerance index (STI), mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), harmonic mean (HM), stress susceptibility index (SSI), tolerance index (TOL), yield index (YI) and yield stability index (YSI) were calculated for every genotype. The resulting data were analyzed as obtained from a randomized complete block design. Significant differences among genotypes were observed for all drought tolerance indices except for SSI and YSI. High yield value in non-stress and stress environments was exhibited by genotypes �LR4 × LR25� (14.02 g) and �LR25 × C100� (3.84 g) respectively. The maximum value of STI (0.93), MP (8.72), GMP (6.91) and HM (5.48) indices was by genotype �LR4 × LR25�. Correlation coefficients revealed that TOL, MP, GMP, STI, HM, and YI indices could effectively be used for screening of drought tolerant genotypes. Using MP, GMP, HM, TOL, YI and STI indices, genotypes UPGMA classification was done and three clusters were established that paralleled the biplot analysis results. According to results in this study, �LR4 × LR25� is the most drought tolerant genotype which was clustered as group A. We suggest that tolerance indices including MP, GMP and HM are suitable for sunflower drought tolerant genotypes selection.En este estudio, 21 genotipos de girasol (Helianthus annuus L.) derivados de un cruce medio dialélico entre seis líneas puras se evaluaron con y sin estrés hídrico. Para cada ambiente, los genotipos se evaluaron usando un diseño de bloques completos al azar con tres repeticiones. De los datos de rendimiento de grano se calcularon los índices de tolerancia a la sequía para cada genotipo: índice de estabilidad de la tolerancia sexual (ITS), productividad media (MP), productividad media geométrica (GMP), media armónica (HM), índice de susceptibilidad al estrés (SSI), índice de tolerancia (TOL), índice de rendimiento (YI) e índice de estabilidad del rendimiento (YSI). Los datos resultantes se analizaron como obtenidos a partir de un diseño de bloques completos al azar. Se observaron diferencias significativas entre los genotipos en todos los índices de tolerancia a la sequía a excepción de SSI y YSI. Los genotipos �LR4 × LR25� y �LR25 × C100� exhibieron un alto rendimiento en ambos ambientes (14,02 y 3,84 g, respectivamente); �LR4 × LR25� presentó el valor máximo de los índices STI (0,93), MP (8,72), GMP (6,91) y HM (5,48). Los coeficientes de correlación revelaron que los índices TOL, MP, GMP, STI, HM y YI podrían ser utilizados para la selección de genotipos tolerantes a la sequía. Utilizando los índices MP, GMP, HM, TOL, YI y STI, se hizo una clasificación UPGMA de los genotipos y se establecieron tres grupos análogos a los resultados del análisis biplot. De acuerdo a los resultados de este estudio, �LR4 × LR25�, del grupo A, es el genotipo más tolerante a la sequía. Se concluye que los índices de tolerancia MP, GMP y HM son adecuados para la selección de genotipos tolerantes a la sequía en girasol

Genetic analysis and QTL mapping of agro-morphological traits in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under two contrasting water treatment conditions

The present study was undertaken to investigate the genetic basis and map quantitative trait loci (QTLs), controlling agronomic traits in sunflower under well-watered and water-stressed conditions. Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) coming from the cross between sunflower parental lines PAC2 and RHA266 were evaluated in a rectangular 8x9 lattice design with two replications in each treatment conditions. High genetic variability and transgressive segregation was observed for all studied traits in both water treatment conditions. Significant correlations were observed among studied traits. QTL-mapping was performed using a recently developed SSR sunflower linkage map. One to eleven QTLs were found for studied trait across two water treatment conditions. The percentage of phenotypic variance (R-2) explained by QTLs ranged from 0.23 to 48.89%. Based on overlapping support intervals, the co-location of QTLs for studied traits was determined. QTLs controlling most of the traits were overlapped on different linkage groups, which was in accordance with the phenotypic correlation results among the traits. A comparative analysis of identified QTLs herein with those described in previous studies for drought adaptive traits revealed a number of QTLs in common. These QTLs have potential use in marker-assisted selection