تقی بابایی

Mahtab barley variety (line CB-84-10) was initially selected from International Winter Barley Crossing Block Nursery received from ICARD in 2001-2002 cropping season. During observational evaluation, preliminary yield trial and advanced yield trial during 2002-2005 cropping seasons based on its considerable grain yield compared to the other studied genotypes, this line was selected for final evaluation in the elite barley lines yield trial which was conducted in Karaj, Mashhad, Jolge rokh, Miandoab, Tabriz, Ardabil, Hamadan and Arak research stations during 2005-2007 cropping seasons. The average grain yield of Mahtab cultivar in this experiment was 7167 kgha-1, that was 591 kgha-1 (9%) higher than the grain yields of check variety Bahman. Mahtab has facultative growth habit, plant height of 88 cm, thousand kernel weight of 44 grams and exhibits lodging resistance and non-shattering rachis as well as wide adaptability across cold regions of the country. In addition, this variety has moderately-resistant (MR) to moderately-susceptible (MS) infection responses to yellow rust and powdery mildew and MR infection response to barley stripe and barley net blotch. The protein content of this variety is 11.5% that indicates its appropriate quality for animal feeding. Based on high biomass of Mahtab variety in the soft dough stage, this cultivar can be also used as green forage for animal feeding. Agricultural lands located in the cold regions of Alborz, Khorasan Razavi, Fars, East Azarbaijan, West Azarbaijan, Ardabil, Hamadan, Zanjan, Ghazvin, Markazi, Kurdistan, Kermanshah, Lorestan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Isfahan and Kerman provinces are appropriate areas for cultivation of the new cultivar.

Genotype × environment interaction is one of the complex issues in plant breeding programs to introduce high yielding and stable genotypes, which is evaluated using multi-regional experiments before the release of new cultivars. The presence of genotype × environment interaction causes the yield of cultivars to be affected by the environment and leads to differences in the yield of cultivars in different environments. AMMI and GGE-Biplot models are very important among the multivariate methods and have high resolution in identifying high yielding and stable genotypes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of promising bread wheat genotypes and to identify high yielding and stable genotypes in the cold climate of the Iran.

Fourtheen wheat genotypes with winter and intermediate (facultative) growth type along with Mihan, Heydari, Zarrineh and Zare varieties as controls (a total of 18 genotypes) were investigated in randomized complete block design with three replications in research stations of Karaj, Hamadan, Mashhad, Jalgarokh, Miandoab, Ardabil, Arak, Eqlid, Tabriz and Qazvin. To analyze the data, first analysis of variance was seprately done in each year and location, and then combined analysis of variance was performed for grain yield after confirming the homogeneity of the variances of experimental errors. AMMI and GGE-Biplot methods were used to investigate the stability of the studied genotypes. AMMI stability parameters and simultaneous selection indices were also calculated based on these parameters.

The results of combined analysis of variance showed that the main effect of environment and genotype and the interaction of genotype × environment accounted for 47.2, 9.8 and 28.3 percent of the total sum of squares, respectively. Genotypes G7, G8, G12, G2 and G1 had the highest grain yield and genotypes G15, G18, G10, G13, G14 and G16 had the lowest grain yield among the studied genotypes respectively. The results of AMMI analysis showed the existence of significant differences between environments, genotypes and their interactions. The first 12 significant principal components of AMMI analysis explained 98% of the genotype × environment interaction variance, and the first and second principal components explained a total of 46.27% of this variance. Based on the AMMI1 biplot, genotypes G8, G3, G1 and G4 and environments E9 and E5 with the higher grain yield than average grain yield and the lowest value of the first principal component were recognized as the most stable genotypes and environments. AMMI2 biplot did not identify a specific genotype as the genotype with general compatibility, however, G3 and G4 genotypes showed somewhat better general compatibility than the others. The simultaneous selection indices based on AMMI parameters identified G8, G12, G1, G4, and G3 genotypes with the lowest total rank as the stable and high yielding genotypes, respectively. The results of GGE-Biplot method based on biplot of the average yield and stability, introduced G8, G4, G3 genotypes followed by G1 as the most stable genotypes, due to grain yield higher than the average of the studied genotypes. Which-won-where biplot pattern divided the studied genotypes and environments into five and three groups, respectively, so that G12, G11, G3 and G4 genotypes in Karaj and Miandoab and G5, G7 and G8 genotypes in Jalgerokh and Mashhad showed better adaptation in both years. According to the biplot of the ranking of genotypes, there was no ideal genotype, but G8, G3, G5, G7 and G4 genotypes with the smallest distance from the hypothetical ideal genotype were identified as the best genotypes.

The results of this study showed that there is a little difference between AMMI and GGE-Biplot analyzes and both methods presented the same genotypes as superior genotypes. However, it is more logical to select genotypes using simultaneous selection indices based on AMMI analysis parameters, because all significant components are included in the calculation of these parameters. Therefore, based on simultaneous selection indices, genotypes G8, G12, G1, G4 and G3 with the lowest total rank are introduced as stable and high yielding genotypes.

Due to limited water resources in the country, irrigated wheat cultivars in cold and temperate cold regions are faced with lack of irrigation or limited irrigation at the end of the season. In these areas, most farmers who cultivate irrigated wheat due to lack of sufficient water in the spring cannot perform enough irrigation and therefore do not get the desired result from cultivating high-yielding cultivars. Development of new cultivars with high grain yield under terminal drought stress conditions is one of the major goals of wheat breeding program for cold regions of country. Heyran new bread wheat cultivar introduced from International Research Center for Maize and Wheat (CIMMYT) to Iran through an international nursery in 2010 and was evaluated in a primary trial in four research stations (Karaj, Jolge-Rokh, Ardabil and Mashhad), and due to its favorable characteristics was selected for further evaluation in preliminary yield trials in cold regions. This line showed grain yield of 8417 kgha-1 under normal irrigation compared to the check cultivars Orum, Zareh and Mihan (with average yields of 7679, 6828 and 7772 kgha-1, respectively), and under terminal drought conditions with an average seed yield of 4653 kgha-1, compared to the check cultivars Orum, Zareh and Mihan (with average yields of 4375, 3544 and 4358 kgha-1, respectively) and was selected in both conditions. Aforementioned line showed grain yield of 8340 kgha-1 in advanced yield trial of cold regions breeding program under normal conditions compared to check cultivars Orum, Zareh and Mihan (with average yields of 7518, 7613 and 8205 kgha-1, respectively) in five locations, selected for final evaluation in adaptability test. Grain yield of this line which was presented as CD-92-6 at the adaptability test was 4470 kgha-1 against 3711 and 3743 kgha-1 of Zareh and Mihan checks cultivars under water stress conditions, respectively, during two cropping seasons 2013-14 and 2014-15. This line showed overall mean grain yield, of 5143 kgha-1 under terminal drought stress conditions in extensional farmer’s fields. For these conditions checks cultivars Hydari and Mihan showed grain yields of 4808 and 4758 kgha-1, respectively. Grain yield potential of this line was recorded as 6323 kgha-1 in Khorasan Razavi farmers' field. According to the latest evaluations the response of this line to yellow rusts was resistant to semi sensitive under severe artificial infection. Wheat line CD-92-6 has considerable cold tolerance and good bread making quality and based on its good agronomic characteristics in 2019 this line was released as Heyran, for cultivation under terminal drought stress conditions in the cold agro-climatic regions.

 Yield under stress conditions has never been an accurate criterion for selecting drought-tolerant genotypes, and the goal of preparing drought-tolerant cultivars has always been to create cultivars that relatively tolerate stress better compared to other genotypes and in the same agricultural conditions, they show less yield loss. In most studies, only the seed yield is considered for the field selection of crops, while some researchers believe that in order to be more efficient in breeding compatible and superior cultivars in arid and semi-arid regions, the indicators that are effective in identifying the stability of cultivars under drought stress conditions should be identified and used them as selection index in addition to seed yield, therefore, the relative uield status of genotypes in drought stress conditions and water conditions is a starting point for identifying and selecting genotypes for improvement in dry environments. In semi-arid regions where the distribution of rainfall is not proportional, the yield potential in stress conditions is not considered the best criterion for drought tolerance, but in addition to yield stability, the comparison of yield in stress and optimal conditions is a more suitable criterion for the reaction of genotypes to moisture stress. Due to the fact that most of the studies related to indicators in crop species and especially wheat are done only in one place and one year and finally in a specific environment and the results are generalized to all environments and the variable effects of year and place are not taken into account in the calculation of indicators. In this regard, this research was carried out to evaluate the genotypes of autumn wheat in terms of drought tolerance, to select the best drought tolerance indices and to identify drought stress tolerant cultivars in different regions of the country's cold climate.

In this research project, 20 genotypes under normal irrigation and water deficit conditions in the form of randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in the research stations of Karaj, Mashhad, Miandoab and Arak, in the crop years of 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 were investigated. In order to investigate the drought tolerance of the genotypes, different tolerance and stress sensitivity indices were determined for the genotypes under investigation and the genotypes were grouped based on the sensitivity and tolerance to drought by each of these indices. Principal component analyzing was also used in order to summarize the data and draw a diagram based on the first two components and identify the desired indicators. Finally, biplot analysis was used to group genotypes and indices based on drought tolerance criteria.

Stress decreased the Yield of genotypes, but the amount of reduction was different in different genotypes. The average grain yield for all genotypes under normal irrigation conditions and drought stress at the end of the season was 7.002 and 5.215 tons per hectare, respectively, which showed that the stress conditions caused a decrease of about 25% in grain yield compared to normal irrigation conditions. The environmental and agricultural conditions of different regions and the studied years caused differences in the estimated indices so that the ranking of genotypes changed based on different indices in different years and regions therefore, it is better to carry out studies on stress tolerance indices in several places and several years so that the process of functional changes of different cultivars and genotypes is correctly determined and as a result, there is more confidence in the calculated tolerance and sensitivity indices. Genotypes G4, G2, G16 and G5 showed higher yield in both conditions. STI, MP, GMP, MSTI1, MSTI2, YI, HM, and RR had a positive and significant correlation with grain yield under normal and stress conditions, and therefore, they can be used for more favorable selection of drought tolerant genotypes.  Principal component analysis showed that indicators can be grouped using the first two components. The first principal component explained 53.16% of the changes in the total data and had a positive and significant correlation with yield in normal and stress conditions as well as MP, STI, GMP, YI, MSTI1, MSTI2, HM and RDY indicators. Due to the high correlation of this component with yield under normal and stress conditions, this component was named as the yield potential component under normal and stress conditions. The second estimated component justified 42.33% of the total data changes and showed a positive and significant correlation with yield in normal conditions and SSI, TOL, ATI, SSPI and RR indices. It seems that this component is able to identify genotypes that have high yield under stress conditions. Biplot analysis showed that HM, MP, STI, MSTI1, MSTI2, GMP, RDY, YI, and SNPI indices had a positive and high correlation with performance under stress and normal conditions. So that the sharp angles between these indices showed their positive and very high correlation with each other. RDI and YSI indices had a negative correlation with performance in normal conditions and RR, SSI, TOL and SSPI indices had a negative correlation with performance in stressful conditions.

 In order to achieve varieties resistant to drought stress by using indices, in order to prevent the mutual effects of the environment in the genotype, the experiments should be carried out in many years and places so that the effects of the environment in the calculated indices can be reduced and more reasonable results can be obtained. Finally, G4, G2, G16, G5 and G17 genotypes can be selected as genotypes with high performance under normal and stress conditions.

It is necessary to develop new sustainable high-yielding cultivars in drought-prone areas. The yield of cultivars in different environments is different and their yield rating varies from one environment to another. Reduction of interaction effects and production stability in different environments is one of the goals of breeding program and introducing cultivars in different regions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the genotype ×environment interaction effect in different cold climate regions of Iran and to determine the superior genotypes and introduce the most stable wheat genotype in these conditions.

To investigate of the stability of 17 wheat genotypes along with Mihan, Heydari and Zarineh cultivars (check cultivars) under water deficit conditions, these genotypes were tested in a randomized complete block designwith three replications in the research stations of Karaj, Hamedan, Mashhad, Jalgarokh, Miandoab and Ardabil in the two crop years 2018 to 2019. In order to check the stability of genotypes, AMMI and GGE-biplot analysis were used.

AMMI analysis showed that the first ten main components were significant and in total explained nearly 97% of the changes in the genotype × environment interaction and the two main components, the first and the second, contributed 46% to the expression of the genotype × environment interaction. Based on SSiASV and SSiWAAS indices G2, G19 and G4 were identified as the best genotypes, respectively. The G3 was the most stable genotype. GGE-biplot analysis showed that G16, G1, G3 and G7 had the highest general stability compared to other genotypes. G16 can be considered as a desirable genotype that has high average yield and high yield stability. G12 and G9 genotypes were in the next ranks. On the other hand, the ideal environment was not observed, but the environments of Mashhad, Ardabil and Karaj in the first year can be introduced as the closest environments to the ideal environment for the selection of superior wheat genotypes in water deficit condition in the cold climate of the Iran.

G3 was the most stable genotype, and then G16, G1 and G7 had the most general stability compared to other genotypes, so that G16 was identified as the desired genotype with high average yield and high yield stability. The environments of Mashhad, Ardabil and Karaj in the first year can also be used to select superior genotypes.

Studying the nature of the genotype×environment interaction provides the possibility of identifying stable and compatible genotypes for breeders, and it has always been one of the important issues in the production and release of new stable and high-yield cultivars in breeding projects. The current research was conducted with the aim of identifying the response of genotypes in each of the studied areas, based on AMMI and GGE biplot models and better understanding of the genotype×environment interaction and determining the level of public and private stability of cultivars. Twenty facultative and winter wheat genotypes were cultivated and evaluated in nine regions (18 environments) during the two crop years of 2017 to 2019 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. In order to analyze the compatibility and stability of genotypes, AMMI and GGE biplot models were used. The results of AMMI analysis showed that the main effect of genotype, genotype×environment interaction effect and the first six principal components were significant at the 1% probability level. The first and second principal components explained about 51% of the sum of squares of the genotype×environment interaction effect. Based on SSiASV and SSiWAAS simultaneous selection indices, genotypes G13, G1, G3, G2, G6, G16, and G7 were identified as the best genotypes. Biplot analysis showed that the genotypes G1, G3, and G6 with average yield had the highest general stability compared to other genotypes. None of the genotypes can be considered as desirable genotypes that have high average yield and high yield stability, but genotype G16 and in the next stage the genotypes G1 and G13 were close to the ideal genotype. Polygon biplot model divided environments into two environmental groups (macro environment) and genotypes into four groups. The first environmental group included Kar1, Kar2, Qaz1, Qaz2, Ham1, Ham2, Mia2, Egl1, Jol2, Ard2, and Ara1 environments, with G16, G17, and G4 genotypes having the highest yield. The second environmental group included Mas1, Mas2, Mia1, Ard1, Jol1, Ara1, and Egl2 environments, and in this macro environment G2, G11, G7, and G12 genotypes had the highest yield. Finally, the examination of the relationships among the environments showed a very high correlation among the investigated environments, which indicated the similar behavior of the genotypes in the most of the tested environments.

Kamal, is a new winter bread wheat cultivar developed by the national rainfed bread wheat breeding program for the cold and temperate dryland areas of Iran. New cultivar created by crossing between Sbn//Trm/k253 and 88Zhong218//Ctk/Vee/3/Kvz/Gv//Prl in Maragheh Research Station. Kamal was selected from segregating population from F2-F7 in Maragheh (2002-2008) based on agronomic characteristics. Based on results, Kamal grain yield means in preliminary and advanced regional yield trail was 2234 and 1719 kgha-1, respectively. Results of elite trail in cold and moderate research stations (2012-2015) showed that the grain yield mean of Kamal was 2120 and means of Azar2 and Ohadi cultivars were 2066 and 2083 kgha-1, respectively. Kamal cultivar in East Azerbaijan province was compared with conventional control cultivars in the farmer fields for 3 years and the results showed that the average grain yield of Kamal and checks were 2604 and 2230 kgha-1 respectively. Kamal is a winter type variety with time to heading of 143 days, 67 cm plant height, 40, gr. 1000 kernel weight, 11.4% protein content, 20 ml Zeleni numer, 41 degree of hardness, 27% wet gluten and 15 unit of gluten index. Results revealed that Kamal cultivar is tolerant to cold and drought stresses, with suitable earliness, and good bread quality but susceptible to yellow rust and leaf rust, this xultivar way and released in 2019 under the name of Kamal for cold and moderate cold dry areas of Iran.

In order to produce wheat lines with high tolerance to drought and cold stresses, Sadra variety was generated by a cross between Sardari (male) and promising line Azadi/Azar (female) in Maragheh research station. Results of studies in the cold and moderate cold research stations showed that the grain yield means of Sadra, Azar2 and Sardari cultivars were 2394, 2332 and 2214 kgha-1, respectively, so that grain yield of Sadra was 8% and 3% higher than Sardari and Azar2 check cultivars, respectively. Sadra has a good adaptability to different climatic conditions, so that the new cultivar possess a great potential to be more productive during years with higher precipitation. According to the results, the mean grain yield of Sadra, Azar 2 and Sardari cultivars under optimal rainfall conditions were 3330, 3045 and 2522 kgha-1, respectively. Sadra cultivar has good general adaptability and grain yield stability, winter growth habit, high tolerance to cold and drought stresses, date to heading of 137 days, plant height of 80 cm and 1000 kernel weight of 35 gr. One of the most important characteristics of Sadra is its bread-making quality, so that Sadra with Zeleni number of 33, protein content of 11.3%, hardness of 47, wet gluten content of 30, gluten index of 50 and SDS sedimentation volume of 55 has a great bread-making quality. Based on its high yield potential and other appropriate agronomic characteristics, Sadra cultivar was released for cultivation in the cold and moderate cold dryland conditions of Iran.

Release of new wheat cultivars with good characteristics such as high yield performance and resistance to diseases for specific regions under rainfed condition is an essential task for sustainability of wheat production. Saein was generated by crossing between: Azar2 and 87Zhong291 (with facultative growth type, high yield performance, good thousand kernel weight and resistance to diseases) in 1999-2000 in Maragheh Research Station. Grain yield means of Saein and Azar2 (as check cultivar) during 2006-2013 cropping seasons in Maragheh Research Station were 2601 and 2493 kgha-1 under rainfed condition and 3529 and 3223 kgha-1 with a supplementary irrigation at the sowing time, respectively. Results showed that Saein had also a specific adaptability in Ardabil regions and grain yield means of Saein (new cultivar), Ohadi and Azar2 (as check cultivars) in Ardabil were 1604, 1267 and 1355 kgha-1, respectively. Results of an on-farm study, in the farmer field in Ardabil province, showed that grain yield means of Saein and Azar2 during 2013-2014 cropping season were 2307 and 2275 kgha-1, respectively. The new cultivar is resistant to yellow rust, resistant to moderately resistant to leaf rust and also resistant to common bunt and dwarf bunt as well as resistant to cold damage, lodging and seed shuttering. New cultivar has winter growth type, white grain color, 76 cm plant height and 33 gr 1000 kernel weight. Based on its good characteristics, this line was released as a new wheat cultivar with the commercial name of Saein in 2015 and was recommended for cultivation in rainfed regions in Ardabil province, in the cold dryland areas in the north west of Iran and also in areas with the potential of supplementary irrigation.

Hashtrood, is a new winter bread wheat cultivar developed from evaluation of national bread wheat breeding program to cold and moderate dryland areas of Iran. New cultivar created by crossing between two advanced bread wheat lines in Maragheh research station. Hashtrood was selected from segregation populations from F2-F6 in Maragheh (2002-2007) based on its appropriate agronomic characteristics. Results of study on new cultivar in preliminary bread wheat yield trials and advanced regional yield trail in cold and moderate research stations (2008-2010) showed that, means of grain yield were 2611 and 2492 kgha-1, respectively. New cultivar was studied for 3 years (2010-2013) in ERBWYT in Maragheh, Qamlo, Zanjan, Ardebil, Sararood, Shirvan and Uromieh research stations. Based on results means of grain yield for Hashtrood, Azar2 and Ohadi were 2037, 1988 and 1970 kgha-1, respectively. Results of on-farm studies showed that means of grain yield for Hashtrood, Azar2 and Ohadi under farmer fields in East Azerbaijan were 1095, 952 and 896 kgha-1, respectively; and in Kermanshah provinces means of grain yield for Hashtrood, Azar2 and Rijaw were 1800, 1300 and 1332 kgha-1, respectively. Results revealed that Hashtrood cultivar is more tolerant to cold and drought stresses and also posses, earliness, moderate resistant to Ug99, higher 1000 kernel weight and good bread quality and therefore was released in 2015 for planting in cold and moderate cold areas of Iran.

Haydari was developed from the cross between Ghk"s"/Bow"s"//90Zhong87 line and Shiroodi cultivar in Cereals Research Field at Karaj in 1996-97 cropping season. The F1 generation and segregated populations were managed at Karaj from 1997 to 2003. The performance of Haydari was evaluated in breeding nursery trials across all the research stations in cold regions of the country from 2004 to 2008 and in on-farm and verification trials from 2008 to 2014. It expressed grain yield higher than the other genotypes and check cultivars throughout the experiments. High grain yield and tolerance to terminal drought make Haydari well-suited to the cold regions in Iran. The highest grain yield of Haydari was 10600 kg ha-1 under irrigated condition which reported from Hamedan experimental station in 2005-06 cropping season. It displayed resistance to stripe rust and moderate susceptibility to leaf rust and stem rust. Across all experimental sites over two years, the average grain yield of Haydari under optimum irrigation and post-anthesis drought stress conditions was 7.1 and 6.0 t ha-1 compared to 6.4 and 4.5 t ha-1 for Shahryar (check cultivar), respectively. Haydari has exhibited good general baking quality similar to check cultivar Shahryar. It is an awned and facultative in growth habit and its grain is hard and amber. Haydari was registered in 2015 and is appropriate for under optimum irrigation and post-anthesis drought stress conditions in cold regions of Iran.

Because of different biotic and abiotic stresses in the cold zone of Iran, especially winter coldness and occurrence of sudden cold in the late winter and early spring, release of new barley varieties possessing cold tolerance and resistance/tolerance to other stresses is the main objective of the barley breeding program in this zone. Newly released cultivar Jolge with pedigree of Makouee//Zarjow/80-5151was derived from the cross between cultivar “Makouee” and line “Zarjow/80-5151” as female and male parents, respectively, and subsequent selection among segregating populations till pure line stage at Cereal Research Department. Jolge is tolerant to winter cold and with average grain yield of 7361 kg per hectare which is 450 kg higher than check cultivar Bahman. Jolge mature earlier than other commercial varieties in the cold zone, and also its grain filling period is longer, and its thousand kernel weight is higher than check cultivar Bahman. Other advantages of this cultivar consist of high grain yield potential, high cold tolerance, resistance to yellow rust and powdery mildew, lodging resistance and non-shattering rachis. Jolge is the first released irrigated barley cultivar in the cold zone which its cross and all other breeding procedures is implemented in Iran.

Water deficit stress decreased the quality and quantity of crops. To investigate the effect of salicylic acid and drought stress at reproductive stages on agronomic and physiologicaltraits of different wheat genotypes, an experiment was carried out as split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications in Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center of Markazi province, Arak, Iran, in 2012-2013. The experimental factors were included irrigation with three levels (Non-drought stress as control, drought stress after anthesis along with foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) and drought stress after anthesis without salicylic acid) as main factor and seven wheat genotypes (Oroum, Zare, Mihan, Pishgam, Alvand, Roshan-back cross and C-78-14 line) as sub-factor. The results showed that drought stress decrease grain yield of the genotypes compared to normal condition. The maximum grain yield under three conditions, normal (9602.7 kg/ha), drought stress (4632.7 kg/ha) and drought stress along with foliar application of SA (4935.7 kg/ha) was belong to Oroum genotype. This genotype had low ion leakage under both normal and drought stress condition. Foliar application of SA increased the grain yield of Alvand, Roshan-back cross, Zare, Mihan, Pishgam, C-78-14 line and Oroum by 75.6, 49.2, 28.6, 20.21, 19.7, 12.05 and 6.5 percentage, respectively, under drought stress. In total, the results of this research showed that the highest response of agro-physiological traits to salicylic acid was belong to Alvand and Roshan-back cross under drought stress.

Deficiency of soil nutrient elements is one of the most important restricting factors of crop production. Hence, management of nutrition is necessary for optimizing of plant growth, yield increment and sustainability of crop production. In order to evaluate growth stages and some quantitative indices in winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) cultivars as affected by micronutrient fertilizers, a field experiment was performed in 2010-2011 cropping seasons as a split plot arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications in Arak, Iran. Eight micronutrient fertilizers (Zero as control, Fe, Zn, Mn, Fe + Zn, Fe + Mn, Zn + Mn, Fe + Zn + Mn) and four rapeseed cultivars (Zarfam, Okapi, Modena and Licord) were randomized in main plots and subplots, respectively. The result showed that, Okapi cultivar had the highest grain yield under no fertilization treatment (4194 kg/ha) and Zn + Mn (4011 kg/ha) treatments, respectively. Licord cultivar produced the highest grain yield (3998 kg/ha) at Mn treatment, but there were no significant differences between fertilizer levels. Okapi variety showed the highest biological yield as affected by Fe + Zn (13666 kg/ha), Zn + Mn (13221 kg/ha) and control (12944 kg/ha) treatments, respectively. In this experiment, the interaction between Licord Mn, Licord (Fe + Zn + Mn) and Okapi (Fe + Zn + Mn) had the highest harvest index (35.46, 34.77 and 32.23 percent), respectively. In addition, the interaction between Licord (Fe + Zn + Mn) showed the highest silique number (369.86) per plant. In general, seed yield and its component in rapeseed varieties showed different responses to micronutrient fertilizers. According to the results of this experiment, cultivation of Okapi and Licord varieties and application of Mn and Mn + Zn fertilizers cased to enhance seed yield of canola in Arak climatic conditions.

In order to evaluate the seed yield and qualitative traits and oil in some winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) varieties as affected by micronutrient elements, this experiment was performed during 2011 - 2012 cropping seasons as split plot arrangement in randomized complete block design with three replications, in Arak, Iran. Micronutrient fertilizers including of Zero as check, Fe, Zn, Mn, Fe + Zn, Fe + Mn, Zn + Mn, Fe + Zn + Mn as main plot and rapeseed varieties including of Zarfam, Okapi, Modena and Licord as sub plot, comprised the experimental factors. The results showed that Okapi variety had the highest seed yield as affected by check (4194 kg/ha) and Zn + Mn (4011 kg/ha) treatments, respectively. In this research, Licord variety showed the highest seed content of Zinc at check and Fe + Mn treatments. The greatest seed content of copper obtained in Modena variety and Fe + Zn treatment. The greatest seed content of iron was shown in Modena vatiety, Fe and Fe + Zn treatments. Also, the highest seed content of manganese obtained in Modena variety and Zn + Mn treatment. In general, Zn + Mn treatment increased seed yield and oleic acid in Okapi variety. Hence, these treatments could be recommendable in Arak region and similar agroclimatic conditions.

To classify the wheat breeding research stations of Iran, 15 lines/cultivars with different growth habits and vernalization requirements were grown in three sowing dates (12 Oct., 01 Nov. and 21 Nov.) in 18 research field stations in 2005-2008 cropping seasons. Experiments were carried out as split plot arrangements in randomized complete block design with three replications. Sowing dates were assigned to main plots and genotypes were randomized in sub-plots. Grain yield from all filed stations in three years were analyzed to determine the suitable sowing date for each location. Combined analysis of variance showed that the first date of sowing (Oct. 12) was suitable for most of the locations except Zarghan and Isfahan where the first and second dates of sowing were not significantly different. The third date of sowing was not suitable for any of test locations. Cluster analysis based on mean of the days to heading of genotypes in each date of sowing grouped 18 research stations into three groups:1) Varamin, Mashhad, Karaj, Zarghan, Isfahan, Khorramabad and Neishabour. 2) Ardebil, Arak, Hamadan, Miandoab, Kermanshah (Islamabad), Qazvin, Zanjan, Khoy, Jolgeh Rokh and Eqlid. 3) Darab. In the first and third groups spring wheat genotypes had higher grain yield, whereas in the second group winter and facultative wheat genotypes performed better.

Zareh was primarily received as an introduction wheat within the Winter Wheat Observation Nursery for Irrigated Areas (WWON-IR) with pedigree of 130L1.11//F35.70/Mo73/4/Ymh/Tob//Mcd/3/Lira from CIMMYT-Turkey in 2001-02 cropping season. Zareh was tested as C-83-8 in yield trials under normal irrigation and post-anthesis drought stress conditions in cold regions of Iran. It outyielded Shahryar (national check cultivar) under normal irrigation (7550 vs. 7254 kgha-1) and post-anthesis drought stress conditions (4893 vs. 4328 kgha-1), so it is recommended for cultivation under both conditions. Zareh is a winter wheat with red kernel. Its average height is 98 cm and it is resistant to the yellow rust. Its average thousand kernel weight under normal irrigation and drought condition was 40 and 31 gram, respectively. Zareh has grains with average protein and gluten content of 11.4% and 31.5%, respectively. Zareh was officially released in September 2010 for cultivation in cold regions of Iran with post-anthesis drought stress conditions.

Mihan is a new bread wheat cultivar originated from the cross between Iranian cultivar Barakat with the Chinese cultivar 90-Zhong 87 at Karaj Research Station in 1995-96 cropping season. The F1 plants were grown at Karaj in 1996-97 cropping season, furthermore F2-F6 populations and regional preliminary yield nursery were evaluated at Ardebil Agricultural Research Station during 1997-2003 cropping seasons. Mihan was tested as C-84-8 prior to release. Mihan has been tested in yield trials under normal irrigation and post-anthesis drought stress conditions in cold regions of Iran. It yielded well under both conditions. The mean grain yield of Mihan under normal irrigation and post-anthesis drought stress conditions was higher (7787 and 5967 kgha-1) than the mean yield of national check cultivar Shahryar (7064 and 4714 kgha-1), respectively. Mihan is a winter wheat with amber kernel. Its average height is 84 cm and is resistant to the yellow rust. Its average thousand kernel weight under normal irrigation and drought condition was 43 and 34 gram, respectively. Mihan has grains with average protein and gluten contents of 11% and 26.4, respectively. Mihan was officially released in January 2011 for cultivation in cold regions of Iran with post-anthesis drought stress condition.

To study the genetics of drought tolerance in bread wheat, the bi-plot of diallel data was used. Parents (Alvand, Bezostaya, Navid, Roushan, Gaspard, Sardary and Shahriar) and their crosses (without reciprocal crosses) were studied in 2007 using a Randomized Complete Block (RCB) design with three replications under normal and stress conditions. Analysis of variances indicated significant differences among genotypes for all traits. The GGE bi-plot graphical as well as AMMI methods were used for evaluation of cultivar potential. Investigated traits were 1000 kernel weight, kernel weight per plant, spike weight, spike length, plant height, awn length, peduncle length and kernel number per spike. For 1000 kernel weight, Roushan cultivar was the best general combinator. Moreover, Navid and Shahriar cultivars were the best specific combinatory, so that Navid × Shahriar cross was the best hybrid and for all other traits, the Alvand × Sardary was the best hybrid. These results were confirmed by AMMI method. Alvand cultivar was the best tester for 1000 kernel weight. For kernel weight per plant, Roushan cultivar, for spike weight, spike length, plant height and kernel number per plant Gaspard cultivar and for awn length and peduncle length Sardary and Alvands cultivars had the highest general combining ability.

In order to investigate the effects of terminal drought stress on yield, yield components and assimilate remobilization in 8 wheat cultivars and lines for introducing of drought tolerance and susceptible ones, two experimental separated designs were occur using randomized complete blocks with three replications. A field study was conducted in 2009 in Agriculture and Natural Resources Experiment Station of Markazi province. The first experiment was water stress in post flowering stage and second experiment was irrigation with normal regime. The yield and yield components, plant height, day to flowering, harvest index and peduncle length were measured in this study. Response of cultivars and lines under optimum irrigation and water stress conditions were different. Water stress reduced most traits a well as yield and yield components. Results showed that some cultivars at water stress condition, showed tolerance and had relatively high yield For example, lines C-84-4 and C-82-12 showed high more tolerance under optimum and water stress, condition lines C-78-14 and Shariar cultivar showed high yield at optimum irrigation and lines C-81-14 and C-83-7 showed high yield at water stress condition. In order to evaluate stress indices among cultivars and lines we used 6 indices such as harmonic mean (Harm), stress tolerance index (STI), tolerance index (TOL), Mean productivity (MP), stress susceptibility index (SSI) and Geometric mean productivity (GMP). Results showed that all of these indices were the best, because there were the greatest correlations between yield and harvest index under water stress and optimum irrigation.