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The Amin wheat cultivar, with the pedigree "KAUZ/LUCO-M//PVN/STAR/3/ Yaco/2*Parus/4/Pishtaz", was developed through a national irrigated bread wheat breeding program for the temperate climate of Iran. Initial and advanced crosses were conducted at the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute in Karaj, Iran, while the evaluation and selection of segregating generations (F2-F6) carried out at the Zarghan Research Station in Fars Province. Selected lines, including M-94-14, advanced to both preliminary and advanced yield trials. Under optimal irrigation conditions in temperate climate adaptation trials, the M-94-14 line (Amin cultivar) achieved an average grain yield of 6950 kgha-1, representing a 3.9% and 5.7% yield advantage over the control cultivars Parsi and Baharan, which yielded 6688 and 6574 kgha-1, respectively. This line exhibited desirable baking quality traits, including favorable grain protein content, Zeleny sedimentation volume, bread loaf volume, grain hardness index, and SDS sedimentation height. Additionally, it demonstrated acceptable resistance to yellow and leaf rusts. On-farm trials across various regions showed that the Amin cultivar achieved a grain yield of 6820 kgha-1 under optimal irrigation conditions, outperforming the average grain yield of control cultivars, which was 6609 kgha-1. Given the superior performance of this line compared to existing cultivars in temperate climate of Iran, the M-94-14 line was officially released as the Amin cultivar in 2019.

In crop season 2012-2013 wheat genotype "Frncln/Rolf07" was introduced to Iran within an international nursery received from CIMMYT and was studied in experiment of evaluation of yield and agronomic characteristics of spring wheat genotypes in international nurseries in temperate regions. Then in 2013-2014 crop season, it was selected in a preliminary regional wheat yield trial under normal irrigation with an average yield of 8114 kgha-1 compared to the check cultivars Parsi, Sirvan, Pishtaz and sivand, respectively, with grain yield of 8.035, 8.022, 6.914 and 7.985 kgha-1. This cultivar was further investigated in the advanced regional wheat yield trial of temperate regions of the country during 2014-2015 and with average grain yield of 7093 kgha-1 compared to 6495 and 6423 kgha-1 yield of check cultivars Parsi and Sirvan, respectively, and was selected for adaptation evaluation. The average yield of M-94-15 line in temperate climate adaptation experiment during the 2015-2017 crop season under normal conditions was 7231 kgha-1 verses 6688 kgha-1 of Parsi cultivar and 6574 kgha-1 of Baharan cultivar and in general, total mean grain yield was 3% higher than the average of whole genotypes. Due to the good condition of M-94-15 line reaction to stripe rust (O-30MR) and leaf rust (O-30MSS) diseases, as well as the resistance to grain shattering and good bread making quality, this line was selected for study at the level of farmers' fields. Wheat line M-94-15 based on its favorable agronomic characteristics, suitable earliness and good bread making quality was released in 2019 as Farin for cultivation in temperate agro-climatic regions.

IntroductionProduction of high-yielding and stable cultivars is the most important objective of crop breeding programs, including wheat. The final yield of each plant is determined by the potential of genotype (G), the effect of environment (E) and the interaction effect of genotype × environment (GE). Several methods have been presented to study the genotype × environment interaction and determine stable genotypes, which can totally be divided into two main categories, univariate and multivariate. Univariate methods do not provide a complete view of the complex and multidimensional nature of GE interaction, therefore, the use of multivariate methods is suggested to solve this problem. Among the multivariate methods, AMMI and GGE-Biplot methods are more important. The objective of the current experiment was to investigate the interaction between genotype and environment for grain yield of 20 wheat genotypes and to identify stable and high-yielding genotypes.Materials and methods The plant materials of this experiment were 20 wheat genotypes including 18 irrigated wheat lines along with two control cultivars, Rakhshan and Baharan. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in five temperate regions (Karaj, Kermanshah, Zarghan, Boroujerd and Mashhad stations) during two cropping years 2019-2020. Two multivariate methods, AMMI and GGE-Biplot, were used to investigate the interaction effect of genotype × environment and to evaluate the stability of genotypes. R software was used to analyze the experimental data using the AMMI method, and Genstat software was used to analyze the data using the GGE biplot graphic method.Research findingsThe results of combined analysis of variance showed that the interaction effect of genotype × year and genotype × year × location were significant at the 1% probability level. Based on the results of AMMI analysis, the effect of environment, genotype and genotype × environment interaction were significant. Based on AMMI1 and AMMI2 models, AMMI stability value (ASV) parameter and genotype stability index (GSI), genotype 12 with an avearage grain yield of 8.27 tons per hectare was determined as the best genotype. The study of GGE-biplot polygon led to the identification of three mega-environments, that Boroujerd had the highest power of representation and differentiation among different environments. Genotypes 12 and 9, in addition to having high yield, had higher yield stability. Genotypes 12 and 9 were placed in the center of the circle as the ideal genotype and genotypes 5, 7 and 18 were ranked next. Based on the results of both methods, genotype 12 was identified as the most stable genotype.ConclusionThe results of AMMI, AMMI stability index (ASV) and genotype stability index (GSI) compared to GGE biplot results showed that all these indices have a good potential to evaluate the performance stability of genotypes. Nevertheless, GGE biplot results are more effective and practical in examining the compatibility and stability of genotypes' performance in different environments due to the ease of interpreting graphical results.

A bread wheat breeding line that led to release of Tallaei cultivar introduced from International Research Center for Maize and Wheat (CIMMYT) to Iran through an international nursery in 2009 and was evaluated in a primary trial in Islam Abad-Gharb research station and due to its favorable characteristics was selected for further evaluation. This line showed grain yield of 6967 and 5370 kgha-1 under normal irrigation and terminal drought conditions, respectively, while mean grain yields of four check cultivars: Parsi, Sivand, Bahar and Pishtaz for those two conditions were 6857 and 3850 kgha-1, respectively, Aforementioned line showed grain yield of 4851 kgha-1 in advanced yield trial of temperate regions breeding program under water deficit conditions compared to 4631 khha-1 of drought tolerant check cultivar "Sirvan" in three locations, hence selected for final evaluation in adaptation trial. Grain yield of this line which was presented as M-91-18 at the adaptation trial was 7563 and 6385 kgha-1 against 8022 and 6200 kgha-1 of Parsi check cultivar under normal and water stress conditions, respectively, during two cropping seasons 2012-13 and 2013-14. This line showed overall mean grain yield, of 9583 and 8042 kgha-1 in normal irrigation and water deficit conditions under extensional farmer fields, respectively. For these two conditions check cultivar Parsi showed 7875 and 6828 kgha-1 records. Grain yield potential of this line was recorded as 10070 and 10670 kgha-1 in Alborz and Kermanshah farmers' fields, respectively. According to the latest evaluations the response of this line to yellow and leaf rusts was moderately resistant under severe artificial infection. Wheat line M-91-18 has considerable earliness and good bread making quality and based on its good agronomic characteristics in 2017 this line was released as Tallaei, for cultivation under normal and terminal moisture stress conditions in temperate agro-climatic regions.

This study was conducted with the objective of analyzing genotype × environment (GE) interaction on grain yield of 20 bread wheat promising lines. The experiment carried out using randomized complete blocks design with three replications in eight experimental stations in temperate regions of Iran in two cropping seasons (2015-2017). To assess the yield stability and adaptability of genotypes non-parametric ranking statistic and some univariate stability statistics as well as GGE biplot method were used. Combined analysis of variance revealed that genotype × year × location and year × location interaction effects on grain yield were significant. Mean comparison showed that promising lines; G16, G12, G10 and G15 had the highest grain yield, respectively. Nonparametric ranking analysis showed that genotypes; G4, G12, G14, G15 and G16 with the lowest ranks and standard deviation of ranks had the highest yield stability. The GGE biplot analysis differentiated environments into three sub-environmental groups with top-yielding genotypes. Using GGE biplot showed that genotypes; G2, G3, G13, G14, G18, G4 and G1 had higher grain yield stability, respectively. Based on non-parametric ranking statistic and GGE biplot, genotype G14 was identified as genotype with highest yield stability. According to the results of this tsudy genotypes G14: KAUZ/LUCO-M//PVN/STAR/3/Yaco/2*Parus/4/Pishtaz (Amin), G15: FRNCLN/ROLF07 (Farin), and G16: MUU/KBIRD had high grain yield potential and stability performance and have been recommended for release as new cultivars for the temperate agro-climatic zone of Iran.

Salinity stress is one of the major problems for crop production. Barley is one of the best salt tolerant plants and is widely cultivated in the saline soils, but all stages of its growth as well as its grain yield are affected by salt stress. Golshan  was resulted from the cross between Nik cultivar as female parent and an Iranian landrace with 1-BC-80320 collection code, as male parent. Crossing and selection processes of this variety were carried out in experimental farm of Seed and Plant Improvement Institute (SPII), Karaj, Iran. Yield trials were performed under salinity stress in Yazd, Isfahan and Birjand research stations (EC of soil and water: 10-14 dsm-1). The result showed that Golshan with grain yield of 4392 kgha-1 had 17% higher yield performance compared to check cultivar Khatam with grain yield of 3752 kgha-1. Evaluation of salt tolerance related traits such as chlorophyll content, plant height, number of yellow leaves, root length, root weight, shoots to root ratio, biomass and potassium to sodium ratio under hydroponic controlled condition showed that Golshan had high tolerance to salinity stress. This new variety has spring growth habit and its average plant height under salinity condition was 65 cm. Golshan has semi-susceptible to susceptible reaction to the barley leaf diseases. Golshan has six-rowed spike with average of 12.3% protein content and is recommended for cultivation in the saline areas in the temperate regions of the country.

Torabi wheat cultivar introduced to iranian wheat breeding program through an international nursery from CIMMIT (28th SAWSN) in 2010 and was evaluated under terminal drought stress implemented from the flowering stage in 2010-2011 cropping season. Then in 2011-2012 cropping season it was tested in the preliminary regional wheat yield trial under terminal drought stress in Karaj and was selected based on its average grain yield of (4878 kgha-1) compared to the average grain yield of (3939 kgha-1) Parsi check cultivar. This cultivar was further studied in the advanced regional wheat yield trial in the temperate regions of the country during 2012-2013 and with average grain yield of 6634 kgha-1 under drought stress condition compared to 6073 and 6768 kgha-1 yields of check cultivars Parsi and Sirvan, respectively, was selected for evaluation in the adaptability and yield stability. The average grain yield of Torabi (line M-92-20) in adaptability experiment during the years 2013-2015 under drought stress conditions was 6516 kgha-1 compared to 6110 kgha-1 of Sirvan check cultivar and 5697 kgha-1 of Parsi check cultivar and also its total grain yield mean was 3% higher than the average grain yields of all genotypes. Due to the resistant reaction of the line M-92-20 to stripe and leaf rust diseases, as well as the early maturity and very good bread making quality, this line was selected for evaluation in the on-farm trials in farmer’s fields. Overall in farmer’s fields, this line had grain yield mean of 8637 kgha-1 under normal irrigation, and 5672 kgha-1 under water deficit conditions compared to the average yield of check cultivars with 6150 kgha-1 under optimal conditions and 5104 kgha-1 under water deficit conditions.

To date, wheat counts as one of the most important cereal grains, feeding the increasing world population (Feldmann, 2001). Evaluation of the genetic diversity of wheat genotypes will provide a great opportunity to improve its yield quality and increase its grain output. The results of previous studies on wheat have shown correlations among grain yield and its components such as number of tillers, spike length, grain number per spike, thousand-kernel weight and harvest index. However, because of complex relations among different traits and their interactions with grain yield of wheat, simple correlations of these traits can not be directly and unequivocally used to clarify those relationships. Therefore, different statistical techniques can be employed in modeling the crop yield, including correlation, regression, path analysis, factor analysis, factor components, and cluster analysis (Leilah & Al-Khateeb 2005). The goal of this study was to identify variability in grain yield and some agronomic and morphological traits and their relationship among 150 doubled haploid wheat lines. Materials and Methods In this study, morphological and phenotypic traits of 150 doubled haploid wheat lines derived from three different crosses: 1) DH-26: Ghods*3/MV17, 2) DH-27: Flanders/3*Ghods, 3) DH-28: Hybrid Bersee/*3Ghods, which consisted of 75, 45 and 30 individuals, respectively, were evaluated. The experiment was conducted using an augmented design with six check cultivars including Parsi, Mihan, Bolani, Ghods, Hybrid Bersee and MV17, which were repeated over five blocks. Some agronomic traits such as days to %50 of flowering, days to maturity, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike, thousand kernel weight, plant height, grain density per spike and grain yield of DH lines as well as check cultivars were evaluated. DH lines were classified with hierarchical cluster analysis using Ward method as well as using multivariate statistical methods such as factor analysis, stepwise regression and path analysis. Statistical procedures were carried out using SAS 9.0 and SPSS 16 software packages. Results and Conclusion The analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences for days to %50 of flowering, days to maturity, spike length, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike, thousand kernel weight, plant height, grain density per spike and grain yield. The determination of coefficients of variations for phenotypic and physiological traits of all three DH populations indicated that most of the studied traits had a high genetic variability. Evaluation of grain yield among different population showed that DH-26 population with an average grain yield of 4.885 T/ha had higher grain yield compared to other two populations, although within each population several lines with higher yields and superior agronomic and morphological traits than their parents and control cultivars were identified. The coefficients of correlations among yield components showed that grain yield had a positive and significant correlation with grain weight per spike and thousand-kernel weight while its correlation with days to 50% of flowering, days to maturity and number of spikelets per spike was negative and significant. The results of factor analysis indicated that three major factors effective on earliness, spike and plant height explained %68.47 of the total variation. The results of stepwise regression analysis showed that thousands kernel weight had the most important effect on grain yield and explained 8.8% of the variation. The path analysis of data indicated that, number of spikelets per spike and thousand-kernel weight had the highest direct effects on grain yield. The current genetic variability of DH lines, which are derived from parents with good agronomic traits, especially yellow rust resistance (Bakhtiar et al., 2015), can be employed for the selection of the superior genotypes that possess all beneficial characteristics. 

In this study, adaptability and grain yield stability of 18 bread wheat promising lines and two commercial cultivars (Parsi and Baharan) were evaluated using randomized complete blocks design with three replications in 2015-17 cropping seasons in eight experimental stations; Karaj, Kermanshah, Zarghan, Broujerd and Mashhad (under normal irrigation), Neishabour, Isfahan and Varamin (cessation of irrigation at the 50% heading stage), Iran. Combined analysis of variance showed significant genotype × year × location and year × location interaction effects on grain yield. Due to the significant effects of these interactions, the grain yield stability of genotypes as well as genotypes × environments interaction effects were evaluated using non-parametric ranking statistic and AMMI multivariate stability analysis. Mean comparison of grain yield showed that promising lines 16, 12, 10 and 15 had the highest grain yield, respectively. Non-parametric ranking analysis showed that promising lines; 4, 12, 14, 15 and 16 with the lowest ranks and standard deviation of ranks had the highest grain yield stability, respectively. By using biplot graphic of the first two components of AMMI, genotypes 2, 4, 13 and 14 were identified as genotypes with high yield stability, respectively, which also had the least AMMI stability values. Considering grain yield and other agronomic characteristics, promising lines; 14, 15 and 16 that had high grain yield and yield stability and were selected for being released as new commercial cultivars in temperate regions of Iran.

Variation and selection play a key role in breeding programs. The proper selection is related to the desired variation in the desired trait. In order to take advantage of the existing variation; the evaluation of germplasm resources is necessary. Genotype–environment interactions are particularly important for breeders and one of the complex issues in breeding programs is the selection of high yielding and stable crop genotypes. Therefore, knowledge of the genotype–environment interactions is a necessity to evaluate new cultivars in different environments. GGE biplot model is one of the most used multivariate methods in the study of genotype–environment interactions that is performed based on principal component analysis (Yan et al., 2010).

In order to select the superior lines from the elite spring bread wheat yield trial (17ESBWYT), 50 spring bread wheat lines (considering Parsi culivar as a local check) were studied at three stations (Karaj, Kermanshah and Zarghan), which represent moderate climate regions of Iran. The experiments were conducted in the randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in the 2016- 2017 growing season. The plant materials had been received from the international center for agricultural research in the dry areas (ICARDA). The measured traits included days to heading (DHE), days to maturity (DMA), plant height (PLH), thousand grain weight (TKW), seed filling period (SFP), seed filling rate (SFR), grain yield (GY), relative yield to mean (RYM), relative yield to local check (RYLC) and plant response to yellow rust (YR) and leaf rust (LR). Homogeneity of the variances in different environments was tested following Bartlett's test. Then, the combined analysis of variance and stability analysis were performed using GGE biplot method. Data was analyzed using GGE biplot4, heatmapper, SAS and Excel.

The combined analysis of variance confirmed that the effects of environment, genotype and interaction between them were statistically significant. Mean comparison of grain yield showed that the highest grain yield (6.489-ton ha-1 ) was achieved with the genotype no 32 and the lowest grain yield (4.728-ton ha-1) was related to the genotype no 25. Total mean of grain yield at stations of Karaj, Kermanshah and Zarghan was 6.589, 5.317 and 4.753-ton ha-1 respectively. The correlation biplot of the environments revealed that the location of Kermanshah had a positive correlation with Karaj and Zarghan, because the angles of the vectors were less than 90◦, exhibiting a positive correlation among the environments. Also, there was a weak correlation between Karaj and Zarghan, indicating that two environments have been almost independent of each other because the angle of the vectors was 90◦ (Yan & Rajcan, 2002). The yield and stability of the genotypes were evaluated using the average-environment coordination (AEC) view. Presence of genotypes on this axis is approximation of grain yield (Yan et al., 2000). Hence, the genotypes no 32, 18, 24, 28, 31, 14, 33, 19, 29 and 2 had the highest grain yield. The vertical axis of AEC biplot also showed the interaction between genotype and environment and determined the stability of the genotypes. Therefore, among the genotypes that gave a high grain yield, the genotypes no 32, 18, 24, 14, 29 and 2 were the most stable for grain yield. The final selection of the genotypes was carried out considering the response of genotypes to yellow rust and leaf rust and other desirable traits.

In the current study, 50 genotypes of bread wheat were evaluated in terms of grain yield, response to yellow rust and leaf rust and some desirable agronomic traits at three stations (Karaj, Kermanshah and Zarghan) representing moderate climate regions of Iran. Considering the results of GGE biplot method and response to yellow rust, leaf rust and other desirable agronomic traits, eight genotypes: no 32, 24, 28, 14, 33, 19, 29, and 2 were selected as superior lines and were conducted to preliminary regional wheat yield trial (PRYWT) in the moderate climate regions of Iran. It is hoped that in the coming years a new cultivar will be released among the selected genotypes in wheat breeding programs in moderate climate regions of Iran, after preliminary and adaptation experiments.

Drought Stress is one of the most important and common environmental stresses that restricts agricultural production and reduces production efficiency in semi-arid and dryland areas (Sarmadnia, 1993). Information on yield stability of genotypes under both favorable and drought stress conditions is essential to identify drought-tolerant genotypes by plant breeders and genotypes with good performance in both environments are preferred (Uddin et al., 1992). In International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMIT), the F3 and F4 generations are selected under limited irrigation conditions. The selected plant materials in the fifth and sixth generations are evaluated under normal conditions, and in seventh and eighth generations performance comparison and other evaluations are studied under water stress and natural conditions. This method of evaluation and selection under stress and non-stress conditions has been suggested and applied by many researchers on wheat and other crops (Ehdaie et al., 1988). The goal of this study was selection of drought tolerant bread wheat lines based on their tolerance indices and pedigree analysis.

In this experiment, 291 lines and cultivars of bread wheat along with four check cultivars including Parsi, Pishtaz, Sirvan, and Sivand were evaluated to identify tolerant genotypes for terminal drought using two identical experiments, one under non-stress condition and the other one under drought stress condition (irrigation cut-off after 50% of anthesis). Experiments were conducted using the observational method without replication. During the developmental stages, the traits including green percentage, days to heading, days to maturity, plant height, grain color, thousand-grain weight, lodging percentage, shattering and grain yield per plot were recorded. Drought susceptibility and tolerance indices such as STI, SSI, GMP, MP and TOL were calculated for all the investigated entries based on 1000-grain weight and grain yield. In order to investigate the genetic background of selected lines, the percentage of genetic contributions of each genotype was calculated based on the pedigree of the lines.

The results indicated that under both stress and non-stress conditions, the selected lines were relatively early mature. Comparison of arithmetic means (MP), geometric mean (GMP) and drought tolerance index (STI) of the genotypes revealed that selection based on these criteria leads to the selection of high yield genotypes under both stress and non-stress conditions. In terms of grain yield, genotypes 33, 2, 34, 23, 10 and 11 had the lowest SSI, which was associated with a higher yield of these lines under drought stress. Also, in terms of 1000-grain weight, genotypes 10, 11, 32, 33, 34, 8 and 5 had the lowest SSI indices where this trait was significantly correlated with high seed weight under drought stress. Lines 11, 14 and 34 had the highest STI index for grain yield and 1000-grain weight, which was significantly associated with high grain yield and 1000-grain weight under normal conditions. Finally, 34 superior drought tolerant lines were selected in two stages according to STI and SSI indices. Pedigree analysis of the selected lines showed that genotypes PASTOR, WBLL1, SKAUZ, and Y50E had contributions of 11.21%, 6.34%, 4.04%, and 4.04% in germplasm composition under drought condition, respectively, indicating their impact on drought tolerance. On the other hand, genotypes CHIBA, KACHU and 1-73-240 had 0.01%, 0.02%, and 0.02% contribution in germplasm composition under drought conditions, respectively, showing no influence in drought tolerance.

The results of this study showed that the genetic structure of some Iranian wheat cultivars such as Omid, Pishtaz, Parsi, Marvdasht, Alborz and Atrak, respectively, made contributions of 2.78%, 2.39%, 1.47%, 1.47% and 1.44% to the genome of the selected lines. Finally, it was suggested that, in addition to the above-mentioned Iranian cultivars, breeding lines derived from genotypes such as PASTOR, KAUZ, SKAUZ, WBLL1, PBW343, Y50E and MUNAL #1 can be used in breeding programs to produce suitable germplasm with early maturity and tolerance to terminal-drought stress for temperate climate of Iran.

A breeding hexaploid wheat line named later Rakhshan was introduced to Iran through the CIMMYT 41th-IBWSN international nursery with pedigree of " SHARP/3/PRL/SARA//TSI/VEE#5/5/VEE/LIRA//BOW/3/BCN/4/KAUZ " in 2008. This line showed average grain yield of 9019 kg/ha compared to check cultivars Pishtaz, Shiraz, Marvdasht and Bahar average with 9060 kg/ha in Karaj, Kermanshah and Zarghan during 2008-09 crop season. This genotype showed grain yield of 8710 kg/ha compared to 7910 kg/ha of four check cultivars: Parsi, Sivand, Bahar and Pishtaz in Karaj, Zarghan, Neishabour, Isfahan and Islam Abad-Gharb during 2009-10. This line was tested in advanced and replicated trials over same 5 locations at 2010-2011 with recorded grain yield of more than 7 t/ha and measured good bread making quality. The adaptation and stability of this line was evaluated in a 2 years' experiment tested over 8 stations during 2011-13 period which recorded grain yield of 7.695 t/ha against 7.582 of Parsi and 7.547 t/ha of Sivand. During testing of this variety under on-farm and demonstrational trials in farmer fields during 2013-15 over several locations of temperate zone under normal irrigation conditions, average grain yield of 8.233 t/ha against 7.734 t/ha of Parsi cultivar was recorded. It showed also potential of 10.116 and 11.290 t/ha grain yields in Kermanshah and Alborz provinces respectively. According to the final investigations, reaction of Rakhshan to yellow rust and leaf rust was recorded as 0 to 30MS in the inoculated nurseries. In case of stem rust race Ug99 reaction was 40MR in Kenya. Bread making quality of this variety is good and it is relatively an early maturity variety.

A breeding hexaploid wheat line named later WS-89-7 was introduced to Iran within the CIMMYT 28th-ESWYT international nursery with " KAUZ/PASTOR//PBW343 " pedigree in 2007. This line showed average grain yield of 6.352 t/ha compared to check cultivars Pishtaz and Bahar average with 6.463 t/ha in Karaj and Zarghan during 2007-08 crop season. This genotype due to good grain yield of 10.842 t/ha in normal irrigation treatment and 6.773 t/ha under terminal water stressed treatment of preliminary regional wheat yield trial selected in Karaj during 2008-09. The check variety Pishtaz performance for these two conditions was 9.376 t/ha and 6.264 t/ha for normal and stressed conditions respectively. This line was tested in water stressed advanced and replicated trials over 3 stations at 2009-2010 and with recorded grain yield of 6.658 t/ha compared to 5.775 t/ha of WS-82-9 as check, forwarded to water stressed adaptation trial. The adaptation and stability of this line was evaluated in a 2 years experiment tested over 5 stations (Karaj, Neishabour, Kermanshah, Isfahan and Varamin) during 2010-12 period and with grain yield of 5.144 t/ha against 4.990 of WS-82-9 and 4.830 t/ha of Sirvan check varieties and due to its good resistance to stripe rust considered for on-farm trials which was followed in 2012-13 over 2 locations of temperate zone showing average grain yield of 4.687 against same amount for Sirvan cultivar as check in Kermanshah. This variety showed grain yield of 5.706 t/ha against 5.092 t/ha of Sirvan check cultivar in demonstration trial in Alborz province. According to the final investigations reaction of Baharan to yellow rust was recorded as 0 to maximum of 40MR in the inoculated nurseries. In case of leaf rust, maximum reaction was 30M/MS in Gorgan. Bread making quality of this variety is good and it is an early maturity variety.

Cereal rusts are the most important wheat diseases in Iran and worldwide. One of the most effective control measures of these diseases is deployment of resistant cultivars. The objective of this study was identification of stem rust resistance genes and pyramiding these genes in wheat cultivars Bahar and Pishtaz. For this purpose, initially the virulence of eighteen isolates of stem rust that had been collected from several parts of Iran was studied in cultivars/lines Bahar, Pishtaz, Eagle, AC Cadillac and Tr129. Results showed that cultivars AC Cadillac, Eagle, and Tr129 with Sr42, Sr26 and SrTr6A genes had good levels of resistance to all evaluated isolates. In order to transfer resistance genes to Bahar and Pishtaz cultivars, after initial and complementary crosses the F1 seedling resulted were evaluated for their resistance to stem rust and consequently the progeny of complementary crosses were screened for presence or absence of resistance genes using molecular markers. For Sr26 gene, primers Sr26#43 and BE518379; for Sr42 gene, primer STS (FSD-RSA); and for SrTr6A gene, primers GPW2295 and GPW4032 that showed polymorphism between parents were used to detect presence or absence of resistance genes. Using the seedling test in green house and also detection of molecular markers, it was found that for progeny of complementary crosses in cultivar Bahar transfer of resistance genes Sr26, Sr42 and SrTr6A have been successfully completed, and in Pishtaz based on distinctive ability of markers used, at least transfer of two genes of three genes in progenies was proved.

In the present study, virulence factors of two isolates of stripe rust, collected from Karaj and Kermanshah, Iran were determined on differential lines, and for genes Yr2, 2+, 6, 6+, 7, 7+, 8, 9, 17, 18, 25, 26, 27, 32, A, DN virulence was observed in both isolates. Reaction of 150 doubled haploid lines together with parents and check cultivars to stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici) was evaluated at seedling and adult plant stages by assessment of coefficient of infection and infection type in an agmented design. The results of analysis of variance showed significant differences among check cultivars for infection type and coefficient of infection of two races of Karaj (7E158A+, Yr27) and Kermanshah (110E158A+, Yr27). Using Ward’s method of cluster analysis based on infection type and coefficient of infection of both races, doubled haploid lines and 7E158A+,Yr27 were classified in two groups of susceptible and resistant. Overall, 28 doubled haploid lines at both stages of seedling and adult plant showed resistance reaction to race of Karaj which indicates the probability of carrying one or more minor genes of adult plant resistance in addition to seedling major genes.

In this research, 150 wheat doubled haploid lines were produced using chromosome elimination method by crossing between wheat and maize. Resistance of doubled haploid lines, their parents and check cultivars against strip and stem rust was evaluated at seedling and adult plant stages. Accordingly, eight known molecular markers which are tightly linked to resistance genes including Yr5, Sr31/Yr9/Lr26, Yr15, Sr38/Yr17/Lr37, Lr34/Yr18/Pm38, Yr27, Yr36 and Yr48 were screened in parents. Results showed that molecular markers for Yr5, Yr15, Yr27 and Yr36 couldnt detect polymorphism between parents as well as positive and negative controls. For gene block Sr38/Yr17/Lr37 and locus Yr48 allele sizes were not similar to those which were expected for these genes. Results also showed that MV17 and Flanders have gene block of Sr31/Yr9/Lr26, and only 3 lines of population DH-26: Ghods*3/MV17 had this gene block from which two doubled haploid lines showed resistance reaction to TTSTK and TTKSK of Puccinia graminis pers. f.sp tritici races. Genetic test for the presence or absence of gene block Lr34/Yr18/Pm38 on parents of doubled haploid lines showed that MV17 comprises this gene block. Evaluation of doubled haploid lines for this gene block showed that 6 doubled haploid lines of population DH-26:Ghods*3/MV17 have gene block Lr34/Yr18/Pm38 for which only one doubled haploid line showed resistance reaction to Puccinia striiformis Westend f.sp. tritici race of 7E158A+, Yr27 at both seedling and adult plant stages.

Ninety barley Doubled haploid lines originated from crossing between six barley cultivars in Cereal Research Department, Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Karaj, Iran were evaluated for resistance to powdery mildew and some agronomic traits in field in 2007. Six parent cultivars and a powdery mildew susceptible check cultivar, Afzal were also included. Sixty two doubled haploid lines showed high levels of resistance and twenty eight lines were susceptible or moderately susceptible, indicating that the crossing program was successful in transferring resistance from parental cultivars to doubled haploid lines. Lines of group B1 (cv. Legia × Rihan) were all resistant while lines of group B6 (cv. Rihan × Legia) were all susceptible to powdery midew. Lines of group B2 (cv. Igra × Riham) with average 211.80 days to maturity were the most early maturity lines, and line of group B3 (cv. Igra × Kavir) with average 56.10g of 1000kw were the most high yielding lines.

Responses of 189 doubled haploid lines, produced by chromosome elimination method crosses between wheat and maize, were evaluated for yellow rust in Karaj, Gharakhil and Gorgan, and for fusarium head blight in Sari and Gorgan. Yellow rust nursey was inoculated four times and fusarium nursery three times with urediniospores of Pucinia striiformis and macroconidia suspension of Fusarium graminearum in anthesis stage. Data on yellow rust was recorded at flag leaves expended stage for three tims and for fusarium head blight one month after inoculation. For evaluation of resistance to yellow rust at seedling stage the reaction of doubled haploid lines and their parents was also evaluated. The results showed that among 189 doubled haploid lines, 40 lines were resistant in all stations and the others were susceptible, moderately resistant or moderately susceptible to yellow rust. In Sari, 23% of lines and in Gorgan 29% were tolerant to fusarium head blight. Doubeld haploids no. 10, 13, 14, 26, 36 and 37 were resistant to yellow rust and showed acceptable level of tolerance to fusarium head blight diseases both in Gorgan and Gharakhil. Some characters of doubled haploid lines such as days to heading, plant height, cold tolerance and 1000 kernel weight were evaluated. Finally, based on the results, the doubled haploid lines were classified in different groups. Due to high variability in their resistance to diseases and agronomic characteristics, some of them were selected for using in breeding programs.

To compare three wheat genotypes for producing the haploid and doubled haploid through chromosome elimination, an experiment was carried out using F1 population from the crosses Raptor×Pishtaz, Norstar×Pishtaz and Mironovskaya×Pishtaz. Measured traits were seed set percentage, embryo and haploid seedling development and were analyzed statistically using χ2 test. Among three genotypes, there was significant difference concerning the percent of seed and embryo forming, but significant difference was not observed for haploid plant. Raptor×Pishtaz showed the highest value for seed set, Mironovskaya×Pishtaz the highest value for haploid plants and embryo forming percent, and Norstar×Pishtaz the lowest level of haploid plants and embryo forming percent. According to the results, the seed set and embryo number traits, when the same number of florets are pollinated, can be considered as an important trait in genotype selection for production of doubled haploid plant. This experiment also showed the dependence of chromosome elimination trait to genotype

In this study, chromosome elimination method was used to develop doubled haploid lines of wheat via crosses with maize. The plant materials were F1 seeds including Kavir/Zagros, Roshan (winter backcross)/ Zagros and Rsh2* 10120/Zagros along with three maize genotypes H1=KSC108, H3=KSC301 and H7=SC704 as pollin source. Two methods of haploid production in wheat involving A: conventional technique and B: detached-tiller culture were used and compared. The traits such as seed set percentage, embryo development and haploid seedling development were studied. As a result of this study, 75 lines of doubled haploid wheat were developed. It was also found that the second method (B) was better than the first method (A). In field, traits such as seed number per spike, 1000 grain weight, heading date and plant height were evaluated and finally 15 doubled haploid lines were selected.These lines are now evaluating in Advanced Regional Wheat Yield Trial.

Androgenic ability of microspores of F3 populations obtained from crosses between salinity and heat tolerance (Afzal/Torkman/Kavir), coldand heat tolerance (Boyer/Rojo), salinity tolerance and disease resistance (Ashar/ Hebe), salinity and heat tolerance. (Arigashar/ Matico) and Igri cultivar as control, were studied after pretreatment with 0.3 M mannitol using L1 modified liquid medium supplemented with 3 mgl-1 Phenylacetic acid (PAA), 1 mgl-1 Benzylaminopurin (BAP), 1 mgl-1 Casein and 65 mgl-1 maltose as induction medium. Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 1 mgl-1 BAP and 0.5 mgl-1 Naphtalenacetic acid (NAA) was used as regeneration medium. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between F3 progenies and Igri cultivar for androgenic ability. Igri cultivar produced on average 566.75 embryos per microspores of 100 anthers and the F3 progenies of Afzal/ Torkman/ Kavir produced on average the highest number of embryos (141.5 embryos/ microspores of 100 anthers) among the progenies of F3 populations. For green plantlet production per microspores of 100 anthers there was also asignificant difference between progenies ofF3 populations and Igri cultivar. For this character Igri cultivar produced the highest number of green plantlets (65.5 plantlets/ microspores of 100anthers) and the progenies of Ashar/ Hebe and Boyer/ Rojo with 18.5 and 17.5 green plantlets respectively per microspores of 100 anthers on average produced more green plantlets than the progenies of Afzal/ Torkman/ Kavir. This means that the mechanisms of embryo induction and green plantlet production may be different. In this study Igri cultivar produced the green plantlet production may be different. In this study Igri cultivar produced the least number of a albino plantlets in comparison with other plant materials