مجتبی وهاب زاده

The new bread wheat cultivar Tirgan with spring growth habit type received from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) was evaluated in 2009-10 in international Nurseries. In the cropping season 2010-11, this cultivar was cultivated in preliminary regional wheat yield trials (PRWYT) of the northern climate. In the cropping season 2011-12 in advanced regional wheat yield trials (ARWYT) Tirgan cultivar was selected with an average yield of 5.731 tha-1 compared to the average yield of the control cultivars (Morvarid and Gonbad) with 5.372 tha-1. Also, in the cropping season 2012-13 and 2013-14, in the elit regional wheat yield trial (ERWYT), yield, grain yield and other traits were investigated in four stations of the northern climate (Gorgan, Moghan, Sari and Gonbad). The average yield of this cultivar in ERWYT traits was 5.893 tha-1, and the average of the check cultivars, Morvarid and Gonbad, was 5.401 and 5.356 tha-1 respectively. Due to the acceptable resistance of this variety over several years, to fusarium head blight, powdery mildew and high resistance to yellow and leaf rusts, high and stable grain yield potential with very good baking quality compared to the control varieties, this cultivar is a good substitute for the old varieties in the plains of the Caspian coast, including the Moghan plain in Ardabil province, Golestan and Mazandaran provinces, and it can increase wheat production in the region along with other varieties and have an effective role and act as one of the tools to manage and control various diseases by increasing diversity in this fully stressed climate in terms of various diseases.

Salinity stress is a major constrain of plant growth and limiting factor of crop production in arid and semi-arid regions in the world. Wheat cultivar Barzegar is derived from the cross between an Iranian highly adapted wheat, Pishtaz cultivar and Karchia cultivar (salt tolerant cultivar from India) as female and male parents, respectively, at Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Cereal Research Department in Karaj. Subsequent selection among segregating populations of this hybrid was done at experimental field of Yazd station. Results of yield trials and on-farm evaluations in the temperate zone showed that under salinity stress conditions (EcSoil =8-12 dsm-1 & EcWater =8-13 dsm-1), Barzegar exhibited a superior performance compared to the check cultivars Bam and Arg, and its average grain yield was 659 kg (16.5%) higher than average grain yield of check cultivars. Based on ranking method Barzegar had high stability and adaptability under saline conditions compared to the check cultivars. Under farmer's conditions trials its average grain yield was 4381 kgha-1, nearly 20% higher than average grain yield of check cultivars (3648 kgha-1). Barzegar exhibits lodging resistance and has non-shattering spikes, but has moderately resistant susceptible infection responses to rusts. However, under dry conditions of saline areas of Iran no susceptibility to these diseases is observed. Based on good agronomic performance consist of resistance to lodging and shattering, and high adaptability and stability and good quality in saline condition compared to checks (Bam, Arg and Ofogh), Barzegar released for cultivation in the saline areas (with saline water/soil) farms of temperate zone, in Iran.

Chamran 2 cultivar with the pedigree Attila 50y//Attila/Bacanora, originated from national cereal breeding program by crossing between Chamran cultivar and Attila line in Karaj (1996-97). The F1 plants were evaluated and selected in 1997-98 cropping season. The new cultivar was evaluated in six warm and dry southern research stations of the country (2004-2006). Chamran cultivar with good adaptability, high grain yield, acceptable level of resistance to different physiological stripe and leaf rust races, good grain quality (11-13.2 protein%), earliness, resistance to terminal heat stress and shattering, was selected and released in 2013. Chamran 2, can be recommended for southern dry and warm agro-climatic zone of Iran, especially in north and west parts of Khozestan, and Fars provinces, and also Warm areas of Lorestan, Kerman and Kermanshah, provinces (hot spots).

The first triticale cultivar named Sanabad was introduced and nomenclature after 7 years coming out of breeding research activity in Agricultural and Natural Resources Center of Khorasan-e Razavi , Jonoobi, and Seed and Plant Improvement Institute. Sanabad before nomenclature with ET-82-15 code, evaluated in international, preliminary and advanced regional yield trial of triticale lines and cultivars during 2000-01, 2001-02 and 2002-03 growing seasons, respectively, and based on grain yield superiority in comparison with the check (Juanillo 92) were selected for final investigation. The final evaluations of this line in comarison with the other promising triticale lines were done in elite regional triticale yield trial in Mashad and Birjand research stations. Sanabad with 7233 kg ha-1 mean grain yield, had the highest grain yield in the two locations and two experimented years and had 16.6 and 27.7% superiority in comparison with the Juanillo 92 and bread wheat Marvdashat (as checks), respectively. This triticale line with high yielding, moderate early maturity, resistance to lodging and resistance to wheat disease was released as Sanabad and suitable for planting in temperate and cold-temperate of Khorasan province and similar regions in Iran.

Evaluation of promising lines On-Farm condition is one of the most important processes of releasing a new cultivar. This study was conducted in west Azerbaijan province in two sites (Khoy and Oshnaviyeh) as the On-Farm study in 2008-09 cropping season. Seven wheat genotypes (five promising lines and two checks) including: C-84-D5502, C-85-D8, C-85-D9, C-85-D11 and C-85-D13 and Alvand and Sardari as the checks were used. Experimental design was Rrandomized Complete Block with three replicates. Combined Analysis of variance over two locations showed significant differences among the genotypes at the 1% of probability level for plant height, spike length, 1000 kernel weight, number of grain per spike, seed weight per plant, biological yield and grain yield. Comparison for grain yield showed that promising lines has higher grain yield than the check cultivars. C-84-D5502 and C-85-D11 with 7.74 and 7.77 t ha-1 were the best lines. Correlation between grain yield and yield components were significantly negative, but positive and non-significant coefficients with biological yield. Sardari cultivar showed the highest TKW and the least grain yield whereas, high potential lines showed the lowest TKW. According to the results, C-85-D11 with medium of tiller number, main spike length, TKW, high peduncle length, high seed number in spike and high grain yield is the outstanding promising line and can be candidate line for release.

A breeding hexaploid salt tolerant wheat line (MS-81-14) was produced from crossing of an Iranian salt tolerant wheat line (1-66-22) with Inia cultivar (from CIMMYT) at Karaj Research Station in 1991-92 cropping season. The F1 plants were grown at Karaj in 1992-93 cropping season، furthermore F2-F6 populations were evaluated under salinity stress conditions (EcSoil&Water = 8-12 ds/m) in Isfahan (Rodasht Agricultural Research Station) during 1993-1999 cropping seasons. An extracted breeding line was evaluated in the preliminary yield trial of Yazd and Neishabour Stations and was picked based on its high yield as well as its good performance under salinity stress conditions in 1999-2000. This line was further tested in the preliminary regional yield trial of salt affected regions of temperate zone at two stations (Yazd and Isfahan) and with recorded yield of 6. 483 tha-1 against 4. 893 and 4. 400 tha-1 of Kavir and and Roshan check cultivars، respectively was selected again in 2000-01. This line was tested in advanced and replicated trials over four stations (Yazd، Zabol، Kerman and Isfahan) in 2001-02 and with recorded grain yield of 5. 55 tha-1 compared to 4. 145 and 4. 185 of Kavir and Roshan check cultivars، respectively under salinity stress conditions، as a superior line forwarded to adaptation trials. The adaptation and stability of this line were evaluated in a two years experiment tested over three stations (Yazd، Birjand and Isfahan) during 2002-2004 periods under salinity stress conditions (EcSoil = 8-14ds/m، EcWater= 8-12 ds/m)، and with grain yield of 5. 470 tha-1 against 4. 650، 4. 499 and 4. 962 tha-1 of Kavir، Roshan and Bam check cultivars، respectively and due to its high stability (with Ys=23 against Ys= 8،7 and 17 of Kavir، Roshan and Bam check cultivars، respectively)، high adaptability and good bread quality was considered as the most stable line for on-farm and extension trials which was followed in 2004-08 over different salt affected regions of temperate zone showing an average grain yield of 4. 232 tha-1 for MS-81-14 against 3. 673 and 3. 769 tha-1 of Bam and Kavir check cultivars، respectively. The results of farmer conditions trials confirmed the wide adaptability and grain yield stability of the new line. Considering high grain yield، high adaptability and stability for saline areas and good grain quality (protein contents of 11. 9% and hardiness index of 50 as well as good agronomic performance including resistance to lodging and shattering، this line named Arg and officially released in 2009 for cultivation in saline areas (with water/soil saline) farms of temperate zone، in Iran.

The objective of this study was to improve induction of embryogenesis in bread wheat microspores. In this study, some F1 hybrids i.e M85-6 × 90, M85-8 × 90, mv17 × shiroudi, mv17 × kavir and kavir × bam were used. Microspores were cultured in A2 medium containing different amounts of maltose (60¬ & ¬90 ¬g/lit) depending on the genotype used. Analysis of variance for embryogenesis and regenerable embryos showed highly significant difference between hybrids but there was no significant difference between media (A2-60¬ &¬ A2-90) and interaction effects. M85-6 × 90, mv17 × Shiroudi and mv17 × kavir produced the highest ratio of embryogenesis among the hybrids. In regeneration phase, mv17 × Shiroudi and M85-6 × 90 had the highest frequency of regenerable embryos. The effect of 2,4-D as a novel stress for induction of microspores embryogenesis in Falat -known as the most responsive wheat cultivar to microspore culture technology, was investigated. Microspores were subjected to 2,4-D at 3 concentrations including 15, 25, 35 mg/l for 30 minutes while microspores without any stress treatment were used as the control. The embryogenesis of microspores stressed with 2,4-D were better than control. The highest yield of embryogenesis was produced at 15 mg/l 2,4-D. The most regenerated embryos were obtained in 15 & 25 mg/l of 2,4-D. According to the results obtained, 2,4-D is introduced as a new stress for induction of embryogenesis in microspores of wheat.

To study genotype × environment interaction and determine the stability and adaptability of grain yield of bread wheat under salinity stress conditions in temperate zone areas of Iran, field experiments were conducted with 17 new advanced bread wheat lines together with three salinity tolerant checks cultivars Roshan, Kavir and Bam, using randomized complete block design with three replications under salinity stress conditions(EcSoil =8-14 ds/m, EcWater =8-12 ds/m). Experiments were carried out in three experimental stations in Yazd, Birjand and Isfahan during 2005-06 and 2006-07 cropping seasons. Combined analysis of variance for grain yield showed significant differences among the genotypes (P<0.05). The location × year and genotype × year and genotype × location × year interactions were also significant (P<0.01). Analysis of different stability parameter revealed that lines MS-81-14, MS-81-4, MS-81-3 and MS-81-5 were more high yielding and stable genotypes with good adaptability to salinity stressed conditions, among them line MS-81-14 with average grain yield of 5.470 tha-1,YS=23, R=3.42, SDR=4.609, R2 =97.4%, non-significant stability variance (σ i2), low Wricke's ecovalance(Wi) and also with good adaptability and agronomic chacteristics was identified as the most high yielding and stable genotype.

Sepahan is a new bread wheat cultivar derived from progenies of a cross made between Azadi cultivar and some high yielding and resistant to rust advanced lines. All selections were made in Kelardasht and Iranshahr stations and early evaluations in Karaj. It was also studied in regional uniform yield trials in moderate stations including Kaboutar Abad. Results revealed that this line is more tolerant to drought, thus it's suitable for arid areas of Iran and it has higher yield than check cultivar (Mahdavi). It is of spring habit and early maturity, 95-100 cm plant height, grain color amber and thousand kernel weight of 40 gram. Sepahan has grains with average protein and gluten content 10.3% and 23% respectively. Based on these superiorities and good performance, the new line was released in 2006, under the name of Sepahan

In order to evaluate grain yield stability of 19 promising lines of bread wheat along with a check cultivar (Tajan) in warm humid climate, an experiment was carried out in four agricultural research stations (Gorgan, Gonbad, Sari and Moghan) during 2004-2006 cropping seasons. The experimental designs in all locations were randomized complete block design with three replications. Combined ANOVA was performed following the Bartelet test (for uniformity of error variances). Year and location effects were considered random while genotypic effect as a fixed variable. Results of combined analysis of variance showed that the effects of genotype×location and genotype×location×year were significant (P<0.01), but effect of genotype×year was not significant. Stability of genotypes were evaluated using different methods including Variance (Si2) and environmental coefficient of variance (CVi), coefficient of regression of mean yield on environmental index (bi), Wricke’s ecovalance, Eberhart and Russell and within location variance (Myy/l and CV). Results of environmental variance and coefficient of variability (CVi) showed that number 19, 18, 11, 12 and 5 with lower values for environmental variance and coefficient of variability (CVi) had the highest stability. In Wricke’s ecovalance stability method number 1, 2, 8, 11and 9 had the highest stability, respectively. On the base of Eberhart and Russell method lines number 2, 1, 19, 8 and 11 had the highest stability, number 12, 14 and 11 were stable on the basis of Myy/l and C V. Result of these methods were different more or less, however, based of all methods, line no.11 with 5230 kgha-1 grain yield was selected as the most stable lines for northern warm and humid zones of Iran.

Line N-78-14 with the pedigree of SHA4/CHIL CM91099-25Y-OM-3N-1Y-OYZ-O10M-OY-3M-O10 was obtained from CIMMYT, Mexico in 1996 through High Rainfall Wheat Screening Nursery. Preliminary evaluation of the genotypes in International Nursery in Gorgan and Sari Research Stations during 1996-97 cropping season, resulted in selection of this line as one of the most high yielding genotypes. Selected lines were evaluated in preliminary regional wheat yield trials of north warm and humid climate in 1997-98 in four locations of Gorgan, Sari, Gonbad and Moghan. Line N-78-14 together with other selected lines were tested then in advanced regional wheat yiled trial (ARWYT-N) in 1998-79, and later in ellite regional wheat yield trials (ERWYT-N) for three years in four locations. In all these experiments line N-78-14 was the most high yielding line compared to the check cultivar and other lines. Evaluation of line N-78-14 for resistance to different diseases in special disease nurseries in different locations under artifical inoculations indicated that in most locations, this line was resistant or moderately resistant to yellow rust and leaf rust while tolerated well fusarium head blight and septoria leaf blotch diseases. Line N-78-14 has been evaluated as a good baking quality wheat containing high molecular weight glutenine allels 2*, 7+9 and 5+10. Due to high yield, yield stability and compatibility, resistance to diseases and good baking quality, this line was introduced as Darya in 2006 for cultivation in warm humid climate regions of Khazar, Iran.

Wheat is grown on 6.2 million hectares under different agr-climate conditions in Iran. Of 6.2 million hectares irrigated wheat, Khazar warm humid climate regions (Gorgan, Mazandaran and Moghan) with 350 thousand hectares are the most important wheat growing areas of the country. Productive and rich lands, high rainfalls and favorable temperature and light in these regions provide good conditions for production of high quality wheat yield. In the other hand, due to the presence of important diseases such as yellow rust, leaf rust, powdery mildew, septoria leaf blotch, fusarium head blight and crown and root rots in these regions, introduction and release of high yielding cultivars is rather difficult. Therefore, breeding programs are undertaken continuously in Seed and Plant Improvement Institute (SPII) to develop new high yielding and diseases tolerant cultivars with good adaptability to the warm and humid climate. Line N-80-6 with the pedigree of Luan/3/V763.23/V879.c8//Pvn/4/Picus/5/Opata was selected from the breeding materials obtained through ''North Wheat Breeding Programs'', CIMMYT, Mexico in 1994. F2-F6 generations were evaluated in Moghan Research Station. In 1999-2000, 78 pure lines were selected for further experiments, among them line No. 67 (2071) was superior. These lines were tested in preliminary regional wheat yield trials of north warm humid climate for one year and selected lines were evaluated in advanced regional wheat yield trials for another two years. Line No. 67 with 6.641 tha-1 grain yield compared to the check cultivar Tajan with 5.451 tha-1, was the most high yielding line. Because of resistance to diseases especially to yellow rust and fusarium head blight, this line (coded as N-80-6) together with 16 other lines were selected for ellite regional wheat yield trial (ERWYT-N) and were evaluated for two years in Gorgan, Gonbad, Sari and Moghan. Mean yield of line N-80-6 was 6.183 tha-1 which was higher than yield of Tajan cultivar (check), 5.390 tha-1, and other lines. Line N-80-6 was evaluated for resistance to different diseases in special disease nurseries in different locations under artificial inoculations for several years. It was resistant or moderately resistant to yellow rust and leaf rust, and tolerant to septoria leaf blotch and fusarium head blight. Line N-80-6 is good for quality and contains high molecular weight glutenine alleles null, 7+9 and 5+10. Due to high yield, yield stability stability and compatibility, resistance to diseases and good baking quality, this line was introduced as Moghan 3 in 2006 for cultivation in warm humid climate regions of Khazar, Iran.

This study was conducted at Moghan Agricultural Research Center in 2000-01 with five promising lines, two cultivars Chamran and Shiroodi as checks for yield, two cultivars Falat and Forontana as diseases checks. The main objective was to evaluate the promising lines for grain yield and diseases resistance in Moghan region. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used under two different irrigation conditions; furrow and sprinkler irrigations. Combined analysis of variance over two irrigation conditions showed significant effect of genotype at the 1% of probability level on plant height, number of tiller per plant, number of fertile tiller per plant, length of peduncle, grain weight per plant. Mean comparison of lines showed that no significant differences but lines N-81-8, N-81-9 and N-81-18 produced 6000, 6060 and 6310 Kg/ha, respectively. These lines lines were also resistance to yellow rust (O-MR) and fusarium head blight (O). Line N-81-18 not only produced the highest grain yield but was highly resistance to yellow rust and fusarium head blight, under both furrow and sprinkler irrigation conditions. This line could be a promising candidate to be released in Warm Humid Caspian Zone. According to the results of this study sprinkler and furrow irrigations can be used for evaluation of new lines. In this study line N-81-18 with high grain yield and resistance to both yellow rust and fusarium head blight was designated as suitable candidate for Moghan region.

Eight promising lines of bread wheat which had been selected through the preliminary and advanced traits, together with two check cultivar Shiroudi and Tajan were evaluated for yield, adabtability and response to cereal diseases in an on farm experiment conducted in two sites in Moghan. Combined analysis of variance on yield and yield components showed significant differences of lines in yield and other traits. Lines Sw89.3064/Star… and Attila/Milan with 5.7/8 and 5.709 tonha-1 had the highest yield in both sites. Although other lines produced yield as high as the check cultivar Shiroudi, but due to high resistance or tolerance to yellow rust, leaf rust, fusarium head blight and powdery mildew which are prevalent diseases in the region, two lines Sw89.3064/Star… and Sha4/Chil were selected as superior lines in this experiment.

The green fodder, grain yield and yield components of three triticale and two barley cultivar were compared in a split plot experimental design in Moghan Agricultural Research Station during two consecutive cropping seasons (2000-02). The main plot was allocated to harvested and non-harvested green fodder treatments, and the subplot was assigned to three triticale cultivars (4108, 4116 and Mus"S"/Beta"S") and two barley cultivars (Dasht and LB). Combined analysis of variance for green fodder indicated significant differences among the cultivars (P < 0.01).The highest green fodder (21.01 tha-1) was obtained from barley cultivar LB. Three triticale cultivars 4116, 4108 and Mus"S"/Beta"S" produced 17.24, 15.79 and 14.1 tha-1 green fodder, respectively. The differences among the cultivars were not significant. Barley cultivar Oasht had the lowest green fodder. Combined analysis of variance for agronomic characters showed significant difference among the cultivars for grain yield, plant hieght, spike length, number of kernels per spike and 1000kw (P < 0.01).The highest and lowest grain yield belonged to triticale cultivar 4116 and barley cultivar Dasht, respectively.

Kohdasht is a new improved spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivar suitable for warm and semi arid areas of Iran. In 1990-91 cropping season, line Tr 801020029 R-1R-6R-0R was received from ICARDA under 9th Semi Arid Area Screening Nursery. Based on agronomic characteristics, resistance to diseases and abiotic stresses under field conditions, Tr 8010200-29R-1R-1R-6R-0R was selected for further evaluations. It was included in yield trials in main Research Stations in warm and semi arid areas of the country, together with other 24 wheat lines, as well as the widely grown improved cheek cultivar Zagros. Results revealed that this line is more tolerant to drought, yellow rust, leaf rust and produces significantly higher and stable yield. This line is earlier in spike emergence and maturity than Zagros, with mean grain yield of 3.77 tha-1. Its plant height and thousand kernel weight are about 90 cm and 37g, respectively. Its grain color is white and its grain protein content is 10.5%. Based on these superiorities and good performance, the new line was released in 2000, under the name of Kohdasht.