bayzid yousefi

Flower yield in Rosa damascena is a complex trait that is affected by many traits and environmental factors. Therefore, studying the relationships among traits can be an essential step in selection to improve flower yield. Path analysis by identifying the main components of yield with a high direct effect plays an important role in the selection success, especially indirect selections through yield components. Due to the lack of resources in this regard, the present research aims to identify and determine the effective traits in flower yield, estimate the relationships among traits, and analyze the causality to identify their direct and indirect effects on flower yield via path analysis. 

The germplasm used in this research included 49 genotypes of Rosa damascena Mill.) belonging to different regions of Iran. One-year saplings of the genotypes were planted in April 2004 in the Zaleh research station, Sanandaj (Kurdistan province, Iran), based on the randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications and three plants in each plot with three meters of planting distance. Irrigation of the field was carried out in drip form for 15 days. The investigated morphological traits (plant height, number of flowers, etc.) in 2008 were measured on a 5-year old plant, and for the phenological traits (days until leaf opening, flower opening, etc.) the average of three years (2006 to 2008) was used. Data variance analysis was done based on RCBD design. Phenotypic correlation among traits was estimated, and path analysis was done in three steps of estimation of direct, indirect and residual effects of traits on flower yield.

The results showed significant differences (p≤0.01) among the genotypes for studying traits. The correlations of phonological traits with flower yield (FY) were significantly negative, while its relationships with morphological traits were significantly positive. The results of path analysis showed that the number of flowers per plant (FN) and fresh flower weight (with the direct effects of P=0.97** and P=0.33**, respectively, and residual effects of R=0.195) were the main components of flower yield. The total green surface of the plant (TGS) and plant crown diameter (with the direct effects of P=0.56** and P=0.28*, respectively, and R=0.395) were the main components of FN. Also, the number of leaves per plant and average leaf area (with the direct effects of P=1.02** and P=0.085*, respectively, and R=0.237) were the main components of TGS. 

Thus, FN and FFW can be used in indirect selections for FY improvement in Rosa damascena. The other studied traits affected FY indirectly via FN mainly (phonological traits negatively and morphological traits positively). Although the correlation of the height and crown diameter of the plant with FY was positive and very significant, the direct effects of the supplementary stages and the causality analysis sequence showed that the crown diameter (horizontal growth) is more effective than its height (vertical growth) in the reproductive processes of the rose. In other words, the genotypes with higher flower yield usually rise up to a certain height and spread leaves after that.

To evaluate the genetic diversity and relationships among traits of herbaceous milkvetch, 10 genotypes belong to five species including Astragalus vegetus. A. brevidens, A. brachyodontus, A. effusus and A. cyclophyllus in Sanandaj in a randomized complete block design with three replications were studied. Seed sowing was done in November 2018 and morphological traits of plant in spring 2020 were measured. Analysis of variance released significnant (p≤0.01 and 0.05) difference for milkvetch populations (G) for all studied traits. In 2020 (two years old plants), the mean of plant establishment was about 26%, the number of primary branches was 3.2, plant height, the tallest stem length and crown diameter were 16.9, 19.2 and 15.4 cm respectively, the length and width of the root were 17.4 and 6.2 cm, respectively, the average of fresh weights of the whole plant, arial and root parts were 2.3, 1.9 and 0.4 g and the average of dry weights of the whole plant, arial and root parts were were 0.9, 0.7 and 0.2 g respectively, average dry to fresh weight ratio was 0.38. Average of leaflet per leaf was 7.7, so mean of length and width of leaf and leaflet were 7.5, 3.7, 2.3 and 0.5 cm respectively. Up to this stage, the accession of A. effusus Darreh Shohada (West Azerbaijan) and three accession of A. vegetus (Zereshk of Qazvin, Saral of Kurdistan and Qarehbagh of West Azerbaijan) were superior ones in terms of forage production and other studied traits. The weight of the plant was positively correlated with plant vigor, length and width of leaf (p≤0.05) and with plant height, crown diameter, number of primary branches, length and width of root, arial and root weight at 1% probality level. The results of stepwise regression of forage yield on other traits showed that plant weight, establishment percentage, plant height and crown diameter at 1% and the length of leaf and root at 5% probality level (R2adj = 91.1%) were forage yield components. Therefore, in order to achieve higher forage, the genotypes with larger aerial parts and deeper roots should be selected.

Environmental compatibility assessment is the most important needs of Rosa damascena genotypes as one of the most important aromatic and medicinal species in the country. The present project was conducted with the aim of evaluating the flower and essential oil yield of five superior genotypes for five years (2011-2015) under two climatic conditions of cold semi-arid (Saqez) and semi-humid (Marivan) in Kurdistan as split plot with three replications. The results showed significant difference for flower and essential oil yield between locations (L), years (Y) and genotypes (G), and their interactions. The total mean of essential oil ratio was 0.02 % and flower and essential oil yield were 757.2 kg/ha and 188.9 g/ha. The flower and essential oil yield of Saqez was more than Marivan, but essential oil ratio was more in Marivan, then it seems that flower yield to be higher in the cooler areas but essential oil ratio to be higher in warmer areas. In general, the genotypes of KR2, IS8 and IS4 are recommended for planting in Kurdistan and similar regions. Regarding to the fluctuation and high flower yield, KR2 genotype is recommended for the purpose of flower production, but Isfahan group of genotypes, such as IS8 and IS4 for essential oil purpose. With consideration of the combined yields of flowers and essential oils, the genotypes of IS8, IS4 and KR2 are recommented for cold and semi-arid areas such as Saqez, and the genotypes of IS4 and KR2 for the semi-humid regions similar to Marivan.

Astragalus spp. are valuable in forage production, soil protection, etc. To evaluate the establishment and growth of herbaceous milkvetch, 10 genotypes, belonging to five species, including Astragalus vegetus. As.brevidens, As. brachyodontus, As. effusus and As. Cyclophyllus, were studied in Sanandaj in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Seed sowing was done in November 2018, and traits of plant establishment percentage, vigor, height and diameter of plant crown, number of branches per plant, average fresh and dry weight of the plant, and the ratio of dry to wet weight of the plant in 2019 and 2020 years was measured. According to the combined analysis of variance, the effects of genotype and year for all studied traits and the interaction of year × genotype were significant (p≤0.01) except for the percentage of establishment and the plant vigor for other traits. Results showed that seed germination, probably caused by seed dormancy or a stress tolerance mechanism, was gradual. In 2020, the mean of plant establishment was about 37%, the number of primary branches was 7.3, plant height and crown diameters were 35.2 and 35.9 cm, respectively, plant fresh and dry weight were 68.2 and 39.1g, and the dry to fresh weight ratio was 0.58. Results of principal component analysis (PCA) showed that two main components (PC1 and PC2) determined 80% of total variance and genotypes with high forage yield located in the third zone of bi-plot with a negative value of PC1 and mainly positive for PC2. In addition, the accession of As. effusus (West Azerbaijan) and three accessions of As. vegetus (Qazvin, Kurdistan and West Azerbaijan) in terms of adaptation and forage production are introduced as high forage yield and adaptable ones for rehabilitation of rangelands in Kurdistan and similar areas in the country.

In order to determination of appropriate stability parameters, the flower yields of 35 Rosa damascena genotypes in eight regions of Iran (Kurdistan, Hamedan, Kerman, Fars, Khuzestan, Isfahan, Markazi, and Khorasan) were evaluated for two years (2007-2008) using randomized complete block design with three replications. Significant differences (P≤0.01) were observed for flower yield among genotypes (G), locations (L), environments (E), and also for genotype× location (GL) and genotype× environment (GE) interactions. The stable and adaptable genotypes with some static concepts of stability parameters such as environmental variance (S2) and regression coefficient (b ≈ 0) had low yield, but with environmental coefficient of variation (CVE) had high performance. The stable genotypes according to Eberhart and Russell model and the concept of stability dynamics (bi ≈ 1, ∑ Sdi2 ≈ 0, and high Ῡi) had moderate to high flower yields. According to the superiority index (P), high yielding genotypes were determined as compatible (stable in location). The stable genotypes with the lowest year by location (YL) variance had the lowest flowers yield. The flower yield was positively correlated with S2, b and MSY/L (p<0.01) and negatively correlated with superiority index (P) and CVE (p<0.01). Based on both flower yield and stability, it was found that genotypes of Yazd 2, Isfahan 5, Isfahan 8, Isfahan 4, and Khuzestan 1 had high flower yield, stability, and general adaptation over locations. The genotypes Isfahan 9 and Isfahan 7 had high flower yield, stability, and specific adaptation with semi-arid and arid areas and also the genotype of Isfahan7 had high flower yield, stability and specific adaptation with semi temperate and cold areas in Iran. It was concluded that a genotype can demonstrate both static and dynamic stability with a high flower yield at the same time. In addition, coefficient of variation (CV), statistics regression (b ≈ 1, Sd2≈ 0), and superiority index (P) suggested as desirable parameters to evaluate different aspects (static and dynamic) of flower yield in R. damascena.

The essential oil yield stability of damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) as an important medicinal and aromatic plant in different environments has not been well documented. In order to determine appropriate stability parameters, six statistics were studied for essential oil stability of 35 Rosa damascena landraces in seven locations (Sanandaj, Arak, Kashan, Dezful, Stahban, Kerman, and Mashhad) and two years (2007-2008) in Iran, using a randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Significant differences (P<0.01) were observed in essential oil ratio among landraces (G), locations (L), and environments (E) and in landrace × location (GL) and landrace × environment (GE) interactions. The positive correlation of environmental variance (S2), coefficient of variation (CV), and regression coefficient of yield over environments (b) with essential oil suggest that only low-yield landraces develop a similar phenotype over a range of environments and show static stability. Although there were not any stable landraces by b (b ≈ 0) and all of the stable ones by S2 produced very low yields, some of the adaptable ones by CV (e.g. KM1) showed high essential oil ratios and stability simultaneously. The stable landraces according to the dynamic stability concept (b ≈ 1, Sd2 or variance due to deviation from regression ≈ 0) produced moderate essential oil. Superiority index (P) determined some of the highest essential oil as adaptable landraces. The stable landraces with the least variance of the years within places (MSY/P) produced the least essential oil. It could be concluded that a genotype can demonstrates both static and dynamic stability with high essential oil content. In addition, CV, dynamic view statistics (b ≈ 1, Sd2≈ 0), and P are proposed as desirable parameters for the evaluation of essential oil stability with different concepts in damask rose genotypes.

This research was carried out to investigate the genetic diversity among local Rosa damascena Mill. genotypes of Kurdistan province for flower yield and its components in Zale research station in 2014. Studied traits was measured on the 4 years old plants that were planted in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications and three plants in plot at appropriate times. Results showed significant difference (p≤0.01) among the genotypes, for flower yield and its components, plant height, number of leaves in plant, leaf length and width, number of flowers in plant, diameter of flower, fresh and dry weight of flowers and petals and the ratio of petal to flower weight, that could provide a basis for improvement of flower yield. Total mean of flower yield was 965.2 g in plant and the accessions of Kamyaran 1, Baneh 2, Saqez 1 and Sarv Abad1 with 1518.55, 1334.91, 1316.43 and 1262.88 g/plant respectively produced the highest flower yield. Flower yield showed a positive and significant correlation with flower number, plant height, number and length and width of leaves, flower diameter, fresh and dry weight of flowers and petals. Results of cluster analysis (CA) classification was in accordance with flower yield and ecological characteristics of genotypes. Results of principal component analysis (PCA) showed a high consistency with the CA result, but in terms of flower yield, its genotypic separation was more clear. In general, the accessions of Kamyaran1 is recommended as a superior genotype for development of Rosa damascene in Kurdistan province.

Considering the important practical properties of musk willow (Salix aegyptiaca L.) as a multipurpose species, this research was carried out in order to evaluate its growth and survival percentage with 10 musk willow populations (from Kurdistan and West Azerbaijan provinces in Iran) in agricultural and natural resource research station of the Gerizah – Sanandaj (Kurdistan-Iran). The analysis was conducted in three replications based on the randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) during 2013-2018. The results showed significant difference (p ≤ 0.01) among musk willow populations for studied traits. The total mean of tree collar diameter (D0), tree height (TH) and crown diameter (CD) and the mean of CD/TH ratio of 7 years old plants were 6.5, 379.5, 418.6 cm, and 1.1, respectively. In addition, the mean of trees vitality degree was 3.7 (1-5) and the mean of survival percentage was ca. 77%. With exception of the tree height, all studied traits of Kurdistan group of populations were higher than those of West Azerbaijan group. However, their differences were significant (p ≤ 0.01) only for crown diameter, vitality degree and survival percentage. Therefore, the musk willow populations of the Kurdistan 6, Kurdistan 4 and Kurdistan 3 could be introduced as higher growth and adaptable with survival percentages of more than 80% for establishment of musk willow cultivation and its related industries in the Sanandaj (Kurdistan Province) and similar ecological conditions of Iran.

Regarding the effects of climate change and the recent drought in Iran, it is necessary to assess the growth and producion of poplar varieties under drought stress. In this research, 14 clones of black poplar (Populus nigra L.) were studied during 2001-2008 in Sanandaj, Kurdistan province. Cuttings were planted in early March of 2000, and the samplings were transplanted in early April of 2001 in 3m × 3m spacing and a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The yearly field works included uniformly-applied irrigation, weeding and pruning. However, they were subjected to drought stress in 2007 due to the impossibility of providing water by the tenth of July (103 days). The results showed that drought caused leaf yellowing and fall, as well as mildew (Melanophylla picta) outbreak and finally drying of a number of trees. Moreover, simultaneous drought and increase the range of traits changes limited the growth of poplar clones, so that the trees could not show their potential growth rate. Responses to drought stress among poplar clones showed a significant variation, so that P.n.M and P. n. 42/53 showed zero percentage, while P. n. 63/135 showed about 50% damage caused by drought. The average loss of drought in the clones was 20.49%. In addition, the P. n. 56/52and P. n. 56/75cloneswith 25.61 and 24.80 m3/ha per year wood yield and moderate (25-30%) damage caused by drought were defined as high-yield and relatively tolerant clones. The results of multivariate statistical analysis (correlation coefficients, cluster analysis, and principal component analysis- PCA) showed a negative effect of drought stress on the wood yield and its components. They also showed that smaller clones with fewer leaf sizes have higher drought tolerance by more water maintaining potential and lower evaporation levels. Finally, the presence of genetic diversity in terms of stress tolerance among poplar clones as well as their segregation pattern in cluster analysis and PCA biplot indicated the interference of genetic factors in its control and the availability of stable clones that can be compatible with dry conditions of the country via their hybridization.

The genus Satureja L. (Lamiaceae) contains 16 species which are distributed all over Iran and 10 of which are endemics. Investigation on essential oils content and composition of five accessions of S. mutica Fisch. a native species in Iran, have been subject to our research. The seeds of five accessions of S. mutica were collected from their natural habitats in Khorasan (2 accessions), Mazandaran and Gilan (2 accessions) provincesin this study. The seeds were planted inside the green house, and then the seedlings were transplanted into the field in Grizeh-Sanandaj research station in 2010 and 2011. An experiment was undertaken to determine the oil production of S. mutica in complete randomized block design with three replications. The aerial parts of each accession were collected in full flowering stages in three consecutive years. The essential oils were obtained by hydro-distillation and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The oil yields were increased for 5 accessions in the second year. The main constituents of the essential oils during three consecutive years were thymol (51.7 and 3.5%), p-cymene (39.0 and 9.8%), γ-terpinene (23.2 and 10.0%) and carvacrol (49.7 and 3.6%). Although the main components of all the oils were similar, but there were some differences between the percentages of major components and also minor constituents. It is remarkable that the most important phenolic compound, thymol, was decreased in the oils in the second year for most accessions.

In present study, essential oil content and compositions of 49 Iranian landraces of Damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) was investigated. Essential oils were isolated with distillation method and component composition was determined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Twenty main compounds were identified in the essential oil representing about 90% of the total oil. The major components were found to be n-nonadecane (with seasonal range of 32.4-36.1%), n-heneicosane (20.3-22.1%), citronellol (6.6-10.3%), n-hexadecanol (6.4-6.7%) and n-tricosane (5.9-7.0%). The percentages of citronellol and geraniol as the two important compounds of the rose oil quality in 2008 were more than their percentages in 2007. Therefore, it can be inferred that dry conditions increased the aliphatic compounds percentages and reduced alcoholic compounds in the rose oil. Despite the differences in origin sites, climates and ecological conditions among landraces, the results of cluster analysis (CA) revealed that all of the landraces of Damask rose with exception of KB1 and AK1 showed more than 90% similarity in their major oil composition. The result of principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the landraces with the highest percentage of citronellol and geraniol components usually show extreme values (positive or negative) of PC1 and PC2.

This study was conducted to assessthegenetic variety of 12 damask rosegenotypes of Kurdistan using morphological traits in Zaleh Research Farm affiliated to Kurdistan Province Agriculture Research Center. The experiment was carried out as a randomized complete block design with three replications and each replication included three stocks in each genotype. Results of analysis of variance showed significant differences among the studied genotypes at the probability level of 1%. Results of mean comparison showed a wide variety for studied traits in different genotypes. Relationship between traits showed that the number of flowers, plant height, average width, average length, average number of leaves, mean flower diameter, and petal to flower weight ratio per stem had positive and significant correlation at 1% probability level. Based on cluster analysis, 12 genotypes of damask rose were divided into four distinct groups according to different traits. Thus, according the results, genotypes Kurdistan 3 and Kurdistan 2 can be introduced as superior genotypes. Kurdistan 3 had high yield in flower per hectare and the number of flowers in per bush, and Kurdistan 2 had the highest flower diameter.

To evaluate a number of important traits of wild paistachio (Pistacia atlantica) fruit, this study was conducted in two of of its natural habitats in Kurdistan province, including Mazevanband (Baneh) and Dezli (Sarvabad) during 2007-2008. In each habitat, a total number of 30 uniform trees were selected. From each sample tree, 10 fruit samples each weighting 200 g were taken in late October. The traits were measured in labratory. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) using nested method was followed by Duncan test to compare the means. ANOVA results revealed significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) between habitats (Sarvabad and Baneh) across all the studied traits, as well as across trees within each habitat for all traits except fruit size. The average diameter at breast height (D) was 69.7 cm, seedless fruit percentage (SLFP) accounted for 20.83%, the average fruit length (FL) and fruit width (FWi) were 5.41 and 6.33 mm respectively, fruit size (fruit width × length) (FWi×FL) was equivalent to 34.48 mm2, the mean weight of complete fruit (FW), seedless fruit (SLFW), backless fruit (fruit without peel) (BLFW) and seed (SW), were 2.15, 1.46, 1.47 and 0.51 g respectively. In addition, seed weight to fruit weight ratio (SW/FW) was 0.24, and mean percentage of oil content (OC%) was 26.86 %. The average of all studied traits except tree diameter and fruit oil in Baneh was generally more than in Sarvabad. Moreover, the regression analysis of oil content on the other traits as independent variables revealed that the regression coefficient of oil content on backless fruit weight (fruit without skin) (BLFW) and seed weight (SW) were positive and significant (P ≤ 0.01), while they were negative and significant(P ≤ 0.01) for seedless fruit percentage (SLFP) and seedless fruit weight (SLFW), as well as positive and significant (P ≤ 0.05)for ratio of seed weight to fruit weight (SW/FW). Thus, the oil content percentage of trees is concluded to be improved by selection of the individuals featuring higher fruit and seed weights.