Univrsity of Tehran PressIranian Journal of Field Crop Science2008-481157120260321Forecasting the Yield of Rainfed Wheat Cultivars under Climate Change in Khorramabad Province Using the APSIM ModelForecasting the Yield of Rainfed Wheat Cultivars under Climate Change in Khorramabad Province Using the APSIM Model11110572810.22059/ijfcs.2025.388175.655121FAکامرانحقی آبیDepartment of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.MosaMeskarBashiDepartment of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.MajidNabipourDepartment of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran.Seyed AmirMosaviDepartment of Production Engineering and Plant Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Khuzestan, Iran.0000-0002-3845-2075Journal Article20250105<strong>Introduction.</strong> The Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) is a mechanistic model developed by a consortium of Australian researchers. It is capable of simulating the soil–plant system of a farm with appropriate detail, modeling the growth and development of more than 20 crop species on a daily time step. APSIM contributes to improve crop management practices, including cultivar selection, optimization of key plant traits such as sowing date and plant density, nitrogen fertilization management, and project the impacts of climate change on crop growth and yield. Therefore, by integrating such models with long-term meteorological data, it is possible to simulate crop behavior under both potential and stress conditions and assess the results accordingly.
<strong>Materials and Methods.</strong> This experiment aimed to forecast the yield of various rain fed wheat cultivars under climate change in Khorramabad Province using the APSIM-Wheat sub model. To identify the genetic coefficients of cultivars and parameterize the model, management, soil, plant and climate data from field experiments were utilized as model inputs. The experiment was conducted under optimal management conditions and using a randomized complete block design with three treatments and three replications at the research farm of the General Directorate of Meteorology of Lorestan Province (located in Khorramabad City) during the 2021-2022 growing season. Data from ten selected farms were also used to evaluate the model under different climate and management conditions.
<strong>Results and Discussion.</strong> The normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) was less than 10 percent for seed yield, biological yield, and phenological stages (flowering and maturity) of the cultivars. Thus, the APSIM model demonstrated excellent quality and acceptable accuracy. Other evaluation indicators (CRM, D-index, and R²) also confirmed the robustness of the sub-models. In all studied climate periods and scenarios, the grain yield and biological yield of wheat are projected to decrease by 7.3 to 57.0 percent and 2.6 to 27.9 percent, respectively, compared to the base period. In the 2061-2080 climate periods and the pessimistic scenario (RCP8.5), the yield of the plants significantly decreased due to rising minimum and maximum temperatures compared to the base period and a reduction in the length of the plant growth period.
<strong>Conclusion. </strong>Under climate change conditions, farmers and agricultural planners can mitigate the negative effects of climate change the regional production and food supply by making appropriate management decisions, including selecting suitable cultivars. Given the genetic coefficients of some rain fed wheat cultivars established in this research, the APSIM-Wheat sub-model model can serve as a low-cost and efficient tool for management planning in crisis situations and for making informed management decisions.<strong>Introduction.</strong> The Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) is a mechanistic model developed by a consortium of Australian researchers. It is capable of simulating the soil–plant system of a farm with appropriate detail, modeling the growth and development of more than 20 crop species on a daily time step. APSIM contributes to improve crop management practices, including cultivar selection, optimization of key plant traits such as sowing date and plant density, nitrogen fertilization management, and project the impacts of climate change on crop growth and yield. Therefore, by integrating such models with long-term meteorological data, it is possible to simulate crop behavior under both potential and stress conditions and assess the results accordingly.
<strong>Materials and Methods.</strong> This experiment aimed to forecast the yield of various rain fed wheat cultivars under climate change in Khorramabad Province using the APSIM-Wheat sub model. To identify the genetic coefficients of cultivars and parameterize the model, management, soil, plant and climate data from field experiments were utilized as model inputs. The experiment was conducted under optimal management conditions and using a randomized complete block design with three treatments and three replications at the research farm of the General Directorate of Meteorology of Lorestan Province (located in Khorramabad City) during the 2021-2022 growing season. Data from ten selected farms were also used to evaluate the model under different climate and management conditions.
<strong>Results and Discussion.</strong> The normalized root mean square error (nRMSE) was less than 10 percent for seed yield, biological yield, and phenological stages (flowering and maturity) of the cultivars. Thus, the APSIM model demonstrated excellent quality and acceptable accuracy. Other evaluation indicators (CRM, D-index, and R²) also confirmed the robustness of the sub-models. In all studied climate periods and scenarios, the grain yield and biological yield of wheat are projected to decrease by 7.3 to 57.0 percent and 2.6 to 27.9 percent, respectively, compared to the base period. In the 2061-2080 climate periods and the pessimistic scenario (RCP8.5), the yield of the plants significantly decreased due to rising minimum and maximum temperatures compared to the base period and a reduction in the length of the plant growth period.
<strong>Conclusion. </strong>Under climate change conditions, farmers and agricultural planners can mitigate the negative effects of climate change the regional production and food supply by making appropriate management decisions, including selecting suitable cultivars. Given the genetic coefficients of some rain fed wheat cultivars established in this research, the APSIM-Wheat sub-model model can serve as a low-cost and efficient tool for management planning in crisis situations and for making informed management decisions.https://ijfcs.ut.ac.ir/article_105728_2b9e9022eecca53f85c6710c461cee29.pdfUnivrsity of Tehran PressIranian Journal of Field Crop Science2008-481157120260321Simulating Future Wheat Production under Climate Change and Technological Advancement in IranSimulating Future Wheat Production under Climate Change and Technological Advancement in Iran133010573310.22059/ijfcs.2025.396046.655144FASadeghGhorbaniDepartment of Agronomy, College of Plant Protection, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, IranBehnamKamkarDepartment of Agrotechnology, College of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, IranBenjaminTorabiDepartment of Agronomy, College of Plant Protection, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, IranHamedMansouriSugar Beet Research Department, Hamedan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education center, Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO), Hamedan, IranJournal Article20250601<strong>Introduction.</strong> Climate change and its impact on agriculture has become a very important issue worldwide. Climate change is generally associated with global warming, which is caused by the obvious increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The effects of climate change can be harmful or beneficial for agriculture, depending mainly on the region and the type of crop. The impact of climate change on crop production has been studied using global circulation models (GCM) along with crop growth simulation models under different scenarios in different parts of the world. The studies of crop yields in recent years show an increasing trend due to advances in technology (such as new varieties and agricultural management methods, etc.). An analysis of the 50-year trend of wheat production in Iran also shows that the increase in wheat production in the country, especially in recent years, was not due to an increase in the cultivated area, but mainly due to an increase in yield per unit area, which is due to technological development in production. Therefore, to accurately estimate future yield changes, it is necessary to consider technological development as an influential factor in addition to changes in climate variables and CO<sub>2</sub> effects.<br /><strong>Materials and Methods. </strong>In the study, the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) was used to investigate the future climate situation using two scenarios (SSP585 and SSP245). To simulate wheat growth, the DSSAT-Nwheat model in DSSAT software, which effectively simulates crop growth, development, and yield, was utilized. In order to parameterize and validate the model, data from field experiments conducted for the compatibility of promising wheat genotypes and lines at the country's grain research stations in the main wheat production regions of the country were used. In each region, data from two years 2019 and 2020 were used to parameterize the model, and data from two years 2021 and 2023 were used to evaluate the model. To evaluate the model, the normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) and the model efficiency (EF) criterion were used. Comparison of the fitted linear regression between the simulated (y) and observed (x) data with the 1:1 line was also used to evaluate the model. To quantify the impact of technological advancements on future wheat yields, the method developed by Ewert <em>et al.</em> (2005) was utilized. To calculate the impact of CO<sub>2</sub> on wheat yield, the future CO<sub>2</sub> concentration was first estimated, and then the increase in yield per unit increase in CO<sub>2</sub> was evaluated. Finally, the combined effects of influencing factors (climate change, CO<sub>2</sub>, and technological development) on wheat yield in future conditions were estimated.<br /><strong>Results and Discussion. </strong>The results of the climate model evaluation showed that the climate data have acceptable accuracy for simulating climate variables, due to the low values of the NRMSE index. The crop growth model has an acceptable estimate for simulating traits in wheat plants based on the NRMSE and ME statistical indices. Simulation of the effect of technological development on wheat yield in future conditions in different scenarios showed that in all different regions of the country, the effect of technology was positive compared to the baseline years, and the extent of this effect varied from 1% to 27%, depending on the region, scenario, and time period. The results showed that an increase in carbon dioxide will lead to an increase in wheat production in the future, such that the increase in production due to an increase in CO<sub>2</sub> varied from 2.6 to 27.8% compared to the baseline years, depending on the year and scenario. Simulation of the effect of climate change on wheat production in different regions of the country showed that climate change caused a decrease in wheat production compared to the baseline years in both scenarios and in all time periods, the extent of this decrease varies by scenario, region, and time, ranging from 3% to 86%. In general, the combined effects had the least impact in the first time period and the greatest impact in the third time period on wheat yield in different regions. During the second period (2051-2075), the overall impact of various factors resulted in a decrease in wheat yield across most regions compared to the base year. However, in some regions, such as Ardabil, Ilam, Tehran, Zanjan, Sari, Shahr-e-Kord, Karaj, and Hamedan did not experience a decline in yield under the SSP245 scenario. In the third period (2076-2100), the combined effects showed a negative and decreasing effect on wheat yield compared to the base year in all regions of the country. The highest negative effect was observed in the Ahvaz region in the SSP245 scenario with a 57% decrease in production compared to the baseline years and the lowest negative effect was observed in the Ardabil region in the SSP585 scenario with an 8% decrease in production compared to the baseline years.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Conclusion. </strong>It seems that the development of technology and carbon dioxide in the first and second time periods has the potential to offset the negative effects of climate change, especially in cold regions of the country, and even in the first time period it has led to an increase in wheat production compared to the base year. However, with the passage of time and in the third time period, the negative effects of climate change have intensified and prevailed over the positive effects of technology and carbon dioxide, leading to a decrease in wheat production, especially in tropical and arid regions.<strong>Introduction.</strong> Climate change and its impact on agriculture has become a very important issue worldwide. Climate change is generally associated with global warming, which is caused by the obvious increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The effects of climate change can be harmful or beneficial for agriculture, depending mainly on the region and the type of crop. The impact of climate change on crop production has been studied using global circulation models (GCM) along with crop growth simulation models under different scenarios in different parts of the world. The studies of crop yields in recent years show an increasing trend due to advances in technology (such as new varieties and agricultural management methods, etc.). An analysis of the 50-year trend of wheat production in Iran also shows that the increase in wheat production in the country, especially in recent years, was not due to an increase in the cultivated area, but mainly due to an increase in yield per unit area, which is due to technological development in production. Therefore, to accurately estimate future yield changes, it is necessary to consider technological development as an influential factor in addition to changes in climate variables and CO<sub>2</sub> effects.<br /><strong>Materials and Methods. </strong>In the study, the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) was used to investigate the future climate situation using two scenarios (SSP585 and SSP245). To simulate wheat growth, the DSSAT-Nwheat model in DSSAT software, which effectively simulates crop growth, development, and yield, was utilized. In order to parameterize and validate the model, data from field experiments conducted for the compatibility of promising wheat genotypes and lines at the country's grain research stations in the main wheat production regions of the country were used. In each region, data from two years 2019 and 2020 were used to parameterize the model, and data from two years 2021 and 2023 were used to evaluate the model. To evaluate the model, the normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) and the model efficiency (EF) criterion were used. Comparison of the fitted linear regression between the simulated (y) and observed (x) data with the 1:1 line was also used to evaluate the model. To quantify the impact of technological advancements on future wheat yields, the method developed by Ewert <em>et al.</em> (2005) was utilized. To calculate the impact of CO<sub>2</sub> on wheat yield, the future CO<sub>2</sub> concentration was first estimated, and then the increase in yield per unit increase in CO<sub>2</sub> was evaluated. Finally, the combined effects of influencing factors (climate change, CO<sub>2</sub>, and technological development) on wheat yield in future conditions were estimated.<br /><strong>Results and Discussion. </strong>The results of the climate model evaluation showed that the climate data have acceptable accuracy for simulating climate variables, due to the low values of the NRMSE index. The crop growth model has an acceptable estimate for simulating traits in wheat plants based on the NRMSE and ME statistical indices. Simulation of the effect of technological development on wheat yield in future conditions in different scenarios showed that in all different regions of the country, the effect of technology was positive compared to the baseline years, and the extent of this effect varied from 1% to 27%, depending on the region, scenario, and time period. The results showed that an increase in carbon dioxide will lead to an increase in wheat production in the future, such that the increase in production due to an increase in CO<sub>2</sub> varied from 2.6 to 27.8% compared to the baseline years, depending on the year and scenario. Simulation of the effect of climate change on wheat production in different regions of the country showed that climate change caused a decrease in wheat production compared to the baseline years in both scenarios and in all time periods, the extent of this decrease varies by scenario, region, and time, ranging from 3% to 86%. In general, the combined effects had the least impact in the first time period and the greatest impact in the third time period on wheat yield in different regions. During the second period (2051-2075), the overall impact of various factors resulted in a decrease in wheat yield across most regions compared to the base year. However, in some regions, such as Ardabil, Ilam, Tehran, Zanjan, Sari, Shahr-e-Kord, Karaj, and Hamedan did not experience a decline in yield under the SSP245 scenario. In the third period (2076-2100), the combined effects showed a negative and decreasing effect on wheat yield compared to the base year in all regions of the country. The highest negative effect was observed in the Ahvaz region in the SSP245 scenario with a 57% decrease in production compared to the baseline years and the lowest negative effect was observed in the Ardabil region in the SSP585 scenario with an 8% decrease in production compared to the baseline years.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Conclusion. </strong>It seems that the development of technology and carbon dioxide in the first and second time periods has the potential to offset the negative effects of climate change, especially in cold regions of the country, and even in the first time period it has led to an increase in wheat production compared to the base year. However, with the passage of time and in the third time period, the negative effects of climate change have intensified and prevailed over the positive effects of technology and carbon dioxide, leading to a decrease in wheat production, especially in tropical and arid regions.https://ijfcs.ut.ac.ir/article_105733_337a70094f66ea88b3993b792f16e712.pdfUnivrsity of Tehran PressIranian Journal of Field Crop Science2008-481157120260321The Effects of Melatonin and Zinc Sulfate on Agronomic Traits and Grain Yield of Quinoa Cultivars Under Salinity Stress ConditionsThe Effects of Melatonin and Zinc Sulfate on Agronomic Traits and Grain Yield of Quinoa Cultivars Under Salinity Stress Conditions314910573410.22059/ijfcs.2025.396913.655147FAMahdiFathi MoghadamDepartment of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, IranHamidrezaAsghariDepartment of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, IranMahdiBaradaranFirozAbadiDepartment of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, IranAhmadGholamiDepartment of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahrood University of Technology, Shahrood, IranJournal Article20250820<strong>Introduction. </strong>The increasing salinity of soils and water resources in various regions of Iran, particularly in the central and southern parts of Khorasan Razavi Province, has restricted agricultural expansion and reduced the economic performance of crops. <em>Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)</em>, a pseudo-cereal with remarkable salt tolerance, has recently attracted considerable attention in breeding and crop development programs due to its high protein content, essential amino acids, and exceptional nutritional value. Previous studies have demonstrated that salinity stress can significantly reduce water and nutrient uptake, photosynthetic efficiency, chlorophyll synthesis, and grain yield. Therefore, identifying physiological compounds that enhance stress resistance, such as melatonin and crucial micronutrients like zinc, can offer effective strategies for improving plant responses under salinity stress conditions. Melatonin, beyond its regulatory function in plant growth under normal conditions, plays a critical role in activating plant defense systems and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). This compound mitigates oxidative damage and improves photosynthetic efficiency in plants exposed to salinity stress. On the other hand, zinc is one of the most important micronutrients involved in over 300 enzymatic processes, playing a vital role in stabilizing chlorophyll structure, promoting protein synthesis, and reducing the uptake of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions. Hence, the simultaneous use of melatonin and zinc sulfate could physiologically and biochemically alleviate the adverse effects of salinity stress and ultimately enhance crop performance.
<strong> </strong><strong>Materials and Methods.</strong><strong> </strong>Given the growing need to expand crop cultivation in saline lands, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of seed priming and foliar application of melatonin and zinc sulfate on agronomic, physiological, and yield traits of two quinoa (<em>Chenopodium quinoa</em> Willd.) cultivars under contrasting ecological conditions (saline and non-saline). The experiment was carried out during the 2023–2024 cropping season in two locations—Kashmar (non-saline) and Bardaskan (saline)—as a factorial arrangement based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Experimental treatments consisted of two quinoa cultivars (Red Carina and Titicaca), three levels of seed priming (control, 100 µM melatonin, and 40 mM zinc sulfate), and three levels of foliar application (control, 0.2 mM melatonin, and 0.5% zinc sulfate). Seed priming was performed by soaking the seeds in the respective solutions for six hours, while foliar spraying was applied at the beginning of the flowering stage under favorable environmental conditions. Soil and water analyses revealed that Bardaskan had a considerably higher electrical conductivity (EC ≈ 16,880 µS cm⁻¹) compared with Kashmar (EC ≈ 538 µS cm⁻¹), confirming the saline nature of the former site. Following the application of treatments, various traits were measured, including final field emergence percentage, stem height, panicle length, collar diameter, shoot dry weight, forage index (percentage of digestible dry matter), concentrations of chlorophyll <em>a</em> and <em>b</em>, protein yield, and grain yield. Data were analyzed using SAS statistical software. Bartlett’s test was applied to examine error homogeneity, and based on its significance, either separate or combined analyses of variance were performed accordingly.
<strong>Results and Discussion.</strong><strong> </strong>The results revealed that in the Bardaskan region, salinity stress caused a significant reduction in seed protein yield in the Red Carina cultivar (by approximately 30.02%) and in the Titicaca cultivar (by about 35.39%) compared with the same cultivars grown in the Kashmar non-saline area. Furthermore, grain yield of the Titicaca cultivar was 23.25% higher in Bardaskan and 25.81% higher in Kashmar than that of Red Carina, indicating the relatively greater salt tolerance of Titicaca. In the non-saline condition (Kashmar), combined seed priming and foliar spraying with melatonin increased grain yield by 17.85%, and zinc sulfate by 18.04%. Under saline conditions (Bardaskan), simultaneous application of melatonin and zinc sulfate resulted in even greater yield improvements of 36.91% and 35.70%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the regulatory role of melatonin and zinc is strengthened under salt stress conditions, and their synergistic effects are more pronounced compared with non-stress environments. Evaluation of physiological traits showed that salt resistance in melatonin and zinc treatments was associated with increased concentrations of chlorophyll <em>a</em> and <em>b</em>, higher stem height, and an improved forage index. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that all main factors (cultivar, seed priming, and foliar application), as well as their two-way and three-way interactions, had significant effects (p < 0.01) on most measured traits. In saline conditions, the greatest responses were observed for shoot dry weight and chlorophyll content, which were directly related to enhanced photosynthetic activity and accumulation of energetic compounds. Protein determination using the Kjeldahl method indicated that quinoa plants under saline stress could maintain acceptable seed protein levels when micronutrients were supplied, highlighting the nutritional and economic importance of these treatments. According to the results, combined seed priming and foliar application of melatonin and zinc sulfate were more effective in the Titicaca cultivar than in Red Carina. This superiority is likely attributed to the genetic characteristics of Titicaca, including a shorter growth cycle and better adaptation to ionic and osmotic stresses. The primary mechanism of action for these compounds involves activation of the antioxidative defense system, maintenance of ionic balance, enhancement of chlorophyll efficiency, and mitigation of oxidative cellular damage.
<strong>Conclusion. </strong>From an agronomic perspective, this study confirmed that the simultaneous application of melatonin and zinc sulfate not only improves plant growth and yield attributes but also enhances physiological stability under saline conditions. Thus, this integrated approach can be regarded as a cost-effective biotechnological strategy for improving the productivity of saline and semi-saline lands in Iran. In conclusion, the combined use of two bio-regulatory compounds—melatonin and zinc—exhibited synergistic effects in improving salinity tolerance, resulting in significant increases in grain yield and protein yield. The <em>Titicaca</em> cultivar showed overall better responses compared with <em>Red Carina</em> across both experimental sites, with the highest mean yield obtained under concurrent seed priming and foliar application of these two compounds. Accordingly, within the scope of this study, cultivation of the <em>Titicaca</em> cultivar together with simultaneous melatonin and zinc sulfate application is recommended as an effective salinity management strategy to enhance grain yield and protein productivity in quinoa.<strong>Introduction. </strong>The increasing salinity of soils and water resources in various regions of Iran, particularly in the central and southern parts of Khorasan Razavi Province, has restricted agricultural expansion and reduced the economic performance of crops. <em>Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)</em>, a pseudo-cereal with remarkable salt tolerance, has recently attracted considerable attention in breeding and crop development programs due to its high protein content, essential amino acids, and exceptional nutritional value. Previous studies have demonstrated that salinity stress can significantly reduce water and nutrient uptake, photosynthetic efficiency, chlorophyll synthesis, and grain yield. Therefore, identifying physiological compounds that enhance stress resistance, such as melatonin and crucial micronutrients like zinc, can offer effective strategies for improving plant responses under salinity stress conditions. Melatonin, beyond its regulatory function in plant growth under normal conditions, plays a critical role in activating plant defense systems and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). This compound mitigates oxidative damage and improves photosynthetic efficiency in plants exposed to salinity stress. On the other hand, zinc is one of the most important micronutrients involved in over 300 enzymatic processes, playing a vital role in stabilizing chlorophyll structure, promoting protein synthesis, and reducing the uptake of Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions. Hence, the simultaneous use of melatonin and zinc sulfate could physiologically and biochemically alleviate the adverse effects of salinity stress and ultimately enhance crop performance.
<strong> </strong><strong>Materials and Methods.</strong><strong> </strong>Given the growing need to expand crop cultivation in saline lands, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of seed priming and foliar application of melatonin and zinc sulfate on agronomic, physiological, and yield traits of two quinoa (<em>Chenopodium quinoa</em> Willd.) cultivars under contrasting ecological conditions (saline and non-saline). The experiment was carried out during the 2023–2024 cropping season in two locations—Kashmar (non-saline) and Bardaskan (saline)—as a factorial arrangement based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Experimental treatments consisted of two quinoa cultivars (Red Carina and Titicaca), three levels of seed priming (control, 100 µM melatonin, and 40 mM zinc sulfate), and three levels of foliar application (control, 0.2 mM melatonin, and 0.5% zinc sulfate). Seed priming was performed by soaking the seeds in the respective solutions for six hours, while foliar spraying was applied at the beginning of the flowering stage under favorable environmental conditions. Soil and water analyses revealed that Bardaskan had a considerably higher electrical conductivity (EC ≈ 16,880 µS cm⁻¹) compared with Kashmar (EC ≈ 538 µS cm⁻¹), confirming the saline nature of the former site. Following the application of treatments, various traits were measured, including final field emergence percentage, stem height, panicle length, collar diameter, shoot dry weight, forage index (percentage of digestible dry matter), concentrations of chlorophyll <em>a</em> and <em>b</em>, protein yield, and grain yield. Data were analyzed using SAS statistical software. Bartlett’s test was applied to examine error homogeneity, and based on its significance, either separate or combined analyses of variance were performed accordingly.
<strong>Results and Discussion.</strong><strong> </strong>The results revealed that in the Bardaskan region, salinity stress caused a significant reduction in seed protein yield in the Red Carina cultivar (by approximately 30.02%) and in the Titicaca cultivar (by about 35.39%) compared with the same cultivars grown in the Kashmar non-saline area. Furthermore, grain yield of the Titicaca cultivar was 23.25% higher in Bardaskan and 25.81% higher in Kashmar than that of Red Carina, indicating the relatively greater salt tolerance of Titicaca. In the non-saline condition (Kashmar), combined seed priming and foliar spraying with melatonin increased grain yield by 17.85%, and zinc sulfate by 18.04%. Under saline conditions (Bardaskan), simultaneous application of melatonin and zinc sulfate resulted in even greater yield improvements of 36.91% and 35.70%, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the regulatory role of melatonin and zinc is strengthened under salt stress conditions, and their synergistic effects are more pronounced compared with non-stress environments. Evaluation of physiological traits showed that salt resistance in melatonin and zinc treatments was associated with increased concentrations of chlorophyll <em>a</em> and <em>b</em>, higher stem height, and an improved forage index. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that all main factors (cultivar, seed priming, and foliar application), as well as their two-way and three-way interactions, had significant effects (p < 0.01) on most measured traits. In saline conditions, the greatest responses were observed for shoot dry weight and chlorophyll content, which were directly related to enhanced photosynthetic activity and accumulation of energetic compounds. Protein determination using the Kjeldahl method indicated that quinoa plants under saline stress could maintain acceptable seed protein levels when micronutrients were supplied, highlighting the nutritional and economic importance of these treatments. According to the results, combined seed priming and foliar application of melatonin and zinc sulfate were more effective in the Titicaca cultivar than in Red Carina. This superiority is likely attributed to the genetic characteristics of Titicaca, including a shorter growth cycle and better adaptation to ionic and osmotic stresses. The primary mechanism of action for these compounds involves activation of the antioxidative defense system, maintenance of ionic balance, enhancement of chlorophyll efficiency, and mitigation of oxidative cellular damage.
<strong>Conclusion. </strong>From an agronomic perspective, this study confirmed that the simultaneous application of melatonin and zinc sulfate not only improves plant growth and yield attributes but also enhances physiological stability under saline conditions. Thus, this integrated approach can be regarded as a cost-effective biotechnological strategy for improving the productivity of saline and semi-saline lands in Iran. In conclusion, the combined use of two bio-regulatory compounds—melatonin and zinc—exhibited synergistic effects in improving salinity tolerance, resulting in significant increases in grain yield and protein yield. The <em>Titicaca</em> cultivar showed overall better responses compared with <em>Red Carina</em> across both experimental sites, with the highest mean yield obtained under concurrent seed priming and foliar application of these two compounds. Accordingly, within the scope of this study, cultivation of the <em>Titicaca</em> cultivar together with simultaneous melatonin and zinc sulfate application is recommended as an effective salinity management strategy to enhance grain yield and protein productivity in quinoa.https://ijfcs.ut.ac.ir/article_105734_1c4a2b431291a59e8e8d313d6eff3f96.pdfUnivrsity of Tehran PressIranian Journal of Field Crop Science2008-481157120260321The Productivity Response of Rapeseed Genotypes to the Application of Seaweed Extract in the Marginal Areas around Urmia LakeThe Productivity Response of Rapeseed Genotypes to the Application of Seaweed Extract in the Marginal Areas around Urmia Lake516610573110.22059/ijfcs.2025.391665.655130FABahmanPasban EslamCrop and Horticultural Science Research Department, East Azarbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Tabriz, IranRoghayehSolhi-KhajehmarjanCrop and Horticultural Science Research Department, East Azerbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Tabriz, Iran.BahramAlizadehSeed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.Journal Article20250308The use of bio-stimulants to create eco-friendly products in conjunction with contemporary agriculture, particularly the foliar application of seaweed extract, can be successful in raising crop yields both quantitatively and qualitatively under stressful environmental conditions. On the other hand, removing or reducing the application of chemical inputs and substituting them with bio-fertilizers and growth stimulants such as seaweed extract can be considered as an important step towards achieving sustainable agriculture goals. The present research was conducted to investigate the effects of foliar application of the seaweed extract on seed and oil yields and seed yield components of rapeseed genotypes in the marginal areas around Urmia Lake. The research was done in the Khosro Shah station of East Azerbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (46º 2´E, 37º 56´N) during the 2023-2024 cropping season. The mentioned research station is located in marginal areas east of the Urmia lacke. The experiment was done as a split-plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental factors included the foliar application of seaweed extract (seaumic acid) at two levels (control and seaumic acid with 5 g L<sup>-1</sup> concentration) as the main factor and 40 rapeseed genotypes as the sub-factor. The seaweed extract solution was made with distilled water and stirred until the extract was fully dissolved in the water in 25ºC. The Institute for Research on Breeding and Seed Preparation of the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad selected genotypes, were used in current study from preliminary tests of adaptation to the nation's cold climates. These genotypes have economically acceptable adaptation and seed and oil yields for cultivation in the marginal areas of cold climates. There were four rows in each subplot, separated by 30 centimeters (cm). It was determined that each row was five meters long. Seven cm was the set spacing between each plant on the row. The planting time was 11<sup>th</sup> Sept. 2023. Seaweed extract was applied topically to rapeseed plants during their shoot elongation (main inflorescence elongation in 20% of the plants) and flowering (when 20% of flowers appeared) stages. The results of the study showed that the foliar application of seaweed extract during stem elongation and flowering stages, increased the number of sub-branches (about 2%), chlorophyll index (about 36%), number of the pods per plant (about 12%), 1000-seeds weight (about 13%), harvest index (about 10%), and seed and oil yields (about 21% and 8% respectively). Genotype HL3721×Rohan had the highest amounts of pods per plant (131.4), seeds per pod (27.6), and seed and oil yields of 3657 and 1683 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. HL2012×GK Csenge (737 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) and ES Kamilo×SW102 (859 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) genotypes indicated lower seed yields compared to others. The results of principal components analysis among the studied traits showed significant correlation between seed and oil yields. In the study of parameters influencing seed and oil yields, the number of pods per plant, revealed positive and significant correlations with plant height, stem diameter, number of the branches per plant, plant biomass, harvest index and seed and oil yields. It seems that the effect of the number of pods per plant on seed and oil yields, was more than other yield components. Among the studied traits, chlorophyll index, 1000-seeds weight, and pod area showed positive correlations with seed yield. Therefore, the role of the mentioned traits in the formation of seed yield was more important. By cluster analysis with Ward's method, after HL3721×Rohan, eighteen genotypes with an average seed yield of 2311 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup> were placed in same group. These genotypes can be cultivated as promising genotypes in the marginal areas around Urmia Lake. The use of plant growth promoters such as seaweed extract as bio-fertilizers has been increasingly proposed as a way to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers in agricultural systems. This can be considered in the production process of rapeseed plants under different conditions, based on different aspects of production. Seaweed organic fertilizer has had a positive effect on the growth and yield of rapeseed genotypes due to its growth stimulants and nutrient. It is concluded that the use of the above-mentioned organic fertilizer can play an acceptable role in achieving economic yields in rapeseed production, especially in difficult environmental conditions and marginal areas.The use of bio-stimulants to create eco-friendly products in conjunction with contemporary agriculture, particularly the foliar application of seaweed extract, can be successful in raising crop yields both quantitatively and qualitatively under stressful environmental conditions. On the other hand, removing or reducing the application of chemical inputs and substituting them with bio-fertilizers and growth stimulants such as seaweed extract can be considered as an important step towards achieving sustainable agriculture goals. The present research was conducted to investigate the effects of foliar application of the seaweed extract on seed and oil yields and seed yield components of rapeseed genotypes in the marginal areas around Urmia Lake. The research was done in the Khosro Shah station of East Azerbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center (46º 2´E, 37º 56´N) during the 2023-2024 cropping season. The mentioned research station is located in marginal areas east of the Urmia lacke. The experiment was done as a split-plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental factors included the foliar application of seaweed extract (seaumic acid) at two levels (control and seaumic acid with 5 g L<sup>-1</sup> concentration) as the main factor and 40 rapeseed genotypes as the sub-factor. The seaweed extract solution was made with distilled water and stirred until the extract was fully dissolved in the water in 25ºC. The Institute for Research on Breeding and Seed Preparation of the Ministry of Agricultural Jihad selected genotypes, were used in current study from preliminary tests of adaptation to the nation's cold climates. These genotypes have economically acceptable adaptation and seed and oil yields for cultivation in the marginal areas of cold climates. There were four rows in each subplot, separated by 30 centimeters (cm). It was determined that each row was five meters long. Seven cm was the set spacing between each plant on the row. The planting time was 11<sup>th</sup> Sept. 2023. Seaweed extract was applied topically to rapeseed plants during their shoot elongation (main inflorescence elongation in 20% of the plants) and flowering (when 20% of flowers appeared) stages. The results of the study showed that the foliar application of seaweed extract during stem elongation and flowering stages, increased the number of sub-branches (about 2%), chlorophyll index (about 36%), number of the pods per plant (about 12%), 1000-seeds weight (about 13%), harvest index (about 10%), and seed and oil yields (about 21% and 8% respectively). Genotype HL3721×Rohan had the highest amounts of pods per plant (131.4), seeds per pod (27.6), and seed and oil yields of 3657 and 1683 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup>, respectively. HL2012×GK Csenge (737 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) and ES Kamilo×SW102 (859 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup>) genotypes indicated lower seed yields compared to others. The results of principal components analysis among the studied traits showed significant correlation between seed and oil yields. In the study of parameters influencing seed and oil yields, the number of pods per plant, revealed positive and significant correlations with plant height, stem diameter, number of the branches per plant, plant biomass, harvest index and seed and oil yields. It seems that the effect of the number of pods per plant on seed and oil yields, was more than other yield components. Among the studied traits, chlorophyll index, 1000-seeds weight, and pod area showed positive correlations with seed yield. Therefore, the role of the mentioned traits in the formation of seed yield was more important. By cluster analysis with Ward's method, after HL3721×Rohan, eighteen genotypes with an average seed yield of 2311 Kg ha<sup>-1</sup> were placed in same group. These genotypes can be cultivated as promising genotypes in the marginal areas around Urmia Lake. The use of plant growth promoters such as seaweed extract as bio-fertilizers has been increasingly proposed as a way to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers in agricultural systems. This can be considered in the production process of rapeseed plants under different conditions, based on different aspects of production. Seaweed organic fertilizer has had a positive effect on the growth and yield of rapeseed genotypes due to its growth stimulants and nutrient. It is concluded that the use of the above-mentioned organic fertilizer can play an acceptable role in achieving economic yields in rapeseed production, especially in difficult environmental conditions and marginal areas.https://ijfcs.ut.ac.ir/article_105731_11e20598642c19217a8f70bf6f058adb.pdfUnivrsity of Tehran PressIranian Journal of Field Crop Science2008-481157120260321Genetic Diversity in Backcross Inbred Rice Lines Derived from HashemiGenetic Diversity in Backcross Inbred Rice Lines Derived from Hashemi678410573710.22059/ijfcs.2025.402487.655160FASeyedeh SoheilaZarbafiAgricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rice Research Institute of Iran, Rasht, IranMaryamHosseini ChaleshtoriAgricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rice Research Institute of Iran, Rasht, IranJournal Article20250924<strong>Introduction.</strong><strong> </strong>Rice (<em>Oryza</em> <em>sativa</em> L.) is one of the world’s most important cereal crops, serving as a staple food for billions of people and providing a primary source of income for many agricultural communities. It is cultivated in over 100 countries, with Asia accounting for the majority of production and consumption. Rice contributes substantially to daily caloric and protein intake, supplying approximately 60% of daily caloric intake and nearly 50% of dietary protein in many regions (FAO, 2018). With the increasing global population, rising food demand, and climate variability, developing high-yielding, high-quality, and environmentally adaptable rice varieties has become essential for global food security and sustainable agriculture. Grain yield is a complex polygenic trait influenced by multiple morphological, physiological, and quality characteristics, which complicates direct selection in breeding programs (Debsharma <em>et al.</em>, 2020; Nath, 2015). Understanding the relationships among yield and related traits is therefore critical for effective breeding. The exploration of genetic and phenotypic diversity within rice germplasm provides opportunities to identify superior genotypes and develop improved varieties, providing valuable resources for breeding programs (Thomson <em>et al.</em>, 2007). Evaluating this variability using biometric parameters such as genetic and phenotypic variation, heritability, and expected genetic advance allows breeders to select traits with the greatest potential impact on yield and performance (Begna & Teressa, 2024). Multivariate statistical analyses, including principal component and cluster analyses, are effective tools for quantifying genetic diversity, revealing hidden patterns among traits, and guiding the selection of superior genotypes (Sharifi, 2018). These methods reduce data dimensionality, clarify complex trait interactions, and help prioritize traits for breeding programs, enabling more efficient improvement of rice varieties. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate a population of rice genotypes in terms of agronomic and yield-related traits using multivariate statistical methods, with the goal of identifying genotypes possessing optimal combinations of traits for use in future breeding programs.
<strong>Materials and Methods. </strong>A total of 144 backcross inbred lines (BILs, BC<sub>2</sub>F<sub>4</sub>) derived from a cross between Hashemi (recurrent parent, with superior cooking quality) and IR67418-110-32222 (donor parent, contributing desirable agronomic traits) were evaluated. The study aimed to combine the high-quality traits of Hashemi with improved morphological and yield-related characteristics from the donor parent. The experiment was conducted under field conditions in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Seedlings were transplanted at a spacing of 20 × 20 cm, and standard agronomic practices, including fertilization, irrigation, and pest and weed management, were applied. Ten quantitative traits were measured following the Standard Evaluation System (SES) for rice (IRRI, 2002): Grain yield, panicles per plant, spikelets per panicle, filled grains per panicle, 1,000-grain weight, plant height, panicle length, flag leaf area, days to 50% flowering, and days to maturity. Data were analyzed using SAS 9 (SAS Institute, 2002) for analysis of variance and mean comparisons, SPSS 24 (IBM SPSS Statistics, 2016) for correlation, factor, and cluster analyses, and Python 3.13 (Python Software Foundation, 2025) for heatmap visualization of trait associations. Superior and diverse genotypes were identified for potential use in future breeding programs.
<strong>Results and Discussion. </strong>Descriptive statistics revealed wide variation among the BIL genotypes for all evaluated traits, including plant height, panicle length, panicles per plant, spikelets per panicle, flag leaf area, 1,000-grain weight, filled grains per panicle, and grain yield. The broad ranges observed for flowering and maturity times indicated the presence of early-, medium-, and late-duration genotypes within the population. Frequency distributions for most agronomic and yield-related traits were continuous and near-normal, suggesting polygenic inheritance and sufficient quantitative variation for effective selection. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all traits. Combined with the high heritability estimates, this indicated that much of the observed variation was genetically controlled. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between grain yield and traits such as panicles per plant, flag leaf area, spikelets per panicle, filled grains per panicle, and panicle length, highlighting their value as indirect selection criteria. In contrast, the correlations between flowering traits and grain yield were small and non-significant, likely due to environmental conditions during the late growth stages and the stronger contribution of yield-component traits to final productivity. Factor analysis extracted four major components explaining 76.97% of the total variation, corresponding to growth and phenology, reproductive capacity, yield-defining traits, and grain physical characteristics. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into two groups: Group I contained high-yielding lines with superior values for major yield components, whereas Group II, which included the recurrent parent Hashemi, exhibited lower performance for yield-related traits. The cophenetic correlation coefficient of 0.88 confirmed the robustness of the clustering pattern. Overall, the results indicated that grain yield in the BIL population is governed by multiple interacting traits, and traits such as panicle length, filled grains per panicle, and flag leaf area are key indicators for identifying superior lines for breeding programs.
<strong>Conclusion. </strong>The findings of this study demonstrated that the backcross-derived inbred population developed from Hashemi and IR67418-110-32222 provides a valuable genetic resource for improving both grain yield and quality in rice. Multivariate analyses confirmed that grain yield resulted from the combined influence of multiple morphological and reproductive traits rather than any single attribute, underscoring the need for multi-trait selection strategies. The clear genetic variation revealed through variance analysis, factor structure, and clustering further indicated the presence of distinct groups of superior genotypes that can serve as promising parents in future breeding programs. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of integrating morphological traits, yield components, and grain characteristics when selecting elite genotypes. These results provided practical guidance for breeders aiming to develop high-performing and high-quality rice cultivars adapted to diverse environments and support the continued use of multivariate approaches to accelerate breeding efficiency.<strong>Introduction.</strong><strong> </strong>Rice (<em>Oryza</em> <em>sativa</em> L.) is one of the world’s most important cereal crops, serving as a staple food for billions of people and providing a primary source of income for many agricultural communities. It is cultivated in over 100 countries, with Asia accounting for the majority of production and consumption. Rice contributes substantially to daily caloric and protein intake, supplying approximately 60% of daily caloric intake and nearly 50% of dietary protein in many regions (FAO, 2018). With the increasing global population, rising food demand, and climate variability, developing high-yielding, high-quality, and environmentally adaptable rice varieties has become essential for global food security and sustainable agriculture. Grain yield is a complex polygenic trait influenced by multiple morphological, physiological, and quality characteristics, which complicates direct selection in breeding programs (Debsharma <em>et al.</em>, 2020; Nath, 2015). Understanding the relationships among yield and related traits is therefore critical for effective breeding. The exploration of genetic and phenotypic diversity within rice germplasm provides opportunities to identify superior genotypes and develop improved varieties, providing valuable resources for breeding programs (Thomson <em>et al.</em>, 2007). Evaluating this variability using biometric parameters such as genetic and phenotypic variation, heritability, and expected genetic advance allows breeders to select traits with the greatest potential impact on yield and performance (Begna & Teressa, 2024). Multivariate statistical analyses, including principal component and cluster analyses, are effective tools for quantifying genetic diversity, revealing hidden patterns among traits, and guiding the selection of superior genotypes (Sharifi, 2018). These methods reduce data dimensionality, clarify complex trait interactions, and help prioritize traits for breeding programs, enabling more efficient improvement of rice varieties. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate a population of rice genotypes in terms of agronomic and yield-related traits using multivariate statistical methods, with the goal of identifying genotypes possessing optimal combinations of traits for use in future breeding programs.
<strong>Materials and Methods. </strong>A total of 144 backcross inbred lines (BILs, BC<sub>2</sub>F<sub>4</sub>) derived from a cross between Hashemi (recurrent parent, with superior cooking quality) and IR67418-110-32222 (donor parent, contributing desirable agronomic traits) were evaluated. The study aimed to combine the high-quality traits of Hashemi with improved morphological and yield-related characteristics from the donor parent. The experiment was conducted under field conditions in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Seedlings were transplanted at a spacing of 20 × 20 cm, and standard agronomic practices, including fertilization, irrigation, and pest and weed management, were applied. Ten quantitative traits were measured following the Standard Evaluation System (SES) for rice (IRRI, 2002): Grain yield, panicles per plant, spikelets per panicle, filled grains per panicle, 1,000-grain weight, plant height, panicle length, flag leaf area, days to 50% flowering, and days to maturity. Data were analyzed using SAS 9 (SAS Institute, 2002) for analysis of variance and mean comparisons, SPSS 24 (IBM SPSS Statistics, 2016) for correlation, factor, and cluster analyses, and Python 3.13 (Python Software Foundation, 2025) for heatmap visualization of trait associations. Superior and diverse genotypes were identified for potential use in future breeding programs.
<strong>Results and Discussion. </strong>Descriptive statistics revealed wide variation among the BIL genotypes for all evaluated traits, including plant height, panicle length, panicles per plant, spikelets per panicle, flag leaf area, 1,000-grain weight, filled grains per panicle, and grain yield. The broad ranges observed for flowering and maturity times indicated the presence of early-, medium-, and late-duration genotypes within the population. Frequency distributions for most agronomic and yield-related traits were continuous and near-normal, suggesting polygenic inheritance and sufficient quantitative variation for effective selection. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes for all traits. Combined with the high heritability estimates, this indicated that much of the observed variation was genetically controlled. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive associations between grain yield and traits such as panicles per plant, flag leaf area, spikelets per panicle, filled grains per panicle, and panicle length, highlighting their value as indirect selection criteria. In contrast, the correlations between flowering traits and grain yield were small and non-significant, likely due to environmental conditions during the late growth stages and the stronger contribution of yield-component traits to final productivity. Factor analysis extracted four major components explaining 76.97% of the total variation, corresponding to growth and phenology, reproductive capacity, yield-defining traits, and grain physical characteristics. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into two groups: Group I contained high-yielding lines with superior values for major yield components, whereas Group II, which included the recurrent parent Hashemi, exhibited lower performance for yield-related traits. The cophenetic correlation coefficient of 0.88 confirmed the robustness of the clustering pattern. Overall, the results indicated that grain yield in the BIL population is governed by multiple interacting traits, and traits such as panicle length, filled grains per panicle, and flag leaf area are key indicators for identifying superior lines for breeding programs.
<strong>Conclusion. </strong>The findings of this study demonstrated that the backcross-derived inbred population developed from Hashemi and IR67418-110-32222 provides a valuable genetic resource for improving both grain yield and quality in rice. Multivariate analyses confirmed that grain yield resulted from the combined influence of multiple morphological and reproductive traits rather than any single attribute, underscoring the need for multi-trait selection strategies. The clear genetic variation revealed through variance analysis, factor structure, and clustering further indicated the presence of distinct groups of superior genotypes that can serve as promising parents in future breeding programs. Overall, the study highlighted the importance of integrating morphological traits, yield components, and grain characteristics when selecting elite genotypes. These results provided practical guidance for breeders aiming to develop high-performing and high-quality rice cultivars adapted to diverse environments and support the continued use of multivariate approaches to accelerate breeding efficiency.https://ijfcs.ut.ac.ir/article_105737_1235027dd9a986d62af4e9b3ddca5a19.pdfUnivrsity of Tehran PressIranian Journal of Field Crop Science2008-481157120260321The Assessment of General Combining Ability and Heterosis in Iranian Ecotypes of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) to Produce Synthetic VarietiesThe Assessment of General Combining Ability and Heterosis in Iranian Ecotypes of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) to Produce Synthetic Varieties859510573010.22059/ijfcs.2025.390755.655128FAAliMoghaddamMaize and Forage Crops Research Department, Seed and Plant Improvement Inst. AREEO karaj IranSeyed Mohammad AliMofidianMaize and Forage Crops Research Dep. Seed and Plant Improvement Ins. AREEO karaj IranJournal Article20250222<strong>Introduction. </strong>Alfalfa (<em>Medicago sativa</em> L.) is the most important forage crop in Iran. Iran is recognized as one of the primary centers of origin of alfalfa worldwide and possesses extensive genetic diversity associated with this species. In general, from both genetic and breeding perspectives, cultivars grown domestically and globally are predominantly open-pollinated populations with varying levels of genetic diversity or genetic base. Local and indigenous populations (ecotypes) account for the largest cultivated area in the country. Most alfalfa cultivars used in recent decades worldwide are synthetic or composite populations with diverse genetic backgrounds, developed through the intercrossing of selected clones or superior populations. A key step in the development of synthetic varieties in alfalfa is the estimation of parental combining ability, typically assessed through forage yield performance of progenies derived from polycrosses.<br /><strong>Materials and Methods. </strong>With the objective of selecting superior parents with favorable general combining ability for the development of a synthetic population, the present study was conducted using 20 genotypes. These included 10 polycross progenies (half-sib families) along with 10 domestic parental alfalfa genotypes, comprising two cultivars (‘Ahang’ and ‘Mandegar’), two ecotypes from Bam and Yazd, and six ecotypes from cold and temperate regions identified by the codes KFA3, KFA4, KFA11, KFA13, KFA15, and KFA16. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at the research farm of the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute in Karaj over the years 2020 to 2022. Each genotype was planted in four double-row plots, each five meters in length, with 50 cm spacing between rows. The seeding rate was calculated at 25 kg per hectare. Irrigation was applied using the furrow method at intervals of 7-10 days. The first year (2020) was considered the establishment phase, and data collection was conducted over two years starting from spring 2021. The traits evaluated included plant height, stem density per square meter, regrowth rate, fall dormancy score, and dry and fresh forage yield. Mean comparisons over the two-year period were performed using the SNK test at the 5% probability level.<br /><strong>Results and Discussion. </strong>Statistical analysis indicated significant differences among genotype means for all traits except fresh forage yield. Among the polycross progenies, Poly-KFA3 exhibited the highest dry forage yield with 22.91 tons per hectare, while Poly-KFA15 showed the lowest yield with 19.48 tons per hectare. The mean fresh and dry forage yields of the polycross progenies were 3.7 and 0.7 tons per hectare higher, respectively, than those of the parental genotypes. Among the evaluated materials, the polycross progenies Poly-KFA3 and Poly-Yazdi exhibited the greatest plant heights, with mean values of 78.6 and 77.4 cm, respectively, whereas the parental genotype KFA11 showed the lowest height at 66.1 cm. Overall, the polycross progenies showed an average increase of approximately 4 cm in plant height compared to the parental genotypes. Regarding regrowth rate, measured 14 days after harvest, the genotypes Poly-Yazdi, Yazdi, and Poly-KFA3 showed the highest regrowth rates, with mean values of 44.2, 43.6, and 42.4 cm, respectively. In contrast, KFA11, KFA3, and Ahang exhibited the lowest regrowth, with averages of 24.8, 27.0, and 27.4 cm, respectively. The polycross progenies displayed an average increase of 3.7 cm in regrowth rate relative to the parental genotypes over the 14-day period following harvest. For fall dormancy score, the polycross progenies Poly-Yazdi and Poly-KFA3 recorded the highest values, with means of 8.7 and 8.6, respectively, while the parental genotypes KFA11, KFA3, and Ahang showed the lowest scores, averaging 3.1, 3.4, and 3.4, respectively. The mean fall dormancy score of the polycross progenies (6.4) represented a 20% increase compared to that of the parental genotypes (5.1). A distinguishing characteristic of tropical or, more precisely, semi-dormant and non-dormant alfalfa types—such as the Bami—is their high regrowth rate and fall dormancy score. The polycrossing of Bami and Yazdi alfalfa with cold-region genotypes (dormant type), and the transfer of these traits into cold-adapted germplasm, resulted in substantial heterosis for these characteristics in the derived half-sib families. The highest heterosis percentages observed among the polycross progenies for plant height, stem number per square meter, regrowth rate, fall dormancy score, fresh forage yield, and dry forage yield were 13.25%, 7.94%, 57.03%, 150.49%, 10.92%, and 14.25%, respectively. With respect to forage yield traits, the highest general combining ability (GCA) was associated with the parent KFA3, with values of 6.33 and 1.99 tons per hectare for fresh and dry forage yield, respectively. In contrast, the lowest GCA was observed for KFA15, with values of −6.2 and −1.45 tons per hectare for fresh and dry forage yield, respectively.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Conclusion. </strong>Based on the estimates of general combining ability of the parental genotypes, along with their origin and cultivation area, and with the aim of maximizing genetic diversity while minimizing inbreeding effects in subsequent seed production generations, five parents—Bami, Yazdi, KFA3, KFA13, and KFA16—were selected for intercrossing to develop a new synthetic variety.<strong>Introduction. </strong>Alfalfa (<em>Medicago sativa</em> L.) is the most important forage crop in Iran. Iran is recognized as one of the primary centers of origin of alfalfa worldwide and possesses extensive genetic diversity associated with this species. In general, from both genetic and breeding perspectives, cultivars grown domestically and globally are predominantly open-pollinated populations with varying levels of genetic diversity or genetic base. Local and indigenous populations (ecotypes) account for the largest cultivated area in the country. Most alfalfa cultivars used in recent decades worldwide are synthetic or composite populations with diverse genetic backgrounds, developed through the intercrossing of selected clones or superior populations. A key step in the development of synthetic varieties in alfalfa is the estimation of parental combining ability, typically assessed through forage yield performance of progenies derived from polycrosses.<br /><strong>Materials and Methods. </strong>With the objective of selecting superior parents with favorable general combining ability for the development of a synthetic population, the present study was conducted using 20 genotypes. These included 10 polycross progenies (half-sib families) along with 10 domestic parental alfalfa genotypes, comprising two cultivars (‘Ahang’ and ‘Mandegar’), two ecotypes from Bam and Yazd, and six ecotypes from cold and temperate regions identified by the codes KFA3, KFA4, KFA11, KFA13, KFA15, and KFA16. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at the research farm of the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute in Karaj over the years 2020 to 2022. Each genotype was planted in four double-row plots, each five meters in length, with 50 cm spacing between rows. The seeding rate was calculated at 25 kg per hectare. Irrigation was applied using the furrow method at intervals of 7-10 days. The first year (2020) was considered the establishment phase, and data collection was conducted over two years starting from spring 2021. The traits evaluated included plant height, stem density per square meter, regrowth rate, fall dormancy score, and dry and fresh forage yield. Mean comparisons over the two-year period were performed using the SNK test at the 5% probability level.<br /><strong>Results and Discussion. </strong>Statistical analysis indicated significant differences among genotype means for all traits except fresh forage yield. Among the polycross progenies, Poly-KFA3 exhibited the highest dry forage yield with 22.91 tons per hectare, while Poly-KFA15 showed the lowest yield with 19.48 tons per hectare. The mean fresh and dry forage yields of the polycross progenies were 3.7 and 0.7 tons per hectare higher, respectively, than those of the parental genotypes. Among the evaluated materials, the polycross progenies Poly-KFA3 and Poly-Yazdi exhibited the greatest plant heights, with mean values of 78.6 and 77.4 cm, respectively, whereas the parental genotype KFA11 showed the lowest height at 66.1 cm. Overall, the polycross progenies showed an average increase of approximately 4 cm in plant height compared to the parental genotypes. Regarding regrowth rate, measured 14 days after harvest, the genotypes Poly-Yazdi, Yazdi, and Poly-KFA3 showed the highest regrowth rates, with mean values of 44.2, 43.6, and 42.4 cm, respectively. In contrast, KFA11, KFA3, and Ahang exhibited the lowest regrowth, with averages of 24.8, 27.0, and 27.4 cm, respectively. The polycross progenies displayed an average increase of 3.7 cm in regrowth rate relative to the parental genotypes over the 14-day period following harvest. For fall dormancy score, the polycross progenies Poly-Yazdi and Poly-KFA3 recorded the highest values, with means of 8.7 and 8.6, respectively, while the parental genotypes KFA11, KFA3, and Ahang showed the lowest scores, averaging 3.1, 3.4, and 3.4, respectively. The mean fall dormancy score of the polycross progenies (6.4) represented a 20% increase compared to that of the parental genotypes (5.1). A distinguishing characteristic of tropical or, more precisely, semi-dormant and non-dormant alfalfa types—such as the Bami—is their high regrowth rate and fall dormancy score. The polycrossing of Bami and Yazdi alfalfa with cold-region genotypes (dormant type), and the transfer of these traits into cold-adapted germplasm, resulted in substantial heterosis for these characteristics in the derived half-sib families. The highest heterosis percentages observed among the polycross progenies for plant height, stem number per square meter, regrowth rate, fall dormancy score, fresh forage yield, and dry forage yield were 13.25%, 7.94%, 57.03%, 150.49%, 10.92%, and 14.25%, respectively. With respect to forage yield traits, the highest general combining ability (GCA) was associated with the parent KFA3, with values of 6.33 and 1.99 tons per hectare for fresh and dry forage yield, respectively. In contrast, the lowest GCA was observed for KFA15, with values of −6.2 and −1.45 tons per hectare for fresh and dry forage yield, respectively.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Conclusion. </strong>Based on the estimates of general combining ability of the parental genotypes, along with their origin and cultivation area, and with the aim of maximizing genetic diversity while minimizing inbreeding effects in subsequent seed production generations, five parents—Bami, Yazdi, KFA3, KFA13, and KFA16—were selected for intercrossing to develop a new synthetic variety.https://ijfcs.ut.ac.ir/article_105730_3145945c9fcfc7bd15f2cdb2fe55bb21.pdfUnivrsity of Tehran PressIranian Journal of Field Crop Science2008-481157120260321Biochemical, Physiological Changes and Expression of Some Drought Tolerance Genes in Lentil (Lens culinaris)Biochemical, Physiological Changes and Expression of Some Drought Tolerance Genes in Lentil (Lens culinaris)9711810573210.22059/ijfcs.2025.390766.655137FASaeedMohammadiDepartment of Agronomy & Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, IranMohammad RezaBihamtaDepartment of Agronomy & Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, IranAli RezaAbbasiDepartment of Agronomy & Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, IranSajadRashidi-MonfaredAgricultural biotechnology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat modares university, Tehran, IranAbdolrahmanRasoulniaDepartment of Agronomy & Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, IranPouyaNajibnejadDepartment of Agronomy & Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, IranJournal Article20250721<strong>Introduction.</strong> Drought stress represents one of the most formidable abiotic challenges to global agricultural productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where water scarcity is a pervasive issue. The escalating frequency, intensity, and duration of drought events, exacerbated by climate change, pose a significant threat to food security and sustainable agricultural practices worldwide. Lentil (<em>Lens culinaris</em>), a diploid legume, stands as a cornerstone of global food systems, ranking as the sixth most important pulse crop by production volume. Its nutritional density, providing substantial plant protein, complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential micronutrients, underscores its critical role in human diets. In Iran, where rainfed lentil cultivation is prevalent and water scarcity is a national concern, understanding and mitigating the adverse effects of drought on this vital crop is paramount. This study was designed to elucidate the multifaceted responses of lentil to varying degrees of drought stress, focusing on two distinct genotypes: One previously identified as drought-sensitive (FLIP2002-55) and another as drought-tolerant (FLIP2002-57).<br /><strong>Materials and Methods.</strong> The experimental design was employed a factorial arrangement based on a randomized complete block design with three replications, conducted under controlled greenhouse conditions. Drought stress was incrementally applied at three distinct levels: Control (90% field capacity), moderate stress (60% field capacity), and severe stress (30% field capacity). Subsequently, comprehensive measurements were taken on a wide array of morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits, alongside an investigation into the relative expression of key drought-responsive genes using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).<br /><strong>Results and Discussion. </strong>Morphological assessments revealed significant reductions in plant height, shoot and root fresh and dry weights, and leaf area index across both genotypes as drought intensity increased. Physiological analyses demonstrated a significant decline in relative leaf water content (RWC) with escalating drought stress in both genotypes, although the tolerant genotype generally maintained higher RWC values, indicative of better osmotic adjustment and cell wall elasticity. Electrolyte leakage, a direct measure of membrane damage, significantly increased in both genotypes under drought, with a more pronounced increase observed in the sensitive genotype. This highlights the superior membrane stability of the tolerant genotype under stress. Biochemical investigations revealed a consistent pattern of stress-induced changes. Increasing drought intensity led to a significant decrease in chlorophyll and total leaf protein content, consistent with oxidative damage to photosynthetic machinery and protein degradation. Conversely, the concentrations of carotenoids, proline, total carbohydrates, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) significantly increased. Furthermore, the activities of key antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), were evaluated. While the overall trend showed increased antioxidant enzyme activity under moderate stress, particularly in the tolerant genotype, severe stress sometimes led to a decline, possibly due to enzyme denaturation or overwhelming oxidative load. The tolerant genotype consistently demonstrated a more robust and sustained antioxidant defense system compared to the sensitive genotype, which is critical for detoxifying ROS and mitigating oxidative damage. At the molecular level, qRT-PCR was employed to assess the relative expression of five key genes implicated in drought tolerance pathways: Beta Amylase (<em>BA</em>), Dehydration-Responsive Element-Binding protein (<em>DREBIC</em>), ABA-WDS induced protein (<em>ABAWDS</em>), High Chlorophyll Fluorescence 136 (<em>HCF136</em>), and myo-inositol monophosphatase (<em>MIMP</em>). In the tolerant genotype, severe drought stress significantly upregulated the expression of <em>ABAWDS</em> and <em>HCF136</em> genes by approximately 2.5-fold and 2-fold, respectively, compared to control conditions. <em>ABAWDS</em> is associated with abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, a crucial hormone in drought response, mediating stomatal closure and root growth adjustments. The increased expression of <em>HCF136</em>, a gene involved in photosystem II stability, suggests an adaptive mechanism to maintain photosynthetic efficiency under stress. Conversely, the expression of <em>Beta Amylase</em>, <em>DREBIC</em>, and <em>MIMP</em> genes significantly decreased in the tolerant genotype under severe drought. While <em>Beta Amylase</em> is involved in starch degradation for sugar accumulation, its downregulation might indicate a shift in carbohydrate metabolism or a genotype-specific response. Similarly, the reduced expression of <em>DREBIC</em>, a transcription factor typically associated with stress gene activation, and <em>MIMP</em>, involved in myo-inositol metabolism, in the tolerant genotype under severe stress warrants further investigation to fully understand their nuanced roles in this specific context. In the sensitive genotype, <em>HCF136</em> showed a modest increase (approximately 1.5-fold), while the other genes (<em>ABAWDS</em>, <em>DREBIC</em>, <em>BA</em>, and <em>MIMP</em>) exhibited a general downregulation or minimal change, indicating a less effective molecular response to drought compared to the tolerant genotype.<br /><strong>Conclusion.</strong> These findings collectively underscore the intricate interplay of morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms contributing to drought tolerance in lentil. The tolerant genotype's superior performance across multiple parameters – including better maintenance of water status, reduced membrane damage, enhanced antioxidant defense, and specific gene expression patterns – highlights its adaptive capacity. The differential gene expression profiles, particularly the upregulation of <em>ABAWDS</em> and <em>HCF136</em> in the tolerant genotype, provide valuable molecular markers for drought resilience. This comprehensive analysis not only deepens our understanding of drought tolerance mechanisms in <em>Lens culinaris</em> but also offers critical insights for future lentil breeding programs. By leveraging these identified traits and genetic markers, it is possible to develop and select new drought-tolerant lentil varieties, thereby enhancing crop productivity and ensuring food security in regions increasingly threatened by water scarcity. Further research should focus on validating these findings in field conditions and exploring the functional genomics of these candidate genes to accelerate the development of climate-resilient lentil cultivars.<strong>Introduction.</strong> Drought stress represents one of the most formidable abiotic challenges to global agricultural productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions where water scarcity is a pervasive issue. The escalating frequency, intensity, and duration of drought events, exacerbated by climate change, pose a significant threat to food security and sustainable agricultural practices worldwide. Lentil (<em>Lens culinaris</em>), a diploid legume, stands as a cornerstone of global food systems, ranking as the sixth most important pulse crop by production volume. Its nutritional density, providing substantial plant protein, complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential micronutrients, underscores its critical role in human diets. In Iran, where rainfed lentil cultivation is prevalent and water scarcity is a national concern, understanding and mitigating the adverse effects of drought on this vital crop is paramount. This study was designed to elucidate the multifaceted responses of lentil to varying degrees of drought stress, focusing on two distinct genotypes: One previously identified as drought-sensitive (FLIP2002-55) and another as drought-tolerant (FLIP2002-57).<br /><strong>Materials and Methods.</strong> The experimental design was employed a factorial arrangement based on a randomized complete block design with three replications, conducted under controlled greenhouse conditions. Drought stress was incrementally applied at three distinct levels: Control (90% field capacity), moderate stress (60% field capacity), and severe stress (30% field capacity). Subsequently, comprehensive measurements were taken on a wide array of morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits, alongside an investigation into the relative expression of key drought-responsive genes using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR).<br /><strong>Results and Discussion. </strong>Morphological assessments revealed significant reductions in plant height, shoot and root fresh and dry weights, and leaf area index across both genotypes as drought intensity increased. Physiological analyses demonstrated a significant decline in relative leaf water content (RWC) with escalating drought stress in both genotypes, although the tolerant genotype generally maintained higher RWC values, indicative of better osmotic adjustment and cell wall elasticity. Electrolyte leakage, a direct measure of membrane damage, significantly increased in both genotypes under drought, with a more pronounced increase observed in the sensitive genotype. This highlights the superior membrane stability of the tolerant genotype under stress. Biochemical investigations revealed a consistent pattern of stress-induced changes. Increasing drought intensity led to a significant decrease in chlorophyll and total leaf protein content, consistent with oxidative damage to photosynthetic machinery and protein degradation. Conversely, the concentrations of carotenoids, proline, total carbohydrates, malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) significantly increased. Furthermore, the activities of key antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), were evaluated. While the overall trend showed increased antioxidant enzyme activity under moderate stress, particularly in the tolerant genotype, severe stress sometimes led to a decline, possibly due to enzyme denaturation or overwhelming oxidative load. The tolerant genotype consistently demonstrated a more robust and sustained antioxidant defense system compared to the sensitive genotype, which is critical for detoxifying ROS and mitigating oxidative damage. At the molecular level, qRT-PCR was employed to assess the relative expression of five key genes implicated in drought tolerance pathways: Beta Amylase (<em>BA</em>), Dehydration-Responsive Element-Binding protein (<em>DREBIC</em>), ABA-WDS induced protein (<em>ABAWDS</em>), High Chlorophyll Fluorescence 136 (<em>HCF136</em>), and myo-inositol monophosphatase (<em>MIMP</em>). In the tolerant genotype, severe drought stress significantly upregulated the expression of <em>ABAWDS</em> and <em>HCF136</em> genes by approximately 2.5-fold and 2-fold, respectively, compared to control conditions. <em>ABAWDS</em> is associated with abscisic acid (ABA) signaling, a crucial hormone in drought response, mediating stomatal closure and root growth adjustments. The increased expression of <em>HCF136</em>, a gene involved in photosystem II stability, suggests an adaptive mechanism to maintain photosynthetic efficiency under stress. Conversely, the expression of <em>Beta Amylase</em>, <em>DREBIC</em>, and <em>MIMP</em> genes significantly decreased in the tolerant genotype under severe drought. While <em>Beta Amylase</em> is involved in starch degradation for sugar accumulation, its downregulation might indicate a shift in carbohydrate metabolism or a genotype-specific response. Similarly, the reduced expression of <em>DREBIC</em>, a transcription factor typically associated with stress gene activation, and <em>MIMP</em>, involved in myo-inositol metabolism, in the tolerant genotype under severe stress warrants further investigation to fully understand their nuanced roles in this specific context. In the sensitive genotype, <em>HCF136</em> showed a modest increase (approximately 1.5-fold), while the other genes (<em>ABAWDS</em>, <em>DREBIC</em>, <em>BA</em>, and <em>MIMP</em>) exhibited a general downregulation or minimal change, indicating a less effective molecular response to drought compared to the tolerant genotype.<br /><strong>Conclusion.</strong> These findings collectively underscore the intricate interplay of morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms contributing to drought tolerance in lentil. The tolerant genotype's superior performance across multiple parameters – including better maintenance of water status, reduced membrane damage, enhanced antioxidant defense, and specific gene expression patterns – highlights its adaptive capacity. The differential gene expression profiles, particularly the upregulation of <em>ABAWDS</em> and <em>HCF136</em> in the tolerant genotype, provide valuable molecular markers for drought resilience. This comprehensive analysis not only deepens our understanding of drought tolerance mechanisms in <em>Lens culinaris</em> but also offers critical insights for future lentil breeding programs. By leveraging these identified traits and genetic markers, it is possible to develop and select new drought-tolerant lentil varieties, thereby enhancing crop productivity and ensuring food security in regions increasingly threatened by water scarcity. Further research should focus on validating these findings in field conditions and exploring the functional genomics of these candidate genes to accelerate the development of climate-resilient lentil cultivars.https://ijfcs.ut.ac.ir/article_105732_945d55f6adcdb753cd3c5c4976ab21db.pdfUnivrsity of Tehran PressIranian Journal of Field Crop Science2008-481157120260321The Effect of Growth-Promoting Bacteria and Salicylic Acid on Some Biochemical Indices of Common Bean Genotypes under Drought StressThe Effect of Growth-Promoting Bacteria and Salicylic Acid on Some Biochemical Indices of Common Bean Genotypes under Drought Stress11913810573510.22059/ijfcs.2025.397019.655149FANargesAsadianDepartment of Agronomy and plant breeding, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Tehran University, Karaj, Iran.AliAhmadiDepartment of Agronomy and plant breeding, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Tehran University, Karaj, Iran.ManijehSabokdast NoudehiDepartment of Agronomy and plant breeding, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Tehran University, Karaj, Iran.0000-0002-0403-2208Journal Article20250621<strong>Introduction.</strong> With an average annual rainfall of 240 mm, Iran is classified as an arid country, and more than 40% of its agricultural lands face water shortages. Drought is one of the most important abiotic stresses and a major factor limiting crop yield in arid and semi-arid regions. Common bean (<em>Phaseolus vulgaris </em>L.), as one of the most important sources of plant protein, is highly sensitive to water deficit, with yield reductions of up to 87% having been reported. Among the main defense mechanisms of plants against drought stress are the accumulation of osmolytes, enhancement of soluble proteins, and activation of antioxidant enzymes. In this context, salicylic acid plays a crucial role in drought tolerance by regulating photosynthesis, enhancing the antioxidant system, and reducing oxidative damage, while rhizosphere growth-promoting bacteria such as <em>Rhizobium</em> contribute to improved plant adaptation to drought through nitrogen fixation and the production of plant growth hormones. Recent studies have shown that the combined application of salicylic acid and plant growth-promoting bacteria can have synergistic effects in improving membrane stability, increasing antioxidant activity, and mitigating the damage caused by stress.<br /><strong>Materials and Methods. </strong>The present study was conducted as a field experiment during the 2021–2022 growing season at the research farm of the University of Tehran (Karaj), on a clay loam soil, using a split-factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments included three irrigation levels (100, 60, and 30% of field capacity), two levels of salicylic acid (0 and 0.5 mM), two levels of <em>Rhizobium</em> (non-inoculation and inoculation with strain R160), and two bean genotypes (Sadri, drought-tolerant, and Yas, drought-sensitive). Seeds were inoculated with <em>Rhizobium</em> before sowing, and foliar application of salicylic acid was carried out at two stages (15 and 30 days after seedling emergence). Drought stress was imposed one month after sowing, and leaf sampling was performed two weeks later from the third fully expanded leaf. Biochemical and physiological traits, including electrolyte leakage, protein content, proline, malondialdehyde, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, APX, GR) were measured according to standard methods. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.4 software, and mean comparisons were conducted with the LSD test at the 5% probability level. In this study, two common bean (<em>Phaseolus</em> <em>vulgaris</em> L.) genotypes (Sadri and Yas) were evaluated under drought stress and treatments with salicylic acid and <em>Rhizobium</em> bacteria. Biochemical and physiological parameters, including protein content, proline, malondialdehyde, activities of catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and electrolyte leakage, were investigated.<br /><strong>Results and Discussion. </strong>The results showed that drought stress significantly affected all traits, while hormone and bacterial treatments improved biochemical status and reduced cellular damage. Proline accumulation, as an indicator of osmotic adjustment, increased with the severity of drought stress; however, the combined application of salicylic acid and <em>Rhizobium</em> reduced its content, indicating a regulatory role of these treatments in alleviating oxidative stress and protecting cells. Under stress conditions, especially at severe levels, the Sadri genotype exhibited higher proline content than the Yas genotype. These findings, consistent with previous studies, highlight the crucial role of proline accumulation and osmotic adjustment in drought tolerance. Drought stress also increased malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage, which are indicators of membrane damage and oxidative stress, while salicylic acid and <em>Rhizobium</em> treatments reduced these parameters, reflecting their protective effects on membrane integrity and plant water balance. These protective effects were more evident in the drought-tolerant Sadri genotype, confirming the role of these factors in enhancing drought tolerance. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, increased with drought intensity, and hormone and bacterial treatments further enhanced these activities. The increase in antioxidant enzyme activities reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and protected cellular structures, indicating the reinforcement of the plant defense system under water deficit.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Conclusion.</strong> Overall, the findings suggest that these physiological and biochemical traits can serve as key indicators for evaluating drought tolerance in different common bean genotypes. The novelty of this research lies in the simultaneous evaluation of salicylic acid and <em>Rhizobium</em> bacteria under normal irrigation and drought stress conditions in two bean cultivars with different levels of drought tolerance. This treatment combination has been rarely addressed in previous studies and provides an opportunity for a more precise explanation of the physiological and biochemical mechanisms associated with stress tolerance. The findings revealed that the combined application of salicylic acid and <em>Rhizobium</em> enhanced and strengthened the antioxidant system. These results highlight the great potential of integrating hormonal and microbial factors in the sustainable management of drought stress and the development of eco-friendly strategies to improve the production of beans and other crops.<strong>Introduction.</strong> With an average annual rainfall of 240 mm, Iran is classified as an arid country, and more than 40% of its agricultural lands face water shortages. Drought is one of the most important abiotic stresses and a major factor limiting crop yield in arid and semi-arid regions. Common bean (<em>Phaseolus vulgaris </em>L.), as one of the most important sources of plant protein, is highly sensitive to water deficit, with yield reductions of up to 87% having been reported. Among the main defense mechanisms of plants against drought stress are the accumulation of osmolytes, enhancement of soluble proteins, and activation of antioxidant enzymes. In this context, salicylic acid plays a crucial role in drought tolerance by regulating photosynthesis, enhancing the antioxidant system, and reducing oxidative damage, while rhizosphere growth-promoting bacteria such as <em>Rhizobium</em> contribute to improved plant adaptation to drought through nitrogen fixation and the production of plant growth hormones. Recent studies have shown that the combined application of salicylic acid and plant growth-promoting bacteria can have synergistic effects in improving membrane stability, increasing antioxidant activity, and mitigating the damage caused by stress.<br /><strong>Materials and Methods. </strong>The present study was conducted as a field experiment during the 2021–2022 growing season at the research farm of the University of Tehran (Karaj), on a clay loam soil, using a split-factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments included three irrigation levels (100, 60, and 30% of field capacity), two levels of salicylic acid (0 and 0.5 mM), two levels of <em>Rhizobium</em> (non-inoculation and inoculation with strain R160), and two bean genotypes (Sadri, drought-tolerant, and Yas, drought-sensitive). Seeds were inoculated with <em>Rhizobium</em> before sowing, and foliar application of salicylic acid was carried out at two stages (15 and 30 days after seedling emergence). Drought stress was imposed one month after sowing, and leaf sampling was performed two weeks later from the third fully expanded leaf. Biochemical and physiological traits, including electrolyte leakage, protein content, proline, malondialdehyde, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, APX, GR) were measured according to standard methods. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.4 software, and mean comparisons were conducted with the LSD test at the 5% probability level. In this study, two common bean (<em>Phaseolus</em> <em>vulgaris</em> L.) genotypes (Sadri and Yas) were evaluated under drought stress and treatments with salicylic acid and <em>Rhizobium</em> bacteria. Biochemical and physiological parameters, including protein content, proline, malondialdehyde, activities of catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and electrolyte leakage, were investigated.<br /><strong>Results and Discussion. </strong>The results showed that drought stress significantly affected all traits, while hormone and bacterial treatments improved biochemical status and reduced cellular damage. Proline accumulation, as an indicator of osmotic adjustment, increased with the severity of drought stress; however, the combined application of salicylic acid and <em>Rhizobium</em> reduced its content, indicating a regulatory role of these treatments in alleviating oxidative stress and protecting cells. Under stress conditions, especially at severe levels, the Sadri genotype exhibited higher proline content than the Yas genotype. These findings, consistent with previous studies, highlight the crucial role of proline accumulation and osmotic adjustment in drought tolerance. Drought stress also increased malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage, which are indicators of membrane damage and oxidative stress, while salicylic acid and <em>Rhizobium</em> treatments reduced these parameters, reflecting their protective effects on membrane integrity and plant water balance. These protective effects were more evident in the drought-tolerant Sadri genotype, confirming the role of these factors in enhancing drought tolerance. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase, increased with drought intensity, and hormone and bacterial treatments further enhanced these activities. The increase in antioxidant enzyme activities reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species and protected cellular structures, indicating the reinforcement of the plant defense system under water deficit.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Conclusion.</strong> Overall, the findings suggest that these physiological and biochemical traits can serve as key indicators for evaluating drought tolerance in different common bean genotypes. The novelty of this research lies in the simultaneous evaluation of salicylic acid and <em>Rhizobium</em> bacteria under normal irrigation and drought stress conditions in two bean cultivars with different levels of drought tolerance. This treatment combination has been rarely addressed in previous studies and provides an opportunity for a more precise explanation of the physiological and biochemical mechanisms associated with stress tolerance. The findings revealed that the combined application of salicylic acid and <em>Rhizobium</em> enhanced and strengthened the antioxidant system. These results highlight the great potential of integrating hormonal and microbial factors in the sustainable management of drought stress and the development of eco-friendly strategies to improve the production of beans and other crops.https://ijfcs.ut.ac.ir/article_105735_878321163a9be6dcefb367925e738f4e.pdfUnivrsity of Tehran PressIranian Journal of Field Crop Science2008-481157120260321Effect of Exogenous Foliar Application of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid on Growth, Enzymatic Activity, and Yield of Camelina in Response to Drought StressEffect of Exogenous Foliar Application of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid on Growth, Enzymatic Activity, and Yield of Camelina in Response to Drought Stress13915210573610.22059/ijfcs.2025.400419.655153FAMohammadHaghaniniaAgricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Ilam Province, Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ilam, IranAliNajafifarAgricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Ilam Province, Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ilam, IranFreidoonSoleimaniAgricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Ilam Province, Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ilam, Iran.AbbasSoleimanifardAgricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Ilam Province, Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization (AREEO), Ilam, Iran.AbdollahJavanmardDepartment of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, East Azarbaijan, IranJournal Article20250812<strong>Introduction. </strong>Drought stress is a critical abiotic factor limiting crop productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-proteinogenic amino acid, plays a pivotal role in modulating stress responses by enhancing osmoprotection, regulating stomatal conductance, and mitigating oxidative damage. Despite its known protective functions, the potential of exogenous GABA application in improving drought tolerance in camelina (<em>Camelina sativa</em>), an emerging oilseed crop with promising agronomic attributes, remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to elucidate the physiological and biochemical responses of camelina to foliar-applied GABA under varying drought stress conditions, with a focus on its effects on growth, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzyme activities, and yield components.
<strong>Materials and Methods.</strong> A field experiment was conducted during the 2023–2024 growing season at the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, East Azerbaijan province, Iran. The study was employed a split-plot experimental design based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The main factor comprised three irrigation regimes based on soil moisture depletion levels (25%, 50%, and 75% of maximum allowable depletion), while the sub-factor included five concentrations of foliar-applied GABA (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mM). Morphophysiological traits (plant height, biomass accumulation, chlorophyll content), biochemical responses (antioxidant enzyme activities, hydrogen peroxide accumulation), and agronomic characteristics (seed yield, oil content, and oil yield) were evaluated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS software, and mean comparisons were performed using the LSD test at a significance level of <em>p</em><0.01.
<strong>Results and Discussion. </strong>The findings revealed that drought stress significantly reduced camelina growth, photosynthetic pigment content, and yield attributes. However, foliar application of GABA substantially alleviated the adverse effects of water deficit by enhancing physiological and biochemical responses. The highest plant height (62.2% greater than severe drought without GABA) was observed under optimal irrigation with 4 mM GABA. Similarly, seed and oil yield reached their maximum in the same treatment, exhibiting respective increases of 120.87% and 241.4% compared to the severe drought control. Drought stress markedly reduced chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents, but exogenous GABA application significantly improved amount of these pigments. Under non-stressed conditions, foliar-applied GABA at 4 mM enhanced chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents by 137.1%, 131.6%, and 76.4%, respectively, compared to severe drought without GABA. Additionally, GABA application activated key antioxidant enzymes, including ascorbate peroxidase (260.4% increase), peroxidase (190.8% increase), and superoxide dismutase (201.1% increase) under moderate drought stress at 4 mM GABA. Concomitantly, hydrogen peroxide accumulation was reduced by 76.4%, indicating lower oxidative stress levels. These results suggest that GABA-mediated drought tolerance is primarily associated with enhanced antioxidant defense mechanisms and improved photosynthetic efficiency, contributing to higher productivity under water-limited conditions.
<strong>Conclusion. </strong>This study provides compelling evidence for the efficacy of foliar-applied GABA in mitigating drought-induced damage in camelina. The application of 4 mM GABA proved the most effective in enhancing physiological and biochemical responses, leading to substantial improvements in seed yield and oil productivity under drought stress. Given its role in modulating stress tolerance, GABA can be integrated into sustainable agronomic practices to enhance crop resilience in water-limited environments. Future research should explore the molecular mechanisms underlying GABA-mediated drought tolerance and assess its practical applicability across diverse agroecological conditions. <strong>Introduction. </strong>Drought stress is a critical abiotic factor limiting crop productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-proteinogenic amino acid, plays a pivotal role in modulating stress responses by enhancing osmoprotection, regulating stomatal conductance, and mitigating oxidative damage. Despite its known protective functions, the potential of exogenous GABA application in improving drought tolerance in camelina (<em>Camelina sativa</em>), an emerging oilseed crop with promising agronomic attributes, remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to elucidate the physiological and biochemical responses of camelina to foliar-applied GABA under varying drought stress conditions, with a focus on its effects on growth, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzyme activities, and yield components.
<strong>Materials and Methods.</strong> A field experiment was conducted during the 2023–2024 growing season at the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, East Azerbaijan province, Iran. The study was employed a split-plot experimental design based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The main factor comprised three irrigation regimes based on soil moisture depletion levels (25%, 50%, and 75% of maximum allowable depletion), while the sub-factor included five concentrations of foliar-applied GABA (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 mM). Morphophysiological traits (plant height, biomass accumulation, chlorophyll content), biochemical responses (antioxidant enzyme activities, hydrogen peroxide accumulation), and agronomic characteristics (seed yield, oil content, and oil yield) were evaluated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS software, and mean comparisons were performed using the LSD test at a significance level of <em>p</em><0.01.
<strong>Results and Discussion. </strong>The findings revealed that drought stress significantly reduced camelina growth, photosynthetic pigment content, and yield attributes. However, foliar application of GABA substantially alleviated the adverse effects of water deficit by enhancing physiological and biochemical responses. The highest plant height (62.2% greater than severe drought without GABA) was observed under optimal irrigation with 4 mM GABA. Similarly, seed and oil yield reached their maximum in the same treatment, exhibiting respective increases of 120.87% and 241.4% compared to the severe drought control. Drought stress markedly reduced chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents, but exogenous GABA application significantly improved amount of these pigments. Under non-stressed conditions, foliar-applied GABA at 4 mM enhanced chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoid contents by 137.1%, 131.6%, and 76.4%, respectively, compared to severe drought without GABA. Additionally, GABA application activated key antioxidant enzymes, including ascorbate peroxidase (260.4% increase), peroxidase (190.8% increase), and superoxide dismutase (201.1% increase) under moderate drought stress at 4 mM GABA. Concomitantly, hydrogen peroxide accumulation was reduced by 76.4%, indicating lower oxidative stress levels. These results suggest that GABA-mediated drought tolerance is primarily associated with enhanced antioxidant defense mechanisms and improved photosynthetic efficiency, contributing to higher productivity under water-limited conditions.
<strong>Conclusion. </strong>This study provides compelling evidence for the efficacy of foliar-applied GABA in mitigating drought-induced damage in camelina. The application of 4 mM GABA proved the most effective in enhancing physiological and biochemical responses, leading to substantial improvements in seed yield and oil productivity under drought stress. Given its role in modulating stress tolerance, GABA can be integrated into sustainable agronomic practices to enhance crop resilience in water-limited environments. Future research should explore the molecular mechanisms underlying GABA-mediated drought tolerance and assess its practical applicability across diverse agroecological conditions. https://ijfcs.ut.ac.ir/article_105736_c8039ed6d65c3d9fba07281df8fe3da1.pdfUnivrsity of Tehran PressIranian Journal of Field Crop Science2008-481157120260321Identification Of Four Main Disease Resistant Genes In Tomato Lines (Solanum lycopersicum L.)Identification Of Four Main Disease Resistant Genes In Tomato Lines (Solanum lycopersicum L.)15316110675710.22059/ijfcs.2026.388811.655123FAAkramEsfandiarDepartment of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj,AbdolhadiHosein ZadehDepartment of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, KarajMohammad RezaNaghaviDepartment of Agronomy and Plant Breeding, Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, KarajRezaSalehi MohammadiDepartment of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, KarajJournal Article20250125<strong>Introduction. </strong> Tomato (<em>Solanum lycopersicum</em> L.) is widely cultivated worldwide under both field and greenhouse conditions. In recent years, hybrid tomato seeds have attracted the attention of farmers due to their higher yield, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. Hybrid seed, which refers to F<sub>1</sub> seed, is created directly from the crossing of two parents that are genetically completely distinct from each other. But a heterozygous genotype cannot be stably propagated through seed because heterozygosity is reduced in the F<sub>2</sub> generation due to trait segregation., so farmers are forced to buy seed every year. This is especially important in Iran, where most of the seeds are imported and domestically produced varieties are very limited. Therefore, one of the tasks of breeders is to produce domestic hybrids. One of the methods used to produce hybrid seeds is reverse breeding. One of the tasks performed in reverse breeding and important in line selection, in addition to morphological and functional traits, is disease resistance traits, which are of particular importance.<br /><strong>Materials and Methods.</strong> In this research, ten varieties of hybrid seeds were cultivated and F2 was produced, followed by selection and self-pollination between them until the F4 generation, resulting in the production of 52 lines, These lines were examined using specific primers to detect the presence of resistance genes to tomato diseases, including <em>Phytophthora infestans</em>, Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV), Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV), and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV). Genomic DNA extraction from leaf samples was performed using CTAB protocol. Using PCR, the amplification gradient of primers at different temperatures was examined and the appropriate temperature was selected and polymerase chain reaction was performed. Separation of amplified fragments was performed using 2% agarose gel, detection of amplified fragments was also performed by staining with DNA Gel Stain and photographing with a gel dock device using ultraviolet light. Molecular analysis was also performed in the form of presence (number one) and absence of band (number zero) using NTsys software (ver 2.02).<br /><strong>Results and Discussion. </strong>In this study, the presence and absence of these genes in tomato lines were investigated using specialized primers for resistance genes to tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), and phytophthora fungus. The presence of all four types of resistance genes was detected in 15 lines (139, 107, 50, 125, 96, 105, 109, 106, 110, 58, 103, 112, 56, 101, 118). None of the resistance genes were detected in nine lines (102, 93, 75, 108, 89, 167, 54, 95, 116). Therefore, by identifying these lines resistant to viral and fungal tomato diseases and then, in later stages, by examining the morphology and purity of these lines, valuable parental lines are obtained that can be used to produce F1 hybrids and produce good hybrid seeds.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Conclusion.</strong> According to the results of this project, lines that are resistant to important tomato diseases (Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and phytophthora fungus) were identified. The presence of all four types of resistance genes was identified in 15 lines (139, 107, 50, 125, 96, 105, 109, 106, 110, 58, 103, 112, 56, 101, 118). In the next stages, morphological data and molecular markers are used to examine the purity of these lines. Then, self-pollination of the identified resistant lines continues to obtain valuable parental lines, and as a result, by crossing them, F1 hybrid seeds can be produced in the country.<strong>Introduction. </strong> Tomato (<em>Solanum lycopersicum</em> L.) is widely cultivated worldwide under both field and greenhouse conditions. In recent years, hybrid tomato seeds have attracted the attention of farmers due to their higher yield, stress tolerance, and disease resistance. Hybrid seed, which refers to F<sub>1</sub> seed, is created directly from the crossing of two parents that are genetically completely distinct from each other. But a heterozygous genotype cannot be stably propagated through seed because heterozygosity is reduced in the F<sub>2</sub> generation due to trait segregation., so farmers are forced to buy seed every year. This is especially important in Iran, where most of the seeds are imported and domestically produced varieties are very limited. Therefore, one of the tasks of breeders is to produce domestic hybrids. One of the methods used to produce hybrid seeds is reverse breeding. One of the tasks performed in reverse breeding and important in line selection, in addition to morphological and functional traits, is disease resistance traits, which are of particular importance.<br /><strong>Materials and Methods.</strong> In this research, ten varieties of hybrid seeds were cultivated and F2 was produced, followed by selection and self-pollination between them until the F4 generation, resulting in the production of 52 lines, These lines were examined using specific primers to detect the presence of resistance genes to tomato diseases, including <em>Phytophthora infestans</em>, Tomato Mosaic Virus (ToMV), Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV), and Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV). Genomic DNA extraction from leaf samples was performed using CTAB protocol. Using PCR, the amplification gradient of primers at different temperatures was examined and the appropriate temperature was selected and polymerase chain reaction was performed. Separation of amplified fragments was performed using 2% agarose gel, detection of amplified fragments was also performed by staining with DNA Gel Stain and photographing with a gel dock device using ultraviolet light. Molecular analysis was also performed in the form of presence (number one) and absence of band (number zero) using NTsys software (ver 2.02).<br /><strong>Results and Discussion. </strong>In this study, the presence and absence of these genes in tomato lines were investigated using specialized primers for resistance genes to tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), and phytophthora fungus. The presence of all four types of resistance genes was detected in 15 lines (139, 107, 50, 125, 96, 105, 109, 106, 110, 58, 103, 112, 56, 101, 118). None of the resistance genes were detected in nine lines (102, 93, 75, 108, 89, 167, 54, 95, 116). Therefore, by identifying these lines resistant to viral and fungal tomato diseases and then, in later stages, by examining the morphology and purity of these lines, valuable parental lines are obtained that can be used to produce F1 hybrids and produce good hybrid seeds.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Conclusion.</strong> According to the results of this project, lines that are resistant to important tomato diseases (Tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and phytophthora fungus) were identified. The presence of all four types of resistance genes was identified in 15 lines (139, 107, 50, 125, 96, 105, 109, 106, 110, 58, 103, 112, 56, 101, 118). In the next stages, morphological data and molecular markers are used to examine the purity of these lines. Then, self-pollination of the identified resistant lines continues to obtain valuable parental lines, and as a result, by crossing them, F1 hybrid seeds can be produced in the country.https://ijfcs.ut.ac.ir/article_106757_256f3edf56e7d069d773125b85a94070.pdf