University of Guilan Cereal Research 2252-0163 15 1 2025 04 21 Effect of soaking temperature and Germination time on minerals and cooking quality of Hashemi brown rice variety Effect of soaking temperature and Germination time on minerals and cooking quality of Hashemi brown rice variety 1 11 8702 10.22124/cr.2025.28592.1837 FA Sobhe Dadashi M. Sc. Graduate, Department of Food Science and Technology, La. C., Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran Mandana Tayefe Assistant Proffesor, Department of Food Science and Technology, La. C., Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran Fatemah Habibi Research Assistant Proffesor, Rice Research Institute of Iran, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Rasht, Iran Journal Article 2024 10 01 Introduction Brown rice has a higher nutritional value than white rice, but due to its harder texture and longer cooking time, it is often less accepted by consumers. It seems that germination time than white rice effects on textural and nutritional parameters improvement. In this research, in order to improving the nutritional value and cooking quality of brown rice, the germination process was used. Materials and methods Rough rice and brown rice samples of Hashemi variety were soaked at temperatures of 30°C and 45°C for 24 and 48 hours for germination. So the samples were dried. In order to check the nutritional value of germinated brown rice samples and germinated peeled paddy (8 samples) and control sample (untreated brown rice), minerals such as iron, copper, zinc and manganese, and the cooking quality included solids loss factors, water absorption ratio, Volume expansion ratio and Alkali digestion were measured in the form of a randomized complete design with three replications. For data statistical analysis, analysis of variance was performed using SPSS software and comparison of means by Duncan test at 5% probability level. Research findings The highest amount of grain iron in the rough rice germination process was related to the sample with a soaking temperature of 45°C for 24 hours (65.8 ppm) and the highest concentration of iron in brown rice germination processing belonged to the sample with soaking temperature of 30°C for 24 hours (65.8 ppm). According to the results of this research, germination of brown rice in Hashemi variety had a negative effect on the amount of manganese in the seeds and in the studied samples, manganese was lower than the control sample. The highest concentration of zinc was observed by germinating rough rice at 45°C at 24 and 48 hours (30.8 ppm, 30.29 ppm, respectively). By germinating rough rice, no significant difference was observed in the amount of copper in the grain compared to the control sample. However, the highest amount of copper was found in brown rice germination at 30°C for 48 hours (13.5 ppm), which was significantly different from the control sample. The highest amount of water absorption during cooking was related to the germinated brown rice sample with a soaking temperature of 45°C for 48 hours (3.5 times) and the highest percentage of solids loss belonged to the sample of brown rice germinated at 45°C for soaking temperature of 24 hours with an average of 14.2%. Also, the highest amount of alkali digestion was observed for brown rice sprouted at 45°C for 24 and 48 hours. Conclusion The results showed that germination caused to increase mineral elements, especially iron, zinc and cooking quality and reduce cooking time in brown rice. Among the samples, the best conditions for germination in order to increase minerals were observed in brown rice germinated with rough rice raw material at a soaking temperature of 45°C for 24 hours. And the best cooking quality was belong to germinated brown rice with rough rice at soaking time of 48 hours at temperature of 45°C. The lowest cooking time belonged to sprouted brown rice at 45°C. Therefore, by choosing the optimal conditions in the germinating process, it is possible to create a positive effect in increasing the nutritional properties and cooking quality of the desired variety. Introduction Brown rice has a higher nutritional value than white rice, but due to its harder texture and longer cooking time, it is often less accepted by consumers. It seems that germination time than white rice effects on textural and nutritional parameters improvement. In this research, in order to improving the nutritional value and cooking quality of brown rice, the germination process was used. Materials and methods Rough rice and brown rice samples of Hashemi variety were soaked at temperatures of 30°C and 45°C for 24 and 48 hours for germination. So the samples were dried. In order to check the nutritional value of germinated brown rice samples and germinated peeled paddy (8 samples) and control sample (untreated brown rice), minerals such as iron, copper, zinc and manganese, and the cooking quality included solids loss factors, water absorption ratio, Volume expansion ratio and Alkali digestion were measured in the form of a randomized complete design with three replications. For data statistical analysis, analysis of variance was performed using SPSS software and comparison of means by Duncan test at 5% probability level. Research findings The highest amount of grain iron in the rough rice germination process was related to the sample with a soaking temperature of 45°C for 24 hours (65.8 ppm) and the highest concentration of iron in brown rice germination processing belonged to the sample with soaking temperature of 30°C for 24 hours (65.8 ppm). According to the results of this research, germination of brown rice in Hashemi variety had a negative effect on the amount of manganese in the seeds and in the studied samples, manganese was lower than the control sample. The highest concentration of zinc was observed by germinating rough rice at 45°C at 24 and 48 hours (30.8 ppm, 30.29 ppm, respectively). By germinating rough rice, no significant difference was observed in the amount of copper in the grain compared to the control sample. However, the highest amount of copper was found in brown rice germination at 30°C for 48 hours (13.5 ppm), which was significantly different from the control sample. The highest amount of water absorption during cooking was related to the germinated brown rice sample with a soaking temperature of 45°C for 48 hours (3.5 times) and the highest percentage of solids loss belonged to the sample of brown rice germinated at 45°C for soaking temperature of 24 hours with an average of 14.2%. Also, the highest amount of alkali digestion was observed for brown rice sprouted at 45°C for 24 and 48 hours. Conclusion The results showed that germination caused to increase mineral elements, especially iron, zinc and cooking quality and reduce cooking time in brown rice. Among the samples, the best conditions for germination in order to increase minerals were observed in brown rice germinated with rough rice raw material at a soaking temperature of 45°C for 24 hours. And the best cooking quality was belong to germinated brown rice with rough rice at soaking time of 48 hours at temperature of 45°C. The lowest cooking time belonged to sprouted brown rice at 45°C. Therefore, by choosing the optimal conditions in the germinating process, it is possible to create a positive effect in increasing the nutritional properties and cooking quality of the desired variety.

https://cr.guilan.ac.ir/article_8702_46bad886a0863047259820f9d4c8f8c9.pdf

University of Guilan Cereal Research 2252-0163 15 1 2025 04 21 Understanding the socio-economic factors affecting the willingness of paddy farmers in Shushtar county to cultivate organic rice Understanding the socio-economic factors affecting the willingness of paddy farmers in Shushtar county to cultivate organic rice 13 28 8703 10.22124/cr.2025.29284.1845 FA Moslem Savari Associate Professor, Department of Agricultural Extension and Education, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Mollasani, Iran Abbas Mirzaei Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture and Rural Development Engineering, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Mollasani, Iran Hassan Azarm Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Economics, Faculty of Agriculture and Rural Development Engineering, Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Mollasani, Iran Journal Article 2024 12 19 Introduction Organic rice production helps improve human health by eliminating chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers and reduces the risks of using these harmful substances. Organic agriculture also helps protect the environment by reducing soil and water pollution and preserving biodiversity. Research in this area can increase public awareness of the benefits of organic products and encourage people to consume more of these products, thus having a wide-ranging impact on improving the quality of human life and the environment. In addition, the development of organic agriculture helps improve the economic situation of farmers, reduce dependence on chemical inputs, and strengthen agricultural sustainability. The purpose of the present study was to identify the most important individual, economic and social factors affecting the willingness of paddy farmers to cultivate organic rice. Materials and methods The statistical population of the current study comprised all rice farmers in Shushtar county, Khuzestan province, Iran. Using the Krejci and Morgan table, the sample size was determined to be 388 individuals. The samples were selected through a stratified sampling method with proportional assignment. The main research tool was a questionnaire, which was validated by a panel of experts and its reliability confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and composite reliability. Data analysis was conducted in two parts: descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS software. Research findings The results of this study showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between the variables of education, social norms, environmental concern, social responsibility, social capital, environmental attitude, and government support and facilities. The results of comparison of means also revealed that there was a significant difference between the willingness of paddy farmers based on the variable of membership in organizations, meaning that rice farmers who were members of organizations had a greater tendency toward organic farming. In addition, the results of regression analysis indicated that the three factors of environmental attitude, social capital, and ethical norms had a positive and significant effect on the willingness of paddy farmers in Shushtar county to cultivate organic rice. These three variables explained a total of 56.7% of the variance of willingness of paddy farmers to cultivate organic rice. Conclusion In this study, individual, economic, and social factors affecting the willingness of paddy farmers to cultivate organic rice were investigated. The results showed that three factors, environmental attitude, social capital, and ethical norms, had the greatest impact on the willingness of paddy farmers in Shushtar county to cultivate organic rice. Therefore, according to the results of this study, it seems that by planning and improving the conditions of these three factors, paddy farmers in Shushtar county can be encouraged to cultivate organic rice and succeed in increasing organic rice production. Introduction Organic rice production helps improve human health by eliminating chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers and reduces the risks of using these harmful substances. Organic agriculture also helps protect the environment by reducing soil and water pollution and preserving biodiversity. Research in this area can increase public awareness of the benefits of organic products and encourage people to consume more of these products, thus having a wide-ranging impact on improving the quality of human life and the environment. In addition, the development of organic agriculture helps improve the economic situation of farmers, reduce dependence on chemical inputs, and strengthen agricultural sustainability. The purpose of the present study was to identify the most important individual, economic and social factors affecting the willingness of paddy farmers to cultivate organic rice. Materials and methods The statistical population of the current study comprised all rice farmers in Shushtar county, Khuzestan province, Iran. Using the Krejci and Morgan table, the sample size was determined to be 388 individuals. The samples were selected through a stratified sampling method with proportional assignment. The main research tool was a questionnaire, which was validated by a panel of experts and its reliability confirmed through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and composite reliability. Data analysis was conducted in two parts: descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS software. Research findings The results of this study showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between the variables of education, social norms, environmental concern, social responsibility, social capital, environmental attitude, and government support and facilities. The results of comparison of means also revealed that there was a significant difference between the willingness of paddy farmers based on the variable of membership in organizations, meaning that rice farmers who were members of organizations had a greater tendency toward organic farming. In addition, the results of regression analysis indicated that the three factors of environmental attitude, social capital, and ethical norms had a positive and significant effect on the willingness of paddy farmers in Shushtar county to cultivate organic rice. These three variables explained a total of 56.7% of the variance of willingness of paddy farmers to cultivate organic rice. Conclusion In this study, individual, economic, and social factors affecting the willingness of paddy farmers to cultivate organic rice were investigated. The results showed that three factors, environmental attitude, social capital, and ethical norms, had the greatest impact on the willingness of paddy farmers in Shushtar county to cultivate organic rice. Therefore, according to the results of this study, it seems that by planning and improving the conditions of these three factors, paddy farmers in Shushtar county can be encouraged to cultivate organic rice and succeed in increasing organic rice production.

https://cr.guilan.ac.ir/article_8703_9853923c08079d6b34ebd7c4e7f8d665.pdf

University of Guilan Cereal Research 2252-0163 15 1 2025 04 21 Physiological changes of selected wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) based on yield under rainfed conditions and supplementary irrigation Physiological changes of selected wheat genotypes (Triticum aestivum L.) based on yield under rainfed conditions and supplementary irrigation 29 47 8473 10.22124/cr.2025.28915.1843 FA Vahid Sedghyeh Graduate Ph.D., Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Maragheh University, Maragheh, Iran Fariborz Shekari Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Maragheh University, Maragheh, Iran Aَmin Abbasi Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Maragheh University, Maragheh, Iran Mozaffar Roostaei Research Professor, Dryland Agricultural Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Maragheh, Iran Naser Sabbaghnia Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Maragheh University, Maragheh, Iran Journal Article 2024 11 11 Introduction Today, wheat production as the most important crop in the world has been affected by increasing climate changes. In this regard, it is very important to investigate the physiological and agronomical responses of tolerant and sensitive wheat genotypes to drought stress under variabl rainfed conditions, along with identifying the relationships between the characteristics of resistance and sensitivity to this stress. For this purpose, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of rainfed and supplementary irrigation conditions on physiological, biochemical and grain yield-related traits in bread wheat. Materials and methods The plant materials of this study were four bread wheat genotypes, including two resistant (with suitable and high grain yield under rainfed conditions and two sensitive genotypes with poor grain yield under rainfed conditions. The genotypes were evaluated under rainfed (drought stress) and supplementary irrigation conditions in a split plots design based on randomized complete block design with three replications in the Dryland Agricultural Research Institute, Maragheh, Iran, in 2021-2022 cropping year. Supplementary irrigation was applied after planting and at the booting stage. To identift differences among genotypes, antioxidant enzymes activites, oxidative damage, biochemical characteristics, and grain yield and yield components were measured. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS software and comparison of means were done using LSD test at the probability level of 5%. Research findings The results of this study showed that the degree of sensitivity and tolerance of the studied genotypes in response to drought stress was significantly different. In general, the activity level of antioxidant enzymes in rainfed conditions was higher than the supplementary irrigation. The highest enzymatic activity and the lowest levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde were observed in genotype number 4 under rainfed conditions, while the lowest enzymatic activity and the highest levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde were recorded in genotype number 40 under supplementary irrigation conditions. Morever, the highest proline content was observed in genotype number 4 under rainfed conditions and the lowest proline content was observed in genotypes 30 and 40 under supplementary irrigation conditions. The yield and yield components of the studied genotypes also revealed a similar trend as a result of the internal changes of the plant, such that the highest number of spikes per unit area and number of grains per spike were observed in genotypes 4 and 33 under supplementary irrigation, while genotypes 30 and 40 had the lowest values of these traits under rainfed conditions. The 1000-kernel weight of these genotypes had a similar trend, although with a lower slope. Investigating the changes in chlorophyll content and enzymatic activities in these genotypes can justify this trend. Conclusion The findings of this study showed that although all studied genotypes were affected by the treatments, drought-tolerant genotypes showed better performance under stress conditions compared to sensitive genotypes by increasing proline concentration, maintaining chlorophyll capacity, and intensifying antioxidant enzyme activity, and consequently had less yield reduction under stress conditions. Preventing the increase of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde in these genotypes can confirm and complement this result and help to achieve higher yield in variable rainfed conditions. In addition, among the yield components, the number of grains per spike followed by spikes per unit area had the highest direct effect on grain yield. This could justify the need to focus more on these components in field examinations in order to obtain appropriate yield easier and faster. Introduction Today, wheat production as the most important crop in the world has been affected by increasing climate changes. In this regard, it is very important to investigate the physiological and agronomical responses of tolerant and sensitive wheat genotypes to drought stress under variabl rainfed conditions, along with identifying the relationships between the characteristics of resistance and sensitivity to this stress. For this purpose, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of rainfed and supplementary irrigation conditions on physiological, biochemical and grain yield-related traits in bread wheat. Materials and methods The plant materials of this study were four bread wheat genotypes, including two resistant (with suitable and high grain yield under rainfed conditions and two sensitive genotypes with poor grain yield under rainfed conditions. The genotypes were evaluated under rainfed (drought stress) and supplementary irrigation conditions in a split plots design based on randomized complete block design with three replications in the Dryland Agricultural Research Institute, Maragheh, Iran, in 2021-2022 cropping year. Supplementary irrigation was applied after planting and at the booting stage. To identift differences among genotypes, antioxidant enzymes activites, oxidative damage, biochemical characteristics, and grain yield and yield components were measured. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS software and comparison of means were done using LSD test at the probability level of 5%. Research findings The results of this study showed that the degree of sensitivity and tolerance of the studied genotypes in response to drought stress was significantly different. In general, the activity level of antioxidant enzymes in rainfed conditions was higher than the supplementary irrigation. The highest enzymatic activity and the lowest levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde were observed in genotype number 4 under rainfed conditions, while the lowest enzymatic activity and the highest levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde were recorded in genotype number 40 under supplementary irrigation conditions. Morever, the highest proline content was observed in genotype number 4 under rainfed conditions and the lowest proline content was observed in genotypes 30 and 40 under supplementary irrigation conditions. The yield and yield components of the studied genotypes also revealed a similar trend as a result of the internal changes of the plant, such that the highest number of spikes per unit area and number of grains per spike were observed in genotypes 4 and 33 under supplementary irrigation, while genotypes 30 and 40 had the lowest values of these traits under rainfed conditions. The 1000-kernel weight of these genotypes had a similar trend, although with a lower slope. Investigating the changes in chlorophyll content and enzymatic activities in these genotypes can justify this trend. Conclusion The findings of this study showed that although all studied genotypes were affected by the treatments, drought-tolerant genotypes showed better performance under stress conditions compared to sensitive genotypes by increasing proline concentration, maintaining chlorophyll capacity, and intensifying antioxidant enzyme activity, and consequently had less yield reduction under stress conditions. Preventing the increase of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde in these genotypes can confirm and complement this result and help to achieve higher yield in variable rainfed conditions. In addition, among the yield components, the number of grains per spike followed by spikes per unit area had the highest direct effect on grain yield. This could justify the need to focus more on these components in field examinations in order to obtain appropriate yield easier and faster.

https://cr.guilan.ac.ir/article_8473_dabdf19b8460c36ef22a24857e8ee20a.pdf

University of Guilan Cereal Research 2252-0163 15 1 2025 04 21 Analysis of some agronomic traits of maize under nanosilicon treatment in saline soil conditions Analysis of some agronomic traits of maize under nanosilicon treatment in saline soil conditions 49 63 8610 10.22124/cr.2025.29458.1849 FA Masoud Golestani Assistant Professor, Department of Agriculture, Payame Noor University (PNU), Tehran, Iran 0000-0001-9723-1371 Seyyed Rasoul Sahhafi Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, Rafsanjan, Iran Journal Article 2025 01 01 Introduction Salinity is a major threat to food security, specially in arid and semi-arid regions. Soil salinity is mainly caused by the low rainfall, excessive application of chemical fertilizers, irrigation with saline groundwater, industrial wastewater and deforestation. Agriculture in saline soils has always been a major challenge due to the multiple effects of salinity on soil and plants. Silicon (Si), the second most abundant mineral element in the earth’s crust, mitigates the effects of salinity by improving the plant’s adaptive mechanism against biotic and abiotic stresses. Recently, nanoparticles of different minerals ranging from 1 to 100 nm have been extensively used in sustainable agriculture. Stress modulators such as nanosilicon are used to enhance plant growth and grain yield as well as increase resistance to abiotic stresses. Maize (Zea mays L.) contributes one-third of grain production worldwide and is the main source of nutrition for humans and livestock. Moreover, maize is more sensitive to salinity stress compared to other abiotic stresses. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of nanosilicon application on agronomic and morphological traits of different maize cultivars, determine effective traits on grain yield and select high-yielding cultivars for cultivation in saline soils. Materials and methods This experiment was carried out in split plot based on a randomized complete blocks design with three replications in Abarkouh county, Yazd province, Iran. Nanosilicon at two levels including no application of nanosilicon (control) and application of nanosilicon (50 mg/l equivalent to 165 ml of nanosilicon solution) was considered as the main factor and corn cultivars at eight levels including KSC670, KSC647, KSC500, KSC705, KSC400, KSC704, KSC604 and KSC700 as sub-factor. Nanosilicon was applies as foliar spray on the leaves at two growth stages, 8-10 leaves and silk emergence. Each experimental unit consisted of five rows with a length of 5 m, with a spacing of 75 cm between rows and 20 cm between plants on the rows. The studied traits included the number of rows per ear, number of grains per row, number of grains per ear, ear length and diameter, plant height, 1000-grain weight and grain yield. Research findings The results revealed that the effect of nonosilicon and cultivar on all studied traits were significant, while the interaction of nanosilicon × cultivar was only significant on ear length, plant height and 1000-grain weight. All studied traits increased with the application of nanosilicon. According to the results of the comparison of mean, KSC704 and KSC705 cultivars had the highest grain yield and yield components under both treatments of no-application and application of nanosilicon. Correlation analysis between traits showed that grain yield in both treatments of no-application and application of nanosilicon had a positive and significant correlation with the number of rows per ear, number of grains per row, number of grains per ear, and ear length and diameter. Based on the results of stepwise regression analysis, the number of rows per ear in no-application of nanosilicon treatment (control), and the number of rows per ear and 1000-grain weight in nanosilicon application treatment had a significant effect on grain yield. The result of path analysis showed that the number of rows per ear was the most important trait affecting grain yield of the studied maize cultivars under both no-application and application of nanosilicon conditions. Based on the results of cluster analysis, the studied cultivars under both no-application and application of nanosilicon conditions were classified into three groups. Conclusion The results of this study showed that the number of rows per ear can be used to achieve high yield in maize in both no-application and application of nanosilicon treatments. According to the results of cluster analysis, three cultivars KSC 700, KSC704 and KSC705 were superior to other cultivars for most of the studied traits under both treatments, and can be recommended for achieving higher grain yield in saline soil under both no-application and application of nanosilicon conditions. Introduction Salinity is a major threat to food security, specially in arid and semi-arid regions. Soil salinity is mainly caused by the low rainfall, excessive application of chemical fertilizers, irrigation with saline groundwater, industrial wastewater and deforestation. Agriculture in saline soils has always been a major challenge due to the multiple effects of salinity on soil and plants. Silicon (Si), the second most abundant mineral element in the earth’s crust, mitigates the effects of salinity by improving the plant’s adaptive mechanism against biotic and abiotic stresses. Recently, nanoparticles of different minerals ranging from 1 to 100 nm have been extensively used in sustainable agriculture. Stress modulators such as nanosilicon are used to enhance plant growth and grain yield as well as increase resistance to abiotic stresses. Maize (Zea mays L.) contributes one-third of grain production worldwide and is the main source of nutrition for humans and livestock. Moreover, maize is more sensitive to salinity stress compared to other abiotic stresses. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of nanosilicon application on agronomic and morphological traits of different maize cultivars, determine effective traits on grain yield and select high-yielding cultivars for cultivation in saline soils. Materials and methods This experiment was carried out in split plot based on a randomized complete blocks design with three replications in Abarkouh county, Yazd province, Iran. Nanosilicon at two levels including no application of nanosilicon (control) and application of nanosilicon (50 mg/l equivalent to 165 ml of nanosilicon solution) was considered as the main factor and corn cultivars at eight levels including KSC670, KSC647, KSC500, KSC705, KSC400, KSC704, KSC604 and KSC700 as sub-factor. Nanosilicon was applies as foliar spray on the leaves at two growth stages, 8-10 leaves and silk emergence. Each experimental unit consisted of five rows with a length of 5 m, with a spacing of 75 cm between rows and 20 cm between plants on the rows. The studied traits included the number of rows per ear, number of grains per row, number of grains per ear, ear length and diameter, plant height, 1000-grain weight and grain yield. Research findings The results revealed that the effect of nonosilicon and cultivar on all studied traits were significant, while the interaction of nanosilicon × cultivar was only significant on ear length, plant height and 1000-grain weight. All studied traits increased with the application of nanosilicon. According to the results of the comparison of mean, KSC704 and KSC705 cultivars had the highest grain yield and yield components under both treatments of no-application and application of nanosilicon. Correlation analysis between traits showed that grain yield in both treatments of no-application and application of nanosilicon had a positive and significant correlation with the number of rows per ear, number of grains per row, number of grains per ear, and ear length and diameter. Based on the results of stepwise regression analysis, the number of rows per ear in no-application of nanosilicon treatment (control), and the number of rows per ear and 1000-grain weight in nanosilicon application treatment had a significant effect on grain yield. The result of path analysis showed that the number of rows per ear was the most important trait affecting grain yield of the studied maize cultivars under both no-application and application of nanosilicon conditions. Based on the results of cluster analysis, the studied cultivars under both no-application and application of nanosilicon conditions were classified into three groups. Conclusion The results of this study showed that the number of rows per ear can be used to achieve high yield in maize in both no-application and application of nanosilicon treatments. According to the results of cluster analysis, three cultivars KSC 700, KSC704 and KSC705 were superior to other cultivars for most of the studied traits under both treatments, and can be recommended for achieving higher grain yield in saline soil under both no-application and application of nanosilicon conditions.

https://cr.guilan.ac.ir/article_8610_e85d1465c1fd08f9dced2b631d394e1b.pdf

University of Guilan Cereal Research 2252-0163 15 1 2025 06 10 Evaluation of barley landraces for resistance to leaf rust disease (Puccinia hordei) Evaluation of barley landraces for resistance to leaf rust disease (Puccinia hordei) 65 84 8886 10.22124/cr.2025.29811.1853 FA Mehdi Zahravi Research Assistant Professor, Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran Shariyar Kia Research Assistant Professor, Golestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Gorgan, Iran Journal Article 2025 02 08 Introduction Leaf rust caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia hordei, is a major disease in barley that can cause significant damage to barley yield and quality. The use of genetic resistance is the most sustainable strategy for controlling this disease. Genetic resistance to barley leaf rust is divided into two general categories: Seedling resistance or all-stage resistance (ASR) and adult plant resistance (APR). Due to the dynamics of the pathogen population, most ASR genes have become ineffective, and there is limited diversity in APR genes. This highlights the importance of searching and identifying new sources of resistance to this disease. Local genetic resources (landraces) of barley are considered a rich source of disease resistance genes. In this regard, the present study was conducted to screen local germplasm in the barley collection of the National Plant Gene Bank of Iran and to find sources of resistance to barley leaf rust disease. Materials and methods A total of 220 accessions from the barley collection of the National Plant Gene Bank of Iran, originating from different regions of the country, were evaluated under natural infection conditions for three consecutive cropping years from 2021-2022 to 2023-2024 in the field of Iraqi-Mahalleh Research Station of Gorgan as the hotspot of leaf rust disease. To determine the resistance of barley accessions, infection type, disease severity, and infection coefficient were evaluated. The relationship between resistance components was examined through correlation analysis. A significant difference in the variance of the infection coefficient was observed among the ten defined groups. The studied accessions were separated in a biplot based on their resistance rank and stability of response rank. Classification of the acccessions based on the infection coefficient and stability of resistance response was performed using K-means clustering with K set to 5. The resulting clusters were distinguished from one another in a multidimensional scaling (MDS) plot. All statistical analyses and visualizations were conducted using custom scripts in R software, version 4.3.2, within the RStudio environment, version 2023.9.1.494. Research findings The results of the frequency of infection type in the studied germplasm showed that in the first year, seven accessions (3.18%) showed infection type O (immunity reaction), six accessions (2.73%) showed infection type R (resistance), and 11 accessions (5%) showed infection type MR (moderate resistance). In the second year, 22 accessions (10%) had an immunity reaction and 10 (4.55%) and 22 (10%) accessions had infection types R and MR, respectively. In the third year, three (1.36%) and eight (3.46%) accessions showed infection types R and MR, respectively. The average disease severity in the third year was significantly higher than in the first and second years. The accessions located at the two extreme limits of the coefficient of infection had more stable reactions than the accessions with an intermediate coefficient of infection. The studied germplasm were differentiated into five groups based on the amount and changes in resistance reaction, and the results of statistical analyzes confirmed their proper separation and differentiation. Conclusion The results of different methods of data analysis of the research showed evidence of changes in pathogenicity in different years, which indicates the dynamics of the pathogen population in this disease hotspot and the need for continuous search to identify sources with effective resistance. The accessions KC18607, KC70044, KC18653, KC20636, KC19610, KC20924, KC18761, KC18394, KC20560, KC70441 and KC20806 showed stable resistance. Identifying resistant accessions in these landraces indicates their valuable capacity as sources of resistance to leaf rust disease. This resistant germplasm can be used in breeding programs as well as in genetic studies to identify resistance genes and develop markers. Introduction Leaf rust caused by the fungal pathogen Puccinia hordei, is a major disease in barley that can cause significant damage to barley yield and quality. The use of genetic resistance is the most sustainable strategy for controlling this disease. Genetic resistance to barley leaf rust is divided into two general categories: Seedling resistance or all-stage resistance (ASR) and adult plant resistance (APR). Due to the dynamics of the pathogen population, most ASR genes have become ineffective, and there is limited diversity in APR genes. This highlights the importance of searching and identifying new sources of resistance to this disease. Local genetic resources (landraces) of barley are considered a rich source of disease resistance genes. In this regard, the present study was conducted to screen local germplasm in the barley collection of the National Plant Gene Bank of Iran and to find sources of resistance to barley leaf rust disease. Materials and methods A total of 220 accessions from the barley collection of the National Plant Gene Bank of Iran, originating from different regions of the country, were evaluated under natural infection conditions for three consecutive cropping years from 2021-2022 to 2023-2024 in the field of Iraqi-Mahalleh Research Station of Gorgan as the hotspot of leaf rust disease. To determine the resistance of barley accessions, infection type, disease severity, and infection coefficient were evaluated. The relationship between resistance components was examined through correlation analysis. A significant difference in the variance of the infection coefficient was observed among the ten defined groups. The studied accessions were separated in a biplot based on their resistance rank and stability of response rank. Classification of the acccessions based on the infection coefficient and stability of resistance response was performed using K-means clustering with K set to 5. The resulting clusters were distinguished from one another in a multidimensional scaling (MDS) plot. All statistical analyses and visualizations were conducted using custom scripts in R software, version 4.3.2, within the RStudio environment, version 2023.9.1.494. Research findings The results of the frequency of infection type in the studied germplasm showed that in the first year, seven accessions (3.18%) showed infection type O (immunity reaction), six accessions (2.73%) showed infection type R (resistance), and 11 accessions (5%) showed infection type MR (moderate resistance). In the second year, 22 accessions (10%) had an immunity reaction and 10 (4.55%) and 22 (10%) accessions had infection types R and MR, respectively. In the third year, three (1.36%) and eight (3.46%) accessions showed infection types R and MR, respectively. The average disease severity in the third year was significantly higher than in the first and second years. The accessions located at the two extreme limits of the coefficient of infection had more stable reactions than the accessions with an intermediate coefficient of infection. The studied germplasm were differentiated into five groups based on the amount and changes in resistance reaction, and the results of statistical analyzes confirmed their proper separation and differentiation. Conclusion The results of different methods of data analysis of the research showed evidence of changes in pathogenicity in different years, which indicates the dynamics of the pathogen population in this disease hotspot and the need for continuous search to identify sources with effective resistance. The accessions KC18607, KC70044, KC18653, KC20636, KC19610, KC20924, KC18761, KC18394, KC20560, KC70441 and KC20806 showed stable resistance. Identifying resistant accessions in these landraces indicates their valuable capacity as sources of resistance to leaf rust disease. This resistant germplasm can be used in breeding programs as well as in genetic studies to identify resistance genes and develop markers.

https://cr.guilan.ac.ir/article_8886_3bfccb5db4d644b31dd01024b0b2dd48.pdf

University of Guilan Cereal Research 2252-0163 15 1 2025 04 21 A review of stability analysis methods in plant breeding with an emphasis on cereals, I: Non-parametric and univariate parametric approaches A review of stability analysis methods in plant breeding with an emphasis on cereals, I: Non-parametric and univariate parametric approaches 85 113 8704 10.22124/cr.2025.29968.1857 FA Nishtman Abdi Post-Doctoral Researcher, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran Mona Bordbar Ph. D. Student, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran Reza Darvishzadeh Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran Babak Rabiei Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran Hadi Alipour Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran Somaieh Soufimaleky M. Sc. Graduate, Institut des Sciences du Cerveau de Toulouse, Toulouse, France Hamid Hatami Maleki Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran Mitra Jabbari Assistant Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Saravan, Saravan, Iran Journal Article 2025 02 26 Introduction Genotype × environment interaction (GEI) significantly affects the performance of different genotypes under various environmental conditions, posing challenges for agricultural researchers focused on improving crop varieties. Selection and introduction of genotypes, as a key steps in breeding programs, is complex and time-consuming due to the impacts of biotic and abiotic stresses. An ideal genotype should not only have high yield, but also be able to maintain its stability across varying conditions and not have high yield fluctuations. This is a dynamic concept of stability and can help identify suitable genotypes, however, none of the existing methods alone can explain all dimensions of performance across different environments. Therefore, for the effective selection of superior genotypes and understanding the genotype × environment interaction, it is essential to analyze multiple datasets from multi-environment trials (METs) from various aspects of yield stability. In this regard, various methods with high accuracy have been proposed for analyzing the stability of genotypes, which can be divided into two main groups, including non-parametric and parametric (univariate and multivariate) methods. In this study, the efficiency of various non-parametric and univariate parametric stability methods are comprehensively reviewed and compared with an emphasis on cereals. Moreover, the fundamental concepts of GEI, its causes, its necessity and importance, as well as how to evaluate the stability and performance of genotypes in METs are explained. Research findings The results of this study indicated that stability analysis methods, including parametric methods based on regression analysis and analysis of variance as well as non-parametric methods, each have their specific advantages and disadvantages. It seems that parametric methods are more effective in analyzing genotype × environment interactions, while non-parametric methods are more suitable for analyzing non-crossing interactions. The sample size and the breeder’s objective are important and key factors in selecting the type of stability analysis method. In small sample conditions, parametric methods have an advantage, however, as the sample size increases, the effectiveness of both methods becomes nearly equal. It seems that the combination of these two types of indices can assist breeders in selecting superior and stable genotypes. Conclusion In the current study, the effectiveness of non-parametric and parametric methods in assessing and measuring the stability and performance in multi-environment trials (METs) was investigated and compared. The use of various stability analysis methods enables researchers and breeders to select promising genotypes based on performance and stability, ultimately contributing to increase the sustainability of crop production and food security. Introduction Genotype × environment interaction (GEI) significantly affects the performance of different genotypes under various environmental conditions, posing challenges for agricultural researchers focused on improving crop varieties. Selection and introduction of genotypes, as a key steps in breeding programs, is complex and time-consuming due to the impacts of biotic and abiotic stresses. An ideal genotype should not only have high yield, but also be able to maintain its stability across varying conditions and not have high yield fluctuations. This is a dynamic concept of stability and can help identify suitable genotypes, however, none of the existing methods alone can explain all dimensions of performance across different environments. Therefore, for the effective selection of superior genotypes and understanding the genotype × environment interaction, it is essential to analyze multiple datasets from multi-environment trials (METs) from various aspects of yield stability. In this regard, various methods with high accuracy have been proposed for analyzing the stability of genotypes, which can be divided into two main groups, including non-parametric and parametric (univariate and multivariate) methods. In this study, the efficiency of various non-parametric and univariate parametric stability methods are comprehensively reviewed and compared with an emphasis on cereals. Moreover, the fundamental concepts of GEI, its causes, its necessity and importance, as well as how to evaluate the stability and performance of genotypes in METs are explained. Research findings The results of this study indicated that stability analysis methods, including parametric methods based on regression analysis and analysis of variance as well as non-parametric methods, each have their specific advantages and disadvantages. It seems that parametric methods are more effective in analyzing genotype × environment interactions, while non-parametric methods are more suitable for analyzing non-crossing interactions. The sample size and the breeder’s objective are important and key factors in selecting the type of stability analysis method. In small sample conditions, parametric methods have an advantage, however, as the sample size increases, the effectiveness of both methods becomes nearly equal. It seems that the combination of these two types of indices can assist breeders in selecting superior and stable genotypes. Conclusion In the current study, the effectiveness of non-parametric and parametric methods in assessing and measuring the stability and performance in multi-environment trials (METs) was investigated and compared. The use of various stability analysis methods enables researchers and breeders to select promising genotypes based on performance and stability, ultimately contributing to increase the sustainability of crop production and food security.

https://cr.guilan.ac.ir/article_8704_16806deccfc9ea8325236f3ad3d1213a.pdf