University of Guilan Cereal Research 2252-0163 15 2 2025 07 23 The effect of SiO2 nanoparticles on quantitative and qualitative yield and yield components of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties under late season water deficit stress conditions The effect of SiO2 nanoparticles on quantitative and qualitative yield and yield components of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) varieties under late season water deficit stress conditions 115 132 8926 10.22124/cr.2025.29834.1854 FA Ali Sepehri Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran Nesa Gharehbaghli Research Assistant Professor, Department of Crop and Horticultural Sciences Research, Hamedan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Hamedan, Iran Journal Article 2025 02 12 Introduction Increasing temperatures and water deficit at the end of spring and early summer are very important challenges at the late-season growing period of winter wheat varieties in temperate and cold regions. Considering the economic importance of wheat, it seems necessary to use appropriate strategies to optimize the wheat production system under terminal drought stress. In this regard, cultivating high-yielding and terminal drought-resistant varieties in combination with growth regulators can be effective. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of nanosilicon (SiO2-NP) on yield and yield components of three winter wheat varieties under late-season water deficit stress conditions. Materials and methods The experiment was conducted with three winter wheat varieties based on split-plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the research field of Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran, in 2021-2022. The main factor was in four levels, including no-water stress with nanosilicon application, no-water stress and no-nanosilicon application, water deficit stress with nanosilicon application, and water deficit stress and no-nanosilicon application, and the subfactor was three winter wheat varieties, including Alvand, Pishgam and Pishtaz. Water deficit stress was applied at the end of the growing season by stopping irrigation at the end of flowering stage (code 69 in BBCH scale). Nanosilicon foliar application at a concentration of 30 mg/L was performed in two stages, before flowering and spike emergence (code 51 in BBCH scale) and flowering initiation (code 61 in BBCH scale). The measured traits in this study included the number of spikes per unit area, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, leaf greenness index (SPAD), and grain protein content. Statistical analyses was performed using SAS software and graphs were drawn using Excel software. Research findings The results of the analysis of variance showed that the effect of water deficit stress and nanosilicon was significant on all measured traits, except for the number of spikes per unit area. The differences between the studied wheat varieties were also significant in terms of the number of spikes per unit area, grain yield, biological yield and harvest index, but was insignificant in term of other measured traits. However, the interaction of stress and nanosilicon × variety was significant only on two traits, 1000-grain weight and grain yield. The results of comparison of means revealed that the number of spikes per unit area in Alvand variety was significantly higher than two varieties, Pishgam and Pishtaz. Also, the traits that were affected by water deficit stress and nanosilicon, showed a decrease during water stress without nanosilicon application. The results showed that in both non-stress and water deficit stress conditions, the application of nanosilicon increased grain yield and yield components in all three wheat varieties compared to its non-application. However, the effect of nanosilicon was greater in water deficit stress, so that the grain yield of three varieties Alvand, Pishgam and Pishtaz increased by 18.03, 8.05 and 9.22 percent, respectively, with the application of nanosilicon compared to the non-application of nanosilicon under water deficit conditions. The highest grain yield (6275.7 kg.ha-1) was obtained with the application of nanosilicon in Alvand variety under non-water stress conditions, and the lowest grain yield (5185 kg.ha-1) was observed in Pishtaz variety under water deficit stress conditions without the application of nanosilicon. Conclusion Water deficit stress at the end of flowering stage and the beginning of grain filling period reduced grain yield of the studied three wheat cultivars, but the yield reduction was greater in Alvand variety than in the two other varieties. The reason for this reduction was mainly related to the reduction in the number of grains per spike and 1000-grain weight under water deficit stress conditions. Nanosilicon foliar application largely compensated for the yield reduction caused by late season water deficit stress in all three studied varieties, especially in Alvand variety. Introduction Increasing temperatures and water deficit at the end of spring and early summer are very important challenges at the late-season growing period of winter wheat varieties in temperate and cold regions. Considering the economic importance of wheat, it seems necessary to use appropriate strategies to optimize the wheat production system under terminal drought stress. In this regard, cultivating high-yielding and terminal drought-resistant varieties in combination with growth regulators can be effective. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of nanosilicon (SiO2-NP) on yield and yield components of three winter wheat varieties under late-season water deficit stress conditions. Materials and methods The experiment was conducted with three winter wheat varieties based on split-plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the research field of Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran, in 2021-2022. The main factor was in four levels, including no-water stress with nanosilicon application, no-water stress and no-nanosilicon application, water deficit stress with nanosilicon application, and water deficit stress and no-nanosilicon application, and the subfactor was three winter wheat varieties, including Alvand, Pishgam and Pishtaz. Water deficit stress was applied at the end of the growing season by stopping irrigation at the end of flowering stage (code 69 in BBCH scale). Nanosilicon foliar application at a concentration of 30 mg/L was performed in two stages, before flowering and spike emergence (code 51 in BBCH scale) and flowering initiation (code 61 in BBCH scale). The measured traits in this study included the number of spikes per unit area, number of spikelets per spike, number of grains per spike, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, leaf greenness index (SPAD), and grain protein content. Statistical analyses was performed using SAS software and graphs were drawn using Excel software. Research findings The results of the analysis of variance showed that the effect of water deficit stress and nanosilicon was significant on all measured traits, except for the number of spikes per unit area. The differences between the studied wheat varieties were also significant in terms of the number of spikes per unit area, grain yield, biological yield and harvest index, but was insignificant in term of other measured traits. However, the interaction of stress and nanosilicon × variety was significant only on two traits, 1000-grain weight and grain yield. The results of comparison of means revealed that the number of spikes per unit area in Alvand variety was significantly higher than two varieties, Pishgam and Pishtaz. Also, the traits that were affected by water deficit stress and nanosilicon, showed a decrease during water stress without nanosilicon application. The results showed that in both non-stress and water deficit stress conditions, the application of nanosilicon increased grain yield and yield components in all three wheat varieties compared to its non-application. However, the effect of nanosilicon was greater in water deficit stress, so that the grain yield of three varieties Alvand, Pishgam and Pishtaz increased by 18.03, 8.05 and 9.22 percent, respectively, with the application of nanosilicon compared to the non-application of nanosilicon under water deficit conditions. The highest grain yield (6275.7 kg.ha-1) was obtained with the application of nanosilicon in Alvand variety under non-water stress conditions, and the lowest grain yield (5185 kg.ha-1) was observed in Pishtaz variety under water deficit stress conditions without the application of nanosilicon. Conclusion Water deficit stress at the end of flowering stage and the beginning of grain filling period reduced grain yield of the studied three wheat cultivars, but the yield reduction was greater in Alvand variety than in the two other varieties. The reason for this reduction was mainly related to the reduction in the number of grains per spike and 1000-grain weight under water deficit stress conditions. Nanosilicon foliar application largely compensated for the yield reduction caused by late season water deficit stress in all three studied varieties, especially in Alvand variety.

https://cr.guilan.ac.ir/article_8926_abfa39e655d811d8b404940d7f2a0d28.pdf

University of Guilan Cereal Research 2252-0163 15 2 2025 08 13 Assessing resistance to Fusarium head blight in bread and durum wheat genotypes under field conditions Assessing resistance to Fusarium head blight in bread and durum wheat genotypes under field conditions 133 148 8974 10.22124/cr.2025.29962.1859 FA Shahriyar Kia Research Assistant Professor , Department of Crop and Horticulture Science Research, Golestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Gorgan, Iran Naser Mohammadi Research Assistant Professor, Dryland Agricultural Research Institute (DARI), Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Maragheh, Iran Journal Article 2025 03 01 Introduction Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum, is one of the most important and damaging fungal diseases of wheat in different regions of the world, especially in warm and humid regions. FHB reduces grain yield as well as grain quality by contamining grains with mycotoxins. Widespread epidemics have occurred in different parts of the world in the last few decades. The most efficient, economical, and environmentally healthy method for managing and controlling this disease is to use resistant or tolerant wheat varieties. Resistant wheat varieties to FHB that are well adapted to the climatic conditions of all wheat production regions in the world have not yet been identified. The present study was conducted to identify resistant bread and durum wheat genotypes to Fusarium head blight. The findings of this study will provide breeders with valuable information about the resistance and susceptibility of bread and durum wheat genotypes to Fusarium head blight, which they can use to develop resistant wheat varieties in future breeding programs. Materials and methods In this study, 138 bread and durum wheat genotypes obtained from the Dryland Agricultural Research Institute, Maragheh, Iran, were evaluated for resistance to Fusarium head blight disease at the Araghi-Mahaleh Agricultural Research Station, Gorgan, Iran, during two cropping years (2022-23 and 2023-24). Spikes were inoculated using a suspension of pathogenic fungal spores twice at 50% flowering stage with an interval of two days. The evaluated traits in each genotype included disease incidence, disease severity, and disease index. For statistical analysis of the data, first the frequency distribution of each measured traits in the studied population was assessed, and then the pairwise correlation among the traits was separately calculated in each year. To group the studied bread and durum wheat genotypes, K-means cluster analysis was also used, and the relationship between the genotypes and the resulting clusters was examined using the multidimensional scaling method. Research findings The results of this study on bread and durum wheat genotypes evaluated in two years 2022-23 and 2023-24 showed that the average disease incidence was 32.36% and 39.35%, the average disease severity was 26.27% and 27.5%; and the average disease index was 11.27% and 13.14%, respectively. The studied genotypes using K-means cluster analysis grouped into seven distinct groups, and the third group consisting of 33 genotypes exhibited the lowest average disease incidence, disease severity, and disease index compared to the other groupes, and was identified as the most resistant group. These genotypes included G01 (Baran), G02 (Sadra), G04 (Jam), G06 (Shalan), G07 (Hoor), G11, G14, G16, G17, G18, G19, G20, G27, G29, G30, G31, G32, G34, G36, G37, G39, G42, G44, G45, G46, G47, G48, G54, G83, G94, G117, G132 and G139. Conclusion Among the 138 bread and durum wheat genotypes evaluated in this study, 33 genotypes were identified as resistant to Fusarium head blight. These genotypes which probably contain valuable resistance genes against Fusarium head blight disease, are recommended for use in future breeding programs to develop resistant varieties in bread and durum wheat. Introduction Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum, is one of the most important and damaging fungal diseases of wheat in different regions of the world, especially in warm and humid regions. FHB reduces grain yield as well as grain quality by contamining grains with mycotoxins. Widespread epidemics have occurred in different parts of the world in the last few decades. The most efficient, economical, and environmentally healthy method for managing and controlling this disease is to use resistant or tolerant wheat varieties. Resistant wheat varieties to FHB that are well adapted to the climatic conditions of all wheat production regions in the world have not yet been identified. The present study was conducted to identify resistant bread and durum wheat genotypes to Fusarium head blight. The findings of this study will provide breeders with valuable information about the resistance and susceptibility of bread and durum wheat genotypes to Fusarium head blight, which they can use to develop resistant wheat varieties in future breeding programs. Materials and methods In this study, 138 bread and durum wheat genotypes obtained from the Dryland Agricultural Research Institute, Maragheh, Iran, were evaluated for resistance to Fusarium head blight disease at the Araghi-Mahaleh Agricultural Research Station, Gorgan, Iran, during two cropping years (2022-23 and 2023-24). Spikes were inoculated using a suspension of pathogenic fungal spores twice at 50% flowering stage with an interval of two days. The evaluated traits in each genotype included disease incidence, disease severity, and disease index. For statistical analysis of the data, first the frequency distribution of each measured traits in the studied population was assessed, and then the pairwise correlation among the traits was separately calculated in each year. To group the studied bread and durum wheat genotypes, K-means cluster analysis was also used, and the relationship between the genotypes and the resulting clusters was examined using the multidimensional scaling method. Research findings The results of this study on bread and durum wheat genotypes evaluated in two years 2022-23 and 2023-24 showed that the average disease incidence was 32.36% and 39.35%, the average disease severity was 26.27% and 27.5%; and the average disease index was 11.27% and 13.14%, respectively. The studied genotypes using K-means cluster analysis grouped into seven distinct groups, and the third group consisting of 33 genotypes exhibited the lowest average disease incidence, disease severity, and disease index compared to the other groupes, and was identified as the most resistant group. These genotypes included G01 (Baran), G02 (Sadra), G04 (Jam), G06 (Shalan), G07 (Hoor), G11, G14, G16, G17, G18, G19, G20, G27, G29, G30, G31, G32, G34, G36, G37, G39, G42, G44, G45, G46, G47, G48, G54, G83, G94, G117, G132 and G139. Conclusion Among the 138 bread and durum wheat genotypes evaluated in this study, 33 genotypes were identified as resistant to Fusarium head blight. These genotypes which probably contain valuable resistance genes against Fusarium head blight disease, are recommended for use in future breeding programs to develop resistant varieties in bread and durum wheat.

https://cr.guilan.ac.ir/article_8974_def2acf75d904bf529488c054ec5e8f7.pdf

University of Guilan Cereal Research 2252-0163 15 2 2025 08 01 Enhancing the physiological characteristics and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) with the soil application and spraying of zinc under different moisture conditions Enhancing the physiological characteristics and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) with the soil application and spraying of zinc under different moisture conditions 149 166 8930 10.22124/cr.2025.30629.1866 FA Fariborz Shekari Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran Amin Abbasi Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran Farid Shekari Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran Maryam Mohammadzadeh Ph. D. Graduate, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran Journal Article 2025 05 10 Introduction Water deficit is the most significant environmental stress that limits plant growth in the world. Meanwhile, zinc is recognized as a vital micronutrient that plays a crucial role in the normal growth of plants. Its application has been shown to enhance both the quantity and quality of agricultural products by increasing the photosynthesis rate, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and some osmolyte compounds such as proline. This enhancement can mitigate the adverse effects of environmental stresses, including drought. In the present study, the effects of various amounts and methods of zinc application were investigated on the activity of antioxidant enzymes as well as the growth and grain yield of maize under drought stress conditions. The aim of this experiment was to improve the physiological aspects, growth and yield of maize under various droght conditions. Materials and methods This research was conducted as split-plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications in research field of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran, in 2020. The maize variety studied in this research was grain maize SC704, belonging to the late-maturing group with a growing period of 125 to 135 days. The main factor included drought stress at three levels (by applying irrigation at 90%, 60%, and 30% of field capacity) and sub-factor was the rates and methods of zinc application at six levels (including no zinc application, soil application of zinc sulfate at 10 and 25 kg.ha-1, and foliar application of 5 g.Lit-1 zinc at stem elongation, tassel emergence and milking stages. The characteristics evaluated in this study included grain iron, zinc, and phosphorus concentrations, the activity of antioxidant enzymes of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase, as well as proline content, malondialdehyde content, hydrogen peroxide concentration, leaf chlorophyll index, leaf area index, grain yield, and biological yield. Data analysis including analysis of variance and comparison of means by least significant difference (LSD) test at a probability level of 5% were performed using SAS software version 9.3, and graphs were drawn using Excel software. Research findings The results of the analysis of variance showed that the effect of drought stress and application of zinc was significant on all evaluated traits in the SC704 variety. The interaction of zinc × drought stress was also significant on all evaluated traits, except grain yield and biological yield. The results showed that drought stress significantly reduced the grain iron, zinc, and phosphorus concentrations, the activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase, as well as leaf chlorophyll index and leaf area index in the SC704 variety. On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, and proline contents increased by 197%, 256% and 129%, respectively, with increasing drought stress intensity. In contrast, the application of zinc with enhancing these traits, led to decrease in the production of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde. Furthermore, drought stress reduced grain yield and biological yield, but zinc application especially soil application of 25 kg.ha-1, significantly improved the grain yield and biological yield of SC704 variety by 62% and 44%, respectively. Conclusion The findings of this study showed that drought stress, especially at high intensities, by disrupting the absorption of nutrient from the soil, soil, led to a decrease in the concentration of grain elements, leaf area index, leaf chlorophyll index, and antioxidant enzyme activities, and an increase in proline content. In contrast, the application of zinc, especially its soil application of kg.ha-1, by changing (intensifying) the mentioned traits, improved the physiological and morphological aspects and grain yield of maize, so that its application under moderate drought stress reduced hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde contents, and increased proline content and antioxidant enzymes activities. Also, the results of this experiment showed that foliar application of zinc was more effective in increasing the concentration of grain elements than soil application. Introduction Water deficit is the most significant environmental stress that limits plant growth in the world. Meanwhile, zinc is recognized as a vital micronutrient that plays a crucial role in the normal growth of plants. Its application has been shown to enhance both the quantity and quality of agricultural products by increasing the photosynthesis rate, activity of antioxidant enzymes, and some osmolyte compounds such as proline. This enhancement can mitigate the adverse effects of environmental stresses, including drought. In the present study, the effects of various amounts and methods of zinc application were investigated on the activity of antioxidant enzymes as well as the growth and grain yield of maize under drought stress conditions. The aim of this experiment was to improve the physiological aspects, growth and yield of maize under various droght conditions. Materials and methods This research was conducted as split-plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications in research field of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran, in 2020. The maize variety studied in this research was grain maize SC704, belonging to the late-maturing group with a growing period of 125 to 135 days. The main factor included drought stress at three levels (by applying irrigation at 90%, 60%, and 30% of field capacity) and sub-factor was the rates and methods of zinc application at six levels (including no zinc application, soil application of zinc sulfate at 10 and 25 kg.ha-1, and foliar application of 5 g.Lit-1 zinc at stem elongation, tassel emergence and milking stages. The characteristics evaluated in this study included grain iron, zinc, and phosphorus concentrations, the activity of antioxidant enzymes of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, guaiacol peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase, as well as proline content, malondialdehyde content, hydrogen peroxide concentration, leaf chlorophyll index, leaf area index, grain yield, and biological yield. Data analysis including analysis of variance and comparison of means by least significant difference (LSD) test at a probability level of 5% were performed using SAS software version 9.3, and graphs were drawn using Excel software. Research findings The results of the analysis of variance showed that the effect of drought stress and application of zinc was significant on all evaluated traits in the SC704 variety. The interaction of zinc × drought stress was also significant on all evaluated traits, except grain yield and biological yield. The results showed that drought stress significantly reduced the grain iron, zinc, and phosphorus concentrations, the activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, guaiacol peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase, as well as leaf chlorophyll index and leaf area index in the SC704 variety. On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, and proline contents increased by 197%, 256% and 129%, respectively, with increasing drought stress intensity. In contrast, the application of zinc with enhancing these traits, led to decrease in the production of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde. Furthermore, drought stress reduced grain yield and biological yield, but zinc application especially soil application of 25 kg.ha-1, significantly improved the grain yield and biological yield of SC704 variety by 62% and 44%, respectively. Conclusion The findings of this study showed that drought stress, especially at high intensities, by disrupting the absorption of nutrient from the soil, soil, led to a decrease in the concentration of grain elements, leaf area index, leaf chlorophyll index, and antioxidant enzyme activities, and an increase in proline content. In contrast, the application of zinc, especially its soil application of kg.ha-1, by changing (intensifying) the mentioned traits, improved the physiological and morphological aspects and grain yield of maize, so that its application under moderate drought stress reduced hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde contents, and increased proline content and antioxidant enzymes activities. Also, the results of this experiment showed that foliar application of zinc was more effective in increasing the concentration of grain elements than soil application.

https://cr.guilan.ac.ir/article_8930_12d7ff0338b5b30f6033618899629d19.pdf

University of Guilan Cereal Research 2252-0163 15 2 2025 07 23 Effect of Piriformospora indica symbiosis on growth and physiological indices of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings exposed to microplastic particles and water deficit stress Effect of Piriformospora indica symbiosis on growth and physiological indices of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings exposed to microplastic particles and water deficit stress 167 182 8887 10.22124/cr.2025.30052.1860 FA Maryam Saman Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Technical and Engineering, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran Ali Sepehri Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran Journal Article 2025 03 07 Introduction Microplastic contamination of agricultural lands is one of the major environmental problems that has recently gained attention. The decomposition of plastic mulches and equipment used in irrigation systems, the use of sludge-based fertilizers from wastewater purification, contaminated irrigation water, and the proximity of fields to busy roads are among the most important factors in the contamination of agricultural lands with plastic particles. The presence of microplastics in the soil with particle sizes from 100 nm to five mm causes abrasion of the root surface of plants, and physical damage to plant roots will increase with increasing particle size. Moreover, drought stress, as one of the most important factors limiting crop production, is increasing alarmingly, especially due to global climate change. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the possibility of using the biological potential of the fungus Piriformospora indica to reduce the negative effects of stress caused by polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastic particles and water deficiency in maize crop. Materials and methods The experiment was conducted as factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications in the research greenhouse of Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran, in 2023. The experimental factors included the addition of three concentrations of polyvinyl chloride microplastics to the soil (0, 0.1, and 1%), P. indica fungus at two levels (inoculation and non-inoculation), and water deficit stress at three levels (full irrigation, and irrigation at 75% and 50% of field capacity, as non- stress, moderate stress and severe stress, respectively). Germinated maize seeds (cv. ‘Tah’) were inoculated with P. indica, planted in pots containing three kg of soil, and placed in greenhouse conditions. Water deficit stress was applied 14 days after planting. One month after planting, photosynthetic parameters and relative leaf water content were measured. The plants were then harvested, and the roots were assessed under a microscope to determine the colonization percentage. Proline content, total chlorophyll content, and plant dry matter were also measured. Research findings The results showed that the presence of 1% microplastic in the soil, similar to water deficit stress, significantly reduced relative leaf water content, total chlorophyll content, photosynthetic indices, and shoot dry matter of maize seedlings. Although the percentage of root colonization of maize seedlings by P. indica fungus decreased by 16.9%, 30.9%, and 47.1% under 1% microplastic contamination and water deficit at 75% and 50% of field capacity conditions compared to the control, respectively, the beneficial effects of the fungus on plant growth and measured parameters was still evident, so that the relative leaf water content, chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis rate, and shoot dry weight of inoculated plants under the highest level of water deficit stress and in the presence of 1% microplastic were (8.2 and 9), (20.5 and 27), (17.9 and 17.8) and (43.5 and 46.8) percent higher than those of uninoculated plants, respectively. Moreover, the proline content of the plants also increased significantly in the presence of the fungus. Conclusion The results of this study showed that the presence of P. indica fungus improved the growth and photosynthetic parameters of maize seedlings under microplastic particles and water deficit stress conditions. Thus, utilizing the potential of this fungus can be considered to reduce the negative effects of these stresses. Introduction Microplastic contamination of agricultural lands is one of the major environmental problems that has recently gained attention. The decomposition of plastic mulches and equipment used in irrigation systems, the use of sludge-based fertilizers from wastewater purification, contaminated irrigation water, and the proximity of fields to busy roads are among the most important factors in the contamination of agricultural lands with plastic particles. The presence of microplastics in the soil with particle sizes from 100 nm to five mm causes abrasion of the root surface of plants, and physical damage to plant roots will increase with increasing particle size. Moreover, drought stress, as one of the most important factors limiting crop production, is increasing alarmingly, especially due to global climate change. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the possibility of using the biological potential of the fungus Piriformospora indica to reduce the negative effects of stress caused by polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastic particles and water deficiency in maize crop. Materials and methods The experiment was conducted as factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications in the research greenhouse of Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamadan, Iran, in 2023. The experimental factors included the addition of three concentrations of polyvinyl chloride microplastics to the soil (0, 0.1, and 1%), P. indica fungus at two levels (inoculation and non-inoculation), and water deficit stress at three levels (full irrigation, and irrigation at 75% and 50% of field capacity, as non- stress, moderate stress and severe stress, respectively). Germinated maize seeds (cv. ‘Tah’) were inoculated with P. indica, planted in pots containing three kg of soil, and placed in greenhouse conditions. Water deficit stress was applied 14 days after planting. One month after planting, photosynthetic parameters and relative leaf water content were measured. The plants were then harvested, and the roots were assessed under a microscope to determine the colonization percentage. Proline content, total chlorophyll content, and plant dry matter were also measured. Research findings The results showed that the presence of 1% microplastic in the soil, similar to water deficit stress, significantly reduced relative leaf water content, total chlorophyll content, photosynthetic indices, and shoot dry matter of maize seedlings. Although the percentage of root colonization of maize seedlings by P. indica fungus decreased by 16.9%, 30.9%, and 47.1% under 1% microplastic contamination and water deficit at 75% and 50% of field capacity conditions compared to the control, respectively, the beneficial effects of the fungus on plant growth and measured parameters was still evident, so that the relative leaf water content, chlorophyll content, net photosynthesis rate, and shoot dry weight of inoculated plants under the highest level of water deficit stress and in the presence of 1% microplastic were (8.2 and 9), (20.5 and 27), (17.9 and 17.8) and (43.5 and 46.8) percent higher than those of uninoculated plants, respectively. Moreover, the proline content of the plants also increased significantly in the presence of the fungus. Conclusion The results of this study showed that the presence of P. indica fungus improved the growth and photosynthetic parameters of maize seedlings under microplastic particles and water deficit stress conditions. Thus, utilizing the potential of this fungus can be considered to reduce the negative effects of these stresses.

https://cr.guilan.ac.ir/article_8887_57d98fc5c53c75407faeaa838a7b7971.pdf

University of Guilan Cereal Research 2252-0163 15 2 2025 08 14 Role of micronutrients of Fe and Zn and foliar application of salicylic acid in improving maize (Zea mays L.) tolerance to drought stress Role of micronutrients of Fe and Zn and foliar application of salicylic acid in improving maize (Zea mays L.) tolerance to drought stress 183 198 8976 10.22124/cr.2025.29619.1851 FA Mohammade Behzad Amiri Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Gonabad, Gonabad, Iran (Current address: Associate Professor, Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Mohammad Sepehri Bimorghi M.Sc. Graduate Student, Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute, University of Shahid Beheshti, Tehran, Iran Atefeh Mirzaeian Ph.D. Student, Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran Journal Article 2025 01 20 Introduction Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the vital crop in the world, serving as a significant food source and primary income for farmers, particularly in developing countries. It is also a key raw material for various industries, including biofuel (ethanol) production. Moreover, drought stress, as one of the most important environmental limiting factors, severely affects the growth, productivity and yield of maize. Sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, such as the application of micronutrients and plant growth regulators, can effectively enhance plants drought tolerance. Essential micronutrients like iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) play crucial roles in plant physiological and biochemical processes. Iron is involved in nitrogen fixation processes and antioxidant enzyme activity, while zinc is vital for chlorophyll synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Additionally, salicylic acid (SA), as a plant growth regulator, is known to improve plant drought resistance. Given the arid and semi-arid climate of Iran and the scarcity of water resources, it is essential to investigate innovative strategies to improve maize performance under these conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of combined application of iron and zinc micronutrients along with salicylic acid on yield and growth characteristics of maize under drought conditions. Materials and methods The experiment was conducted as a split plot factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the University of Gonabad, Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran, in 2019-2020 growing season. Irrigation at two levels including normal irrigation (non-stress or control) and drought stress (complete cutoff irrigation from the grain filling stage) was considered as the main factor and salicylic acid at two levels (foliar application and non-application or control), and micronutrient foliar application at three levels (Fe, Zn, and non-application of micronutrient or control) were considered as sub-factors. Minimum tillage was employed for land preparation. The used maize variety was SC704, which is a high-yielding grain maize variety suitable for cultivation in semi-arid to temperate regions with relative resistance to environmental stresses, especially drought. The measured traits included plant height, ear diameter and weight, number of grains per row, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, and harvest index. Statistical analysis of the data, including analysis of variance and comparison of means with Duncan’s multiple range test, was performed using SAS software ver. 9.4 and the graphs were drawn using Excel software ver. 14. Research findings The results showed that drought stress significantly reduced all the studied traits, however, foliar application of salicylic acid and micronutrients of iron and zinc effectively reduced the negative effects of drought. The simultaneous foliar application of SA with Fe and Zn, especially under drought conditions, led to a significant improvement in most of the studied traits, such as number of grains per row, 1000-grain weight, grain yield and harvest index, so that the combined application of SA along with Fe and Zn under drought conditions resulted in the greatest increase in grain yield (94.36% and 87.35%, respectively) and harvest index (77.42% and 99.42%, respectively) compared to other treatments. Also, foliar application of zinc had more favorable effects on ear diameter, grain yield and harvest index than iron. Moreover, foliar application of salicylic acid under drought stress conditions increased key traits including plant height and 1000-grain weight by 16% to 37%. Also, combination of salicylic acid and micronutrients synergistically enhanced the positive effects of their separate application. Conclusion The results of this study showed that foliar application of salicylic acid and micronutrient iron and zinc can be an effective strategy to reduce the negative effects of drought stress in maize. The combined application of these substances significantly improved the yield and physiological characteristics of maize plant. While foliar application of each micronutrient (iron or zinc) together with salicylic acid led to positive results, investigating the synergistic effects of the combined application of both micronutrients together with salicylic acid in future studies can clarify the metabolic pathways of drought resistance, such as antioxidant enzyme activity and phytohormone synthesis, and provide more optimal strategies to increase maize productivity in arid and semi-arid climate regions. Introduction Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the vital crop in the world, serving as a significant food source and primary income for farmers, particularly in developing countries. It is also a key raw material for various industries, including biofuel (ethanol) production. Moreover, drought stress, as one of the most important environmental limiting factors, severely affects the growth, productivity and yield of maize. Sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, such as the application of micronutrients and plant growth regulators, can effectively enhance plants drought tolerance. Essential micronutrients like iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) play crucial roles in plant physiological and biochemical processes. Iron is involved in nitrogen fixation processes and antioxidant enzyme activity, while zinc is vital for chlorophyll synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Additionally, salicylic acid (SA), as a plant growth regulator, is known to improve plant drought resistance. Given the arid and semi-arid climate of Iran and the scarcity of water resources, it is essential to investigate innovative strategies to improve maize performance under these conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of combined application of iron and zinc micronutrients along with salicylic acid on yield and growth characteristics of maize under drought conditions. Materials and methods The experiment was conducted as a split plot factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications at the University of Gonabad, Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran, in 2019-2020 growing season. Irrigation at two levels including normal irrigation (non-stress or control) and drought stress (complete cutoff irrigation from the grain filling stage) was considered as the main factor and salicylic acid at two levels (foliar application and non-application or control), and micronutrient foliar application at three levels (Fe, Zn, and non-application of micronutrient or control) were considered as sub-factors. Minimum tillage was employed for land preparation. The used maize variety was SC704, which is a high-yielding grain maize variety suitable for cultivation in semi-arid to temperate regions with relative resistance to environmental stresses, especially drought. The measured traits included plant height, ear diameter and weight, number of grains per row, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, and harvest index. Statistical analysis of the data, including analysis of variance and comparison of means with Duncan’s multiple range test, was performed using SAS software ver. 9.4 and the graphs were drawn using Excel software ver. 14. Research findings The results showed that drought stress significantly reduced all the studied traits, however, foliar application of salicylic acid and micronutrients of iron and zinc effectively reduced the negative effects of drought. The simultaneous foliar application of SA with Fe and Zn, especially under drought conditions, led to a significant improvement in most of the studied traits, such as number of grains per row, 1000-grain weight, grain yield and harvest index, so that the combined application of SA along with Fe and Zn under drought conditions resulted in the greatest increase in grain yield (94.36% and 87.35%, respectively) and harvest index (77.42% and 99.42%, respectively) compared to other treatments. Also, foliar application of zinc had more favorable effects on ear diameter, grain yield and harvest index than iron. Moreover, foliar application of salicylic acid under drought stress conditions increased key traits including plant height and 1000-grain weight by 16% to 37%. Also, combination of salicylic acid and micronutrients synergistically enhanced the positive effects of their separate application. Conclusion The results of this study showed that foliar application of salicylic acid and micronutrient iron and zinc can be an effective strategy to reduce the negative effects of drought stress in maize. The combined application of these substances significantly improved the yield and physiological characteristics of maize plant. While foliar application of each micronutrient (iron or zinc) together with salicylic acid led to positive results, investigating the synergistic effects of the combined application of both micronutrients together with salicylic acid in future studies can clarify the metabolic pathways of drought resistance, such as antioxidant enzyme activity and phytohormone synthesis, and provide more optimal strategies to increase maize productivity in arid and semi-arid climate regions.

https://cr.guilan.ac.ir/article_8976_c8925a465d6ff49c2e63cb590766b089.pdf

University of Guilan Cereal Research 2252-0163 15 2 2025 07 23 A review of stability analysis methods in plant breeding with an emphasis on cereals, II: Multivariate approaches and future prospects A review of stability analysis methods in plant breeding with an emphasis on cereals, II: Multivariate approaches and future prospects 199 232 8705 10.22124/cr.2025.29969.1858 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 In the field of cereal breeding, understanding the genotype × environment interaction (GEI) and the stability of various traits is recognized as the key to successfully producing high-quality agricultural products. GEI complicates the optimal selection of genotypes for target environments, making it essential to use appropriate statistical methods for analyzing and identifying stable and high-performing genotypes. Multivariate statistical methods are powerful tools for analyzing complex multi-environment trial (MET) data. Statistical methods such as cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), factor analysis (FA), as well as additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), genotype main effects and genotype × environment interaction biplot (GGE-Biplot), shifted multiplicative model (SHMM), and best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) have been well used with high accuracy in analyzing MET data. In this study, multivariate statistical methods used in the analysis of GEI and genotypes stability from MET data and their advantages and disadvantages are reviewed. Moreover, the application of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis and QTL-environment interaction (QEI), and genomic prediction (GP) in the genetic analysis of stability, as well as the softwares used for calculating various multivariate stability methods, are introduced. Research findings The results of this study showed that the AMMI model, which combines analysis of variance and principal component analysis, has a high capability to evaluate main effects and interactions. Also, the GGE-Biplot method and various diagrams presented in this method effectively displays the main effects of genotype and its interaction with the environment. QTL analysis and the study of QEI in MET data also lead to the identification of linked markers to stability that can be used in molecular breeding of crop plants. Conclusion In the current study, multivariate methods used in GEI analysis were comprehensively and practically reviewed and introduced with the aim of better understanding GE interactions and identifying genotypes with broad adaptability and stable performance. The results of this study based on comprehensive studies showed that to make better decisions in selecting genotypes, it is necessary to consider all stability statistics, both univariate and multivariate, in the analysis of MET data. Recent advances in genomic technologies, including whole genome sequencing and GWAS, can significantly aid in understanding the complexities of GE and genetic of stability. Introduction In the field of cereal breeding, understanding the genotype × environment interaction (GEI) and the stability of various traits is recognized as the key to successfully producing high-quality agricultural products. GEI complicates the optimal selection of genotypes for target environments, making it essential to use appropriate statistical methods for analyzing and identifying stable and high-performing genotypes. Multivariate statistical methods are powerful tools for analyzing complex multi-environment trial (MET) data. Statistical methods such as cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), factor analysis (FA), as well as additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), genotype main effects and genotype × environment interaction biplot (GGE-Biplot), shifted multiplicative model (SHMM), and best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) have been well used with high accuracy in analyzing MET data. In this study, multivariate statistical methods used in the analysis of GEI and genotypes stability from MET data and their advantages and disadvantages are reviewed. Moreover, the application of genome-wide association studies (GWAS), quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis and QTL-environment interaction (QEI), and genomic prediction (GP) in the genetic analysis of stability, as well as the softwares used for calculating various multivariate stability methods, are introduced. Research findings The results of this study showed that the AMMI model, which combines analysis of variance and principal component analysis, has a high capability to evaluate main effects and interactions. Also, the GGE-Biplot method and various diagrams presented in this method effectively displays the main effects of genotype and its interaction with the environment. QTL analysis and the study of QEI in MET data also lead to the identification of linked markers to stability that can be used in molecular breeding of crop plants. Conclusion In the current study, multivariate methods used in GEI analysis were comprehensively and practically reviewed and introduced with the aim of better understanding GE interactions and identifying genotypes with broad adaptability and stable performance. The results of this study based on comprehensive studies showed that to make better decisions in selecting genotypes, it is necessary to consider all stability statistics, both univariate and multivariate, in the analysis of MET data. Recent advances in genomic technologies, including whole genome sequencing and GWAS, can significantly aid in understanding the complexities of GE and genetic of stability.

https://cr.guilan.ac.ir/article_8705_4981fecda8c37e2b18da9a6def8a535c.pdf