Showing papers by "Abdollah Khadivi-Khub published in 2014"

Morphological characterization of Prunus scoparia using multivariate analysis

Abstract: In this research, morphological characterization of wild Prunus scoparia species, naturally growing in Iran, was investigated. Twenty-one variables along flowering and ripening date were recorded in 150 accessions of this species to detect their phenotypic variation. All studied characteristics were showing a high degree of variability, but it was highly pronounced for secondary shoot number, leaf area and shape, growth habit, fruit exocarp color, nut shape, pubescence on fruit, canopy size and trunk diameter. The majority of significant correlation coefficients were found in the characteristics representing tree and nut sizes with leaf size. Principal component analysis was performed for phenotypical diversity determination and grouping of species. Characters with high discriminating values were those related to tree height, growth habit, canopy size and kernel weight. Based on the UPGMA cluster analysis, accessions were placed in two main clusters. The first main cluster was divided into five subclusters with high variability within and between populations, while the second cluster contained 11 accessions of Estahban region. Current findings supported these opportunities since the phenotypic variability in Iranian wild P. scoparia species has been found to be very high, suggesting an extensive genetic diversity available to almond cultivar and rootstock development programs. The wide adaptation of this species indicates its potential as resources for resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses such as drought and spring frost. The conservation of the highly diverse native populations of Iranian wild P. scoparia species is recommended.

Regression association analysis of fruit traits with molecular markers in cherries

Abstract: The use of molecular markers supports the study of genetic marker–trait association of biological and agronomic interest in diverse genetic material. In this research, association between simple sequence repeat (SSR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers with fruit traits were investigated in two collections of cherries by applying multiple regression analysis (MRA). Thirty-eight SSR alleles and 135 RAPD fragments were found associated with 14 of affecting fruit traits. Some of SSR and RAPD markers were associated with more than one fruit trait in MRA. Such an association may arise due to pleiotropic effect of the linked quantitative trait locus on different traits. For example, some SSR and RAPD markers were associated with all four traits including fruit cracking, fruit firmness, total soluble solid (TSS) and fruit shape. Also, some markers had correlations with all four characters of TSS, anthocyanin, fruit skin color and fruit flesh color, indicating a significant correlation among these traits. Therefore, it is possible to use these markers along with morphological traits in cherry breeding programs for identification of suitable parents to produce mapping populations and hybrid cultivars. Also, these results could be useful in marker-assisted breeding programs when no other genetic information is available.

Genetic variation in wild Prunus L. subgen. Cerasus germplasm from Iran characterized by nuclear and chloroplast SSR markers

Abstract: The selected material of Cerasus subgen. will be useful for conservation and management and important for Prunus breeding programs. Knowledge of relationships among the cultivated and wild species of Cerasus is important for recognizing gene pools in germplasm and developing effective conservation and management strategies. In this study, genetic and phylogenetic relationships of wild Cerasus subgenus species naturally growing in Iran, including P. avium (mazzard), P. mahaleb, P. brachypetala, P. incana, P. yazdiana, P. microcarpa subsp. microcarpa, P. microcarpa subsp. diffusa and P. pseudoprostrata and three commercial species, sweet cherry (P. avium), sour cherry (P. cerasus) and duke cherry (P. x gondouinii) was investigated based on 16 nuclear SSR and five chloroplast SSR. Very high level of polymorphism was detected among the studied species based these molecular markers, indicating high inter and intraspecific genetic variation. Inter and intraspecific genetic similarity coefficients varied from 0.00 to 1.00, indicating high genetic variation in studied germplasm. These two molecular markers types could distinguish differences between all species so that accessions of each species were placed into a single group. Based on molecular markers, a close correlation was observed between intraspecific variation and geographical distribution. Furthermore, based on nuSSR primers, most wild species showed 2–4 alleles and may be tetraploid. In conclusion, the conservation of these highly diverse native populations of Iranian wild Cerasus germplasm is recommended for future breeding activity.

Characterization and evaluation of male fig (caprifig) accessions in Iran

Abstract: In this research, 53 male fig (caprifig) accessions were analyzed for phenotypic diversity using 32 morphological variables. Significant phenotypic diversity was detected between male fig accessions based on morphological traits. Principal component analysis revealed that the first ten components explained 76.09 % of the total morphological variation, where petiole length, petiole thickness, leaf length, leaf width, fruit width, fruit shape, length of central lobe, number of lobes and leaf shape contributed most of the total variation. Simple correlation coefficient analysis showed the existence of significant positive and negative correlations among characteristics. The majority of significant correlation coefficients were found in the characteristics representing fruit sizes with leaf size. Unweighted pair-group method of arithmetic average cluster analysis identified two major clusters and several subclusters for studied accessions. According to the present results, accessions Caprifig 35, Caprifig 6, Caprifig 12, Caprifig 36, Caprifig 38, Caprifig 28, Caprifig 30, Caprifig 26 and Caprifig 18 with the highest Blastophaga number are suitable in this important trait to be used for caprification. Also, the conservation of the highly diverse native accessions of Iranian male figs is recommended.

Genetic divergence in seedling trees of Persian walnut for morphological characters in Markazi province from Iran

Abstract: Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is one of the most important nutritional nut crops. Iran is considered as one of the centers for diversity and cultivation of walnut in the Middle East. In this investigation, 30 morphological traits were used to evaluate genetic potential of 100 walnut accessions. Results showed considerable phenotypic diversity in the studied walnut germplasm. High correlations were found among evaluated variables, e.g., positive correlations between nut and kernel characters. Principal components analysis revealed that traits related to shell texture, shell serrations, nut length, nut width, and kernel length accounted for a large proportion of the observed variability. UPGMA cluster analysis divided accessions into five different cluster groups. These groups mainly differed in nut and kernel traits. In the present study, 26 of the 100 studied accessions were trees possessing desirable qualities of late leafing, nut weight, kernel weight, light kernel color, and kernel ratio, and are recommended for cultivation. Furthermore, high morphological variability indicated that this germplasm includes rich and valuable plant material for future walnut breeding.

Analysis of grape germplasm from Iran based on fruit characteristics

Abstract: The grape (Vitis vinifera) is one of the earliest domesticated fruit crops and, since antiquity, it has been widely cultivated and prized for its fruit. The aim of this investigation was to characterize grape germplasm that have been under cultivation in Iran for a long time. Sixteen fruit parameters were studied in 23 grape cultivars. A high variability was found in the evaluated grape cultivars, and significant differences were found between them in all fruit attributes. Fruit yield, cluster size, berry size, total soluble solids (TSS), and titratable acidity (TA) showed a wide variation. Most cultivars had a relatively medium berry size; three had a berry weight higher than 3.50 g. Very diverse berry skin color were observed, white to black, while the dominant color of berry was yellowish green. There were high positive correlations between cluster and berry traits (weight and dimensions) and also negative correlation between TSS and TA. Cluster and principal component analyses showed a considerable fruit diversity in the studied grape germplasm. Parameters with high discriminating values were those related to berry size. The wide range in fruit trait characteristics of Iranian grapes might be considered as characterizing the large gene pool that contributed to the domestication process of grape. Also, clonal selection and conservation of the highly diverse autochthonous grapes are recommended.

Assessment of genetic and chemical variability in Thymus caramanicus

Abstract: Thymus caramanicus is an endemic species grown in Iran with interesting pharmacological and biological properties. In the present work, essential oil compositions and inter-simple sequences repeat (ISSR) markers were used to estimate the relationships among and within seven populations of T. caramanicus, belonging to three provinces in Iran. The studied individuals were distinguished on the basis of ISSR markers and constituents of essential oil. A total of 127 band positions were produced by 12 ISSR primers, of which 105 were found polymorphic with 82.68 % polymorphism. Genetic similarity values among individuals ranged between 0.15 and 0.82 which was indicative of a high level of genetic variation. On the basis of their genetic similarities, ISSR analysis allowed to group the samples into two main clusters. One of these included populations originated from Kerman and Isfahan provinces, and the other cluster consists of populations from Semnan province. Chemical compounds of essential oils were found variable in the various individuals and all samples were principally composed of phenolic constituents (carvacrol and/or thymol). As a consequence, the plants were classified into two major chemotypes including carvacrol and thymol/carvacrol. A relationship between genetic and chemical variability and geographic distribution has been observed in studied populations of T. caramanicus.

Assessment of cultivated cherry germplasm in Iran by multivariate analysis

Abstract: This work is an important step in the conservation of genetic cherry resources, which showed distinctive and interesting agronomical characters. Also it introduces suitable genotypes for cultivation and breeding studies. The purpose of this study was to characterize cherry germplasm that is cultivated in Iran. Thirty-three morphopomological parameters were studied in this germplasm, consisting of 70 cherry genotypes (41 sweet cherry, 24 sour cherry and 5 duke cherry genotypes). A wide variation was found in blooming time, ripening time, fruit weight, fruit color, anthocyanin, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), fruit dimensions and flesh firmness and stone size. There were close positive correlations between fruit weight and fruit dimensions, and between fruit weight and fruit stalk weight, fruit flesh firmness and cracking and also a negative correlation between pH and TA. Dendrogram gave a clear separation between the sour, duke and sweet cherry species and also showed existing intraspecific morphological variation. Based on fruit size and organoleptic properties, the sweet cherry genotypes ‘Siah-Mashhad’, ‘Takdaneh-Mashhad’, ‘Shabestar’, ‘Siah-Daneshkade’, ‘Ghazvin’ and ‘Droongezna’ are recommended for fresh consumption. Good fruit chemical composition and late-ripening time stands out genotypes ‘Dirres-Italia’, ‘Dirres-Pardis’, ‘Maremoot’, ‘Abardeh’ and ‘Rorshon’ and make them suitable for processing. Also, ‘Gilas46’ and ‘Gilas49’ were substantially late-ripening, a characteristic that makes these genotypes highly suitable for breeding studies in case of ripening time. Furthermore, sour cherries ‘Hashtgerd2’ and ‘Hashtgerd3’ and duke cherries ‘Pardis1’ and ‘Pardis3’ were the best genotypes. This work is an important step in the conservation of genetic cherry resources in Iran, which showed distinctive and interesting agronomical characters such as low susceptibility to fruit cracking, high levels of total soluble solids, early fruit maturity and high fruit quality.

Comprehensive genetic discrimination of Leonurus cardiaca populations by AFLP, ISSR, RAPD and IRAP molecular markers

Abstract: Leonurus cardiaca is well known for its medicinal importance. In this investigation, genotypic characterization of this species from six eco-geographical regions of Iran was evaluated by four molecular techniques (AFLP, RAPD, ISSR and IRAP). A total of 899 polymorphic fragments were detected by used molecular markers (AFLP = 356, RAPD = 325, ISSR = 113 and IRAP = 105) with an overall average polymorphism of 81.24 %. Genetic variation calculated using Shannon’s Information index (I) and Nei’s gene diversity index (H) showed high genetic diversity in studied germplasm. Also, analysis of molecular variance showed high genetic variation among (55 %) and within populations (45 %). UPGMA dendrogram constructed from combined data of molecular markers distinguished studied populations in accordance with the results obtained by each marker which all individuals were clearly differentiated into two major clusters. The correlation coefficients were statistically significant for all marker systems with the highest correlation between similarity matrixes of RAPD and ISSR markers (r = 0.82). The present results have an important implication for L. cardiaca germplasm characterization, improvement, and conservation. Furthermore, the characterized individuals exhibited a great deal of molecular variation and they seem to have a rich gene pool for breeding programs.

Nuclear and chloroplast DNA variability and phylogeny of Iranian apples (Malus domestica

Abstract: This study was conducted to reveal genetic diversity among 23 local apple genotypes using nuclear (RAPD) and chloroplast DNA (PCR-cpRFLP) markers. Eleven RAPD primers and four cpDNA primer combinations were used in this study. RAPD primers produced a total of 77 polymorphic fragments with an average of seven bands per primer. The percentage of polymorphic bands (68.14 %) showed the efficiency of used RAPD primers in distinguishing all the genotypes considered. Genetic similarity between studied genotypes varied from 0.38 to 0.72 and cluster analysis showed the abundant diversity, indicating high intraspecific genetic variation between Iranian apple genotypes. From the four universal chloroplast primer pairs, three primer pairs amplified the fragments and their combinations showed polymorphic patterns and revealed intraspecific chloroplast variation. The information will facilitate germplasm identification, conservation and new cultivar development.

DNA typing and genetic relations among populations of Kelussia odoratissima using ISSR and SRAP markers

Abstract: Kelussia odoratissima is well known for its medicinal importance. It has been announced as an endangered species. Thus, examining the genetic variation and conservation of this plant is necessary. In the present study, inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) molecular markers were employed for the first time to access the genetic diversity and relationships of 77 wild individual plants of K. odoratissima collected from seven populations in Central Zagros region of Iran. A total of 146 bands were amplified by 12 ISSR primers, of which 129 (87.80 %) were polymorphic, while 69 polymorphic bands (83.30 %) were observed among 86 bands amplified by 11 SRAP primers. Polymorphic information content (PIC = 0.32), resolving power (Rp = 7.80), and marker informativeness (MI = 3.48) generated by ISSR primers were higher than that of SRAP analysis (PIC = 0.30, Rp = 5.61, and MI = 1.88). The study indicated that ISSR were more effective than SRAP markers for assessing the degree of genetic variation of K. odoratissima. In both UPGMA dendrograms of ISSR and SRAP, in most cases, individuals from each population were clustered in various groups without clear separation, which demonstrates the high variability of this germplasm in Iran. UPGMA cluster analysis revealed inconsistencies in the clustering patterns, as the Mantel’s test between the dendrograms for ISSR and SRAP data indicated a poor fit for the ISSR and SRAP data types (r = 0.10). Besides, principal coordinate analysis results showed that the first three principal coordinates account for 65.57 % of the total variation and studied seven populations were separated from each other and placed into five groups. These results have an important implication for K. odoratissima germplasm characterization, improvement, and conservation.

Effect of different budding methods and times on grafting success of walnut.

Abstract: Vegetative propagation of walnut is difficult compared with that of other fruit and nut species. The present study assessed three methods of grafting (patch, shield, and chip) at various periods of walnut growth and with different timings of grafting in walnut. Early May was the best time for grafting, at which time the highest success rate was obtained by the patch method (96%), followed by chip-budding (75%), while shield-grafting showed the lowest efficiency (10%). Patch-grafting was also successful (75-80%) in early August and moderately successful in mid-June (51-55%), while the shield and chip methods had no success during these two times (0.00%). Patch-grafting was more efficient and also induced better callus formation and scion growth than the other two methods. The genotypes used did not affect grafting efficiency. The best results were obtained by patch-budding in both tested genotypes. The present findings show the potential value of patch-grafting in early May as a propagation method for walnut for establishment of guidelines for propagation.

Multivariate analysis of motherwort germplasm in Iran using morphological variables and essential oil content

Abstract: The morphological variation and essential oil content of 150 individuals of motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) from six natural regions of Iran were examined biometrically based on multivariate analysis. The highest variation was observed in plant height, length of main stems, main inflorescence length, floral cycles of main stem, lateral branches length, basal leaf length, floral leaf length width, flower length, and calyx color. Results of simple correlation analysis showed the existence of significant positive and negative correlations among some important parameters. The highest correlation was observed between plant height and length of main stems and between lateral branch length and lower surface color of leaf. Populations were clustered in two groups representing subspecies cardiaca and persicus. The subspecies cardiaca populations were closely related with each other and differentiated from the subspecies persicus by pubescence stems and leaves, more number of floral cycles, higher compaction of floral cycles, lower number of lateral branches, shorter length of petioles and leaves and smaller floral leaves. Essential oil yields varied from 0.02 (for Taleghan population) to 0.053 mg/100 g dry mater (for Kerman population). The conservation of the highly diverse native populations of Iranian motherwort germplasm is recommended.

Comparative analysis of essential oil compositions in seven populations of Bakhtiarian savory in natural and field conditions

Abstract: Bakhtiarian savory (Satureja bachtiarica Bunge) is an endemic herb growing wild in Iran with interesting pharmacological and biological properties. In this research, the variability of essential oil content and phytochemical compositions among seven populations of this species was studied in both natural and field conditions. There was a wide interpopulation variability in phytochemical variation of studied populations under both natural and field conditions, indicating the existence of different chemotypes. Six chemical compositions showed high value in studied plants so that carvacrol and thymol were known as major compounds and confirmed by principal component analysis. Ilam population had the highest thymol in both field (77.10 %) and natural (42.32 %) conditions and was known as a thymol chemotype. Beside, Yazd and Shahrekord populations, respectively, showed the highest carvacrol percentages in both field (84.83 and 63.81 %) and natural (72.50 and 58.05 %) conditions and were known as carvacrol chemotypes. In other populations, carvacrol and thymol were the main components and showed partly equal percentage and these populations were known as carvacrol/thymol chemotypes. According to Pearson correlation analysis, carvacrol was negatively correlated with p-cymene, γ-terpinene and thymol (r = −0.61, −0.70 and −0.98, respectively), indicating very high reverse correlation between carvacrol and thymol. In conclusion, the high value of the essential oil compositions in studied S. bachtiarica populations could provide useful information for conservation and selection of cross parents in breeding programs to develop improved cultivars.

Genetic relationships among cherry species with transferability of simple sequence repeat loci.

Abstract: Sweet and sour cherries are two economically important species in the world. The capability to distinguish among cherry genotypes in breeding, cultivation and germplasm collection is extremely important for scientific as well as economic reasons. In the present research, sixteen simple sequences repeat (SSR) loci were used to estimate the relationships among sweet, sour, duke and wild cherries. All of the SSR markers showed high transferability across the studied species that allowed us to study genetic diversity in them. Totally 96 alleles were generated with SSR loci, of which 93 were found polymorphic with 97.57 % polymorphism. Values of genetic similarity between genotypes varied from 0.16 to 0.97 which indicated high level of genetic diversity. On the basis of their genetic similarities, SSR analysis allowed to group the genotypes into three main clusters according to their species. These results have an important implication for cherry germplasm characterization, improvement, and conservation.

Molecular Characterization of Wild Accessions of Marmareh (Prunus incana Pall.) Revealed by Simple and Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats

Abstract: Summary In this research, ISSR and SSR markers were used to analyze genetic variation of Marmareh (Prunus incana Pall.), a wild plant species from north-west regions of Iran. Totally, 12 applied ISSR primers generated 144 polymorphic bands (96.45 % polymorphism), with an average of 12 polymorphic bands per primer. Also, a total of 17 amplification alleles were detected by three SSR primers. Of these, 13 alleles were polymorphic, with an average polymorphism of 75.24 %. The similarity values based on integrating ISSR and SSR data varied from 0.07 to 0.69 between accessions, indicating high intraspecific genetic variation. Some accessions of P. incana were defined to be genetically different from the majority accessions and showed high variability, probably due to gene flow or seed propagation. The accessions collected from Sanandaj and Goshji regions were clearly differenced from others. The data generated will be useful for conservation and management of P. incana germplasm and important for Prunus breeding programs.

Cytological and Karyotypic Analyses in Some Populations of Leonurus cardiaca

Abstract: Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort) is one of the most resistant plants to biotic and abiotic stresses with a number of medicinal properties. In order to investigate the karyotypic variation between six populations of motherwort, this experiment was performed. Root-tip meristems were used for karyotypic evaluation. 8-hydroxy quinoline and ethanol–acetic acid (3:1 V/V) solution were used as pretreatment and fixative solutions, respectively. Chromosomes were stained by 2 % aceto-orcein. Long arm length (L), short arm length (S), total chromosome length (TL), L/S and S/L, overall genome length, the ratio of the longest to the shortest chromosome, and centromeric index were recorded. Result showed that the best root size for chromosome study of this species is 0.50–1.50 cm long and the best time for cutting the roots is about noon time. All the six studied populations were diploid (2n = 2x = 18), and metacentric chromosomes were dominant in all population. In some populations, a few submetacentric chromosomes were also observed. Cluster analysis based on karyotype traits revealed four groups of populations using Euclidean distance.