Showing 43 results for Majidi
M. M. Majidi1,
Volume 2, Issue 4 (8-2012)
Abstract
Drought stress can play an important role in limiting crop productivity and disturbing different stages of plant growth especially at seed germination in arid and semiarid regions. Breeding for drought tolerance at germination stage can enhance the number of seedlings, resulting in a higher yield of grain in rapeseed. In this research 32 cultivars of rapeseed were evaluated for drought tolerance induced by Polyethylene glycol at germination stage according to factorial experiment, based on a completely randomized design with four replications. Osmotic drought stress treatments in four levels including distilled water, -5 and –10 bar was created according a preliminary test. Results indicated high significant differences among cultivars, drought stress levels and their interactions. Drought stress not only decreased germination percentage but also reduced seedling growth. Based on principal component analysis, the first two components named germination potential and seedling growth. Distribution of genotypes based on biplot analysis showed that there is enough genetic variation among cultivars for germination characteristics associated under drought tolerance. Cultivars Likord and Okapi were identified as the most tolerant genotypes. Result indicated that principal component analysis can be used as a useful technique for screening drought tolerant genotypes and identifying relationships between indices.
R. Shiravand , M. M. Majidi,
Volume 3, Issue 8 (6-2013)
Abstract
Littele is known about the relationships of different traits in safflower using wild and cultivated species. In this study, 46 safflower genotypes from five different species were evaluated under normal and deficit irrigation and the relationship of traits was assessed. Results showed that water stress had significant effect on head yield per plant, number of seeds per head, head diameter and 1000-seed weight but didn’t have significant effect on other traits. Positive and significant phenotypic correlations were observed among seed yield per plant with oil percent, number of heads per plant, head diameter, head yield per plant and number of seeds per head for both irrigation regimes, which were confirmed by genetic correlations. Based on stepwise regression, number of seeds per head justified the majority of seed yield variation for both stress and non-stress conditions. However, under normal conditions, the number of traits entered into the model and the justified variation was more than moisture stress conditions. Path analysis showed that number of heads per plant had the highest direct effect on seed yield in non-stress conditions and can be used to indirectly improve seed yield in safflower. Under stress conditions, number of seeds per head had the highest direct effect on seed yield. Factor analysis revealed four factors which explained more than 82 and 85 percent of variance in non-stress and stress conditions, respectively. These factors were named the sink, plant morphology, oil and economical factor in non-stress conditions. Under stress conditions, the factors were named the economical factor, plant morphology, sink and seed weight. The relationships between traits discussed in this study can be exploited in indirect selection to improve the important traits of safflower (such as seed yield and oil content) economically, through traits with higher heritability, with emphasis on wild germplasm.
M. Majidian, M. Esfahani,
Volume 3, Issue 9 (10-2013)
Abstract
In order to investigate the effects of sowing date on yield and some agronomic traits of six forage maize hybrids, two experiments were conducted in 2009 in two locations including Rasht and Fuman. The experimental design was randomized complete blocks with factorial arrangement and three replications. Treatments consisted of three levels of sowing date (31 May, 13 and 26 June) and six maize hybrids of early maturing (SC301 and DC370), medium maturing (SC400 and SC647) and late maturing (SC700 and SC704). The measured plant characteristics were fresh and dry forage yield, leaf dry weight, ratio of leaf dry weight to plant dry weight, ratio of stem dry weight to plant dry weight, ear dry weight, ratio of ear dry weight to plant dry weight and leaf to stem ratio. Results showed that forage yields for different planting dates were significantly different at the two locations. The 13 June planting date in Fuman region and 26 June in Rasht region were better than other dates. Maximum dry forage yields for two locations of Fuman and Rasht in SC700 were 18862 and 23565 kg/ha dry weight (fresh weight of 90199 and 82642 kg/ha, respectively). The results of this experiment indicated that if SC700 hybrid is sowed at optimum date, it will produce more dry weight than other hybrids.
G. Ahmadi, M. Majidian, Gh. Mohsenabadi, A. Fuman, A. Aalami,
Volume 3, Issue 10 (2-2014)
Abstract
In order to investigate effect of nitrogen fertilizer on yield and quality of three forage sorghum cultivars under Guilan climatological conditions a field study was conducted in 2010 cropping season at Rasht. A randomized complete block design with factorial arrangement with three replications was used. Treatment consisted of four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha-1 from urea source) along with three sorghum cultivars (Pagha, Esphidfid, KSF2). Plant characteristics measured were forage yield of dry and forage yield, Stem dry weight, leaf dry weight, Plant height, stem diameter, Crude protein, Dry matter digestibility, Total ash and Acid detergent fiber were calculated. The result showed that nitrogen fertilizer had significant effects on forage yield and quality traits also cultivars had significant effects on forage yield, protein percentage, total dry matter, and Acid detergent fiber (ADF). Maximum forage yield (dry and fresh weight) in sorghum was obtained with 150 kg N ha-1 and KSF2 cultivar. Based on the results obtained from this study in order to increasing forage yield, dry matter percentage and minimum ADF was obtained in KSF2 cultivar should be applied with 100 kg N ha-1 in condition Rasht reign and If our objective is forage quality, was suggested Pagha cultivar with 150 kg N ha-1 in Rasht reign conditions.
S. Habibi , M. Majidian,
Volume 4, Issue 11 (4-2014)
Abstract
In order to investigate the effect of source and rate of nitrogen fertilizer on yield and quality of sweet corn, a field study was conducted in 2011 cropping season in Agriculture Experiment Station of College of Agriculture, University of Guilan. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used. Treatment consisted of four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 46, 92 and 138 kg N ha-1) and integrated N of chemical and biological (23 kg N ha-1 + 1 ton ha-1 Vermi-compost, 46 kg N ha-1 + 2 ton ha-1 Vermi-compost, and 69 kg N ha-1 +3 ton ha-1 Vermi-compost) and organic sources (2, 4 and 6 ton ha-1). Effect of source and rate of nitrogen fertilizer on fresh ear yield, grain yield canned, grain protein amount and dry matter digestibility percent had significant. With increscent nitrogen at treatments nitrogen fertilizer, organic ant integrated farming yield fresh ear, grain yield, grain protein amount and dry matter digestibility percent increased. Maximum yield fresh ear was obtained with 69 kg N ha-1 + 3 ton ha-1 Vermi-compost with an average 14595.9 kg ha-1. Maximum forage yield and dry forage yield obtained with an average 18619.5 and 3593 kg ha-1 at treatment with 69 kg N ha-1 + 3 ton ha-1 Vermi-compost. Results of this research showed that the best grain yield and quality, and forage yield and quality of sweet corn were obtained in integrated farming and organic methods in Rasht region conditions and same climatology conditions.
R. Shiravand, M. M. Majidi, F. Eghbali Babadi,
Volume 4, Issue 11 (4-2014)
Abstract
Drought stress is one of the most important environmental factors affecting growth, development and production of crop plants. Drought tolerance in germination and seedling growth stage is very important especially for crop production in dry regions. Sufficient genetic diversity in cultivated species of safflower is limited and seems to be of potential benefit in search of wild species. In this study drought tolerance of three Crathamus species and their respective F2 hybrids (direct and reciprocal from paired crosses) was evaluated under four levels of osmotic potential of polyethylene glycol (0, -5, -10 and -15 bars) using a factorial experiment based on the completely randomized design with three replications. Increasing water stress levels caused significantly more reductions in the germination, root length, shoot length, root dry weight, shoot dry weight and seedling dry weight of cultivated genotypes as compared with wild species C. palaestinus (Cp), C. oxyacanthus (Co) and their F2 progenies indicating that wild species sustained more moisture stress tolerance than cultivated species. Results of drought tolerance indices (such as TOL and STI) also confirmed that wild species and F2 progenies had more drought tolerance in germination stage. Biplot analysis, according to principle component analysis (PCA), indicated that C. tinctorius was the most sensitive and the hybrids of C. oxyacanthus × C. palestinus were the most drought tolerant genotypes which can be due to heterosis. Results also showed that the F2 hybrids from crosses between cultivated species (C. tinctorius) and wild species (C. oxyacanthus and C. palestinus) had high tolerance to drought stress and can be used for developing drought tolerant genotypes in inter-specific hybridization breeding programs.
M. Malian, A. H. Khoshgoftarmanesh, H. Shariati, M. M. Majidi, H. R. Sharifi, A. Sanaee ,
Volume 4, Issue 12 (8-2014)
Abstract
These field trials were carried out to investigate the effect of various zinc (Zn) fertilizer application treatments on grain yield of some spring (Isfahan and Neishabour) and winter wheat cultivars (Mashhad and Jolge-e-Rokh) with different Zn efficiency during 2009-2010 growth seasons. Five Zn fertilizer treatments were applied including: no added Zn (control), soil application of Zn-sulfate, and foliar spray of Zn-sulfate, Omex1, and Omex2. Omex1 and Omex2 contained 4 and 17% Zn, respectively. Foliar spray was performed at the anthesis stage. Both spring and winter wheat genotypes significantly differed in grain yield. The results showed that wheat genotypes largely varied in their grain yield response to different Zn application treatments. Some spring (Sholeh in Isfahan) and winter (Sabalan in Jolg-e-Rokh) wheat genotypes had greater response to Zn fertilization so that Zn addition increased grain yield of Sholeh by 48% and Sabalan by 17% as compared with no added Zn control. In contrast, Zn addition had no effect on grain yield of some other genotypes. Yield response of wheat genotypes to Zn application treatments significantly varied upon location. According to the results obtained from this study, the efficacy of Zn fertilizer treatments on grain yield of wheat is dependent on the genotype and location. Therefore, this concern should be considered in fertilizer recommendation programs that a specific Zn fertilizer treatment may not be recommended for all wheat cultivars and locations.
M. M. Majidi, R. Dehghan Kouhestani , A. Veisipoor,
Volume 4, Issue 12 (8-2014)
Abstract
Selection based on indices is an effective method for breeding complex traits. To assess the efficiency of different selection methods, twenty one accessions of Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) were evaluated in two environments including drought stress and non-stress conditions according to a randomized complete block design with three replications in 2010. In this study, the selection indices of Smith-Hazel and Pesek-Baker were determined based on the percentage of dry matter yield, stem percent, plant height and number of stem per plant under both conditions. Also response to selection and relative selection efficiency were estimated for studied traits and dry matter yield. The highest estimated selection efficiency for genetically improvement of dry matter yield was obtained via selection for stem percent and number of stem per plant. Therefore, these traits can be used as an appropriate selection criterion for improvement of forage yield. In Smith-Hazel indices under normal environment plant height and under stress environment stem percent had the highest gain, while in Pesek-Baker index, under both moisture conditions percentage of dry matter yield had the highest gain. The results indicated that Smith-Hazel index 1 had the most selection efficiency and could be used in sainfoin breeding programs.
N. Etemadi, R. Mohammadi Nezhad, N. Zamani, M. M. Majidi,
Volume 4, Issue 14 (3-2015)
Abstract
The major problems in transplanting the landscape trees are high level of mortality and low establishment rate of transplanted trees, especially in the first year. In order to achieve the best condition for successful transplanting of pine and plane trees in Isfahan landscape, the present study was carried out based on a completely randomized block design with four replicates and three treatments including transplanting method (balled and burlapped and bare root), tree age (immature and mature) and IBA application (0 and 150 mg/L). Trees were transplanted during 2009 and 2010 in three times (dormant season, early and late growing season). Survival rate and Relative Growth Rate index based on tree height (RGRH) and trunk diameter (RGRD) were measured during the first and second years. Trees transplanted early in the growing season showed the most survival percentage during the two years, as compared to other transplanting dates. Survival of Balled and burlapped and immature transplanted trees was significantly greater than bare root or mature trees. The significant effect of age treatment was continued in the second year. IBA treatment had no effect on survival rate of the studied species. Balled and burlapped and immature transplanted pine trees also had higher RGRH and RGRD compared to bare root or mature trees. According to the results of this study, early growing season is the best time for transplanting pine and plane trees. Also, transplanting of immature trees using balled and burlapped method is recommended to increase the survival and establishment rate.
M. M. Majidi, S. Bahrami,
Volume 4, Issue 14 (3-2015)
Abstract
This research was conducted to study the amount of self- incompatibility in 25 genotypes of Bromus inermis, under two water environments (non-stress and drought stress) in a completely randomized block design. For this purpose, half of the panicles of each genotype were bagged for obligate selfing and the others were allowed to open pollination. Results showed that under non-stress condition the average number of seeds per panicle for open pollination was 161.4 and for selfing mode was 5.6, indicating the high rate of self-incompatibility in this grass. Under drought stress condition, these values were 142.8 and 4.7, respectively, showing the effect of relative environmental conditions (drought stress) on seed production in regard to both the selfing and crossing. The same trend was also observed for seed weight. Under non-stress condition, variation among genotypes for seed weight per panicle was more than the stress condition. High variability was observed among genotypes for self-compatibility index, and thus the genotypes with the highest and lowest incompatibility index were determined.
R. Maleki Nejad, M. M. Majidi,
Volume 5, Issue 15 (6-2015)
Abstract
This research was conducted to evaluate drought tolerance of safflower genotypes (Carthamus tinctorius L.) at the research farm of Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran during growing season of 2012. One hundred genotypes including 81 foreign genotypes along with 19 Iranian genotypes were evaluated under normal and moisture stress conditions according to a simple lattice design with two replications. Drought tolerance and sensitivity indices including mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), stress tolerance index (STI), tolerance (TOL) and stress susceptibility index (SSI) were studied. Results of this study indicated that genotypes were significantly different for grain yield in both moisture conditions. Among all indices, MP, GMP and STI were identified as the best indices that can be used to determine tolerant genotypes. Based on MP, GMP and STI and also principal component analysis PI 369847 (Tajikistan), CART 56 (USA), PI 657820 (Jordan), PI 305527 (Soudan) were determined as the most tolerant genotypes and PI 537652 (Mexico), CART 131 (Prague), PI 470942 (Bangladesh), PI 209286 (Romania) and CART 32 (German) as the most sensitive ones. Results also indicated that the biplot of principal component analysis is a powerful technique to discriminate genotypes based on the measured indices. The superior safflower genotypes can be used in future breeding programs.
M. M. Majidi, R. Dehghan Kouhestani, R. Malekinejad, G. Saeidi,
Volume 5, Issue 16 (9-2015)
Abstract
Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is cultivated in a wide range of geographical conditions in the world from Africa to Europe, India and China. Previous studies have shown that diversity in indigenous Iranian germplasm is limited for some traits therefore germplasm collections from other origins need to be considered. An experiment was conducted to evaluate agronomic and morphological traits of 100 Iranian and exotic safflower genotypes during 2011- 2012 at the Research Farm of Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran, using a simple lattice design of 10 × 10. The results of analysis of variance showed that the differences among genotypes were highly significant (p < 0.01) for days to flowering, seed yield, plant height, number of heads per plant, number of seeds per head, 1000-seed weight, oil content and harvest index, indicating high variability in the studied germplasm. The highest and lowest heritabilities were observed for 1000-seed weight and seed yield, respectively, indicating that indirect improving for seed yield would be more beneficial. Genetic and phenotypic correlation coefficients showed that number of heads per plant, number of seeds per head and harvest index had significantly positive correlations with seed yield. The results of stepwise regression and path analysis showed that number of heads per plant, number of seeds per head and 1000-seed weight are the most important components of seed yield, among which, number of heads per plant had the greatest direct positive effect on seed yield. These traits could be used as criteria for indirect selection in safflower breeding programs. Factor analysis recognized three factors which explained 72.56 percent of total variations. These factors were defined as phenological, physiological source and efficiency factors. Cluster analysis based on the agronomic and morphological traits grouped the genotypes into three clusters. Iranian accessions were clearly discriminated from other genotypes and allocated in the group three. In conclusion, the results indicated that there was a broad genetic diversity among Iranian and foreign germplasm which can be exploited in breeding programs.
M. Arabbeigi, A. Arzani, M. M. Majidi, F. Habibi, A. Rakhzadi, B. E. Sayed Tabatabaei,
Volume 5, Issue 17 (12-2015)
Abstract
Aegilops cylindrica species (CCDD, 2n = 4x = 28) is one of the wild relatives of wheat and hence known as a valuable source of genes related to biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. In this study genetic variation of 66 Aegilops cylindrica genotypes collected from west and northwestern of Iran was evaluated using quantitative and qualitative morphological traits. The results indicated that glumelle (lemma) length and glume color traits had the highest variation as the quantitative and qualitative traits, respectively. The principal components analysis (PCA) indicated 6 components that first component justified %30.3 total variation. Flag leaf color and fluffiness had the highest contribution in this component and thus the first component named as the flag leaf component. The cluster analysis divided the studied genotypes into three groups. Genotypes originating from west of Iran were included in the first group and genotypes from northwestern Iran were clustered into the second and third groups. It could be concluded that the high genetic variation among genotypes of Ae. cylindrica revealed in this study can be utilized to improve wheat particularly for tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses.
S. Irani, M. M. Majidi, A. Mirlohi,
Volume 5, Issue 18 (2-2016)
Abstract
This research was conducted to evaluate 30 sainfoin cultivars in terms of yield, agronomic and morphological traits under water stress condition, using different drought tolerannce indices. A randomized complete block design with three replications was employed during two years at Isfahan University of Technology Research Farm, Isfahan, Iran. Effect of cultivars were significant for all of the measured traits at p<0.01. Also, the interactions of cultivars by moisture environment were significant for number of days to 50% flowering; inflorescence length, fresh and dry matter yield and leaf to stem ratio, indicating that different genotypes had different responses to moisture environments. Among different drought tolerance and susceptibility indices STI, GMP and MP had high correlation coefficients with yield under stress and non stress conditions, indicating that these indices are more suitable as criterion for selection of drought-tolerant cultivars. According to the studied indices and principle component analysis, cultivars 16 (Bardsir), 21 (Fereydunshahr 2), 23 (Najafabad 2) and 27 (Borujerd) were found to be the most desirable ones and can be considered as drought tolerant genotypes for future studies.
F. Rashidi, M. M. Majidi,
Volume 6, Issue 19 (5-2016)
Abstract
In this study 36 canola genotypes from seven different species including Brassica. napus, B. rapa, B. oleracea, B. juncea, B. carinata, B. nigra and B. friticulosa were evaluated under non-stressed, moderate and sever drought stress conditions during 2011-2012 in a field experiment. The relationships among different traits were assessed. Results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated high variation among genotypes for most of the studied traits. Cultivar by environment interaction was significant for most of the traits, suggesting differential genotypic responses to moistures conditions. The correlation results for the three B. napus, B. rapa and B. oleracea were divided in three levels of watering regime and the coefficients were found to be species-specific but overall correlation coefficients showed that there was significant and positive correlations between grain yield and number of pods per plant and 1000 grain weight, irrespective of watering regime. Results of stepwise regression were suggestive of species and watering-specificity. Under non-stress conditions the greatest direct effect on grain yield belonged to pod length for B. napus and number of pods per plant for B. rapa and B. oleracea. Results indicated that in order to improve grain yield indirectly, breeding strategies should be specific for each Brassica species.
B. Hosseini, M. M. Majidi2,
Volume 6, Issue 20 (7-2016)
Abstract
This research was conducted to evaluate genetic variation and estimate genetic parameters of forage yield and related traits in Dactylis glomerata. Twenty five half sib families derived from poly cross of 25 parental genotypes were evaluated under two moisture environments (normal and drought conditions) according to a randomized complete block design in Research Farm of Isfahan University of Technology. Results indicated that there are significant statistical differences and high genetic variation among the families for most of the studied traits. Drought stress significantly affected all forage related traits (except for leaf to stem ratio), leading to decreases in a majority of them. Mean of forage yield was decreased by 53.48 percent due to drought stress. Genotypic coefficient of variation under non-stress condition ranged from 1.78 to 45.1 and under drought condition ranged from 1.7 to 30.4, indicating a high genetic variation in this germplasm. The highest narrow sense heritability was related to crown diameter in both moisture environments. Narrow sense heritability for dry forage yield was 52% at non-stress and 45% at stress conditions. Based on dry forage yield, genotypes 2, 5, 8, 13 and 15 showed a higher general combining ability in both moisture conditions and, therefore, are potent to be used for developing synthetic varieties.
M. Zarabiyan, M. M. Majidi, H. Amini,
Volume 6, Issue 21 (12-2016)
Abstract
Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) is widely grown as forage and pasture legume in Iran and is tolerant to environmental stresses. To investigate the genetic diversity among 56 accessions of sainfoin germplasm (including 46 Iranian and 10 foreign) based on morphological and agronomic characteristics, present experiment was conducted as randomized complete block design with three replications in Isfahan University of Technology Research Farm during 2010-2011. The results of analysis of variance indicated considerable variation between studied germplasm for all traits and the better performance for Iranian accessions. The estimation of broad sense heritability for plant height, number of stems per plant, number of stems per meter square and number of nods per stem was high suggesting contribution of the major genes for controlling these traits. On the basis of means comparison, the forage yield was greatest for the first cutting as compared to the second cutting. Also the highest yield obtained from second year. Regarding the palatability (based on leaf to stem ratio) the exotic accessions had higher values. Developing of superior cultivars may be possible through combining high yield and palatability in breeding programs.
A. Najafipoor, M. M. Majidi,
Volume 6, Issue 22 (2-2017)
Abstract
Little is known about genetic variation of seed related traits and their association with forage characters in sainfoin. In order to investigate the variation and relationship among seed yield and its components, 93 genotypes from 21 wild and cultivated species of genus Onobrychis were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with four replications at Isfahan University of Technology Research Farm, Isfahan, Iran. Analysis of variance showed that there was significant difference among genotypes, indicating existence of considerable genetic variation in this germplasm. Panicle fertility and panicle length had the most variation in cultivated and the wild genotypes, respectively. Results of correlation analysis showed that seed yield was positively correlated with number of stems per plant and number of seeds per panicle and negatively correlated with panicle length and days to 50% flowering. Seed yield had positive correlation with forage yield in wild species while this correlation was not significant in cultivated one. Cluster analysis classified the genotypes into three groups which separate wild and cultivated species. Based on principal component analysis the first component was related to seed yield and the second one was related to components of forage yield which can be used for selection of high forage and seed yielding genotypes.
K. Mansour Ghanaei Pashaki, Gh. Mohsenabadi, M. Majidian, A. R. Fallah Nosratabad,
Volume 6, Issue 22 (2-2017)
Abstract
In order to study the effect of application of nitrogen, phosphorus and biologic fertilizers on yield and yield components of native bean, an experiment was conducted as factorial in randomized complete block design with three replications in Lahijan, northern Iran in 2013. Treatments consisted of chemical nitrogen fertilizer (0, 60 and 120 kg ha-1 urea), chemical phosphorus fertilizer (0, 40 and 80 kg ha-1 P2O5) and mixture of rhizobium, bacillus and pseudomonas biofertilizers (application and on application). The maximum and minimum seed yields (1556 kg ha-1and 451 kg ha-1) were obtained at the presence of 120 kg ha-1 urea with 80 kg ha-1 P2O5 and control (no fertilizers), respectively. The results showed that seed yield was significantly affected by interactions of nitrogen and phosphorus, and phosphorus with bio-fertilizers. The triple interaction effect of nitrogen, phosphorus and biofertilizers was significant on pod number per plant, seed number per pod, seed number per plant and 100 seed weight. The maximum pod number per plant, seed number per pod and 100 seed weight were found in interaction of 120 kg ha-1 urea and 40 kg ha-1 P2O5 with biological fertilizers. Overall, it seems that application of biological phosphorus with both N and P chemical fertilizers is more beneficial to bean; however, the present one-year study needs to be continued in years ahead to ascertain our results.
Rasoul Dehghan, Mohammad Mahdi Majidi, Ghodratallah Saeidi,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (6-2017)
Abstract
Breeding based on selection indices is an effective method for improving complex traits such as yield. To assess the efficiency of different selection method, 83 exotic along with 17 Iranian safflower genotypes were evaluated at the research farm of Isfahan University of Technology using 10×10 simple lattice design with three replications in 2011. In this study, the selection indices of Smith-Hazel and Pesek-Baker were determined based on the number of capitulum per plant, number of seeds per capitulum and 1000-seed weight. Also response to selection and relative selection efficiency were estimated for traits under study and seed yield. The highest estimated selection efficiency for genetic improvement of seed yield was obtained via selection for number of capitulum per plant. Therefore, this trait can be used as an appropriate selection criterion for improvement of seed yield. The results showed that seed yield was highly correlated with each of these indices and the estimated efficiency of indirect selection via these indices was relatively high. Thus, it seems that these selection indices can be effectively used for seed yield improvement. Results of present study showed that the efficiency of Smith-Hazel indices for simultaneous improvement of number of capitulum per plant, number of seeds per capitulum and 1000-seed weight was higher than that of Pesek-Baker index.
