Iranian Dryland Agronomy Journal

Agronomy

Using early maturity cultivars to maintain crop areas of wheat in dry and semi-dry regions

Gholamhassan Ranjbar; Saber Golkari; Mohammad Hassan Rahimian; Farhad Dehghani; Vali Soltani Gerdfaramarzi

Volume 15, Issue 1 , September 2026, Pages 1-13

Abstract

Introduction: Drought and salinity stresses are the main impacts of climate change event. Wheat as an important crop in arid and semi-arid regions, have a high contribution in society food security. Climate change and reduction in irrigation water quantity as well as increasing soil and water salinity ... Read More Introduction: Drought and salinity stresses are the main impacts of climate change event. Wheat as an important crop in arid and semi-arid regions, have a high contribution in society food security. Climate change and reduction in irrigation water quantity as well as increasing soil and water salinity resources caused to remarkable reduction in wheat planting areas in dry and semi-dry regions such as Yazd province during last decade. Using early maturing cultivars with lower water requirement and tolerate to saline condition could be used for maintain planting area.Methodology: This field experiment was carried out as split-plot design arranged as randomized complete block design with three replicates to evaluate yield and yield component of some early maturity wheat cultivars in two years. Experimental factors were two levels of irrigation water salinity (2.5 and 10 dS m-1) in main plots and dryland wheat cultivars; Aftab, Aseman, Ghabous, Kabir, Karim, Kohdasht, Paya along with Barzgar as the local check cultivar in sub-plots. The field was irrigated five times at planting, tillering, mid stem elongation, ear emergence and milking stages of early maturing cultivars. Total water consuming through growing season was 5210 and 5549 m3 ha-1 in first and second years, respectively.Research findings: Results showed that Aftab produced the highest grain yield by 489.60 and 532.57 g m-2 in first and second years, respectively. Barzegar grain yield was lower than that of Aftab by 28.32% and 47.79% in first and second years, respectively. Aseman, Aftab and Paya had the highest thousand kernel weight (TKW). In turn, the lowest TKW was observed for Barzegar and Karim. Irrigation water salinity by 10 dS m-1 (saline condition) reduced wheat plant height by 36.30 percent compared to non-saline condition (2.5 dS m-1). Grain yield for the Aftab and Barzegar was reduced by 31.52 and 39.91 percent in saline condition compared to no-saline condition, respectively. Based on the results of the study, it is possible to maintain crop areas in dry and semi-dry regions by developing high yielding of early maturity wheat cultivars under drought and salinity limitations.

Crops under rainfed cultivation

Ecophysiological evaluation of different crop rotation patterns in drylands of northwestern Iran

Hatam Maarouf; abdolali ghaffari; Amir Aynehband; Ghorban Normohammadi; Khoshnood Alizadeh

Volume 15, Issue 1 , September 2026, Pages 14-29

Abstract

Introduction. Continuous wheat cultivation and inadequate crop rotation in the dryland farming systems of West Azerbaijan Province have contributed to declining soil fertility and increasing production costs. Continuation of the current cropping pattern, as observed in many rainfed areas of the country, ... Read More Introduction. Continuous wheat cultivation and inadequate crop rotation in the dryland farming systems of West Azerbaijan Province have contributed to declining soil fertility and increasing production costs. Continuation of the current cropping pattern, as observed in many rainfed areas of the country, may threaten the long-term sustainability of crop production under dryland conditions. Previous research in Iran has demonstrated that the adoption of appropriate crop rotations, particularly the inclusion of grain legumes and annual forage legumes, can alleviate many of the limitations and constraints associated with continuous cereal cultivation and gradually improve soil productivity. The climatic conditions of the dryland areas of northwestern Iran provide opportunities for integrating a wide range of crops, including grain legumes, annual forage crops, and oilseed crops, into rotations with wheat. Conventional dryland cropping patterns, owing to insufficient crop diversity over the long term, may result in declining soil fertility and reduced resource-use efficiency. In contrast, increasing crop diversity through the inclusion of legumes such as chickpea and lentil in rotation with wheat, as well as the use of annual forage legumes and drought-tolerant oilseed crops as preceding crops, can enhance the utilization of rainfall resources. In addition, shifting sowing from spring to delayed sowing can improve rainfall water productivity. These strategies were therefore evaluated in the present study.Methodology: A three-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of sowing date and crop rotation pattern on wheat yield and yield components, as well as rainfall water productivity (RWP). The experiment was established at the Dryland Agricultural Research Institute using a split-plot arrangement within a randomized complete block design, with nine treatments evaluated under two sowing dates: spring sowing and delayed sowing. The crop rotation patterns were: (1) wheat–chickpea, (2) wheat–lentil, (3) wheat–vetch, and (4) wheat–safflower.Research findings: Combined analysis of variance and mean comparisons across treatments showed that sowing date and crop rotation pattern had distinct effects on the wheat agroecosystem. Across all rotation patterns evaluated, delayed sowing consistently outperformed spring sowing in terms of economic yield, biological yield, and rainfall water productivity. The highest and lowest wheat grain yields were obtained under the chickpea–wheat rotation with delayed sowing (entezari) and the lentil–wheat rotation with spring sowing, reaching 1405.7 and 1108.2 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. Analysis of the effects of sowing date on rainfall water productivity indicated a significant year × sowing-date interaction. The highest economic and biological rainfall water productivity values were recorded in the first year under delayed sowing following chickpea (ERWP = 4.09), Sina safflower (BRWP = 9.54), and Maragheh vetch (BRWP = 8.53), respectively.

Agronomy

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Different Tillage Methods in Erosion Control and Soil Quality Conservation in Sloping Dryland condition

Hadi Khorsandi; Yaser Azimzadeh; Ramin Lotfi; Mahdi Rahmati; mahdi koosehlou

Volume 15, Issue 1 , September 2026, Pages 30-45

Abstract

Introduction: Water erosion poses a fundamental challenge to sustainable agriculture and threatens the stability of natural ecosystems. Vegetation cover and land management play an important role in controlling water induced soil erosion. Soil erosion by water is a major challenge to sustainable agriculture ... Read More Introduction: Water erosion poses a fundamental challenge to sustainable agriculture and threatens the stability of natural ecosystems. Vegetation cover and land management play an important role in controlling water induced soil erosion. Soil erosion by water is a major challenge to sustainable agriculture and a serious threat to the stability of natural ecosystems.Methodology: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different tillage methods on controlling water erosion, using a randomized complete block design with three replications on slopes of 6–12% over two cropping years (2022–2023) at the Maragheh Dryland Agricultural Research Station, Iran. The treatments included five tillage systems: (1) reduced tillage along the slope (using a roller-chisel plough), (2) reduced tillage perpendicular to the slope, (3) conventional tillage along the slope (moldboard plough + disc), (4) conventional tillage perpendicular to the slope, and (5) no-tillage. Rainfall was simulated at a constant intensity of 45 mm h⁻¹, and runoff volume, sediment weight, sediment bulk density, and the concentrations of available phosphorus and potassium in the sediments were measured.Research findings: The results showed that conventional tillage along the slope produced the highest runoff (2222 ml) and sediment (148 g), while no-tillage resulted in the lowest values (350 ml and 11 g, respectively). Tillage perpendicular to the slope significantly reduced runoff and sediment (ranging from 1142 to 1498 ml and 29 to 53 g, respectively); however, their efficiency declined in the second year, except for conventional tillage perpendicular to the slope, which performed better in the second year. Sediment bulk density was highest under conventional tillage along the slope (1.17 g cm⁻³) and lowest under no-tillage (1.01 g cm⁻³). Likewise, available potassium loss was significantly higher under conventional tillage along the slope (121 mg kg⁻¹) compared to no-tillage (46 mg kg⁻¹). Overall, no-tillage was identified as the most effective practice for reducing runoff, sediment, and nutrient loss, while tillage perpendicular to the slope may serve as an intermediate strategy for erosion management in dryland sloping areas.

Agronomy

An Analysis of Programs and Measures for Improving Dryland Cropping Patterns in West Azerbaijan Province

Khoshnood Alizadeh; Ramin Lotfi; Aziz Majidi; Esmail Alizadeh; Navid Kargar; Amir Nourjoo; abdollah hasanzadeh; Bagher Hoseinpour

Volume 15, Issue 1 , September 2026, Pages 46-60

Abstract

Introduction: With more than 475,000 ha of dryland area, West Azerbaijan Province is one of the major dryland farming regions in Iran. The widespread practice of continuous wheat cultivation, the very low diversity of dryland crops, and the lack of an appropriate cropping pattern are among the major ... Read More Introduction: With more than 475,000 ha of dryland area, West Azerbaijan Province is one of the major dryland farming regions in Iran. The widespread practice of continuous wheat cultivation, the very low diversity of dryland crops, and the lack of an appropriate cropping pattern are among the major challenges facing the province’s dryland agricultural systems. Continuation of the current cropping pattern may seriously undermine production sustainability, and this issue has been one of the major drivers behind large-scale initiatives such as the “Production Leap in Dryland Areas” program and the national program for optimizing cropping patterns. Implementation of an optimized cropping pattern, particularly the inclusion of grain legumes and forage legumes in crop rotations, can significantly improve the sustainability of dryland production systems by enhancing the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil, reducing pest and disease populations, and increasing water-use efficiency. In the dryland areas of West Azerbaijan Province, which are characterized by long winters and a relatively short growing season, the primary objective of crop rotation design is to manage the risks associated with water scarcity and low temperatures while maintaining or improving soil fertility. Under such conditions, simpler, more resilient, and lower-risk cropping patterns are generally preferred. Accordingly, this study analyzes the existing challenges and the potential of dryland agriculture in the region and examines effective measures and practical strategies for improving cropping patterns in the dryland areas of West Azerbaijan Province.Research Methodology: In this study, the optimized cropping pattern was evaluated considering climatic and soil conditions, the effects of climate change on precipitation and temperature patterns, and the socioeconomic conditions of farmers. Accordingly, based on previous research findings and existing agricultural programs, an operational cropping pattern was developed, including suitable crop types, their spatial distribution, and the required management practices and inputs. Crop rotation patterns involving dryland cereals (wheat/barley) with grain legumes (chickpea/lentil), cereals with forage legumes (vetch, grass pea, and forage chickpea), and cereals with oilseed crops (safflower, isfahanian starthistle, and camelina) were introduced as examples of simple and low-risk cropping patterns suitable for the dryland conditions of West Azerbaijan Province.Research Findings: A gradual decrease in the area allocated to dryland wheat, accompanied by a gradual increase in the cultivated areas of rotational crops that can substitute for cereals, including chickpea, lentil, safflower, and annual forage crops, is clearly evident when the officially mandated cropping programs of the recent three-year period (1402–1405) are compared. Accordingly, based on the National Cropping Pattern Program for the 2025–2026 cropping year, a substantial increase in the cultivated area of oilseed crops, particularly safflower and camelina, has been projected for the dryland areas of West Azerbaijan Province. This development is consistent with the objectives of the Dryland Production Sustainability Program, which represents a continuation of the Production Leap in Dryland Areas initiative, and has also been reflected in the province’s officially mandated cropping program. Achieving sustainable changes in cropping patterns and encouraging farmers to adopt the proposed patterns depend to a large extent on achieving tangible results under field conditions and adhering to the technical principles of dryland crop production. Based on research conducted under dryland conditions, the major technical priorities for successful implementation of the cropping pattern include: adopting direct seeding (no-tillage) as the first option and reduced tillage as the second option for dryland land preparation; using new and improved cultivars adapted to the province’s climatic conditions; maintaining appropriate seeding rates and planting arrangements; managing planting dates with an emphasis on autumn rather than spring sowing and establishing crops before the occurrence of effective early-autumn rainfall events; integrated weed management; balanced nutrient management; and selecting crop rotations according to production risk and economic considerations. Finally, reducing tillage intensity, implementing appropriate crop rotations, and retaining crop residues as the three key principles of conservation agriculture, together with the use of newly improved cultivars and recommended crop-specific production packages, can contribute substantially to the successful implementation of optimized cropping patterns in the dryland areas of West Azerbaijan Province.

Conservation Agriculture in Iran's Drylands: From Research Findings to Sustainability Strategies

Volume 14, Issue 2 , December 2025, , Pages 169-192

Abstract

Dryland farming face severe threats from climate change, including recurrent droughts and intense soil erosion, jeopardizing production sustainability. The future of Iran's dryland farming depends on adopting a wise management approach in which soil health, as the foundation of sustainable production, ... Read More Dryland farming face severe threats from climate change, including recurrent droughts and intense soil erosion, jeopardizing production sustainability. The future of Iran's dryland farming depends on adopting a wise management approach in which soil health, as the foundation of sustainable production, must be placed at the core of all decision-making processes. Conservation agriculture (CA) is recognized as an effective sustainable management system to address these challenges, built on three core pillars: minimum soil mechanical disturbance, permanent soil cover, and crop rotation. This article reviews findings from four decades of field research by scientific centers, analyzing the environmental impacts and productivity outcomes of conservation agriculture systems across different Iranian climates. The evidence clearly demonstrates that conservation systems enhance soil organic matter and microbial activity, improve moisture retention and nutrient availability, and reduce soil erosion. Integrating leguminous crops (pulses and forages) into cereal-based rotations in drylands reduces the nutritional demand of cereal crops and contributes to production stability. No-till systems enhance sustainability by lowering direct energy input, improving water use efficiency, and managing crop residues. Although the primary goal of conservation agriculture is not yield maximization but rather yield stability and resource conservation, research confirms a significant climatic effect on the stability of rainfed crop production under such systems. Yield stabilization occurs more rapidly in temperate and semi-warm climates compared to cold regions under conservation practices. While initial yield reduction may occur during early years of no-till adoption particularly in cold climates appropriate crop rotation (e.g., chickpea–wheat) and effective management of residue cover and weeds can compensate for these losses in the medium term. Consequently, adopting climate-adapted conservation agriculture systems (tailored tillage and rotation practices) represents an effective strategy for achieving climate-resilient sustainable agriculture. However, scaling up these systems faces multiple barriers, including cereal-dominated cropping systems, shortage of specialized planting equipment, weed management challenges in rotational crops, livelihood dependence on crop residues, and lack of effective supportive policies. This paper emphasizes the need for an integrated national strategy encompassing development of local mechanization, strengthening extension–education systems, designing economic incentives, and reforming cropping patterns to facilitate the transition toward conservation-based sustainable agriculture on Iran’s drylands.

Evaluation of the effect of pre- and post-emergence herbicides on the yield and weed population of autumn-sown rainfed chickpea

Volume 14, Issue 2 , December 2025, , Pages 149-168

Abstract

EXTENDED ABSTRACTIntroduction: One of the major problems in autumn-sown chickpea cultivation is the presence of high weed density, which leads to a severe reduction in the yield of rainfed chickpea. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate new pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides for controlling ... Read More EXTENDED ABSTRACTIntroduction: One of the major problems in autumn-sown chickpea cultivation is the presence of high weed density, which leads to a severe reduction in the yield of rainfed chickpea. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate new pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides for controlling broadleaf weeds in rainfed chickpea cultivation. In this study, the efficacy of several herbicides applied as pre-emergence (aclonifen, flumioxazin, oxyfluorfen), post-emergence (aclonifen), early post-emergence (flumioxazin), and in combination (pre- and post-emergence) was investigated.Methodology: This experiment was conducted during the 2022-2023 growing season in the provinces of Kermanshah, Kurdistan, and East Azerbaijan, using a randomized complete block design. The treatments included: pre-emergence application of the herbicides flumioxazin (Clean-sheet, WP 50%) at a rate of 50 g active ingredient (a.i.) per hectare, oxyfluorfen (Goal, 24% EC) at 420 g a.i. ha-1, sulfentrazone (Spartan, WP 50%) at 100 g a.i. ha-1, aclonifen (Noagap, SC 600) at 1200 and 1800 g a.i. ha-1; post-emergence application of aclonifen at 300, 420, and 600 g a.i./ha; a combined treatment of pre-emergence flumioxazin (50 g a.i. ha-1) followed by post-emergence aclonifen (300 g a.i. ha-1); another combined treatment of pre-emergence flumioxazin (50 g a.i. ha-1) followed by post-emergence aclonifen (420 g a.i. ha-1); early post-emergence application of flumioxazin at 50 g a.i.ha-1; and a control treatment (manual weeding). Weed density and dry weight were determined per plot, and the grain yield and biomass of chickpea were measured per unit area.Research findings: The highest percentage of weed control in Kermanshah (93 to 96%), Kurdistan (70 to 85%), and East Azerbaijan (71 to 79%) was achieved by the treatments combining pre-emergence flumioxazin with post-emergence aclonifen. Furthermore, following the manually weeded control, the highest grain yield in Kermanshah, Kurdistan, and East Azerbaijan was recorded for the combined treatment of pre-emergence flumioxazin (50 g a.i. ha-1) followed by post-emergence aclonifen (300 g a.i. ha-1), with yields of 1409, 1293, and 982 kg ha-1, respectively. In general, the combined treatments of pre-emergence flumioxazin and post-emergence aclonifen, due to their broader spectrum of control against broadleaf weeds, provided more effective weed management and higher yields compared to the sole herbicide applications. This combination can be recommended for use in fields experiencing high weed density during the spring season.

Selection of Superior Promising Common Vetch (Vicia sativa L.) Genotypes Using Selection Indices Based on Multiple Traits

Volume 14, Issue 2 , December 2025

Abstract

Introduction: Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), as one of the important legumes of Mediterranean regions, is of particular significance due to its high adaptability to low-input and organic farming systems as well as its diverse uses. Since rainfed lands are exposed to fluctuations in rainfall across different ... Read More Introduction: Common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), as one of the important legumes of Mediterranean regions, is of particular significance due to its high adaptability to low-input and organic farming systems as well as its diverse uses. Since rainfed lands are exposed to fluctuations in rainfall across different locations and time periods, and there is a high likelihood of moisture stress during critical growth stages, conducting multi-environment trials is essential for identifying stable and high-yielding genotypes. Multi-trait stability selection contributes to a more accurate evaluation of plant genotypes and facilitates more reliable results. Therefore, the objective of this study was to select superior common vetch genotypes based on a number of morphological traits using different indices derived from the REML/BLUP model, as well as the SIIG index, and to compare the efficiency of these indices. Methodology: In this study, eight advanced common vetch genotypes, along with the check cultivars Maragheh and Tolou, were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications at four Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Stations located in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad (Gachsaran), Lorestan (Khorramabad), and Ilam (Mehran and Chardavol) over five cropping seasons (2019–2024). Sowing was carried out using a Wintersteiger experimental seed drill in four 7-m rows, with 30 cm spacing between rows. Genetic parameters were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS and R software. Research findings: According to the results of the combined analysis of variance, significant differences were observed among environments and genotypes for most agronomic traits of common vetch. The genotype × environment interaction effects were also significant for the majority of traits. REML-based estimates showed that genotypic variance, residual variance, and G×EG×E variance explained 8.91%, 55.65%, and 35.45% of the total phenotypic variance for seed yield, respectively. The REML results further indicated that the highest and lowest heritability estimates were related to fresh forage yield and number of pods per plant, respectively. Overall, by comparing the results obtained from different indices, the genotypes selected by the SIIG index (G2, G4, G1, and G3) were identified as promising candidates for more advanced trials due to their superior seed yield, biomass yield, number of pods per plant, hundred-seed weight, and straw yield. In addition, the genotypes G1, G2, and G4 selected using the FAI-BLUP and MGIDI indices exhibited higher seed yield compared with the check cultivars. These findings highlight the importance of integrating multi-trait selection and stability analyses in common vetch breeding programs to enhance drought tolerance and ensure sustainable yield improvement in rainfed agricultural systems, while also providing valuable insights for breeding programs aimed at drought adaptation and yield enhancement.

Evaluation of new sunflower hybrids using multi-trait selection indices for identifying superior genotypes under dryland conditions

Volume 14, Issue 2 , December 2025, , Pages 231-245

Abstract

Introduction: Sunflower is one of the most important oilseed crops worldwide, and its yield is highly affected by drought stress. Therefore, identifying superior genotypes with enhanced tolerance to environmental stresses is essential for cultivation under dryland conditions. Relying on a single trait ... Read More Introduction: Sunflower is one of the most important oilseed crops worldwide, and its yield is highly affected by drought stress. Therefore, identifying superior genotypes with enhanced tolerance to environmental stresses is essential for cultivation under dryland conditions. Relying on a single trait in the selection process is unlikely to yield satisfactory results; hence, the use of multiple traits and multi-trait indices can improve the accuracy of identifying superior genotypes. Accordingly, the objective of this study was to select the best-performing sunflower hybrids under dryland conditions using the Selection index of ideal genotype (SIIG) and the Factor analysis ideotype-design-best linear unbiased prediction (FAI-BLUP).Methodology: This experiment was conducted using 12 newly developed sunflower hybrids along with three check cultivars (Zarrin, Shams, and Azar) at the National Agricultural Research Station and Dryland Seed Production of Gonbad-e Kavus over two cropping seasons (2023–2025). The trial was arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Seeds of each hybrid were sown in a 2.7 m² experimental plot consisting of four rows, each 3 m in length, with a row spacing of 60 cm. The experimental field had been cultivated with wheat in the previous season. Planting was performed manually on flat soil, and weed control was carried out by hand. Traits including days to flowering, days to ripening, plant height, distance between ground and head, head diameter, stem diameter were recorded. After harvest, yield‑related characteristics such as thousand‑kernel weight, seed yield, oil content, and oil yield were measured. Statistical analyses, including analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the selection of the superior genotypes using the SIIG method, were performed with SAS ver. 9.4 and Microsoft Excel. In addition, the FAI-BLUP method was analyzed using R software and the multi-environment trials package (metan).Research findings: The results of the combined analysis of variance revealed that both the effect of year and the genotype × year interaction were significant at the 1% probability level for all studied traits, indicating the strong influence of environmental conditions and the differential responses of genotypes across years. Moreover, the main effect of genotype was significant for all traits. The comparison of means indicated significant differences among hybrids for the evaluated traits, particularly grain yield. Hybrids H1, H10, H11, and H9 produced the highest seed yields, while H6 and H7 recorded the lowest seed yields. The multi-trait SIIG index identified hybrids H1, H9, H11, H10, H13, and H2 as superior genotypes. The two-dimensional graph further confirmed that hybrids H1, H10, H11, and H9 clustered in the first group with both high yield and SIIG values. In addition, the FAI-BLUP index selected hybrids H1 and H9 as superior. Overall, hybrids H1, H9, H10, H11, and H13 consistently ranked among the best across most indices and agronomic traits, suggesting their suitability for cultivation under dryland conditions.

Evaluation of quantitative and qualitative parameters in cultivated genotypes of Lallemantia iberica (Bieb.) collection of National Plant Gene Bank of Iran in autumn cultivation

Volume 14, Issue 2 , December 2025, , Pages 213-230

Abstract

Introduction: Medicinal plants play a crucial role in disease prevention and therapeutic applications, and the growing global demand for herbal products has resulted in excessive harvesting from natural habitats, thereby threatening genetic resources. Lallemantia iberica (balangu), a valuable medicinal ... Read More Introduction: Medicinal plants play a crucial role in disease prevention and therapeutic applications, and the growing global demand for herbal products has resulted in excessive harvesting from natural habitats, thereby threatening genetic resources. Lallemantia iberica (balangu), a valuable medicinal species of the Lamiaceae family, possesses notable characteristics such as drought tolerance, high economic potential, pharmaceutical value, and the capacity to be cultivated under rain-fed conditions. Given the escalating impacts of climate change and water scarcity in Iran, the identification of high-yielding and stress-tolerant genotypes has become increasingly essential. Accordingly, the present study was conducted with the objective of evaluating different balangu genotypes preserved in the National Plant Gene Bank of Iran and identifying superior genotypes suitable for rain-fed cultivation as well as potential breeding programsMethodology: This research was conducted on 117 balangu genetic accessions collected in 2016, evaluated over three cropping seasons from 2019 to 2022. In the first year, accessions were cultivated in an observational design, and based on performance-related, oil-related and uniformity traits, 49 superior samples were selected. During the second and third years, these genotypes were cultivated in three locations (Urmia, Maragheh and Karaj), under rain-fed conditions, using a randomized complete block design with two replications. Phenological, morphological, seed yield and oil-related traits were recorded, and statistical analysis included ANOVA, and LSD mean comparisons.Research findings: The results revealed that the effects of genotype, year, location and their interactions were significant for most evaluated traits, including seed yield, thousand-seed weight and plant height. Seed yield varied considerably among genotypes; genotypes 1, 14, 22, 23, 24, 36, 39, 40, 43, 44 and 48 produced the highest yields (963.5–999.7 kg ha⁻¹), while genotypes 9, 20 and 29 recorded the lowest yields. The highest thousand-seed weights belonged to genotypes 3, 10, 26, 27, 28, 29, 34 and 42. A positive association was observed between seed yield and biological yield, harvest index and oil yield. Additionally, autumn sowing proved more effective than spring sowing in enhancing seed yield across the studied regions. The study demonstrated substantial genetic diversity among balangu genotypes and confirmed that selection based on traits associated with yield—particularly number of capsules, harvest index and oil yield—can be effective. Genotypes 12 and 33 under irrigated conditions and a group of 25 superior lines under rain-fed conditions were recommended for further evaluation and breeding programs. Promoting the autumn cultivation of this species in cold and semi-cold regions could significantly enhance production stability.

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Volume 1 (2012)

Using early maturity cultivars to maintain crop areas of wheat in dry and semi-dry regions

Abstract

Ecophysiological evaluation of different crop rotation patterns in drylands of northwestern Iran

Abstract

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Different Tillage Methods in Erosion Control and Soil Quality Conservation in Sloping Dryland condition

Abstract

An Analysis of Programs and Measures for Improving Dryland Cropping Patterns in West Azerbaijan Province

Abstract

Conservation Agriculture in Iran's Drylands: From Research Findings to Sustainability Strategies

Abstract

Evaluation of the effect of pre- and post-emergence herbicides on the yield and weed population of autumn-sown rainfed chickpea

Abstract

Selection of Superior Promising Common Vetch (Vicia sativa L.) Genotypes Using Selection Indices Based on Multiple Traits

Abstract

Evaluation of new sunflower hybrids using multi-trait selection indices for identifying superior genotypes under dryland conditions

Abstract

Evaluation of quantitative and qualitative parameters in cultivated genotypes of Lallemantia iberica (Bieb.) collection of National Plant Gene Bank of Iran in autumn cultivation

Abstract

Indexing and Abstracting