Interrelationships among morphological traits and seed yield in garden cress under two environmental circumstances
https://doi.org/10.30901/2227-8834-2025-3-127-139
Abstract
Background. This study aimed to explore the morphological traits associated with seed yield in garden cress and to recognize the direct and indirect effects of agronomic characteristics. Analyzing the relationships between traits and seed yield with understanding their causal effects helps breeders choose the best combination of yield components to improve economic performance.
Materials and methods. A total of 64 accessions, including 60 international and 4 local Iranian genotypes, were evaluated across two locations (Ardabil and Eyvanki) using a randomized block scheme.
Results. Biomass consistently emerged as the most influential trait across both environments, followed by leafand pod-related characters. Categorizing traits into primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary orders helped reduce multicollinearity and clarified the structure of trait interrelationships. Path analysis indicated several optimal selection pathways, such as LB → PP → PB → BIO → SY in Ardabil, and FLO → LW → LL → SY in Eyvanki. The bootstrapped estimates confirmed the stability and reliability of the identified trait effects.
Conclusion. Finally, indirect selection based on biomass, leaf traits, and yield components can improve seed yield in garden cress. Also, simultaneous improvement of seed and leaf yield is feasible and should be considered in future breeding programs.
Supporting agencies: the authors are sincerely grateful to the Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research, Germany, for providing garden cress accessions
About the Authors
N. Sabaghnia
University of Maragheh
Islamic Republic of Iran
Islamic Republic of Iran
Naser Sabaghnia - PhD, Professor.
Amirkabir Hwy., Maragheh 83111-55181
V. Rahimi
University of Mohaghegh Ardabili
Islamic Republic of Iran
Islamic Republic of Iran
Vahid rahimi – PhD.
University St., Ardabil 56199-11367
M. Mohebodini
University of Mohaghegh Ardabili
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Mehdi Mohebodini - PhD, Professor.
University St., Ardabil 56199-11367
M. Janmohammadi
University of Maragheh
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Mohsen Janmohammadi - PhD, Professor.
Amirkabir Hwy., Maragheh 83111-55181
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Review
For citations:
Sabaghnia N., Rahimi V., Mohebodini M., Janmohammadi M. Interrelationships among morphological traits and seed yield in garden cress under two environmental circumstances. Proceedings on applied botany, genetics and breeding. 2025;186(3):127-139. https://doi.org/10.30901/2227-8834-2025-3-127-139
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