| Abstrakt: |
Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.) plays a role in reviving rangelands and creating pastures and fodder production. Therefore, to evaluate forage yield and physiological characteristics, 12 populations of cocksfoot in three water deficit regimes (90%, 70%, and 50% of field capacity (FC) during the growing season) were studied using a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications in a pot experiment. Forage yield, chlorophyll content, carotenoids, protein, proline, catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase were measured. The results obtained from the analysis of variance showed a significant difference in the studied traits. The populations of Karaj for chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll, Zanjan for chlorophyll b and carotenoids, the USA for peroxidase and catalase, Gene Bank for superoxide dismutase, Marand for soluble protein, Karaj and Zanjan for proline were superior. Malayer, USA, Gene Bank, and Karaj had the highest values for shoot weight. The highest shoot weight and chlorophyll content were observed at the moisture level of 90% FC, which decreased significantly with increasing stress intensity. The highest amount of carotenoids and peroxidase was observed at 70% FC, significantly decreased with increasing stress. Finally, the lowest superoxide dismutase, catalase, soluble proline, and protein content were observed at 90% FC, which increased significantly with increasing stress intensity. Populations were divided into three distinct groups based on cluster analysis. The first group consisted of five populations with dry shoot weight and superior physiological characteristics. The second group consisted of six populations, which were in second place compared to the previous group, and finally, the third group had a population that showed weak performance. It was concluded that G2 (Gene Bank), G3 (Marand), G8 (Zanjan), G12 (Karaj), G14 (USA), and G20 (Malayer) were superior in different moisture conditions and as suitable genetic material for rangeland restoration and breeding improved varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
