The study genetic variation and factor analysis for agronomic traits of Durum wheat genotypes using cluster analysis and path analysis under drought stress condition in western of Iran

ABSTRACT: In order to evaluate genetic variation of durum wheat genotypes under drought stress, and relationship between agronomic traits with grain yield under drought stress, as experiment was conducted, in Shirvan-Chrdavol research station, Ilam, Iran 2005-2006 growing season. The experimental design was randomized complete block with four replications. The studies traits were: plant height, pedancle length, spike length, grain.spike-1, 1000 grain weight, spike.m-2, grain yield, biological yield and harvest index. The results showed that genotypes had a significant different. Results of descriptive analysis showed the most genotypic and phenotypic variation coefficient belong to grain yield. The step- wise regression indicated that 75 percent of variation in grain yield under drought stress is explained by spike.m-2, 1000 grain weight and Plant height traits. Path analysis coefficients showed that the direct effect spike.m-2 and 1000 grain weights on grain yield were positive and high. According to cluster analysis the genotypes were classified into 3 clusters. Mean comparisons of traits in these groups showed that genotypes of group 2 superior in grain yield, spike.m-2 and 1000 grain weight that are important durum wheat breeding objectives under drought stress.