Selection of maize hybrids based on genotype × yield × trait (GYT) in different environments.

This study aimed to identify the best genotypes using the genotype × yield × trait (GYT) method. To investigate the relationships was performed between yield × traits in four regions of Karaj, Birjand, Shiraz and Arak in two cropping years in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The average grain yield in four regions and two years of the experiment was calculated as 5966 kg/ha, and GYT was obtained based on the multiplication of grain yield with different traits. Comparing the average effect of genotype × year in different environments showed that KSC703 and KSC707 hybrids are among the most productive hybrids among the studied genotypes in grain yield. By examining the correlation coefficients between yield × traits in the tested areas, Y × TWG with Y × GW, Y × NRE, Y × NGR and Y × EL, Y × ED with Y × NGR, Y × NRE with Y × GW and the combination of Y × GW with Y × GL had a positive and significant correlation in all regions. The correlation diagrams were drawn on the evaluated areas' data and showed the correlation of most compounds except Y × GT with each other. Based on the analysis of the main components, the first three components explained the greatest diversity in the population. They were named the component ear grain profile, grain thickness component and plant height profile component.

Enhanced production of silymarin by Ag+ elicitor in cell suspension cultures of Silybum marianum.

Cell suspension cultures of Silybum marianum L. Gaertn (Compositae) produce silymarin, a mixture of flavonolignans. In an attempt to increase cell growth and silymarin production, we exposed cell cultures to various levels of Ag+ (0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1, and 2 mM) for different exposure times (12, 24, 48, 72, 144, and 216 h). A dramatic increase in cell growth was observed after 12 h in media supplemented with 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1 mM Ag+, and the value in medium treated by 1 mM Ag+ after 72 h was 7.21 g, which was about two-fold that of the control (3.32 g). The highest silymarin production reached about 56 microg g(-1) DW, 24 h after treatment with Ag+ (0.8 mM), which was 30-fold that of the control. Silybin, isosilybin, silychristin, silydianin, and taxifolin were abundant flavonolignans. Ag+ in low concentrations is a positive elicitor for cell growth and silymarin production in cell suspension cultures of Silybum marianum.