Document Type : Research Article
Authors
1 Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
2 Dept. of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
3 Department of Chemistry, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan Branch), Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Introduction
The Persian Shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss) is a valuable medicinal plant native to Iran, known for its significant economic value and medicinal properties. Its rich phytochemical composition makes it useful in treating various conditions such as rheumatism, stomach ulcers, and microbial infections, while also showing potential as an aquaculture regulator. However, the overexploitation of natural habitats poses a threat to its biodiversity and survival. Sustainable practices in collection and cultivation are essential to address the increasing global demand while preserving genetic and chemical diversity. Iran's favorable climate and plant diversity position it well for the production and export of high-quality medicinal plants, including the Persian Shallot. Research on the nutritional value of native plants can further contribute to their recognition and utilization.
Material and Methods
This study was carried out in six habitats of Allium hirtifolium Boiss in Isfahan province in 2022. The research aimed to assess the morphophysiological and phytochemical characteristics of Persian shallot plants by collecting samples from six natural habitats at different altitudes. Each habitat yielded 50 samples during the growing season, which were then evaluated for traits such as number of leaf, leaf area surface, fresh and dry weight of onion of Persian shallot. Phytochemical analysis involved grinding fresh plant leaves with acetone, followed by spectrophotometric readings to determine chlorophyll, carotenoid concentration, and antioxidant activity. Data analysis was carried out using variance analysis to compare means and cluster analysis to group habitats based on their traits. The study employed SAS, SPSS and Excel software for statistical analysis and visualization. Phytochemical analysis involved grinding fresh plant leaves with acetone, followed by spectrophotometric readings to determine chlorophyll, carotenoid concentration, and antioxidant activity. Data analysis was carried out using variance analysis to compare means and cluster analysis to group habitats based on their traits. The study employed SAS, SPSS and Excel software for statistical analysis and visualization. The study employed SAS, SPSS and Excel software for statistical analysis and visualization. The study employed SAS, SPSS and Excel software for statistical analysis and visualization.
Results and Discussion
The research revealed significant diversity among Iranian shallot plants collected from different habitats, indicating the presence of substantial biodiversity due to environmental factors and genetics. The study found variations in morphological and phytochemical traits, such as fresh and dry weight, leaf area, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and antioxidant activity among different plant stands. These differences were linked to factors like altitude, temperature, and soil conditions. Altitude was particularly influential, with higher altitudes leading to increased leaf surface and chlorophyll content. Furthermore, cluster analysis showed distinct groupings among the populations based on their traits, highlighting the impact of genetic factors and climatic conditions on the plants. The findings underscore the importance of understanding plant responses to natural growth conditions and environmental factors for breeding programs. Altitude gradients were identified as crucial in influencing plant characteristics and species distribution.Altitude was particularly influential, with higher altitudes leading to increased leaf surface and chlorophyll content. Furthermore, cluster analysis showed distinct groupings among the populations based on their traits, highlighting the impact of genetic factors and climatic conditions on the plants. The findings underscore the importance of understanding plant responses to natural growth conditions and environmental factors for breeding programs. Altitude gradients were identified as crucial in influencing plant characteristics and species distribution.Altitude was particularly influential, with higher altitudes leading to increased leaf surface and chlorophyll content. Furthermore, cluster analysis showed distinct groupings among the populations based on their traits, highlighting the impact of genetic factors and climatic conditions on the plants. The findings underscore the importance of understanding plant responses to natural growth conditions and environmental factors for breeding programs. Altitude gradients were identified as crucial in influencing plant characteristics and species distribution.
Conclusion
The study confirms the presence of biodiversity among shallot populations in six habitats, indicating the potential for selecting suitable populations and genotypes. Results suggest that altitude variation has influenced genetic diversity and phytochemical composition, highlighting the impact of climatic and geographical factors on population diversity. climatic and geographical factors on population diversity. climatic and geographical factors on population diversity. climatic and geographical factors on population diversity. Further research is needed to identify specific factors contributing to diversity in Isfahan province and molecular markers can enhance understanding of population diversity.
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