Evaluation of Physiological, Biochemical and Grain Yield of Five Lallemantia iberica Accessions under Tillage Method in Rainfed Conditions of Khorramabad Region

IntroductionFor centuries, medicinal, functional, and nutraceutical herbs have been used for food and medicinal purposes. Lallemantia species are versatile and can be used for lightening, varnish, painting, food, and medicine. The genus is distributed in several countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, China, Syria, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and some European countries. Lallemantia iberica belongs to the Labiatae family, which has about 220 genera and almost 4000 species worldwide, with 46 genera and 410 species and subspecies in Iran. Dragon’s head seed is a good source of polysaccharides, fiber, oil, and protein, with medicinal, nutritional, and human health properties. Its high mucilage content allows it to absorb water quickly, producing a sticky, turbid, and tasteless liquid, which can be used as a novel food hydrocolloid in food formulations. Given the increasing consumption and high economic value of dragon’s head medicinal plants, research on planting factors of this plant is necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate some traits, such as grain yield, oil yield, percentage, and mucilage yield of five dragon’s head medicinal plant accessions.Materials and MethodsThe experiment was carried out in the research farm of Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Training Center in the 2018 crop year. The research farm's geographical coordinates are longitude 48°35′N and latitude 33°48′E, elevation above sea level is 1147.8 meters, average rainfall is 525 mm, and average temperature is 14.13 °C. Khorramabad region has a subtropical climate with hot and dry summers and a temperate climate based on long-term statistics. The experiment was performed on a randomized complete block design with three replications, including five dragons’ head accessions (Takab, Kaleibar, Kurdistan, Nazarkahrizi, and Jolfa). Traits evaluated included grain yield, biochemical traits, and photosynthetic pigments. Data analysis was done using SAS 9.1 statistical program, and means were compared using Duncan's multiple range test at the 5% probability level. Results and DiscussionAnalysis of variance showed that grain yield, oil yield, mucilage yield, 1000-grain weight, biological yield, and harvest index were affected by mass. According to the comparison, the highest mean of grain yield, oil yield, biological yield, and mucilage yield were obtained in Kaleibar mass and ranked next in Takab mass. The lowest grain and oil yield were obtained in Julfa mass. In the dryland conditions of Khorramabad region, Kaleibar massif was superior to other masses in terms of the studied traits. Correlation analysis in rainfed conditions showed that grain yield had the highest correlation coefficient with oil yield, mucilage yield, and biological yield. Pearson correlation between the studied traits and grain yield showed a significant correlation between grain yield and oil yield, mucilage yield, biological yield, and harvest index. Grain yield also correlated significantly with oil content, mucilage percentage, 1000-grain weight, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids. The highest positive and significant correlation was observed between chlorophyll b content and total chlorophyll content.Conclusion The study found that mass had a significant effect on the evaluated traits.ConclusionThe study found that mass had a significant effect on the evaluated traits.  The highest grain mucilage yield, grain oil, biological yield and also grain yield were observed in Kaleibar mass and then in Takab mass. There was a significant difference with other dragon’s head accessions. The lowest grain yield, mucilage yield, grain oil yield and biological yield were also obtained in Julfa massif. According to the experimental findings, in dryland conditions of Khorramabad region, Kaleibar mass are suitable for cultivation first and then Takab mass and have acceptable yield and can be recommended for cultivation in similar conditions.