Morpho-Physiological and nutritional responses of quince genotypes to different calcareous soil type

The aim of this study was to assess the differential response of selected quince genotypes from Isfehan and Guilan provinces of Iran to lime-induced iron chlorosis when grown under field conditions with different calcareous soil type. Experiment was carried out in Kamalabad Research Station in Karaj/Iran during 2014–2016 using a randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement with 3 replications. Statistical analysis in this study was conducted at 2 different growth stages: vegetative and reproductive stages. Statistical analysis in the vegetative stage was based on cluster analysis derived from all studied vegetative growth and leaf parameters of 28 studied quince genotypes. Cluster analysis in this stage resulted the genotypes into 3 groups: i.e. the third group, the most desirable genotypes for high lime soil levels (Gardandar, Behtorsh, Oghafespehan, Moghavem 1, Moghavem 2, KVD3, KM1, ASM2, NB2, ASP1, NB3, SVS1, KVD2, NB4, and ASM3). Statistical analysis in the reproductive stage was based onthe identification of these groups of genotypes at vegetative stage. The results presented above suggest that the 3^rd group genotype (including KVD2, KVD3, Moghavem1, Moghavem2 Gardandar, Behtorsh, Oghafespehan, NB2, NB3, KM1, ASP1, SVS1, ASM2, ASM3, and NB4) as those genotypes which are resistant to high lime soil levels in vegetative as well as reproductive growth stages.