application of image analysis in dus test: a case study in triticale

Triticale (triticosecale wittmack), is one of the strategic cereals in iran and plays a crucial role in industries and livestock production. the current study was carried out with the aim of using image analysis to identify the specific traits of triticale and to register the best varieties in national dus test. the experiment was conducted during 2023-2024 growing season at the experimental station of razavi seed & plant knowledge-based institute, mashhad, iran. the field experiment was carried out based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. five introduced cultivars of triticale were considered as the experimental treatments. for precise evaluation of candidate cultivars image analysis was conducted using standard indexes introduced by upov. when the straw pith in cross section was examined, cultivars b1 and b2 were significantly superior in compared to a1, a2 and a3. for instance, the value of this traits in b1 cutivar was observed to be twice more than a1. in terms of stem density of hairs on neck, the lowest value equal to 5 (dus criterion) was detected in a3 cultivar, which was significantly lower than others. furthermore, after checking ear distribution of awns, no significant difference was observed between the treatments.