Study of Combining Ability between Male and Female Parents of Pistacia atlantica to Select the Best Parents for Artificial Crosses in Jazereaya Islami in East Azarbayjan

The aim of this investigation was evaluation of combining ability of Pistcia atlantica in Jazereaya Islami in East Azarbayjan. Parental trees were selected, isolated, pollinated and finally the fruits were harvested, in 2002 -2008. Some characteristics were measured in seed technology laboratory and remaining seeds were planted. Some characteristics were measured in field. The highest cross abilities for fruitfulness (%) was obtained in crossed female 9 with male 3 and 11. The highest germination percentage showed in female 12, 13 and 8 when crossed with all of the males, in 2002. The highest fruit weight were related to crosses that had the paternal genotype of 8, 10, 4 respectively, with maternal genotypes of 22, 18 and 12 in 2004. The highest seed weights in crosses carried out in 2004 belonged to the bases of paternal 8, 10 and 4. Meanwhile, the best combination was among maternal trees 22, 18 and 12. Highest total weight of fruit, number of fruit, and percentage of fertile crosses carried out in 2004 belonged to the bases of paternal 30, 31 and bases of maternal 19 and 21 in 2005. The most appropriate combination possible in terms of linear growth of progenies in 2007 was observed among parent bases 10 and 12 and between parent bases 12 among parents paternal 6 and 10. Thus, in order to improve P. atlantica for achievement of successful seed and seedling production, a pilot plan could be beneficial.