ISMJ

Background: Milk thistle ecotypes have drug and nutritional value. Ecological and agronomical needs should be recognized and were selected for cultivation. The aim of this study was comparison of Milk thistle ecotypes for feeding and pharmacy value in order to selection and cultivation in Bushehr province.

Materials and Methods: Field study was carried out in a randomized complete design with three ecotype (in four replication) in growing season of 2012-13 at the research farm of Persian Gulf University (Borazjan campus). Morphological and phytochemical traits were measured. Oil content and methanol extract were prepared by Soxhelt extraction and maceration method respectively Fatty acid profile and total Sylimarin were analyzed by GC and rotary evaporator devices. Data was analyzed by ANOVA and DMRT test methods.

Results: Morphological and yield related traits, fatty acids and total Sylimarin had statistically significant different, but oil content was not significant (P&le 0.01). Highest seed yields, total sylimarin (6.5 %) and oil content (25.5 %), were related to Ecotype no. 2, selected population and ecotype no. 1 and 2 ecotypes respectively. Saturated fatty acid: Unsaturated Fatty acid ratio in selected population and ecotypes were measured 3.32 % and 3.99 % respectively.

Conclusion: Results showed significant differences between Morphological and phytochemical traits in three ecotypes. Maximum yield (1417 kg ha^-1), oil percentage (354 kg ha^-1) and lowest total sylimarin were related to    Ecotype no. 2. These ecotypes can be selected and cultivated for commercial propose in Bushehr province.