B. Soltanian; P. Rezvani Moghaddam; J. Asili
Abstract
Introduction: Nowadays the demand for medicinal plants is increasing in the pharmaceutical industries. Echinacea spp. is an herbaceous, perennial plant containing valuable substances which belong to different chemical groups, most notably phenolic compounds. Echinacea is the most well-known and most ...
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Introduction: Nowadays the demand for medicinal plants is increasing in the pharmaceutical industries. Echinacea spp. is an herbaceous, perennial plant containing valuable substances which belong to different chemical groups, most notably phenolic compounds. Echinacea is the most well-known and most important treatment for the immune system and protects against cough, cold and fever. Drought stress can be a major factor in increasing the content of secondary metabolites in many medicinal plants. Organic fertilizers are known to be one of the fertility factors for soil and plant nutrition due to the impacts on the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. The purpose of this study was to investigate the response of yield and phenolic compounds as the most important group of active compounds in Echinacea in response to different levels of water stress, chemical and organic fertilizer management and their interactions. Materials and Methods: This experiment was carried out during 2016 and 2017 years at the experimental Field of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, located at 10 km East of Mashhad. The split plot based on factorial design was implemented in 3 Replications. The studied factors in this experiment in the main plot were water stress at three levels, including1- Non-Water stress (6000 m3.ha-1), 2- Moderate Water Stress (4500 m3.ha-1), 3- Severe Water stress (3000 m3.ha-1).In sub plots, fertilization treatments applied in eight levels, including, 1- NPK fertilizer (500 kg.ha-1) ; 2-Humic acid (20 L.ha-1); 3-Vermicompost (6000 kg.ha-1); 4-Humic acid+NPK (20 L.ha-1+500 kg.ha-1); 5. Vermicompost+NPK (3000 kg.ha-1+250 kg.ha-1); 6-vermicompost+humic acid (3000 kg.ha-1+20 L.ha-1); 7. Vermicompost+Humic acid+NPK (3000 kg.ha-1+20 L.ha-1+250 kg.ha-1) and 8.control. The amount of irrigation needed at each turn was calculated by NETWAT software. In combined treatments, half of the NPK fertilizer which used in the pure treatment was replaced with the equivalent amount of vermicompost. Constant amount of liquid humic acid was applied at the same time with vermicompost and NPK in rosette leave developing and before stem-elongation phase. The total amount of phenolic compounds in the sample was evaluated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Data were analyzed with MSTAT-C statistic software and means compared by Duncan Multiple Range Test. Results and Discussion: The most amounts of stem dry matter, flower dry matter and biomass were observed at vermicompost and non-stress treatment and the least amount of them was obtained from control and severe water stress condition. The highest amounts of leaf and root dry weight were obtained under vermicompost+humic acid and moderate water stress treatments and the least amount of leaf dry weight was observed at control and severe water stress treatments. At the same time with the increase of water stress, the impact of organic fertilizers on leaf dry weight decreased, however the application of organic fertilizers increased the leaf dry weight even under severe stress conditions. Maximum seed yield was observed under vermicompost+humic acid+NPK and NPK treatments with severe water stress condition. With increase in the stress level, root to shoot ratio was increased and the maximum amount of that was obtained in control treatment under severe water stress condition and the minimum amount of that was obtained at vermicompost and non-stress treatment. The application of vermicompost and humic acid increased root to shoot ratio in severe stress conditions and it were effective in developing root systems in these conditions. Maximum amounts of phenolic compounds were observed under humic acid+vermicompost treatment with severe stress condition and minimum of these compounds were obtained under humic acid treatment at no-stress. Conclusion: The response of aerial parts of plant was associated with a decrease in irrigation levels, however this trend was reversed in underground sections. Thus, the maximum amount of root dry weight, root to shoot ratio and root phenolic compounds were observed in severe stress treatment. The highest amount of Phenolic compounds of the root, the ultimate goal of this plant, were observed under humic acid+vermicompost combination treatments. Therefore the production of this plant in terms of supplying 50% of the required moisture content (is equivalent to 300 mm of irrigation during the one-year growth period) and the use of fertilizer treatments containing humic acid and vermicompost compounds is recommended.
M.B. Amiri; P. Rezvani Moghaddam; M. Jahan
Abstract
Introduction: Maintenance of soil fertility as a permanent bed for continuous production of agricultural products is one of the most important issues affecting the sustainability of food production. In order to achieve healthy food production, application of ecological inputs such as organic fertilizers ...
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Introduction: Maintenance of soil fertility as a permanent bed for continuous production of agricultural products is one of the most important issues affecting the sustainability of food production. In order to achieve healthy food production, application of ecological inputs such as organic fertilizers are inevitable. Organic fertilizers are fertilizer compounds that contain one or more kinds of organic matter. They can improve the soil’s ability to hold water and nutrients. They create a beneficial environment for earthworms and microbial organisms that break the soil down into rich, fine humus. Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. Compost can greatly enhance the physical structure of soil. The addition of compost may provide greater drought resistance and more efficient water utilization. Vermicompost is the final product of composting organic material using different types of worms, such as red wigglers or earthworms, to create a homogenized blend of decomposed vegetable and food waste, bedding materials and manure. Vermicompost helps store nutrients and keeps them safe from leeching and irrigation, functioning to balance hormones within plant physiology, and adding beneficial biology to soil. Vermicompost improves soil aeration, enriches soil with micro-organisms (adding enzymes such as phosphatase and cellulose), attracts deep-burrowing earthworms already present in the soil and improves water holding capacity, enhances germination, plant growth and crop yield, improves root growth and structure. Cow manure is an excellent fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients. It also adds organic matter to the soil which may improve soil structure, aeration, soil moisture-holding capacity, and water infiltration. Plant density is the number of individuals of a given plants that occurs within a given sample unit or study area. Planting density can impact the overall health of plants. Plantings that are too sparse (the density is too low) may be more susceptible to weeds, while planting that are too dense might force plants to compete over scarce nutrients and water and cause stunted growth. Despite of many researches on the effect of organic fertilizers and plant density on different crops, information on the effects of these factors for many medicinal plants is scarce, therefore, in this study effect of organic fertilizers and plant density on morphological characteristics and yield of Echium amoenum in a low input cropping system was studied.
Materials and Methods: In order to evaluate the effect of different fertilizers on quantitative characteristics of Echium amoenum at different plant densities, a factorial experiment based on RCBD design with three replications was conducted in 2011-2013 growing seasons, in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Experimental factors included three plant densities (10, 5 and 3 plant per m2) and five different types of organic and chemical fertilizers (municipal waste compost, vermicompost, cow manure, chemical (urea) fertilizer and control).
Results and Discussion: The results showed that with reduction of plant density, effect of organic fertilizers on increasing the flower yield was exacerbated and at the lowest density, municipal waste compost, vermicompost and cow manures increased flower yield 112, 79 and 223% compared to control, respectively. In all studied densities, length of lateral branches in conditions of organic fertilizers application was more than control. Municipal waste compost, vermicompost, cow manure and chemical fertilizer increased total phenol 106, 54, 66 and 173% compared to control, respectively. In plant mean density (5 plant per m2), application of municipal waste compost, vermicompost and cow manure increased total anthocyanin 83, 74 and 57% compared to control, respectively. In general, result of this study showed that application of organic and chemical fertilizers at optimal plant densities, can improve growth characteristics and quantitative and qualitative yield of Echium amoenum.Organic fertilizers are the most significant resources for development of agricultural soil quality and increase in the yield of different medicinal plants. It has been reported that this ecological inputs provide favorable conditions for plant growth and development through improvement of physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, therefore, it can be concluded that improvement of the most studied traits in the present study were due to use of organic fertilizers. Fallahi et al., (20) have reported the positive effects of organic fertilizers on the improvement of quantitative and qualitative characteristics in chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.). It seems that plants compete with each other over scarce nutrients and water in high plant density and cause stunted growth. Some other studies have reported that suitable plant density can increase the growth and yield of some medicinal plants such as coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), Ajwain (Carum copticum L.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) and anise (Pimpinella anisum L.).
Conclusion: In general, results of this study showed that application of organic and chemical fertilizers at optimal plant densities, while improving growth and yield characteristics of Echium amoenum flower can be ensured health of production of this important medicinal plant.
Homa Azizi; Parviz Rezvani Moghaddam; Mahdi Parsa; Reza Khorasani; Mahmood Shoor
Abstract
Introduction: Meadow saffron (Colchicum) is a non-domesticated medicinal plant, rich in isoquinoline alkaloids. These alkaloids are used in medicines mainly for their anti-gout and myorelaxant properties. Meadow saffron has an unusual biology that does not favor cultivation. Flowers of Meadow saffron ...
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Introduction: Meadow saffron (Colchicum) is a non-domesticated medicinal plant, rich in isoquinoline alkaloids. These alkaloids are used in medicines mainly for their anti-gout and myorelaxant properties. Meadow saffron has an unusual biology that does not favor cultivation. Flowers of Meadow saffron appear in September and fruits mature in June. The corms enter dormancy phase in winter (January to March) and after fruiting in summer (June to September). Each year, a mother corm produces one daughter corm, or sometimes two daughter corms. The uptake of mineral element in plant is a complex process that governed by numerous factors influencing each other. nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium application can significantly increase the yield and improve the quality of plants. Meadow saffron need more consider in fertilization managements in comparison with other crops because it has shallow roots than other crops and exposes to more problems in uptake of immobile nutrients in the soil. The object of this study was to determine the effect of different fertilizers and mother corm weight on yield characters of Colchicum kotschyi Boiss.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted as factorial layout based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at Research Station, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in two years, 2012- 2013 and 2013-2014. The Corms of Colchicum kotschyi Boiss. were harvested from natural site of Binalood Mountains during their summer dormancy. The mother corm weight was considered as a factor in the experiment, because of the variation between the collected corms. In order to evaluate fertilizers effect, soil analysis was conducted. So, the experimental factors were: mother corm weight (less than 40 g and more than 40 g), cow manure (0 and 50 t.ha-1), urea (0 and 50 kg.ha-1) and superphosphate (0 and 25 kg.ha-1). Before planting, cow manure and superphosphate were well mixed with soil and urea was added to soil during emergence of leaves. Planting date was 28th August 2012. Planting depth was 12-15 cm and the space between plants was 25 cm. During flowering, flower number was recorded. Plants were harvested when the color of leaves and capsules were changed from yellow to brown, and characteristics such as corm yield, seed yield, biological yield, 1000-seed weight, capsule number, capsule dry weight, seed number, seed dry weight, corm and seed HI were measured. Data analysis was done by SAS Ver. 9. Mean comparisons were done by LSD test at 5% probability.
Results and Discussion: At the first year of experiment, most of transplanted corms did not flower due to transplanting. Therefore, just the results of the second year were presented here. The results showed that mother corm weight had significant effect on the yield (p≤0.05). The weight of daughter corms was increased by increasing mother corm weight, because of more supply of nutrients. The weight of the corm is basically determined by the amount of total food stored in the corm by the plant through the process of photosynthesis. The initial plant growth and its vigor are determined by the amount of food supplied to the growing plant by the corm. The results showed that seed yield characters were affected by the cultivated corm weight. The most flowers per area unit, capsule number per plant, seed number and dry weight per plant were belonged to heavier cultivated corms. The effect of corm weight on corm HI was not significant (p≤0.05), but smaller corms had more seed HI than bigger corms (p≤0.05). The effect of cow manure on most characters was significant (p≤0.05). Corm yield and corm HI increased in cow manure treatment in comparison with control. Organic fertilizers cause improvement of soil structure, better development of roots, regulation of soil temperature and useful microorganisms, supply of nutrients for plant and supports plant in nutrient absorption. Capsule number, capsule dry weight and seed number per plant were not influenced by cow manure. The number of capsules per plant and the number of seeds per capsule were determined during fertilization. The only parameter that can vary during capsule development was the thousand-seed weight. The results showed that seed dry weight per plant, 1000-seed weight, seed yield and seed HI were decreased in cow manure treatment in comparison with control. It seems that cow manure has more effect on vegetative growth and decrease proportion of seed compared to corm in whole plant weight. Meanwhile, the competition between corm and seed for photosynthetic materials may decrease seed dry weight. The effect of superphosphate was significant on some studied characters. Superphosphate utilization was increased corm yield and biological yield compared to control. Many researchers reported that phosphorus that was effective in leaf photosynthesis and carbon metabolism in plants. Phosphorus increased seed dry weight per plant, seed yield and 1000-seed weight. Phosphorus is a very important nutrient in plant nutrition and is more effective in the formation of flower, fruit and seed. Many researches have shown that phosphorus promote reproductive growth.
Conclusion: The results showed that colchicum could have a good response to treatments especially cow manure and superphosphate. It seems that more levels of fertilizers especially urea could improve quantitative and qualitative yield of plant.
Bahareh parsamotlagh; Parviz Rezvani Moghaddam; Reza Ghorbani; Zabihollah Azami Sardooei
Abstract
Introduction: Roselle (Hibiscus sabdarjffaL.) is an annual or biennial plant cultivated in arid and semiarid regions. This plant is grown in parts of Africa, Asia, America and Australia. This plant is ecologically short day, self-pollinated and sensitive to cold and freezing stress. Studies conducted ...
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Introduction: Roselle (Hibiscus sabdarjffaL.) is an annual or biennial plant cultivated in arid and semiarid regions. This plant is grown in parts of Africa, Asia, America and Australia. This plant is ecologically short day, self-pollinated and sensitive to cold and freezing stress. Studies conducted on the medicinal plants in natural ecosystems suggested that using sustainable agriculture system provides the best conditions for the production of these plants, leading to maximum qualitative and quantitative yield in such conditions. In order to analyze the growth indices, leaf area index (LAI) and total dry matter (TDM) is required. Other indices were calculated from LAI and TDM. Considering the importance ofuses andresistant to droughtstress of roselle, this plant cultivate in provinces of Kerman and Fars recently. In order to evaluate the effect of organic, chemical and biological fertilizers on thermal requirements, developmental stages and some of physiological indices of roselle by irrigation levels, was conducted in Jiroft area.
Materials and Methods: In orderto evaluate the effect of organic, chemical and biological fertilizers on thermal requirements, developmental stages and some of physiological indices of roselle by irrigation levels, an experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Farm Jiroft of Universityin2013-2014 growing season. Theexperiment was conducted as strip plot based on a randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Three irrigation regimes (100%, 80% and 60% of crop waterrequirement) were assigned ashorizontal factor and four fertilizer resources (mycorrhiza, vermicompost, cow manure and chemical fertilizer (NPK)) were allocated as vertical factor. Plant water requirement was calculated by using salinity parameters (sensitivity coefficient, salinity threshold and gradient of yield reduction), plant characteristics (height and the maximum depth of root), vegetation coefficients (first, middle and end of growth season), characteristics and duration of growth period with AGWAT software. Then, treatments of 80% and 60% of plant water requirements were determined and irrigation water per irrigation period was recorded by the water meter. As drip irrigation system with 0.001 Sq. M. were independently used for each treatment.Traits such as LAI, TDM, LAD, CGR and RGR indices and dry sepal yield were measured. All data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SAS 9.3 software. When F test indicated statistical significance at P< 0.01 or P < 0.05, the least significant difference (LSD) was used to separate the means.Figure drawing was done with Excel andSigmaplot Ver. 12.5
.
Results and Discussion: The results indicated that roselle is short-day plant and its flowering is stimulated by nearing the short days. Fertilizer resources and irrigation water levels had not significant effect on flowering of plant. Also fertilizer resources and irrigation water levels had significant effect on LAI and TDM. The highest LAD value was found in the cow manure and vermicompost treatments. The highest CGR value was obtained from 100%, 80% and 60% respectively. Growth reduction between irrigation levels 100% and 80% was not significant. Slope decline between irrigation levels (i.e., 100% and 80%) was similar. Slope decline in control and mycorrhizal morethan vermicompost, cow manure and chemical fertilizer. Similar results also reported by Gendy et al., (2012) and Samiran et al., (2010). The results showed that the interaction of Fertilizer resource and levels irrigations on the sepal yield was significant. Sepal yield at all three levels of irrigation showed increase in the plants treated with cow manure, vermicompost and chemical compared with mycorrhizal and control treatment. The highest sepal yield (1217 kg.ha-1) was obtainedfrom100% crop water requirement cow manure treatment and the lowest sepal yield (493 kg.ha-1) was obtained at 60% crop water requirement control treatments.
Conclusion: It seems that among the different fertilizer resources, cow manure and vermicompost have a greater impact on soil water holding compared to other sources of fertilizers (mycorrhiza and chemical fertilizer) by increasing soil organic matter. The results of Growth indices analysis, growth degree days and phenology assessment indicated that the most leaf area index and dry matter was observed at flowering stage and the beginning of flowering rosellewas under the influence of photoperiod. Due to soil and climatic conditions of the study area, using cow manure or vermicompost with 80% of the irrigation water requirement, roselle plant seems appropriate.
M.B. Amiri; Parviz Rezvani Moghaddam; Mohsen Jahan
Abstract
Introduction: In recent years, the effect of ecological inputs on soil properties and plant growth characteristics has received renewed attention. Although the utilization of mineral fertilizers could be viewed as the best solution in plant productivity, this approach is often inefficient in the long-term ...
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Introduction: In recent years, the effect of ecological inputs on soil properties and plant growth characteristics has received renewed attention. Although the utilization of mineral fertilizers could be viewed as the best solution in plant productivity, this approach is often inefficient in the long-term in many ecosystems due to the limited ability of low-activity clay soils to retain nutrients. Intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agricultural systems is also known to have irreversible effects on soil and water resources. Maintenance of soil fertility as a permanent bed for continuous production of agricultural products is one of the most important issues affecting the sustainability of food production. In order to achieve healthy food production, application of ecological inputs such as soil amendments and bio-fertilizers is inevitable. Humic substances are a group of heterogeneous molecules that are bonded together by weak forces; therefore, they have a high chemical stability. This material included 65 to 80 percent of total soil organic matter. Application of bio-fertilizers is an appropriate alternative of chemical fertilizers to enhance soil fertility. In fact, bio-fertilizers include different types of free living organisms that convert unavailable nutrients to available forms and enhance root development and better seed germination. Mycorrhiza arbuscular fungi are coexist microorganisms that improve soil fertility, nutrients cycling and agroecosystem health. Mycorrhizal fungi are the most abundant organisms in agricultural soils. Many researchers have pointed to the positive roles of mycorrhizal fungi on plants growth characteristics. Echium amoenum is a perennial plant belongs to Boraginaceae family. This plant is native of North of Iran. Petal extract of E. amoenum have sedative, diaphoretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant effects. These plants are wild perennial herbs and known in Iran as oxtongue. It is one of the most important medicinal plants in Iranian traditional medicine. Petals of Iranian oxtongue have been advocated for a variety of effects such as demulcent, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, especially for common cold, anxiolytic, sedative and other psychiatric symptoms including obsession in folk medicine of Iran. Despite many research on the effects of organic acids and bio-fertilizers on different crops, there is scarce information on the effects of these factors for many medicinal plants. Therefore, in this study effect of organic acids and bio-fertilizers on morphological characteristics and yield of Echium amoenum in a low input cropping system was studied.
Materials and methods: In order to evaluate the effects of soil amendments and different bio-fertilizers on morphological characteristics and seed yield of Echium amoenum, an experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications during 2011-2013 growing seasons, at the Research Farm of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Treatments were eight different types of soil amendments and bio-fertilizers concluding: 1) Humic acid, 2) Fulvic acid, 3) Nitroxin® (Azotobacter spp. and Azospirillum spp.), 4) Biophosphorous® (Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp.), 5) Biosulfur® (Thiobacillus spp.), 6) Mycorrhiza (Glomus mosseae), 7) Mycorrhiza (Glomus intraradices), and 8) no fertilizer as control.
Result and Discussion: The results showed that mycorrhiza species increased flower yield compared with control, as the flower yield in treatments of G. mosseae and G. intraradices were 24 and 11 percent more than control, respectively. Soil amendments and different bio-fertilizers increased the number of flower cycle per plant compared with control. Although the effect of biophosphorous® was more pronounced, as the number of flower cycle per plant increased from 342 to 1322 cycles in control and biophosphorous® , respectively. Humic acid treatment increased seed yield, biological yield, seed weight and seed number per plant by 82, 66, 63 and 66 percent compared with control, respectively. It seems that different species of mycorrhiza improved morphological characteristics and yield of Echium amoenum, because of better conditions to absorption and transportation of nutrient to the plant. It has been reported that organic acids provide favorable conditions for plant growth and development through improvement of physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. Therefore, it could be concluded that improvement of most studied traits in the present study was as a result of use of organic acids.
Conclusions: Generally, our results showed that organic acids and biological fertilizers had positive effects on most of studied criteria. The highest flower and seed yields were obtained from G. mosseae and Humic acid treatments, respectively.
Farima Doaei; Parviz Rezvani Moghaddam; Reza Ghorbani; Ahmad Balandary
Abstract
Introduction: In order to response to greater demand for wild medicinal plants consumption, it has been recommended that wild medicinal plants can be brought into cultivation systems. Cichorium pumilum Jacq. is an annual species of Asteraceae family, that has a long history of herbal use and is especially ...
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Introduction: In order to response to greater demand for wild medicinal plants consumption, it has been recommended that wild medicinal plants can be brought into cultivation systems. Cichorium pumilum Jacq. is an annual species of Asteraceae family, that has a long history of herbal use and is especially of great value for its tonic effects upon the liver and digestive tract. The root and the leaves of chicory are digestive, hypoglycemic, diuretic, laxative and tonic. Using chemical fertilizers can be easily lost from soils through fixation, leaching or gas emission that can lead to reduced fertilizer efficiency. The applications of organic fertilizers such as compost and vermicompost can be considered as a good management practice to increase cropping system sustainability, reducing soil erosion and improving soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Soil microorganisms have a significant role in regulating the dynamics of organic matter breakdown and the availability of plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphate and sulfur.
Materials and Methods: For evaluating the effects of organic, mineral and biological fertilizers on seed yield and yield components of dwarf chicory (Cichorium pumilum Jacq.), a field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Station, the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (36016/ N, 59036/ E, elevation 985 m) during growing season of 2011-2012. The experimental layout was factorial based on randomized complete block design with four replications. The experimental treatments were all combination of organic and chemical fertilizers (compost 4 t/ha, vermicompost 4 t/ha, urea fertilizer 130 kg/ha and control) and biological fertilizer (biosulfur biofertilizer + pure sulfur 100 kg/ ha and control). Before conducting the experiment, soil sample were taken from the depth of 0-30 cm, and physical and chemical characteristics of the soil and also used compost and vermicompost were determined. All fertilizer treatments were added to the soil and mixed well with the soil before sowing. In order to avoid leaching, all urea fertilizer was divided to two parts and these were used in two dates during the growth period. Cichorium pumilum Jacq seeds were hand sown in 2.5 ×4 m plots in five rows and with plant density 20 plants m−2. Before harvesting the grain, five plants were randomly selected in each plot from 2500 cm2 (50×50cm) and their characteristics and traits such as plant height, number of tiller per plant, number of branch per plant, number of inflorescence per plant, number of seed per inflorescence, number of seed per plant and seed weight were determined. For statistical analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan multiple range test at 0.05 level were performed using SAS version 9.1 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA).
Results and Discussion: The Results indicated that studied factors and their interactions had not significant effect on morphological traits (plant height, number of tiller per plant, number of branch per plant) and on yield components of seed such as: number of seed per inflorescence, 1000-seed weight, seed weight per plant, seed yield and harvest index (HI). The results showed that organic and chemical fertilizers had significant effect on number of inflorescence per plant, number of seed per plant, biological yield (p< 0.05).The highest number of inflorescence per plant, number of seed per plant and seed weight per plant were observed in chemical fertilizer + biosulfur biofertilizer treatment. The highest seed yield (1489 kg.ha-1) obtained from compost + biosulfur biofertilizer treatment. Chemical fertilizer + biosulfur biofertilizer treatment (7576 kg.ha-1) produced the highest biological yield. It seems that because of high solubility of chemical fertilizer, nutrients are immediately available to the plants therefore, plants can use nutrients of chemical fertilizer faster than other fertilizers. Biofertilizer and organic fertilizer can improve soil properties and also through nutrient supply, improves plant growth.
Conclusion: In this study, it seems that the morphological traits (plant height, number of tiller and number of branches per plant) and yield components such as the number of seeds per inflorescence and seed weight were influenced by genetic characteristics and fertilizer treatments had little effect on mentioned traits and the plant was able with nutrient available in soil, overcome its needs. Overall in this study, results showed that the use of compost combination with biosulfur biofertilizer had positive effect on studied traits of dwarf chicory and use of them can be an effective step towards sustainable production and replacement use of chemical fertilizers.
Mohamad Behzad Amiri; Parviz Rezvani Moghaddam; Mohsen Jahan
Abstract
Introduction: In recent years, the effect of exogenous organic amendments on soil properties and plant growth characteristics has received renewed attention. Although the utilization of mineral fertilizers could be viewed as the best solution in terms of plant productivity, this approach is often inefficient ...
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Introduction: In recent years, the effect of exogenous organic amendments on soil properties and plant growth characteristics has received renewed attention. Although the utilization of mineral fertilizers could be viewed as the best solution in terms of plant productivity, this approach is often inefficient in the long-term in tropical ecosystems due to the limited ability of low-activity clay soils to retain nutrients. Intensive use of agrochemicals in agricultural systems is also known to have irreversible effects on soil and water resources.
Compost is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled as a fertilizer and soil amendment. Compost can greatly enhance the physical structure of soil. Decomposing organic amendments slowly release nutrients which may be taken up by plants and thus result in improved agroecosystem productivity.
Vermicompost is currently being promoted to improve soil quality, reduces water and fertilizer needs and therefore increases the sustainability of agricultural practices in tropical countries. Vermicomposting is a process which stabilizes organic matter under aerobic and mesophilic conditions through the joint action of earthworms and microorganisms. The products of vermicomposting have been successfully used to suppress plant pests and disease as well as increase crop productivity.
Cow manure is an excellent fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients. It also adds organic matter to the soil which may improve soil structure, aeration, soil moisture-holding capacity, and water infiltration.
Plant density is the number of individuals of a given plants that occurs within a given sample unit or study area. Planting density can impact the overall health of plants. Plantings that are too sparse (the density is too low) may be more susceptible to weeds, while planting that are too dense might force plants to compete over scarce nutrients and water and cause stunted growth .
Despite of many studies on the effect of organic fertilizers and plant density on different crops, information on the effects of these factors for many medicinal plants is scarce. Therefore, in this study the effect of organic fertilizers and plant density on morphological characteristics and yield of Echium amoenum was studied in a low input cropping system.
Materials and methods: In order to evaluate the plant density and comparison of organic and chemical fertilizers on Iranian Ox-Tongue (Echium amoenum), a split plots experiment in time based on RCBD design with three replications was conducted in 2011-2014 growing seasons, in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. The main plots included factorial combination of 3 plant densities (3, 5 and 10 plants per m2) and 4 different types of organic and chemical fertilizers (compost, vermicompost, cow manure, nitrogen chemical fertilizer and control) and the sub plots included agronomic years (2 and 3 agronomic years).
Results and discussion:The results showed that the effect of plant density on dry flower yield was significant, so that the highest dry flower yield (816 kg.ha-1) obtained for 5 plants per m2 and in this treatment dry flower yield was 23% and 15% more than 3 and 10 plants per m2 treatments, respectively. In both of agronomic years, effect of different organic and chemical fertilizers was intensified in 5 plants per m2, for example in second agronomic year, compost in 5 plants per m2 increased seed yield 30 and 25% compared to 3 and 10 plants per m2 densities, respectively. Although the use of chemical fertilizers to improve yield and yield components of Iranian Ox-Tongue was no ineffective, its impacts was much less than organic fertilizers. In general, the results of this research showed that the use of organic fertilizers in optimal plant densities can be reducing environmental risks of chemical fertilizers and develop sustainable agriculture and protect the health of the products.
Organic fertilizers are among the most significant resources for development of agricultural soil quality and increase in the yield of different medicinal plants. It has been reported that this ecological inputs provide favorable conditions for plant growth and development through improvement of physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, therefore, it can be concluded that improvement of the most studied traits in the present study were due to use of organic fertilizers.
It seems that plants compete with each other over scarce nutrients and water in high plant density and cause stunted growth . Some other studies have reported that suitable plant density can increase the growth and yield of some medicinal plants such as coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) (Akhani), Ajwain (Carum copticum L.) , lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) and anise (Pimpinella anisum L.).
Conclusion: In general, the results of this research showed that the use of organic fertilizers in optimal plant densities can be reducing environmental risks of chemical fertilizers and develop sustainable agriculture and protect the health of the products.
M. Aghhavani Shajari; Parviz Rezvani Moghaddam; R. Ghorbani; Mahdi nasiri mahalati
Abstract
Introduction: Medicinal plants were one of the main natural resources of Iran from ancient times. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is from Apiaceae family that it has cultivated extensively in the world. Management and environmental factors such as nutritional management has a significant impact on ...
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Introduction: Medicinal plants were one of the main natural resources of Iran from ancient times. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is from Apiaceae family that it has cultivated extensively in the world. Management and environmental factors such as nutritional management has a significant impact on the quantity and quality of plants. Application of organic fertilizers in conventional farming systems is not common and most of the nutritional need of plants supply through chemical fertilizers for short period. Excessive and unbalanced use of fertilizers in the long period, reduce crop yield and soil biological activity, accumulation of nitrates and heavy metals, and finally cause negative environmental effects and increase the cost of production. The use of bio-fertilizers and organic matter are taken into consideration to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and increase the quality of most crops. Stability and soil fertility through the use of organic fertilizers are important due to having most of the elements required by plants and beneficial effects on physical, chemical, biological and soil fertility. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of organic, biological and chemical fertilizers on quality and quantity characteristics of coriander.
Materials and Methods: In order to study the effects of single and combined applications of organic, biological and chemical fertilizers on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), an experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with three replications and 12 treatments at Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in - 2011. Treatments included: (1) mycorrhizae (Glomus mosseae) (2) biosulfur (Thiobacillus sp.), (3) chemical fertilizer (NPK), (4) cow manure, )5( vermin compost, )6( mycorrhizae + chemical fertilizer, )7( mycorrhizae + cow manure, )8( mycorrhizae + vermicompost, )9( biosulfur + chemical fertilizer, )10( biosulfur + cow manure, )11( biosulfur + vermin compost and )12( control. Glomus mosseae was used at -2 cm depth below the seed. Chemical fertilizer, vermicompost (17 t. ha-1) and cow manure (60 t.ha-1) were used at 30 cm depth . Coriander was planted through furrow in mid-March 2010. The distance between rows was 60 cm and irrigation was done once a week. The common cultivation practices used for this plant and no pesticides or herbicides were used during the growing season. Coriander harvested in early July 2011 when the plants became yellow. Then, plant indices were measured in laboratory which included plant height, the number of lateral branch, the number of umbels per plant, the number of seed per umbels and plant, hundred seed weight, biological and economical yield, harvest index, essential oil percentage and essential oil yield. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by SAS 9.1and means comparison were compared by Duncan’s multiple range (P < 0.05).
Results and Discussion: The results showed that the highest number of lateral branch per plant (6.6) was obtained in biosulfur + cow manure treatment. Also, the highest number of umbel per plant (19) and number of umbelet per umbel (5) were observed in mycorrhizae treatment. Mycorrhizae by improving the nutritional status of plants, soil microbial community strengthening and protecting plants against pathogens increases plant growth and development. The highest number of seeds per umbel (21.6), the number of seeds per plant (366), seed yield (1468 kg,ha-1) and harvest index (55%) were obtained in mycorrhizae + chemical fertilizer treatment. Combined application of biosulfur with chemical fertilizer had a noticeable effect on 100-seed weights and biological yield indices. Ali et al., (2009) concluded that application of intermediate levels of nitrogen fertilizer and mycorrhizae increased biological yield of coriander, they reported that the use of nitrogen fertilizer will speed up the establishment of mycorrhizae. Studies showed that the combined use of chemical fertilizer and manure improved crop yield by increasing the efficiency ofnutrient absorption for plants. The highest essential oil percentage and essential oil yield were observed in mycorrhizae and mycorrhizae with chemical fertilizer treatments, respectively (0.2% and 2602 g.ha-1). Also, the essential oil yield was 7 times more in mycorrhizae+chemical fertilizer than biosulphur treatment. Combined application of cow manure and chemical fertilizer increased quality of indices of Ajowan. It seems that combined application of organic and bio fertilizers and cow manure improve soil physical and chemical properties, increase the availability of nutrients and finallyincrease the yield and quality of plants.
Conclusions: Overall, results of this experiment showed that application of biological fertilizer especially mycorrhizae had a significant effect on improving quantitative and qualitative yield of Coriander. Furthermore, the combined application of mycorrhizae with organic and chemical fertilizer had better effects than their single application.
R. Naghibi; P. Rezvani Moghaddam; A. Balandari; Reza Ghorbani
Abstract
Introduction: In recent years many farmers in Iran interested in to cultivate and produce different medicinal plants which are so important in traditional agriculture in Iran. In order to reduce the environmental impacts of using chemical inputs and also to increase the quality of plant secondary metabolite ...
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Introduction: In recent years many farmers in Iran interested in to cultivate and produce different medicinal plants which are so important in traditional agriculture in Iran. In order to reduce the environmental impacts of using chemical inputs and also to increase the quality of plant secondary metabolite components, the emphasis is on sustainable agriculture base on using of organic and biological fertilizer. Dwarf chicory (Cichorium pumilum Jacq.) is an annual plant from Asteraceae family. Dwarf chicory is classified by jacq as subspecies of the cultivated species Cichorium endeva which consumed for healing a variety of diseases such as bacterial infection, poisoning and rheumatism. The use of organic fertilizer in the form of humic acid and fulvic acid play an important role in sustainable agriculture. Humic substances can be added to the soil for improvement the crop yield. A benefit of humic acid due to its ability to complex metal ions and form aqueous complexes with micronutrients and also may form an enzymatically active complex, which can be carry on reactions that are usually assigned to the metabolic activity of living microorganisms. In additional of using organic fertilizers, the biological fertilizer like mycorrhiza fungi is a good approach in agriculture. Mycorrhizal fungi have been used to enhance the plant growth and yield of medicinal crops and to help maintain good soil health and fertility that contributes to a greater extent to a sustainable yield and good quality of the products. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of organic fertilizers and mycorrhizae inoculation on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of dwarf chicory (Cichorium pumilum Jacq.) in different cuttings.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out in a factorial layout based on randomized complete block design with three replications at Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad (59°28 E and 36°15 N ) in 2012-2013 growing season. The experimental treatments were all combination of organic fertilizers in four levels (cow manure, humic acid, fulvic acid and control) and three levels of Mycorrhiza inoculation (Glomus mosseae, Glomus intraradices and no inoculation) and The collected data were analyzed as split- plot in time based on randomized complete block design (due to having two cuttings during growing season) compared. The 12 fertilizer treatments and two cuts were considered as main and sub plots, respectively. The plots were 2.5*5 m (12.5 m2). The soil of the experimental field was silty loam with pH 8.09, contains total N (0.08 %), available P (10.25 ppm), and available K (286 ppm) with an EC of 1.26 dsm−1. The parameters measured were such as: leaf weight per plant, stem weight per plant, leaf/stem ratio, the leaf area index, fresh yield, dry matter yield and the poly phenol content. The poly phenol content was determined based on Wojdylo et al. (2007) method. The results were analyzed using SAS statistical program and MSTAT-C. The mean comparisons were performed using least significant difference (LSD) test.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that the highest (4544 kg.ha-1) and the lowest dry matter (1739 kg.ha-1) yield were obtained in second and first cut, respectively. The results indicated that inoculation with mycorrhizal species increased the leaf area index, dry matter yield and leaf weight per plant compared with control treatment. However, there was no significant difference between G. mosseae and G. intraradices in terms of former mentioned criteria. The results showed that using organic fertilizers improved leaf area index, dry matter yield and leaf weight per plant. The highest dry matter yield (3470 kg/ha), leaf area index (1.01), stem weight per plant (11.50 g) and leaf weight per plant (0.72 g) were obtained in humic acid treatment. Studied treatments and also different cutting had no significant effect on poly phenols contents of leaves. In generally, our results showed that application of biological and organic fertilizers improved the most of studied traits of dwarf chicory and G.mosseae + humic acid treatment was the best.
Conclusion: In this paper we have shown that yield contributing characters were significantly influenced by different treatment combinations of humic acid and mycorrhizal fungi and became maximum when humic acid and Glomus mossae were applied. In order to minimize contamination of the environment and sustainable agriculture, using biological and organic fertilizers can lead to reduction of chemical fertilizers application in agro ecosystems.
P. Rezvani Moghaddam; S.M. Seyyedi
Abstract
In order to investigate the effects of organic, chemical and biological fertilizers on crude protein and oil yields and fatty acids composition in black seed (Nigella sativa L.), a field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in 2009-2010. The ...
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In order to investigate the effects of organic, chemical and biological fertilizers on crude protein and oil yields and fatty acids composition in black seed (Nigella sativa L.), a field experiment was conducted at Agricultural Research Station of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in 2009-2010. The experiment was arranged by using a complete randomized block design based on factorial arrangement with three replications and 12 treatments. The experimental treatments included fertilizer sources (vermi compost, urea fertilizer and control) as first factor and different biological fertilizers (nitroxin (including Azotobacter sp. and Azospirillum sp), mycorrhizae, biosulfur (including Thiobacillus sp.) + sulfur and control (no biofertilizer)) as second factor. Results showed that crude protein and oil yields of black seed in vermi compost were significantly higher than urea fertilizer. In addition, the biological fertilizer had no significant increasing effects on crude protein and oil yields, except biosulfur + sulfur. Chemical analysis of black seeds showed a composition of 10.9% crude protein and 24.5% fat. Linoleic (49.18%) and oleic acids (26.77%) was the major unsaturated while palmitic acid (12.68%) was the main saturated fatty acid.
P. Rezvani Moghaddam; A.A. Mohammad Abadi; H. R. Falahi; M. Aghhavani Shajari
Abstract
In order to understand the effects of different organic and chemical fertilizer on stigma yield, corm characterstics and leaf dry matter yield (as a forage) of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), an experiment was conducted in the Research Station of Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, ...
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In order to understand the effects of different organic and chemical fertilizer on stigma yield, corm characterstics and leaf dry matter yield (as a forage) of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), an experiment was conducted in the Research Station of Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in 2005-2009; as a Randomized Complete Block Design with 12 treatments and three replications. Experimental treatments included of: different levels of chemical fertilizers (250 kg Triple Superphosphate + 50 kg Urea/ha; 250 kg Triple Superphosphate +100 kg Urea/ha; 250 kg Triple Superphosphate + 300 kg Urea/ha), cow manure (20, 40 and 60 t/ha), sheep manure (20, 30 and 40 t/ha) and hen manure (5, 10 and 15 t/ha). Results showed that the highest fresh flower (315 kg/ha) and dry stigma yield (3.8 kg/ha) were obtained from chemical fertilizer (300-250 kg/ha Urea- Triple Superphosphate) and the highest dry forage yield (3410 kg/ha) and the highest mother and replacement corm per clump were obtained in sheep manure (40 t/ha). However, the highest corm weight per clump (119 g), average corm diameter (1.6 cm) and average number of bud per corm (6.5) were observed in 300 kg/ha Urea, the maximum average weight of corm (2.4 g) and total number of bud per clump (410) were obtained in 100 kg/ha Urea and 30 t/ha sheep manure, respectively. Most of growth indices and yield of saffron were improved by increasing in levels of sheep manure and chemical fertilizer but most of that charachteristics had a decreasing trend by increasing in levels of cow and hen manure. Generally, the highest amounts of most studied indices were obtained in chemical fertilizer and sheep manure and the lowest amounts of those studied indices were observed in hen manure.
Parviz Rezvani Moghaddam; M.B. Amiri; H.R. Ehyaee
Abstract
In recent years the use of organic and biological modifier as an environmental friendly replacement for chemical fertilizers has been used more. In order to study the effect of different levels of biological fertilizers and mushroom compost on flower yield and characteristics of saffron corms (Crocus ...
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In recent years the use of organic and biological modifier as an environmental friendly replacement for chemical fertilizers has been used more. In order to study the effect of different levels of biological fertilizers and mushroom compost on flower yield and characteristics of saffron corms (Crocus sativus L.), a split plot experiment based on RCBD design with three replications was conducted in 2009-2011 growing season in research farm of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (use and non-use of Nitroxin) and spent mushroom compost levels (SMC) (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 t ha-1) were considered as the main and sub factors. The results showed that Nitroxin had positive effect on all studied traits, for example the use of Nitroxin increased number of buds per corm by 12 percent compared to the control. Based on the results, levels of 20, 60, 80 and 100 t ha-1 of mashroom compost increased the total weight of corm without scale by 48, 24, 30 and 29 percent respectively compared to the control. Interaction effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria and different levels mushroom compost was significant on flower yield, so that in condition of use and non-use of Nitroxin, levels of 60 and 100 t ha-1 mashroom compost were better than other treatments. According to the results, Nitroxin in combine with 40, 60 and 80 t ha-1 mushroom compost increased stigma yield 77, 66 and 30 percent, compared to the same levels in condition of non-use of Nitroxin. In general, the results showed that it seems use of biological fertilizers and appropriate amount of mushroom compost in addition to the maintaining stability of agroecosystems, can improve quantitative and qualitative characteristics of saffron.
H. Feizi; Parviz Rezvani Moghaddam; H. Sahabi; Sh. Amirmoradi
Abstract
Study of magnetic field and seed hydropriming effects on tomato seed germination was done in laboratory of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. The experiment was as factorial experiment based on randomized completely design, which was including two level of hydropriming (use of dry seed and soaked ...
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Study of magnetic field and seed hydropriming effects on tomato seed germination was done in laboratory of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran. The experiment was as factorial experiment based on randomized completely design, which was including two level of hydropriming (use of dry seed and soaked seed in distilled water for five hours) and eight level of magnetic field (pretreatment of seeds in 15 and 25 mili Tesla magnetic field for 5, 15 and 25 minutes, permanent magnetic field with intensity 3 mT and control). Seed hydropriming significantly reduced mean germination time (MGT). Also it increased radicle length from 6.68 to 7.59 cm (14 percent) in comparison to dry seed. Seed hydropriming led to increasing shoot length, seedling length and vigour index by 7, 12 and 13 percentages in comparison to dry seed, respectively. Exposure of seeds in 3 mT permanent magnetic field and 25 mT for 5 minutes increased root length by 29 and 25 percentages in comparison to control. These treatments indicated the highest shoot length, seedling length and vigour index.
Sh. Amirmoradi; Parviz Rezvani Moghaddam
Abstract
Abstract
In order to study the effect of density and time of nitrogen application on morphological, phenological characteristics, yield and yield components of black cumin (Nigella sativa L) a field experiment was conducted at Chenaran in Khorasan Razavi Province in 2005 growing season. Three nitrogen ...
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Abstract
In order to study the effect of density and time of nitrogen application on morphological, phenological characteristics, yield and yield components of black cumin (Nigella sativa L) a field experiment was conducted at Chenaran in Khorasan Razavi Province in 2005 growing season. Three nitrogen fertilizer (Urea) application times (1- control 2- at 4-6 leaves stage 3-preblooming 4-complete flowering) and three plant densities (150, 250, 350 plant m-²) were compared in a split plot based on complete randomized block design with three replications. Studied components were stem branch, capsule weight, seed weight/capsule weight, ratio number of capsules per plant, number of seeds in each part of capsule and phenological characteristics. Results showed that nitrogen fertilizer application times had significant effects on number of capsules per plant, capsule weight, stem branch, number of seeds in each part of capsule. Densities had significant effects on capsule weight, seed yield and distance of the first branch from soil surface. Results showed that 250 plant m-² and nitrogen application at 4-6 leaves stage had the highest seed yield (588 kg/ha) in this region.
Keywords: Black cumin, Density, Nitrogen application, Morphological characteristics, Phenological growth stage
Rooholla Moradi; Mahdi nasiri mahalati; Parviz Rezvani Moghaddam; A Lakziyan; A. Nezhadali
Abstract
Abstract
In order to evaluate the effects of different organic and biological fertilizers on quantity and quality of essential oil of Fennel an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with three replications. The experimental treatments were two organic (compost and vermicompost) ...
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Abstract
In order to evaluate the effects of different organic and biological fertilizers on quantity and quality of essential oil of Fennel an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with three replications. The experimental treatments were two organic (compost and vermicompost) and two biological (Pseudomonas putida and Azotobacter chroococcum ) fertilizers, their all twin combinations (Ps. putida + A. chroococcum, Ps. putida + compost, Ps. putida + vermicompost, A. chroococcum + compost, A. chroococcum + vermicompost and compost + vermicompost) and control (without any fertilizer). There were significant differences between different treatments in terms of seed essential oil percentage, essential oil yield; anethole, fenchone, limonene and estragole content in seed essential oil. Results showed that the highest and lowest percentage of essential oil contents were obtained in control (% 2.9) and A. chroococcum + vermicompost (% 2.2) treatments, receptivity. The highest essential oil yield (29.9 l/ha) and anethole content of essential oil (69.7%) and the lowest fenchone (6.14%), limonene (4.84%) and estragole (2.78%) contents of essential oil were obtained in compost + vermicompost treatment. Essential oil yield and percentage of anethole content in essential oil were significantly higher in all organic and biological treatments compare with control. The highest of fenchone, limonene and estragole essential oil content were obtained in control treatment.
Keywords: Foeniculum vulgare, Pseudomonas putida, Azotobacter chroococcum, Compost, Vermicompost, Anethole, Fenchone, Limonene estragole
A.H. Saeidnejad; Parviz Rezvani Moghaddam
Abstract
Abstract
Cumin is one the most important medicinal plant in Iran. A field experiment was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of compost (30t/ha), Vermicompost (10t/ha), cow manure (30t/ha) and sheep manure (20t/ha) and control (no fertilizer) on yield and yield components of Cumin. The experiment ...
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Abstract
Cumin is one the most important medicinal plant in Iran. A field experiment was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of compost (30t/ha), Vermicompost (10t/ha), cow manure (30t/ha) and sheep manure (20t/ha) and control (no fertilizer) on yield and yield components of Cumin. The experiment was performed in the research farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during the growing season of 2007. A randomized complete block design with 5 treatments and 3 replications was used. Results showed that treatments had a significant effect on grain yield and biological yield, number of umbers per plant, number of seed per umber, number of seed per plant and plant height. The treatments had no significant effect on HI (Harvest index) and 1000 seed weight. The highest and the lowest seed yield, biological yield and plant height were obtained in Vermicompost and control, respectively. The present study showed that organic fertilizers and animal manures can enhanced the yield and its components in Cumin.
Keywords: Medicinal plant, Organic fertilizers, Animal manure, Vermicompost
A.H. Saeid Nezhad; Parviz Rezvani Moghaddam
Abstract
Abstract
Biofertilizers are one of the main sources to supply nutrient elements for plants in sustainable agriculture. In order to evaluate the effects of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers on Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) as a medicinal plant a field experiment was conducted in the Research Farm of ...
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Abstract
Biofertilizers are one of the main sources to supply nutrient elements for plants in sustainable agriculture. In order to evaluate the effects of biofertilizers and chemical fertilizers on Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) as a medicinal plant a field experiment was conducted in the Research Farm of Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in a randomized complete block design with three replications in year 2008.The treatments were nitrogen fixation bacteria (Azotobacter and Azospirillium) and phosphate solublizing bacteria (Pseudomonas flurescence) in pure and combination treatments and chemical fertilizers treatment compared with control treatment. The result indicated that performed treatments could significantly enhance the yield and yield components. Biofertilizers increased the biological yield, seed yield, plant height, number of umbers per plant, number of seed per umber, number of seed per plant and the thousand seed weight. Combination use of Azotobacter and Azospirillium with pseudomonas had better effect on most of the studied characteristics compared with other treatments. In general, biofertilizers could be a good substitution for chemical fertilizers in cumin production.
Keywords: Cumin, Azotobacter, Azospirillium, Pseudomonas, Yield
