Ornamental plants
Meisam Mohammadi; Fatemeh Khosravifar; Negin Siahi
Abstract
IntroductionGrasses are narrow-leaved plants that are used as cover plants in landscape. These plants are one of the basic and necessary components of the green cover of most gardens, parks and as the background color of landscape. In Iran, due to the high costs of planting and management of grass, high ...
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IntroductionGrasses are narrow-leaved plants that are used as cover plants in landscape. These plants are one of the basic and necessary components of the green cover of most gardens, parks and as the background color of landscape. In Iran, due to the high costs of planting and management of grass, high water requirements, climatic incompatibility and damage to water and soil salinity, it is recommended to remove from the green space in some cities, especially in areas with low water and water and soil saline. If it is possible to benefit from the role and influence of these plants by observing the technical points and choosing the best species for each area. Salinity stress is the second limiting factor for the growth of plants in the world after drought, which affects the efficiency and performance of plants. Increase in salinity causes a decrease in the water potential in the soil. In this condition, the plant spends most of its energy to maintain the water potential, cell mass, and water absorption to have minimal growth. The aim of this research is the effect of external application of glycine betaine on the accumulation of osmolality compounds and the antioxidant system of sports grass under salt stress. Materials and Methods This research was carried out in 2022 in pots in the research greenhouse of Ilam University as a factorial based on a completely random design with three replications. Experimental treatments included three salinity levels with sodium chloride salt (without salinity, 50 and 100 mM sodium chloride) and three levels of glycine betaine foliar spraying (0, 5 and 10 mM). Glycine betaine application was performed after mowing twice with a distance of 48h from each other, and then salinity with sodium chloride salts was applied. 4 weeks after application of salinity stress, some morphological and biochemical characteristics of plants were measured. The results were analysed using SAS software (v.9.2), and Tukey's test was used to compare the means at the 5% probability level. Results and DiscussionThe results showed that salinity stress decreased all the study morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters including plant height, shoot fresh and dry weight, number of tiller, leaf area, chlorophyll content, protein and total antioxidant capacity in the studied plants. It also increased peroxidase enzyme, H2O2 and proline in plants, but glycine betaine application significantly improved the morpho-physiological characteristics of plants compared to the control under salt stress conditions. Thus, the highest height, shoot fresh and dry weight, leaf area, number of tiller, chlorophyll content, and protein and antioxidant capacity were observed in plants sprayed with glycine betaine. Also, the highest content of glycine betaine and activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes and the lowest content of glycine betaine and H2O2 were observed in in plants sprayed with glycine betaine and 10 mM glycine betaine was more effective than 5 mM. The occurrence of salinity in plants disrupts the absorption of ions and causes the reduction of nutrients and increases sodium ions. One of the effects of salinity in plants is the reduction of photosynthetic activity, which results in the reduction of chlorophyll, carbon dioxide absorption, photosynthetic capacity, plant height, shoot fresh and dry weight, number of tiller and leaf area. One of the most strategies to deal with stress is accumulation of osmolyte and increasing the antioxidant activity, which makes plants resistant to environmental stresses. Salinity, through the toxic effect of Na+ and Cl- ions, affects the growth and performance of the plant by reducing the soil water potential, disrupting water absorption and imbalance of nutrients in the plant. The results obtained from comparing the average results of glycine betaine show that glycine betaine increased plant height, shoot fresh and dry weight, number of tiller, leaf area, chlorophyll content, total protein and antioxidant capacity, but on the other hand, it increased proline and H2O2 decreased, which is due to the accumulation of glycine betaine as a protector in plants under salt stress conditions. In stress conditions, glycine betaine can protect photosynthetic activities including photosynthetic enzymes, proteins and lipids in thylakoid membranes in the combination of photosystem II, and also the task of protecting cell membranes against osmotic stresses in the plant. ConclusionThe results obtained from this research showed that salinity stress reduced all the morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics in the sport grass plants, but glycine betaine application played a positive role in reducing salinity damage and maintaining plant quality. Glycine betaine is known as one of the effective molecules in stress signaling, so it can protect the plant cells against stress by reducing the destruction of the membrane and by increasing the salt tolerance mechanisms. Also, glycine betaine 10 mM is introduced as the best treatment to reduce salinity damage in sport grass during present study.
Postharvest physiology
S. Shiukhy Soqanloo; M.A. Gholami; Y. Ghasemi
Abstract
Introduction
Confronting the crisis of water scarcity and the looming challenge of dwindling water resources is undeniably a grave concern. Consequently, the focus of agricultural science researchers has shifted towards the utilization of wastewater. One of the notable advantages of incorporating wastewater ...
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Introduction
Confronting the crisis of water scarcity and the looming challenge of dwindling water resources is undeniably a grave concern. Consequently, the focus of agricultural science researchers has shifted towards the utilization of wastewater. One of the notable advantages of incorporating wastewater in agriculture is the potential to curtail the expenses associated with procuring irrigation water and employing chemical fertilizers.
Materials and Methods
Sari has a longitude and latitude of 53°01′ E and 36°33′ N, respectively, and its weather conditions are humid according to De-marten's climate classification. Its elevation is 21 above sea level and average annual temperature and precipitation, are17.9 ºC and 650 mm, respectively). In order to evaluate the effect of water stress and urban wastewater on the concentration of heavy metals, yield and some characteristics of basil, an experiment in a factorial format based on a completely randomized design with experimental treatments including; The first factor is the source of irrigation (I): [treated wastewater (TWW) and well water (WW)], and the second factor is water stress (S): [the lowest stress (S1, S2), medium stress (S3, S4) and severe stress (S5, S6)] were performed in three replications at the research farm of Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (SANRU), Iran. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed using ANOVA of SAS9.2, and the SNK post hoc test was employed to compare treatment means.
Results and Discussion
Based on the findings, Irrigation with wastewater increased plant height, stem diameter, fresh and dry weight compared to irrigation with well water. So that the highest plant height, stem diameter, wet and dry weight were related to irrigation with wastewater with 44.3 cm, 3.1 mm, 8.5 and 3.3 g, respectively. Also, the effect of using treated wastewater on chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids was significant (P ≤ 0.01). while it did not have significant effect on flavonoid, phenol and antioxidant activity. In the lowest stress, especially the S1 level, the amount of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid, flavonoid, phenol and antioxidant activity compared to the S6 level decreased by 63.3, 32.8, 40.7, 45.8, 46.3, 55.5, and 9.8%, respectively. while the highest amount of plant height, fresh weight, dry weight and stem diameter at the S1 level was observed with 48.6 cm, 11.5 g, 3.51 g and 3.4 mm, respectively. The result shown that the Pb and Cd concentration in basil under irrigation with wastewater was 3.4 and 2.5 mg.kg-1, respectively, which increased by 13 and 9% compared to well water. Water stress affected the Pb and Cd concentration, but the Cr and Ni concentration did not change significantly. The highest Pb and Cd concentration was related to high stress level S5 and medium stress level S4 and the lowest level was observed in the lowest stress levels (S1 and S2). Also, the results showed that the Pb and Cd concentration was affected by the interaction effect of irrigation source and water stress. Thus, the highest Pb concentration was observed in irrigation with wastewater and water stress levels S4 and S5 with 3.41 and 3.40 mg.kg-1, respectively, and the lowest was related to irrigation with well water and water stress level S1 with 2.2 mg.kg-1. The highest Cd concentration was related to irrigation with wastewater and stress levels S4 and S5 with 2.6 and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively, and the lowest amount were observed in well water irrigation and stress levels S1 and S2, with 1.51 and 1.50 mg.kg-1, respectively. while the Cr and Ni concentrations did not significant.
Conclusion
Based on the findings of this research, irrigation with treated wastewater and application of water stress had significant effect on the morphological and phytochemical characteristics of basil. while the use of treated wastewater was ineffective on the biochemical characteristics of basil and only water stress conditions affected their levels. The Pb and Cd concentration in basil increased under the influence of irrigation with wastewater and water stress levels. But this increase was lower than the standards authorized reported by the researchers and did not cause much concern. the results shown that the water stress levels S4 and S5 can be considered appropriate in water efficiency and recommend the use of treated wastewater in basil irrigation considering the authorized standards.
Ornamental plants
M. Karimi; F. Salimi; A. Pakdin Parizi
Abstract
Introduction Plant size control is one of the most important factors in the production of ornamental plants. Plant size can be limited by a variety of methods, including genetic control, environmental conditions, and the use of plant growth retardants. Lily (Lilium sp.) is one of the most important cut ...
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Introduction Plant size control is one of the most important factors in the production of ornamental plants. Plant size can be limited by a variety of methods, including genetic control, environmental conditions, and the use of plant growth retardants. Lily (Lilium sp.) is one of the most important cut flowers with different species and cultivars. Some lilies can grow up to one meter in height. Usually the appropriate height of the stem for pot use is 40-30 cm, which is achieved by using growth regulators. This study aimed to investigate the role of uniconazole and cycocel to control height, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Lilium.Materials and Methods This study was carried out in a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design. Uniconazole (0, 5 and 10 mg L-1) and cycocel (0, 1000 and 1500 mg L-1) were the first factor and application methods of the above compounds (immersion application and foliar application) was the second factor. Disease-free bulbs (with a circumference of 15 cm) Lily (Longifiorum × Asistic cv. Eyeliner) was purchased from Saei Gol Company in Tehran. To apply the immersion treatment, the bulbs were immersed in a solution of cycocel (CCC) and uniconazole (UN) for 7 minutes before planting. Then they were planted in plastic pots. In foliar spraying treatments, the bulbs were first planted in pots and when the stem height reached 10 cm, they were sprayed with CCC and UN. Water was used for control treatment. Leaf number, plant height, total chlorophyll, total phenol, flower diameter, enzyme activity (PPO, GPX or CAT) and time of budding were measured. Analysis of variance was performed using SAS software and mean comparisons were analyzed by the least significant difference test.Results and Discussion The effect of growth retardant, the application method and their interaction was significant on stem height. The shortest plants were observed in foliage application of 10 mg L-1 UN which was not significantly different from the concentration of 10 mg L-1 UN in immersion method. The mechanism of growth retardants is to inhibit the biosynthesis of gibberellins. Therefore, they act as anti-gibberellins to reduce plant height. Uniconazole inhibits the biosynthesis of gibberellins by blocking kaurene oxidase, a P450 enzyme. The largest diameter of lily flowers was observed in immersion application of 1500 mg L-1 CCC however, there was no significant difference between flower diameter of mentioned treatment with immersion method of 1000 mg L-1 CCC and foliar application of 10 mg L-1 UN. Growth retardants increase endogenous cytokinin levels, resulting in increased cell division and improved flower growth and flower diameter. The effect of growth retardant on number of leaves was significant. The highest numbers of leaves were observed in 1000 and 1500 mg L-1 CCC. The effect of growth retardant, the application method and their interaction was significant on chlorophyll and phenol contents. The highest chlorophyll content was observed in immersion application of 10 mg L-1 UN. Growth retardants appear to increase chlorophyll content due to increased cytokines. The results of this study showed an increase in total phenol in plants treated with uniconazole 10 mg L-1. Growth retardants have been reported to increase phenol content by increasing plant resistance to environmental stresses. Catalase enzyme activity was significantly affected by growth retardant. The highest activity of CAT enzyme was related to CCC at 1500 mg L-1. The effect of growth retardant and their interaction was significant on GPX enzyme activity. The highest enzyme activity was obtained in plants sprayed with 1000 mg L-1 CCC. Growth retardants have been reported to increase enzyme activity, causing plant resistance to environmental stresses and delaying lipid peroxidation and membrane degradation.Conclusion Considering that one of the most important goals in the present study was the production of dwarf lilium, it can be said that uniconazole 10 mg L-1 (foliar application and immersion) had a significant effect in controlling stem height compared to other treatments. The effect of this treatment on other traits such as flower diameter, total chlorophyll and total phenol was also significant. The time of budding, leaf number and activity of CAT and GPX enzymes was better in cycocel treatment with a concentration of 1500 mg L-1. Therefore, the use of uniconazole can be recommended for the production of dwarf plants, considering that it works better in two important traits, including controlling stem height and increasing flower diameter. It is also suggested that since the cycocel treatment was effective in increasing enzymatic activity, the effect of this treatment on plant resistance to environmental stresses should be investigated.
Atefeh Safaeifar; Abdolhossein Rezaei Nejad; Sadegh Mousavifard; Faizollah Shahbazi
Abstract
Introduction: Coleus (Coleus blumei Benth.) from Laminaceae family is an herbaceous, fast growing plant with colorful and decorative leaves which is used as an ornamental and pot plants. Producing short and compact potted plants is valuable in floral industry. A chemical procedure has long been ...
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Introduction: Coleus (Coleus blumei Benth.) from Laminaceae family is an herbaceous, fast growing plant with colorful and decorative leaves which is used as an ornamental and pot plants. Producing short and compact potted plants is valuable in floral industry. A chemical procedure has long been used for this purpose. However, chemical procedure is environmentally unsafe, while it is expensive. Therefore, researches are carried out to find cheaper and safer methods. Several researches have been done on height control, such as genetic manipulation, temperature management, light quality manipulation, controlled water deficit and withholding nutrients. Controlled mechanical stresses are included the potential non-chemical methods. In the present research, using a laboratory vibration simulator, the effects of vibration stress with different frequencies and durations had been examined on growth control of coleus.
Material and Methods: The experiment was conducted at the research greenhouse of Lorestan University, Iran in 2017. Uniform rooted cuttings of Coleus were transplanted in plastic pots (15 cm diameter and height) that filled with equal proportion of soil, sand and cow manure. The experimental design was a factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications. After plant establishment, the treatments were applied every morning, with 7.5, 10 and 12.5 Hz frequencies and 0, 5 and 10 min durations, using a laboratory vibration simulator. Treatments application lasted for four weeks and then, plant height, stem diameter, total number of leaves per plant and leaf area, total number and length of side shoots, root volume and length, leaf, stem and root fresh and dry weights, relative water content, electrolyte leakage and the amounts of photosynthetic pigments were assessed.
Results: The results showed that interaction effects of frequency and duration of mechanical stress were significant at the 0.01 level in plant height, the total number and length of side shoots, root volume, leaf, stem and root fresh and dry weights, relative water content, the amounts of photosynthetic pigments, while it was not significant on electrolyte leakage. The main effects of duration of mechanical stress were significant at the 0.01 level in total number of leaves per plant and leaf area. Mean comparisons showed that with increasing frequency and duration of mechanical stress, plant height, total number of leaves per plant and leaf area, the total number and length of side shoots, root volume and length, leaf, stem and root fresh and dry weights and relative water content decreased. The shortest plant height was found in plants that treated with 12.5 frequency for 10 min which was 31% shorter than control plants. The main effects of frequency and duration of mechanical stress were significant at the 0.01 level in stem diameter, while their interaction effect was not significant. Stem diameter reduced with increasing stress duration. The stress effect on stem diameter was similar in 7.5 and 10 Hz frequencies. However, stem diameter was lower in plants treated with 12.5 Hz. Mechanical stress decreased the total number of leaves per plant and leaf area and the effects of 5 and 10 min duration were similar. With increasing frequency and duration of mechanical stress, the amounts of photosynthetic pigments increased; so that, the highest amount of those were found in plants that treated with 12.5 Hz frequency for 10 min.
Discussion: According to the results of the present research, vibration stress could control plant growth in Coleus. Stress treatments with all frequencies and durations, decreased plant height and other growth parameters i.e. the total number of leaves per plant. Leaf area, root length, plant biomass and relative water content were also decreased, while, electrolyte leakage was not significantly affected. At the same time, mechanical stress increased the amounts of photosynthetic pigments. Plants treated with 7.5 Hz frequency for 5 min showed 16% shorter plant height compared with controls, while other plant growth characteristics including stem diameter, leaf area, electrolyte leakage, MDA content and the amounts of photosynthetic pigments were similar to those in control plants. Therefore, this treatment could be recommended as a good vibration treatment for practical use. However, based on the production conditions, other vibration frequencies and durations could be chosen. In total, vibration stress using a vibration simulator could be a proper method for producing short and compact pot plants due to its cheapness and being easy to use and an environmentally friendly method.
peyman jafari; Amirhooshang Jalali
Abstract
Introduction: Spinach (Spinaciaoleracea L.) is considered as a green leaf with fresh and canned consumption, a significant source for vitamin C, vitamin A, carotenoids, flavonoids, folic acid, calcium and magnesium.According to statistics, 4479 hectares of Iran agricultural land were devoted to spinachand ...
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Introduction: Spinach (Spinaciaoleracea L.) is considered as a green leaf with fresh and canned consumption, a significant source for vitamin C, vitamin A, carotenoids, flavonoids, folic acid, calcium and magnesium.According to statistics, 4479 hectares of Iran agricultural land were devoted to spinachand the average yield per hectare is equal to 42.18(FAO, 2014).Different regions of Iran havegenetic diversity of the spinach landraceand cultivation of this plant relieson the use of the landraces.Among the different spinach landraces, a landracescalled seed barbed (Spiny), has a significantimportancebecause of some desirable characteristics.Thisstudy was conductedfor comparison of five spinach landracein Isfahan, showedthat spiny seed Varamin with 47.8 tons per hectare fresh yield allocated the highest yield.The number and size of leaves and side branches are the most important components of plant yield.Due to the fact that about 70 percent of total dietary nitrate intake per person per day will be provided through the leafy vegetables,considering the amount of accumulated nitrate in spinach is very important.To evaluate the yield and yield components of eight Iranian spinachlandrace, and two varieties of leafy American and German experiment was conducted for two years.
Materials and Methods This research was performedfor two years, in Kabootarabad Agricultural Research Station of Isfahan to evaluate the yield and yield components of eight Iranian spinachlandraces(Varamin prickly seed, Sari, Ghaemshahr, Babul, Kashan, Najaf Abad, Varamin 88 andArdestān), and two American and German leafy cultivars. Randomized complete block design with three replications was usedfor each year and the results were reported based on two-year combined data analysis. In full leaf development stage and before the harvest of each plot, 10 plants randomly were selected and measured attributes: number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width and length of the petiole. In order to assess yield, after removing two distance of half a meter from each side, two central rows of plants per plot (surface equivalent to two square meters) were analyzed. Nitrate content of samples wasanalyzed using ion analyzer. Data statistical analysiswas performed using SAS software and means were compared by Duncan’s multiple rangetest at 5% probability level.
Result and DiscussionsYield, leaf length, petiole length and height (at 1% statistical probability level) and number of leaves and nitrate content (at 5% statistical probability level) were statistically significant. Spiny seed Varamin with 53.49 t ha-1 fresh yield, produced to the highest yield. In other research according to the environmental conditions and variety, spinach fresh yield have been reported from 18.6 to 44.8 t ha-1. It looks different mass spinach; produce the highest yield in specific geographic environments. In a similar study that was conducted underIsfahan weather conditions, spiny seed Varaminlandraceproduced 47 830 kg ha-1 fresh yield. Range in plant height was from 24 cm to 30.33 cm in Najaf Abad, and Sari landraces, respectively. When spinach was encountered with optimal climate conditions, achieved the maximum height that led toa positive impact on fresh yield. Ardestānlandrace produced the lowest number of leaves (10.67)among the landraces/varieties had been studied. In a similar study of 29 spinach genotypes the leaf number were varied from 12 to 23. Petiole length range between varieties/landraces was from 9.84 to 18.33 cm. Although the petiole length, is a desired trait for mechanized harvesting, but in case of improper management of nitrogen fertilizer can be considered as an undesirable trait. Leafy Varaminlandracewith 231 and 462 ppm nitrate in blade and petiole, respectively, had the lowest and German cultivar with 583 and 1182 ppm nitrate in blade and petiole, respectively, had the highest nitrate accumulation. Despite the differences between the varieties/landraces,the contentof nitrate in petioles was greater than the leaf blade (about 1.6 times) in spinach. Higher concentrations of petiole nitrate compared to the blade considered in many research, and in caseof poor management fornitrogen fertilizers, it may increase up to6 times. In any case, leafy cultivars such as German have been modified for mechanized cultivation and have long petiole with nitrate content. That's why their petioles are separated in the industrialprocessing. It is better fresh petioles of spinach isolated or sufficiently boiled to reduce nitrate levels. According to the results obtained in this study among the examined populations of spiny seed Varaminlandraces, leafy Varamin, Najaf Abad, and Sari can produce yields similar toGerman variety and so are suitable for the production of spinach in Isfahan province.
peyman jafari; Amirhooshang Jalali
Abstract
Introduction: The fresh, steamed and boiled spinach were used because of antioxidant compounds that have great biological value. This plant is usually rich in nitrates that can play an important role in reducing heart attacks. Each year, more than 30% of the area under cultivation leafy vegetables in ...
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Introduction: The fresh, steamed and boiled spinach were used because of antioxidant compounds that have great biological value. This plant is usually rich in nitrates that can play an important role in reducing heart attacks. Each year, more than 30% of the area under cultivation leafy vegetables in Iran, was allocated to spinach. Spinach growing in both spring and autumn or summer, has poor quality due to stem production. Higher spinach yield have been reported in autumn cultivation (compared to spring or winter planting). The nitrogen-rich lands, little light condition, excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers and plants during the growing season short cause some plants like spinach, are faced with the problem of nitrate accumulation. The accumulation of nitrate in vegetables will be different depending on the species and genetic differences.
Materials and Methods: This research was conducted for two years in Kabootarabad Agricultural Research Station of Isfahan in order to determine the most suitable planting prickly seed spinach. Each year, of experiment was based on randomized complete block design with four replications and the results were reported based on two-year combined data analysis. Five planting dates at intervals of 15 days from the beginning of September had been adjusted. Prickly seed spinach was prepared from Seed and Plant Improvement Institute. In full leaf development stage and before the harvest of each plot, 10 plants randomly were selected and measured attributes including number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width and length of the petiole. In order to assess yield, two central rows of plants per plot (surface equivalent to two square meters) were analyzed after removing two distance of half a meter from each side. Nitrate samples were analyzed using ion analyzer. Statistical analyses of the data, correlated traits were performed using SAS software and comparisons of means using LSD at 5%.
Result and discussion: According to the results, year had no significant effect on traits. 5 September sowing date, GDD=571 was diagnosed as the best spinach planting date yielding 43 tons per hectare. Delayed planting date of 5 September to 22 October showed significant yield reduction and the amount of nitrate accumulation in plants also increased linearly. Number of leaves can be changed as one of the main factors influencing the performance of spinach according to cultivar and environmental conditions and in some studies they were ranged from 12 to 23. Amounts of nitrate accumulation in spinach were 2675, 2898, 3189 and 3571 ppm of fresh weight in different planting date of 5 September (571 GDD), 22 September (354 GDD), 6 October (193 GDD) and 22 October (84 GDD), respectively. The different sowing date, petiole nitrate accumulation varied from 3513 to 4680 ppm. Nitrate accumulation was ranged from 2135 to 3125 ppm wet weight in leaf blade. Different planting dates can influence on the length of day and intensity of light and thus can affect the amount of nitrate in plant. After planting date of August 22, temperature and radiation also reduced, and therefore it is natural that reduce the activity of the enzyme nitrate reductase and be more prepared conditions for nitrate accumulation. According to the World Health Organization, the uptake of nitrate and nitrite per kg of body weight daily allowance, equal to 0.06 and 0- 7.3 mg has been reported. The quality of light received by the plant also had an effect on nitrate accumulation, and red light compared to blue light has a greater role in stimulating the enzyme nitrate reductase activity and thus is more effective in reducing nitrate accumulation.
Conclusion: Climatic conditions affect the quantity and quality of vegetative organs. The results of this study showed that unsuitable spinach planting date will reduce not only yield, but also increases the concentration of nitrate (over 2500 ppm of fresh weight) and it may causes risks for consumers.
Nahid Amoli; amirhooshang jalali; peyman Jafari
Abstract
Introduction: Basil(Ocimumbasilicum L.)is a diploid plant with48chromosomes. Basil isthe aromatic annual herbofthe Lamiaceae familyofleafy vegetablesandhas mentionedand originated inIndiaandIran. Basilhasiron, calcium, magnesium, potassiumandvitamins Aand B. More than 60 varietiesof basilhave been identifiedthathavegreenleavesandredto ...
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Introduction: Basil(Ocimumbasilicum L.)is a diploid plant with48chromosomes. Basil isthe aromatic annual herbofthe Lamiaceae familyofleafy vegetablesandhas mentionedand originated inIndiaandIran. Basilhasiron, calcium, magnesium, potassiumandvitamins Aand B. More than 60 varietiesof basilhave been identifiedthathavegreenleavesandredto purple.The performance of15varietiesof basilin Mazandaran province were studied, genotypescollected fromSari(darkgreen) withthe23.63 tha-1(fresh weight) had thehighestyield. In comparison, 38the massbasil, withtwocultivars(Opal andKashkanyLulu), localpopulationsofmanyof the traits(e.g.,length and width ofleavesandfresh and dry weight) showed superiority than cultivars. Incomparing the performance of38varietiesof basilinItaly, drymatter yieldper hectarerangedfrom1812 to6165kg ha-1thatthis wasmore attributestobegenetic aspects. Landraces ofbasilhavevaluabletraitssuch asdrought resistance, saltresistance, resistancetodisease, resistancetocoldandheat. In order to achieveoptimalpopulationpurple basil with high-performance inIsfahan andMazandaran, the present studywas conducted usingsomeof the populationinthese two provinces.
Materials and Methods: The number of populations of purple basil wasstudied toselect superior genotypes according to the yield and adaptation to climatic conditions in two provinces at Agricultural Research Station Gharahil of Mazandaran and Kabootarabad of Isfahan. The experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with three replications with seeds collected from two areas of the province (a total of 12 varieties of basil) during one year. Land preparationwas consisted ofplowanddiscperpendicular to each other(for crushinghunk) and thenlevelingandplotsofland. Inprovinces, nitrogen, phosphorusandpotassiumfertilizerwas used based on soiltest.In this experiment,harvest time was4st. for every two region. Duringthe growing seasonweed controlwascarried outmechanically.
Result and Discussions: In both areas, the yield and plant height (at 5% statistical probability level) and the number of leaves per plant (at 1% statistical probability level) were statisticallysignificant. In Isfahan area, Ghaemshahr red basil mass yield was 17.1 t ha-1, but the yield of this mass were not significantly different with Farah Abad, Bahnamiri, Dastgerd, Mobarake, Ardestan and Dorche. The yield of Mazandaran 1,Mazandaran 2 and Najaf Abad masses were 11.61, 11.02, and 11.10, respectively, that had the lowest performance among the masses. In Mazandaran region, in most cases, the yields of all 12 purple basil mass were twotimes or more than doubles in the Isfahan region. The yield of Mazandaran 2 mass was the lowest in Isfahan region, but had high performance (29.6 t ha-1) in Mazandaran region. In both regions, Ghaemshahr, Neka, Behshahr, Mobarakeh and Ardestān purple basil masses had the highest yield. In Isfahan, plant height rangedfrom19.67(Ardestan) to28.00cm, while thisrange in Mazandaran region was 29.7to41.7cm. In a studyin Turkey,a highest height for purple basil without water limitation was38.6cm. Basil plant height has a positive and significant correlation with performance and in addition to genetic factors, environmental characteristics, in particular the amount of moisture available to plants can also have a significant impact on plant height. Among all12 genotypes tested, the number of leaves were 53 (Dastgerd) to 73.7 (Behshahr), and the number of leaves rangedfrom 48.3 (Behshahr) to 78.3 (Mazandaran 1)in Mazandaran. Usually the soil areas withhigh fluctuations in moisture and air (comparison Isfahan with Mazandaran), leaves hada smaller number and leaf area. The number of branches of genotypes was from 12.6 to 16.3in Isfahan region and in the Mazandaran region was from 6.3 to 9.3. Reduce the number of branches in Mazandaran (1.5 to 2 times less) related to radiation exposure in the area and its difference with radiation in Isfahan.Usually the weather of Isfahanis sunnyanddirect sunlightwhereas the weather of Mazandaran region iscloudy. In both regions, the greatest contribution performance harvest was in second and third harvest, respectively (although yields were higherin Mazandaran region). The lower yield at first harvest can attributed with opportunity when it is necessary for plant establishment. The fourth harvest yield loss can be two reasons, one terminate of plant growth and aging, and other high temperature at this time. Although basil is a plant that originated from warm zones, but increased plant maintenance respiration can occur at high temperatures is an issue that should be considered.
roozbeh farhoudi
Abstract
Introduction: Iran’s climate is mostly arid and semi-arid, where water availability is a major problem. Water stress substantially alters plant metabolism, decreasing plant growth and photosynthesis and profoundly affecting ecosystems and agriculture, as well as human societies. Unfortunately, water ...
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Introduction: Iran’s climate is mostly arid and semi-arid, where water availability is a major problem. Water stress substantially alters plant metabolism, decreasing plant growth and photosynthesis and profoundly affecting ecosystems and agriculture, as well as human societies. Unfortunately, water deficiency is increasingly becoming a serious problem in agriculture in Iran whereas the national average annual precipitation is less than 249 mm. Recently, medicinal and aromatic plants have received much attention in several fields such as agroalimentary, perfumes, pharmaceutical industries and natural cosmetic products. Although, secondary metabolites in the medicinal and aromatic plants impressed conventionally by their genetic makeup; moreover their biosynthesis is strongly influenced by environmental factors. It means biotic and abiotic environmental factors affect growth parameter, essential oil yield and constituents. Abiotic environmental stresses like drought have the most effect on medicinal plants. In arid and semi-arid regions like south of Iran where water availability is a major limitation, using plants with low water consumption is one way to manage available water efficiently. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and chicory (Cichorium intybus) are annual plants belonging to Asteraceae family naturally widespread in west, northwest and south of Iran and their consumption has a long history in Iranian folklore medicine. Over 120 components have been identified in these plants essential oil, while, chamazulene, camphor, bisabolol oxides A and B, farnesene and ά- bisabolonoxide are the most important ones.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Research Farm of Islamic Azad University, Shoshtar Branch, Iran during 2010-2011 in order to evaluate the effects of water stress levels on growth, photosynthesis and essential oil yield of German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) and chicory (Cichorium intybus). Two water stress levels viz. medium at 75% field capacity (FC) (I 75) and sever at 55% FC (I 55) were included in the study, while 90% FC (I 90) was taken as control. The experiment was laid out based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Net plot size was 2 m × 2 m having plants density of 120 chamomile m-2 and 100 chicory m-2. Sowing was done manually on well prepared seedbed in November 2010 and plants were harvested in June 2011. Irrigation treatments were started three weeks after seed sown when seedling started their growth and development. Chamomile and chicory essential oil percentage, essential oil yield, dry weight, photosynthesis and chlorophyll content were assayed in this research.
Results and Discussion: Results showed that drought stress had significant effect on photosynthesis, chlorophyll a concentration, plant height and dry matter yield of chamomile and chicory. The Lowest flowers dry yield of chamomile and leaf dry weight of chicory obtained from severe drought stress level (47 and 195 gr m-2). The highest essential oil yield of chamomile (56.6 g m-2) and chicory (226.9 gr m-2) showed in mild drought stress treatment. Results indicated that medium drought stress increased seconds’ metabolites concentration and essential oil yield of chamomile and chicory. Important second compound in chamomile and chicory essential oil were camphor, α-pinene, β-pinene, ά-bisabolol and chamazulene. Drought stress decreased photosynthesis rate and minimum photosynthesis rate in chamomile and chicory were 9.0 mgl CO2 m-2 s-3 and 12.0 mgl CO2 m-2 s-3 under severe drought stress treatment. In chamomile the lowest chlorophyll a content showed in mild and severe drought stress treatments (1.1 and 1.2 mg g-1). Minimum chlorophyll a and b content of chicory obtained from severe drought stress treatment (0.7 and 1.02 mg g-1 respectively).Results of the study clearly elaborate that severe drought stress hampered the growth, photosynthetic rate and lowered the oil yield of chamomile, whereas medium drought stress (irrigation at 75% of FC level) improved the growth and oil productivity even more than well watered conditions. Although, severe water stress observed sizeable rise in essential oil contents but due to drastic reduction in flower or leaf dry weight, severe drought stress exhibited lowest oil yield in chamomile and chicory.
Conclusion: The results of the study clearly elaborated that medium drought stress (irrigation at 75% of FC) enhanced the essential oil productivity, while severe water stress (55% FC) decreased chamomile and chicory growth, photosynthesis rate and essential oil yield. Moreover, under drought stress quantity of chamomile and chicory oil was improved. Therefore, chamomile and chicory should be irrigated at 75% FC level to attain higher essential oil yield.
A. Nezami; Seyed Mmohammad javad Mousavi; S. Nezami; E. Izadi Darbandi; M. Yousef Sani; fatemeh keykha akhar
Abstract
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is relatively cold tolerant plant, but in some years plant seriously injured due to harsh winter. In order to evaluate freezing tolerance of calendula an experiment was carried out at college of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhadin a factorial-completely randomized ...
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Calendula (Calendula officinalis) is relatively cold tolerant plant, but in some years plant seriously injured due to harsh winter. In order to evaluate freezing tolerance of calendula an experiment was carried out at college of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhadin a factorial-completely randomized design with three replications and plants of two sowing dates (summer and autumn) were exposed to12 temperatures (0, -2, -4, -6, -8, -10, -12, 14- ,16-, -18, -20 and -22oC). Seeds of calendula plants were sown in summer (summer plant) and autumn (autumn plant) in the bed and in six to eight-leaf stages were transplanted to the pots. After the cold acclimation in natural condition, freezing stress was applied with using a thermo gradient freezer. To employ stability of cytoplasmic membrane, percentage of electrolyte leakage (EL%) was measured after freezing. Also survival percentage (Su%) and regrowth of calendula plants determined after three weeks recovery. Leaves EL% in autumn plants was significantly more than summer plants and autumn plants have higher Su%, but plant height, number of lateral branches, numbers of reproductive traits, total dry matter, vegetative and reproductive dry matter in summer plants were more than autumn plants. However, there were no difference between calendula plants for LT50el in both autumn and summer plants, but there was significant difference between them for LT50su and total dry matter, and LT50su and reduced dry matter temperature50 (RDMT50)for summer plants were -18.6 oC and -11.3 oC and for autumn plants were -19.4 oC and -13.7 oC, respectively.
D. Ashoori; S.A. Noorhosseini; M.N. Safarzadeh
Abstract
To study the effect of plant density and planting pattern on Iranian ox-tongue, an experiment carried out with two factors: planting pattern (square and rectangular pattern) and plant density (2, 4, 6, 8 plant m-2) in a factorial test performed based on RCBD in 3 replications during 2009-2010 in Latmahalleh ...
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To study the effect of plant density and planting pattern on Iranian ox-tongue, an experiment carried out with two factors: planting pattern (square and rectangular pattern) and plant density (2, 4, 6, 8 plant m-2) in a factorial test performed based on RCBD in 3 replications during 2009-2010 in Latmahalleh Eshkevarat village in Guilan province, Iran. Characteristics that measured included: dry flowers yield, plant dry-weight, number of inflorescence per plant, number of flower per inflorescence, plant height and flower length. The results indicated that effect of plant density on dry flowers yield, plant dry weight, number of inflorescence per plant, number of flower per inflorescence and flower length (P
