Pomology
Soraya Karami; Sakine Faraji
Abstract
IntroductionMineral nutrients (macro and micro) and polyphenolic compounds are natural components of many fruits and play an important role in maintaining the quality and nutritional value of the fruit. Therefore, optimal management of plant nutrition in order to increase the quantity and quality of ...
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IntroductionMineral nutrients (macro and micro) and polyphenolic compounds are natural components of many fruits and play an important role in maintaining the quality and nutritional value of the fruit. Therefore, optimal management of plant nutrition in order to increase the quantity and quality of the product and improve the synthesis of secondary metabolites, especially during fruit growth, is necessary and unavoidable. Nevertheless, in the last decade, the occurrence of pomegranate aril paleness has been reported as a new and pervasive factor in reducing the quality of pomegranate fruit in many countries, including Iran. Therefore, the present research was conducted with the aim of comparing mineral (concentration of iron, zinc and calcium) and biochemical (anthocyanin content) in pomegranates affected by aril paleness and healthy pomegranates of "Malas Saveh" cultivar (year 2022) and then investigating the effect of foliar application of the mineral elements mentioned on the incidence and severity of the aril paleness complication (year 2023). Materials and MethodsThis study was carried out during two years (2022 and 2023) and two independent trials. First, based on the introduced factors affecting the occurrence of pomegranate paleness (temperature, irrigation water and soil salinity), two orchards with medium and high percentage of pomegranate aril paleness (orchard number 9 and 17, respectively) were selected based on the results of Faraji & Karami (2024a). The first trial in 2022 (orchard No. 9): At harvest and after splitting fruits, twenty healthy fruits and affected fruits by the aril paleness disorder were randomly selected and were used for determination of mineral nutrient (Fe, Zn and Ca) and anthocyanin content in the laboratory. The second trial in 2023 (orchard No. 17): In the first phase, 70 trees were selected and labeled, then at the end of September (2022), percent and severity aril paleness of each tree was calculated. In the second phase (2023), based on the results of the first year, 54 trees as experimental unit (with aril paleness percentage>85 and paleness severity of high/very high) were selected from previous trees. Afterwards, a factorial experiment (3×3×2) in a randomized complete block design with three replications and two stages (the beginning of fruit set and the beginning of fruit ripening) were implemented. Experimental treatments included foliar spraying with three concentrations of iron sulfate (0, 2 and 4 per thousand respectively F0, F2 and F4), three concentrations of zinc sulfate (0, 3 and 6 per thousand respectively Zn0, Zn3 and Zn6) and two concentrations of calcium chloride (0 and 4 per thousand respectively Ca0 and Ca4). Then at harvest, the percentage and severity of aril paleness each treatment was calculated. Results and DiscussionData analysis using the independent t-test(α=0.05, df=38) for the first trial (2022) showed that, the nutritional value of the affected fruit by aril paleness is anticipated to be far less than that of the healthy fruit; so that except for the Zn concentration, the concentration of Fe, Ca and anthocyanin content in affected fruits were lower than in healthy fruits. Besides, the results of variance analysis for the second trial (2023) showed that foliar spraying with iron sulfate, zinc sulfate and calcium chloride individually or in combination was effective in reducing the occurrence and severity of aril paleness. Comparison the means percentage of aril paleness between the two groups (before and after foliar spraying regardless of the type of treatment combination) based on the dependent t-test (α=0.05, df=16) also showed that foliar spraying was effective in reducing the percentage of aril paleness. On the other hand, the effect of the participation of calcium element in reducing the incidence and severity of aril paleness was significant. In the absence of calcium element, the incidence of paleness was recorded in the range of 60.17-75.00%, and with the inclusion of calcium in the treatment compounds, the percentage of paleness was recorded in the range of 21.83-0.53%. Also, the mean comparison of the double interaction and main effects of elements indicated the synergistic effect of calcium element with Fe and Zn element in reducing the aril paleness disorder. So that, the combination of Fe-Ca and Zn-Ca has been more successful in reducing the aril paleness disorder than the pure application of each element of iron, zinc and calcium.ConclusionOverall, the simultaneous application of Zn-Fe in combination with Ca was more effective in reducing of the mentioned traits than other treatments. Therefore, in order to simultaneously reduce the occurrence and severity of aril paleness, spraying with Fe4Zn6Ca4 and Fe4Zn3Ca4 is recommended in two stages of pomegranate fruit development, including the beginning of fruit set and the beginning of fruit ripening.
Postharvest physiology
mina bahrami; Mehdi Jahani; mohmmad Hossein Aminifard
Abstract
IntroductionLong term storage of pomegranate fruit is compromised bypathogens that cause postharvest rots and decay. Pomegranatesare predisposed to attack from various pathogens at pre- and/orpostharvest stage, which has a significant impact on fruit qual-ity and storage life. These pathogens often cause ...
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IntroductionLong term storage of pomegranate fruit is compromised bypathogens that cause postharvest rots and decay. Pomegranatesare predisposed to attack from various pathogens at pre- and/orpostharvest stage, which has a significant impact on fruit qual-ity and storage life. These pathogens often cause damage to thetissues, thereby making the fruit unsaleable. A significant portionof pomegranate pre- and postharvest losses is attributed to dis-eases associated with various bacterial and fungal species. The use of plant essential oils is considered as a new idea in reducing post-harvest waste and increasing the storage life of horticultural products and controlling fungal contamination in developed agriculture. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the antifungal effect of some herbal essential oils in different concentrations on pomegranate fruit to prevent the growth of Penicillium fungus in vitro and in vivo.Materials and Methods In order to investigate the effect of the essential oils of some medicinal plants on the fungus Penicillium sp. in pomegranate fruit in In vivo and In vitro conditions, a factorial experiment was conducted in the form of a completely randomized design with three replications at the Faculty of Agriculture of Birjand University in 2022. The first factor included the type of essential oil: Ginger, Zenian, Tarragon and Cardamom essential oils, and the second factor included the concentration of essential oil at five levels (0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 microliters/liter). The index measured in in vitro conditions was the radial growth of the fungus. The indicators measured in vivo conditions include appearance of the fruit, TSS, pH, total acidity (meq/g), total phenol (mg galic acid/100 f FW), antioxidant (%), antocyanin (mg/g) and tissue firmness. Finally, the experimental data were statistically analyzed using SAS program and comparison of means was performed by LSD test at 5% probability level.Results and Discussion The results showed that the increase in the concentration of essential oils also increases their antifungal activity, so that the highest inhibition rate was observed in Ginger essential oil and the lowest in Cardamom essential oil on the growth of the fungus colony. The most inhibitory effect of fungi included the essential oil of Ginger, Zenian, Tarragon and Cardamom, respectively. Also, lack of growth in essential oil of Ginger was observed in all samplings. The above results showed that the essential oils were able to stop the growth of the fungus colony and show a favorable inhibitory effect. In In vivo conditions, the best fruit appearance was obtained in pomegranates impregnated with Zenian and Ginger essential oils, and the least was observed in Cardamom essential oil. Ginger essential oil had the highest amount of soluble solids. The highest pH value of fruit juice was obtained from Ginger essential oil and the lowest pH value was obtained from Tarragon and Cardamom essential oils. The fruits treated with Tarragon essential oil had the highest total acidity. The fruits treated with Ginger essential oil had the highest amount of total phenol. The statistical comparison of the averages showed that the highest percentage of antioxidants was observed in the Ginger essential oil treatment and the lowest antioxidant percentage was found in the Tarragon essential oil treatment. The results showed that the infected fruits treated with Zenian essential oil with a concentration of 800 microliters/liter had the highest antioxidant. The results of the comparison of the averages related to the effect of the type of essential oil show that Cardamom and Ginger essential oils had the highest and lowest anthocyanin content, respectively. In this experiment, Ginger essential oil had the highest hardness of the fruit texture and the lowest index was obtained from the essential oil of Zenian.ConclusionsIn general, the results of this research showed that essential oils have antifungal properties in the control of fungal disease after harvest; In-vitro tests showed that Cardamom essential oil had a very low fungicidal effect and in the control of Penicillium sp. Ginger essential oil had the most fungicidal effect. Antifungal properties increased with increasing the concentration of essential oil, but the antifungal property of Ginger essential oil was 100% in 400-800 concentrations used. In natural conditions, Ginger and Zenian essential oil has good antifungal activity against Penicillium sp. Considering the biodegradability and low toxicity of plant essential oils, the use of Ginger and Zenian essential oil is recommended to increase the shelf life of food products and can be used as disease controllers in agriculture.
Growing vegetables
Parastoo Molaei; Fatemeh Nekounam; Mohammad BabaAkbari Sari
Abstract
Introduction Over time, water deficit and environmental pollution by traditional agriculture that forces the producer to contribute to competitive and sustainable agriculture. Leafy vegetables are beneficial to human health, therefore, to adapt an eco-friendly approach in some vegetables, the partial ...
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Introduction Over time, water deficit and environmental pollution by traditional agriculture that forces the producer to contribute to competitive and sustainable agriculture. Leafy vegetables are beneficial to human health, therefore, to adapt an eco-friendly approach in some vegetables, the partial substitution (25–50%) of mineral NPK by biofertilizers in lettuce improves the yield and agronomic features and produces healthy plants for human nutrition as well. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) from Asteraceae family is considered as one of the most popular salad vegetables as a cool season crop. PGPB (Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria) are rhizosphere bacteria that improve plant growth through a broad range of processes, i.e., phosphate solubilization, biological nitrogen fixation, siderophore manufacturing, phytohormone manufacturing, antifungal activity, systemic resistance induction and plant-microbe symbiosis promotion. The promoting of growth and yield of horticultural crops such as cucumber, potato, tomato and spinach by plant growth promoting bacteria inoculation at nutrient solutions under soilless systems have also been reported. Material and Methods In order to study the effect of growth-promoting bacteria on the yield, iron concentration and phenolic compounds of lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. New Red Fire) under floating systems, the experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications in the Research greenhouse of University of Zanjan, during 2020. Experiment treatments consisted of five levels of PGPB (Pseudomonas vancouverensis, Pseudomonas koreensis, Pantoea agglomerans, Pseudomonas putida, and one level of combined bacteria (Pantoea agglomerans+ Pseudomonas koreensis + Pseudomonas putida+ Pseudomonas vancouverensis)) and control plant (without bacteria treated). Application of bacteria was done in two stages, one step before cultivation as seed inoculation and the next step as root inoculation. Lettuce plants grown in hydroculture condition with Hoagland nutrient solution. Growth conditions were environmentally controlled at a relative humidity of 60/70 % day/night and temperature was maintained between 20 and 17 °C. At 40 days after transplanting date, the lettuce head were harvested. The freshly harvested lettuce head were immediately weighed separately of each plant for fresh weight determination. Leaf samples were dried at 72 °C for 48 h in a drying oven and kept for further investigations. Also, leaf number per plant, chlorophyll and carotenoids contents, Fe concentration, total phenol, total flavonoids and anthocyanin contents were measured. ResultsThe obtained results in the current study indicated that the application of PGPB on lettuce caused significant increase in growth, photosynthetic pigments and iron concentration. The maximum growth rate and photosynthetic pigments content was observed in combined four bacteria treatment, so that, an increase of 388.2% chlorophyll a, 439.8% chlorophyll b, 398.3% total chlorophyll, 246.3% carotenoids contents, 42.6% plant fresh weight and 22.2% number of leaves was obtained compared to control plants. Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) can enhance growth and development of plants. PGPB have direct and indirect influences on plant growth process. The immediate promotion of growth involves either supplying the plant with a compound produced by the bacteria, i.e., phytohormones, or promoting certain nutrient uptake from the setting. Whereas, the indirect plant growth promotion happens when PGPB decreases or prevents the deleterious impacts of one or more phytopathogenic species. Plants inoculated with PGPB showed higher leaf iron concentration compared to control plant. Thus inoculation with combined four bacteria induced a 26.2 % increase of lettuce leaves iron concentration. The obtained results in the current study revealed that the inoculation with PGPB significant decreased the total phenol, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents. The maximum content of phenol (483 µg g-1FW), flavonoid (188.1 µg g-1FW) and anthocyanin (27.5 µmol g-1FW) were observed in control plants compared to treated plants. Conclusion According to the results of this research, the use of PGPB in the hydroculture system, on the one hand, led to a significant increase in iron absorption, the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, and subsequently promote growth and increases lettuce yield. On the other hand, due to facilitating the growth conditions and increasing the absorption of nutrients for the host plants as a result of inoculation with PGPB, led to a decreases of phenolic compounds including total phenol, total flavonoid and anthocyanin contents.
Growing vegetables
Parastoo Molaei; Fatemeh Nekounam
Abstract
IntroductionLettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) from the Asteraceae family is one of the most important vegetables due to its rapid growth and commercial value. Currently, the market share of organic vegetables is constantly increasing due to customer demand for safer and healthier food. Excessive use of pesticides ...
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IntroductionLettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) from the Asteraceae family is one of the most important vegetables due to its rapid growth and commercial value. Currently, the market share of organic vegetables is constantly increasing due to customer demand for safer and healthier food. Excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers threatens the environment and leads to the production of unsafe food products. Therefore, it is important to find alternatives instead of using pesticides chemical methods to manage powdery mildew. Generally, biotic and abiotic stresses are among the factors that have a destructive effect on growth and development, performance, and production of plant biomass. Fungicides can be the most effective method of controlling the powdery mildew disease, but this pathogen can develop resistance to fungicides. Rhizosphere bacteria are among the living agents that, by producing some allelochemicals, cause the dissolution of soil nutrients, increase the availability of nutrients, and induce plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In addition, they enhance host plant growth through an indirect mechanism, including the inhibition of disease-causing pathogens by releasing some allelochemical substances. The biological control of powdery mildew disease with the use of rhizospheric bacteria in lettuce and zucchini has been reported. Material and MethodsTo evaluate the biological control of powdery mildew fungus with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and effects on yield and quality of New Red Fire greenhouse lettuce, an experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications in the Research greenhouse of University of Zanjan during 2020. Experiment treatments consisted of five levels of PGPR (Pseudomonas vancouverensis- VPM, Pseudomonas Koreensis- KPM, Pantoea agglomerans- PAPM, Pseudomonas putida- PPM, and one level of combined bacteria (Pantoea agglomerans+ Pseudomonas Koreensis+ Pseudomonas putida+ Pseudomonas vancouverensis- MBPM, one level of chemical fertilizer 100% N, P and, K according to soil test results- NPK, and two control treatment without powdery mildew condition (C) and under powdery mildew conditions (CPM).The “New Red Fire” lettuce seeds were surface sterilized with 0.5% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite for 10 min and germinated at 20ºC. After germination, seedlings with similar size were transplanted into pots. Plants were grown under greenhouse condition with 60/70 % (day/night) relative humidity, 15/18 °C (day/night) temperature. Inoculation of pathogenic fungi was done 40 days after seed germination. Plants were harvested after 75 days. The chlorosis and necrosis spots number on each plant, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, leaf number, total chlorophyll, total phenol and flavonoids contents, antioxidant activity, anthocyanin content, and catalase and peroxidase enzyme activity were measured. ResultsThe results showed that the application of potassium and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and NPK fertilizer significantly increased plant growth compared to control plants under the stress of powdery mildew fungus. The highest plant fresh weight, percentage of plant dry weight, and leaf number were obtained with the application of combined potassium and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria treatment and 100% N fertilizer under the biostress. The maximum total chlorophyll was obtained with the application of Pseudomonas koreensis and Pantoea agglomerans bacteria. 100% reduction of necrosis spots was obtained by using the Pantoea agglomerans bacteria. The maximum of chlorosis spots (increase of 55.8%) and necrosis spots (an increase of 88.8%), total phenol (an increase of 52%), total flavonoids (an increase of 39.3%), catalase (an increase of 28.4%) and peroxidase enzymes activity (49.1%) were obtained with application of NPK fertilizer. No significant effect on antioxidant activity was observed with the application of chemical fertilizer and rhizosphere bacteria under the Biostress. The maximum anthocyanin contents were obtained with the application of Pseudomonas koreensis. ConclusionAccording to the results, the application of NPK chemical fertilizer and seed pretreatment of lettuce with PGPR increased the value of antioxidant compounds including total phenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents and catalase and peroxidase enzymes activity under powdery mildew conditions. Inoculation of lettuce seeds with PGPR, in addition to improve plant growth under biological stress conditions, increased anthocyanin contents and induced the resistance of lettuce plants to powdery mildew. Seed pretreatment with PGPR reduced chlorosis and necrosis spots in leaves. Therefore, pretreatment of lettuce seeds with PGPR instead of chemical compounds (fertilizers, pesticides and plant growth regulators) is recommended to improve the yield and quality of lettuce under powdery mildew conditions.
Growing vegetables
Parastoo Molaei; Taher Barzegar; Mohammad BabaAkbari Sari; Fatemeh Nekounam; Zahra Ghahremani
Abstract
Introduction
Excessive use of chemical fertilizers threatens the environment and leads to production of unsafe food products. Currently, the market share of organic vegetables is constantly increasing due to customer demand for safer and healthier food. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternatives ...
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Introduction
Excessive use of chemical fertilizers threatens the environment and leads to production of unsafe food products. Currently, the market share of organic vegetables is constantly increasing due to customer demand for safer and healthier food. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternatives instead of using chemical fertilizers in plant production.
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), belongs to Asteraceae family is considered as one of the most popular salad vegetables as a cool season crop. It is also one of the most important vegetables due to its rapid growth and commercial value. Plant growth promoting bacteria promote plant growth directly by facilitating nutrient uptake through fixing nitrogen, solubiliszation of phosphorus, production of hormones and iron uptake. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi establish symbioses with plant roots which help to improve nutrient uptake by the host plant and alter its physiology to withstand external abiotic factors and pathogens. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi interactions with bacteria have been reported to enhance plant growth through phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, increased AMF spore germination and colonization of plant roots. The potential of co-inoculation of these two organisms in promoting the growth of horticultural crops like tomato, strawberry, lettuce and spinach have also been reported.
Materials and Methods
In order to compare the effect of growth-promoting bacteria, mycorrhiza fungi and chemical fertilizers on morphological and physiological properties of lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. New Red Fire), the experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications. Experiment treatments consisted of 14 treatments including three levels of potassium solubilizing bacteria (Pseudomonas vancouverensis, Pseudomonas koreensis, Pseudomonas vancouverensis + Pseudomonas koreensis) + 100% N and P, three levels of phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (Pantoea agglomerans, Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas putida + Pantoea agglomerans) + 100% N and K, and one level of potassium and phosphorus solubilizing combined bacteria (Pantoea agglomerans+ Pseudomonas koreensis+ Pseudomonas putida+ Pseudomonas vancouverensis) + 100% N, mycorrhiza fungi combination of three Glomus species (G. mosseae, G. etunicatum and G. intraradices) + 100% N and K and five chemical fertilizer levels (N100P100K100, N100P100K0, N100P0K100, N100P25K100 and N100P100K25) according to soil test results, and control treatment without bio-mineral fertilizers.
The “New Red Fire” lettuce seeds were surface sterilized with 0.5% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite for 10 min, and germinated at 20ºC. After germination, seedlings of similar size were transplanted singly into pots containing agricultural soil. Plants were grown under greenhouse condition of 60/70% (day/night) relative humidity, 15/18 °C (day/night) temperature. After a growth period of 75 days, plants were removed from the pots. The root system was separated from the shoot and washed to remove adhered soil. Root and shoot fresh weight, chlorophyll, vitamin C, anthocyanin, TA, TSS and nitrate contents were measured.
Results
The results showed that application of potassium and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and mycorrhiza fungi significantly increased plant growth compared to control plant. The highest fresh shoot weight (increase of 42.3%) and crown diameter (increase of 14.4%) was obtained with application of combined potassium and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria treatment + 100% N fertilizer compared to control plants. Application of Pseudomonas koreensis + 100% N and P resulted in the maximum content of anthocyanin (increase of 62.2%) and total soluble solids (increase of 82.5%) compared to control plants. Ascorbic acid, a well-known antioxidant and organic compound, is an essential vitamin can be obtained from fruits and vegetables. The highest vitamin C content (32.3 mg 100 mL-1) was observed at plant treated with N100P100K100 fertilizer. The maximum titratable acidity content was obtained with application of Pseudomonas vancouverensis + 100% N and P, and combined potassium and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria treatment +100% N fertilizer. The nitrate content is an important quality index of leafy vegetables; low nitrate content is associated with enhanced quality. Application of chemical fertilizers significantly increased nitrate accumulation compared to biofertilizers and control plants, so that the minimum nitrate accumulation content was observed in control plant and combined potassium and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria treatment + 100% N fertilizer (21.14 µg g-1FW), respectively.
Conclusion
With continuous development of economy and society, people pay an increasing attention to the quality of fruits and vegetables. Improving the crop yield means that attention must also be given to improving vegetables quality, resulting in chemical fertilizer nutrition problem. To conclude, our study suggested that after the control treatment (without using any chemical fertilizers), which had the lowest accumulation of nitrate, application of growth-promoting bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi in combination with nitrogen fertilizer caused lower nitrate accumulation than chemical fertilizers treatments. So, the use of combined and pure bacteria treatments and mycorrhizal fungus treatment can be used to improve the growth, quality and antioxidant properties and increase the concentration of nutrients and also reducing nitrate accumulation in lettuce.
Medicinal Plants
Ahmad Balandary; Majid Azizi; Mahsa Khodabandeh
Abstract
Introduction
Barberries are small fruits with appealing colors and tastes, and have a great diversity in Iran. There are numerous indigenous barberry genotypes in Iran, which have remarkable therapeutical and nutritional attributes. Seedless barberry is the most famous genotype which fruits are ...
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Introduction
Barberries are small fruits with appealing colors and tastes, and have a great diversity in Iran. There are numerous indigenous barberry genotypes in Iran, which have remarkable therapeutical and nutritional attributes. Seedless barberry is the most famous genotype which fruits are rich in phytochemicals. Although Iran is one of the main habitats of the barberry species and hybrids and the seedless cultivar is considered as an exclusive crop for our country, a few products are being produced from such valuable crop in food industries.
Materials and Methods
In present study, fruit biochemical properties of the twelve barberry genotypes (including one seedless genotype and eleven seedy genotypes: 2-2, 4-1, 5-1, 5-2, 5-3, 8-3, 10-1, 11-1, 12-1, 13-1 and 14-2) of the barberry collection located in Research Institute of Food Science and Technology of Mashhad, were evaluated based on the fruit appearance. For this purpose, fruits were harvested in 2015 harvest time and divided into two parts. One part was dried in room temperature. Then dried fruits were kept in cool and dark place until analyses. The other part was kept fresh for some measurements including TSS, TA, TSS/TA and pH. Before all tests, fruits were deseeded and the properties of the pulp were determined. Biochemical properties included total soluble solid (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), TSS/TA ratio, fruit juice pH, total phenol content, total flavonoid content, total anthocyanin content, protein content, crude fiber, total sugar and minerals including Iron (Fe), Magnesium (Mg), Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu). Data analysis was performed based on completely randomized design by Minitab software version 16 using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and differences among means were determined for significance at p≤0.05 using Tukey’s range test.
Results and Discussion
Results showed significant variation in biochemical properties of genotypes. Based on the results, genotype code #13-1 had the highest content of titratable acidity (5.61 g malic acid per 100 g fresh fruit weight) and the highest soluble solids content (5.5 °Brix). The highest amount of crude fiber (54.96%), Fe (138.49 ppm), Mg (1426.39 ppm) was related to genotype code #10-1 and the highest amount of anthocyanin (452.60 mg/100g), protein (4.26%) and Cu (6.80 ppm) belonged to genotype code #14-2. Two genotypes “Bidaneh” and code #5-3 displayed a distinctive content of total carbohydrates with respectively 59.61% and 25.67%. Furthermore, genotype code #11-1 showed the highest amount of Zn (18.85 ppm) among all.
Conclusion
Up to now, barberry mostly has been consumed as a food seasoning and garnish. All data of this study suggest that barberry, as a functional food, can partially cover the body's daily requirements. Therefore, a comprehensive study should be performed to determine all the capacities and uses associated with each genotype. Overall, genotype code #14-2 can be introduced as the best genotype in terms of flavonoid, anthocyanin, protein and copper content of all the evaluated genotypes. Considering its high content of anthocyanin, producing an edible colorant powder is possible. In conclusion, considering the great diversity, fruits of indigenous barberry genotypes can provide a rich source of minerals and phytochemicals for food purposes. Furthermore, achieving applied science in making products from such indigenous crop could lead into investments and economic development in regions in which barberry is cultivated.
Breeding and Biotechnology of Plant and Flower
Fatemeh Keykha Akhar; Abdolreza Bagheri; Nasrin Moshtaghi; Masud Fakhrfeshani
Abstract
Introduction
Flower color is one of the most significant characteristics in ornamental plant breeding. New varieties of various plants in relation to their flower color have been obtained by monitoring the expression levels of genes involved or regulating the flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis ...
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Introduction
Flower color is one of the most significant characteristics in ornamental plant breeding. New varieties of various plants in relation to their flower color have been obtained by monitoring the expression levels of genes involved or regulating the flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. Flavonoids possess significant and diverse biological functions. They are the major pigments for flowers, fruits, seeds, and leaves. They are natural products that contain a C6-C3-C6 carbon framework and are synthesized by a branched pathway that yields both colored and colorless compounds. The gene encoding chalcone isomerase (CHI) is among the genes and enzymes identified in the flavonoid pathway. This enzyme catalyzes the isomerization of naringenin chalcone into the corresponding flavanone. CHI enzyme belongs to the family of isomerases, specifically the class of intramolecular lyases. Chalcone isomerase has a core 2-layer alpha/beta structure and has attracted much attention recently due to its role in stress response and pigment production. One of the most effective methods of genetic engineering is the reduction of flower pigments by suppression of required enzymes for their biosynthesis. RNA interference (RNAi) has provided the tool for the investigation of genes involved in the production of flower color. Silencing of any gene in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway can result in reduced or inhibited anthocyanin production. RNAi technology is an effective gene silencing method and a powerful tool for studying gene function and development of new traits by transformation of viral RNA or hairpin RNA (hpRNA) constructs into plants. The processing of dsRNA into 21-23-nt small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and the mediators of RNAi, triggers cognate mRNA degradation. The hpRNAi methodology simply requires a transgene construct containing an inversely-repeated sequence of the target gene flanked with a promoter and terminator which effectively function in plants.
Material and Methods
In this research, with the design and construction of chiRNAi, the transformation of the RNAi construct was carried out of Petunia plants. Potted plants of P. hybrida were grown under standard greenhouse conditions (16-17°C night temperature and 21-24°C day temperature and photoperiod 16/8 (light/dark)). The RNAi construct including the 530 bp cds of the chalcone isomerase (chi) gene and 741 bp of pdk gene as intron between chi sense and antisense were used for transient RNAi-induced silencing. The pBI121-chi530 plasmids were introduced into A. tumefaciens strain LBA4404 by electroporation method. Colonies of A. tumefaciens carrying the desired plasmid were screened by PCR with specific primers for chi gene. RNAi construct co-cultured with petunia’s leave. Samples was kept in dark condition for 3 days and then transferred to branch induction media. Samples were investigated for phenotypical changes and chi gene expression by qRT-PCR.
Results and Discussion
Transgenic lines showed a reduced number of pigments and a faded flower color. So that, in purple petunia, was shown 5 phenotypical groups. These groups was indicated different levels of chi gene silencing. In pink petunia was seen two groups of phenotypical changes. In these plants, chi-RNAi construct was reduced pigment production and so, these plants had faded colors in petals. Also, the chi gene expression was reduced in all transgenic lines. Generally, the results of this research showed that RNAi can be used as an efficient method for gene silencing. The application of gene silencing can indicate the gene’s function in biosynthesis pathways of various components such as anthocyanins. In addition, the chalcone isomerase gene was identified as one of the effective genes in anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway in Petunia plants that could be involved in the production of color in these plants; hence, chi gene silencing resulted in clear phenotypic alterations in this plant.
Conclusion
In general the concentration of the target mRNA in a particular tissue could be a factor that influences silencing efficiency. At very low levels of gene expression, small amounts of the silencing target, mRNA, could be completely degraded by the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), whereas the presence of higher amounts of the target mRNA may result in incomplete silencing, allowing some residual functional mRNA to be translated into the corresponding protein. This research demonstrated the hpRNA construct has been successfully established for floral tissues of P. hybrida. The hpRNA construct was developed for chi-RNAi silencing of one of the key genes in the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in Petunia flowers. The silencing of the chi gene is a prototype for the modification of the anthocyanin biosynthetic pathway in Petunia through gene suppression. This strategy could also be useful for rapid functional analysis of other genes involved in flower development.
Pomology
Alireza Bonyanpour; Babak Jamali
Abstract
Introduction
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a nutrient dense fruit with a high health value and one of the most important Iranian fruit crop. Historical evidence reveals that the primary origin of pomegranate is Iran and that it has been spread from this region to other areas. A vast range of pomegranate ...
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Introduction
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a nutrient dense fruit with a high health value and one of the most important Iranian fruit crop. Historical evidence reveals that the primary origin of pomegranate is Iran and that it has been spread from this region to other areas. A vast range of pomegranate varieties can be found in Iran; 760 original, decorative and wild ones. Pomegranate juice contains a high amount of total soluble solid (TSS), anthocyanins, polyphenolic compounds, vitamin C, sugars and proteins.Pomegranate is considered as one of the most tolerant fruit crops capable of growing under arid and semi-arid climatic conditions. Cultivar and growing region climate are the main factors determining chemical composition of pomegranate fruits; Significant differences in various fruit quality parameters such as organic acids, phenolic compounds, sugars and water-soluble vitamins have been reported in previous studies. The aim of present study was to compare and evaluate physical and biochemical characteristics of fruits and different polyphenolic compounds in juice of six commercial Iranian pomegranate cultivars.
Materials and Methods
This research was conducted in 2017 and 2018 years in a commercial orchard in Arsanjan region of Fras province. Six Iranian pomegranate cultivars included ‘Malas Yusef Khani’ (MYK), ‘Bajestani (BK), ‘Khazr Bardskan’ (KHZ), ‘Malas Dane Syah’ (MDS), ‘Rabbab’ (RB) and ‘Zard Anar Arsenjan’ (ZA) were studied. The trees were planted in randomized block design and spaced 5 and 3 m between and along the rows, respectively. The trees were grown under drip irrigation with routine cultural practices suitable for commercial fruit production. Orchard management was conducted uniformly according to optimized available recommendations (based on soil and water samples analysis) for the orchard site. Fruits were harvested randomly from orchard and some physicochemical characteristic of fruits were measured. Fruit length and fruit diameter measured by manual caliper, fruit and above ground weight was determined by digital scale. The fruit juice percentage was calculated by calculating the percentage of aril juice. TSS (Total soluble solids) expressed in Brix◦ was measured using a refractometer. The titrable acidity (TA) was determined by titration to pH 8.1 with 0.1M NaOH solution and expressed as percentage.Total anthocyanins, total polyphenols, vitamin C and anthyoxidant activity were measured spectrophotometrically. Polyphenolic compositions of juices (Gallic acid, Catechin, Caffeic acid, Chloregenic acid, p-Coumaric acid Vanilin, Trans-ferulic acid, Hesperedin and Ellagic acid) were also measured using HPLC analysis. The chromatographic analysis was carried out on Agilent Technologies 1200 series HPLC system. Chromatograms were recorded at 280 and 320 nm. Each compound was quantified by comparing its peak. Data was analyzed by SPSS software and means were compared using Duncan’s multiple range tests at 5% probability level.
Results and Discussion
Significant differences were found among studied pomegranate cultivars for various physical fruit characteristics, quality parameters and polyphenolic composition of fruit. ‘Malas Daneh Syah Yazd ’was the best in comparison to other cultivars. ‘Malas Daneh Syah Yazd’ had the highest fruit weight (332 g), fruit length (8 cm), fruit diameter (8 cm), TSS(15.77 Brix◦), anthocyanin content (26.98 mg 100 ml-1), polyphenol content (514.37 mg 100 ml-1) , ascorbic acid content (9.23 mg 100 ml-1) and antioxidant activity (52.2%). Also, the amount of polyphenols in this cultivar was relatively high. This cultivar had high amount of some polyphenol content such as cathechin (223.5 mg L-1), Hesperidin (30.55 mg L-1) and Ellagic acid (43.02 mg L-1) with no significant differences with highest amount. ‘Rabbab’ had the highest aril weight (340 mg) and moderate levels of other fruit characterestics, this cultivar had the maximum polyphenols such as gallic acid (163.1 mgL-1), catechin (264.2 mgL-1), caffeic acid (265.1 mgL-1), p-Coumaric (74.41 mgL-1) acid, vanillin (18.21 mgL-1) and ellagic acid (43.5 mgL-1). Zard anar’ pomegranate cultivar which was native to this region in terms of most biochemical properties had a low a‘mount .Therefor, among the studied pomegranate cultivars‘ Malas Dane syah’ and was the best. This cultivar had the highest fruit characteristics and polyphenol content such as ellagic acid.
Conclusion
The results of this study showed significant differences among studied pomegranate cultivars. ‘Dane syah Yazd’ had the highest physical and chemical characterestics of fruits. Previous studies showed that theses cultivars had good growth characteristics and high yield in comparison to other cultivars. Therefore, among the studied cultivars, ‘Dane syah Yazd’ is introduced as a suitable cultivar for this region. Also, ‘Rabbab’ Neyriz cultivar can be considered as a cultivar with high antioxidant properties of fruit juice due to having the highest amount of measured polyphenolic compounds, especially alginic acid.
Breeding and Biotechnology of Plant and Flower
Masumeh Vakili-Gartavol; Naser Mahna
Abstract
Introduction: Red-fleshed apples (Malus spp.) are one of the rarest apple genotypes in the world and the accumulation of a high amount of anthocyanin, is the main cause of the redness of their fruit flesh. Anthocyanins are among important flavonoids and due to antioxidative activity, scavenge reactive ...
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Introduction: Red-fleshed apples (Malus spp.) are one of the rarest apple genotypes in the world and the accumulation of a high amount of anthocyanin, is the main cause of the redness of their fruit flesh. Anthocyanins are among important flavonoids and due to antioxidative activity, scavenge reactive oxygen species, and hence, are considered as one of the health-promoting nutraceuticals in the human diet. The amount of anthocyanins depends upon the expression of the transcription factors that are regulating their metabolic pathway. Among these transcription factors are the members of the MYB gene family. MdMYB10, belonging to this gene family in apple, has been shown to have a significant role in controlling the amount of anthocyanin production and redness in fruit flesh. The expression of MdMYB10 and consequently, the production of MdMYB10 proteins has positive feedback on its own expression. This happens due to a 23 bp microsatellite tandemly repeated 5 times in its promoter region (called allele R6) which is a target sequence for MdMYB10 acting as a positive regulator. This structure invokes the overexpression of MdMYB10 which in turn increases the expression of anthocyanin producing enzymes and finally the amount of anthocyanin in all organs of the apple plant including fruit flesh. The apple Malus pumila var. Niedzwetzkyana and its derivatives have been reported to have such a structure in the promoter region of the MdMYB10 gene. The length of the R6 allele is 496 bp, while the R1 allele is only 392 bp long.
However, in some cases, a locus linked to the S3 allele of the S-RNase gene has been proposed to be responsible for the redness of the fruit flesh in some genotypes. It has been reported that even the offspring of these plants have had red-fleshed fruits.
Materials and Methods: To study the mechanism of the redness of the fruit flesh in some local genotypes, genomic DNA was extracted using the CTAB method from the leaf samples obtained from 9 red- and white-fleshed apple genotypes including Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Miandoab, Makamik (Khalatpoushan), Bud 9, Varzighan, and Ivand. Then the allelotype of the promoter region of the MdMYB10 gene as well as the existence of S3 allele at S-RNase locus was investigated using polymerase chain reaction. For amplification of the target sequences, MdMYB10 and S3 specific primers were exploited and 1% agarose gel electrophoresis of the amplified fragments was used for observing and scoring the bands. All steps were repeated seven times.
Results and Discussion: The results in this research showed that the white-fleshed genotypes (Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith) were lacking any R6 allele at the promoter region of the MdMYB10 gene and were R1R1 homozygotes, while the red-fleshed genotypes (Miandoab, Makamik (Khalatpoushan), Bud 9, and Varzighan) had at least one R6 allele at the mentioned promoter region as well as a S3 allele in the self-incompatibility locus S-RNase. These results were in accordance with the previous reports. Therefore, these samples could be traced back to Malus pumila var. Niedzwetzkyana. Evaluating the S-RNase locus in these genotypes illustrated that Granny Smith (as positive control), Golden Delicious (as positive control), Makamik (Khalatpoushan), Miandoab, Varzeghan, Bud 9 and tissue culture sample, showing a band around 500 bp (smaller) had S3 allele, while for Ivand and Red Delicious (as negative control) no S3 band was obtained. For the tissue culture sample which was R1R1 at the promoter region and S3 at S-RNase locus, it was postulated that flesh-redness may be due to the locus linked to the S3 allele. We also got an unknown R band for the Ivand genotype when analyzing for the MdMYB10 promoter region. The sequencing of in the future studies, may help to unravel the mechanism by which shoot-redness happens in this genotype.
Conclusion: The development of highly potent and novel cultivars for the fast-evolving market is indispensable in the plant breeding field. In this way, breeding apple plant, as an important temperate fruit with a long postharvest life, for redness of fruit flesh can be considered as a noticeable case. We could confirm in this research that in the endemic, red-fleshed apples, R6 may be responsible for their high anthocyanin production. However, the S3-RNase-linked locus should also be considered in marker-assisted breeding methods for this trait. Therefore, these red-fleshed genotypes are highly recommended to be employed in the national breeding programs for increasing the anthocyanin content of apple fruits.
Ali Akbar Shokouhian; Farzad Letafatti; Bahram Fathi Achachelooee; Ali Asghari; Robab Olfatti
Abstract
Introduction: Grape is a non-climacteric fruit. Its ripening is associated with increased sugars, decreased acidity and development of color and flavor. Edible films and coatings could be used as a selective protection method to extend storage life of fruits. Edible coatings reduce the absorption amount ...
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Introduction: Grape is a non-climacteric fruit. Its ripening is associated with increased sugars, decreased acidity and development of color and flavor. Edible films and coatings could be used as a selective protection method to extend storage life of fruits. Edible coatings reduce the absorption amount of brine, osmotic solution and frying oil into foods, improve mechanical properties, facilitate displacement and storage strengthen food structure, reduce spoilage and increase its shelf-life. The coatings provide a protective layer for fresh fruits and act as like as modified atmosphere packaging, change the composition of internal gases, and increase the storage-life of fruits by reducing respiration rate. Zein, is an important protein in corn seed and consists about 45 - 50% of the corn proteins. This protein contains a group of Prolamines found in the corn endosperm. Zein has unique properties for preparing edible films and coatings in comparison to other plant proteins due to its high percentage of nonpolar amino acids. Gluten is an insoluble in water protein of wheat that its disulfide bonds play an important role in the establishment of gluten films. Prepared films from wheat gluten are pure and transparent, but commercial gluten produces an opaque film due to gelatinization of its existing starch. Wheat gluten-based films have satisfactory mechanical resistance and very low oxygen permeability. Gluten can encapsulate flavors, colors, or medicines, providing slow-release materials. Bacteria, fungi, or other pest- or weed-control agents can be encapsulated in gluten granules that are then coated with oil to slow drying and maintain vitality. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out to investigate the effects of gluten and zein coatings on postharvest quality of grape cultivars in a factorial arrangement based on randomized completely design with application of corn’s Zein coating treatments at four levels (control, 2, 4 and 6% w/w) and also wheat gluten at four levels (control, 2, 4 and 6% w/w) were performed in the grape cultivars (Meshkin cultivar). Grape fruits were harvested from the gardens of Meshkin city and moved to the laboratory in the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili. Then, after applying the treatments, fruits were kept at 0° C and humidity of 90-95% in cold storage. In this study, pH, total soluble solids, total acidity, starch, anthocyanin, firmness, taste, fruit storage-life, TSS/TA, weight loss, appearance and vitamin C content of fruits were measured in 30 days after applying the treatments. Results and Discussion: The results of analysis of variance showed that using of zein as grape coating had significant effect on total soluble solids, vitamin C, taste and weight loss (p < 0.01) and on the TSS /TA attribute (p < 0.05).The use ofgluten also had a significant effect on total soluble solids, anthocyanin, weight loss and vitamin C (p < 0.01) and also on the fruit starch (p < 0.05). Interaction effect of gluten and zein treatments were significant on total soluble solids, vitamin C (p < 0.01) and fruit weight loss (p < 0.05). Based on the obtained results, the highest starch content, anthocyanin, maturity index and taste were achieved by using of gluten at 4 and 6% and the lowest amount of these substances was related to control treatment. A higher amount of anthocyanin (2.45 mg / 100 g) was retained in 6% gluten treatment, Moreover, in the fruit ripening index, the best result (41) was obtained from 6% zein treatment. The taste of the fruit was also more attractive in the 6% zein treatment without gluten consumption with a score of 8.5. Also, the best results in preservation of vitamin C (17.9), soluble solids (24 brix), fruit appearance (9.5 points) and the least weight loss of fruit (6.5%) were obtained from the combination of gluten and 6% zein treatment. Comparison of the means showed that vitamin C and soluble solids were better preserved by combined using of 4 and 6% gluten with 6 and 4% zein in storage period. These results showed that vitamin C and soluble solids had the lowest stability under control conditions. Also, the control treatment had the highest weight loss and the lowest score in the fruit preservation index. In overall, the best results in most of the studied parameters were obtained from the treatment combination of 6% gluten and zein. Conclusion: Based on the obtained results, gluten and zein coatings in comparison to control treatment at levels of 6%, had significant positive effects on post-harvest quality and storage of grapes.
Reza Najafi; Taher Barzegar; Farhang Razavi; Zahra Ghahremani
Abstract
Introduction: Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an important non-climacteric fruit grown in tropical and subtropical regions. The total production in Iran and world for eggplants in 2018 were estimated 54077210 and 666838 tons, respectively, and Iran ranked fifth in the production of this product. The ...
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Introduction: Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is an important non-climacteric fruit grown in tropical and subtropical regions. The total production in Iran and world for eggplants in 2018 were estimated 54077210 and 666838 tons, respectively, and Iran ranked fifth in the production of this product. The health-promoting attributes of eggplant are derived from the phytochemicals with good source of antioxidants (anthocyanin and phenolic acids), dietary fiber and vitamins. Fruit deterioration during long term storage is associated with appearance quality reduction, calyx discoloration, softening and pulp browning caused by the oxidation of phenolic compounds. Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) is a flammable and colorless gas, that similar to carbon monoxide and nitric oxide, is known as third leading signaling molecule. It has been reported that H2S play an imperative role in the postharvest physiology and chilling injury of various fruits and vegetables. In recent years, exogenous phenylalanine (PA) application has been employed as a beneficial procedure for enhancing quality in fruits and vegetables by promoting higher phenols and flavonoids accumulation arising from higher PAL enzyme activity and proline accumulation exhibiting higher ROS scavenging capacity. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the postharvest application of H2S and PA on quality and postharvest storage of eggplant fruit during storage at 7 °C for 21 days. Material and Methods: Eggplant fruits (Solanum melongena cv. Hadrian) were harvested at commercially maturity stage in Jun 2019 from a greenhouse in Hashtgerd city, Iran. Fruit selected for uniform size, shape, and color, and immediately transported to the laboratory. They were divided into seven parts for the following treatments: control (0), hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) at 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 mM and phenylalanine (PA) at 2.5, 5 or 7.5 mM. Each treatment was done in three replicates, consists of 24 fruits from each replicate, and then randomly divided into four groups include six fruits. One group was analyzed 24 hrs. after harvesting and another groups stored at 7 ± 1 °C and 85% RH for 21 days. At 7-day intervals, one group was taken at random and transferred for one day at 20 °C (shelf-life), and subjected to physicochemical analysis. For H2S fumigation, fruit was placed at the bottom of a sealed 15 L container with different aqueous sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) solution concentrations for 10 min, and for PA treatments, the fruits were immersed in 10 L of fresh phenylalanine solution for 10 min and in distilled water as a control. The fruits were allowed to completely dry at room temperature before storage. Results and Discussion: The results showed that fruits treated by PA and H2S exhibited higher fruit firmness, chlorophyll, anthocyanin, total soluble solids (TSS), vitamin C, pH and titratable acidity (TA) accompanied by lower weight loss and chilling indices during storage at 7 ºC for 21 days. In control eggplant fruits, fruit firmness (24.2%), chlorophyll (45.8%), vitamin C (34.1 %), anthocyanin content (66.2 %) and TA (44.8) decreased, and weight loss (7.5 %), TSS (8.2%) and chilling indices (4.5 %) increased during 21 storage time. The maximum fruit firmness (1.37 and 1.34 kg cm-2), anthocyanin content (5.02 and 4.2 mg L-1) and TA (18.67 and 1.37 %), and the lowest weight loss (3.67 and 3.7 %) and chilling index (1.6 and 1.3 %) was found in fruits treated with H2S at 3 mM and PA at 7.5 mM during storage at 7 °C for 21 days, respectively. It has been reported that texture correlates with firmness and higher firmness is a characteristic indicator of good texture during postharvest storage of fresh products. Soluble solid contents, titratable acidity (TA) and sugars have been known as important attributes contributing in overall sensory quality of fruits and vegetables. Development of the chilling injury disorder significantly reduces quality of fruits and vegetables due to diminished consumer’s acceptance. So, start of chilling injury symptoms eventually becomes economically critical postharvest constraint that defines the storage life potential of the products. Decline chilling injury in responses to H2S and PA treatments may resulted from higher ROS scavenging enzymes SOD, CAT, APX and POD activity and proline, phenols and flavonoids accumulation giving rise to conferring chilling tolerance. Conclusion: According to results, PA at 7.5 mM and H2S at 3 mM had the highest positive effect on maintain firmness and fruit quality and reducing weight loss and chilling, therefor postharvest treatment of PA and H2S can be proposed to improve fruit quality and postharvest life during storage period.
Soheila Rakbar; Zohreh Jabbarzadeh; Mohsen Barin
Abstract
Introduction: Gerbera is one of the most important cut flowers in the world and belongs to the Asteraceae family. Due to its diverse and adaptable species for growth with a wide range of climatic conditions, this flower has become a profitable cut flower for growers. Polyamines in plant tissues act as ...
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Introduction: Gerbera is one of the most important cut flowers in the world and belongs to the Asteraceae family. Due to its diverse and adaptable species for growth with a wide range of climatic conditions, this flower has become a profitable cut flower for growers. Polyamines in plant tissues act as a potent factor in preventing the production of ethylene. Polyamines and ethylene have antagonistic effects (anti-aging and aging effects), so that the balance of these two hormonal groups in plants is very important for plant tissues. The balance between the two opposing regulators leads to a delay or acceleration in the aging process. Mycorrhizal fungi can be useful in hydroponic greenhouse systems, which increase the amount of CO2 in greenhouses by increasing photosynthesis in plants, as well as CO2 emissions in the control environment, which both optimally manage the environment and increase the yield and quality of plant products. Due to the economic importance of cut flowers, it seems necessary to provide treatments (such as the use of putrescine and mycorrhiza) to increase the quality and longevity of this plant. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the research and production greenhouses of Urmia University and the research laboratory of the Department of Horticultural Sciences of the Faculty of Agriculture in 2019-2020. This study was performed as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications, each replication consistedd of three pots and each pot contained a plant. The factors of this experiment were Mycorrhizal fungi inoculation (with and without inoculation) during the transplanting process to the culture medium near the roots, and putrescine at four concentrations of 0 (control), 1, 2, and 4 mM, were applied two weeks after transplantation, every 15 day-interval for three months. In order to investigate the effects of putrescine and mycorrhizal fungi on some morphological and physiological characteristics of plants, two weeks after the end of treatments, leaf sampling was performed to measure physiological characteristics. Effects of putrescine and mycorrhizal fungi were assayed in some morphological characteristics including leaf number, leaf length and leaf area, fresh and dry weight of leaves and some physiological parameters including chlorophyll index, chlorophyll content (a, b and total) and soluble sugar as well as vase life and petal’s anthocyanin during postharvest time. The SAS software version 9.1 was used to analyze the variance and compare the mean of the studied traits. Comparison of means was performed using the Tukey’s range test method at a probability level of 1 and 5%. Excel (2016) software was also used to draw the graph. Results and Discussion: According to the comparison of means, putrescine, along with mycorrhizal fungi, increased the number of leaves, leaf area, and the fresh and dry weight of the leaves as well as chlorophyll index, chlorophyll a, b and total and carotenoid content of leaves. In this study, inoculation with mycorrhiza reduced leaf length but increased leaf area resulted in that mycorrhiza could increase leaf blade because of increasing cytokinin in plant. Putrescine with mycorrhizal fungi, increased leaf growth, photosynthesis of plant and carbohydrates production. In the literatures, it is reported that, the vase life of cut flowers is a very important point in choosing them as great cut flowers. The results showed, putrescine and mycorrhiza had increased the vase life of gerbera flowers, therefore increased the quality of this plant. Putrescine and mycorrhiza also increased the amounts of anthocyanins in the petals, and by the sixth day, the highest levels of anthocyanins were observed in the petals. Probably, the reason for increasing the anthocyanins on the sixth day is the presence of carbohydrates stored in the flower, which due to the reduced respiration and carbohydrate consumption in this process. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that putrescine, with mycorrhizae, improved growth characteristics as well as increasing the postharvest life and the quality of cut flowers of gerbera. It is also observed that among the different concentrations of putrescine, the concentration of 2 mM had the greatest effect on the growth and physiological parameters as well as vase life of gerbera.
Hamid Hassanpour
Abstract
Introduction: Cornus is a very large genus which comprises 40 species of shrubs and trees native to Central and Southern Europe and parts of Western Asia. Many species are grown as ornamentals. Only a few species are grown for their fruits, chief among which is the cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.). Study ...
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Introduction: Cornus is a very large genus which comprises 40 species of shrubs and trees native to Central and Southern Europe and parts of Western Asia. Many species are grown as ornamentals. Only a few species are grown for their fruits, chief among which is the cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.). Study on the nutritional value of the cornelian cherry has focused on nutrients which play a role in preventing diseases such as scurvy. Fresh cornelian cherry fruits contain twice as much vitamin C as oranges. The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and physicochemical properties of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) fruits in Iran.
Materials and Methods: Distribution of cornelian cherry was traced on the map according to the visitation of the different provinces. In order to study the characteristics of the fruit, samples were taken from five different areas and various parameters were evaluated. Fruit and seed weight (g) were measured by a digital balance with a sensitivity of 0.001 g (Scaltec Company, Gottingen, Germany; model SPB31). Fruit length (mm), fruit diameter (mm), seed diameter (mm) and seed length (mm) were measured using a digital vernier caliper with a sensitivity of 0.01 mm. TSS was determined by refrectometry of one drop extracted juice of each fruit at 25°C (Kyoto Electronics Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Japan, and Model RA-250HE). TA was determined by titration and the pH value was indicated by pH meter (HBJ-260). In addition, total ascorbic acid content was determined by the dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) method. Data were subjected to calculate of descriptive statistics by SPPSS and means were separated by Duncan’s multiple range test at p
Maisam Ahmadi; Mahmood Ghasemnejad; Hossein Meighani; Masoud Kavoosi
Abstract
Introduction: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), belonging to Punicaceae family, is a tropical and subtropical attractive deciduous or evergreen shrub and is one of the native fruits of Iran. With total production of 941804 tons in 2013, Iran is one of the most important pomegranate producers in the ...
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Introduction: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), belonging to Punicaceae family, is a tropical and subtropical attractive deciduous or evergreen shrub and is one of the native fruits of Iran. With total production of 941804 tons in 2013, Iran is one of the most important pomegranate producers in the world. Pomegranate is an important source of bioactive compounds. Despite the high nutritional values of pomegranate fruits, the overuse of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in conventional systems reduces nutritional and functional quality of pomegranate fruits. On the other hand, world demand for organic products is growing rapidly in developed countries, especially in Europe, USA, Japan and Australia. Previous studies showed that organic fruits contain higher minerals, vitamins and oxidant activity than conventional crops. Therefore, the aim of the present paper was to compare organic, integrated and conventional management systems in pomegranate orchard on mineral contents and qualitative attributes of pomegranate fruit.
Materials and methods: Pomegranate (cv. Rabbab-e-Shiraz) grown under organic, conventional and integrated management systems in a commercial orchard, in Nourabad Mamsani, Fars province, was used for this study. Pomegranate fruits were harvested at commercial harvest stage and transported in an air-conditioned vehicle to the laboratory of Horticultural Science Department, University of Guilan, Rasht. Some factors like fruit, aril and peel weight, aril length, weight ratio of peel to aril, peel to fruit and aril to fruit, and seed firmness (Penetrometer, with the diameter of 11 mm) were assessed. In addition, qualitative properties (Total Soluble Solids (TSS), TA (Titratable Acidity), TSS/TA and pH), antioxidant compounds (total phenol, flavonoids and anthocyanin content) in pomegranate juice and mineral nutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) in peel and arils were measured. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications.
Results and discussion: The results showed that fruit, arils and peel weight and fresh weight of peel were significantly higher in conventional system than organic management system. Fruit weight depends on plant nutrition, which, in turn, significantly influences postharvest quality. It is possibly due to smaller cells and less intercellular spaces in organic fruits. In this study, fruit size in organic management system was significantly lower than conventional system; our results in this regard are in accordance with the previous studies reported on kiwifruit, apple and grape . Fruit taste is determined mainly by juice TSS and the ratios between TSS and TA. In this study, juice TSS in conventional and integrated management systems was higher than organic fruits at harvest time. Our findings are in agreement with Beng et al. (6), who reported higher amount of TSS in kiwifruit obtained from conventional system than organic system due to more mature fruit and greater use of nitrogen fertilizers.
No difference was found for pH, TA, TSS/TA, seed firmness, total anthocyanin and flavonoid content among the three management systems. The antioxidant activity properties of pomegranate juice were attributed to polyphenols, sugar-containing polyphenolic tannins and anthocyanins. In this study, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in fruits obtained from organic management system were greater than conventional management system. These results are in agreement with the findings reported in blueberry, peach and grape, apple, kiwifruit and strawberry fruits. Mineral nutrient analysis showed that the concentrations of P, Ca and Mg in peel, and N, P, K, Ca and Mg in aril of organic fruits were lower than fruits of conventional system, but the ratio of Ca to other elements in the arils of organic fruits was significantly higher than conventional system fruits. In apple, N concentration of conventionally grown fruits was higher, while K, Ca, Na and Mg concentrations of organic fruits were higher than conventional fruits. There were positive correlations between total phenolic content and antioxidant activity in pomegranate juice, which was in agreement with the results reported in kiwifruit and grape fruits.
Conclusion: The results of the current study indicated that fruit quality of pomegranate cv. Rabbab-e-Shiraz was affected by the type of orchard management system. Although fruits obtained from organic system had smaller size in comparison with the fruits of other systems, the amount of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity was higher in organic system compared with conventional system, representing a higher nutritional value of organically grown fruits than conventionally grown fruits. Furthermore, organic fruits had higher Ca to N, Mg and K ratio, which can affect the shelf life and postharvest quality of pomegranate fruits.
Soheila Mohammadrezakhani; Zahra Pakkish; Somaye Rafeii
Abstract
Introduction: Recently, strawberry growers have been mostly interested in growing cultivars for the fresh market because of its profitability, but on the other hand it requires more complicated technologies and well-educated workers. High quality of the fruit for the fresh market is an important factor ...
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Introduction: Recently, strawberry growers have been mostly interested in growing cultivars for the fresh market because of its profitability, but on the other hand it requires more complicated technologies and well-educated workers. High quality of the fruit for the fresh market is an important factor attracts customers and determines their choice and prices. Fruit production cost for the fresh market needs to be calculated and efficient methods and technologies also should be taken into consideration. New environmentally friendly mineral-organic fertilizers can improve fruit quality and yield of dessert strawberry cultivars. The desired effects was obtained through the activity of fertilizer’s components, which very often belong to different groups of natural hormones, elicitors, vitamins, flavonoids, amino acids, etc. Numerous breeding programs have been aimed at improving strawberry taste and disease resistance. Three major components of fruit organoleptic quality are flavor, sweetness, and acidity. Several studies have been devoted to strawberry aroma. Fruit with intense flavor also have high titratable acidity and high soluble solids. Numerous studies have addressed strawberry sweetness and acidity. Fruit soluble solids, sugars, titratable acidity, and organic acids at maturity are quantitatively inherited. Moreover, there appears to be genetic variations for these fruit quality traits. Numerous biochemical changes are observed during strawberry development and especially during fruit ripening. The major soluble constituents of maturing and ripe strawberries are soluble sugars and organic acids. The major soluble sugars in strawberries are glucose, fructose, and sucrose. The major organic acid is citric acid. This acid contributes greatly to fruit titratable acidity, which declines gradually during fruit development. The sugar/ organic acid ratio is a major parameter of strawberry taste. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are a class of poly hydroxyl steroids, which have been recognized as a class of plant hormones. These were first explored when Mitchell et al. (1970) reported that cell division and elongation were promoted by the treatment of organic extracts of rape (Brassica napus L.) pollen. Brassinolide (BL) was the first isolated brassinosteroid when Michael et al. (1979) isolated the biologically active molecule. Researches showed that brassinosteroids are essential for many physiological functions in plants, however little is known concerning where and when they are synthesized. In young tomato seedlings BR synthesis activity was observed mainly in apical and root tissues undergoing expansion. In flowers, synthesis activity was observed in the pedicel joints and ovaries, whereas in the fruits it was strongest during early seed development and was associated with the locular jelly and seeds. Quantitative measurements of endogenous BR indicated intense biosynthesis in developing tomato fruits, which were also found to contain high amounts of brassinolide. Moreover, brassinosteroids stimulate cell elongation and cell division, and BR has a specific effect of differentiation. Underling physiological pathways include modification of cell wall properties, effects on carbohydrate assimilation, allocation, and control of aquaporin activities. Brassinosteroids apparently coordinates and integrates diverse processes required for growth, partly via interactions with phytohormones setting the frame for BR responses. The aim of present study was investigation of the role of brassinosteroid on qualitative characteristics improvement of strawberry fruit.
Materials and Methods: In this research the effect of different concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1 mgl-1) of brassinosteroid sprayat different stages of strawberry growth (30 days after planting, first blooming, green fruit, and pink fruit) on some qualitative characteristics of the strawberry Paros cultivar was considered. This experiment was conducted asfactorial on a randomized complete block design with 4 replications in greenhouse conditions. Parameters such as total soluble solid, inducing sugar, titrable acidity, anthocyanin, phenol, fruit dry weight, fruit water and vitamin C were measured after….
Results and Discussion: Results showed treated plants by brassinosteroid, compared to control, improved fruit qualitative characteristics. So, brassinosteroid application increased total soluble solid, inducing sugar, titratable acidity, anthocyanin, phenol, dry weight, vitamin C.The best effective treatment and the best spraying time was brassinosteroid at 1 mgl-1 in pink fruit stage, respectively for qualitative characteristics improvement. Because, Brassinosteroid growth induced has been related to increase in RNA and DNA content, polymerase activity, protein synthesis carbohydrate fraction, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars and starch. The yield increase in fruit trees may be related to improvement in the assimilation efficiency of photosynthetic carbon of the sprayed trees. The brassinosteroid application in wheat and mustard plants stimulated photosynthetic activity expressed by acceleration in CO2 fixing, increase protein biosynthesis and in mustard, increased photosynthetic rates that were directly related to growth and seed production. In accordance, researchers explained that BRs have been shown to enhance tracheary element differentiation, stimulate membrane hyperpolarization and ATPase activity, promote ethylene biothynsesis, control microtubule orientation and alter the mechanical properties of cell walls. In addition, brassinosteroid treatment greatly stimulated accumulation of photosynthates in the treated internode. This suggests a possible mobilization role for BR in the intact plant. As well as, in persimmon, grapevine and citrus, reported that BR compound showed, the practical effects for fruit setting. While, showed that brassinolide increased fruit weight and sugar content of oranges. In passion fruit orchards, brassinosteroid increased fruit number of plant and in turn yield per hectare and soluble solids content was 1° Brix greater than the control.
Conclusions: From this study, it is evident that the application of plant biostimulants such as brassinosteroid significantly improved qualitative characteristics. So, brassinosteroid application increased total soluble solid, inducing sugar, titrable acidity, anthocyanin, phenol, dry weight, vitamin C and effective treatment and best spraying was brassinosteroid at 1 mgl-1 at pink fruit stage for qualitative characteristics improvement.
Rahman Ebrahimzadeh Abdashti; Mohammad Galavi; Mahmood Ramroudi
Abstract
Introduction: Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) belongs to the Malvaceae family, and is an annual or biennial plant that cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its stem fibers, eatable calyces, leaves and grains. Roselle is resistant to relatively high temperatures throughout the growing and ...
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Introduction: Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) belongs to the Malvaceae family, and is an annual or biennial plant that cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its stem fibers, eatable calyces, leaves and grains. Roselle is resistant to relatively high temperatures throughout the growing and fruiting times. Continuous use of chemical fertilizers destroys the soil ecological balance, reduces soil fertility and groundwater pollution is caused. In contrast, organic fertilizers are very safe for human health and the environment. It is made by recycling organic material as plant and animals waste, and food scraps in a controlled process. Of the organic fertilizers can be noted to compost, vermicompost, cattle manure andhumic acid. The study was carried out in order to sustainable agriculture. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of organic and chemical fertilizers on some quantitative traits and anthocyanin of roselle.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was performed in complete randomized block design with ten treatments and four replications in research field of agricultural faculty, university of zabol. The treatments included T1: control, T2: NPK in a ratio of 2:1:1 (300 kg ha-1), T3: cattle manure (20 t ha-1), T4: compost (10 t ha-1), T5: vermicompost (5 t ha-1), T6: humic acid foliar in a ratio of 1.5 per thousands, T7: 50% of T2 and T6 , T8: 50% of T3 and T6, T9: 50% of T4 and T6 and T10: 50% of the T5 and T6.
Five plants were chosen and an average of five plants was calculated as the single plant for measuring of variables that included the height, number of branches, stem diameter, shoot fresh weight, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, number of seeds per plant, fresh and dry weights of sepals, inflorescence length, length and diameter of fruit. Method of Wagner has been used for the anthocyanin measurement.
Results and Discussion: Results of this research showed that the application of different fertilizers increased the height, number of branches and stem diameter per plant in different stages of growth. Mean comparison showed that there were significant differences between the treatments and control in most traits, so that the maximum height, number of branches and stem diameter belonged to the treatment of organic and chemical fertilizer with humic acid (T8, T9 and T10). The highest number of fruits and seed yield per plant (41/98%) was obtained from the T9 treatment compared to the control. This result was corresponded with the results of other researchers in the roselle.
The result showed that inflorescence length, length and diameter of fruit had the highest values by using the cattle manure + humic acid (T8); and so measured characters had the lowest values in control treatment. Effect of different fertilizer treatments on fruit fresh weight, fresh and dry weights of sepals had statistically significant differences. The highest and the lowest values of fruit fresh weight, fresh and dry weights of sepals were obtained from T9 treatment (compost + humic acid) and control treatment, respectively.
Compost improves conditions for the plant growth. Humic acid stimulates the growth hormone and increases the absorption of nutrients by plant. So, with these reasons it seems that higher growth features and further calyx yield were achieved by applying compost + humic acid than other treatments.
The effect of treatments organic and chemical fertilizers with humic acid on the amount of anthocyanin was higher compared with using them separately. Compost, vermicompost and cattle manure fertilizers are containing humic acid substances and humic acid (phenolic compound derivatives) is a precursor for the synthesis of anthocyanidin (flavonoid structure), therefore they correlated with the increasing anthocyanin in treatments organic fertilizers and chemical with humic acid.
Conclusions: The results showed that all applied fertilizers treatments improved growth features, further calyx yield and anthocyanin amount, than the situation of non-use of fertilizer. Nevertheless, the effect of the treatments organic fertilizers with humic acid on vegetative growth, fruit and sepals yield and anthocyanin content per sepals was higher compared with using them separately and using chemical fertilizers.
Therefore, to achieve maximum vegetative growth, fruit and sepals yield and anthocyanin content per sepals using treatments of organic fertilizers with humic acid were better than other fertilizer treatments in this research. Therefore, it seems that, in terms of sustainable production and the environmental protection of roselle, applications of organic fertilizers may be viable alternatives to chemical fertilizers.
Azam Seddighi; M. Gholami; Hassan Sarikhani; Ahmad Ershadi
Abstract
The use of compounds inhibiting ethylene production is very important in post-harvest technology of fruits. Sweet cherry is a non-climacteric fruit with capability of ethylene production during storage period. Factors that decrease ethylene production would increase fruits storage life. In this research ...
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The use of compounds inhibiting ethylene production is very important in post-harvest technology of fruits. Sweet cherry is a non-climacteric fruit with capability of ethylene production during storage period. Factors that decrease ethylene production would increase fruits storage life. In this research sweet cherry fruits of Mashhad cv. were sprayed with different concentrations of Salicylic Acid (0.5, 1, 2, and 3 mmol/l) and Gibberelic Acid (0, 10, 20 and 30 mg/l). Fruits were sprayed about three weeks before harvest, when their color started to change from green to yellow. The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with three replicates. The results showed that GA had less effect on decreasing ethylene production compared to SA, but did better on anthocyanin accumulation, fruit size, soluble solids content and fruit weight. GA treatment delayed fruit ripening and ethylene production but had little or no effect on the fruit color as an important ripening index. During storage period also the total amount of anthocyanin in fruits increased due to hormone treatments whereas the ethylene production decreased compared to control fruits.
