Mohammad Reza Naroui Rad; Behnam Bakhshi; Jahangir Kohpalekani Abbasi; Ahmad Ghasemi; Mansour Fazeli Rostampour
Abstract
Introduction: In Iran, there are various melon populations due to properties of cross pollination, which are mostly cultivated in the desert, so it is important to identify populations and study their response to low irrigation conditions and their selection. Sistan is one of the most important melon ...
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Introduction: In Iran, there are various melon populations due to properties of cross pollination, which are mostly cultivated in the desert, so it is important to identify populations and study their response to low irrigation conditions and their selection. Sistan is one of the most important melon production areas in the country. Every year, in the optimal water conditions of the region, cultivation area reaches nearly to 6,000 hectares, but the area under cultivation is affected by fluctuations in the Hirmand River. Its famous melons in the region include Sefidak, Firoozi and Helmendi, which are very popular among farmers in terms of taste. The amount of rainfall in this region is very small and the agriculture of the region is affected by the fluctuations of Hirmand River and these fluctuations cause damage to agricultural producers, but recognizing the best and most suitable genotypes can help a lot to melon production. Variation and selection are the important elements of the breeding program and the selection by the breeder requires a good variation in the population. In Iran, the largest producer of melons is province of Khorasan Razavi, with 48.7 percent of the production in country, and province of Sistan and Baluchistan with the 5.62 percent is in the fifth rank. Therefore, in this regard, it is necessary to consider the desirable populations and cultivars in terms of production and yield. The quality of soil and the limitation of water resources, especially in recent decades, have intensified the world's agriculture. In the most parts of Iran, especially in Sistan, due to recent drought, identification of resources and cultivars with the potential of optimal production is important. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the populations of melons and their response to different irrigation regimes.Materials and Methods: In this study, the populations of the gene bank (34 population), mostly from the central and eastern regions of the Iran, along with two local sefidak and suski, which were relatively tolerant and sensitive, respectively to drought stress were cultivated in a simple square lattice design with 2 replications for comparison under normal and drought stress conditions. Under water deficit conditions, irrigation was carried out at water depletion of 75% and for normal irrigation with 50% water depletion from the field capacity. Soil moisture monitoring was carried out using a TDR device. Some morphological and physiological traits such as yield, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit length and width, plant length, hole diameter, chlorophyll content, canopy temperature, relative water content were measuredResults and Discussion: Based on the results of combined analysis of variance, there was a significant difference between the populations for all traits except for the number of fruits per plant. The effect of the environment was significant only for the traits of soluble solids, single plant yield, canopy temperature and days to maturity also the interaction of the population with the environment was significant only for plant length, canopy temperature and root length, which indicated a different population reaction in relation to these traits under two conditions of normal and moisture stress. The results of the mean comparison of the traits showed that in normal conditions, the highest number of fruits belonged to numbers 1, 2, 6, 7 and 8, which had no significant difference with the check number 36. The results of analysis of factor in moisture stress condition showed that the first four factors justify nearly 70% of the variation among the traits. Therefore, the positive values of the first factor can be effective for selection of genotypes with a high yield and high fruit weight. However, the second factor with negative values of canopy temperature and positive values of leaf relative water content is effective in determining the high tolerance genotypes to moisture stress conditions.Conclusion: Under normal and stress conditions, population number 23 had acceptable yields. The traits of fruit weight and size, flesh diameter and fruit length and width are among the traits that should be considered by the breeders according to their relationship with the yield. Genotypes with high root length had high tolerance to water deficit condition. In general, under stress conditions, more soluble solids were observed in the populations.
Ali Akbar Shokouhian; Ali Asghari; Hadi Mahmoodi
Abstract
Introduction: Kiwifruit (Actinidia Sp) is one of the fruits that it is considered as an appropriate food source, because it is rich in vitamins, especially vitamins c, E, A, B1 and also in the form of potassium. Humic substances are contained nutrients that improve the soil nutrients and are increases ...
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Introduction: Kiwifruit (Actinidia Sp) is one of the fruits that it is considered as an appropriate food source, because it is rich in vitamins, especially vitamins c, E, A, B1 and also in the form of potassium. Humic substances are contained nutrients that improve the soil nutrients and are increases the availability of food and therefore plant growth and yield. Studies have shown that adding certain amount of humic acid fertilizer can improve the growth of root, stem and leaves of plants and enhances yield and quality of products and increases the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer consumption. According to pervious findings, recent research was performed aimed to achieving the best combination of humic acid and its application method for improving yield and organic fruits production in Kiwifruit cv. Hyvard.
Materials and methods: In order to investigate the effects of humic acid concentration and application method on nutrient uptake and quality and quantity of fruit indices, of Kiwifruit CV Hyvard an experiment based on complete block design with four replications was conducted during 2015-2016 in Talesh city, Gilan province. Experimental treatments included soil drenching method and foliar spraying of different levels (control, 2, 4 and 6 kg. ha-1) of humic acid. In this study traits such as absorption indexes of nutrient elements consisting nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, magnesium, manganese, copper and iron content of leaves and quantitative and qualitative traits of fruit (yield, Tissue firmness, vitamin C, total soluble solids of fruits and leaf area and leaf chlorophyll content) were measured. Phosphorus was measured by spectrophotometer at 430 nm and potassium was measured by flame photometer. Atomic absorption was used to determine the amount of calcium (at wavelength of 422.7 nm) and magnesium (at wavelength of 285.2 nm). Nitrogen was also measured by Kjeldahl method. Micro elements were determined by flame atomic absorption method. Standard samples and treatments were cloudy with a blue acetylene flame and the adsorption of iron, manganese, zinc and copper were read at wavelengths of 243/3, 288.5, 213.9, 327.7 nm, respectively. This study was carried out in a randomized complete block design with seven treatments (0%) and application of humic acid at concentrations of 2, 4, 6 kg.ha-1 as spraying on leaves and soil application on Hayward cultivar with four replications. Data from this study were analyzed by using Jmp statistical software and graphs were drawn using Excel 2013 software.
Results and Discussion: Results of analysis of variance showed that different concentration of humic acid had significant effect on nutrient uptake and quality and quantity of fruit indices at 1% probability level. Results of this research indicated that using of humic acid caused increasing in nutrient elements uptake and improving the quality and quantity of fruit in Hyvard cv. of Kiwifruit. Comparison of means showed that the highest value of nitrogen (1.8%) of foliar application of 2 kg.ha-1 and 4 kg.ha-1 to soil of humic acid, phosphorus (0.3%) obtained by foliar application of 2 and 4 kg.ha-1, calcium (3.5%) by foliar and soil application of 4 kg.ha-1. The highest value of potassium (1.92) with soil application of 6 kg.ha-1, manganese (0.33%) and copper (12.8 Mg.Kg Dw-1) of foliar application of 4 kg.ha-1,iron (226 Mg.Kg Dw-1) of soil application 6 kg.ha-1 humic acid and the highest value of magnesium (34.7 Mg.Kg Dw-1) uptake index obtained from adding 6 kg.ha-1 humic acid to soil. The results indicated that foliar spraying of 2 kg.ha-1 humic acid had higher efficiency for zinc uptake (21.7 Mg.Kg Dw-1). Comparison of means showed that the lowest value of measured elements obtained in control treatment. Based on the results, the concentration of four kilograms per hectare of humic acid with soil and leaf application methods had the highest effect on quantitative and qualitative indices of kiwifruit.
Conclusion: Results showed that application of humic acid caused increasing in absorption of nutrients and improving the quality and quantity of fruit in Hyvard CV of Kiwifruit. Comparison of meanings showed that the application, soil application of 4 kg.ha-1 of humic acid, was more effective in absorption indices of nitrogen elements, phosphorus, calcium and quantitative and qualitative indices of kiwifruit. Treatment of 6 kg.ha-1 soil increased the adsorption of manganese and iron elements and soil treatment of 2 kg ha-1 humic acid had the highest absorption of magnesium. Data analysis showed that zinc and copper elements were more adsorbed in humic acid by 2 and 4 kg.ha-1 in spray application. In this study the lowest value of measured elements obtained in control trait.
Seyyed Ali Mousavizadeh
Abstract
Introduction: Information on nature and magnitude of present variability in a population is an important pre-requisite for starting any breeding program. Moreover, the knowledge about correlations among various characters and further partitioning them into direct and indirect effects is a rational approach ...
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Introduction: Information on nature and magnitude of present variability in a population is an important pre-requisite for starting any breeding program. Moreover, the knowledge about correlations among various characters and further partitioning them into direct and indirect effects is a rational approach to understanding such a relationship which is helpful for multiple trait selections. The present study was undertaken to determine the genetic variability and heritability of important economic characters, interrelationships among them and their direct and indirect effect on yield in Iranian onion landraces.
Materials and Methods: Seeds of twenty landraces were planted using a randomized complete block design with three replications in East Azarbayjan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center for two years. Thirty plants were selected at random in each plot to record the observations on yield/plant, leaf length, number of leaves/plant, bulb length, bulb diameter, number of centers, number of edible layers, bulb dry matter and shape index. Broad-sense heritability, expected genetic advance, genetic variability, correlation coefficient, and path coefficient analysis calculated.
Results and Discussion: Analysis of variance showed significant effects for all studied traits. Therefore, sufficient genetic variability exists among the onion landraces.
The bulb yield per plant had the utmost phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation (PCV and GCV) (27.81% and 24.27%, respectively). This shows the prevalence of greater genetic variability among the genotypes which offers good opportunities for crop improvement through selection. Medium PCV and GCV were displayed in bulb diameter, number of leaves/plant, leaf length, number of center and shape index. But number of edible layers and bulb dry matter showed low GCV and PCV indicating less scope of selection as they are under the influence of environment.
The estimates of phenotypic coefficients of variation were higher than their corresponding genotypic coefficients of variation for all the traits. That might be due to interaction of genotype with environment to the same degree or other denoting environmental factors influencing the expression of these traits. A high degree of disparity between PCV and GCV for most of the traits showed their susceptibility to environmental fluctuations.
In present study, the estimates of broad-sense heritability ranged from 16% for number of edible layers to 88% for shape index. Heritability estimates were very high for bulb diameter, leaf length, and number of centers and shape index, indicating the possibility of success in selection. Heritability estimates were relatively high for yield/plant, bulb length and number of leaves/plant. In addition, moderate heritability estimate was observed for bulb dry matter. On the other hand, low heritability estimates was also observed for number of edible layers indicating the limited scope for improvement of this trait through selection.
The expected genetic advance expressed as a percentage of the mean by selecting the top 5% of the accessions, varied between 1.6% for number of edible layers to 43.55% for yield/plant. Genetic advance as percentage of mean was maximum for yield/plant followed by number of centers, shape index, leaf length, bulb diameter, number of leaves/plant and bulb length. Genetic coefficient of variation, heritability, and genetic advance were high in yield/plant. Therefore, yield/plant could be useful basis for selection.
In most traits, the genotypic correlation coefficients were higher than the phenotypic correlation coefficients which indicated the inherent association among various characters independent of environmental influence.
Bulb-yield/plant showed significant positive correlation with leaf length, leaf number, bulb diameter and bulb length at phenotypic and genotypic levels. So, improvement of leaf length, leaf number, and bulb diameter and bulb length traits could improve the capacity of the plants to synthesize and translocate photosynthates to the bulb.
The path analysis showed that bulb diameter has the largest positive direct effect on bulb-yield/plant. The indirect effect of length of leaves on onion yield through bulb diameter was considerable. Accordingly, selection of plants with larger leaf length and bulb diameter could be suitable for breeding onion for higher yield. The presence of negligible residual effect (0.06) indicated that most of the important traits contributing to yield were included in the path analysis.
Conclusions: Results showed that potential of onion landraces with high genetic diversity in selection for development of cultivars with favorable agronomic and market traits is high. The high genetic coefficient of variation, heritability, and genetic advance were found in yield/plant. Therefore, yield/plant could be useful basis of selection. In addition, the path analysis showed that selection of plants with larger leaf length and bulb diameter could be suitable for breeding onion for higher yield.
Davood Akbari Nodehi; Mohammad Zanguei; Fazl Shirdel Shahmiri
Abstract
Introduction: Water is one of the most important factors limiting plant growth and agricultural productivity in many areas of the world. Decreasing water losses and irrigation times are one of the basic countermeasures for agriculture development and minimizing the stress to plants. Correct management ...
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Introduction: Water is one of the most important factors limiting plant growth and agricultural productivity in many areas of the world. Decreasing water losses and irrigation times are one of the basic countermeasures for agriculture development and minimizing the stress to plants. Correct management and applying improved techniques for saving and conserving the humidity of soil and increasing the soil water holding capacity is among the activities for productivity increasing and consequently exploiting limited water resources. New method in science of soil and water is using super absorbent materials as reservoirs and prevention from water wastage and increase of irrigation efficiency.
Materials and Methods: In order to evaluate the application effects of different levels of superabsorbent polymer on growth of strawberry plants under drought stress condition, a research was conducted in the Mazandaran province in loamy soil during 2010. Experiment was carried out as factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications and three plants for each replication. Dryness stress treatments (30%, 50% and 70% of Maximum allowable depletion of soil moisture; MAD) and superabsorbent polymer (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 % of soil weight) were allocated to main and sub-plots, respectively. In this research the superabsorbent polymer TawaratA200 is used that is produced by the research center of petrochemical and polymer of Iran. Before planting, super absorbent polymer was added to the soil of pots in deepness of root development. For stress application, the pots were weighted every day. During the experiment, the physicomorpholigic characteristics such as number and length of stolones, number of leaves, plant length, biomass, fresh and dry weight, fruit diameter, number and weight of fruit were estimated.
Results and Discussion: The results showed, superabsorbent and drought stress and their interaction effects effected on all factors. In vegetative characteristics, number and length of stolones in treatment of 1% superabsorbent and 30%of MAD (maximum allowable depletion) has been maximum. By increasing stress, number and length of stolones declined. The lowest amount was obtained in the treatment of non-superabsorbent and 70% of MAD. With increasing stress, the number of leaves decreased and with increased superabsorbent, leaf number was increased. Strawberry leaves in treatment of one percent superabsorbent and 30%of MAD has a maximum value and in treatment of non-absorbent and 70% of MAD was minimal. Root length, fresh and dry weight were affected by the water stress. 70% of MAD and 30% of MAD has been the minimum and maximum amount, respectively. The plant length, biomass, fresh and dry weight, by reducing stress and increasing superabsorbent has increased and maximum values were obtained in the treatment of 30%of MAD and one percent of superabsorbent. In reproductive characteristics, fruit diameter reduction, occurred with increase stress. Fruit diameter was increased by adding superabsorbent and reducing stress. In the treatment of 1% superabsorbent and 30%MAD the maximum diameter of the fruit was obtained. Increased water stress has been causes weight reduction. In treatment 30%of MAD, the weight of fruit was obtained 4.17 g, with the increase of water stress, the fruit weight was reduced to 1.99 g. The use of superabsorbent increases the yield. With an increase of 0.25%superabsorbent, fruit weight was increased from 4.17 to 8.14 g. In the interaction of stress and superabsorbent, the maximum weight of the fruit with 18.99 g was obtained in treatment of 1% superabsorbent and 30% MAD. the maximum number of fruits was obtained, in treatment with 1% superabsorbent and 30% MAD with the number of 19.67.
Conclusion: Super absorbent polymer plays an important role in enhancement of absorption capacity and retention of water in soil, fighting against water shortage and decreasing harmful effects of drought stress. The above mentioned rates of polymer have the best effect to all characteristics of strawberry in all levels of water stress treatment. The findings strongly suggest that the irrigation period of strawberry cultivation can be increased by application of polymer.
Mahrokh Rostami; Ali Akbar Shokouhian
Abstract
Introduction: Strawberry fruit is soft and has a variety of vitamins, especially vitamin C and minerals. Parus is one of the most important short-day cultivars and suitable for the fresh produce market. Nitrogen is involved in vegetative and reproductive growth of most horticultural crops and excessive ...
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Introduction: Strawberry fruit is soft and has a variety of vitamins, especially vitamin C and minerals. Parus is one of the most important short-day cultivars and suitable for the fresh produce market. Nitrogen is involved in vegetative and reproductive growth of most horticultural crops and excessive use of itdecrease yield and quality of products and increasing pollution of the environment. Humic substances are contained nutrients that improve the soil nutrients and increases the availability of food and therefore plant growth and yield. Studies haveshown that to adding a certain amount ofhumic acid fertilizer with nitrogen can improve the growth of roots, stems and leaves and enhances the yield and quality of products and increases the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer consumption. On this basis, this research was performed aimed at achieving the best combination of treatments of humic acid and its application method and nitrogen in improving strawberry vegetative and reproductive growth cv. Paros.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Mohaghegh Ardabili at during 2015-2016. In early september, land preparation was carried out, and then were calculated base fertilizers 150 and 50 kg.ha-1 of potassium and phosphorus, respectively plus forty tons per hectare of manure. Stacks was prepared to dimensions of 1.5 × 1 m and the distance of rows was 40 cm. Strawberry seedlings were planted with distance of 25 cm on the row (10plants m-2)in late November.
The experiment was carried out as a split split plot based on complete randomized block design with the application of foliar and soil treatments of Humic acid levels (control, 2, 4 and 6 kg.ha-1) and nitrogen fertilizer (50, 100 and 150 kg.ha-1) with three replications. Nitrogen levels were placed in the main plots and the type of humic acid application in sub plots and humic acid concentrations in the sub- sub plots. Half of N(urea fertilizer) was used at the time of planting and 25 %on the early may and 25 %on the early June. To apply foliar and soil treatments, humic acid was used (Humaster tob with 85% of humic and fulvic acid, Yazd Golsangkavir Company) with the start of the growing season at the intervals of every 10 days once (four times total). In the soil method, humic acid is measured based on the desired treatments and then dissolved with deionized water and added to irrigation water. In the foliar method, after irrigation thehumic acid powder was solutioned with a certain amount of deionized water and it was sprayed on the plants in equal measure. In addition, only irrigation water and deodorizing water were applied to the control of soil and foliar treatments, respectively. Traits were as: leaf number and area, number of runners, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, root volume, number of flowers and fruits, fruit weight average and yield per plant. Data analysis were performed by using SAS 9.1 and comparison of data by the LSD test at the 5% probability level.
Results and Discussion: All results due to different concentrations of nitrogen, humic acid and methods of its application and their interaction on most traits were significant at 5% probability level. The highest values in the leaf number (17.91) and area (1304.34 cm2) obtained in 6 kg.ha-1 drench application of humic acid. Also,the most number of flowers (13.27) was observed in 100 kgN.ha-1combined with foliar application of humic acid and the highest number of runners (22.34) was obtainedin 150 kgN.ha-1with drench application of humic acid. The most flowers (17.55), fruits (14.5) number and yield (104.43 g.plant-1) observed in 100 kgN.ha-1with 4 kg.ha-1humicacid. The results trilateral interactions of nitrogen,humic acid and application methods showed that the highest values of fresh weight (48.32 g.plant-1) and volume (44.13 cm3.plant-1) of root, dry weight of shoot (21.08 g.plant-1) and root (16.28 g.plant-1) obtained infoliar application of 4 kg.ha-1humic acid.The most of shoot fresh weight (77.7 g.plant-1) also observed in drench application of 4 kg.ha-1humic acid and highestfruit weight average (11.68 g) obtained in foliar application of 2 kg.ha-1humic acid with 100 kgN.ha-1.
Conclusion: Results showed that the majority of evaluated traits, the highest values have been achieved of 100 kgN.ha-1with foliar application of 4 kg.ha-1humic acid. On this basis, combined application of chemical and biological fertilizers can be the best strategy to achieve sustainable agriculture and reducing the pollution of soil and water resources along with increasing the product.
Mojtaba Lotfi; Mohammad Farsi; Amin Mirshamsi Kakhki; Javad Janpoor
Abstract
Introduction: Because of their high protein and mineral contents and low fat, calories and cholesterol, edible mushrooms such as Agaricus bisporus are an important part of the people diet in many countries, but in Iran, the yield of this mushroom is less than the average of yield in the world. Phase ...
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Introduction: Because of their high protein and mineral contents and low fat, calories and cholesterol, edible mushrooms such as Agaricus bisporus are an important part of the people diet in many countries, but in Iran, the yield of this mushroom is less than the average of yield in the world. Phase change from the vegetative to the reproductive stage and fruit body initiation of this mushroom depends on special physical, chemical and microbial properties of casing layer. Phase change is initiated by decreasing oftemperature and CO2 concentration and presence of some bacteria (such as Pseudomonas putida) in the casing layer. It is believed that P. putida may cause this process and increase the yield of A. bisporus by siderophore and hormone-like compounds secretion, decreasing the level of ethylene via ACC deaminase activity and dissolution of insoluble phosphate. The objective of this work was to identify P. putida isolates as growthpromoting bacteria isolated from A.bisporus casing soil and to evaluate their effect on mushroom yield.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 81 individual bacterial isolates were collected by screening the casing layer of 6 edible mushroom farms. Luria Bertani (LB) medium supplemented with sodium lauroyl sarcosine (SLS) and trimethoprim were used for isolation of Pseudomonas bacteria by plating serial dilutions of each soil sample. Finally, using species-specific primers, 33 isolates that identified as P. putida were selected and were used toinoculate
A. bisporuscasing layer. Inoculations were performed in a completely-randomized design with two replicates. The harvesting began when buttons were fully-grown (but not yet open), and the number of mushrooms and fresh (wet) weight of them were recorded after harvesting of each flush. In the next experiment IAA and siderophore production ability, ACC deaminase production capacity and ability of dissolving of insoluble phosphate in isolates and the correlation between these factors and number and fresh weight of mushroom were evaluated. Analysis of the data was carried out using JMP 8. Means were compared using Tukey’s test at p≤0.05.
Results and Discussion: The results of this study showed that the best stage for collecting P. putida is pinning, because the maximum number of identifiedP. putidawas recorded at this stage.Field experiment showed that different isolates have a significant effect on fresh weight and the number of mushrooms per kg compost compared to control (p≤0.05), so that the highest fresh weight observed in treatment of P27 and P13 isolates with 361.63 and 342.8 gr/kg compost respectively and the highest number of mushroom observed in treatment of P18 and P24 isolates with 21 and 20.83 mushroom per kg of compost,respectively. Interestingly, in this study, some isolates showed negative or no effect on mushroom yield which could be due to the interaction between bacteria and A. bisporus strain and/or complex conditions of casing layer. Other results showed that there is a positive and significant correlation between IAA production ability in P. putidaand fresh weight (r=0.58) and the number of mushrooms (r=0.50) in A. bisporus.Whereas there was no significant correlation between other factors and fresh weight and the number of mushrooms. IAA through promotion of cell elongation and differentiation increased mushroom growth and protein.This hormone is one of the needs of A.bisporus mushroom and it is very effective in growth and caused an increase in mushroom yield compared to other growth promoting factors.
Conclusions: In the present study, with the aim of investigation of the effect of P. putida on the yield of
A. bisporus and determining the most effective factor in this process, collectedisolatesinoculated to A. bisporuscasing layer and growth promoting factors in these isolates were evaluated. Results showed that the best stage for collecting P. putida is pinning. These bacteria havesignificant effects on fresh weight and the number of mushrooms.There is not significant correlation between other factors and fresh weight and the number of mushrooms. Based on the results, it could be said that the use of growth promoting bacteria in edible mushroom culturing could be resulted anincrease in mushroom yield and could be beneficial in production of healthy food. Finally, it could be said that P. putida isolates P27 and P13 may have the potential to act as a potential bio-fertilizer.
Zahra Davarkhah; Bijan Kavoosi
Abstract
Introduction: Table grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most important small fruits in Iran produced in a wide range of climates from temperate to tropical regions. Khoshnaw cultivar is one of the most important table grapes in Iran. Vineyard soil in many parts of Iran is calcareous, leading to the ...
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Introduction: Table grape (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most important small fruits in Iran produced in a wide range of climates from temperate to tropical regions. Khoshnaw cultivar is one of the most important table grapes in Iran. Vineyard soil in many parts of Iran is calcareous, leading to the decrease in the availability of micronutrients and exposure of vines to severe nutritional disorders. Lack of imbalanced fertilization is one of the reasons for the reduction in yield as well as fruit quality of vineyards. Iron, magnesium and zinc are essential nutrients that play an important role in increasing production and product quality. Zinc and iron deficiencies are the most common micronutrient disorders that have been observed in many vineyards of Iran. Other common deficiencies include manganese, boron, copper, and molybdenum. Most vineyards of Boyer Ahmad located in regions, where soil temperature is very low in spring, and obviously under these conditions and just when the grapevines need to make most of the mentioned elements, absorption of nutrients from the soil by the roots is reduced. However, there is high amount of lime (≥ 60%) in the soil of the same area in this condition with high pH (7.9). Therefore, under this situation, vines cannot uptake iron and other micronutrients including zinc and boron. The fertilizer sources and time of their application are two important factors. The aim of this study was to determine the best concentration and application time of Ferozinc fertilizer on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of table grape cv. khoshnaw.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of foliar application of some micronutrient elements before and after flowering on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of table Grape cv. Khoshnaw in Yasuj during 2012. An experiment was conducted in private vineyards in Chitab district of BoyerAhmad region. The average annual precipitation was 676.7 mm. The minimum and maximum temperatures of this area varied from -7.8 oC to 35.3oC during the year. The average minimum and maximum temperatures in growing season were 13 oC and 29.5oC, respectively. 15-year-old own-rooted vines were trained by using head system. The vines were spaced 2.5 × 3 m. They were pruned by using spur pruning which left about 60 buds on each vine. The experiment was arranged as factorial based on randomized complete block design with two factors and four replications. The first factor included different levels of Ferozinc fertilizer (0, 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000 mg/l) and the second factor included different spraying times (before flowering, after flowering, and both times). The quantitative factors measured were the average of bunch weight, and average of fruit weight per bunch; and qualitative factors were percent of soluble solids (TSS percentage), the reaction of juice (pH), total acidity (TA percentage), TSS/TA ratio and vitamin C, respectively. The data were analyzed using MSTATC package program and means were separated using Duncan's Multiple Range Test at P ≤ 0.05 and P ≤ 0.01.
Results and Discussion: Results showed that the effects of Ferozinc fertilizer application were significant (p≤0.01) on the average of bunch weight, average of fruit weight per bunch, TSS/TA ratio, pH and vitamin C content. Moreover, the effect of foliar application time on all traits was significant, except for juice pH (p≤0.01). Based on the results of mean comparison, the interaction effect between different levels of Ferozinc fertilizer and times of foliar application on vitamin C content and pH of grape juice were significant (p≤0.01). The highest cluster weight (220.222 gr), average fruit weight per cluster (215.887 gr), TSS/TA ratio (31.29), pH (3.68) and vitamin C (2.849 mg/100 cc fruit juice) were obtained in the treatment containing 1000 mg/l Ferozinc fertilizer and both application times (before and after flowering).
Conclusions: In general, the results of the present study showed that the unavailability of optimal nutritional conditions in control treatment increased the quality of fruits. Therefore when the plant is faced with nutrition abnormalities, moderate consumption of elements could enhance quantity and quality of products. According to the results of this research, application of ferozinc fertilizer at concentration of 1000 ppm before and after flowering is recommended to improve the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of table grape cv. Khoshnaw under irrigation conditions in this area.
Peyman Jafari; Amirhooshang Jalali
Abstract
Introduction: Spinach is one of the most important leafy vegetables, rich in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin C and B-carotene, and it is likely to be Iran's origin. More than 30 percent of the area under cultivation of in Iran leafy vegetables, allocated to spinach plant. Spinach is a cool season ...
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Introduction: Spinach is one of the most important leafy vegetables, rich in calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamin C and B-carotene, and it is likely to be Iran's origin. More than 30 percent of the area under cultivation of in Iran leafy vegetables, allocated to spinach plant. Spinach is a cool season crop and its cultivation is done in the fall and in early spring. Various regions of Iran, has the vast genetic diversity in relation to the mass of spinach. In a study to evaluate the yield and agronomic traits spinach 121 mass Iran, the masses were divided into six clusters that each cluster has specific morphological and agronomic traits. Leafy vegetables, especially spinach are the main sources of nitrate absorption and about 70 percent of total dietary nitrate intake per person per day is provided by leafy vegetables.
Material and Methods: To study the preliminary agronomic and morphological traits and nitrate amounts of 100 Iranian spinach mass are available in GenBank, an investigation was carried out in Agriculture and Education Center Research in Esfahan for two years (2013-2014) by using of five mass dominant cultivars, and two control landrace (Varamin 88 and Varamin prickly seed). The aim of the first year of the study was the primary isolation of superior landraces based on agronomic traits of spinach. At the end of the first year of growth, seed traits, including the type (smooth-prick), the width of the blade, leaf color, wrinkling of leaf area, leaf thickness, the petiole (standing, half-standing and sleeping), petiole length, shape of leaf, the shape of the leaf tip, bolting during plant growth and the number of male and female were determined. A total of 25 landraces selected in the first year of study were compared in the second year using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Studied traits were: yield, dry matter yield, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, and petiole length and nitrate levels. Statistical analyses of the data, correlated traits were performed using SAS software and comparisons of means calculated by using LSD at 5%.
Result and Discussion: The results showed that 21.5% of the populations used in this study had the petiole with a standing (vertical) position and 25.2% of them had a long petiole. Length of the petiole and hoisted were considered desirable trait for mechanized harvesting. However, varieties have high nitrate concentrations, or in cases where the management of nitrogen fertilizers does not do well, longer tail leaves are an undesirable trait because the accumulation of nitrate in the tail leaves is more than leaf spinach. 35.5% of spinach leaves landrace used in this study were green color. Leaf color in leafy vegetables is very important. Leaf length, have a range of 11 cm in the Kashan, up to 18 cm in mass TN-69-101 (collected from Lorestan). In this study the agronomic characteristics of the mass of the spinach, length of leaf blade mass in Kashan, Shahreza and Najaf Abad, were 15.50, 11.50, and 9.50 cm, respectively, and all three populations were significantly different in this respect. A significant positive correlation was observed between leaf length and leaf width (0.78**). The highest of fresh yield was 32.59 t ha-1 and produced by Varamin 88 that with six masses (TN-69-73, Varamin- prickly, TN-69-74, TN-69-153, TN-69-140, TN-69-58) did not differ statistically. Three populations of TN-69-153, TN-69-140 and Varamin- prickly (advanced masses prickly Varamin) both in terms of fresh and dry matter yield were superior. The (TN-69-78) mass with 17 leaves, the highest, and (TN-69-22) mass with 11/33 leaves, the lowest number of leaves produced among the different masses. Leaf blade width in the mass TN-69-31, was equal to 12/38 cm and with the eleven other populations had a significantly blade width more than other the masses. In terms of nitrate in shoots, TN-69-153 population with 1708 mg of nitrate per kg of dry matter had the highest amount of nitrate.
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that considering the diversity traits among different populations of spinach in various parts of the Iran can be provide suitable potential for agronomic and breeding purposes. The masses after selection and purification can be available to farmers and producers.
Yahya Selahvarzi; Zabihollah Zamani; Ali Reza Talaie; Mohammadreza Fattahi
Abstract
Introduction: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) belonging to the family Punicaceae, native to subtropical regions of Iran and adapted to arid or semi arid climates with mild winters. Pomegranate is fairly drought tolerant but requires regular irrigation to produce high yield and fruit weight. Large ...
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Introduction: Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) belonging to the family Punicaceae, native to subtropical regions of Iran and adapted to arid or semi arid climates with mild winters. Pomegranate is fairly drought tolerant but requires regular irrigation to produce high yield and fruit weight. Large parts of Iran within the boundaries of central deserts (Dasht-e-kavir and Kavir-e-Loot) have arid or semi-arid conditions which make them suitable for pomegranate production. However drought crisis and water resources restriction are very serious in these areas.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted on 7-year old pomegranate cv. Shahvar trees from 2013 to 2014 in Torbat-e-Heydarieh, Razavi Khorasan, Iran. Irrigation treatments and Gibberellic acid application were used in Completely Randomized Split-Plot Design with four replications. Irrigation treatments included [1-control: 100% of estimated crop evapotranspiration (Etc) 2-Sustained deficit irrigation (SDI): watering was constantly used at 50%Etc, and 3-Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI): not watering was imposed until fruit set and then irrigation was applied same as control]. Foliar application of Gibberellic acid was done with two concentrations (0 and 150 ppm) at early May and September. Precipitation and pan evaporation (Ep) was recorded by weather station that located at 15 km distance from the studied orchard. Daily crop reference evapotranspiration (ETo) was estimated by penman-monteith equation. Trees were drip-irrigated by two lateral lines parallel to the tree row and four emitters that each one delivers 4 liters per hour. Fruit weight and numbers, tree production (yield), peel, arils and juice percent and finally fruit cracking of each treatment were determined at ordinary harvest time in late of October. Some uniform and intact fruits per treatment transferred to cold storage (T= 5 ◦C, RH= 85-90%). After storage period the fruits transfered to shelf life condition (7 days at 20 ◦C and RH= 65-70%) to evaluate physiochemical traits at 2 different storage periods (9 and 18 weeks). Weight loss and chilling index were determined during 3 weeks intervals of storage. Weight loss was evaluated by a gravimetric method and results were expressed as percent of initial fresh weight. Chilling index was quantified by 5 point scale of fruit husk injury: (1: without disorder, 2: slight disorder signs 3: moderate signs 4: severe signs and 5: unmarketable).
Results and Discussion: In present research the effects of deficit irrigation treatments on all the measured attributes was significant at harvest time (p≤ 0.01). But Gibberellic acid spray had significant effect only on Fruit weight, juice percent and fruit cracking disorder. Likewise, deficit irrigation and Gibberellic acid interaction showed significant difference for fruit weight and cracking disorder. The results indicated that fruit weight, total yield and fruit juice in regulated deficit irrigation increased by 39.6, 17.1 and 16.6 percent in compare with control, respectively. Fruit numbers in control trees (108.3) was more than sustained (93.6) and regulated (87) deficit irrigation. It is possible that sustained (SDI) and regulated (RDI) deficit irrigation have decreased sprouting growth and consequently second or third waves of pomegranate flowers that forming on these shoots was lower by water restricting. Pomegranate peel percent in studied deficit irrigation strategies were less than control and naturally aril percent was more in these treatments. In other hand, the highest fruit cracking (9.1%) and lowest fruit weight (205.8 g) occurred in sustained deficit irrigation. However Gibberellic acid application could increase fruit weight and alleviate cracking disorder. The results of cold storage experiment showed that maturity index, antioxidant activity, total anthocyanin and chilling index improved by Sustained deficit irrigation. Variations of ripening index during cold storage occurred because of sugar conversion, not the changes of organic acids content. Indeed, rate of starch degradation to simple carbohydrates in fruits increase under drought condition. Probability drought in deficit irrigation treatments as an oxidative stress motivates antioxidant system and consequently increases chilling resistance in pomegranate fruits. Preharvest Gibberellic acid application amended weight loss and increased total anthocyanin and antioxidant activity during cold storage.
Conclusions: On the base of this study it seems that using of some deficit irrigation strategies have acceptable consequences on pomegranate fruit production at conditions of water resources restriction. Likewise Gibberellic acid application on trees that were subjected by deficit irrigations ameliorates the adverse effects of drought stress.
Hadi Ghasemi; Mehdi Rezaei; Hamid Reza Asghari; Hasan Ghorbani Ghuozhdi
Abstract
One of the most important ornamental plant in Iran and all of the world is pollinates. In this research we studded effect of two types of fertilizer on the characters quantity and quality of pollinates. We used Bio fertilizer and chemical fertilizer. The bio fertilizer was Azosprillum and the chemical ...
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One of the most important ornamental plant in Iran and all of the world is pollinates. In this research we studded effect of two types of fertilizer on the characters quantity and quality of pollinates. We used Bio fertilizer and chemical fertilizer. The bio fertilizer was Azosprillum and the chemical fertilizer was potassium nitrate. A factorial experiment was conducted based on a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The result show that characters of related of leaf, total weight of bulbs, originally bulbs weight, number of side bulblets, number of bulbs and amount of potassium were significant in Potassium nitrate treatment. Also, in Azosprillum treatment characters originally bulbs diameter, steam diameter and amount of potassium were significant. In interaction of Potassium nitrate and Azosprillum characters such as: Leaf fresh weight, leaf area meter, originally bulbs diameter, originally bulbs weight, number of side bulblets, number of bulbs and amount of potassium were significant. Potassium nitrate was more effect with level of 150 k/ha on often characters, especially on percent flowering and number of bulbs was increased rang 20 numbers. On the other hand, Azosprillum was little effect on characters of vegetative and reproductive.
Reihane Mesgari; Taher Barzegar; Zahra Ghahremani
Abstract
Introduction: Cucumber is one of the most important vegetable crops for the local consumption and exportation. The use of grafted vegetable seedlings has been popular in many countries during recent years. Growing fruit-bearing vegetables, chiefly tomato, cucumber and watermelon through grafted seedlings ...
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Introduction: Cucumber is one of the most important vegetable crops for the local consumption and exportation. The use of grafted vegetable seedlings has been popular in many countries during recent years. Growing fruit-bearing vegetables, chiefly tomato, cucumber and watermelon through grafted seedlings become a widespread practice worldwide. Grafting is a valuable technique to avoid soil-borne diseases, provide biotic and abiotic stress tolerance, enhance nutrient uptake, optimize water use, and increase fruit yield and quality. Vegetable grafting is a new topic in Iran and there are a limited number of studies on grafted vegetable production. However, attention to grafting by researchers has recently increased. Suitable rootstocks should be identified and characterized for the effective utilization of grafting. The rootstock's vigorous root system increases the efficiency of water and nutrient absorption, and may also serve as a source of endogenous plant hormones, thus leading to increased growth and yield in addition to disease control. In the present study, we investigated the response of two Cucurbita sp. and an Iranian melon as rootstocks for cucumber.
Materials and methods: In order to study the effect of cucurbit rootstocks and grafting method on growth, yield and fruit quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Super Dominus), an experiment was conducted as a factorial design in the base of RCBD with three replications in the greenhouse and research farm, University of Zanjan. Treatments were included three rootstocks (Cucurbita moschata L., Lagenaria siceraria and Cucumis melo L.) and ungrafted plants (control) and two grafting method (hole insertion and splice grafting). Seeds were sown simultaneously in plastic pots. For obtaining the same stem diameter of scion and rootstocks, cucumber seeds were planted four days earlier than rootstocks seeds. The seedlings were grown in an environment-controlled greenhouse with 25/20 day/night temperatures. When seedlings reached the first true leaf stage (diameter of the leaf was about 2 cm) the grafting was performed. After grafting, grafted plants were transferred to a mist chamber for post-graft care (>95% RH, 27-30 °C) for 10 days, after which the relative humidity was reduced gradually for acclimatization. After 20 days of grafting, surviving grafted plants and ungrafted plants were transplanted to the field. Common agricultural practices like fertilizer application, insects and disease control were adopted. Vegetative growth, yield and fruit quality were measured. Data were analyzed using the SAS statistical program (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA), and means were compared by Duncan’s multiple range tests at the 5% probability level.
Results and Discussion : The result showed that rootstocks had a significant effect on growth indexes. Cucumber was grafted on cucurbita moschata L. rootstock had the highest stem length and leaf numbers, while, the lowest values of plant height, leaf area, leaf number and yield were recorded with grafted plant on melon rootstock. Fruit numbers were significantly influenced by rootstock. The highest fruit number per plant was observed in cucumber plants that were grafted on cucurbita moschata rootstock. The results of the study showed that cucumber grafting on suitable rootstocks had positive effects on the yield. But rootstock had no significant effects on fruit quality like flesh firmness and total soluble solid. The Soluble solid content of fruit was reported to decrease in tomato, cucumber and eggplant due to grafting. chlorophyll content of leaf showed significantly different between grafted and non-grafted plants. The highest amount of leaf area was obtained from non-grafted plants. Grafting methods had no significant difference in growth, yield and fruit quality. Nitrogen and potassium leaf contents of grafted cucumber and ungrafted plants had no significant difference. The interaction between rootstocks and grafting method had no significant effect on yield and the other growth indexes.
Conclusion: Our findings showed that vegetative growth and yield of cucumber were affected by grafting. On the basis of these results, Cucurbita moschata rootstock had the highest effect on growth and yield of cucumber. It may also be concluded that the grafting method had relatively same growth response. Although the cost of a grafted seedling is surely one of the main concerns of growers, especially since grafted seedling costs from three to five times more than non-grafted seedling. However, investigation proved that, on-farm grafted cucumber transplant production can be successful and the results indicate that grafting of cucumber onto cucurbit rootstocks can increase on-farm net returns due to improve growth and yield.
Ahmad Golchin; Amin Vatani; Fatemeh Rakhsh
Abstract
Introduction:Vinasse is a byproduct of the sugar industry. Sugarcane or Sugarbeet is processed to produce crystallinesugar, pulp and molasses. The latter isfurther processed by fermentation to ethanol, ascorbicacid or other products. After the removal of the desired product (alcohol, ascorbicacid, etc.) ...
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Introduction:Vinasse is a byproduct of the sugar industry. Sugarcane or Sugarbeet is processed to produce crystallinesugar, pulp and molasses. The latter isfurther processed by fermentation to ethanol, ascorbicacid or other products. After the removal of the desired product (alcohol, ascorbicacid, etc.) the remaining material is called vinasse. Vinasse is sold after a partial dehydration and usually has a viscositycomparable to molasses. Commercially offered vinasse comes either from sugarcaneand is called cane-vinasse or from sugarbeet and is called beet-vinasse. On average, for each liter of vinasse, 12 liters alcohol produced. Vinasse is a material with dark brown color and the smell of burned sugar, which is rich in potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and nitrogen.
Materials and Methods:To determine the effect of vinasse and additive nitrogen and phosphorus on growth and yield of tomato, a factorial pot experiment was conducted at ZanjanUniversity in 2008. Two different plant nutrient including N and P and their combination (N+P) were added to vinasse with three different concentrations to form experimental treatments. In addition to these treatments, three control treatments with vinasse of different concentrations, but with no additive were also included in the experiment. Each treatment used with two different application methods (soil application and soil + foliar application).The experiment had 24 treatments, a complete randomized design and three replications. The vinasse used in this experiment was diluted with water 10, 20 and 40 times to make a nutrient solution of three different concentrations of tomato plant. The amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus that were added to vinasse were 224 and 62 mg/l, respectively. Phosphorus and nitrogen were applied to as super-phosphate triple and calcium nitrate and ammonium nitrate respectively. After being deployed to ensure complete installation of tomatoes in pots containing perlite (about 2 weeks after the transfer of seedlings tothe pots) treatments wereapplied to the pots. It should be noted that initially, three tomato seedlingswere planted in each pot at later stage after the plants were thinned to one plant per pot.Five months later after planting seedlings, fruits were picked and measured separately. At the end of the growth period, fruit yield, leaf and some quality characteristicsof fruit were measured.
Results Discussion: The results showed that the effects of vinasse concentrations on fruit yield, dry matter content of fruit, dry weight of root and plant height were significant at p
Isa Arji; Banafshe Hassani; Hooshang Ghamarnia
Abstract
Introduction: Since Iran is located in arid and semi-arid region of the world, so consumption and saving of water must be taking into account. Water is often a valuable natural resource, thus proper application methods - for increase water efficiency can be very important. Regulated deficit irrigation ...
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Introduction: Since Iran is located in arid and semi-arid region of the world, so consumption and saving of water must be taking into account. Water is often a valuable natural resource, thus proper application methods - for increase water efficiency can be very important. Regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) is one of the most important methods to increase water use efficiency and fruit quality. Apple is one of the most important fruit trees from economical point of view. Studies showed that regulated deficit irrigation led to growth reduction in apple trees and sometimes fruit quality increased. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect deficit irrigation on vegetative growth and fruit quantity and quality of Golden delicious apple trees in Gahvareh region of Kermanshah province.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted on 10 years old Golden delicious apple trees in a randomized complete block design with 5 irrigation treatments and three replications during 2006. Three apple trees assigned to each experimental unit. Irrigation treatments were: T1= early deficit irrigation (40% water requirement), T2= early deficit irrigation (60% water requirement), T3= late deficit irrigation (40% water requirement), T4=late deficit irrigation (60% water requirement), T5=control (C) (100% water requirement). Early deficit irrigation starts 55 days after full bloom (15th Jun) and continued 60 days (16th Aug), while late deficit irrigation starts 115 days after from full bloom (16th Aug) and continued 40 days near to harvesting time (23th Sept). Control trees were full irrigated based on water requirement, which calculated based on national water document of Iran and irrigation amount was calculated based on the following formulas: Q=0.0184.L.H3/2
Where Q is volumetric flow rate (liter/Second), L is parshall flume crown length (cm) and H is water height (cm). Irrigation time was calculated based on national water document of Iran and volumetric flow rate as this formula Q.t = di.a, where Q is volumetric flow rate (liter/Second), t is time based on second, di is net water requirement and a is irrigated area. To evaluate irrigation effects some vegetative (shoot growth and trunk cross sectional area); reproductive (fruit volume, fruit weight and yield) and quality (Total soluble solid, total sugar, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and calcium) traits were measured.
Results and Discussion: Results showed that deficit irrigation had no effect on trunk cross sectional area, but shoot growth was affected significantly by deficit irrigation by. So, regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) can be used to control excessive vegetative growth in apple trees. There were no significant differences of fruit volume and weight of trees under deficit irrigation than the control exception to secondary 40% treatment. Fruit yield did not have significant differences under early and late 60% treatment in compare to the control. Where yield reduction was only 4 and 8 % in late and early 60% deficit irrigation respectively in compare to full irrigated trees. Water deficit had positive effect on qualitative traits of apple fruit, So that total soluble solids (TSS) and total sugar concentration (TSC) of fruit were higher in trees subjected to deficit irrigation as compared to the control. Regulated deficit irrigation led to 7-18% and 1.8-15% increase in total soluble solid and total sugar content in compare to full irrigated trees. Relative water content (RWC) was significant based of the time of applying deficit irrigation. Deficit irrigation did not have significant effect on fruit minerals such as P and K in compare to the control, but N content had significant reduction in deficit irrigation treatments in compare to the control and Ca fruit content of control trees had significant different in compare to trees were subjected to early deficit irrigation (40% of water requirement).. RDI favored reproductive growth over vegetative growth by suppressing vegetative growth. Water saving in deficit irrigation was 41, 27, 18 and 12 percent in early 40%, 60% and late 40% and 60% of water requirement respectively. Therefore, regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) applied with good intensity and at the right time not only reduces the amount of water used but also increased the yield performance and some fruit qualitative properties. RDI can be used to control vegetative growth and improve yield efficiency of apple trees.
Conclusions: Regulated deficit irrigation is more effective for water saving with a higher WUE and not reduction of fruit quality rather than to contain excessive vegetative growth in apple trees. Therefore, RDI can be suggested for commercial use and can be adapted successfully for the regions in similar soil and climate conditions. In general water deficit irrigation can cause increases quality of fruit in the Golden Delicious apple trees. Therefore, it is recommended to apply 60% of the water requirement for this cultivar.
Meisam Ghaedi Jeshni; Seyyed Mohsen Mousavinik; Jasem Aminifar
Abstract
Introduction: The German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) is mainly cultivated for essential oil. Nowadays, it is a highly favored and much-used medicinal plant in reqular and traditional medicine. Water deficit is one of the most important limiting factors on crops production in arid and semi-arid ...
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Introduction: The German chamomile (Matricaria recutita L.) is mainly cultivated for essential oil. Nowadays, it is a highly favored and much-used medicinal plant in reqular and traditional medicine. Water deficit is one of the most important limiting factors on crops production in arid and semi-arid regions (Sharafi et al. 2002). Drought stress limits the growth of plants by reducing water content of tissues and causes some metabolic and physiological changes. On the other hand, the availability of nutrients in the soil is affected by drought stress. Thus, nutritional management of plants under drought stress conditions is one of the most important factors in crop production. A better understanding of the role of nutrients in plant resistance to drought is associated with improvement of fertilizer management in arid and semi-arid areas. Our objectives were to investigate the effects of phosphorus and zinc fertilizers on nutrient content and essential oil yield of German chamomile under drought stress.
Material and Methods: The experiment was conducted in split plot factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications at Research farm of University of Zabol in 2013. Drought stress consisted of three levels 75% (control), 50% (mild stress) and 25% of field capacity (severe stress) as main plots, and factorial combinations of three triple superphosphate fertilizer (CaH4P2O8) levels (0, 150, and 300 kg ha-1) and two zinc sulphate fertilizer (ZnSO4H2O) levels (0 and 30 kg ha-1) as sub plots (the fertilizers were applied before planting time). The seeds were sown at 20 cm apart in rows 40 cm wide, on first half of March 2013. Drought stress levels were determined by the Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR). The success of chamomile cultivation as a commercial venture lies in how efficiently and effectively one can collect the flowers at the right stage during the peak flowering season extending over a period of 3–6 weeks. So, flowers were selectively collected on 27 April, 30 April, 4 May, 8 May, and 12 May 2013. German chamomile essential oil was extracted from the dried flowers and using Clevenger system. In the study, the content of potassium, sodium, zinc, phosphorus, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and essential oil yield were measured. Statistical analysis was carried out using SAS software (version 9.1). Significant difference was set at P ≤ 0.05 and determined using the Duncan's multiple-range test.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that exposing chamomile plants to soil moisture stress during its life cycle might lead to a significant effect on essential oil yield and the nutrient content except zinc and phosphorus. The phosphorus fertilizer also affected the content of potassium, sodium, zinc, phosphorus, chlorophyll and essential oil yield while the zinc fertilizer just affected zinc and phosphorus content, chlorophyll b and essential oil yield significantly. Also, we observed that high application of phosphorus fertilizer (300 kg ha-1) had a negative effect on yield of chamomile. This plant growth disorder is maybe because of interaction between P and Zn that is usually termed ‘P-induced-Zn deficiency’. This disorder in plant growth is associated with high levels of available P or with application of P to soil. Thus, it is important that the application of nutrients to be in balance. Having a good nutrient balance is therefore an important factor to improve plant growth by indicating the actual amount and the combination of nutrients that the production needs. Also, this is a good way to save money. In summary, the results of this study indicated that drought stress caused significant effects on physiological traits, essential oil yield and nutrient content. The results showed that optimum amount of Zn and P can improve the studied traits of chamomile. According to the results of this experiment, it seems that the application of Zn under drought stress condition can decrease damage of drought stress that this is maybe because of the critical role of that in plant nutrition and production.
Conclusion: In general, the results suggested that irrigation based on 50% of field capacity with application of 150 kg phosphorus fertilizer ha-1 and 30 kg zinc fertilizer ha-1 can improve essential oil yield and medicine components of German chamomile essential oil.
Fereshteh Makenali; Abdolkarim Kashi; Jamshid Hekmati
Abstract
Introduction: Oystermush rooms contain a wide enzymatic system to catalyze lignocellu lose and naturally live in organs of plants that are protein-rich. Agricultural and industrial wastes contain organic cellulosic materials such as cereal straw, sawdust and leaves that are suitable substrate for growth ...
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Introduction: Oystermush rooms contain a wide enzymatic system to catalyze lignocellu lose and naturally live in organs of plants that are protein-rich. Agricultural and industrial wastes contain organic cellulosic materials such as cereal straw, sawdust and leaves that are suitable substrate for growth of oyster mushrooms. Previous studies have shown that dietary supplements increase growth indices of oyster mushrooms.
Materials and Methods: Spawn of Florida oyster mushrooms wereprovided experimentally on grains of wheat. The experiment was conducted in the laboratory of the Agricultural College of Mehr Shar, Islamic Azad University of Karaj, Iran in 2011. Two factors were considered in this study substrate (A) and dietary supplements(B). Sugarcane bag asse (A1) and wheat straw (A2) were shed into polyethylene bags after they were pasteurized by boiling vapor and spawning was conducted according to wet weight of straw bags which was 4 kg. Supplements of Nitrogen werecottonseed powder, 2%soya flour, and urea0.5% that were added to substrate according to dry weight of substrate (1334 gr). Mushrooms were transferred to the laboratory after cropping in order to measure dry and wet weight. They were packed and dried in the oven during 24-72 hours at 60-70ºC. In order to estimate the biological efficiency, the produced crop was divided by weight consumed substrate that was multiplied by 100. A completely randomized factorial statistical experiment according to completely randomized design with 16 treatments and three replications was conducted. MSTAT soft ware was used for statistical analysis and the Dunkan test was used for comparing mean data with probability of 5%.Finally figures were drown using Excel.
Results and Discussion: In wheat straw substrate mushrooms were produced with high biological efficiency and yield, because compared to sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw needs a shorter period for fermentation, contains more nutrients, catalyzed faster than sugarcane bagasse soit provided mycelium with the nutrient amount of biological efficiency that increased byadding dietary supplements there for ethe yield was higher than control. Temperature of substrate increased by combining urea, cotton seed powder and soya flour nitrogen supplements, and that large amount of nitrogen were released into the environment and high temperature substrate.
So expansion of mycelium decreased and mushrooms with low biological efficiency and low yield were produced. The highest biological efficiency (23.03 %) and the highest yield (4/921 gr) were obtained through wheat straw that fed by cotton seed powder + soya flour (A2B6).The lowest biological efficiency (10.48 %) and the lowest yield (419 gr) were from control treatment (A1). Frequency of nitrogen in cotton seed powder is one of the most important reasons of increasing biological efficiency and yield. Another efficiency biologic factor was used in cultivation of fungi was C/N ratio, since nitrogen is a necessary factor for the activity of ligninoletic enzyme that is produced by basidiomycets. Cultivated fungi on wheat straw were wetter than mushrooms cultivated on sugarcane bagasse, because wheat straw has 10-15%water and sugarcane bagasse has 9% moisture. Wheat straw with cotton seed + powder soya flour (A2B6) and control treatment (A1) had the highest moisture (92.26%). Byaddition of dietary supplements in the surface of enriched substrate, fruit body density had increased in control, so mushrooms were less exposed to the air flow, but the combination of nitrogen supplements, the arrival of more nitrogen andsubstrate heat increased and that the mushrooms had less humid. In wheat straw substrate more number of body fruits was obtained in comparison with sugarcane bagasse substrate..418 numbers of body fruits obtained from wheat straw by cotton seed powder + soya flour (A2B6) and 163 mushrooms were obtained from control treatment (A1). Absorbable chemical compounds in the medium were used faster and the number of mushrooms in wheat straw substrate with cotton seed powder and soya flour (A2B6) increased while combination of supplements and heat due to entrance of nitrogen caused death of mycelium and decreasing number of mushrooms. The results analysis of variance, substrate effect and mean compare supplement effect was significant at 1% on biological efficiency. Yield, moisture, number of body fruit, mean interaction effect of substrate and supplement was significant at 0.05on biological efficiency, yield and moisture but mean interaction effect of substrate and supplement on the number of body fruit was significant at 1%.
Conclusion: Medium has a deep impact on growth indices of Florida oyster mushrooms in such a way that obtained mushrooms from rich mediums had higher growth indices than control. The impact of dietary supplements on growth indices is different and by adding an appropriate amount of dietary supplements to medium increases growth indices.
Elham Azizi; Asiyeh Siahmarguee; Ahmad Nezami; Ali Asghar Mohamad Abadi; Reza Soheili
Abstract
In order to investigate the possibility of Fennel autumnal sowing in Mashhad condition, 2 sets of experiments were conducted in Agricultural College, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2003-2005. This experiment was performed in the manner of Split Blocks based on completely randomized Blocks with three ...
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In order to investigate the possibility of Fennel autumnal sowing in Mashhad condition, 2 sets of experiments were conducted in Agricultural College, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2003-2005. This experiment was performed in the manner of Split Blocks based on completely randomized Blocks with three replications. Treatments were two fennel ecotypes (Khorasan and Kerman) and three planting dates (October, December and March). Fennel seeds only were planted in 2003 and in next year, plants were grown of remains parts of stem in surface of soil. Results showed in end of first years, number of remain plant in March planting dates, three times of October planting dates. In second years, number of remain plant in March planting dates 6.5 and 2.7 times October and December planting dates, respectively. Number of remain plant between Khorasan and Kerman ecotypes were not significantly different in two years. However, effects of planting date and ecotype on dry matter and number of primary and secondary branches were not significant but plant of October planting dates superior to the plant of December and March planting dates. Number of umbel without seed in October planting dates was 3.4 and 8.8 times of December and March planting dates. In spite of weight of seed in October planting dates highest than December and March planting dates, effect of planting dates on weight of seed in plant was not significant. In first year highest and lowest yield were obtained in October (68.7 gr/m2) and March (20.5 g/m2) planting dates. But in second year maximum and minimum of yield were obtained in March and October planting dates with 45.3 and 14.2 g/m2, respectively.
Majid Azizi; Soheila Shahriari; Hossein Arouiee; Hossein Ansari
Abstract
Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) from Lamiaceae family is one of the most important medicinal plants, used in food, sanitary and cosmetic industries. A field experiment was carried out in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2010-2011 to evaluate the effects of three irrigation levels (100, 80 and 60 percent ...
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Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) from Lamiaceae family is one of the most important medicinal plants, used in food, sanitary and cosmetic industries. A field experiment was carried out in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2010-2011 to evaluate the effects of three irrigation levels (100, 80 and 60 percent of water requirements calculated by evaporation pan class A) and two mulch types (black plastic and wood chips) in comparison to control (without mulch) on physiological parameter and essential oils content in a factorial experiments on the basis of Randimised Complete Block Desing with four replications. The data obtained from each harvest analyzed as a factorial experiment on the basis of randomized complete block design with four replications and the results of two harvests analyzed as split plot on time. The results of two harvest indicated that peppermint plants grow better in the first harvest than the second harvest. Plants collected in the first harvest showed higher dry matter and essential oil yield. The highest dry herb yield (44.12 g/plant), the highest percentage of essential oil (2.835 %v/w) and the highest essential oil yield (116.7 l/ha) detected in plots treated with third level of irrigation and use of wood chips mulch. In conclusion the results also confirmed that the highest dry herb and the highest oil yield per area unit were observed in plots treated with third level of irrigation with use of wood chips mulch.
Ebrahim Abedi Gheshlaghi; Reza Fifaei; Davoud Javadi Mojaddad
Abstract
'Flying dragon' is one of the citrus rootstocks that are considered to be a promised dwarfing rootstock in the world. This experiment was conducted in the Astara research station for study of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of 4 mandarin cultivars (Unshiu, Clementine, Page, and Yunesi) budded ...
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'Flying dragon' is one of the citrus rootstocks that are considered to be a promised dwarfing rootstock in the world. This experiment was conducted in the Astara research station for study of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of 4 mandarin cultivars (Unshiu, Clementine, Page, and Yunesi) budded on 'Flying dragon'. This experiment was carried out with four cultivars in randomized complete bloke design (RCBD) with three replications. Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of fruits, as well as vegetative traits were recorded and analyzed for 3, 6 and 1 years, respectively. The highest yield was observed on Yunesi cultivar in the final year of experiments and the lowest yield was on Unshiu cultivar in the fifth year. TSS/TA and means of fruit weight were affected by interaction of year and cultivar. The highest means of fruit weight was on Yunesi in the years of 85 and the highest TSS/TA was in years of 88 on Clementine cultivar. The highest alternate bearing index obtained in years of 88 on the Unshiu cultivar and the lowest that was on the Page cultivar. The highest yield efficiency, cumulative yield and plant height were observed on Yunesi cultivar, and the highest width and canopy of tree were on Unshiu cultivar. The lowest yield and tree size were on Page cultivar.
Nariman Rashidi; Isa Arji; Mohammad Gerdakaneh; Abdolkarim Kashi
Abstract
In order to investigate effect of organic manure and super absorbent on physiological and biochemical traits of potato (Solanum tubersum, cv Marfona), a split plot experiment was conducted as randomized complete block design with three replications at Research Farm, Agriculture College, University of ...
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In order to investigate effect of organic manure and super absorbent on physiological and biochemical traits of potato (Solanum tubersum, cv Marfona), a split plot experiment was conducted as randomized complete block design with three replications at Research Farm, Agriculture College, University of Razi in 2010. Main factor included two levels of super absorbent A200 (0 and 70 Kg/ha,) and split plot included nine levels (0, chemical fertilizer (according to soil test), granule chicken manure (1000 kg/ ha), common chicken manure (12 ton/ha), soil mix (1000 kg/ha), cow manure (20 ton/ha), vermicompost (20 ton/ha), compost (20 ton/ha) and tea compost (soaking tubers and spraying at four times). Investigating physiological traits such as leaf chlorophyll index, chlorophyll florescence and stomata conductance showed that only leaf chlorophyll index was affected by superabsorbent (P < 0.01) and organic manure (P < 0.05), while stomata conductance wad significant under it’s interaction effect at (P < 0.05). Quality and biochemical traits show that phosphorous amount of tuber was significant in superabsorbent treatment in compare to control. Crude oil percentage, protein, fiber, starch, sugar, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium content were not affected by organic manure. The highest amount of oil and fiber were obtained under compost and cow manure respectively. Sugar and nitrogen content were high under cow manure treatment. The highest amount of potassium and phosphorous content were belonging to chicken and Khakparvar manure respectively.
Maryam Haghighi; Maryam Mozafariyan
Abstract
Decreasing irrigation via partial root zoon drying (PRD) save water and decreased production expenses. For comparing common irrigation and PRD on tomato cv. Falcato an experiment was designed in Massey University of New Zealand. Treatments were control (irrigation in a Field capacity in each irrigation ...
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Decreasing irrigation via partial root zoon drying (PRD) save water and decreased production expenses. For comparing common irrigation and PRD on tomato cv. Falcato an experiment was designed in Massey University of New Zealand. Treatments were control (irrigation in a Field capacity in each irrigation to whole root zoon) and PRD (irrigation in a half of Field capacity in each irrigation to one side of root zoon). The results were shown that superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activity increased in PRD compare with control. Photosynthesis, mesophyll conductance, photosynthesis water efficiency, fresh and dry weight of root and shoot decreased in PRD. NACE (Nutrient Acquisition Efficiency) of leaf was the highest for Zn and Na and the lowest for P when PRD applied compare with control. Yield indices like MP increased significantly by 63% compare to first harvest. YSI (Yield Stability Index) increased by 46% in third harvest compare with second one. The TOL (Tolerance index) increased by 80% in last harvest compare with first one. GMP (Geometric Mean Productivity) in the second harvest increased by 62% compare to first one.
Hossein Afshari; Sadegh Sajedi; Hossein Hokmabadi
Abstract
In order to study the different concentrations of gibbererlic Acid and girdling on quantity and quality improvement of grape cv, Askari an experiment was carried out in kashmar region on 2012 as factorial in a complete randomized block design.In this experiment the effect of gibberellin at four concentration ...
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In order to study the different concentrations of gibbererlic Acid and girdling on quantity and quality improvement of grape cv, Askari an experiment was carried out in kashmar region on 2012 as factorial in a complete randomized block design.In this experiment the effect of gibberellin at four concentration in two time of flowering and girdling at four time in four replication were performed. Results showed that, gibberellins and girdling treatments increased the pH level relative to control. Highest pH in gibberellin treatments related to 200 ppm with 3.85 mean and in girdling treatments related to 4 weeks after flowering with 3.575 mean. Also the highes content of titratable acidity in gibberellin and girdling was 200 ppm with mean of (% 0/913) and 4 weeks after flowering with mean of (%0/842) and lowest tss belong to control (%0/6107). The highest tss contents belong to 150 ppm gibberellin treatment and in girdling treatment related to 4 weeks after flowering and lowest contest belong to control (%14/75).based on the results of this study we can ve commended gibberellin and treatment in order to enhance the qualitative and quality features of grape cv. askari
Ahmad Reza Dehghani Tafti; Iraj Alahdadi; Farzad Najafi; Mohammad Hossein Kianmehr
Abstract
Progressive usage of medicinal plants has necessitated their mass production using the minimum amounts of chemical inputs. To find out the effects of urea and pelleted animal manure and some micronutrients on yield and its components in pumpkin, a split plot experiment based on RCBD with three replicates ...
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Progressive usage of medicinal plants has necessitated their mass production using the minimum amounts of chemical inputs. To find out the effects of urea and pelleted animal manure and some micronutrients on yield and its components in pumpkin, a split plot experiment based on RCBD with three replicates was conducted at the Research Farm of Abouraihan Campus, University of Tehran in 2011. The pelleted animal manure and urea with four levels (150 kg urea, 50 kg urea+3.5 tone animal manure, 100 kg urea+1.5 tone animal manure and 150 kg urea+1.5 tone animal manure) were considered as the main plot and micronutrients with three levels (1000, 2000 and 3000 (mg kg-1); including iron, zinc, manganese from a chelate source and boron from boric acid source) were consideredas sub plots. Analysis of variance and comparison of means showed that usage of pelleted manure with urea was superior to using urea alone. The maximum fruit and seed yield, number of seeds perfruit and1000seed weight were observed where 1.5 tone pelleted animal manure+150 kg urea with 2000 (mg kg-1) of micronutrients was applied. Micronutrients did not show any significant effect on fruit number per square meter, seed dried weight per fruit, and single fruit weight. Moreover, the interaction effect of pelleted animal manure plus urea and micronutrients on immature seeds percent was significant at 1% level. Where 150 kg urea+1.5 tone animal manure in combination with 3000 (mg kg-1) of micronutrients was applied, the lowest percentage of immature seeds (22.6%) was achieved. Overall, applying 150 kg urea+1.5 tone animal manure in combination with 2000 (mg kg-1) of micronutrients could be suggested as the best option for achievement of the maximum yield characteristics of pumpkin medicinal plant.
Fatemeh Rakhsh; Ahmad Golchin
Abstract
In order to study the effect of different levels of nitrogen and copper on yield and nutrients concentrations and nitrate in broccoli head, an experiment was conducted based on a factorial combinations of five levels of nitrogen (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 kg/ha) and three levels of copper (0, 2.5 and ...
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In order to study the effect of different levels of nitrogen and copper on yield and nutrients concentrations and nitrate in broccoli head, an experiment was conducted based on a factorial combinations of five levels of nitrogen (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 kg/ha) and three levels of copper (0, 2.5 and 5 kg/ha) that were applied to soil as ammonium sulfate and copper sulfate respectively, in three replications in greenhouse of Zanjan University in 2010. Results showed that application of nitrogen and copper increased head yield and quality of broccoli. The application of 300 kg N + 2.5 kg Cu/ha resulted in highest yield of broccoli head. The highest concentration of nitrogen in broccoli head was measured in treatment with 400 kg N+ 2.5 kg Cu/ha. The highest concentration of nitrate in broccoli head was measured in treatment with 300 kg N/ha and without use of copper. Also, application of higher amount of copper decreased nitrate concentration in broccoli head. The highest concentrations of potassium and calcium in head were obtained with application 300 kg N + 2.5 kg Cu/ha. The results showed that application of nitrogen and copper in Optimum levels increased head yield and nutrients concentrations in broccoli head.
Shiva Roofigari Haghighat; Ahmad Shirinfekr; Kolsum Cheraghi
Abstract
In this study, the effects of different types of hand plucking were studied on green leaf yield and black tea quality. Bud and a leaf, bud and two leaves, bud and three leaves and bud and four leaves were the types of hand plucking. Plucking was down on chine’s hybrid tea and clone 100 in Fuman Tea ...
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In this study, the effects of different types of hand plucking were studied on green leaf yield and black tea quality. Bud and a leaf, bud and two leaves, bud and three leaves and bud and four leaves were the types of hand plucking. Plucking was down on chine’s hybrid tea and clone 100 in Fuman Tea Research Station. Shoots were plucked in flashing period regularly during three years. Green leaf yield was determined in every plot annually. Tea shoots were manufactured in Iran traditional form (Orthodox). Percentage of waste was measured after extraction. Quality characteristics were evaluated in black tea samples. Quality characteristics were consisted of chemical compounds (caffeine, total soluble solid, theaflavin, thearubigin, total color and brightness) and organoleptic score. Data were analyzed in split plot design based on randomized complete blocks. As results showed, maximum yield obtained in colon 100 in plucking of bud and three leaves. In the other hand, this treatment has normal quality in both of hybrid and colon 100. Minimum yield, quality and maximum level of waste were in bud and four leaves plucking. In clone 100, quality characteristics were evaluated higher than chine’s hybrid tea. There was a correlation of positive and significant between quality component and total sensory score.
Reza Baradaran; Mohsen Shokhmgar; Gholamreza Mosavi; Elyas Arazmjo
Abstract
To study the effects of irrigation interval and nitrogen level on yield and yield components of Fenugreek medicinal plant, an experiment in split plot arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications conducted at the Azad University of Birjand in 2009. Treatments included; irrigation ...
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To study the effects of irrigation interval and nitrogen level on yield and yield components of Fenugreek medicinal plant, an experiment in split plot arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications conducted at the Azad University of Birjand in 2009. Treatments included; irrigation intervals (4, 8 and 12 day) as main plot and nitrogen fertilizer (none fertilizer, 50, 100 and 150 kg/ha) as subplot. Results showed that the difference between 4 and 8 days of irrigation intervals for seed yield wasn’t significant, but the highest amount of forage yield achieved from irrigation after 4 days. Rising of nitrogen level led to increase of yield and yield components and the difference between 100 and 150 kg/ha nitrogen for seed and forage yield wasn’t significant. Irrigation interval has a considerable effect on all yield components except of pod length. Nitrogen also has a significant effect on plant height and number of pod per plant but it was insignificant on number of seed per pod, seed weight and pod length. Interaction effect of irrigation and nitrogen indicates that in 4 and 8 days of irrigation intervals, amounts of 100 and 150 kg/ha nitrogen have the highest effect on yield and yield components, but with increase of irrigation intervals to 12 days, 100 kg/ha nitrogen have the highest effect on all traits.
