Pomology
Saeid Fatahi Siahkamary; Vali Rabiei; Mahmood Shoor; silvana nicola
Abstract
The Lycium genus of the Solanaceae family has excellent nutritional and medicinal value. Two species of Lycium barbarum L. and Lycium chinense Mill. It is often called wolfberry or goji berry. The use of amino acids for horticultural crops is common worldwide, and many chemicals used as biostimulants ...
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The Lycium genus of the Solanaceae family has excellent nutritional and medicinal value. Two species of Lycium barbarum L. and Lycium chinense Mill. It is often called wolfberry or goji berry. The use of amino acids for horticultural crops is common worldwide, and many chemicals used as biostimulants are mixtures of amino acids. The effect of amino acids on plants seems to depend on the type of amino acid supplied and the type of plant. Selenium (Se) is an important component of selenoproteins and seleno-amino acids. Therefore, it has played many roles in the growth and function of living cells and important biological functions in animals and humans. Also Se is very similar in properties to sulfur and can act as S in biochemical systems. Biological fertilizers are fertile materials that contain one or more beneficial soil organisms within a suitable carrier. Overall, these fertilizers contain different types of microorganisms that can convert nutrients from unavailable form to available form through a biological process. The application of supernitroxin fertilizer by stimulating the synthesis of plant hormones increased the growth indicators of sesame varieties.This experiment was conducted in the Research farm University of Mashhad, during 2021 and 2022 years. In early May, goji berry seedlings were planted in the field to check the effect of the L-phenylalanine (Phe), sodium selenate (Se), and Nitroxine were applied before harvesting and foliar spraying on the Goji berry plant during the growth stages. To conduct experiment, two-year-old seedlings of Goji berry cultivar GB1 were obtained from Mashhad Seedling Company located in Razavi Khorasan province, and after the seedlings were transferred to ground and established, initial foliar spraying was done. In order to evaluate the effect of L-phenylalanine, selenium, and nitroxine treatments, experiment were conducted as a randomized complete block design in 5 replications which factors include the amino acid L-phenylalanine (Phe: 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mM), sodium selenate (Se: 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg.L-1) and nitroxin biological fertilizer (170, 330, and 500 μl/L) at three levels and distilled water was applied as a control. One pot was considered for each repetition and a total of 10 pots were considered along with the control. Plants were sprayed every 15 days after establishment. After the three stages of foliar spraying, the content of phenol and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity, PAL and anthocyanin were measured.The results showed that the treatments used in this experiment had a significant effect on the physiological and chemical characteristics of the goji berry plant. The results showed that the highest amount of titratable acidity (0.896%) was obtained in samples treated with nitroxine at a concentration of 333 microliters. The highest amount (18.56 mg/g) of this index was obtained in fruits treated with phenylalanine at a concentration of 1.5 mM. The highest amount of this index was obtained in the fruits treated with phenylalanine at a concentration of 1 mM, which was 61.98% higher than the amount of flavonoid recorded in goji berries under control conditions. Also, the results showed that despite the decrease in the activity of PAL enzyme during the increase of selenium concentration, the activity of this enzyme was 13.66% higher than the activity of PAL enzyme under the condition of using selenium at a concentration of 1 mg/liter. The increase in the functioning of the antioxidant system is determined by the total antioxidant, which is controlled by the content of low-molecular components and the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Compounds such as ascorbic acid, glutathione, tocopherol, carotenoids, anthocyanins, endogenous metal chelators, TPC, TFC and alkaloids are low molecular weight antioxidants. Also nitroxin, supernitroplus, phosphate and mycorrhizal fertilizers. Nitroxin binds N in the atmosphere and balances the absorption of nutrient element in the plant. Nitroxin is responsible for the secretion of amino acids, antibiotics, hydrogen cyanide and siderophores, which promote the growth and development of plant roots and shoots, protect the roots from pathogens, thereby increasing yield. A sufficient supply of phenylalanine through the use of exogenous Phe or endogenous Phe provided by the shikimic acid pathway may be required to stimulate the activity of the phenylpropanoid pathway, as shown by the high PAL activity responsible for the accumulation of phenols, flavocyanins and anthocyanins. This leads to the need for ROS accumulation. Anthocyanins are groups of flavonoids found in vacuoles epidermal and mesophyll cells of plants. Anthocyanins can protect chlorophyll from light oxidation and, compared to other components, is a better indicator of plant oxidative stress caused by external factors that accumulate in plantsThe present study was conducted with the aim of studying the effect of L-phenylalanine, selenium and nitroxin biofertilizer on improving the vegetative growth, yield and secondary metabolites of gojiberry during two crop years. To conduct the experiment, two-year-old seedlings of Goji berry variety GB1 were obtained from Mashhad Seedling Company located in Razavi Khorasan province. The results showed that the use of L-phenylalanine amino acid, selenium and nitroxin biofertilizer had significant effects on the investigated traits during the experiment. So that the use of nitroxin at a concentration of 166 microliters increased the amount of soluble solids and at a concentration of 333 the titratable acidity compared to the control samples. PAL enzyme was obtained in the conditions of using phenylalanine at a concentration of 1.5 mM, which was 52.17% more than the level of PAL enzyme activity recorded in control conditions.
Growing vegetables
Reza Najafi; Taher Barzegar
Abstract
Introduction
Cauliflower is one of the world’s most important vegetable crops. The edible head of the cauliflower is called curd, which is composed of many florets formed of aborted floral meristems. Curd has various components with high nutritional value including glucosinolates, vitamin ...
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Introduction
Cauliflower is one of the world’s most important vegetable crops. The edible head of the cauliflower is called curd, which is composed of many florets formed of aborted floral meristems. Curd has various components with high nutritional value including glucosinolates, vitamin A and C, phenolic compounds, and carotenoids, which exert beneficial effects on our health. Calcium is an essential macronutrient that plays a vital role in maintains cell wall stability, integrity and determining the fruit quality. Several researches have explored the effects of calcium salts on plant growth and quality in many horticulture crops. Various studies indicate that Ca2+ reduced peroxidation of lipid, increased activity of antioxidant enzyme and improve osmotic adjustment of cell membranes. Plant roots absorb calcium from the soil solution in the form of Ca2+ ions. The mobility of calcium in plant is low, and the root uptake from fertilized soils is poorly effective in increasing the calcium content in leaves and fruits. Deficiency of Ca will appear in younger leaves and in fruits, due to its low rate of transpiration. Thence, it is necessary to have a constant supply of calcium to continue growing. The direct application of liquid source of calcium on leaves and fruits may offer an alternative solution. The efficiency of foliar application with Ca depends on the source of Ca and applied dosage. To our knowledge, however, little information is available regarding the effect of different calcium sources on cauliflower. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of foliar spray of calcium sources on quality and antioxidant properties of cauliflower cv. Romansco.
Material and Methods
In order to evaluate the effect of different sources of calcium on antioxidant properties and quality of cauliflower cv. Romansco, the field experiment was carried out as a randomized complete block design with three replication during 2018 at Research farm of faculty of Agriculture, at the University of Zanjan, Iran. Cauliflower plants (cv. Romanesco) were cultivated by applying conventional farming practice for growing in open air conditions. Different calcium sources including calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 %), calcium chloride (CaCl2, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 %) and calcium lactate ( C6H10CaO6, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g L-1) were sprayed in vegetative stage and 10 days after curd formation for 2 times onto the leaves and curd until runoff using a mechanical mist sprayer. Distilled water was used as a control. Potassium, phosphorus, total soluble content, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, total phenols and flavonoids, free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) were measured. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS software package v. for Windows, and means comparison were separated by Duncan’s multiple range tests at p < 0.05.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that foliar spray of different Ca sources significantly increased K content and decreased P content. The highest amount of K (5.6 µg mg-1DW) was achieved in CaCl 0.9% treatment. The highest value of flavonoids (0.86 and 0.85 %) was found in plants treated with CaL 1.5 g L-1 and CaCl 0.9%, respectively. In this study, also it was found that foliar spray of CaN 1.5% and CaCl 0.9% increased respectively 49.3 and 40.4% vitamin C content compared to control plants. Ca application with increasing phenolic compound and vitamin C contents, improved antioxidant capacity and the maximum antioxidant capacity (26.19%) was found in CaL 1.5 g L-1 and CaN 1.5% treatments. Application of Ca sources increased TA and TSS content. The highest TSS content (12.5 and 13.3 ºB) was achievd in CaCl 0.9% and CaL 1.5 g L-1 and the maximum TA (28.8%) was found in plant treated with CaCl 0.9%. In this regard, foliar application of high level of calcium sources was more efficient than of lower levels on cauliflower quality. Therefore, the leaf application of calcium can be effective in improving the quality of vegetables, especially cauliflower.
Conclusion
Study results suggest that spraying different Ca source improved quality and antioxidant properties of cauliflower cv. Romanesco, so that with the application of Ca salts increase K, vitamin C, phenol and flavonoids contents. Among the calcium treatments used, higher levels of all three salts of CaCl, CaN and CaL had the most influence, so these calcium treatments are recommended to improve the quality and antioxidant properties of Romanesco cultivar.
Ornamental plants
Maryam Hojatipour; Moazam Hassanpour Asil
Abstract
Introduction
Lilium flower is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant, belonging to the Liliaceae family. Position of lilies as the fourth best-seller cut flower in the world, as well as the increasing trend of demand for this flower in the global market, indicates the importance of improving the ...
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Introduction
Lilium flower is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant, belonging to the Liliaceae family. Position of lilies as the fourth best-seller cut flower in the world, as well as the increasing trend of demand for this flower in the global market, indicates the importance of improving the quality and solving the sustainability issues of this flower. Gibberellins are one of the most important endogenous plant hormones involved in controlling plant dormancy. Gibberellin is a plant growth regulator that stimulates physiological responses in plants by affecting photosynthesis. Polyamines, including putrescine, spermidine, and spermine, are a group of plant growth regulators that have effects such as increasing cell division, biosynthesis of enzymes, regulating various developmental stages such as differentiation.
Materials and Methods
This study was performed to investigate the effect of gibberellic acid and putrescine on growth, flowering and vase life of Lilium cut flowers. Experiment was performed as factorial based on completely randomized design, included 16 treatments with 3 replications and 2 pots in each replication. The culture medium containing mold leaf soil, sand and perlite (1:1:1) and was prepared by disinfection with fungicide. The first treatment consisted of concentrations of 150, 300 and 450 mg/L gibberellic acid and onions were pre-treated by immersing for 24 hours. The second treatment consisted of concentrations of 0.5, 1 and 2 mM putrescine which was sprayed at the beginning of budding and continued every two weeks until the first bud flower coloring. Growth period conditions in green house were controlled. In this study, different parameters such as bud number, flowering stem length, fresh weight of cut flowers, relative fresh weight of cut flowers, water uptake of cut flowers, vase life, leaf chlorophylls a, b and total, petal carotenoid, percentage of petal cell membrane stability and total soluble solids of petals were examined.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that the application of gibberellic acid and putrescine improved the number of buds and increased cell membrane stability. Actually, gibberellic acid preserves the cell membrane by preventing the breakdown of proteins and increasing the pH, thus increasing the vase life. Also Putrescine protects cell membranes by removing free radicals. It is also known that gibberellic acid used at all levels in the experiment increased the height of the flower stem due to its role in cell division and elongation. Study of the flower stem water content and cut flower fresh weight, which are factors for longer vase life, showed that gibberellic acid increases the plant's ability to absorb water and increases these two traits. So that the highest cut flower fresh weight with 13 g difference compared to the control level belonged to the treatment level of 450 mg/L gibberellic acid. Also putrescine reduces plant water loss by increasing membrane permeability to calcium and increases the flower stem water content and cut flower fresh weight, which increases vase life. Also, gibberellic acid by creating water potential in the cell and putrescine by strengthening water relations and preventing blockage of water vessels increased the relative water uptake of cut flower. Thus, the greatest effect was observed on the third day post-harvest and the highest amount (2.47 ml. g-1 FW) on the third day belonged to the highest level of both treatments. Results also showed that all the levels of putrescine increased TSS due to its effect on the synthesis of sugars and carbohydrates in compared to control. The results showed that application of gibberellic acid and putrescine respectively at 300 mg/L and 2 mM, significantly increased the vase life compared to the control. The best vase life (15 days) occurred at 300 mg/L gibberellic acid and 2 mM putrescine. Although gibberellic acid increased growth and flowering of Lilium, but putrescine effectiveness on vase life of cut flower was more evident. The highest amount of leaf total chlorophyll (0.514 mg. g-1 FW) belonged to the treatment of 450 mg/L gibberellic acid and 2 mM putrescine and the lowest amount of leaf total chlorophyll (0.085 mg. g-1 FW) belonged to both treatments were at the control level. Also, in the study of petal carotenoid content, the highest amount belonged to the treatment of 450 mg/L gibberellic acid and 2 mM putrescine.
Conclusion
According to the results obtained from the present research, it can be concluded that use of gibberellic acid and putrescine had great effects on most of traits in compared to control treatment. The use of putrescine and gibberellic acid improves the flowering and vase life conditions by increasing water uptake and consequently increasing the relative fresh weight.
Growing vegetables
Alale Rezvan; Seyyed Abdollah Eftekhari; Reza Salehi; Farideh Sedighi Dehkordi
Abstract
Introduction: Cherry tomatoes, all over the world, have become a popular product because of the favorable characteristics (a good source of vitamins A and C, soluble solids, flavor, low calorie and fruit formation at high temperature). Cultivar selection is one of the most important managerial decisions ...
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Introduction: Cherry tomatoes, all over the world, have become a popular product because of the favorable characteristics (a good source of vitamins A and C, soluble solids, flavor, low calorie and fruit formation at high temperature). Cultivar selection is one of the most important managerial decisions and, despite thousands of available varieties, it can be daunting task. Cultivars are different in attributes such as color, shape, size, taste, taste, growth, consumption, planting time, and resistance to pests and disease.Material and Methods: This study was carried out from the autumn of 2014 to spring of 2015, at the research greenhouses of the University of Shahid Chamran, Ahvaz, Iran. The study was performed in randomized complete block design with three replications. During the cultivation period and at the end of the experiment, the number of clusters in the plant, the number of fruits in the cluster, the number of fruits in the plant, the total function in the bush , the number of marketable and unmarketable fruits in plant, the harvest index, vitamin C and soluble solids were evaluated. In addition, nitrate content, nitrite, fruit lycopene and photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a to b ratio, total chlorophyll, carotenoid and chlorophyll to carotenoid ratio) and the SPAD index were measured.Results and Discussion: According to the comparison of the means, there were the highest number of clusters in Baby Tom (16/44) and then in Belize (15/88), which were not statistically significant and the lowest number of clusters were observed in cultivar Sogno (12.77). The highest and lowest number of fruits in the cluster were found in the cultivars of Sogno and Belize (29.82 and 17.73), respectively. The highest number of fruits in the plant (295) were observed in Sogno and the Belize cultivar had the lowest number of fruits (193.56). The highest average of single fruit weight related to the Cherry Belle (11.13 g) and the lowest in Sogno (8 g) were observed. The lowest and the maximum percentage of the unmarketable fruits were obtained in Baby Tom (09/09 %) and Sogno (32 %), respectively. The maximum yield was observed in the Cherry Belle (2929 g) and then in Sogno (2482.4 g) and Baby Tom (2077.6 g) and the minimum yield (1637.7 g) in the Belize cultivar. The highest and lowest marketable yield were obtained in Belle (2928.6 g per plant) and Belize (1636.6 g per plant) cultivars, respectively. The maximum amount of soluble solids was observed in Baby Tom (4.86 °Brix), which had no statistically significant differences with the Belle and Sogno and the lowest soluble solids was found in Belize (3.15 °Brix). There were the highest and lowest vitamin C content in Cherry Belle (28.24 mg per 100 g FW) and Belize, respectively (23.1 mg in 100 g FW). According to the results, the maximum and lowest content of lycopene were observed in the Cherry Belle and Baby Tom, with an average of 32.411 and 19.402 mg/kg, respectively. The maximum content of nitrate in fruits was observed with 0.67 mg/gr DW in the fourth cluster and the lowest content of nitrate with 0.198 mg/gr DW in the tenth cluster. The highest indices of leaf SPAD were found in Belize (28.9) and lowest in Cherry Belle (16.32).Conclusion: The selection of high - yield or high - quality cultivars in a greenhouse culture is critical to the economic efficiency of this product. The difference in yield is mainly related to the genetic variation among varieties. Study of yield and yield components of four samples of tomato in the environment and similar culture showed that the Belle Cherry was the best result for yield, harvest index, and vitamin C, so this cultivar is recommended to grow in Ahvaz greenhouses.
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.
Peyman Jafari; Amirhooshang Jalali
Abstract
Introduction: The term of Mulch, is the German word (Molsh) means the soft, however, not soft, and made of plant debris or synthetic substances. Many positive effects attributed to the use of plastic mulch such as adjusting the temperature in the root environment, conserve moisture, reduce weeds, increase ...
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Introduction: The term of Mulch, is the German word (Molsh) means the soft, however, not soft, and made of plant debris or synthetic substances. Many positive effects attributed to the use of plastic mulch such as adjusting the temperature in the root environment, conserve moisture, reduce weeds, increase root growth, reduce soil erosion, and soil condensation and improve germination and early plant establishment. The use of mulch can reduce the harmful effects of salt in plants.
Materials and Methods: To evaluate the effects of black and clear polyethylene mulch on yield and yield components of melon in salinity stress condition, a study was conducted in 2011 using split plot randomized based on complete block design with three replications in Varamin region. Three salinity levels of irrigation water of 2, 5 and 8 dS-1 as main factor and three plastic mulch treatments (no mulch, clear mulch and black mulch) were considered as sub-plots. At harvest and after determining the yield and number of fruits harvested from each plot, the average number of fruits per plant was measured and fruit pulp thickness was recorded with calipers.
Results Discussion The results showed interactive effects of salinity and mulch on fruit yield, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit length, days to first harvest and fruit soluble solids percentage were statistically significant. In salinity levels of 2, 5 and 8 dS m-1, fruit yield increased, respectively, 19.6, 59, and 45.4 %in clear mulch compared to control. Similarly these increases for the black mulch were equal to 15.7, 41.9, and 21.4 percent, respectively. With 2, 5 and 8 dS m-1 salinity levels, fruit yield in the first harvest were 7.44, 7.72, and 6.98 t ha -1, respectively, which was significantly higher than without mulch and black mulch. Mulch can reduce evaporation and increase the level of moisture in the soil and thereby dilute the salt and reduce the harmful effects of salinity. Some researchers believe that increase in crop yield by using plastic mulch than plant debris mulch is due to the simultaneous increase in moisture and soil temperature. Effect of plastic mulch on soil temperature and crop yield depends on the color and usually transparent plastic are more effective in this regard than black polyethylene mulch. In terms of rising temperatures in the microclimate around the plant roots, transparent mulches are more effective than dark mulches. Unlike dark mulch, clear mulch have minimal absorption of light, approximately 85 to 95 percent .The inner surface of clear mulch is covered with water that the short wave passes and outgoing long wave radiation is absorbed from the soil and thus prevent heat loss. Water use efficiency with use of clear and dark mulches in compared to control treatment was increased by 17.3 and 13.4 %, respectively. Under salinity conditions, plastic mulches can reduce the harmful effects of salinity. Water use efficiency in salinity 2, 5 and 8 dS m-1, respectively, were 12.6, 7.6 and 3.1 kg m-3.Research results indicated that when water use efficiency based on the economic performance expression (e.g. present study) reduced water use efficiency but when water use efficiency expressed based on the total dry weight, water use efficiency is independent of salt concentration and the amount of water use efficiency is the function of plant and plant yield.
Conclusion For using salty water, which may be unavoidable for many agricultural areas, use of mulch (especially transparent mulch) can have a significant role in increasing yield and more efficient utilization of water. From a practical perspective, in areas where irrigation water quality has declined due to reducing the level of the underground water table, the indiscriminate use of water resources and similar cases and use of these resources will lead to a gradual increase in soil salinity, application of mulch with the impact on the soil water content prevent of crop yield loss and cause earliness product.
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.
Fatemeh Sadat Miri; Ali Shahnzari; Mir Khalegh Ziae Tabar Ahmadi; Hossein Ali Zebardast Rostami
Abstract
Awareness of the effects of water deficit on quality and quantity yield of orange is essential for product managing at water shortage conditions. In this regard, present study was conducted in an orange garden of Babol area in 2011 in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 5 replications. ...
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Awareness of the effects of water deficit on quality and quantity yield of orange is essential for product managing at water shortage conditions. In this regard, present study was conducted in an orange garden of Babol area in 2011 in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 5 replications. Experiment Treatments included full irrigation (FI), regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and partial root zone drying (PRD) in two levels 75% and 55% of FI treatments. The root zone moisture was measured by TDR sensors. The amount of irrigation water was determined from difference between initial soil moisture before irrigation and moisture at field capacity point.Measured qualitative and quantitative characteristics of fruits were included fruit fresh and dry weight, fruit moisture, fruit volume, dimensions, total dissolved solids (TDS) and treatable acidity (TA). Irrigation water depth at FI was 169.44 mm and water saving in deficit irrigation treatments at 75% and 55% levels were 17.44% and 31.39%, respectively. Comparison of means was conducted by Duncan test at 5% level. The results showed that differences between FI and PRD in attributes of fresh and dry weight, moisture and volume of fruit were not significant. DI and PRD compared with FI showed a significant increase in TDS and TA at harvest. The results showed that, DI and PRD compared with FI were caused significant increase in fruit quality. It is recommended to use PRD and DI at 75% level to save water and increase the product quality.
Elham Ardakani; Gholamhossein Davarynejad; Majid Azizi
Abstract
In order to investigation the effect of salicylic acid and temperature treatments onphysic-chemical attributes and antioxidant activity was conducted of apricot cultivar ‘Lasgerdi’the experiment.The apricot fruits were harvested at the commercial ripening stage, and fruits were immerged in different ...
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In order to investigation the effect of salicylic acid and temperature treatments onphysic-chemical attributes and antioxidant activity was conducted of apricot cultivar ‘Lasgerdi’the experiment.The apricot fruits were harvested at the commercial ripening stage, and fruits were immerged in different concentration of salicylic acid as well as distilled water (control) for 5 min, then fruits were packed in boxes with polyethylene cover and stored. The changes in fruit weight, firmness, pH, total soluble solid content, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, antioxidant activity were estimated after 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 days during storage. The results showed that the weight loss, firmness, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity decreased significantly while the pH and total soluble solid content increased significantly during storage for two temperatures. During the storage period, a significant difference between treatments (control and various concentrations differences of salicylic acid) and various temperature significantly the weight loss and maintained their firmness. In this condition, the highest and lowest of titratable acidity, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity were observed in treatments of 4 mM salicylic acid and control, respectively. Also, the data showed that the temperature of 4°c positive impact maintained quality and fruit shelf life during storage. Based on our results, the salicylic acid treatment as combination nature and temperature of 4°c may be used commercially to extend the storage life of apricot.
