Medicinal Plants
Saeideh Mohtashami
Abstract
Introduction
Plant materials contain many bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, etc., which can be used to prepare health products, cosmetics, medicines, food additives, etc., and have great importance for improving human health and quality of life (Ahmadian ...
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Introduction
Plant materials contain many bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic compounds, etc., which can be used to prepare health products, cosmetics, medicines, food additives, etc., and have great importance for improving human health and quality of life (Ahmadian et al., 2023). In recent years, the extraction of bioactive compounds from plant materials has attracted much attention. Extracting these active compounds is a challenging task because they are usually present in small amounts in plants and special techniques and methods are required for their successful isolation (Qin et al., 2022). Bioactive substances are usually found inside or between plant cells. The main resistance factor to the diffusion of bioactive substances into the solvent during extraction is the plant cell wall (Zhao et al., 2014). In order to improve extraction efficiency, pretreatments are usually performed before the extraction operation to destroy cell wall structure, increase cell wall permeability, and promote release of active substances (Ijod et al., 2022). Cold plasma has shown a wide application prospect in food processing, pharmaceutical and health care, environmental protection, biomedicine, and many other fields due to its many advantages such as low temperature, high efficiency, low energy consumption, and environmental compatibility (Melotti et al., 2021). When cold plasma is applied to plant materials, it can destroy the cell wall structure and increase the surface hydrophilicity of the materials, thereby improving the extraction efficiency (Keshavarzi et al., 2020). Therefore, it can be widely used as a pre-extraction treatment. Nevertheless, there is no comprehensive study on DBD cold plasma pretreatment technology to enhance the extraction of bioactive compounds from plant materials, which is suitable for researchers to continue their research. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of cold plasma pretreatment on the extraction rate of active compounds from Origanum vulgare.
Materials and Methods
Oregano seeds were sown in the medicinal plant farm of Jahrom University in October 2023, and aerial parts of the plant was harvested in May 2024 at the flowering stage and dried in shade. After drying, the samples were subjected to DBD cold plasma pretreatment, with air as the carrier gas and different voltages and times. Then, essential oil extraction and extraction were performed on the pretreated samples, and some of the active substances such as essential oil content, total phenolic compounds, flavones and flavonols, total flavonoids, tannin contents, antioxidant activity, and total carbohydrates were measured. In this study, a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 3 replications. The first factor included time at three levels (0, 3, and 6 minutes) and the second factor included voltage at two levels (20 and 30 kV). For the pretreatment of the samples for essential oil extraction, 30 g of dried marjoram plant were hand-cut and crushed for each treatment, and then 30 ml of water was added to them, and then they were placed in a plasma device. After the treatments, the samples were extracted. Plasma pretreatment was applied to investigate its effect on the phytochemical compounds in the extract, as follows: the plant samples were powdered using an electric grinder, and then five g of the powdered sample was weighed for each treatment and 25 ml of 70% methanol solvent was added to them. After the powdered samples were completely mixed with the solvent, they were placed in a plasma device for plasma pretreatment. After the treatments, the samples were extracted.
Results and Discussion
The findings of this study showed that a voltage of 30 kV for 3 minutes was more effective in extracting the non-volatile active substances of oregano and led to an increase in all of their measured traits compared to the control treatment. Also, the lowest amount of active substances measured in this study was observed in the 30 kV treatment for 6 minutes. According to the results obtained from this study, it can be concluded that the duration of plasma pretreatment has a greater effect than the output voltage on the extraction of non-volatile active ingredients. So that in this study, using a voltage of 30 kV for 3 minutes led to an increase in the active substances of oregano, while using the same voltage for 6 minutes led to the opposite result. Although the effect of plasma pretreatment on the extraction of essential oil was not significant. However, the highest amount of essential oil was measured in the control treatment and the lowest amount was in the 30 kV voltage treatment for 3 minutes, indicating the destruction of essential oil glands and loss of essential oil at this voltage. At present, the mechanism of cold plasma treatment to improve the extraction efficiency of active substances is not fully understood, but it is generally believed that it can be attributed to two possible mechanisms: the decomposition of cell wall structure and increase of surface hydrophilicity. Disruption of plant cell wall structure can reduce diffusion resistance of active substances, thereby promoting their release. Meanwhile, increase of surface hydrophilicity of materials facilitates the dissolution and diffusion of hydrophilic active substances, thereby improving the extraction efficiency (Bao et al., 2020a; 2020b).
Conclusion
The findings of this study showed that a voltage of 30 kV for 3 minutes was more effective than other treatments in extracting non-volatile active ingredients of oregano and led to an increase in all measured traits compared to the control treatment. While the effect of plasma treatments on the extraction rate of essential oil was not significant.
Growing vegetables
Afsane Farahmandi; Bijan Haghighati; Babak Madani
Abstract
Vegetables are among the most important agricultural products in Iran, holding significant importance in terms of production and consumption. These products, in addition to meeting nutritional needs, play a crucial role in public health. Due to their high nutritional value, fiber content, and antioxidant ...
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Vegetables are among the most important agricultural products in Iran, holding significant importance in terms of production and consumption. These products, in addition to meeting nutritional needs, play a crucial role in public health. Due to their high nutritional value, fiber content, and antioxidant compounds, the consumption of vegetables has always been emphasized by nutritionists and is increasing. In healthy diets, regular consumption of vegetables is recommended as a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, one of the main challenges associated with vegetable consumption is the nitrate content, which can have adverse effects on human health.Nitrate is a natural compound in plants that is primarily absorbed from the soil and accumulates in plant tissues. Under normal conditions, small amounts of nitrate are essential for plant growth, but excessive accumulation can pose serious health risks. Overconsumption of nitrate may lead to diseases such as methemoglobinemia (blue baby syndrome), which is particularly dangerous for infants. Additionally, some studies have suggested that excessive nitrate intake may be linked to an increased risk of certain cancers. Therefore, controlling nitrate levels in agricultural products and finding effective methods to reduce its accumulation in plants is of great importance.Selenium, due to its effects on plant growth and its role in antioxidant systems, is an essential micronutrient for human health. This element plays a crucial role in boosting the immune system, preventing oxidative stress, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. In plants, selenium acts as a growth regulator and influences various metabolic processes. Numerous studies have shown that selenium can reduce nitrate accumulation in plants and improve nitrogen uptake and utilization efficiency. This highlights the significance of investigating the effects of selenium on nitrogen metabolism and nitrate levels in plants.In this study, the effect of sodium selenite and calcium nitrate foliar application on certain growth characteristics, biochemical properties, nitrate and selenium content, and nitrate reductase enzyme activity in spinach was investigated. Spinach is one of the most widely consumed leafy vegetables due to its high iron, vitamin C, and antioxidant compound content, making it highly nutritious. The treatments included foliar application of calcium nitrate (5, 10, and 20 mM), sodium selenite (0.5, 1, and 1.5 mM), and a control (distilled water). Foliar application is a commonly used method in plant nutrition management due to its rapid absorption and direct impact on plant physiology. After the growth stage (8–10 leaf stage), growth indices, biochemical compounds, nitrate and selenium content, and nitrate reductase activity were measured.The results indicated that foliar application of sodium selenite and calcium nitrate significantly affected chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid content. An increase in chlorophyll content suggests improved photosynthesis and light absorption efficiency in plants. Additionally, the highest total phenol content, antioxidant activity, and nitrate reductase activity were observed in the 20 mM calcium nitrate and 1.5 mM sodium selenite treatment. Phenolic and antioxidant compounds play a crucial role in protecting plant cells against environmental stresses and pathogens. Therefore, increased antioxidant activity in plants can also enhance the nutritional quality and shelf life of the final product.The highest nitrate content was observed in the control, while the highest selenium concentration was found in the 1.5 mM sodium selenite treatment. These findings suggest that selenium application can reduce nitrate levels and improve the nutritional quality of spinach. Since excessive nitrate accumulation in leafy vegetables can endanger consumer health, adopting effective methods to reduce this compound in plants is essential. The use of regulatory elements such as selenium provides a practical solution for mitigating this issue.
The results of this study demonstrated that sodium selenite foliar application reduced nitrate accumulation, increased nitrate reductase enzyme activity, and enhanced selenium concentration in spinach. Nitrate reductase is a key enzyme in nitrogen metabolism, responsible for reducing nitrate to nitrite and facilitating its utilization in essential plant structures. Increased activity of this enzyme indicates improved nitrogen uptake and utilization, which can lead to better growth and higher yield.Therefore, foliar application of 1.5 mM sodium selenite in spinach is recommended to achieve maximum antioxidant compounds, increased selenium concentration, and minimal nitrate accumulation. This method not only improves the nutritional quality of agricultural products but also serves as a sustainable approach to reducing health risks associated with nitrate accumulation in vegetables. Furthermore, the application of selenium can enhance the plant’s defense mechanisms and increase its resistance to environmental stresses.
Growing vegetables
M. Mohammad Rezaei; M. Hassanpour Asil; J.A. Olfati; M.M. Gheisari
Abstract
Introduction
The Persian Shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss), an endemic and economically significant medicinal plant native to Iran, has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its potent therapeutic properties and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. Traditionally used in Iranian ...
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Introduction
The Persian Shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss), an endemic and economically significant medicinal plant native to Iran, has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its potent therapeutic properties and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. Traditionally used in Iranian medicine, this plant boasts a rich phytochemical profile that contributes to its effectiveness in treating various ailments, including rheumatism, stomach ulcers, and microbial infections. Beyond these established applications, recent studies suggest that the Persian Shallot may also serve as a potential aquaculture regulator, further enhancing its value in both agricultural and pharmaceutical contexts. However, growing demand and the overharvesting of wild populations have raised concerns regarding the plant's long-term sustainability and conservation. Unsustainable harvesting practices pose significant threats to the genetic reservoir and ecological balance of its native habitats. In light of these challenges, there is a pressing need to promote sustainable cultivation practices and conservation-oriented harvesting strategies. Iran’s rich biodiversity and favorable agro-climatic conditions offer a strategic advantage for the cultivation, research, and export of high-quality medicinal plants such as the Persian Shallot. Research that focuses on evaluating local ecotypes and their nutritional and phytochemical characteristics can facilitate domestication efforts, genetic improvement programs, and the broader commercialization of this valuable species.
Materials and Methods
This study was conducted in 2022 across six distinct natural habitats of Allium hirtifolium in Isfahan Province, Iran. These habitats, which differ in elevation and environmental conditions, were selected to capture a broad range of genetic and ecological diversity. From each habitat, 50 individual plant samples were collected during the growing season, resulting in a total of 300 samples. The primary objective was to evaluate and compare the morphophysiological and phytochemical traits of Persian Shallot populations across these diverse environments. Morphological traits assessed included the number of leaves per plant, leaf surface area, and the fresh and dry weight of bulbs. These indicators were selected for their relevance to plant vigor, productivity, and commercial value. For phytochemical analysis, fresh leaf samples were processed using acetone-based extraction. The contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity were measured spectrophotometrically. This biochemical evaluation aimed to provide insights into the plants’ adaptive responses to environmental variables such as altitude, temperature fluctuations, and soil conditions. Data analysis was performed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine statistically significant differences among populations. Cluster analysis was also conducted to group the habitats based on their morphophysiological and phytochemical traits. All statistical computations and visualizations were carried out using SAS, SPSS, and Microsoft Excel software.
Results and Discussion
The results revealed significant diversity among Persian Shallot plants from different habitats, indicating high levels of biodiversity due to environmental and genetic factors. Variations were observed in morphological traits such as fresh and dry weight, leaf area, chlorophyll, carotenoid levels, and antioxidant activity across the different populations. Altitude was found to be particularly influential, with plants at higher altitudes showing larger leaf areas and higher chlorophyll concentrations. These adaptations suggest that environmental conditions such as temperature and sunlight availability at different altitudes strongly affect the plant’s growth and phytochemical profile. Phytochemical analysis also showed higher antioxidant activity in plants from higher altitudes, likely due to environmental stress factors such as low temperature and increased UV exposure. These findings underscore the importance of altitude in influencing the biological and chemical characteristics of Persian Shallot populations. Cluster analysis grouped the different habitats, revealing distinct patterns of trait expression that reflect the plants’ adaptation to their environments. Understanding how environmental factors like altitude affect plant traits is essential for developing breeding strategies aimed at improving yield and medicinal properties. The study emphasizes the need for selecting landraces with desirable characteristics for both cultivation and conservation purposes. By considering environmental gradients in plant selection and breeding, we can ensure that the genetic diversity and valuable traits of Allium hirtifolium are preserved.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates the presence of significant biodiversity among Persian Shallot populations across six habitats in Isfahan province. The results suggest that altitude plays a critical role in shaping both genetic diversity and phytochemical composition, which are key to the plant's adaptability and medicinal value. The observed variations offer opportunities to select suitable landraces for specific uses, whether for their phytochemical content or their ability to thrive under certain environmental conditions. Further research should focus on identifying specific genetic factors contributing to this diversity. Molecular markers can be used to gain deeper insights into the genetic structure of these populations, aiding in the development of targeted breeding programs. By understanding the role of environmental factors and genetics in shaping plant traits, we can support the sustainable use and conservation of this important medicinal plant.
Medicinal Plants
S. Mohtashami; H. Gholami; A. Ghani; M. Kamalizadeh
Abstract
IntroductionOptimum nutrition of plants and reducing the effect of lack of important nutrients is one of the most effective factors on the production of all plants; so, it is one of the main pillars in improving the quantitative and qualitative attributes of the product. In order to achieve optimal yield ...
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IntroductionOptimum nutrition of plants and reducing the effect of lack of important nutrients is one of the most effective factors on the production of all plants; so, it is one of the main pillars in improving the quantitative and qualitative attributes of the product. In order to achieve optimal yield with proper nutrition of the plant, each element must be provided to the plant sufficiently, and there must also be a balance between the absorbable amounts of elements in the soil. Securigera securidaca is one of the medicinal plants belonging to the Fabaceae family. There are many records about the traditional use of this plant and its seeds. Its seeds have antiparasitic, anticonvulsant, antihypertensive, antiulcer, analgesic, antioxidant, antiviral, antitumor and hypoglycemic effects have been reviewed. Considering the climatic conditions of Iran and its high potential in the production of medicinal plants and its economic justification; it is very necessary to pay attention to the nutrition of medicinal plants due to their different growth conditions with other crops and its effect on their growth and effective substances. Materials and MethodsIn this research, in order to evaluate the response of the Hatchet vetch plant (Securigera securidaca) to different levels of phosphorus and zinc foliar application, a factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors and three replications. The treatments include four levels of phosphorus (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg.h-1) and three levels of zinc foliar application during the flowering period (no foliar application as a control, foliar application: each two weeks once and once a week). Zinc foliar spraying was done with a concentration of 4 g per liter during before flowering to the formation of the pods (about one month), which was done twice and four times for the two-weekly and once-a-week treatments, respectively. This research was carried out in Mohammad Abad area of Jahrom city located in Fars province. The most important indicators of growth and yield were measured including: shoot number, length of main stem, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length and seed yield. Also, the most important biochemical characteristics of seed extract (flavon and flavonol, total flavonoid, total phenolic compounds, tannin content and antioxidant activity), oil percentage and seed oil yield were also measured. Results and DiscussionBased on the results obtained from the variance analysis of the data, the effect of phosphorus and zinc on all measured traits was significant except for the number of seeds in pods and pod length. The results showed that the application of phosphorus alone was more effective than the combined application of phosphorus and zinc in increasing the number of stems, main stem length, seed yield, oil yield, the amount of flavonoids and antioxidant activity of Hatchet vetch plant seeds. The application of 50 kg of phosphorus increased the number of stems, the length of the main stem, the number of pods per plant, the yield of seeds, amount of phenolic compounds and oil yield of seed. While the use of 100 kg of phosphorus without the use of zinc was more effective in increasing the amount of flavonoid and antioxidant activity. However, the application of zinc was effective in increasing phenolic compounds, tannin content, oil percentage and seed yield. The interaction effect of the treatments showed that the highest seed yield (61.03 g.m-2) was related to 50 kg of phosphorus without zinc foliar spraying, while the lowest amount (32.01 g) was observed in 50 kg of phosphorus and zinc solution once a week treatment. The highest amount of total flavonoid (3.58 mg.g-1 dry weight) was found in the treatment of 100 kg of phosphorus without the application of zinc. While the lowest amount (1.11 and 1.24 mg) was observed in treatments without phosphorus (spraying zinc solution once every two weeks and once a week), respectively. In the treatments of 100 and 150 kg of phosphorus, increasing the frequency of zinc foliar spraying has reduced the amount of phenolic compounds in the seeds of this plant. Although this decrease is not significant statistically. Also, in the control, 50 and 150 kg of phosphorus treatments, increasing the frequency of zinc foliar spraying had no effect on the change of its antioxidant activity, while in the treatment of 100 kg of phosphorus fertilizer, increasing the frequency of zinc foliar spraying decreased the antioxidant activity of the seed extract of this plant. ConclusionsIn general, according to the conditions in this research, despite the differences that were seen in the measured traits in response to the amounts of phosphorus and zinc, the concentration of 50 kg of phosphorus and foliar spraying of zinc once every two weeks, in most of the traits were satisfactory compared to other treatments.
Postharvest physiology
P. Hayati; S. M. Hosseinifarahi; Gh. Abdi; M. Radi; L. Taghipour; P. Assar
Abstract
IntroductionThe Peruvian Groundcherry (Physalis peruviana L.) is a perennial plant that is native to the South American regions and belongs to the Solanaceae family. The harvested fruits are vulnerable to both biotic and abiotic stresses, which can trigger unfavorable physiological and biochemical changes. ...
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IntroductionThe Peruvian Groundcherry (Physalis peruviana L.) is a perennial plant that is native to the South American regions and belongs to the Solanaceae family. The harvested fruits are vulnerable to both biotic and abiotic stresses, which can trigger unfavorable physiological and biochemical changes. As a result, the quality and marketability of the product may decrease by the time it reaches the consumer. The fruit of the Peruvian Groundcherry has a high water content and is sensitive to ethylene, causing rapid ripening with a high respiration rate, making it highly perishable. To ensure quality maintenance after harvest, various postharvest treatments are being studied; however, some methods may not be practical due to low customer preference or lack of effectiveness verification. Therefore, alternative treatments need to be found to prolong shelf life and reduce postharvest losses. Currently, environmentally friendly technologies and treatments are recommended. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) postharvest treatment on the respiration rate, antioxidant activities, and fruit quality of the Peruvian Groundcherry during 21 days of storage, addressing a research gap in this area.Materials and MethodsHandpicked Peruvian Groundcherry fruits were taken from a commercial greenhouse located in Fars province, Iran. The fruits were picked at two stages of maturity based on their color, which was either yellowish green or orange. Following the harvest, the fruits were taken to a horticulture laboratory where they were assessed for appearance, size, color, and any damages. The experimental design was factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications, each containing 25 fruits. Experimental factors included the GABA concentration (0, 5, 10 and 15 mM), storage time (7, 14 and 21 days) and fruit maturity stage based on color at harvest (yellowish green and orange). Following dip treatments in GABA solutions, fruits were packed in plastic clamshells measuring 20×5×10 cm3 and with a hole ratio of 3%. Fruits were stored at a temperature of 15 ◦C for 21 days, and their quality characteristics and respiration rate were evaluated on a weekly basis.Results and DiscussionThe findings indicated that both groups of treated fruits had a slower increase in respiration rate and lower final respiration rate compared to the control group. The effect of different concentrations of GABA on the final respiration rate of fruits was similar for each stage of fruit maturity. During the storage period, the changes in total soluble solids and total acids of the treated fruits were less than the control group. At the end of the storage period, yellowish green fruits treated with 10 and 15 mM GABA had the lowest amount of total soluble solids; orange fruits had the lowest amount with 15 mM GABA treatment. GABA concentrations had a similar effect on total acids retention of yellowish green fruits, but 15 mM GABA treatment was more effective for orange fruits. Ascorbic acid content and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase enzyme activity were consistently higher in treated fruits than in the control group. In green fruits treated with GABA concentrations, the amount of ascorbic acid increased significantly and continuously, with no significant difference between treatments at the end of storage period. Orange fruits showed a significant increase until the second week of storage, followed by a non-significant decrease. Higher amounts of ascorbic acid in orange fruits were detected by applying higher GABA concentrations. Both groups of fruits had significantly higher amounts of total phenol, carotenoid, and antioxidant capacity in response to increasing GABA concentration, while the minimum amount of these compounds during the storage period was related to the control group. However, orange-colored fruits were more sensitive to treatments compared to yellowish green fruits.ConclusionsThe results of the present study indicate a positive effect of postharvest GABA treatment on reducing respiration rate, improving antioxidant activities, and maintaining the quality and nutritional value of Peruvian groundcherry fruit during a 21-day storage period. Considering the global preference and demand among governments and consumers to use environmentally-friendly treatments of biological origin that pose no risk to human health, we recommend the use of GABA treatment for optimal storage of Peruvian groundcherry fruit. Finally, it is recommended to assess the efficacy of GABA or other safe and environmentally-friendly postharvest treatments on the quality and shelf life of other valuable horticultural commodities.
Medicinal Plants
S. Shiukhy Soqanloo; M. A. Gholami; Y. Ghasemi
Abstract
IntroductionConfronting the crisis of water scarcity and the looming challenge of dwindling water resources is undeniably a grave concern. Consequently, the focus of agricultural science researchers has shifted towards the utilization of wastewater. One of the notable advantages of incorporating wastewater ...
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IntroductionConfronting the crisis of water scarcity and the looming challenge of dwindling water resources is undeniably a grave concern. Consequently, the focus of agricultural science researchers has shifted towards the utilization of wastewater. One of the notable advantages of incorporating wastewater in agriculture is the potential to curtail the expenses associated with procuring irrigation water and employing chemical fertilizers. Materials and MethodsSari has a longitude and latitude of 53°01′ E and 36°33′ N, respectively, and its weather conditions are humid according to De-marten's climate classification. Its elevation is 21 above sea level and average annual temperature and precipitation, are17.9 ºC and 650 mm, respectively). In order to evaluate the effect of water stress and urban wastewater on the concentration of heavy metals, yield and some characteristics of basil, an experiment in a factorial format based on a completely randomized design with experimental treatments including; The first factor is the source of irrigation (I): [treated wastewater (TWW) and well water (WW)], and the second factor is water stress (S): [the lowest stress (S1, S2), medium stress (S3, S4) and severe stress (S5, S6)] were performed in three replications at the research farm of Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources (SANRU), Iran. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed using ANOVA of SAS9.2, and the SNK post hoc test was employed to compare treatment means. Results and DiscussionBased on the findings, Irrigation with wastewater increased plant height, stem diameter, fresh and dry weight compared to irrigation with well water. So that the highest plant height, stem diameter, wet and dry weight were related to irrigation with wastewater with 44.3 cm, 3.1 mm, 8.5 and 3.3 g, respectively. Also, the effect of using treated wastewater on chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids was significant (P ≤ 0.01). while it did not have significant effect on flavonoid, phenol and antioxidant activity. In the lowest stress, especially the S1 level, the amount of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid, flavonoid, phenol and antioxidant activity compared to the S6 level decreased by 63.3, 32.8, 40.7, 45.8, 46.3, 55.5, and 9.8%, respectively. while the highest amount of plant height, fresh weight, dry weight and stem diameter at the S1 level was observed with 48.6 cm, 11.5 g, 3.51 g and 3.4 mm, respectively. The result shown that the Pb and Cd concentration in basil under irrigation with wastewater was 3.4 and 2.5 mg.kg-1, respectively, which increased by 13 and 9% compared to well water. Water stress affected the Pb and Cd concentration, but the Cr and Ni concentration did not change significantly. The highest Pb and Cd concentration was related to high stress level S5 and medium stress level S4 and the lowest level was observed in the lowest stress levels (S1 and S2). Also, the results showed that the Pb and Cd concentration was affected by the interaction effect of irrigation source and water stress. Thus, the highest Pb concentration was observed in irrigation with wastewater and water stress levels S4 and S5 with 3.41 and 3.40 mg.kg-1, respectively, and the lowest was related to irrigation with well water and water stress level S1 with 2.2 mg.kg-1. The highest Cd concentration was related to irrigation with wastewater and stress levels S4 and S5 with 2.6 and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively, and the lowest amount were observed in well water irrigation and stress levels S1 and S2, with 1.51 and 1.50 mg.kg-1, respectively. while the Cr and Ni concentrations did not significant. ConclusionBased on the findings of this research, irrigation with treated wastewater and application of water stress had significant effect on the morphological and phytochemical characteristics of basil. while the use of treated wastewater was ineffective on the biochemical characteristics of basil and only water stress conditions affected their levels. The Pb and Cd concentration in basil increased under the influence of irrigation with wastewater and water stress levels. But this increase was lower than the standards authorized reported by the researchers and did not cause much concern. the results shown that the water stress levels S4 and S5 can be considered appropriate in water efficiency and recommend the use of treated wastewater in basil irrigation considering the authorized standards.
Medicinal Plants
H. Taghizadeh Baghchejooghi; S. Alizadeh Salteh; M. Matloobi
Abstract
Introduction
Marigold (Calendula officinalis) is an herbaceous plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. C. officinalis is always one of the most widely used medicinal plants and is widely cultivated for its extract in traditional and herbal medicine especially in Iran. Marigold extract has medicinal ...
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Introduction
Marigold (Calendula officinalis) is an herbaceous plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. C. officinalis is always one of the most widely used medicinal plants and is widely cultivated for its extract in traditional and herbal medicine especially in Iran. Marigold extract has medicinal effects such as wound healing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immune stimulating, anti-tumor and anti-AIDS. To achieve the higher yield and quality in this plant, it’s necessary to have enough nutrition. Fulvic acid stimulates plant metabolism, increases enzyme activity as a catalyst in plant respiration, and increases nutrient efficiency and cell pore permeability. On the other hand, triacanthanol is a type of alcohol with a 30-carbon chain and is found naturally in plant epicotyledonous waxes. The use of triacanthanol increases plant dry weight and reduces the content of sugar, amino acids and protein.
Materials and Methods
In order to evaluate the effect of fulvic acid and triacantanol and their interactions on some characteristics of C. officinalis, a factorial experiment with 16 treatments and 3 replications was conducted at greenhouse. Experimental treatments consisted of four levels of fulvic acid (0, 0.5, 1, 2 mg / l) as the first factor and four levels of triacantanol (0, 10-5, 5.5×10-4, 10-4 M) as the second factor. Treatments were sprayed on the plant three times in the form of foliar spray. Physiological factors were measured during the growing season and after applying the treatments. Finally, at the end of the growing season, plants were sampled to measure the parameters. Yield and fresh and dry weight (at flowering stage and in the form of fully opened flowers), shoot height with a ruler, number of leaves and leaf area were measured with a leaf gauge. Number of flowers by counting the number of flowers from the time of the first flower to the end of the experiment without taking into account the unopened buds, the time required for flowering (early flowering, late flowering) in terms of days by noting the date of the day At the time of emergence, the first flower in each treatment was examined. Acetone at 100% was used to measure photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids) and their absorption was measured at 470, 644.8 and 661.6 nm by spectrophotemeter. The measurement of total phenol was performed using a covalent folate reagent in the absorption spectrum of 765 nm in a spectrophotometer. The flavonoid content of all extracts was measured by aluminum chloride colorimetric method. The absorbance of the samples was read at 415 nm by spectrophotometer. Quercetin was used as the standard to obtain the calibration curve. The flavonoid content of the samples was reported as mg quercetin per 100 g fresh plant weight. DPPH free radical scavenger was used to measure antioxidant activity. The absorbance of the samples was read at 517 nm using a spectrophotometer.
Results and Discussion
Based on the results of this study, it was observed that the foliar application of 10-4 M triacantanol led to an increase in flower yield, leaf area, fresh weight, dry weight, number of flowers, flower height, antioxidant activity, and flavonoid content. On the other hand, the application of 10-5 M triacantanol increased the percentage of evergreen dry matter and phenol content more than the other concentrations. Among the different concentrations of fulvic acid tested, the concentration of 2 mg/l showed the greatest positive impact on the number of leaves, leaf area, fresh weight, dry weight, dry matter percentage, antioxidant activity, and total flavonoid content. Overall, the application of 10-4 M triacantanol and 2 mg/l fulvic acid as a leaf treatment significantly improved most of the measured traits in comparison to the control treatment. It is worth noting that plants treated with 2 mg/l fulvic acid flowered later than the other treatments, and there was a significant interaction between triacanthanol and fulvic acid on flower yield and height.
Conclusion
The results of this study in response to the use of the triacantanol and fulvic acid indicate that the use of these two compounds in foliar spraying can be very useful to achieve sustainable production and achieve organic farming. Triacanthanol promotes growth by regulating many of the genes involved in photosynthesis The use of fulvic acid increases the permeability of the cell membrane and better penetration of nutrients from the membrane. Also, soil permeability to nitrogen uptake increases by plant roots.
Growing vegetables
R. Najafi; T. 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.
Medicinal Plants
Sh. Taghipour; A. Ehtesham Nia; H. Khodayari; H. Mumivand
Abstract
Introduction
Due to their pleasant and soothing taste and odor, attractive colors, and medicinal purposes, Chrysanthemum morifolium flowers have been widely used as food, tea, ornamentation, and medicine. It has been reported that C. morifolium can reduce hyperactivity of the liver, improve eyesight ...
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Introduction
Due to their pleasant and soothing taste and odor, attractive colors, and medicinal purposes, Chrysanthemum morifolium flowers have been widely used as food, tea, ornamentation, and medicine. It has been reported that C. morifolium can reduce hyperactivity of the liver, improve eyesight and regulate cellular immunity. Pharmacological investigations have shown that Flo's chrysanthemum exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and heart-protective characteristics. Previous phytochemical studies on caffeic acid derivatives, flavonoids, triterpenoids, glycosides and alkaloids have been isolated from Flo's chrysanthemum. In this study, chrysanthemum cultivars were evaluated in terms of having secondary compounds and desirable medicinal properties, as well as antibacterial effects to introduce superior cultivars and purposeful planning for breeding research. The purpose of the present study, 25 cultivars of C. morifolium were compared in terms of essential oil content, leaves total phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant activity.
Materials and Methods
In this experiment, 25 chrysanthemum cultivars were studied in terms of essential oil percentage, antioxidant index, total phenol and flavonoid content and antibacterial effects in a randomized complete block design in Lorestan University research farm in the year 2016. Essential oil was extracted from dried flowers in the shade using a Clevenger apparatus for 3 hours. Evaluation of antioxidant activity of the extract was measured by DPPH method based on the method of Kulisic et al. (2004). The amount of flavonoids was measured by aluminum chloride and total phenol by Folin - Ciocalteu reagent colorimetric. Ward analysis was done to classify the cultivars.
Results and Discussion
The results of analysis of variance showed that the studied chrysanthemum cultivars had significant differences in terms of all studied phytochemical traits. According to the obtained results, among different cultivars, the total amount of phenolic compounds is between 14.52-47.90 mg/g dry weight, the total flavonoid content is between 11.59-55.62 mg/g DW and IC50 index varied between 83.92 and 257.43 μg/ml. The highest amount of total phenol was present in Avadis and Dila cultivars (45.86-47.90 mg/g dry weight), while Yasamin cultivar (14.52 mg/g DW) had the lowest amount. Also, in terms of total flavonoid content, Golnar and Farahnaz cultivars had the highest total flavonoid content with 55.62 and 53.01 mg quercetin/g DW, respectively. Cluster analysis divided all studied cultivars into five groups. The percentage of essential oil among different cultivars varied between 0.41 to 0.62% and a high variability was observed in terms of the amount of essential oil in the studied cultivars. The highest percentage of essential oil was related to Farhnaz and Elmira2 cultivars. In general, the results showed high antioxidant activity of most cultivars. Therefore, chrysanthemum extract can be introduced as a suitable source of natural antioxidants. Also in this study, Paridokht, Sana and Ashraf cultivars were studied in terms of antioxidant and antibacterial index and Farahnaz and Elmira 2 cultivars appeared superior to other cultivars in terms of essential oil production. Hedaei et al. (2018) studied evaluation of some bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of leaf methanolic extract and flower essential oil content from different cultivars of Chrysanthemum morifolium, in this review, total phenol and flavonoid contents and IC50 values in different cultivars were ranged from 17.63-33.20 mg/g DW, 12.62-53.17 mg quercetin/g, and 54-228 μg/ml respectively. The highest phenolic content was in cultivar “Poya3” (33.20 mg/g DW), whereas the cultivar “Sahand2” (17.63 mg/g DW) contained the lowest value. Also, in terms of total flavonoid content, cultivars “Marmar” and “Sahand 2” had the highest and the lowest flavonoids with 53.17 and 12.62 mg quercetin per gram, respectively.
Conclusion
The results of the present study indicate a significant difference between different cultivars in terms of the total amount of phenolic, flavonoid and antioxidant compounds that the existence of such diversity can be the role of cultivar and genetics in the production of these compounds. According to the results of this study, chrysanthemum cultivars with desirable levels of phenolic and flavonoid compounds can be used as a source of natural antioxidants as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants. In this study, Sana, Paridokht and Ashraf cultivars appeared superior to the existing genotypes in terms of phytochemical and antibacterial traits. The results of this study can be used to select the correct parents for purposeful crosses in subsequent chrysanthemum breeding programs in order to improve the phytochemical traits of existing cultivars.
Pomology
A. Seyedi; Z. Firoozbakht; M. Ahmadzadeh
Abstract
Introduction: Oranges are the second most widely consumed fruit in the world after apples. The quality of citrus fruits depends not only on the appearance of the fruit size, shape, color and absence of disease and any surface damage, but also on the flavor, richness of food, vitamins, seedlessness and ...
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Introduction: Oranges are the second most widely consumed fruit in the world after apples. The quality of citrus fruits depends not only on the appearance of the fruit size, shape, color and absence of disease and any surface damage, but also on the flavor, richness of food, vitamins, seedlessness and fruit aroma. The present study investigated the fruit qualitative differences between the ten orange varieties (Thomson Navel, Tarocco, Mars Early, Frost Novel, Local, Italian, Khorram Abadian, Hamlin, Morbeld and Moro Valencia) that grafted on sour orange rootstock, in the Jiroft region. The aim of this study was introducing the fruit qualitative characteristics and nutritional value of ten orange cultivars on the sour orange rootstock in climate conditions of Jiroft region, for fresh uses and processing. Also, determine the capabilities of each cultivar in antioxidant content and antioxidant capacity to introduce the properties of these cultivars to researchers in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Materials and Methods: Fruit weight was determined by digital scales. The volume of the fruit was obtained by moving the water. The 0.1 mm caliber device was used to measure skin thickness, length and fruit diameter. To measure the thickness of the fruit skin, a cut was first separated from the middle part of the fruit and its thickness was recorded in mm. The total number of hollow and healthy seeds was counted and was recorded as seed number. The juice percentage was calculated by calculating the percentage of juice mass to fruit mass. A manual refractometer was used to measure the total soluble solids, and thesodium hydroxide titration method was used to measure the titration acidity. The flavor index or maturity index was obtained from the TSS/TA ratio and technology index was calculated by multiplying the percentage of TSS in the percentage of juice. Vitamin C measured by the iodometric method. The antioxidant activity of juice was determined based on the DPPH method. Carotenoid and chlorophyll pigments in juices and skins, were calculated using the Liechtensteiner pigmentation method. The experiment was done as a randomized complete block design in three replications. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SAS software and means were compared using Duncan's multiple range test at 5% of probability level.
Result and Discussion: The results showed that Thomson Novell, Frost Novell and Italian cultivars had the highest freshness quality in terms of appearance characteristics (fruit weight, volume, and length, number of seeds, and fruit shape index) among the ten cultivars evaluated. All cultivars were in the physiological maturity stage and were suitable for the juice industry due to their high technology index. The range of vitamin C varied 57 - 109 mg per 100 ml juice and the range of antioxidant capacity varied 65 - 94%. Morbeld, Valencia Morocco, Frost Novell and Mars Early cultivars had higher nutritional value due to higher vitamin C, and Hamlin, local, Tarocco and Frost Navel had higher antioxidant capacity. Khorramabadian cultivar had higher carotenoid pigments in juice and skin.
Conclusion: Therefore, most of the studied cultivars had high freshness and nutritional value, but among them, Frost Novell cultivar, considering the amount of vitamin C, antioxidant capacity, technology index and appearance characteristics in the higher statistically groups and was in the lower statistical group in terms of number of seeds, therefore was selected as the best cultivar.
Medicinal Plants
Nahle Taghvaeefard; Askar Ghani; Seyyed Mehdi Hosseinifarahi
Abstract
Introduction: The harvest time and type of plant part have important roles in obtaining maximum amounts of active substances from medicinal plants. Medicinal plants vary in terms of phenological stages and maturity and each medicinal plant can be evaluated separately in research. Determining the exact ...
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Introduction: The harvest time and type of plant part have important roles in obtaining maximum amounts of active substances from medicinal plants. Medicinal plants vary in terms of phenological stages and maturity and each medicinal plant can be evaluated separately in research. Determining the exact time of harvest and selecting a plant organ for maximum yield of secondary metabolites can be very important and economically effective. Othroj-Saghir (Citrus medica var. medica Proper) or Othroje-Kabir (Citrus medica var. macrocarpa) is one of the most important citrus species. The southern provinces of Iran, especially the southern cities of Fars province, are the largest areas in which this species is cultivated. In addition to fruit juice, other parts of the fruit especially the flavedo, can be used for medicinal purposes and in food industries. In this study, for the first time, some physical and biochemical changes of different parts of Citrus medica var medica fruits were evaluated during fruit ripening. Also, some active substances (i.e. essential oil content, flavonoid components, etc.) of the flavedo were measured as the most important medicinal parts of the fruit through different stages of ripening.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the effects of fruit ripening on the biochemical properties of different parts of Citron fruit were evaluated. A factorial experiment was set up according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors and four replications. The first factor included four levels: different stages of fruit maturity (green mature, intermediate, yellow ripe and over ripe stage). The second factor had four levels: the different parts of the Citron fruit (i.e. outer skin or flavedo, inner skin or albedo, pulp and juice). The most important measured traits were flavon and flavonols, total flavonoids, total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Physical changes in different parts of the fruit (fresh and dry weight of flavedo and albedo, fresh weight of fruit, fruit diameter and height of fruit, etc.) were measured.
Assessments also carried out to identify several features of fruit juice such as acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), titrable acidity (TA) and vitamin C during fruit ripening. Chemical measurements were aimed at determining the most important phytochemical compounds of the flavedo section during fruit ripening. These features included the essential oil percentage and yield, chlorophyll content and polyphenols constituents (rutin, trans-ferulic acid, hesperidin, hesperetin and quercetin by HPLC).
Results and Discussion: The results showed that the fruit maturity stage significantly affected most of the studied traits. The highest amounts of flavon and flavonols (0.377 mg quercetin/g dry weight) and total flavonoids (16.38 mg quercetin/g dry weight) were measured in the flavedo at the over ripe stage. The antioxidant activity initially increased during fruit ripening, but it decreased slightly (75.0%) from the yellow stage to the over ripe stage. The lowest rate of antioxidant activity (53.6%) was observed in the green stage and the highest rate (78.4%) was measured in the yellow ripe stage. The highest amounts of antioxidant activity (83.3% and 73.8%) were measured in the albedo and flavedo samples, respectively, and the lowest amount (54.1%) was recorded in the pulp section. The highest amount of flavedo essential oil (2.37%v/w) was measured in intermediate stage. The chlorophyll content with maturity progress was decreased. Progress in fruit maturity was reduced the most components of polyphenols. The maximum amount of hesperidin, as an important phenolic component, was identified in the peel of Citron fruit (1.86 mg/g dry weight) at the green mature stage. Its amount decreased through the stages of maturity, so that the lowest amount (0.68 mg/g dry weight) was measured at the over ripe stage.
Conclusion: In general, the stage of maturity and plant part had important effects on the amount of biochemical traits. The flavedo part of Citron fruit showed superior medicinal properties. Different active substances react variedly during maturity and so the preferable composition should be harvested according to the desired conditions. The best stages to reach maximum essential oil percentage and polyphenol components are the early stages of maturity (i.e. green mature and intermediate stages).
Pomology
Salahedin Mslahate fard; Hamid Hassanpour
Abstract
Introduction: The pistachio genus (Pistacia) belongs to Anacardiaceae family. Three species of common pistachio (P. vera, P. khinjuk and P. atlantica) was found in Iran. Bene )P. atlantica (is a dicotyledonous tree with a height of more than 17 meters, is the most important species of Zagros region with ...
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Introduction: The pistachio genus (Pistacia) belongs to Anacardiaceae family. Three species of common pistachio (P. vera, P. khinjuk and P. atlantica) was found in Iran. Bene )P. atlantica (is a dicotyledonous tree with a height of more than 17 meters, is the most important species of Zagros region with valuable main and secondary products. This tree was also used as a rootstocks for edible pistachios and resistant to adverse environmental conditions, so that it grows in different climates in terms of land slope, soil type, different soil fertility levels, altitude (600 to 3000 meters) and temperature range of -25 to 40 °C. Fruit and gum have different uses in food, industry and medicine. Medicinal and oral uses of Bene fruit and gum have long been reported not only in Iran, but also among the natives of all coriander-rich regions, including parts of Algeria, Turkey and Iraq. Bene fruit can be harvested at three stages; First, the unripe stage (in the form of small hollow spheres without a kernel), its skin is brittle and its color is pale green. The second stage, the kernel is completely hardened, but the shell has an ocher red color that tastes sour. The last, the ripe stage, the kernel is completely hardened and the color of the skin is blue-green.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted to evaluate the diversity and determine some quantitative and qualitative characteristics of different Bene) P. atlantica (genotypes at the green fruit stage. For this purpose, 11 genotypes were randomly selected in an area near the city of Mirabad, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. The fruits were harvested from each genotype and transferred to the laboratory. In this study, some quantitative traits of fruit and cluster as well as total phenol, total flavonoids and total antioxidant capacity were analyzed. Digital calipers were used to measure the length and width of fruit and clusters (mm). Also, a digital scale with an accuracy of 0.001 g was used to measure the weight of fruit and cluster. Fruit size index was calculated by multiplying the measured width by the measured length and expressed as mm2. Total antioxidant capacity was assessed using the DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) method. Folin–Ciocalteu method was used to measure the total phenol content.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that cluster weight had the highest diversity and fruit width had the least diversity among the studied traits. Traits such as cluster width, cluster length, total phenol and flavonoid content were also highly varied among genotypes. In this study, the maximum weight, length and width of fruit were 1.28 g, 8.32 and 8.62 mm, respectively. Also, the results of this study showed that there is a significant difference between genotypes in terms of all parameters measured except cluster length at the 1% and 5% of probability level. Overall, the results of this study showed high variability in the majority of traits. The highest length, width and weight of the cluster as well as the width and weight of the fruit were seen in P10 genotype and the lowest was observed in P5 and P6 genotypes. In terms of biochemical characteristics, P3 genotype had the highest total phenol (1034.5 mg gallic acid per gram of FW), total flavonoid (143.82 mg quercetin per gram FW) and antioxidant capacity (93%) and also, the lowest total phenol (370.08 mg gallic acid per gram of FW), total flavonoids (62.25 mg catechin per gram FW) was observed in P7 genotype. According to results of this study, P3 and P10 genotypes can be used for medicinal, food, industrial purposes as well as breeding purposes compared to the other genotypes.
Conclusion: In this study, it was shown that there is a high diversity in the majority of measured traits among different genotypes. The highest morphological traits were observed in P10 genotype. Also, in terms of biochemical characteristics, genotype P3 had the highest total phenol, total flavonoid content and total antioxidant capacity. According to the results, it can be concluded that the morphological characteristics as well as phenolic, flavonoid compounds and antioxidant capacity depend on various factors, including genetic factors and environmental and ecological conditions. Therefore, the observed diversity can be related to genetic structure of genotypes, which can also be considered as a kind of adaptation and physiological response of trees to environmental conditions.
Ara Alinejad Elahshah; Hossein Moradi; Hossein Sadeghi
Abstract
Introduction: Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassaDuch.,Rosaceae). fruitis rich of fiber, vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants. Since the balance of nutrients at the appropriate time for commercial fruit production, yield improvement and fruit quality is essential, so foliar application at key stages could ...
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Introduction: Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassaDuch.,Rosaceae). fruitis rich of fiber, vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants. Since the balance of nutrients at the appropriate time for commercial fruit production, yield improvement and fruit quality is essential, so foliar application at key stages could have a positive effect on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of perennial crop fruits. Among essential mineral nutrients that are involved on plant physiology, micronutrients of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) because of their association with synthetic hormones are particularly important. In a study by Lolaei et al. (2012) conducted showed that the foliar application at flowering stage increased fruit quality and yield of strawberrycultivar ʻCamarosa’. The results of Rafeii and Pakkish(2014) indicated that spraying of strawberry cultivar ʻCamarosa’ with boric acid had a significant effect on yield, fruit weight, chlorophyll and leaf area. So according to the importance of micronutrients on horticultural yield improving and environmental protection, this investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar application of zinc and boron and combination of them on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of strawberry cultivar ʻAromas’ in hydroponic system.
Material and Methods: The experiment was arranged in factorial based on a complete randomized block design with 9 treatments and 9 replications in 2015 and 2016 in greenhouse and laboratory of Genetics and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute of Tabarestan (GABIT), Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran. Experimental treatments were included: zinc at three levels (0, 100 and 200 mg l-1) of fertilizer source zinc sulfate and boron at three levels (0, 500 and 1000 mg l-1) of fertilizer source boric acid as alone or combined. Spraying of strawberry cultivar ʻAromas’ at 3 stages in hydroponic system were applied after the chilling requirement treatment. When Fruits were stained 75-80% and have appropriate size, were harvested. Traits that were evaluated include: vitamin C, antioxidant activity, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), taste index (TSS/TA), pH of fruit juice, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid, fruit weight, fruit length and diameter, leaf number, petiole length and plant height. The data collected were statistically analyzed using the computer software using SAS 9.1 and MSTATC, Analysis of variance techniques were employed to test the overall significance of the data, while the least significant difference (LSD) test (P ≤ 0.05) was used to compare the treatment means.
Results and Discussion: Results indicated that foliar application of Zn and B significantly affected on the vitamin C, antioxidant activity, TSS, TA, TSS/TA, pH of fruit juice, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid, fruit weight, fruit length and diameter, leaf number and plant height (1% or 5% of probably level), while the Petiole length was not significantly affected. Between the different nutrient levels of zinc sulfate application at the concentrations of 100 and 200 mg l-1, boric acid application at the concentration of 500 mg l-1, the combination of zinc sulfate at 100 and 200 mg l-1 with boric acid at 500 mg l-1 play a significant role at increasing studying characteristicsexcept the content of TA. Zinc is effective at the formation of growth hormones and chloroplasts, it is also necessary for chlorophyll biosynthesis and also plays a very important role at cell division and the protein synthesis and carbohydrates metabolism. It seems this subject caused increased plant height, leaf number, petiole length, diameter, length and weight of the fruit and chlorophyll by foliar application. Boron is an element which increases weight by effect of reproductive growth and help to material production, production and transfer of carbohydrate, and nutrient by boron is necessary for fruit set and fruit retention. The results showed that zinc sulfate is effective on TSS, TA, taste index and pH, the increase may be attributed to their effects on different enzymes which are involved in the formation of proteins, acids and sugars, also enough amounts of boron in the plant, increased carbohydrate transport to fruit and areas of active growth and its effect is evident in increasing the amount of fruit sugar. Because of increased vitamin C and antioxidant capacity of plants had been sprayed with boron and zinc can be attributed to zinc that plays an active role in auxin production in plants, and vitamin C increases the production of auxin. Similarly, Kazemi (2014) reported the highest pH of fruit juice, TSS and TA at 150 mg l-1 of Zn for strawberry cultivar ʻPajaro’ and the lowest of these parameters was recorded in control. The results of our study is in accordance with Mashayekhi and Atashi(2012) who reported a significant positive correlation between chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid content of strawberry cultivar ʻCamarosa’ leaves that had been sprayed by B and sucrose. As Khan et al. (2015) simultaneously combined application of Zn and B in the ʻKinnow’ mandarin fruit increased vitamin C, tree height and fruit weight, diameter and length significantly that was consistent with our results.
Conclusions: Since the foliar application of zinc sulfate at 100 and 200 mg l-1 with boric acid at 500 mg l-1 showed significant effect on quantitative and qualitative properties of strawberry, so to reduce the environmental effects caused by the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, foliar application of micronutrients is recommended as an effective management solution in the production of strawberry cultivar ʻAromas’ under hydroponic culture.
Fateme Shabbepour Bandari; Somayeh Rastegar; Mostafa Ghasemi
Abstract
Introduction: Ziziphus mauritiana is a drought-tolerant fruit tree that originated in Central Asia. Ziziphus mauritiana v. khormaee is one of the cultivars of Hindi Ber which was favored by many people in the world and Iran. Maintenance of fruit quality is critical while employing any new technology ...
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Introduction: Ziziphus mauritiana is a drought-tolerant fruit tree that originated in Central Asia. Ziziphus mauritiana v. khormaee is one of the cultivars of Hindi Ber which was favored by many people in the world and Iran. Maintenance of fruit quality is critical while employing any new technology for increasing production. Fruit quality such as color, firmness, size, antioxidant and pulp to seed ratio had important role in marketability of fruits that can be affected by some chemicals. The quality of fruit can be influenced by growth conditions, developmental stage at harvest and postharvest factors. Calcium treatment, either by prearrest foliar sprays or by postharvest dips, represents a safe and potentially effective method for increasing the quality of some fruits. Prearrest treatments are more effective when calcium is applied directly to the fruit surface, since calcium moves in the transpiration stream and little or no subsequent translocation occurs from leaf to fruit. Calcium is an essential element which involved in cell division, elongation and fruit growth. Polyamines have the properties of growth promoters. Exogenous application of PAs has been reported to improve fruit retention and yield of fruits. Although a number of studies demonstrated the significance of PAs in reducing fruit drop and improving yield in various fruit crops, information on their effects on fruit quality is scant. Salicylic acid (SA) is an endogenous growth regulator of phenolic nature, which participates in the regulation of physiological processes in plants. Little information is available on the effects of foliar application of different Pas, salicylic acid and calcium on the quality of Ber fruit.
Materials and Methods: In this study, we evaluated the effect of foliar application of calcium chloride, putrescine and salicylic acid in various concentrations on fruit quality and quantity characters of Hindi ber(Ziziphusmauritiana. khormaee). Fruits selected from trees of the same age with branches of the same height and spraying with calcium chloride (0.5 and 1.5%), putrescine (1 and 2 mM), salicylic acid (1 and 2 mM) and distilled water (control) in two stages before commercial maturity. First stage, when fruit were 5-10 mm in size and second stage, when fruit color break. After the harvest fruit were transferred immediately to the laboratory and measured quantitative and qualitative parameters such as firmness, fruit length, fruit diameter, volume of fruit juice, pulp to seed ratio, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids, color parameters and antioxidant activity. The length and diameter of the fruit were measured using a micrometer caliper. Total soluble solids (TSS) were determined using a digital refractometer. Firmness values of each individual fruit were measured at two points of the equatorial region by using a texture analyzer with a 5 mm Lurton 5005 probe. Fruits surface color was measured on individual fruit from each replicate at two opposite sides using a chromameter (CR 400, Minolta).For vitamin C (ascorbic acid) determination the titrimetric method with 2, 6-dichlorophenolindophenol reagent was applied. Antioxidant activity of fruit was tested by free radical DPPH scavenging.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that foliar application of calcium chloride, putrescine and salicylic acid favorably was effective on quantitative and qualitativecharacteristics Hindi Ber genotype.Kormaed. In treated fruits, total soluble solids (TSS), carotenoids and a* value were less and degree of firmness, fruit length, diameter, volume of fruit juice, pulp to seed ratio, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), antioxidant activity, chlorophyll a and b, chroma index and hue angle were higher than control. Parameters of L* and b* in treated fruits had not significant different with control. Control fruits had the minimum carotenoid and the maximum chlorophyll. Fruit treated with putrescin(2mM) and control has the highest L* value. Different concentration of treatment that used hadn’t any significant difference with together in antioxidant characters. Maximum and the minimum firmness were found in salicylic acid (1mM) and control respectively. Among different treatments, CaCl2 1.5% showed highest volume of fruit juice of course had not significant difference with other treatments. The highest total soluble solids observed in control and highest vitamin C value showed in putrescin treatments
Conclusions: Generally, our result showed treatments that study in this study were effective on quality of Ber fruit. Calcium chloride (0.5 %), putrescine (2 mM), salicylic acid (2 mM) had the best effect on fruit quality. Therefor this chemical can be used to improve Ber fruit quality for consumer and marketing.
Materials and Methods: In this study, we evaluated the effect of foliar application of calcium chloride, putrescine and salicylic acid in various concentrations on fruit quality and quantity charachters of Hindi ber (Ziziphus mauritiana genotype.khormaee). Fruits selected from trees of the same age with branches of the same height and spraying with calcium chloride (0/5 and 1.5%), putrescine (1 and 2 mM), salicylic acid (1 and 2 mM) and distilled water (control) in two stages before commercial maturity. First stage, when fruit were 5-10 mm in size and second stage, when fruit color break. After the harvest fruit were transferred immediately to the laboratory and measured quantitative and qualitative parameters such as firmness, fruit length, fruit diameter, volume of fruit juice, pulp to seed ratio, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids, color parameters and antioxidant activity. The length and diameter of the fruit were measured using a micrometer caliper. Total soluble solids (TSS) were determined using a digital refractometer. Firmness values of each individual fruit were measured at two points of the equatorial region by using a texture analyzer with a 5 mm Lurton 5005 probe. Fruits surface color was measured on individual fruit from each replicate at two opposite sides using a chromameter (CR 400, Minolta). For vitamin C (ascorbic acid) determination the titrimetric method with 2, 6-dichlorophenolindophenol reagent was applied. Free radical scavenging activity (antioxidant activity) of fruit was tested by DPPH.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that foliar application of calcium chloride, putrescine and salicylic acid favorably was effective on quantitative and qualitative characteristics Hindi ber genotype. Kormaed. In Treated Fruits, Total Soluble Solids (TSS), carotenoids and a* value were less and degree of firmness, fruit length, diameter, volume of fruit juice, pulp to seed ratio, titratable acidity, Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), antioxidant activity, chlorophyll a and b, chroma index and hue angle were higher than control. Parameters of L* and b* in treated fruits had not significant different with control. Control fruits had the minimum carotenoid and the maximum chlorophyll rather than other treatments. Fruit treated with Putrescin (2mM) and control has the highest L* value. Different concentration of treatment that used hadn’t any significant difference with together in antioxidant characters. Maximum and the minimum firmness were found in Salicylic acid (1Mm) and control respectively. Among different treatments, Cacl2 1.5% showed highest volume of fruit juice of course had not significant difference with other treatments. Control showed the highest Total Soluble Solids and significant differences with other fruits. Putrescin in both concentration had highest vitamin C content that had significant difference with control fruits.
Conclusions: Generally, our result showed treatment that study in this study were effect on quality of Ber fruit. Calcium chloride (0/5 %), putrescine (2 mM), salicylic acid (2 mM) had the best effect on fruit quality. Therefor this chemical can be used for improve Ber fruit quality for consumer and marketing.
Mohammad Reza Asghari; Farhad Asghari
Abstract
The effect of different concentration of salicylic acid (0, 1 and 2 mmolL-1) and chitosan (0, 0.5 and 1 percent) on postharvest life and quality of Selva strawberry fruit during storage at 2.5±0.5°C with 85-95% RH for 7 and 14 days was studied. Decay incidence, marketability, total soluble solids, ...
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The effect of different concentration of salicylic acid (0, 1 and 2 mmolL-1) and chitosan (0, 0.5 and 1 percent) on postharvest life and quality of Selva strawberry fruit during storage at 2.5±0.5°C with 85-95% RH for 7 and 14 days was studied. Decay incidence, marketability, total soluble solids, total acidity, vitamin C content and total antioxidant activity were evaluated during storage. chitosan 1% significantly decreased decay incidence and maintained fruit marketability. 1mmolL-1 of salicylic acid in combination with 1% chitosan significantly retained fruit soluble solids, vitamin C content and total antioxidant activity and was more effective on total antioxidant activity during first week of cold storage. 1 and 2 mmolL-1 salicylic acid retained total acidity.
Askar Ghani; Seyyed Hossein Nemati; Majid Azizi; Mohammad Jamal Sahar khiz; Mohammad Farsi
Abstract
A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the extract biochemical variations among 25 spearmint population. The experiment was a randomized complete design (RCD) with 25 treatments (population) and three replications. For this purpose, three rhizomes with 5 cm length were selected and planted in each ...
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A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the extract biochemical variations among 25 spearmint population. The experiment was a randomized complete design (RCD) with 25 treatments (population) and three replications. For this purpose, three rhizomes with 5 cm length were selected and planted in each pot. All pots were kept out side. The plant samples of all treatments were harvested at full flowering stage and the most important extract biochemical factors such as chlorophyll a, b and total, carotenoide, flavone and flavonol, total flavonoide, total phenolic compound, antioxidant activity, and carbohydrate content were measured. Moreover, all characteristics of studied population were subjected to cluster analysis and correlation between factors was determined. There were significant differences among population in all studied factors. The highest and lowest chlorophyll contents (35.77 and 10.5 mg/g FW) were obtained in Fars- Khafr 2 and Mazandaran-Nour population, respectively. Among studied population, Isfahan 2, Mazandaran-Qaemshahr, Mazandaran-Nour and Yasouj were superior in extract biochemical valuable properties like antioxidant activity, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoides, and total carbohydrates. Also, some population of Fars province constituted more carotenoide and chlorophyll contents and were superior to others. Furthermore, a positive correlation was detected between antioxidant activity, phenolic compound, and total flavonoides.
