Journal of Horticultural Science

Abstract Introduction: Thyme is a perennial plant belongs to Lamiaceae. Thymus is a well–known medicinal plant, native to Southern Europe and its essential oil is manufactured commercially for use in cough drops, mouth-washes, liniments, toothpastes, detergents and perfumes. The herb is approved by Commission E in the treatment of bronchitis, whooping cough and upper respiratory inflammation. The Thymus genus comprises over 300 species of which, 18 are found in Iran, which grow wild in many regions and four of them are endemic. There are serious difficulties in the taxonomical interpretation of the taxa belonging to the genus Thymus owing to the high variability of populations with respect to many morphological and micro-morphological traits. The morphology and different components of essential oils in different species of Thymus are variable due to hybridization and polyploidization, despite its rare self-pollination. In general, intraspecific hybrids of the genus Thymus seem to possess intermediate morphological characteristics and composition of essential oil in comparison with the relevant characteristics of the parent plants. The accumulation of the essential oil takes place in gland hairs, which are distributed on the surface of the epidermis of the aerial parts of the plant. The content of the essential oil can depend on origin, climate, harvest, as well as drying and storage conditions. By carefully examining the structural, phenotypic, chemical and genetic aspects of the natural populations of a plant, it is possible to select either them or samples from them as an important step in the process of breeding the desired medicinal plant.  Material and Methods: In order to have a comparison microscopically and morphologically characteristics of Thymus vulgaris, two landraces of Thymus transcaspicus were studied in completely randomized design with four replications at the faculty of Agriculture in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Inflorescence length, number of flowers per inflorescence, shoot height, leaf, bud and flower length, leaf width, the largest diameter of canopy, weight, fresh and dry herb yield, percent of essential oil, distinct and type of trichomes, were measured. For glands morphological and structure analysis leaves were processed according to conventional techniques for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In order to obtain comparable results the leaves from the third node of the apex were used for SEM analyses. Leaf samples were fixed in glutaraldehyde and paraformaldehyde. After being dehydrated, they were coated with gold in the vacuum evaporator. Finally, the preparations were observed and photographed with a KYKY-2800B SEM. Results and Discussion: The ANOVA of the data showed that there was considerable variation for all studied characters. Results of mean comparisons showed that the highest height, the largest diameter of canopy and percent of essential oil were for T. vulgaris. Maximum inflorescence length, number of flowers per inflorescence, leaf, bud and flower length, leaf width, was also recorded for T. transcaspicus. Results of essential oil (EOs) analysis by GC/MS showed that thymol and carvacrol were the major compounds of all EOs samples, with highest and lowest content observed thymol and carvacrol in T. vulgaris (64.75 and 6.78 %). T. vulgaris produced more essential oil as compared to another thyme species. Two types of glandular trichomes are distributed on the outside surface of leaf, namely, peltate ones (PGTs) and capitate ones (CGTs). The glandular hairs of Lamiaceae likely release various secretions, such as the essential oil and polysaccharide. When trichomes got matured, essential oil could be found on all of the glandular trichomes on aerial organs of Thymus. Besides essential oil, what else trichomes could secrete needs further study. Conclusion: The essential oil is highly complex chemical compounds. The content and composition of it vary depending on season, growing conditions, and plant species. High essential oil content is related to a much secretion of glandular trichomes. An application for variety protection was filed for ‘T. vulgaris’, now recommended to producers in Mashhad interested in a thymol-rich thyme. We can carry out a selection program to optimize quality and yield of thyme (T. transcaspicus L.) landraces, with used of T. vulgaris and crossing with clones of T. transcaspicus.

Abstract Introduction: Horsemint (Mentha longifolia L.) is a valuable medicinal and aromatic plant belonging to Lamiaceae family. It was reported that the contents and composition of perceived pharmacological properties varied significantly among populations. The genus Mentha L. (Lamiaceae), is widely distributed in all continents (except in South America and Antarctica). The systematic of the genus is not very elucidated because of the strong morphologic variations, levels of ploidy (2n = 2x = 24 to 2n = 6x = 96), and hybridizations intra- and interspecific (or between spontaneous and cultivated forms). M. longifolia or horsemint is a fast-growing and perennial herb which cultivated in all regions. The species possesses antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. The antimicrobial properties of the essential oils can be attributed to the presence of pulegone, menthone and neomenthone because they can destroy the structure of different polysaccharides, fatty acids and phospholipids by altering the permeability of the cell membrane and destroying the bacterial wall. The essential oils of horsemint are said to be cyclohexane and aromatic, and pulegone is the main compound of these oils has a definite aroma in the range of intense to spicy mint. The effects of environmental conditions on the plant growth and development, reproduction and distribution are well known in plant ecology. Many studies have been carried out about the relationships among plant chemical contents, biological activity and environmental variables in the natural and cultivated plant species. This information has been used to determine the medicinal value and economic importance of plant products. Materials and Methods: In this research, the effects of six habitats with different altitudes (habitats of Amol city) on some morphological and biochemical characteristics of horsemint plants were investigated in a completely randomized design with three replications. This study was done to compare the amount of pulegone, total phenol, total flavonoids, antioxidant activity, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid and also morphological features of horsemint such as number of leaves per plant, number of branches per plant, number of flowers and number of nodes.  For antioxidant properties using DPPH method in 517 nm wavelength, total amount of phenol using Folin-Ciocalteu method in 765 nm wavelength and the total amount of flavonoid were done using the aluminum chloride method in 415 nm wavelength and they were measured by spectrophotometer. Essential oil was extracted from dried aerial parts using distillation by Clevenger apparatus for 3 hours. Gas chromatography (GC) was used to measure pulegone. Results and Discussion: The results showed that the altitude and ecotype significantly affecting the growth and biochemical characteristics of horsemint plant. The highest number of leaves (25) and the shoots (27) of horsemint were obtained in the Gat Lash region with 2000 meters and Siozmin with 1850 meters above sea level, respectively. Gat Lash and Siozmin had the highest and lowest content of photosynthetic pigments, respectively. Although there was no significant difference between the content of phenol and flavonoids in different habitats, the highest rates were observed in the Pardemeh and Gat Lash habitats. The results showed that the highest and lowest oil were obtained from ecotypes of Gat Lesh with 2000 meters and Vash Verin with 2300 meters above sea level, respectively. As the height increased, the amount of pulegone was also increased in the leaves, so that the highest amount of pulegone was found in Pardemeh )6069 ppm) habitat by 2600 meters above sea level. Conclusions: Generally, for obtaining the highest essential oil content and pulegone, the best ecotypes were Gat Lash and Pardemeh habitats, respectively. Due to the importance and usage of secondary metabolites in the human life, investigating the relationship between environmental conditions with the production and accumulation of secondary metabolites in plants can be very useful. Our results showed that the climatic conditions had a significant effect on the morphological characteristics of the horsemint, thereby increasing or decreasing the essential oil. In the present study, the best habitat for the highest pulegone was Pardemeh habitat but the habitat of Gat Lash could be a suitable habitat for domestication and cultivation of this plant because of its higher essential oil yield and relatively good pulegone content. For this purpose, it is recommended to study different habitats of this species in other parts of the country for finding the best ecotypes.

Abstract Introduction: Essential oils make up a large part of aromatic substances in plants. Generally, essential oils are considered as remnants of main processes of plants metabolism, especially in stressful conditions. Summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) is one of the most important plants in Lamiaceae family, which it’s more than 30 species grown in the East Mediterranean. It is one of the oldest plants that have been used as vegetables and medicinal and aromatic plants. Dried summer savory has been introduced as one of the most pleasant spices that are planting in large areas of farmland in many countries. Generally, the aerial parts of it, that is usually harvested at flowering stage, has therapeutic effects such as facilitating digestion, stomach tonic, diuretic, astringent, carminative, anti-diarrhea and anti-worm. Summer savory essential oil is used in food (conserves and beverages) and pharmaceutical industries. Various studies on S. hortensis essential oil has been showed that it contains high amounts of phenolic compounds such as Carvacrol, γ-Terpinene, Thymol, p-Cymene, β-Caryophyllene, Linalool and other terpenoids. Organic fertilizers have been known to improve the biodiversity and may prove a large depository for excess carbon dioxide. These fertilizers increase the number of soil organisms by providing organic matter and micronutrients for organisms such as fungal mycorrhizae, (which aid plants in absorbing nutrients), and can drastically reduce external inputs of pesticides, energy and fertilizer, at the cost of decreased yield. Nevertheless they are as effective as chemical fertilizers over longer periods of use. The aim of this project was to study the effects of different organic matters on vegetative and reproductive growth and percentage and components of essential oil in three Satureja ecotypes in Gorgan, Golestan, Iran climate.  Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a factorial experiment based on Randomized Complete Block design with four replications and done in research farm of Agriculture and Natural Resource, University of Gorgan in 2010. Treatments were cattle manure, municipal solid waste, leaves compost, the mixture of them and control. Three ecotypes of summer savory studied in this experiment were Kordestan, Shiraz and Yazd. The plants were harvested at full flowering stage, when they have the highest essential oil and were dried in oven at 45 °C. The essential oils of dried samples were isolated by hydro distillation for 3 h, using a Clevenger-type apparatus.  Statistical analysis was performed by SAS software and the mean comparison were measures by using Duncan tests at 5% level of probability. Results and Discussion: The analysis of variance showed that media had significant effect on yield components in summer savory. There were no significant differences between ecotypes and media*ecotype effect on some parameters of yield components. The cattle manure showed positive effects on bush height in this experiment. Hendawy et al (2010) showed that the application of cattle manure and sheep manure had reached significantly the 5% level of plant height and essential oils percentages. They concluded that sheep manure have macro and micro nutrients which provide thyme plants with their requirements from these elements. Essential oil percentage also, tended to increase with application of organic fertilizers either cattle manure, sheep manure or compost. Khalil (2002) showed the effect of two kind of organic fertilizers on Rosmarinus officinalis and Jasminum spp growth parameters and yield components. In this experiment organic manure treatments showed increasing in plant fresh and dry weight. This could be related to positive effect of organic manure on soil texture and fertility. Ahmadian et al. (2006) showed that the animal manure significantly enhanced the number of umbers per plant, the number of seed per plant, the biological and seed yield in Cuminum cyminum. Animal manure significantly enhanced cumin aldehyde and r-cymene and decreased b-pinene, g-terpinene and a-pinene in cumin oil. Due to the results, treatments had no significant effects on essential oil percentages, but were effective on essential oil components. Hussein et al. (2006) showed that compost levels combined with different distances had a pronounced effect on the various essential oil constituents in Dracocephalum moldavica. In this experiment, Although Shiraz ecotype showed the maximum essential oil percentage (1.2 percent) but there was no significant differences between ecotypes. Among essential oil components, the maximum percentages of Carvacrol achieved in mixture media and Yazd ecotype. Control treatment showed the highest amount of γ- terpinen and paracymene in compare to other media. Shiraz and Kordestan showed also, the highest percentages of γ- terpinen and paracymene, respectively. Plants in mixture media had maximum levels of Carvacrol (74.69 percent). Between ecotypes, Yazd had maximum Carvacrol percentages. Between media, Control treatment was maximum contents of γ –terpinen (5.48) and paracymene (1.76) and other treatments had reduction effects on essential oil components. Between ecotypes, the highest γ-terpinen percentage (5/79) was in Shiraz ecotype and the highest p-cymene percentage (1/69) was in kordistan ecotype. Conclusion: Therefore, by considering the fertilization of savory plants with different organic manure fertilizers in the form of compost that are economic in each region is recommended.

Abstract Introduction: Fritillaria imperialis L. is an ornamental and medicinal plant native to mountainous regions of Iran. This plant genetic resource is in danger of extinction, Because of grazing livestock and pest outbreaks. Therefore, micro propagation of Fritillaria through in vitro regeneration is essential for conservation and commercial production. Thymol and Carvacrol are one of the main essential oil compounds in family Lamiaceae. Material and Methods: Fritillariaimperialis L. bulbs in dormancy stage obtained from mountainous regions of Lorestan in Iran and were placed in cold room at +4 °C for 4-6 weeks. Then, Bulbs were surface-sterilized with 70% ethanol for 45 s followed by immersion in 5% (v/v) NaOCl solution for 20 min with gentle agitation, and then rinsed three times in sterile double distilled water. Present study was conducted in two separate experiments. In first experiment, effect of different concentration of Thymol and Carvacrol and in second experiment, different concentration of NAA and BA on in vitro characteristics of Fritillaria was evaluated. Explants (1× 1 cm) prepared from the lower third of scales with basal plate and were placed in MS basal medium supplemented with different concentrations of Thymol (50, 100, 150 and 300 ppm), Carvacrol (10, 100, 500 and 100 ppm), BA (1, 2 and 4 mg/l) and NAA (1, 2 and 4 mg/l).All cultures were incubated in a growth chamber at 24±2°C, and a photosynthetic photon flux of 40-60 μmol m–2 s–1 was provided by cool white fluorescent lamps with a 16-h photoperiod. This experiment wascarried out in completely randomized designs with fivereplications. Results and Discussion: Analysis of variance showed that Thymol and Carvacrol were not effective on number of new bulblets but had significant effects on bulb diameter, number and length or roots, number and length leaves and callus induction and diameter of callus obtained from scales (P< 0.05). The highest rate (3 bulblets) of bulblets formation was obtained fromMS medium supplemented with 50 ppm Thymol that showed significantly difference from other treatments. Medium containing 10 ppm Carvacrol gave the highest Bulblet formation (2.5 bulblets) between Carvacrol treatments. Investigation of rooting was done by assessment of the number and length of roots. Mean comparison of the effect of cultivar type on root number showed that the largest number of roots per explant was obtained fromMS medium containing 50 ppm Thymol. Lowest number of roots observed in mediums supplemented with 300 ppm Thymol and 100 ppm Carvacrol. The best medium for increasing the root length per explant (10.90 cm) was MS medium supplemented with 100 ppm Carvacrol, while the least increasing in root length per explant observed from culture mediums contained 300 ppm Thymol and 100 ppm Carvacrol. Also, the largest number of leave formation obtained from culture medium supplemented with 50 ppm Thymol that significantly higher than other treatments. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) of the data showed that high frequency callus induction and formation occurred in MS mediums contained 50, 100 and 150 ppm Thymol and 10 ppm Carvacrol and culture mediums supplemented with 300 ppm Thymol and 1000 ppm Carvacrol showed least callus induction. In contrast, largest callus diameter observed in culture mediums supplemented with 300 ppm Thymol and 500, 100 ppm Carvacrol. Statistical analysis of results showed that different concentrations of BA and NAA had significant effects on bulblets number and bulblets diameter (P

Abstract Introduction: Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), is considered as one of the main edible crops of Lamiaceae family. In addition of consuming as a leafy vegetable, basil is known as a medicinal plant due to its aromatic and phytochemical compositions. The common edible basil has two main varieties i.e. Green and Opal. Although the production of this plant is highly happened in open farms during hot seasons, recent changes in agricultural policies in terms of year-round production, using less water and increasing the yield and quality, have encouraged the production of basil under controlled environments such as hydroponic systems. The main criteria to proceed a successful hydroponic culture are selecting proper cultivar, planting density and nutrition management. Optimum plant density alleviates the competition between plants and as a consequence, sufficient light and nutrient can lead to higher quantity and quality. This study aimed to discover the impact of plant density on the quality and yield properties of two main varieties of basil under hydroponics system. Material and Methods: The experiment was done at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz during 2015-2016 growing season. A pot experiment was conducted based of Split-plot in time design with three replications. Cultivar (Green and Opal) and planting density (150, 200 and 250 plants per m2) were considered as the main and sub plot respectively. The plants were cut twice and different morphological and biochemical properties including number of leaves, leaf area, leafy parts yield, chlorophyll, carotenoids, soluble solid content, titrable acidity, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and essential oil content were analyzed. Result and Discussion:The results showed that among applied treatments, the highest number of leaves (30.61), leaf area (26140 mm2) and stem fresh weight (3.28 g) were recorded for the var. Green with 150 p/m2 planting density at second cut. In contrast, this treatment had the lowest number of leaves (12.33) and leaf area (10810 mm2) at first cut. While maximum leaf fresh weight (5.84 g) was obtained for second cut of 150 p/m2 planting density, minimum leaf and stem fresh weight (3.09 and 2.01 g respectively) were found for second cut of 200 p/m2 planting density. Total fresh yield as an important criteria for a leafy vegetable was affected by both variety and planting density factors. The highest amount of yield (1427 g/m2) was recorded at second cut when plants were at 250 p/m2. In contrast, the plants of 150 p/m2 had the minimum yield at first cut (1020 g/m2). The chlorophyll content was higher in Opal variety surprisingly and the plants of 250 p/m2 and 150 p/m2 had around 2.09 mg/g chlorophyll at second cut. Similar findings were obtained for total phenolic content of leaves that was around 104.3 mg/Kg fresh weight for these treatments. Lowest levels of chlorophyll (1.29 mg/g FW) and total phenolic content (6.158 mg/kg) were seen in the leaves of var. Green when they were planted at 150 plant/m2 density. The data for total carotenoids content showed that the level of this pigments were affected by both parameters of variety and planting density. The leaves of var. Opal of 250 p/m2 density had the highest (6.252 mg/g fresh weight) carotenoids content. The highest (2.021 mmol Fe II/g FW) and lowest (0.69 mmol Fe II/g) amount of antioxidant capacity was recorded in Opal and Green varieties respectively, when they were at 150 plant/m2 density. The taste related parameters including total soluble solids, titrable acidity and essential oil content were not affected by planting density and variety. However, the level of acidity was increased by increasing plant density. On the other hand, a significant difference was seen in terms of TSS, acidity and essential oil between first and second cuts. Conclusion: Overall and based on obtained data, it can be said that the var. Opal at 150 and 250 plants/m2 density showed the best results in terms of evaluated morphological and qualitative traits and can be recommended for hydroponics basil cultivation. Basil is harvest in 2-3 cuts and this experiment showed that for almost all vegetative parameters, the second cut had better results. The improved yield and quality at second cut could be attributed to the better establishment of roots and providing higher levels of nutrients.

Abstract Introduction: The aim of medicinal plant storage is to preserve qualitative and quantitative properties of active substance. Carum copticum fruits (Zenyan in Persian) were used for its therapeutic effects. Seed storage condition after harvest till to extraction time is not suitable in our country and the major part of seed quality deteriorates during the storage period. So, the loss of seed qualitative and quantitative characteristics will increase during unsuitable storage condition. Appropriate storage conditions and management preserve seed active substance, seed viability and vigor for long periods by reducing the rate of seed deterioration. Optimal seed storage can be achieved by modifying the environment around the seeds. Numerous storage systems have evolved over the years for post harvest preservation of crop seeds. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of various storage conditions and storage time on essential oil percentage and germination factors in C. copticum seeds during the storage period. The results of this research will be used for optimum storage of these seeds to better preserve their quality. Materials and Methods: In order to investigate the effects of storage conditions (packaging materials and temperature) and storage time on quality of C. copticum stored seeds, a split-plot factorial arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications is performed in Faculty of Agriculture at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during 2013 and 2014.Tukey's range test was performed to determine the significant difference between treatments. The calculations were conducted by JMP 8 software. Temperature) at two levels: 20±3°C and 30±3°C( as main plots and packaging materials (at six levels: paper, polyethylene, aluminum foil under vacuum condition, Polyethylene-polyamide packages under vacuum condition, Polyethylene-polyamide packages with a gas composition of [98%N2 + 2%O2] and [90%N2 +10%O2] ) and storage periods (at four levels: 0, 3, 6 and 9 months) as sub plots were considered. Seed samples were taken randomly from each package at four times period. Essential oil percentage, seed weight, gas composition in packages with modified atmosphere and seed germination factors (seed germination percentage (SGP), germination rate (GR), mean germination time (MGT), and germination Index (GI)) were evaluated during this nine months Storage. Results and Discussion: The highest weight loss was 2/43% in the paper bags stored at 30°C at the fourth to sixth months especially in the fifth month. Aluminum foil package under vacuum condition stored at 30°C had the lowest weight and minimum weight changes during nine months of storage, so it was the best packages compared to others. The results show that Polyethylene-polyamide packages and Aluminum foil packages under vacuum condition are almost impermeable to air and moisture. Increasing weight at 20°C may be due to accumulation of water vapor from the respiration during early period of storage. Seed germination test provides an indication about seedling vigor as well as performance of seed in the field. In most cases, performance relates to the ability of seeds to germinate and produce a seedling that will emerge from the soil and development into a healthy vigorous plant. Packages with different combinations of gas (2% and 10% oxygen) at 30°C,aluminum foil under vacuum condition and Polyethylene-polyamide packages with a gas composition of [98%N2 + 2%O2] at 20°C were packages with higher germination percentage after nine months storage. Based on this results, it appears that packaging materials and storage temperature did not show any significant difference on essential oil percentage and further changes in the amount of oil related to duration of storage. Kumar et al. (2013) showed that the essential oil content and composition were affected by harvest time and storage conditions. Kazaz et al. (2009) investigated the effect of different storage temperatures (0◦C and 3◦C) and durations (7, 14, 21 and 28 days) on oil yield and essential oil components of oil rose (Rosa damascena Mill.). Their results showed that the effect of storage temperatures on oil content were not significant whereas the effect of storage duration was significant and it was similar to our results. Conclusion: Essential oil percentage as the most important property of Carum copticum and germination percentage decreased significantly with increasing of storage period. Finally, results show that Polyethylene-polyamide packages with a gas composition of [98%N2 + 2%O2] and [90%N2 +10%O2] in 9 months storage time and 30±3°C storage temperature preserve qualitative properties better than other conditions. Whereas, aluminum foil package under vacuum condition and 20±3°C storage temperature are recommended for 6 month storage time.

Abstract Introduction: Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a perennial herb which is cultivated in temperate regions of Asia, Europe and America. The essential oil of hyssop is widely used as traditional drug in some of the parts of Asia and Europe to treat respiratory diseases. Hyssop is also used in food, pharmaceutical, flavor and cosmetic industries throughout the world. It is mainly used for antispasmodic, stomachic, antifungal, relax spasm and cough treatment. Applying organic fertilizers and biofertilizers such as compost, vermicompost and nitrogen fixing bacteria contain Azotobacter and Azospirillum has led to a decrease in chemical fertilizers consumption and has provided high quality agricultural products. Several studies have shown that organic and bio-fertilizers application such as vermicompost and nitrogen fixing bacteria can increase essential oil content of medicinal plants of dill, basil and fennel.The main object of this work was to record the best suitable treatment of organic and biological fertilizer to obtain highest yield of Hyssop. Materials and Methods: A field experiment, arranged in a randomized complete blocks design with eight treatments and three replications at research field of the Agriculture Company of Ran, Firouzkuh, Iran during the growing season of 2012. The treatments were (1) 20 t/ha compost, (2) 12 t/ha vermicompost, (3) biofertilizer [inoculated seeds with Azotobacter and Azospirillum], (4) 10 t/ha compost + 6 t/ha vermicompost, (5) 20 t/ha compost + biofertilizer, (6) 12 t/ha vermicompost + biofertilizer, (7) 10 t/ha compost + 6 t/ha vermicompost + biofertilizer and (8) control [without fertilizer application]. Inoculation was carried out by immersing the hyssop seeds in the cells suspension of 108 CFU/ml for 15 min. The required quantities of compost and vermicompost were applied and incorporated to the top 5 cm layer of soil in the experimental beds before planting of hyssop seeds. Each experimental plot was 3 m long by 2.28 m wide with the spacing of 15 cm between the plants and 38 cm between the rows. There was a space of one meter between the plots and 2 meters between replications. Hyssop seeds were directly sown by hand. There was no incidence of pest or disease on hyssop during the experiment. Weeding was done manually and the plots were irrigated weekly (as trickle irrigation system). All necessary cultural practices and plant protection measures were followed uniformly for all the plots during the entire period of experiment. In this study, some morphological traits and yield hyssop including plant height, branch no./plant, fresh weight of plant, dry weight of plant, herb fresh yield, herb dried yield, essential oil content and essential oil yield were evaluated. In order to determine herb fresh yield and herb dry yield, 1 m-2 plants were used at the harvest time (full blooming). For determine the essential oil content (%), About 100 g dried herb of hyssop (dried in shadow) as sample from the each plot were selected and then were subjected to hydro-distillation (Clevenger type apparatus) for 3 hours. Essential oil yield also was calculated by using essential oil content and herb dried yield. Analysis of variance by using SAS software and mean comparisons by Least Significant Difference Test (LSD) (at the 5% probability level) was done. Results and Discussion: The present results have shown that the highest plant height and branch no/plant in treatment of integrated application of 20 t/ha compost,biofertilizer,the maximum fresh weight of plant and herb fresh yield in treatment of application of 20 t/ha compost were obtained. Also, the highest dry weight of plant in treatment of integrated application of 10 t/ha compost, 6 t/ha vermicompost and biofertilizer and the highest herb dried yield, essential oil content and essential oil yield in treatment of integrated application of 12 t/ha vermicompost and biofertilizer were obtained. Vermicompost application through high ability for absorption of mineral nutrients like N, P and K by plants and then increase of biomass amount has a positive effect on secondary metabolites concentration such as essential oil and subsequently the enhanced essential oil content. Increased essential oil yield in treatment of 12 tonnes vermicompost per hectare and biofertilizer can be owing to the improvement of yield attributes such as herb dry yield and essential oil content. Conclusion:Integrated application of organic manures and biofertilizer positively influenced morphological traits and yield of hyssop, as the highest herb dry yield, essential oil content and essential oil yield were obtained in treatment of integrated application of 12 t/ha vermicompost and biofertilizer and treatment of integrated application of 10 t/ha compost, 6 t/ha vermicompost and biofertilizer. On the base of research results, organic amendments and biofertilizer application can be caused in improvement of morphological characters and yield of hyssop.

Abstract Introduction: Ecological agriculture is an integrated system that gives credit to higher quality of products. Using of ecological agriculture and low input systems or other similar systems as a replacement for conventional systems turn out to progress in sustainable agriculture and protecting environment health. One of the best approaches to achieve these goals is to use mixed farming. Many experiments have shown that mixed farming has higher yield than sole cropping. The other benefits of mixed farming are: management of insects, weeds and diseases, promotion of diversity, improvement of products quality and also increase in stability and sustainability. These goals also achieved by decreasing in use of non-renewable resources and also reducing environment risks. Hence, assessment of intercropping patterns of Fennel (Foeniculum vulgar), Sesame (Sesamum indicum) and Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) on qualitative and quantitative characters and yield components were the purposes of this experiment. Materials and methods: In order to study yield and yield components in different intercrops of fennel, sesame and bean, an experiment was conducted in Agricultural Research Station, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during 2010-2011growing season. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block with three replications. The treatments were consisted of: pure stand of fennel, sesame and bean, row intercropping of sesame-bean with recommended density (1:1), fennel-bean (1:1), fennel-sesame (1:1) and intercrops of fennel- sesame - bean (1:1:1). The field of experiment was prepared at the end of March, a month before sowing; 30 ton/ hectare manure fertilizer was used. Because of sowing these 3 crops in a low input system, non-chemical approaches to control weeds and diseases during the growth season were employed. In order to determine crops seed yield and their biological yield in this experiment, sampling was done after omitting of margin effects (0.5 m first and end of each row) and 8 m2 area was harvested. All harvested crops were dried under free condition and shadow, then was weighted and after that seeds were separated from crops. To measure yield components five samples were selected. For fennel: umbel number per plant, umbellate number per plant, seed number per umbellate, 1000 seed weight, for sesame: capsule number per plant, seed number per capsule and 1000 seed weight and for bean: pod number per plant, seed number per pod and 1000 seed weight were measured. Results and discussion: Results indicated that the yield and yield components of intercropped and pure fennel treatments significantly affect grain and biological yield, harvest index, the number of umbels per plant, the number of fertile umbellates per plant, and vegetative essential oil. In addition, these treatments in sesame showed significant effect on biological yield, grain yield, harvest index, plant height and seed weight per capsule. The results for bean revealed significant effects on biological yield, grain yield and the number of seeds per pod. Moreover, the highest percentage of essential oil in fennel was obtained in fennel-sesame treatment. The highest percentage of oil in sesame was obtained in sole crop of fennel. Furthermore, the results showed that the highest LER (1.22) was observed in sesame-fennel treatment. Considering this ratio, this treatment was selected as a superior treatment among the other treatments. An experiment on mixed cultivation of Zea maize and bean showed higher amount of biological yield, in intercropping treatments (RezvanBeydokhti et al., 2005). Another experiment on mixed cropping of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) and lentil (Lens culinaris M.)showed higher amount of seed yield in intercropping treatments and biological yield in sole cropping .

Abstract Introduction: Medicinal plants play major roles in human health. . Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is an annual plant that commonly cultivated in arid and semiarid regions of Iran. The crop has a wide range of uses including medicinal, cosmetic and food industry. Cumin occupies about 26% of the total area devoted to medicinal plants in Iran. However, cumin is seriously affected by the Fusarium wilt and blight diseases. The diseases usually increase under warm and wet conditions. It was demonstrated that the peak of the disease incidence is occurring at the flowering stage and irrigation cutoff at this time may be reduced the diseases density. Materials and methods: In order to evaluate the effects of irrigation cutoff in flowering stage and foliar application of spermidine on some characteristics of various ecotype of cumin, an experiment was conducted in a split-split-plot arrangement in randomized complete block design with three replications at the research farm of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman at 2014. The experimental treatments were irrigation in two levels (complete irrigation and cutoff the irrigation in flowering stage) assigned to main plots, foliar application of spermidine in three levels (0, 1 and 2 Mm) as a subplot and cumin ecotypes in three levels (Kerman, Khorasan and Esfahan) that was randomized in sub-subplot. Plots size under the trial was 4 m × 3 m so as to get 50 cm inter row spacing in six rows. The ideal density of the crops was considered as 120 plant m-2. As soon as the seeds were sown, irrigation was applied every 10 days. Foliar application of spermidine was done at three stages (after thinning, before flowering stage and in the middle of flowering stage). No herbicides and chemical fertilizers were applied during the expriments. Results and discussion: In this study the number of branches, umbels per plant, 1000-seed weight, seed yield per plant and hectare, harvest index, essential oil percentage and yield, infected plants and proline contents were assessed. The results showed that irrigation treatment had a significant effect on all the studied traits except number of branches and umbels per plant. The irrigation cutoff at flowering stage caused a significant increase in seeds per umbel, infected plants and seed yield per plant and hectare Whereas harvest index, essential oil percentage and yield and proline contents were higher in irrigation cutoff treatment compared to completely irrigated treatment. The value of decrease in seed yield per hectare as affected by irrigation cutoff was so lower than that per plant; because more infected plants were observed in completely irrigatedtreatment in comparison with cutoff irrigated treatment. Decreasing the value of the seed yield per plant and hectare affected by irrigation cut-off were 58 and 15%, respectively. Proline contents in irrigation cut-off treatment were about two times more than completely irrigatedtreatment. Khorasan and Kerman ecotypes had higher value in comparison with Esfahan in all studied traits.. Seed yield per hectare for Kerman, Khorasan and Esfahan ecotypes were 525, 306 and 525 kg, respectively. The highest essential oil yield (14.92 kg ha-1) was gained in 1 Mm spermidine for Khorasan ecotype and the lowest (6.87 kg ha-1) was observed in 0 Mm spermidine for Esfahan ecotype. There was no significant difference between foliar application levels in terms of the studied traits such as…. Conclusion: Irrigation cutoff at flowering stage caused a significant increase in seeds per umbel, infected plants and seed yield per plant and hectare Whereas harvest index, essential oil percentage and yield and proline contents were higher in irrigation cutoff treatment compared to completely irrigated treatment. Khorasan and Kerman ecotypes achieved higher potential for cultivation in Kerman climate condition compared to Esfahan ecotype.

Abstract Introduction: Medicinal plants were one of the main natural resources of Iran from ancient times. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is from Apiaceae family that it has cultivated extensively in the world. Management and environmental factors such as nutritional management has a significant impact on the quantity and quality of plants. Application of organic fertilizers in conventional farming systems is not common and most of the nutritional need of plants supply through chemical fertilizers for short period. Excessive and unbalanced use of fertilizers in the long period, reduce crop yield and soil biological activity, accumulation of nitrates and heavy metals, and finally cause negative environmental effects and increase the cost of production. The use of bio-fertilizers and organic matter are taken into consideration to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and increase the quality of most crops. Stability and soil fertility through the use of organic fertilizers are important due to having most of the elements required by plants and beneficial effects on physical, chemical, biological and soil fertility. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of organic, biological and chemical fertilizers on quality and quantity characteristics of coriander. Materials and Methods: In order to study the effects of single and combined applications of organic, biological and chemical fertilizers on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), an experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with three replications and 12 treatments at Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, in - 2011. Treatments included: (1) mycorrhizae (Glomus mosseae) (2) biosulfur (Thiobacillus sp.), (3) chemical fertilizer (NPK), (4) cow manure, )5( vermin compost, )6( mycorrhizae + chemical fertilizer, )7( mycorrhizae + cow manure, )8( mycorrhizae + vermicompost, )9( biosulfur + chemical fertilizer, )10( biosulfur + cow manure, )11( biosulfur + vermin compost and )12( control. Glomus mosseae was used at -2 cm depth below the seed. Chemical fertilizer, vermicompost (17 t. ha-1) and cow manure (60 t.ha-1) were used at 30 cm depth . Coriander was planted through furrow in mid-March 2010. The distance between rows was 60 cm and irrigation was done once a week. The common cultivation practices used for this plant and no pesticides or herbicides were used during the growing season. Coriander harvested in early July 2011 when the plants became yellow. Then, plant indices were measured in laboratory which included plant height, the number of lateral branch, the number of umbels per plant, the number of seed per umbels and plant, hundred seed weight, biological and economical yield, harvest index, essential oil percentage and essential oil yield. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by SAS 9.1and means comparison were compared by Duncan’s multiple range (P < 0.05). Results and Discussion: The results showed that the highest number of lateral branch per plant (6.6) was obtained in biosulfur + cow manure treatment. Also, the highest number of umbel per plant (19) and number of umbelet per umbel (5) were observed in mycorrhizae treatment. Mycorrhizae by improving the nutritional status of plants, soil microbial community strengthening and protecting plants against pathogens increases plant growth and development. The highest number of seeds per umbel (21.6), the number of seeds per plant (366), seed yield (1468 kg,ha-1) and harvest index (55%) were obtained in mycorrhizae + chemical fertilizer treatment. Combined application of biosulfur with chemical fertilizer had a noticeable effect on 100-seed weights and biological yield indices. Ali et al., (2009) concluded that application of intermediate levels of nitrogen fertilizer and mycorrhizae increased biological yield of coriander, they reported that the use of nitrogen fertilizer will speed up the establishment of mycorrhizae. Studies showed that the combined use of chemical fertilizer and manure improved crop yield by increasing the efficiency ofnutrient absorption for plants. The highest essential oil percentage and essential oil yield were observed in mycorrhizae and mycorrhizae with chemical fertilizer treatments, respectively (0.2% and 2602 g.ha-1). Also, the essential oil yield was 7 times more in mycorrhizae+chemical fertilizer than biosulphur treatment. Combined application of cow manure and chemical fertilizer increased quality of indices of Ajowan. It seems that combined application of organic and bio fertilizers and cow manure improve soil physical and chemical properties, increase the availability of nutrients and finallyincrease the yield and quality of plants. Conclusions: Overall, results of this experiment showed that application of biological fertilizer especially mycorrhizae had a significant effect on improving quantitative and qualitative yield of Coriander. Furthermore, the combined application of mycorrhizae with organic and chemical fertilizer had better effects than their single application.

Abstract Introduction: Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis is formed by approximately 80% of the vascular plant species in all terrestrial biomes. Using soil microbial potential including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) has been widely considered for improving plant growth, yield and nutrition. Medicinal herbs are known as sources of phyto chemicals or active compounds that are widely sought worldwide for their natural properties. Members of the Lamiaceae family have been used since ancient times as sources of spices and flavorings and for their pharmaceutical properties. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) has a long tradition of medicinal use, with archaeological evidence placing its use at least as far back as ten thousand years ago. Essential oils - are volatile, lipophilic mixtures of secondary plant compounds, mostly consisting of monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and phenylproponoids.Arbuscularmycorrhizal fungi with colonizing plant roots improve nutrient uptake as well as improving essential oil yield of medicinal plants by increasing plant biomass. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of AMF inoculation on essential oil content and some growth parameters of peppermint (Mentha piperita) plant under glasshouse condition. Materials and Methods: This study was performed on a loamy sand soil. The samples were air-dried, sieved (

Abstract In order to study the effect of natural antitranspirant compound and water stress on growth, development and essential oil content of Ocimumbasilicum a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with three replicates was conducted. 3 levels of water stress (500 as control, 375 and 250 ml/day) and 3 antitranspirant compound (chitosan, plantago mucilage and psyllium mucilage) in 3 levels of 0.5, 1 and 1.5% (m/v) and applied during the plant growth. Photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, stomatal chamber CO2, leaf temperature, fresh and dry weight of herb, essential oil percentage and content were measured. The results showed that water stress and antitranspirant application had a significant effect on all measured traits (P≤0.05 and P≤0.01). The highest values of these traits were observed in control for water stress treatment and different levels of antitranspirant compounds. Transpiration levels from leaf were significantly decreased by antitranspirant compounds application. Chitosan (1 and 1.5%) decreased transpiration by 200% over control. Photosynthesis was also increased up to 30% by chitosan treatment (0.5 and 1) in comparison to control.Also, antitranspirant compounds increasing dry matter yield in water stress condition but reducing essential oil % and yield in comparison with control. In general, according to the result of this experiment, antitranspirant compounds with natural origin are safe, biodegradable, easy available, low cost and alternatives which can be used in substitution with common chemical types.

Abstract Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an herb belongs to Lamiaceae family. The essential oil of basil is widely utilized as an aromatic agent in the food, pharmaceutical and perfumery industries. Basil essential oil possesses antimicrobial property. Due to high economical value and high demand, basil production in greenhouse for permanent market selling is expanding. In order to the investigation of the effect of soilless culture systems on yield and essential oil content of basil an experiment was arranged as a factorial in the framework of a completely randomized design with two factors, growing system (aquaponics and hydroponics) and varieties (green and violet basil) with 3 replications. The results showed that the most of the growth factors in two cultivars were higher in the hydroponics compared with aquaponics. So that, shoot and root fresh and dry mass, hight, leaf area and node number per plant were higher in hydroponics than aquaponics. SPAD value was affected by growing system treatments and it was 12.86% higher in hydroponic system. Essential oil content in shoots was not affected by the systems or cultivars. Lower amount of N, P and Mn in shoots were probable reasons of lower SPAD value and growth reduction of plants in aquaponics compared with hydroponics. Notwithstanding, plants growth were normal and there were no deficiency symptoms in aquaponic-grown plants. Thus, nutrient deficiency in aquaponic system might be alleviated by increasing of the fish number per water volume unit and elevation of fish feeding. Therfore, aquaponic system has potential of medicinal plant production.

Abstract Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is one of the most popular medicinal plants that containing essential oil. Essential oil of this plant has been utilized extensively in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of biological fertilizers of biosulfur, nitroxin and super absorbent polymer and their interactions on the growth and essential oil content of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) in the randomized complete block design (RCBD). Aerial parts of plants were harvested at full bloom and evaluated their yield index. All material were air-dried in the shade and subjected to hydrodistillation by Clevenger type apparatus. The results of this study showed that there was a significant difference among the treatments in terms of dry herbage weight at 1% level. The highest yield was obtained in (biosulfur+nitroxin+super absorbent). There was no significant difference in essential oil content according to v/w, but there was the significant difference between treatments in terms of w/w. The highest oil content (w/w) was observed in biosulfur+nitroxin treatment. These differences are probably due to variation in the constituents and specific gravity of the oils.