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.
Postharvest physiology
L. Taghipour; P. Hayati; M. Hosseinifarahi; P. Assar
Abstract
Introduction
Physalis (Physalis peruviana L.), commonly known as Cape gooseberry or ground cherry, is a valuable member of the Solanaceae family. It is cultivated as a perennial crop in tropical regions and as an annual in temperate climates. The fruit is a spherical berry that can be consumed fresh, ...
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Introduction
Physalis (Physalis peruviana L.), commonly known as Cape gooseberry or ground cherry, is a valuable member of the Solanaceae family. It is cultivated as a perennial crop in tropical regions and as an annual in temperate climates. The fruit is a spherical berry that can be consumed fresh, dried, or processed into jams and desserts. Physalis fruits are rich in minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals known for their anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to their reputation as a "superfood." Globally, demand for this crop is increasing due to its health benefits, including in Iran, although comprehensive data on its cultivation within the country remains limited. As a climacteric fruit, Physalis has a very short postharvest shelf life—typically no more than five days—highlighting the need for safe and effective postharvest treatments to preserve quality and extend its marketability. To improve the storability and maintain the postharvest quality of physalis, researchers are exploring natural and safe treatment options. One such promising compound is melatonin, a pleiotropic molecule derived from tryptophan and endogenously synthesized in plant, animal, fungal, and prokaryotic cells. In plants, melatonin functions as a regulatory agent involved in numerous physiological processes, particularly in response to stress. It interacts with plant hormones and reactive species like hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), nitric oxide (NO), and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), contributing to improved antioxidant activity, delayed senescence, and better stress tolerance. Thus, melatonin represents a promising and eco-friendly strategy to improve the shelf life, sensory quality, and marketability of physalis fruit. The aim of the present study was to improve the shelf life and postharvest quality of physalis fruits through melatonin treatment for distribution in local markets.
Materials and Methods
Fully orange-colored physalis fruits with completely yellow calyxes were harvested from a commercial greenhouse in Pasargad, Fars province. The fruits were quickly transported to the lab, visually evaluated, washed with deionized water, and air-dried. The experimental design was a factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized design (CRD), consisting of 12 treatments with three replicates per treatment (20 fruits per replicate). The experimental factors included fruit immersion in four levels of melatonin solution concentration (100, 200, and 300 µM, with distilled water as the control) and sampling time at three levels (7, 14, and 21 days of storage). Following the preparation of melatonin solutions at different concentrations, sixty fruits were immersed in each solution for five minutes. The treated fruits were air-dried for 30 minutes, then packaged in polyethylene bags with 3% perforation and stored at 10 °C under 90 ± 5% relative humidity for 21 days. Assessments were carried out at weekly intervals.
Results and Discussion
Overall, postharvest treatment with melatonin led to a reduction in respiration rate and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in the juice, as well as an improvement or maintenance of skin carotenoid content, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid, total phenols, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzyme activity, and total antioxidant activity in the juice. After 21 days of storage and at the end of the experiment, the assessment of all these attributes revealed that fruits treated with 300 μM melatonin were superior in terms of nutritional value, appearance, and postharvest oxidative stress response mechanisms compared to the other experimental groups. There was no significant difference in total soluble solids and titratable acidity among the fruits treated with different concentrations of melatonin; however, fruits treated with the two higher concentrations of melatonin showed the lowest respiration rate and the highest ascorbic acid content in the juice. Furthermore, fruits treated with 300 μM melatonin exhibited higher levels of total phenols, PAL enzyme activity, total antioxidant activity, and skin carotenoids compared to all other experimental groups, while also showing the lowest PPO enzyme activity.
Conclusions
Treating physalis fruits with exogenous melatonin, especially at concentration of 300 μM, can significantly enhance their postharvest quality and storability by modulating various physiological and biochemical processes. This approach has the potential to improve the marketability and economic value of harvested physalis as a high-value horticultural crop.
Ornamental plants
S. Mirzaei; M. Chehrazi
Abstract
Introduction
Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta) (Daffodil) with the scientific name (Narcissus tazetta) is a perennial bulbous plant from the Amaryllidaceae family (Mozafarian, 1996; Ghahraman & Atar, 2000). Narcissus is one of the most important ornamental bulbous plants that is used as a cut flower ...
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Introduction
Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta) (Daffodil) with the scientific name (Narcissus tazetta) is a perennial bulbous plant from the Amaryllidaceae family (Mozafarian, 1996; Ghahraman & Atar, 2000). Narcissus is one of the most important ornamental bulbous plants that is used as a cut flower and a potted plant. Our country has a huge source of native daffodils. Iran, with its climatic diversity, vast area of fertile land and abundant solar energy, is one of the centers of the propagation of plant species is important. Today, plant genetic resources are considered as the most valuable and vital resources of any country. Ornamental plants such as narcissus have been important for mankind since ancient times. They are valuable for their beauty, but also for their medicinal properties and as a food source (Chehrazi et al., 2008; Farahmand & Khosh-Khui, 2007). Considering the importance of the product in the mentioned cases, preserving the valuable native narcissus plant of our country has many economic and social benefits, also to prevent its extinction. Therefore, this project was carried out to collect and evaluate native daffodil genotypes and introduce superior genotypes.
Materials and Methods
In this research, the bulbs of narcissus native genotypes were collected from natural narcissus fields in different regions of the country (Khuzestan, Mazandaran, Fars, Ilam and Khorasan provinces). Then bulbs were planted in the research field of the Ornamental Plants Research Institute and the morphological and physiological characteristics of the daffodils were evaluated in the field, including the height of the flowering stem, number of leaves, number of flowers, flowering period, chlorophyll and flavonoid content, bulb size, number and fresh and dry weight were measured. Measuring methods are explained below. Flowering branch height: The height of the narcissus flower branch from the point of contact with the soil to the tip of the flower was measured by a ruler in centimeters. Number of leaves: The number of leaves in each narcissus plant was counted. Number of flowers in each branch: The number of flowers in each branch of narcissus was counted. Flowering period: the number of days from the appearance of the first flower to the time the flowers withered was counted. The size of daughter bulbs: The diameter of daughter bulbs in each narcissus plant was measured by calipers in millimeters. Number of daughter bulbs: The number of daughter bulbs in each narcissus plant was counted. Fresh and dry weight of daughter bulbs: The bulbs of each narcissus plant were removed from the soil. After cleaning the onions from the mud, the onions were weighed by an accurate digital scale, which was recorded as fresh weight, in grams. The onions were then placed in the oven for 72 hours and then weighed again by a precision digital balance, which was recorded as dry weight in grams. Amount of chlorophyll and carotenoids was measured by the method of Maxwell & Johnson, 2000 and amount of flavonoids was measured by the method of Chang et al. (2002).
Results and Discussion
According to the results of this experiment, Mazandaran and Ilam genotypes showed the highest values for morphological indices. By comparing different populations of Narcissus Shahla, it was observed that the population of Mazandaran with (16.38 cm) had the highest height of flowering stem, with (11.9) had the highest number of flowers, with (55.34) had the highest number of leaves, with (47.33 days) had the longest flowering period, with (8.53) had the largest number of girl onions, with (48.39 mm) had the largest size of girl onions, with (15.88 g) had the highest fresh weight of girl onions, with (10.68 g) had the highest dry weight of girl onions. Also, Khuzestan and Mazandaran genotypes showed the highest values for physiological indices. It was observed that the population of Khuzestan with (2.229 mg.g-1) had the highest amount of chlorophyll, with (1.594 mg.g-1) had the highest amount of carotenoids and with (1.525 mg.ml-1) had the highest amount of flavonoids.
Conclusions
Comparisons of morphological and physiological characteristics of native Iranian narcissus in the field and post-harvest period in different populations of native narcissus (Shahla and Porpar) showed that native Iranian narcissus is a plant suitable for planting in green spaces. The planting of these plants in the area of Mahalat has been successful and if cultivated, along with daily care, weeding and regular watering, it is completely suitable for surface production. Planting native narcissus can be recommended for cities with a climate similar to Mahalat. In order to achieve this, we can introduce the native daffodils of Mazandaran and Ilam regions as the best genotypes. Because in terms of morphological indicators, they have the highest stem height, number of flowers, number of leaves. Also, In order to use a flower pot in the home or office environment, the native daffodils of Khuzestan and Mazandaran regions can be introduced as the best genotypes.
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.
Mahboobeh Naseri; Hossein Arouiee; Maryam Mohammadi
Abstract
Introduction: Spinacia olerace is the most important leaf vegetable of the Chenopodiacea family, which has a special place in human nutrition because of its variety of minerals and vitamins. Cultivation of this plant in Iran is several thousand years old and accordingly Iran is considered as the main ...
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Introduction: Spinacia olerace is the most important leaf vegetable of the Chenopodiacea family, which has a special place in human nutrition because of its variety of minerals and vitamins. Cultivation of this plant in Iran is several thousand years old and accordingly Iran is considered as the main place and a source of spinach in the world. Growth of plants is affected by genetics, environmental conditions, growing season, nutrients, and soil, harvesting method, temperature, intensity and quality of light. Among these factors, soil nutrients have a significant influence on plant growth and yield. Nowadays, the consumption of organic matter as fertilizer due to its high cost and limited availability is not sufficient and the major nutritional needs of plants are met by chemical fertilizers, which can lead to environmental problems and, over time, reduced yields. In this connection humic acid is a naturally occurring organic compound and contains 2% to 5% organic matter. Humic acid can be used to seedling nutrition and improve its quality and quantity. Given the recent use of organic acids such as humic acid to improve crops and horticulture, but little research has been done on transplant birth, this experiment was conducted to investigate the application of different levels of humic acid in irrigation water at the time of irrigation. Different effects and their effects on growth indices and spinach production were investigated.Material and Methods: The present experiment was conducted to investigate the application of different concentrations of humic acid at different times and its effects on quantitative and qualitative indices of spinach in a factorial completely randomized design with three replications in research greenhouse at Torbat Heydariyeh University. Treatments consisted of three concentrations of humic acid (0, 3 and 6 ml/L) at two application times (one-week and two-week). The mean daily greenhouse temperature at the time of plant growth was 25°C and the mean nighttime temperature was 18°C, the average relative humidity was 60%. After seedlings were planted in the main pots at four-leaf stage, they were irrigated with humic acid (0, 3 and 6 ml/L) at different intervals once a week, twice weekly. The humic fertilizer used belonged to Green Seed Company, containing 24% humic acid and 3% folic acid and 2% potassium. Five weeks after treatment, the traits were measured. Transplant growth indices including number of leaves (by counting the number of shoots per plant), leaf length and width, leaf area, canopy, height, chlorophyll index, chlorophyll a, b, carotenoid and dry weight of each plant were determined.Results and Discussion: Based on the results of this experiment, the effect of humic acid concentration on morphological and physiological traits of spinach transplant was significant. The highest leaf number (4.6) at 3 ml concentration and the lowest number (3.5) were at zero concentration. These traits were subjected to humic acid titer, but the increase in concentration had no significant effect on these traits. The increased number of leaves and traits mentioned in the early stages of transplant growth is probably due to the rapid expansion of the root system of the plant at high concentrations of humic acid, which in turn leads to increased nutrient uptake, better plant growth and subsequent growth. Leaf number and other traits become leaf dependent. The results showed that the highest chlorophyll a (1.8 ml/g fresh leaf), chlorophyll b (2.5 ml/ml fresh leaf), carotenoids (7.1 ml/ml). Fresh leaf g) and biomass (150 mg) at 3 ml concentration and the lowest at zero concentration. The highest chlorophyll index (74.1 ml/ml fresh leaf g) was also found in the concentration of 6 ml and the lowest was obtained from zero concentration. Humic acid increased spinach transplant biomass by increasing the amount of photosynthetic pigments and leaf area or the same photosynthetic capacity. In most of the traits, the two-week application time was higher than the one-week, so that spinach transplant biomass increased by 110% over the two-week application period. So that spinach transplant biomass was 156 at the two-week application and 74 mg at the one-week application. Based on the results of this experiment, humic acid application can improve the quantitative and qualitative traits of spinach transplant and its production.Conclusion: Production of vegetable seedlings have an important role in the production and olericulture economy. Specializing in different activities in the vegetable production process will simplify the production process and increase efficiency. This means that the best conditions for seedling growth should be provided during transplanting. Application of humic acid organic fertilizer instead of chemical fertilizer can reduce environmental pollution in line with sustainable agriculture and healthy eating with vegetables to prevent the accumulation of chemicals in the human body to be effective. In this regard, the results of this study showed that using low humic acid as organic fertilizer can improve morphophysiological traits of spinach transplant.
Pomology
Asiyeh Safari; Akram Fatemi; Mohsen Saeedi; Zahra Kolahchi
Abstract
Introduction: the lack of water resources in arid and semi-arid regions is one of the most important limiting factors of the growth of plants, especially fruit trees. Grapevines are one of the most important horticultural products in the world as well as in Iran. The water content of plant tissues, their ...
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Introduction: the lack of water resources in arid and semi-arid regions is one of the most important limiting factors of the growth of plants, especially fruit trees. Grapevines are one of the most important horticultural products in the world as well as in Iran. The water content of plant tissues, their growth, and the availability of different nutrients in the soil are significantly reduced under water stress conditions. Therefore, the successful production of the plant under water stress conditions depends on the management of plant nutrition. By application of organic and chemical fertilizers, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil can be improved. Besides, it can reduce the adverse effects of drought stress conditions. Materials and Methods: To evaluate the effect of compost, biochar, and potassium sulfate application on dry matter, relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll a, b, total, and carotenoid contents, as well as the concentration of macro-and micronutrients of leaves of grapevines ‘Bidane-Ghermez’ under two drought stress conditions, this experiment, was conducted in the research greenhouse during 2017-2018. The experiment was carried out as a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors and four replications. The first factor, without drought stress conditions (80% field capacity (FC)), and drought stress conditions (40% FC), and fertilizer treatments included potassium sulfate (1.25 g.kg-1), compost (5 % w/w), and biochar (10% w/w). Results and Discussion: The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the interaction effect of drought stress ×fertilizers application was not significant for dry matter, and RWC (P>0.05). Also, the results of ANOVA indicated that the simple effect of drought stress conditions was not significant for dry matter but the simple effect of fertilizer application was significant for leaf dry matter (P<0.01). Without drought stress conditions, there were no significant differences in leaf dry matter between different fertilizer treatments. However, under drought stress conditions, the highest dry matter of grapevine leaves was observed in biochar, compost, and potassium sulfate, respectively. Also, there were no significant differences in leaf dry matter of grapevine between biochar treatment under drought stress conditions and all fertilizer treatments without drought stress conditions. The simple effect of drought stress conditions was significant for leaf dry matter (P<0.05). The results of ANOVA revealed that the interaction effect of drought stress ×fertilizer application was not significant for chlorophyll a, b, total, and carotenoid contents of grapevine leaves. However, the simple effects of drought stress conditions and fertilizer application were significant for chlorophyll a, b, total, and carotenoid contents of grapevine leaves (P<0.01). Relative water, chlorophyll a and carotenoid contents of grapevine leaves were not significantly different among fertilizers treatments. The increase of chlorophyll a/b ratio compared with control was changed in order biochar>potassium sulfate>compost. Moreover, the interaction effect of drought stress ×fertilizer application was significant for nitrogen (N), magnesium (Mg), ferrous (Fe), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) concentrations of grapevine leaves (P<0.01). The ANOVA indicated that the simple effects of drought stress conditions and fertilizer application had a significant effect (P<0.01) on macro- and micro-elements concentrations of grapevine leaves. By application of biochar, the concentration of P, K, Mg, and Cu of grapevine leaves significantly were higher than compost and potassium sulfate applications. This consequently resulted in higher chlorophyll a/b ratio and dry matter of grapevine leaves in biochar treatment for control under drought stress conditions.Conclusion: Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that the application of fertilizers reduced drought stress effects on biochemical characteristics and dry matter of grapevine leaves. According to the results, at first the application of biochar is recommended, then potassium sulfate and compost. Our previous results indicated that by application of compost, the available sodium (Na) of soil was increased 8.53 and 60.52 % for potassium sulfate and compost treatments compared to control, respectively. While, by application of biochar, the available Na of soil reduced 3.73 % in comparison with control. This finding is so important regarding the Na effects on soil structure, the toxicity of Na for plants as well as the interaction between Na and K. Considering K is a critical element to regulate the water content of plant tissue and reduces the hazards of water stress conditions, the higher concentration of Na prevents K uptake from the soil solution by plant.
Soheila Hajizadeh; Zohreh Jabbarzadeh; Mir Hassan Rasouli-Sadaghiani
Abstract
Introduction: Gerbera jamesonii is a permanent, herbaceous and chilling-sensitive plant species from the family Asteraceae that is native to hot regions. The species has high color diversity and it is among the top ten cut flowers in the world. Fulvic acids are a family of organic acids, natural compounds, ...
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Introduction: Gerbera jamesonii is a permanent, herbaceous and chilling-sensitive plant species from the family Asteraceae that is native to hot regions. The species has high color diversity and it is among the top ten cut flowers in the world. Fulvic acids are a family of organic acids, natural compounds, and components of the humus (which is a fraction of soil organic matter). They are similar to humic acids, with differences being the carbon and oxygen contents, acidity degree of polymerization, molecular weight and color. Fulvic acid remains in solution after removal of humic acid from humin by acidification. Fulvic acids are of relatively low molecular mass and less biologically active than humic acids. Among micronutrients, Iron (Fe) is a cofactor for approximately 140 enzymes that catalyze unique biochemical reactions and is an essential element for growth of plants. Lack of iron causes young leaves yellow and photosynthesis activity reduce significantly and consequently biomass reduce. Iron plays many essential roles in plant growth and development, including chlorophyll synthesis, thylakoid synthesis, chloroplast development, contribution in RNA synthesis and improvement the performance of photosystems. Nano-fertilizers can be substituted for conventional fertilizers. Studies showed that the effect of nano-particles on plants can be beneficial (seedling growth and development).
Materials and Methods: In order to investigate the effect of different concentrations of fulvic acid and iron nano chelate on flowering of gerbera as well as flower vase life of gerbera cv. Dune, an experiment was conducted as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications during the years 2016-2017. The medium was included peat moss 65%, perlite 30% and cocopeat 5%. The seedlings of tissue cultured plants were planted into pots (size-20) (volume 7 L, height 19 cm, diameter 24 cm) in hydroponic greenhouse conditions. Day/night temperature regime was set at 20-25/13-16°C and light intensity at 400-500 μmol m-2 s-1. The plants were fed three times a week. The treatments were: fulvic acid at four concentrations of 0 , 50, 100 and 250 mg L-1 as drench and iron nano chelate at 4 concentrations of 0, 1, 2 and 4 gr L-1 as foliar application (15 days intervals for 4 months),. Two weeks after the last treatment, morphological parameters were measured. They were included flower fresh and dry weight, flowering stem length, flower longevity and vase life and the number of days to the appearance of flower buds. Also, the recorded physiological parameters included chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll, chlorophyll index and carotenoid.
Results and Discussion: The results of this study showed that, flower dry weight was increased with increasing the concentration of iron nano chelate. The highest flower dry weight )6.43g( was obtained from plants treated with 4 g L-1 iron nano chelate and the lowest one )5.57 g( from control plants, but flower fresh weight was not affected by these treatments. The highest length of flowering stem was observed in treatment of 2 g L-1 iron nano chelate. The lowest time to flowering was obtained from 50 mg L-1 fulvic acid without application of iron nano chelate. The results of means comparisons showed that fulvic acid and iron nano chelate caused to increase flower longevity significantly. The highest flower longevity (19 days) was obtained from 250 mg L-1 fulvic acid and 1 g L-1 iron nano chelate and the lowest mean (12.66 days) was related to control plants. Also, most of treatments caused to increase vase life compared to control. The highest vase life (14.66 days) was observed in 1 g L-1 iron nano chelate without fulvic acid while the lowest mean (6.66 days) was observed in control. Chlorophyll content (chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll) and carotenoid content of gerbera increased with increasing concentrations of fulvic acid and iron nano chelate in compared with the control.
Conclusion: According to the results obtained from this research, application of fulvic acid and iron nano chelate have a positive effect on most flowering and biochemical indices. Application of low concentrations of fulvic acid (50 mg L-1) supplemented with iron nano chelate caused to early flowering. Fulvic acid didn’t have any effect on flowering stem length and its application reduced the flower dry weight. While combined application of fulvic acid and iron nano chelate caused to increase flower longevity. Also iron nano chelate caused to increase flowering stem length, vase life and flower dry weight. In most of the biochemical indices, combined treatment of 100 mg L-1 of fulvic acid and 2g L-1 of iron nano chelate had better or favorable result on measured indices compared to the control treatment although the highest concentration of treatments did not have a negative effect and sometimes in some indicators also have more impact. Among these treatments, the concentrations of 100 and 250 mg L-1 fulvic acid and 2 and 4 g L-1 iron nano chelate can be effective for gerbera plant.
Zohreh Moghimi pour; Mohammad Mahmoodi Sourestani; Naser Alemzadeh Ansari
Abstract
Introduction: Holy basil is a perennial plant belongs to Lamiaceae family. The plant is a perennial and thrives well in the hot and humid climate. Its aerial parts have been in use for food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and perfumery industries. Leaves contain 0.5-1.5% essential oil and main oil components ...
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Introduction: Holy basil is a perennial plant belongs to Lamiaceae family. The plant is a perennial and thrives well in the hot and humid climate. Its aerial parts have been in use for food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and perfumery industries. Leaves contain 0.5-1.5% essential oil and main oil components are eugenol, methyl eugenol, carvacrol, methyl chavicol and1,8-cineole. A balanced fertilization program with macro and micronutrients is very important in producing high quality yield. Zinc is involved in IAA production, chlorophyll biosynthesis, carbon assimilation, saccharids accumulation, reactive oxygen radicals scavenging and finally carbon utilization in volatile oil biosynthesis.
Material and methods: In order to evaluate the effect on zinc foliar application on zinc content of leaves, photosynthetic indices and pigments of holy basil, an experiment was carried out in 2013 at a research farm of Horticultural Science, Shahid Chamran University (31°20'N latitude and 48°40'E longitude and 22.5 m mean sea level), Ahvaz (Iran), a region characterized by semi-dry climate. The experiment was arranged based on Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six treatments and three replications. The treatments were nano zinc chelate (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g.l-1) and zinc sulfate (1 and 1.5 g.l-1) fertilizers. Land preparation includes disking and the formation of raising beds (15cm high and 45cm wide across the top) using a press-pan-type bed shaper. Holy basil seeds were sown on two rows on each bed, with 15 cm in-row and 40 cm between-row spacing. The plants were irrigated weekly as needed. Foliar application of zinc fertilizers was done at six-eight leaf stage and were repeated with interval 15 days until full bloom stage. Zinc content, stomata conductance (gs), CO2 under stomata (Ci), transpiration rate (E), net photosynthesis (Pn), light use efficiency (LUE), water use efficiency (WUE) and also chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a+b and carotenoid contents were measured at beginning of flowering stage. Photosynthetic parameters were measured by Infra-red gas analyzer (LCA4, ADC Co. Ltd., Hoddesdon, UK). Instantaneous water use efficiency (WUEinst) was calculated as Pn/E ratio. Light use efficiency was calculated as Pn/PPFD ratio.
Result and discussion: The results showed that the effect of foliar application of zinc fertilizers on all measured traits except Ci and WUE was significant (p≥0.01). The highest values of zinc content (110.53 mg.kg-1), chlorophyll a (0.99 mg.kg-1 fresh weight), chlorophyll b (0.30 mg.kg-1 fresh weight), chlorophyll a+b (1.29 mg.kg-1 fresh weight) and carotenoid (0.18 mg.kg-1 fresh weight) traits were obtained in plants sprayed with 1.5 g.l-1 nano zinc chelate. The lowest amount of zinc content (21.37 mg.kg-1), chlorophyll a (0.58 mg.kg-1 fresh weight), chlorophyll b (0.14 mg.kg-1 fresh weight), chlorophyll a+b (0.72 mg.kg-1 fresh weight) and carotenoid (0.13 mg.kg-1 fresh weight) traits were obtained in control plants. Foliar application of holy basil with 1.5 g.l-1 nano zinc chelate led to increase in stomata conductance (322.22 mm H2O.m-2.s-1), transpiration rate (2.86 mm H2O.m-2.s-1), net photosynthesis (11.75 μm CO2.m-2.s-1) and light use efficiency (6.10 μm CO2. μm photon-1). The minimum amount of stomata conductance (172.00 mm H2O.m-2.s-1), transpiration rate (2.16 mm H2O.m-2.s-1), net photosynthesis (8.23 μm CO2.m-2.s-1) and light use efficiency (4.46 μm CO2. μm photon-1) were observed in control plants. There were positive correlation (p≥0.01) between zinc content and chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a+b and carotenoid. Zinc content also had positive and significant correlation (p≥0.01) with stomata conductance, CO2 under stomata, transpiration rate, net photosynthesis and light use efficiency. So, providing zinc by foliar application with 1 and 1.5 g.l-1 nano zinc chelate and 1.5 g.l-1 zinc sulfate can lead to increase in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents. Increase in net photosynthesis may be due to higher photosynthesis pigments and also stomata conductance and CO2 under stomata. In the other hand, zinc is an essential micronutrient that acts either as a metal component of various enzymes or as a functional, structural, or regulatory cofactor such as carbonic anhydrase, ribulose 1, 5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase and fructose-1, 6-bisphosphate, and is thus associated with saccharide metabolism and photosynthesis.
Conclusion: Although the highest amount of most measured traits was obtained in plants that treated with 1.5 g.l-1 nano zinc chelate, there were no significant difference between 1 and 1.5 g.l-1 nano zinc chelate and 1.5 g.l-1 zinc sulfate treatments for zinc content, stomata conductance, CO2 under stomata, transpiration rate, net photosynthesis, water use efficiency and light use efficiency. Therefore, in order to increase zinc content and photosynthetic traits of holy basil, foliar application of with 1.5 g.l-1 zinc sulfate is recommended.
Meysam Mansouri; Mahmood Shoor; Ali Tehranifar; Yahya Selahvarzi
Abstract
Gerbera is one of the ten important cut flowers in terms of production and consumption in the world and Iran. In this research effects of foliar application of salicylic acid and thiamine on biochemical characteristics of gerbera flower were investigated. This experiment was conducted in a completely ...
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Gerbera is one of the ten important cut flowers in terms of production and consumption in the world and Iran. In this research effects of foliar application of salicylic acid and thiamine on biochemical characteristics of gerbera flower were investigated. This experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications in the greenhouse commercial of the Golazin Maghsoud Company. Treatments were included of municipal water (control), salicylic acid 75 and 150 µM and thiamine 250 and 500 µM. Foliar application was performed with interval of two weeks in two stages. The results showed that the treatments had a significant effect on biochemical characteristics of gerbera. The greatest amount of chlorophyll a (36.6 µg/g Fw), b (17.27µg/g Fw) and total chlorophyll content (61.17 µg/g Fw) were related to Thiamine 250 µM and the highest level of carotenoids content 7.87 (µg/g Fw) was related to Thiamine 500 µM. The most reducing sugars content (181.51 mg/g Fw) reported in 75 µM salicylic acid. The highest activity of catalase and peroxidase enzyme (94.5 and 70.7 unit enzyme per minute in gram fresh weight, respectively) were related to 75 and 150 µM salicylic acid. Thus, salicylic acid and thiamine increased photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzyme activities.
Vahid Akbari; Rasul Jalili Marandi
Abstract
The water deficiency is one of the serious problems in the arid zones. In order to investigate the effect of Cycocel on different growth aspects of two olive cultivars (Mary and Mission), a greenhouse experiment was conducted using three factors of: cycocel at three levels (0, 500 and 1000 mg L-1), irrigation ...
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The water deficiency is one of the serious problems in the arid zones. In order to investigate the effect of Cycocel on different growth aspects of two olive cultivars (Mary and Mission), a greenhouse experiment was conducted using three factors of: cycocel at three levels (0, 500 and 1000 mg L-1), irrigation of three levels (irrigated at 5, 10 and 15 days intervals) and tow olive cultivars (Mary and Mission) in a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design of three replicates for the lasted four months. The results showed that both cycocel treatments decreased plant height, increased root length and number of lateral shoots; but no significant difference in stem diameter, leaf numbers, total lengths of lateral shoots, fresh weight of stem and root, chlorophyll b and carotenoid content was observed compared with control. High cycocel level (1000mgL-1) increased fresh weight of leaf and chlorophyll a content than the control. Also, results showed that increased periods of drought have reduced the plant height, stem diameter, leaf numbers, number of lateral shoots and total lengths of lateral shoots, root length, fresh weight of leaf, stem and root, increased chlorophyll a+b and carotenoid content in both cultivars. In above-mentioned parameters Mission cultivar showed higher resistance to drought stress than the Mary cultivar. Results suggested that Cycocel treatment can alleviate some negative effects of drought stress in Mary and Mission cultivars of olive.
