Medicinal Plants
Behzad Kaviani; Rana Mohammadipour; Davood Hashemabadi; M.H. Ansari; Rasoul Onsinejad; Ahmad Reza Berimavandi
Abstract
IntroductionDamask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) is used as a multi-purpose species (edible, medicinal, aromatic and ornamental). The flower essential oil of this plant has many applications in various industries. There is a wide variety of morphological, phonological, flower shape, yield and yield of ...
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IntroductionDamask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) is used as a multi-purpose species (edible, medicinal, aromatic and ornamental). The flower essential oil of this plant has many applications in various industries. There is a wide variety of morphological, phonological, flower shape, yield and yield of essential oils among genotypes and different populations of Damask rose in various ecological conditions in Iran. Evaluation of genetic diversity among Damask rose of Iran is important in order for breeding purposes. Some studies on phenotype, essential oil and genetic diversity were also carried out among different cultivars of rose flowers in other parts of the world. Significant diversity has been reported among the populations and genotypes of rose in different ecological conditions for many traits. Identifying superior species, cultivars and populations is important for commercial cultivation and more essential oil production. It is difficult to understand genetic diversity in roses because natural hybridization and spontaneous mutations with high abundance occurs in this plant. Morphological differences can be due to the geographical coordinates, natural hybridization and mutations. Therefore, it is important to identify the genetic diversity among the Iranian rose flowers to improve the genotypes of these flowers with appropriate garden features. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the genetic variety of Damask rose in Guilan, Ilam, Golestan, Tehran and Kashan in order to introduce superior genotype based on essence content and some other morphological and physiological traits.Materials and MethodsFive genotypes of Damask rose including Kashan, Ilam, Golestan, Tehran and Guilan genotypes were evaluated as plant materials. Plant materials were collected from mentioned-above regions as root-sucker and transferred to the farm of Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands of the country. The design used was a completely randomized block design, which was performed in 3 replications and was considered for each 5-suckers’ repetition (total: 75 suckers). In each replication, three specimens of each genotype were planted in pits with diameter and depth of 50-60 cm. The distance between scions per rows was 2.5 meters and row spacing from each other was 2 meters. During the experimental period, the bushes were irrigated using drip (trickle) irrigation method. The sampling was performed to measure morphological and physiological parameters after the blooms were opened in early May. Evaluated parameters were plant height, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, petal number, stamen number, carpel number, fresh weight of petals, petal anthocyanin levels, petals essential oil levels, chlorophyll content and leaf carotenoids. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and, if significant, Tukey analysis was used. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis.Results and DiscussionThe results showed that the highest amount of essential oil (0.042 and 0.038%) was extracted from the petals of Ilam and Kashan genotypes, respectively. The highest petal weight (2.70 and 2.30 g) was related to the petals of Ilam and Kashan genotypes, respectively. The highest petal length and width were obtained in these two genotypes. The largest number of petals (71.80 per each plant) was related to Guilan samples. The highest amount of chlorophyll a was related to Ilam genotype and the highest amount of chlorophyll b, carotenoids and anthocyanin was related to Kashan genotype. Stamen number, carpel number, leaf area, leaf length and plant height were also measured. In the present study, rose flower genotypes collected from different parts of Iran showed significant diversity in relation to morphological and physiological properties, especially essence. The results of the present study showed that there was a significant correlation between the amount of essence in the petals and the weight and dimensions of the petals, so that the Ilam and Kashan genotypes with more essence in their petals had higher weight and dimensions. Similar findings related to the correlation between flower yield and its components in roses flowers were presented in some studies. The number of flowers per branch, the fresh weight of each flower and the number of flowers per branch can be a suitable choice for improving flower yield in rose flower genotypes. Some studies have shown that the weight of the flower has a very strong, positive and significant correlation with the flower yield. The findings of the present study confirm the results obtained in these studies. Despite the geographical distance between some genotypes, the high similarity coefficient between them may indicate the common origin or continuous and purposeful genotypes. On the other hand, the low similarity coefficient between genotypes proposes relatively low geographical connection and different primary origin. In the present study, there was a low correlation between the amount of essence in the petals and the weight and dimensions of the petals in the Ilam and Kashan genotypes with the Golestan and Guilan genotypes. Finding the high correlation between the more important traits is of high value in breeding programs and the selection of superior genotypes. Some reports have been presented to compare rose flower genotypes based on morphological properties. Generative traits, including flower characteristics, are more suitable for genetic and evolutionary evaluations than vegetative traits. The results of some researchers in Iran and elsewhere in the world showed that flower yield per plant is associated with some other traits, including flower number, dimensions and weight of flowers, and the number of branches in the plant. The genetic analysis of rose flower genotypes showed that some genotypes collected from different areas are genetically relevant and some are separate. This subject shows effective role of ecological conditions in changing and variability of different species and varieties. The results indicated that the difference in the amount of essential oil compounds is mostly influenced by environmental and physiological factors. Some studies have shown significant diversity in essential oil efficiency and yield in different samples of rose flowers. The morphological difference between the different genotypes of this flower indicates the presence of germplasm and the proper capacity to improve the traits and the ability to select the best genotypes using morphological markers to enhance flower yield in the country. Overall; Ilam and Kashan genotypes are suggested as superior genotypes for breeding programs.
Medicinal Plants
Fatemeh Khosravi; Mohammad Ali Bahmanyar; Vahid Akbarpour
Abstract
Introduction
Humic acid as an organic matter, made during chemical processes in the soil leads to improved root growth and aerial part of the plant. It increases the penetration of elements in the plant and improves water permeability. Zinc is involved in the maintenance of root cell membranes, ...
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Introduction
Humic acid as an organic matter, made during chemical processes in the soil leads to improved root growth and aerial part of the plant. It increases the penetration of elements in the plant and improves water permeability. Zinc is involved in the maintenance of root cell membranes, the activation of antioxidant enzymes, and the production of RNA and DNA. This study aimed to investigate the effect of applying humic acid and zinc sulfate on some morphological and phytochemical traits of Salvia officinalis L.
Materials and Methods
In this regard, this experiment was conducted as a factorial based in a completely randomized design with two factors (concentrations of 0, 1.5, 3 and 4.5 g/l humic acids and concentrations of 0, 3, 6 and 9 g/l zinc sulfate) in five replications in 2021. The studied traits included plant height, stem diameter, fresh weight, and dry weight, number of sub-branches, chlorophyll, carotenoids, phenols, flavonoids and essential oils. Seedlings of the same size and age as sage were grown under equal. The properties of the soil used in the laboratory were examined. Treatments were sprayed with humic acid 6% and zinc sulfate 34% in five steps, every two weeks.
Results and Discussion
Result showed that application of humic acid and zinc sulfate had no significant effect on plant height and only their simultaneous use had a significant effect on this trait and the highest plant height was observed for treatment of 1.5 g/l humic acid and 9 g/l zinc sulfate (66.50 cm). In stem diameter analysis, the use of humic acid (p≤0.01) and the application of zinc sulfate (p≤0.05) and the interaction of these two treatments(p≤0.05) affected the stem diameter. According to the results, the highest stem diameter was 8.69 mm, which occurred in the treatment of 4.5 g/l humic acid and 3 g/l zinc sulfate. Application of humic acid significantly (p ≤ 0.01) affected the fresh weight of the plant. Application of zinc sulfate also had a significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) on fresh weight. The effect of simultaneous use of humic acid and zinc sulfate on the fresh weight of this plant was significant at the level of 1% probability and the highest fresh weight was 87.26 g.plant-1, which achieved at a concentration of 4.5 g/l humic acid and 6 g/l zinc sulfate. Compared to the control plant, it has increased by 12.56 grams. The effect of humic acid on dry weight was significant at the level of 5% probability, while the effect of zinc sulfate application on this trait was not significant. The combined use of humic acid and zinc sulfate was significant at the 1% probability level. The maximum dry weight reached 29.73 grams per plant, achieved with a concentration of 4.5 grams per liter of humic acids and 3 grams per liter of zinc sulfate. Both humic acid and zinc sulfate exhibited a significant effect (at the one percent level) on the number of branches. Furthermore, the combined application of humic acid and zinc sulfate proved to be highly effective (p<0.01). The greatest number of sub-branches was observed at the 1.5 grams per liter level of humic acid. Humic acid had a substantial impact on chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids (p≤ 0.01). Similarly, the application of zinc sulfate showed significant effects on chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids (p≤ 0.01), as well as on total chlorophyll (p≤ 0.05). In the end, the simultaneous application of humic acid and zinc sulfate significantly influenced chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids (p<0.01). The most significant effects on photosynthetic pigments (carotenoids, chlorophyll a, and total chlorophyll) were observed with concentrations of 4.5 grams/liter of humic acid and 6 grams/liter of zinc sulfate. The highest chlorophyll b content was obtained with the treatment of 3 grams/liter of humic acid and 6 grams/liter of zinc sulfate. The effect of humic acid and zinc sulfate application as well as their simultaneous use on the amount of phenols and flavonoids was significant at the level of 1% probability. The highest amount of phenol was 0.372 (mg gallic acid per gram of fresh tissue) which was obtained at a concentration of zero zinc sulfate and 3 g/l humic acid. The highest flavonoid content was 0.527 (mg quercin per gram of fresh tissue) which was observed in the treatment of 4.5 g/l humic acids. The use of humic acid had significant effect on the amount of essential oil. The percentage of essential oil reached the highest levels at the concentrations of 1.5 and 3 g/l humic acids.
Conclusion
Based on the results, the use of humic acid alone and in combination with zinc sulfate, had the greatest effect on most of the studied traits.
Medicinal Plants
Roghayeh Raei; Vahid Akbarpour; Mohammad Ali Bahmanyar
Abstract
Introduction Fertilizer management is one of the main factors in achieving sustainable agriculture. Therefore, the integrated agricultural system recommends the use of organic matter along with the optimal use of chemical fertilizers. This method is a balanced way to improve the physical and ...
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Introduction Fertilizer management is one of the main factors in achieving sustainable agriculture. Therefore, the integrated agricultural system recommends the use of organic matter along with the optimal use of chemical fertilizers. This method is a balanced way to improve the physical and chemical properties of the soil, which leads to improved growth and increased plant yield. Organic fertilizers, especially livestock manures, have higher levels of organic matter than chemical fertilizers, and can be considered as sources of nutrients, especially nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. One of these organic fertilizers is poultry manure, which in addition to having macro and micro elements (manganese, iron, copper, and boron) is one of the cheapest fertilizers compared to other fertilizers used. It is also richer in terms of nitrogen than other animal fertilizers. Soil fertility is the factor that change the amount of active substances and essential oils. Micronutrients such as zinc, although needed in small amounts by plants, play an important role in plant growth and development. The application of zinc sulfate fertilizer improved the quantitative and qualitative attributes of basil, peppermint, sage, and rosemary. Researchers stated that the application of a combination of chemical fertilizers and poultry manure has increased the yield of garlic essential oil. Therefore, in recent years, integrated plant nutrition management has been discussed. Integrated plant nutrition management is based on the simultaneous application of organic, chemical, and biological fertilizers. Because organic fertilizers alone can’t provide the needs of high-yielding plants. Combined application of organic, chemical, and biological fertilizers can improve the physical and chemical conditions of the soil and increase organic carbon and nutrients. Savory is an aromatic medicinal plant from the mint family. This plant has a lot of essential oils and is very important in the food, pharmaceutical, and health industries. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of poultry manure and zinc sulfate in the cultivation of savory.Materials and Methods The present experiment was performed as a factorial in a completely randomized design with 3 replications. The factors consisted of poultry manure with four levels (0, 3, 6, and 9 t.ha-1) and the second factor zinc sulfate with four levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg.kg-1 soil).Results and Discussion According to the obtained results, the effect of poultry manure, zinc sulfate, and their interaction on most of the studied traits was significant. The highest height was observed in the treatment of poultry manure of 9 t.ha-1 + zinc sulfate in 100 mg. kg-1 soil, which showed an increase of 79.26% compared to the control, and the lowest height belonged to the control treatment. The total chlorophyll in the chicken manure treatment of 6 t.ha-1 + zinc sulfate in 150 mg. kg-1 had a significant increase compared to the control. The highest amount of leaf nitrogen was obtained in the treatment of poultry manure of 9 t.ha-1 + 50 mg.kg-1 with an increase of 82.03% compared to the control. Zinc element was observed with a 222.75% increase in poultry manure treatment of 9 t.ha-1 + 150 mg.kg-1. Poultry manure treatment of 6 tons per hectare + 150 mg.kg-1 with 261.53% increase compared to the control contained the highest percentage of essential oil.Conclusion The results of the study showed that the use of combined ratios of poultry organic fertilizer and zinc sulfate has been effective in improving vegetative attributes, available plant elements, and essential oil content.
Farajollah Shahriari; Abbas Tanhaeian; Mahdi Akhlaghi; Narges Nazifi
Abstract
Introduction: The most serious diseases of cultivated mushrooms are caused by Pseudomonas tolaasii and Trichoderma harzianum pathogens. A common method of pathogen control on farms worldwide is the application of various chemical pesticides. Many of these substances are unsafe for human and environment. ...
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Introduction: The most serious diseases of cultivated mushrooms are caused by Pseudomonas tolaasii and Trichoderma harzianum pathogens. A common method of pathogen control on farms worldwide is the application of various chemical pesticides. Many of these substances are unsafe for human and environment. The interest in discovering and developing natural antimicrobials has significantly increased due to consumer preferences for foods that are free of chemical residues. So, a major challenge for mushroom growers is to control diseases with alternative compounds such as essential oils and plant extracts. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) were also known as potential antibiotic and considered as a new antimicrobial agents. In the present study, the antibacterial and antifungal potential of essential oils, plant extracts and a recombinant peptide were investigated for their pathogenicity. For this purpose, the essential oils of Cuminum cyminum and Zataria multiflora and the plant extracts of Dorema ammoniacum and Ferulago angulata and a recombinant peptide were evaluated for their antimicrobial and antifungal effects on the P. tolaasii and T. harzianum pathogens.
Materials and Methods: In this study, essential oils of C. cyminum and Z. multiflora were extracted by hydrodistillation in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The plant extracts (D. ammoniacum and F. angulata) were prepared using maceration method. Recombinant peptides (Lactoferricin-Lactoferrampin) were produced from Adherent Human Embryonic Kidney 293 (HEK293). The antifungal properties of essential oils, plant extract and AMPs were studied on growth inhibition. Antibacterial activity of substances were tested against P. tolaasii via disk-diffusion method respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) to the compounds were studied. All treatments were considered in a completely randomized block design with three replicates.
Results: The results of the antibacterial evaluations showed that the Chimera peptide have remarkable activity against pathogenic bacteria with a mean diameter of the zone inhibition region of 32.2mm, followed by C. cyminum and D. ammoniacum extracts with mean values of 7 and 6 mm respectively. Regarding to antifungal activity of substances isolated from above material, it was found that essential oils of C. cyminum and Z. multiflora completely prevent the growth of T. harzianum, followed by D. ammoniacum and F. angulate with maen values of 26 and 60.6 mm respectively. The lowest antifungal activity was observed for chimera peptide.
Discussion: The cultivated button mushroom is one of the most extensively cultivated mushroom in the world. The most serious diseases of cultivated mushrooms are caused by P. tolaasii and T. harzianum pathogens. The results of our study showed that the C. cyminum and D. ammoniacum have remarkable activity against pathogenic bacteria. Plant extracts, essential oils and their components have demonstrated strong fungistatic and antibacterial effects against pathogenic fungi and bacteria on cultivated mushrooms. Modes of action of essential oils in their interaction with bacteria have been quite revealed. It has been assumed that Thymol changes the permeability of cytoplasmic membrane of Gram-positive bacteria, acting as a proton exchanger, decreasing the pH gradient and causing a collapse of the proton motive force and eventually cell death. Regarding to antifungal activity, our results also showed that essential oils of C. cyminum and Z. multiflora completely prevent the growth of T. harzianum, followed by D. ammoniacum and F. angulate. One of the possible action mechanisms proposed that fungal growth may be reduced or totally inhibited due to monoterpenes present in essential oils which could increase the concentration of lipidic peroxides such as hydroxyl, alkoxyl and alkoperoxyl radicals and so bring about cell death. According to another mechanism, the essential oils would act on the hyphae of the mycelium, provoking exit of components from the cytoplasm, the loss of rigidity and integrity of the hypha cell wall, resulting in its collapse and death of the mycelium. In our study, a camel recombinant chimeric lactoferricin + lactoferrampin peptide was also tested for its antimicrobial activity. Our result showed that this recombinant peptide have remarkable activity against pathogenic bacteria. The details of the antibacterial mechanism for this recombinant peptide still are unknown. However, amino acid profile, sequence orientation and structural conformation of cationic peptides are the main features which make these peptides capable to inhibit bacterial growth by disrupting of the bacterial cell membrane. As a general results it can be concluded that natural plant-derived antimicrobial as well as recombinant peptides can be used as alternatives to synthetic pesticides, however, further studies on safety and toxicity of these substances should be carried out before use.
Conclusion: In summary, this study shows that essential oils and plant extracts isolated from above plant material have remarkable antifungal activities against T. harzianum, while the chimera peptide showed complete inhibition against P. tolaasii. Thus all of these substance could become alternative to synthetic antimicrobial compounds for control of mushroom pathogens. However, further studies on safety and toxicity of these substances should be carried out before use.
