Medicinal Plants
Atefeh Bakherad; majid azizi
Abstract
Introduction: the capacity to sense and respond to light is widespread in animals, plants, fungi and bacteria. In nature, light is one of most crucial environmental signals for developmental and physiological processes in various organisms, including filamentous fungi. The ability to sense light is crucial ...
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Introduction: the capacity to sense and respond to light is widespread in animals, plants, fungi and bacteria. In nature, light is one of most crucial environmental signals for developmental and physiological processes in various organisms, including filamentous fungi. The ability to sense light is crucial for many organisms determining timing and modality of development and orienting primary and secondary metabolic processes. Due to the increased number of sequenced fungal genomes, numerous genes encoding proteins involved in light sensing and downstream gene regulation have been identified. This expedited understanding the mechanisms by which the fungus activates physiological and morphological reactions in response to light. One of the One of these fungi is the Monascus purpureus. the genus Monascus was classified in the family Monascaceae, but based on recent genome sequencing, it seems that the genus is more closely associated with the genus Aspergillus, and thus should be reclassified in the Aspergillaceae family. The fungus Monascus is the most famous for production of pigments and monacolins; however, it can also form other metabolites – citrinin, dimerumic acid, and GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid). Formation of particular metabolites depends on the strain and cultivation conditions. Monascus pigments (MPs) as natural food colorants have been widely utilized in food industries in the world, especially in China and Japan. Moreover, MPs possess a range of biological activities, such as anti-mutagenic and anticancer properties, antimicrobial activities, potential anti-obesity activities, and so on. So, in the past two decades, more and more attention has been paid to MPs. In this study, the effect of different LED light spectra on growth and secondary metabolites of Monascus purpureus is studied.Material and methods: In this study, in order to investigate the effect of light quality on growth rate, biomass and pigment production in Monascus purpureus, this fungus was cultivated under dark conditions and three light, white, red and blue LEDs and harvested in three times (seventh, tenth and fourteenth days) To measure the amount of pigment in the liquid medium. To measure the radial growth rate and biomass weight, a solid medium was used. Also, the absorbance of the samples was measured in 410, 470, and 510 nm wavelengths for yellow, orange and red pigments,respectively, using a spectrophotometric device.Results: The results of this study shows that there is a significant correlation between pigment and optical spectra, so that the highest amount of pigment (yellow, orange, red) was obtained in terms of darkness, with values of 0.344, 0.291, 0.249, respectively. There was no significant difference between harvest time and pigment content except for red color on day 10 in dark conditions, with a value of 0.249. The smallest amount of pigment is also related to the red pigment produced on the 14th day in the blue light spectrum with an absorption of 0.009. Also, the highest radial growth rate was observed in the dark condition with a mean growth of 5.12 mm / day and the lowest radial growth was related to the cultivation of monascus under the blue light spectrum with an average growth of 2.61 mm / day. However, there was no significant difference between biomass and light in solid media. The highest amount of biomass in the liquid medium was 0.126 g in 40 ml of culture medium with monascus culture in dark conditions on day 14 and the lowest amount of biomass was also obtained with 0.068 g in 40 ml of culture medium in white light on the seventh day.Concolusion: The results showed that, in addition to factors such as carbon source, nitrogen source, PH, temperature, minerals, partial pressure of oxygen, other microorganisms, light is also an important environmental factor for development and physiological processes in Monascus purpureus. According to this study, the growth of this fungus in the dark causes increased cell growth, the amount of biomass and pigment, these results indicate that the lack of light stimulates the growth and production of secondary metabolites in this fungus. Although there was no significant difference between pigment value and harvest time, except for the red pigment, but due to the slight difference in pigmentation on the 10th day of cultivation in dark conditions, it can be deduced that the best conditions for producing the highest amount of pigment, cultivation of Monascus fungus under conditions The darkness and harvest of this mushroom is on the tenth day of cultivation. Also, among pigments produced by this fungus, the amount of yellow pigment production in different light conditions is higher than other pigments. Chen, M. H. & Johns, M. R. (1993) shows that the solid-state yielded greater amount of pigment9,8 compared to submerged fermentation. This phenomenon had been attributed to the pigment because of low solubility in the fermentation medium and pigment accumulation within the mycelium in submerged culture10. In contrast, in solid-state fermentation, the Monascus sp penetrated into solid substrate and pigment released onto the surface. Solid state not only issued nutrient, but also acted as anchorage for cells, this may have bestowed to the celebrated eminent productivity. Solid state environment is similar to environment of fungi which was normally excited. Therefore, it is suggested that in subsequent studies, to achieve maximum pigment, a solid culture medium should be used.
Medicinal Plants
Ghasem Esmaeili; hossein arouiee; Jamil Vaezi
Abstract
Introduction: The genus Salvia L. (Lamiaceae) is one of the most interesting plant genera with a variety of annual, biennial, perennial and shrub forms. According to recent reports, there are 61 species of Salvia genus in Iran, among which 18 species are endemic. The use of Salvia species dates back ...
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Introduction: The genus Salvia L. (Lamiaceae) is one of the most interesting plant genera with a variety of annual, biennial, perennial and shrub forms. According to recent reports, there are 61 species of Salvia genus in Iran, among which 18 species are endemic. The use of Salvia species dates back to ancient times, and they are now being used for different purposes such as antimicrobial, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, tonic, carminative, digestive, Alzheimer’s disease, antispasmodic as well as for traditional medicines and food industries. Compared to crop plants, the breeding programs of medicinal plants are still in nascent stages due to high biological and biochemical variations. Since breeding programs, especially in medicinal plants, are expensive, suitable mating can help reduce the costs of breeding programs. Understanding the flowering biology, reproductive systems and pollination mechanism is essential to management and protection of ecosystems and mating programs. Despite the high diversity of Salvia genus in Iran, there is a paucity of studies on reproductive biology.Materials and methods: seeds of seven Salvia species including S. virgata (with four accessions), S. frigida, S. nemorosa, S. atropatana, S. macrosiphon, S. sclarea, and S. syriaca were collected from different geographical regions. The seeds were treated by various methods such as washing, cold treatment (stratification), scarification (sand and sulfuric acid), Gibberellic acid (GA3) and KNO3 to enhance germination. The seedlings were produced at the greenhouse and after growing as high as 15 cm or reaching the10-leaf stage, the seedlings were transferred to the farm. Plants phenology and flowering duration were recorded in the second year. Furthermore, some flower characteristics and pollinator were monitored. The Various pollination treatments were designed to investigate the breeding system of Salvia species including open pollination, spontaneous autogamy, geitonogamy, xenogamy, apomixis, and control. The self-incompatibility index (ISI) was calculated for each species in different pollination treatment.Results and discussion: The germination study exhibited that washing seeds for 24 h and applying 250 ppm GA3 exerted the highest effect on seed germination. The seedlings in early growth stages required medium to high porosity (high permeability to water and air) like natural habitat, but they were sensitive to dry and high EC at these stages. The phenology studies were shown Salvia virgata (all accessions) and S. nemorosa flowered three months after cultivation and other species flowered in the second year. The results showed that all species had long flowering periods ranging from 15 (S. atropatana) to 41 days (S. virgata). Increased flowering period led to the enhancement of flower over-lapping and the sharing of the pollen among different plants or species. Two species including S. atropatana and S. syriaca had heterostyly flowers (long-styled morph). The staminal-lever-mechanism was observed in all species. The results of manual pollination indicated that open pollination provided the best treatment with the highest average of seed set (73.63%) in all species. Salvia virgata (A1) with a seed set of 90.3% was the best species, and S. syriaca with a seed set of 51.5% demonstrated the poorest performance in open pollination system. The seed set in the xenogamy treatment of different species and accessions was in the range of 10.2 (S. syriaca) to 32.5% (S. frigida). It was observed that seed set among different species in geitonogamy and spontaneous autogamy varied widely from 2.60 - 17.30% and 2.98 - 12.18%, respectively. In treatments with a wide variety of pollen sources, the fruit set was higher, indicating that the pollen limitation triggered low seed set.Conclusion: Salvia species in the present study have a high potential for cultivation as medicinal and ornamental due to suitable adaptability and long flowering period. Salvia species were relatively self-incompatible that intention to the out-crossing and breeders can use in breeding programs as a valuable characteristic. The self-incompatible and specific structure in flower and pollination are the reasons for the diversity of this taxa.
Medicinal Plants
ELAHE GHAFOOREAN HOZORI ISFAHAN
Abstract
IntroductionMedicinal plant are very importnat in health care for today societies and the need for it is increasing. Greenhouse production of transplants face different limitations including light. LED lights are introduced for solving the problem. An LED lamp or LED light bulb is ...
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IntroductionMedicinal plant are very importnat in health care for today societies and the need for it is increasing. Greenhouse production of transplants face different limitations including light. LED lights are introduced for solving the problem. An LED lamp or LED light bulb is an electric light for use in light fixtures that produces light using one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LED lamps have a lifespan many times longer than equivalent incandescent lamps, and are significantly more efficient than most fluorescent lamps. Experiments revealed surprising performance and production of vegetables and ornamental plants under LED light sources. Many plant species have been assessed in greenhouse trials to make sure that the quality of biomass and biochemical ingredients of such plants is at least comparable with those grown in field conditions. Plant performance of mint, basil, lentil, lettuce, cabbage, parsley and carrot was measured by assessing both the health and vigor of the plants and the success of the LEDs in promoting growth. Also noticed was profuse flowering of select ornamentals including primula, marigold and stock.Materials and Methods In order to investigate the effect of supplementary LED light on the growth parameters and the amount of active ingredient in Hypericum perforatum L. “Topaz” cultivar, a research was conducted in two independent experiments. The research was set up in a completely randomized design with three replications. The first experiment experienced the extended of day length with 4 hours at the end of the day (started from sunrise to sunset). LED treatments were started at 10 cm height of the transplants. The second experiment examined the light types. In this order the considered treatments consisted of four levels of red light (L1), blue light (L2), combination of 67% red light and 33% blue light (L3), white (L4), 100% natural light(L5), with an intensity equal to (200 fc). Measurement of traits in the first experiment was carried out at flowering stage. Aerial part fresh and dry weights, number of black nodes, days to flowering, leaf area, total chlorophyll, antioxidant activity, total phenol, plant height and hypericine percentage were determined within both experiments.Results and Discussion The results showed that the simple effect of supplementary combination red and blue light (started from sunrise to sunset) on growth, morphological, physiological and biochemical traits was significant at 1% probability level. The highest plant dry weight was detected in L3 in the first and second harvests respectively (8.63 g, 66.29 g). Also, the highest percentage of Hypericine in the first harvest was obtained for L3 (0.17%). Measurement of the traits in the second experiment was carried out at the seedling stage. Results showed that the simple effect of supplementary combination light (sun exposure and day length increased for 4 hours) had a significant effect (p≤0.01) on growth rate, physiological, morphological and biochemical properties. So that the lowest number of days to flowering (early flowering) was obtained from L3 treatment (101 day), and the highest percentage of Hypericin was related to L3 treatment (0.156%). Black node numbers and total phenol content were increased by 27 and 53 % with supplementary light treatments respectively. Antioxidant activity was also raised and enhanced from 33 % to 75 % with LED light application. Plant height and total chlorophyll content were enhanced from 13 to 23 cm and 12 to 22 mg/g FW as well. Regarding studied traits and the obtained results of the both experiments, the positive effect of applying LED light, red and blue on the growth and biochemical properties, especially the Hypericine percentage and yield of St. John’s wort is quite evident.Different reactions were observed in response to supplementary light treatments for St. John’s wort. Most of the enhancements observed were mainly due to optimized photosynthesis activities and more metabolic production processes.Conclusions Regarding studied traits and the obtained results of the both experiments, the positive effect of applying LED light, red and blue on the growth and biochemical properties, especially the Hypericine percentage and yield of St. John’s wort is quite evident. It seems that a combination of red and blue light could be suggested for solving the light limitations and increasing the medicinal plant production for future.Keywords: Supplementry light, light quality, Hypericum perforatum, Hypericine
Medicinal Plants
mahdieh kheirabadi; M. Azizi
Abstract
Introduction: The allelopathic potential of saffron in three experiments were investigated.Materials and Methods: In this study, we examined the aqueous and aqueous methanol extract of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), 9-year-saffron cultivated soils and non-saffron cultivated soils. Activated carbon and ...
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Introduction: The allelopathic potential of saffron in three experiments were investigated.Materials and Methods: In this study, we examined the aqueous and aqueous methanol extract of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), 9-year-saffron cultivated soils and non-saffron cultivated soils. Activated carbon and Zeolite were used to ameliorate allelopathy activity.lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was used as a test plant and the percentage of germination, hypocotyl length, radicle length and their ratio was evaluated This study was carried out in a completely randomized design with four replications in the Laboratory of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2018- 2019.Results and Discussion: The results of this study showed that the allelopathic effect of aqueous and methanol extract of the saffron corm was more effective on germination and seedlings growth of lettuce than 9-year-saffron cultivated soils. The use of activated carbon and zeolite adsorbents was effective in improving and mitigating the allelopathy activity and increased the growth of lettuce seedlings.Conclusions: the results of this study indicated that it is possible to inhibit allelopathic activity in saffron fields and this study should be repeated in field conditions in order to recommend a practical solution for this purpose.
Medicinal Plants
Somayeh Sadeghifard; Majid Azizi; Sara Karimi
Abstract
Introduction: Growth regulators play a vital role in developmental stages of plants and their use can be improved the yield of crops. One of the most important compounds that used as growth regulators in recent years is Salicylic acid. The application of salicylic acid in the activation of systemic acquired ...
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Introduction: Growth regulators play a vital role in developmental stages of plants and their use can be improved the yield of crops. One of the most important compounds that used as growth regulators in recent years is Salicylic acid. The application of salicylic acid in the activation of systemic acquired resistance, and metabolite synthesis and antioxidant enzymes has been proved. Also, salicylic acid as a natural compound has potential to prevent ethylene production and its effect. In order to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid in different concentration on yield and oils content of Ziziphora, a split plot experiment with three replications during 2014-2015 in the farm of Agricultural Faculty of Shirvan and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad laboratories was conducted.Material and Methods:This research was conducted during 2014-2015 in field conditions in a split plot design in time,at Shirvan Agricultural Research Station(latitude º40 / 37, longitude º93 / 57 and with a height of 1097 m above sea level) and in labrovatory Department of Horticultural Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Each plot had an area of 4 square meters in furrow planting way which the distance between rows were 50 cm and on rows 15 cm and were carried out on 25 March 2014. IMediately after planting, irrigation was done, and after 20 days which the seeds germinated as well, second irrigation was done. Irrigation and weed controls also be done manually once a week. Salicylic acid (Sigma Aldrich, 99.5%) in the three phases of plant growth (vegetative growth, during vegetative growth and flowering time), at concentrations (0, 10-2, 10-4 and 10-6 M) in three repeats were sprayed. The first spraying (the growth)on 3 April 2014, the second spraying (during growth) on 4 May and the third one (at the time of flowering) was conducted in early June 2014. Plant harvesting was done on 20 July. In order to measure the dry weight of plants, the samples were dried for a week in shade condition. Essential oil content was determined using 30 grams dry sample in 500 ml of water by hydrodistillation using Clevenger for 4. For biochemical characteristics first samples extract were obtained. To prepare extracts, dry samples were milled then one gram of each sample was transferred to the 50 ml Erlen and 10 ml of 80%methanol was added and shaked for 24 hours. After 24 hours the extract was filtered using filter paper then used for measuring phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. Phenol measurment: phenolic content was measured using the Folin reagent. In 5.0 mL of each extract (10 milligrams per ml) 5.2 ml Folin reagent was added. After 5 minutes, 300 ml of a molar solution of sodium carbonate is added and for 30 minutes in a bath that was 40 °C. The sample absorbance at 760 nm was measured by a spectrophotometer against the blank. Gallic acid was used as the standard for calibration curve. Flavonoids measurement: Flavonoid content of the samples were measured using aluminum chloride reagent. In 5.0 ml of methanol extract (10 milligrams per ml), 5.1 ml of methanol, 1.0 ml of 10% aluminum chloride, 1.0 ml of a molar potassium acetate and 8.2 ml of distilled water was added. The mixture kept in dark for 30 minutes and absorbance at a wavelength of 415 nm was read against the blank. Quercetin was used as the standard for calibration curve evaluation. JMP statistical software was used to analyze the data.Results and Discussion: Based on the results application of salicylic acid affect fresh and dry weight, plant height, phenol and flavonoid content significantly ( P
Medicinal Plants
Majid Azizi; sonayye beigi; Zeynab safaei; Meysam Mansouri
Abstract
IntroductionMedicinal plants are economical important plants that are used in traditional medicine and industry as raw or processed materials. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) is one of the important medicinal plants which belong to Valerianaceae family. The valerian rhizome and roots have been considered ...
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IntroductionMedicinal plants are economical important plants that are used in traditional medicine and industry as raw or processed materials. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis L.) is one of the important medicinal plants which belong to Valerianaceae family. The valerian rhizome and roots have been considered as a valuable medicinal plant that essential oil content (between 0.1 to 2 percent) varied according to climatic conditions of production location. Valerian needs a lot of water during the growth period and enough moisture around the roots and rhizome increase root yield. Iran is located in arid and semi-arid region. If the least water requirement of plant does not provide, plant face to drought stress and irreparable damage is imported to the product. Nowadays, the use of superabsorbent polymers is one of the ways to increase irrigation efficiency. They are made of hydrocarbons, can store high water or aqueous solutions in root zone of plants and to reduce negative effects of drought stress. So, improvement of plant growth, increasing of irrigation intervals, reducing water loss and costs of irrigation are due to application of superabsorbent polymers. Generally, water efficiency, dry matter production and root development, are positive reactions to the use of superabsorbent. In this regard, Stockosorb® copolymer is potassium-based nutrients that have a high ability to absorb water and nutrients and high strength polymer maintained the water has been proven. The aims of this investigation were to study the effects of Stockosorb® hydrophilic polymers, on some morphological (root dry weight and yield, leaf area), biochemical (chlorophyll a, b), physiological (electrolyte leakage, leaf relative water content) characteristics and essential oil content and yield of valerian under drought stress.Materials and MethodsThis research was conducted in field (1×1 m2) at Department of Horticultural Science‚ College of Agriculture‚ Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The research was set out in a factorial experiment on the basis of completely randomized block design. The Stockosorb® hydrophilic polymer at four concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300 gr/m2) and two irrigation period (6 and 10 day) with three replications were set as treatments and leaf area, root dry weight and yield, chlorophyll a, b, electrolyte leakage, leaf relative water content and essential oil content and yield were evaluated at the end of the growth period. The seeds of Valeriana officinalis were sown in protected open field for seedling production and the seedling were transplanted to the field at four-leaf stage (12 plant per plot). Stockosorb® mixed with soil, after weighing the polymers based on determined concentration. After seedling establishment, all plots were irrigated with a determined amount and equal of water.Results and DiscussionThe results showed, using Stockosorb® superabsorbent polymer be useful for water supply the plant in water stress condition. Application of this substance on some morphological, biochemical and physiological characteristics and valerian essential oil, was significant at 1% and superior to the control. According to the results obtained, Stockosorb® 300gr/m2 with irrigation period 6 day interval, increased leaf area, root dry yield, leaf relative water content, chlorophyll a and essential oil yield. While, the highest valerian root dry weight and essential oil content were obtained with application of Stockosorb® 200gr/m2 and irrigation period of 6 days interval. The highest electrolyte leakage was related to control and irrigation period 10 days interval and the maximum chlorophyll b was belonged to Stockosorb® 100 gr/m2 with irrigation period 10 days interval.ConclusionSince final goal in cultivation of valerian as other essential oil bearing plants is providing the best conditions for increasing the yield and quantity of essential oil at the same time, according to the results of this study superabsorbent polymer in higher concentrations and less irrigation period, controlled the drought stress and improved all measured characteristics. The highest root dry weight under drought stress was related to more accessible and preservatives water in the root zone and it found by using the middle concentrations (200 gr/m2) super absorbent polymer and irrigation period shorter (6 day). Using of mentioned treatments, according to the middle water stress, leads to increased valerian essential oil. The best root dry yield and essential oil yield, with sufficient amounts of water and better growth conditions were achieved by application of 300 gr/m2 Stockosorb® and irrigation period 6 days interval. In general, superabsorbent polymer was able to increase irrigation period and this was evident in qualitative and quantitative results related to the valerian in the treatment of 300 gr/m2 with irrigation period 10 day and 100 gr/m2 of polymer 6 day irrigation period.
Medicinal Plants
manizhe abdollahpoor; Majid Azizi; Siamak Kalantari; Yusef Ali Saadat
Abstract
Introduction Hypericum perforatum L. is an important medicinal plant that used for depression treatment. In vitro regeneration has been successfully achieved for many Hypericum species from a range of explants sources with different growth regulators. Recent studies have demonstrated that in vitro culture ...
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Introduction Hypericum perforatum L. is an important medicinal plant that used for depression treatment. In vitro regeneration has been successfully achieved for many Hypericum species from a range of explants sources with different growth regulators. Recent studies have demonstrated that in vitro culture is an option for multiplication of different Hypericum species. With consideration this notice that tissue culture can provide an affordable alternative method for propagation with high speed to production of intensive plant material as well as suitable materials for breeding programs of H. perforatum, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of explant types (leaf and stem), plant growth regulators (2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA), Benzyl Adenine (BA) and Kinetin (Kin)), light (dark and weak light), media culture (MS medium and MS medium with B5 vitamins) and poly vinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) on callus induction in H. perforatum at in vitro culture condition. Materials and Methods For preparation of sterile plantlets, the seeds of Iranian H. perforatum (Azadshahr population) were cultured in 1.2 MS growth regulator free-media. For investigation the callus induction of Iranian H. perforatum the leaf and stem explants of in vitro obtained plantlets were used. Explants were cultured in different concentrations of 2,4-D (0.2, 0.5 and 1 mg l-1) with two kinds of cytokines BA and Kin (0.2, 0.5 and 1 mg l-1) as well as 1 mg l-1 NAA. For browning control of calli the effects of light (dark and weak light), media culture (MS medium and MS medium with B5 vitamins) and four concentrations of poly vinyl pyrrolidone (0, 50, 100 and 200 mg l-1) were also surveyed. Results and Discussion Callus cultures could be used for cell suspension initiation, studying of their morphogenetic potential and screening of secondary metabolite profile. In present study the response of two H. perforatum explants (leaf and stem) to different levels and combinations of auxins and cytokinins were tested. The callus induction in both studied explants (leaf and stem) was just observed in supplemented media with plant growth regulators. The calli of leaf explants were showed better growth in dark and the highest callus fresh weight was obtained in 0.25 mg l-1 2,4-D + 1 mg l-1 Kin and 0.5 mg l-1 2.4-D + 1 mg l-1 BA. Of the various concentrations and combination of growth regulators, the minimum response about callus induction was observed in the presence of 1 mg l-1 2, 4-D in combination with 1 mg l-1 NAA. The obtained calli got browning shortly after induction. The investigation of light effect on callus quantity and quality showed that not only light did not affect the callus induction and callus browning but also reduced the callus growth. The highest callus fresh weight was obtained in 100 mg l-1 poly vinyl pyrrolidone in leaf explant. Few species within the genus Hypericum have been used to produce callus. In H. perforatum seedling, different explants such as shoot apical meristem, stem segments and leaves were used for callus induction. In H. erectum callus induction was obtained by culturing seedlings in the presence of Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and BA under darkness. The combination of cytokinins and auxins did not support callus growth of H. brasiliense and callus of nodal explants was only obtained in the presence of 2,4-D or NAA using either MS or B5 medium. These differences among literatures can be due to different cultivars, culture conditions, explant type and medium composition.Conclusion The plant growth regulators is necessary for callus induction in Iranian H. perforatum and leaf is suitable for this purpose. The light intensity and poly vinyl pyrrolidone did not control the browning of of H. perforatum calli.
Medicinal Plants
Negin Afsharzadeh; m azizi; Leila Samiei
Abstract
Introduction Hypericum perforatum is a perennial plant that has been used in traditional medicine. H. perforatum have several types of medicinal compounds including antiviral compounds, antioxidants, flavonoides and also has valuable compounds such as Hypericin, Hyperforin, Pseudo-hypericin and xanthones ...
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Introduction Hypericum perforatum is a perennial plant that has been used in traditional medicine. H. perforatum have several types of medicinal compounds including antiviral compounds, antioxidants, flavonoides and also has valuable compounds such as Hypericin, Hyperforin, Pseudo-hypericin and xanthones that have effect on human physiology. Aerial parts of H. perforatum are dotted with dark glands that appear as black or red nodules. Black glands were known as localization of secondary metabolites. as a consequence of the commercial potential of this species attempts have been at plant improvement by application of in vitro culture methods. Among seedling explants of H. perforatum, it appears that roots are superior for shoot regeneration. It is generally accepted that explants source is an important factor r successful establishment of tissue culture in many cases. Production of secondary metabolites via plant cell and tissue culture yields various advantage es, including standardization and quality. These criteria are also valid for the main economically important chemical in st. John’s wort, namely hypericin, pseudo hypericin and hyperforin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectof some tissue cultures on plant Callogenesis, regeneration and also, study the effect of cytokinin and auxin on rooting rate and shoot multiplication. Materials and Methods: This research included two experiments; first experiment plan was a completely randomized in the form of a factorial. Second experiment plan was completely ranom.first part of experiment : this part were conducted with two explants, leaf and shoot ,maintained in light and dark condition. Shoot explants were derived from sterile seedlings that was obtained from seeds were cultured on MS medium. Seeds were decontaminated by NaClO 20% (V/V) for 20 min and were washed with sterile deionized water. Leaf explants were derived from seedlings in the in vivo condition and decontaminated by NaClO 20% (V/V) for 20 min then washed with sterile deionized water. Both of explants cultured on MS media supplemented with BA(3 and 4 mg/l) and 2,4-D (0, 1 and 2.5 mg/l). Callogenesis and regeneration was measured after 4 weeks.Second part of experiment: shoot of indirect regeneration for rooting study, were cultured on ½ MS media supplemented with BA (0 and 5/0 mg/l) and IBA (0 and 1 mg/l). Proliferation, shoot and root length were measured after 4 and 8 weeks.Results and Discussion:Effects of the factors on first part of experiment; calluses of shoot and leaf explants were induced after 4 weeks. Shoot explants Medium supplemented with 4 mg/l BA and 2.5 mg/l 2, 4-D showed 95% Callogenesis. Leaf explants Medium supplemented with 3 mg/l BA and 2.5 mg/l 2, 4-D showed 98% Callogenesis. Shoot explants Medium supplemented with BA 3 mg/l showed 62% regeneration and leaf explants Medium supplemented with BA 4 mg/l showed 8% regeneration.For second part of experiments; root induction on half strength medium without hormone and medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BA and 1 mg/l IBA had highest rooting frequencies. Average of root length was registered 5.25 cm. half strength medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BA had 100% and also, medium with 0.5 mg/l BA and 1 mg/l IBA had 86% shoot multiplication and were not appeared any roots. Average Shoot length on medium without hormone and medium supplemented with 0.5 mg/l BA and 1 mg/l IBA was registered 6.24 cm and in media with 0.5 mg/l BA and 1 mg/l IBA was registered 1.8 cm. based on result of this experiments, the concentration levels of the two hormone BA and 2, 4-D in the induction of calli formation and regeneration of the H. perforatum have been effective. In the second experiment, hormone BA, in the absence of IBA did not cause rooting and increased the degree of shoots and ultimately proliferation was effective. Also, in treatment with 0.5 mg/l BA and 1 mg/l IBA, although the concentration of cytokinin was less than auxin, rooting was not done. conclusionThe goal of this study was to introduce the suitable medium for Callogenesis and regeneration of H. perforatum for production and breeding aims. Tissue and cell culture methods are used for various purposes. The result of each section can be used effectively in research topics, including corrective tests, processes for increasing secondary metabolites, as well as increasing commercial products. Therefore, by introducing efficient and effective methods, it is possible to increase the production of plants by micropropagation in less time.
Medicinal Plants
Fatemehzahra Amirmohammadi; Majid azizi
Abstract
IntroductionThe Nepeta is one of the largest genus of Nepetoide subfamily, in the Lamiaceae family with about 79 species in Iran. Most of the species are perennial rarely annual with different vegetative forms, leaves covered with trichome. Glandular trichomes are widely distributed all over the aerial ...
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IntroductionThe Nepeta is one of the largest genus of Nepetoide subfamily, in the Lamiaceae family with about 79 species in Iran. Most of the species are perennial rarely annual with different vegetative forms, leaves covered with trichome. Glandular trichomes are widely distributed all over the aerial part of Nepeta species, and their largely to its great importance and their structures can vary widely among plants species. Some species contain monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, cyclopentanoid iridoids derivatives and nepetalactones which they are used in folk medicine as, diaphoretic, diuretic, antitussive, febrifuge agent. In the present work, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the nutlet micromorphology and also micromorphology and distribution of the glandular trichomes of Nepeta binaludensis “an Iranian endemic species” and Nepeta cataria in order to improve the knowledge of the species and to evaluate the usefulness of this feature for phytochemical and systematic purpose. The chemical composition of its essential oil was also analyzed. This paper provides a detailed description of trichome morphology and nutlet in Nepeta binaludensis andNepeta catariaspecies growing in Iran, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and evaluates the systematic significance of such characteristics. Materials and MethodsThe research was conducted in research garden of Agricultural Faculty of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during 2017. Seeds of two Nepeta species were provided by Institute of Plant Sciences in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad.The seeds were cultivation in greenhouse and the seedling (10 cm long) were transplanted in the field. During the summer aerial parts of the plants were harvested at flowering stage, dried in shade, and (30 g) were hydro distilled for 3 h using Clevenger apparatus. For SEM study, leaves were fixed with 3% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.2 for 30 min at 4 °C. After washing in water the material was dehydrated through an ethanol gradient and critical point dried. Specimens were mounted onto SEM stubs using double-sided adhesive tape and coated with palladium. For nutlets observation, seed were directly mounted onto aluminum stubs using double-sided adhesive tape and coated with palladium and photographed. ResultBased on the obtained data, the surface leaves of both species (N. binaludensis and N.cataria) was observed forglandular and non-glandular trichomes distribution. (The glandular trichomes of the peltate types). Trichome density and size was variable as 7-21mm2 leaf surface (63-77 µm) in N. binaludensis and as 20-30 mm2 leaf surface (47-67 µm) in N.cataria. In both species only one types of glandular trichome was identified. Peltate trichomes comprise of a basal cell situated in the leaf epiderm with a four-celled secretory head. Nutlets of Nepeta were blackish-brown or brown in color. One type surface ornamentation, can be distinguished: smooth-type. The nutlet ornamental pattern was smooth type with finely granulated in N. binaludensis and reticulate pattern in N.cataria species. Water-distilled essential oil of the aerial parts of two speciescultivated in field, were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. In essential oil of N.binaludensis and N. cataria, 51 and 26 components were identified, respectively. The main components of the essential oil of N. binaludensis were 1.8-cineole (14.8%), β-Pinene (10.4%) and p-Cymene (9.8%). Main compounds of the essential oil of N. cataria were 4a-a, 7-a, 7a-b-Nepetalactone (72/76%) and 4a-a, 7-a,7a-a-Nepetalactone (17.86%). Depending on the composition of key compound identified in essential oils, Nepeta species have been divided in two groups. Conclusions Depending on the composition of main compound identified in the essential oils, Nepeta species have been divided in two groups. On the basis of our research N. binaludensis belong to 1.8-cineole chemotype and of N.cataria belong to the nepetalactone chemotype. The leaves of N. binaludensis, N.cataria have be glandular and non-glandular trichomes. One types of glandular trichomes are identified: Peltate trichomes.Trichomes are distributed at the surface of leaves, having various functions and are extremely variable in the plants, plant organs location, density, form, therefore their morphology and structure could be of taxonomical importance in plant. Glandular trichomes contain or secrete substances which are widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic as well as in pesticide industry. The variation in the structure, morphology, density, secretion and function is noticed among these trichomes distributed on different plant organs. Nutlet surface can be useful as a taxonomic characteres.
Medicinal Plants
Zh. Zandavifard; Majid Azizi; Majid Darroudi; Azar Hosseini
Abstract
Introduction:
Ganoderma lucidum is a high medicinal value mushroom have been widely used in the Far East countries especially in traditional Chinese medicine as promoting human health and treatment of many diseases. Nowadays, many published studies have established it contains a high source of nutraceutical ...
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Introduction:
Ganoderma lucidum is a high medicinal value mushroom have been widely used in the Far East countries especially in traditional Chinese medicine as promoting human health and treatment of many diseases. Nowadays, many published studies have established it contains a high source of nutraceutical and pharmaceutical substances with potent and unique properties as immune suppressors, hypercholesterolemic agents, or coadjutant treatments in diseases such as cancer, hypertension, insomnia, anorexia, dizziness, and chronic hepatitis, among others. This species is rich in several bioactive compounds (over 400 compounds) mainly, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, steroids, fatty acids, amino acids, nucleotides, proteins, and alkaloids. Herein, the fruiting bodies of G. lucidum were studied in terms of nutritional value and chemical composition analysis. and further assessment of antioxidant activity of extracts from the fruiting body.
Materials and methods: In order to detection of nutrient elements, the samples were homogenized by microwave digestion (Milestone Ethos, Germany) with 1000 W maximum power and further characterized using Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Biochemical molecule contents were characterized using Acquity Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatograph (UPLC, Waters) coupled to a photodiode array detector (PDA, Waters) and an electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometer (ESI–QTOF/MS; Waters). In order to assess antioxidant activity, two kinds of extract including methanol 80 % (ME) and hot water (HWE) as solvent were prepared by ultrasonic method. Six different in vitro assays are used for the determination of antioxidant capacity including ABTS, DPPH, superoxide (SO), nitric oxide (NO) free radicals scavenging, iron-reducing power (FRAP), and iron chelating activity (ICA). The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means were separated by the Newman-Keuls Multiple Comparison test (GraphPad Prism 8, San Diego, CA, USA)). All data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. P ≤ 0.05 values or less were considered to indicate a statistically significant difference. Furthermore, Half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) values for each assay were calculated from linear or logarithmic regression using Excel software.
Results and Discussion: G.lucidum was characterized in terms of nutritional value and chemical composition. Generally, to study the nutraceutical value of G.lucidum, 14 elements were analyzed by ICP-OES. Amongst the macronutrient group, phosphorus and potassium (2910.8 and 1510.8 mg/kg dry matter) and in the micronutrient iron and zinc (8.5 and 7.74 mg/kg dry matter) have the highest amounts, respectively. In terms of biochemical compounds, totally 37 compounds were identified in which Ganoderic acid was observed as most abundant (15890.1 ± 232.1 μg per g dry matter) followed by Sinapic acid and Succinic acid (2011.4 ± 28.11 and 1505.33 ± 31.5 μg per g dry matter) were the predominant compounds. The results of antioxidant assays clearly revealed that, the methanolic extract proved to have higher antioxidant potential than one corresponding hot water extract for all assays. In ABTS radical scavenging activity assay, ME with the best antioxidant activity (IC50,48.46±2.42 µg/ml) had a higher activity which was significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) from HWE (163.51±4.51 µg/ml). For DPPH assay, radical scavenging capacity was dose-dependent and IC50 values of ME (111.93±1.39 µg/ml) and HWE (213.48±5.42µg/ml) was a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05). In FRAP assay, The highest level of iron-reduction was observed in the highest level of ME(IC50, 308.13±4.13 µg/ml). This extract had higher iron-chelating activity (IC50, 671.75±5.66 µg/ml) as well. These values in both assays were significantly more potent than HWE (P ≤0.01). In SO assay, ME extract (IC50, 488.8±7.38 µg/ml) and HWE (IC50, 645.92±5.48 µg/ml) showed no difference significantly. In addition, in the NO assay, both extracts released slight weak activity for neutralization of nitric oxide radicals, however, the highest activity level was related to ME (IC50, 1189.5±8.5 µg/ml) in comparison to HWE (IC50, 1343.2±10.6 µg/ml) that was significant (P ≤0.01). The results clearly indicate that different solvents used in this study significantly affected antioxidant capacities and total biochemical contents.
Conclusions: G. lucidum, as a high medicinal value mushroom, proved is a very important source of nutrients and antioxidant compounds such as terpenoids, especially triterpenoids, and polysaccharides. The free radical scavenging properties, reducing power and iron-chelating inhibition of G. lucidum seemed to be correlated with phenolic compounds and triterpenoids mostly. Therefore, based on the nutritional and biochemical profile of G. lucidum, and also its antioxidant power, this mushroom possesses a high nutrient potential that reflects positively on its health benefits.
Medicinal Plants
Behzad Kaviani; Davood Hashemabadi; Rana Mohammadipour; Rasoul Onsinejad; Ahmad Reza Berimavandi
Abstract
Introduction
Damask 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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Introduction
Damask 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 Methods
Five 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 Discussion
The 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
Hoda Sajedimehr; mahya Sajedimehr; majid azizi
Abstract
IntroductionMedicinal plants with a high level of antioxidant activity are of great importance due to their effect on a wide range of diseases such as diabetes, inflammatory diseases, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular diseases, blood pressure and other diseases caused by oxidative stress. Therefore, ...
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IntroductionMedicinal plants with a high level of antioxidant activity are of great importance due to their effect on a wide range of diseases such as diabetes, inflammatory diseases, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular diseases, blood pressure and other diseases caused by oxidative stress. Therefore, studying medicinal plants and extracting and identifying chemical properties and effective compounds in medicinal plants emphasizes the necessity of learning and using medicinal plants. Iranian shallot plant with the scientific name Allium hirtifolium is a species of the onion family (Alliaceae) and is one of the largest genera of the monocot group. Shallot plant is an important horticultural product that has been known and used as a vegetable, spice and medicinal plant since ancient times due to its useful properties. In this genus, there are economically important species such as: onions, garlic, shallots, chives and leeks. Germination and sprouting are one of the most important phenological stages (life cycle) of the plant. Having enough information about the phenological cycle of the plant leads to better management of the different stages of this cycle, which determines the degree of success of agricultural systems. Seedling germination and growth in the early stages are strongly influenced and controlled by environmental factors, especially temperature, soil moisture and seed quality (germination and seedling strength) and internal factors (growth regulators) such as Gibberellin and Abscisic acid hormones.In order to speed up the germination of seeds and eliminate seed dormancy so that germination can happen faster, there are different methods. One of these methods is mechanical or chemical scratching. The aim of this research is to present a precise and scientific description for the failure of Iranian shallot medicinal plant seed dormancy (Allium hirtifolium) and improvement in the acceleration of germination, considering the different characteristics in three populations of Iranian shallot seeds. Also, to increase the quality and accuracy in this research, a scanning electron microscope was also used to accurately determine the surface changes of the seeds before the acid-washing treatment with sulfuric acid and after the acid-washing treatment with sulfuric acid. In the previous research that has been carried out on Iranian shallot seeds, the simultaneous examination of different temperatures and different times of acid washing by sulfuric acid in a precise manner and with several populations that have different genotypes, as well as the use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) has not been done.Materials and methodsThe study was done to investigate the effect of different degrees of temperature, and different times of sulfuric acid for acid washing on the improvement of germination of three populations of Iranian shallot seeds (Allium hirtifolium). The effect of four different temperatures (5, 10, 15 and 20 degrees Celsius) inside the Germinator device and four different times of acid washing with sulfuric acid (0, 5, 10, 15 minutes) on germination and micromorphological characteristics of three populations of shallot plant (Feridon Shahr, Tiran and Khansar) was investigated. On the other hand, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with different degrees of magnification was used for the effect of sulfuric acid treatment on the surface of the seed coat. The experiment was conducted as a factorial, in the form of a completely randomized design with four replications. At the end of the experiment, traits such as germination percentage, average germination time, germination speed, root length and shoot length were evaluated. Also, traits such as diameter, length, volume and weight of seeds in three populations of shallot were also analyzed statistically.Conclusion and discussionThe results of electron microscopy showed that in all three populations of Iranian shallot seeds, the seed coat, after using the acid washing treatment with sulfuric acid for 15 minutes, underwent noticeable and significant changes compared to the control seeds. The surface of the seed is destroyed by sulfuric acid and the surface of the seed does not have its natural ornamentation and protrusions compared to the control. Also, the effect of temperature, duration of acid washing and seed population on germination percentage, germination speed, average germination duration, seedling root length and seedling length was significant at the 1% probability level (p≤0.01). The population of Fereydoun Shahr has the highest germination percentage (69.16 percent), germination speed 3.7 (number of seeds per day) and average duration of germination 9.64 (number of seeds per day) at a temperature of 5 degrees Celsius and acid washing time of 15 minutes. The maximum shoot length and root length were 19.7 and 8.81 (mm) in the Tiran population with a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and a 15-minute acid washing time, and in the Khansar population with a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and time of 5 minutes acid washing respectively. The results show that, according to the dormancy of the seeds and their need for cold, the best temperature for shallot seed germination is 5 degrees Celsius with 15 minutes of acid washing by sulfuric acid. Diversity in shallot plant populations has a significant effect on the performance of this plant in improving seed germination.AcknowledgeWe thank Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and the Isfahan University of Technology.Keywords: shallot diversity (seed morphology), stratification, seed scarification, germination, scanning electron microscope (SEM)
Medicinal Plants
Faeze Rezvaninia; Mohammad-Taghi Ebadi; Naser Safaie
Abstract
Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe.) is a perennial and monocotyledonous medicinal and spice plant, whose rhizome, essential oil and extract are of interest, and this plant has wide uses in various industries. The origin of ginger is Southeast Asia and possibly India. This plant is mainly cultivated ...
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Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe.) is a perennial and monocotyledonous medicinal and spice plant, whose rhizome, essential oil and extract are of interest, and this plant has wide uses in various industries. The origin of ginger is Southeast Asia and possibly India. This plant is mainly cultivated as an annual and the rhizome or the underground stem is the used part. It should be noted that the use of biological fertilizers can improve the growth and performance of plants and is also the most natural and best way to keep soil systems fertile. In addition, benefiting from natural solutions instead of using chemicals reduces pollution and destruction of biological resources. The use of Arbuscular mycorrhizal and Trichoderma fungi can leads to a reduction in the consumption of fertilizers and fungicides and an increase in yield, and also reduces production costs and is compatible with environmental principles. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Trichoderma harizanum, mycorrhiza (Glomus etunicatum and Glomus fasciculatum) and the combined treatment of fungi (Glomus etunicatum + Trichoderma harizanum, Glomus fasciculitum + Trichoderma harizanum) on the growth parameters, rhizome yield and active substances of ginger. Abbreviation of Treatments include contains: Control, M1 (Glomus fasciculatum), M2 (Glomus etunicatum), T1 (Trichoderma harizanum), M1T1 (Glomus fasciculitum + Trichoderma harizanum) and M2T1 (Glomus etunicatum + Trichoderma harizanum). This research was conducted in a factorial experiment based on a completely random design in the research greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University. The rhizomes (Chinese cultivar) were transferred to the greenhouse and cultivated in pots with amended soil. These plants were inoculated with Trichoderma (Trichoderma harizanum), Mycorrhiza (Glomus etunicatum and G. fasciculatum) and combined treatment of fungi (G. etunicatum + Trichoderma harizanum, G. fasciculatum + Trichoderma harizanum). During the growing season and harvesting, the morphological characteristics and rhizomes yield were evaluated, and then the essential oil content and composition, the amount of fiber and the color of the rhizomes and precisely The Effect of Treatments on Ginger Stem Traits contains: Stem Fresh Weight (gr), Stem Dry Weight (gr), Number of Stems and Stem Length (cm), The Effect of Treatments on Ginger Leaf Traits contains: Leaf Dry Weight (gr), Leaf Fresh Weight (gr), Number of Leafs, Greenness Index, The Effect of Treatments on Ginger Rhizome Traits contains: Rhizome Dry Weight (gr), Rhizome Fresh Weight (gr), Darkness/Lightnees Indicator, Yellow/Blue Indicator, Rhizome Crude Fiber (%), The Effect of Treatments on Ginger Essential oil Traits contains: Essential oil Percentage, Essential oil Performance and The Optimal Percentage of Applied Treatments contains: Stem Length (cm), Number of Stems, Stem Fresh Weight (gr), Stem Dry Weight(gr), Greenness Index, Number of Leafs, Leaf Fresh Weight (gr), Leaf Dry Weight (gr), Rhizome Fresh Weight (gr), Rhizome Dry Weight (gr), Darkness/Lightnees Indicator, Yellow/Blue Indicator, Rhizome Crude Fiber (%), Essential oil Percentage, Essential oil Performance, Frequency Percentage of Desirable Traits were investigated. The results showed that the inoculation with G. etunicatum had the highest value of stem length (35.68 cm), fresh and dry weight of the stem (22 and 10.2 gr), Spad index (18.17), fresh and dry weight of leaves (34.46 and 8.96 grams), number of leaves (9.46) and fiber content of rhizome (4.28%). Also, the highest number of stems, darkness/brightness index and yellow/blue color index of rhizome were observed in the control treatment with values of 7.16, 73.29 and 98.6 respectively. The highest fresh and dry weight of rhizome (35.5 and 5.2 grams) were observed in the inoculation with G. fasciculitum treatment and the highest percentage of essential oil (0.4) was observed under the combined treatment of the inoculation with G. etunicatum. Camphene, 1,8-cineole, neral and geranial were identified as the main compounds of essential oil and the amounts of these compounds in the inoculation treatment with fungi were more than the control. In general, this research showed that the inoculation of rhizomes with G. etunicatum resulted in achieving the desired growth characteristics, rhizome yield and active substances in ginger. Camphene, 1,8-cineole, neral and geranial were identified as the main compounds of essential oil and the amounts of these compounds in the inoculation treatment with fungi were more than the control. In general, this research showed that the inoculation of rhizomes with G. etunicatum resulted in achieving the desired growth characteristics, rhizome yield and active substances in ginger.
Medicinal Plants
Mehdi Kakaei
Abstract
The Study of Drought Resistance in different Ecotypes of Garlic based on the Tolerance Indices in the Climatic Conditions of HamedanExtended AbstractIntroduction and Objective: The garlic (Allium sativum) is a plant that is known all over the world as a food additive or flavoring and also because of ...
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The Study of Drought Resistance in different Ecotypes of Garlic based on the Tolerance Indices in the Climatic Conditions of HamedanExtended AbstractIntroduction and Objective: The garlic (Allium sativum) is a plant that is known all over the world as a food additive or flavoring and also because of its medicinal properties. Garlic is chemically diverse, and many compounds have been extracted and tested from it, including Alicen, diallyl sulfides, and ajoene, which are probably the most studied compounds in garlic. Garlic has antibacterial activity, cardiovascular effect, stimulation of the immune system and also has an effect on cancer. Therefore, according to the statistics of rainfall and double pressure on underground water sources (excess extraction), research related to drought in agriculture should be done on a large scale. Drought is one of the important limiting factors of agricultural production, which prevents the maximum production of plants. Therefore, comparison of performance in various environmental conditions (stressed and non-stressed) and selection in such conditions can lead to checking cultivars against stress. Drought and water limitation are among the most important problems affecting the agricultural sector to increase the efficiency and optimal production of crops in the world, including Iran. Successful crossing of land requires research and applied research in this sector. But few researches have been done in connection with garlic medicinal plant Therefore, the present study was designed and implemented with the aim of investigating performance indicators in two environmental conditions (environment with supplemental irrigation and dry environment) in garlic plant with the help of drought tolerance indicators.Material and MethodIn this research, in order to investigate the genetic diversity of garlic ecotypes, sieve and to identify resistant ecotypes in dry land, 6 garlic ecotypes with the arrangement of randomized complete blocks design with three replications in the crop year 1401-402 in two stress environmental conditions Drought and without drought stress was designed and implemented in the educational-research farm of Payame Noor University in Asadabad. The studied drought tolerance indices are: yield index (YI), stress tolerance index (STI), harmonic mean index (HAM), average productivity index (MP), yield stability index (YSI), sensitivity index to stress (SSI) and tolerance index (TOL) were based on the economic yield of garlic in two environmental conditions of drought stress and without drought stress. Correlation was calculated between tolerance indices and yield under drought stress conditions and supplementary irrigation conditions, and based on the analysis of these correlations, tolerance indices were selected and the most appropriate indices were selected in both environmental conditions, including drought stress conditions and Supplementary irrigation that had a good correlation with yield were selected. Finally, after identifying the most favorable indicators, a three-dimensional statistical graph was used to determine drought-tolerant cultivars with high yield in both environmental conditions, in which the yield in supplementary irrigation conditions on the X-axis, the yield in stress conditions (rain) was shown on the Z-axis and one of the above-mentioned selected indicators on the Y-axis. To show the relationship between three variables and distinguish group A from other groups (B, C and D) as well as the usefulness of the mentioned index as a criterion for selecting cultivars with high yield and tolerance to drought, X-Z level by drawing cross lines to Four groups A, B, C and D were divided and because in a three-dimensional diagram only the relationship between three variables can be evaluated, to study more than three variables at the same time, bi-plot diagrammatic display based on analyzes Multi-variables were drawn with the help of the digit-index data matrix to determine the relationships between digits and drought tolerance indices in a single image. Before performing data analysis, the presence of outliers was checked. Statistical analysis of the data was done using Minitab version 15 and SPSS version 26.Results and DiscussionBased on the results of analysis of variance, the yield index in normal humidity conditions and the yield index in drought stress conditions were significant at the probability level of one percent (P≤1%). In this study, STI, SSI, MP, GMP, HAM, YI, YSI, DI and STS indicators were significant at the probability level of one percent (P≤1%), which indicates the diversity among ecotypes. garlic in terms of the studied indicators. Based on the decomposition into main components for drought tolerance indices, both the first and second components justify 94% of the changes. According to the correlation table, the correlation between yield in normal humidity conditions (Yp) with yield traits in drought stress conditions (Ys) and MP, GMP, HAM, YI, ATI, YSI and STS indicators has a positive and significant correlation. be in the bi-plot diagram, ecotypes Bahar2 and Soolan are located near STI, ATI, GMP and MP indicators, which are indicators of drought tolerance. These two ecotypes (Bahar2 and Soolan) are also located in they were placed in the first group, so it can be concluded that according to the biplot diagram, these ecotypes were desirable and indicative ecotypes. Based on cluster analysis, ecotypes are classified into two statistical groups, the first group includes ecotypes Maryanaj, Bahar1 and Emam zadeh koh (Toeejin), and the second group includes ecotypes Bahar2 and Soolan and Asadabad. Ecotypes with lower yield are placed in the first group and ecotypes with higher and more suitable yield are placed in the second group.ConclusionIn general and based on all the statistical analyzes used in the research, ecotypes Bahar2 and Soolan had the highest biomass yield. The general results of this research indicated the very important and useful role of drought tolerance indices for the separation of the studied ecotypes.Keywords: Bi-plot, Yield, Supplementary irrigation, Drought tolerance indicators.
Medicinal Plants
Behrooz Rahimkhani; mahboobeh naseri; ahmad ahmadian; Masoud alipanah
Abstract
Introduction:
From the past, medicinal plants have been used as one of the most important resources for medicinal purposes. Even now, the use of medicinal plants is expanding in many developed. Salinity stress is one of the most important influencing factors in reducing plant growth. Salinity stress ...
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Introduction:
From the past, medicinal plants have been used as one of the most important resources for medicinal purposes. Even now, the use of medicinal plants is expanding in many developed. Salinity stress is one of the most important influencing factors in reducing plant growth. Salinity stress limits plant growth by reducing metabolic and physiological activities in the plant. One of the consequences of salinity stress in the plant is the production of abscisic acid in the plant. One of the methods that have been tested in recent years to reduce the effects of salinity stress in plants is the use of seaweed and its extract. According to the studies conducted in some plants, seaweed extract can cause the growth and expansion of the roots and help to increase the absorption of water and minerals through the roots. Also, based on the research conducted on some plants, the use of seaweed increases the amount of chlorophyll in the plant and accelerates the time of flowering and fruit formation in the plant. Echium amoenum is a perennial plant belonging to the family Borage is a valuable plant in terms of its medicinal properties is considered. in general environmental factors have a significant effect on flower production in these plants. Therefore, for the successful cultivation of medicinal plants, including in general environmental factors have a significant effect on flower production in these plants. Therefore, for the successful cultivation of medicinal plants, including Echium amoenum, providing optimal environmental conditions is a priority, providing optimal environmental conditions is a priority.
Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract contains significant amounts of high-use mineral elements such as nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and low-use mineral elements such as iron, copper, and manganese. Therefore, according to the current results, in this study, the effect of foliar spraying of algae extract was investigated. The morphological characteristics of Echium amoenum seedling under salt stress were investigated
Materials and Methods
In order to investigate the effects of foliar spraying of seaweed extract on borage flower seedlings under salinity stress conditions, a factorial experiment was conducted with two factors of seaweed and salinity stress with sodium chloride salt, in the form of a completely randomized design in the greenhouse. The seeds were purchased from Pakan Seed Company of Isfahan and soaked in normal water for 24 hours, and then they were transferred into small pots containing three parts of peat moss and one part of perlite. One week after transferring the seedlings to the main pots, foliar spraying with seaweed extract was done. Foliar-spraying was repeated once every two weeks and in total the seedlings were sprayed three times with seaweed extract. In this experiment, a concentration of 1500 ppm of seaweed extract and three levels of salinity (EC=1.6, 4, 8) were used.
The seaweed extract used in this experiment belonged to Akadin Company. The type of seaweed from which the extract was prepared was Ascophyllum nodosum and it is a type of brown algae. One week after the first foliar application of seaweed extracts, the application of salinity stress began. In order to prevent shock in plants, salinity treatment was done gradually and in three stages. In order to prevent salt accumulation, washing with ordinary water was done once every two weeks.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that the use of seaweed extract can significantly protect plant growth under salinity stress. Seaweed extract increased the amount of proline and potassium in the leaves of the plant and thereby reduced the harmful effects of salinity stress on the borage plant. In addition, foliar spraying of borage plant with the use of seaweed extract increased the amount of chlorophyll in the plant, and in this way, by increasing the amount of photosynthesis in the plant; it helped the plant to grow better under salt stress conditions. The results of this research showed that the use of seaweed extract helps the plant to maintain its conditions against salt stress by increasing the amount of proline and absorbing potassium in the tissue. In addition, foliar spraying with seaweed extract preserves the structure of chlorophyll in the plant under salinity stress, and in this way, by increasing the photosynthetic efficiency, it helps the plant grow better under salt stress. According to the obtained results, it can be concluded that the use of seaweed can reduce the negative effects of salinity stress in the seedlings of Iranian borage. In addition, due to its low price and availability, it can be used as a suitable bio-fertilizer to protect plant growth under salinity stress conditions.
Medicinal Plants
Z. Safaei; M. Azizi; Gh. Davarinejad; H. Arouiee
Abstract
IntroductionThe ever-increasing tendency to the use of medicinal plants in the world has grown concerns about their cultivation and production processes. As medicinal plants are more compatible with the nature, special interest and attention has recently been given to herb therapy, and use of medicinal ...
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IntroductionThe ever-increasing tendency to the use of medicinal plants in the world has grown concerns about their cultivation and production processes. As medicinal plants are more compatible with the nature, special interest and attention has recently been given to herb therapy, and use of medicinal plants, being limited by the rise of pharmaceutical drugs, has become again common and widespread due to a number of reasons. Nigella sativa L. is one of the herbs that has a variety of uses and has been being used in iran’s traditional medicine since old times. Today this plant is considered as one of the most important kinds of medicine. Therefore, it is of great importance to conduct some researches on the herbs around the country due to different ecological requirements. N. sativa belonging to buttercup family, with the scientific name of Ranunculaceae, is an annual, dicotyledonous, herbaceous plant. In several studies, N. sativa has been reported to have anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, strengthening of immune system, and anti-histamine and oil extract properties. Furthermore, several effects such as lowering blood sugar, lipids, and hypertension, excretion of bile and uric acid, protection of liver, kidney and cardiovascular tissues as well as anti-seizure, anti-cancer, anti-microbial and anti-parasitic effects related to this plant have been reported. The aim of the present study is to improve the yield and yield components and oil of medicinal plant N. sativa by anti-transpiration compounds under drought stress conditions. Materials and MethodsAn experiment was conducted at Research Station,Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, in 2012-2013. The research was performed using a split plot experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The irrigation intervals (8 and 16 days) in main plots and anti-transpiration compounds of chitosan (0.25, 0.5 and 1%), Plantogopsyllium mucilage (0.5, 1 and 1.5%) and arabic gum (0.25, 0.5 and 0.75 %) were put in subplots with three replications. Also, the distance between the main plots in each block and distance between the two blocks were assigned as 100 cm and 200 cm, respectively; so that the moisture content of a plot had no effect on the adjacent plots. Planting date was April16 and planting was performed by hand in 0.5cm-deep furrows. Throughout the growing season, anti-transpiration compounds were applied concurrently with the imposition of drought stress, administered weekly at sunset until the flowering stage. Subsequently, yield, yield components, and oil content were measured. Results and Discussion Results showed that irrigation intervals had significant effects on all studied characteristics with the exception of 1000 seed weight. ncreasing irrigation intervals reduced percentage yield and yield components and oil of black cumin grains. Anti-transpirants compounds did have significant effects on percentage of oil and yield and yield components of black cumin grains. There were significant difference between different anti-transpirants compounds in terms of oil and yield components yield and of black cumin grains. The 8 days irrigation interval produced more grain yield compared with 16 days irrigation intervals (621.56 vs. 484.23 kg/ha). The highest oil (27.74%) and lowest (21.74%), respectively, at treatment anti-transpirants compound chitosan1 percent With 8 days irrigation interval and gam arabic 0.25 percent was obtained with 16 days irrigation interval and chitosan stimulating abscisic acid synthesis in the treated plant would result in stomatal closure, reduction of stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and water content. They also pointed out that the anti-transpiration effect of chitosan was because of its stimulatory effect in increasing abscisic acid concentration in the treated leaves of bean plant. As the above compounds are natural and biodegradable, as well as safer and less expensive than other chemical anti-transpiration compounds, they can serve as a good alternative to the chemical compounds. Cognition and expertise in water relations of plant and drought stress tolerance is considered as the main program in agriculture and the ability to withstand this stress is of great economic importance. Conclusion The anti-transpiration compounds led to significant changes in terms of all the studied traits compared to the control, indicating the effectiveness of theses natural compounds. Providing the appropriate conditions, 1% chitosan treatment can enhance the yield under drought stress. Spraying by arabic gum did not improve the growth conditions. According to this experiment, 1% chitosan treatment and 1.5% Plantago psyllium mucilage is considered the most appropriate strategy to enhance the yield of Nigella sativa under drought stress.
Medicinal Plants
S.A.H. Mousavi; F. Nekounam; T. Barzegar; Z. Ghahremani; J. Nikbakht
Abstract
Introduction
Physalis peruviana L. is a short perennial shrub that is a member of the Solanaceae family. These fruits have many benefits for human health because of their nutritional and bioactive compounds (vitamins (A, B, C and K), essential fats and etc.) and reduced the risk of diseases such as ...
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Introduction
Physalis peruviana L. is a short perennial shrub that is a member of the Solanaceae family. These fruits have many benefits for human health because of their nutritional and bioactive compounds (vitamins (A, B, C and K), essential fats and etc.) and reduced the risk of diseases such as cancer, malaria, asthma, hepatitis, dermatitis and rheumatism. Therefore, it has received special attention for cultivation all over the world. Increasing crop production and mitigating abiotic stresses are major challenges under extreme climatic environments and intense farming activities. Crop management strategies such as deficit irrigation can decrease soil evaporation, runoff, and plant transpiration, and increase water use efficiency (WUE) and water conservation. In addition to these practices, organic input, which includes the application of organic materials such as compost and humic substances, is an additional strategy that increases soil water retention and can potentially improve plant WUE. Water is crucial for agriculture and needs to be used effectively due to climate change and drought in Iran. For this reason, to adapt to water deficit scenarios, deficit irrigation applications are increasing in importance. Water availability is expected to be a growth limiting factor that would affect fruit yield in Physalis peruviana due to reduced flower set and elevated floral abscission rate.
Materials and Methods
In order to investigate the effect of humic acid on physiological characteristics, yield and fruit quality of Physalis peruviana under deficit irrigation conditions, a split plot experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted during 2021. Treatments consisted arrangement of three levels of irrigation (starting irrigation at 100, 80 and 60% ETc (crop evapotranspiration)) and three levels of humic acid (0, 1.5 and 3 kg ha-1). The seeds of Physalis peruviana were sown in seedling trays contain peat moss. The seedlings were grown under normal conditions (25±2 °C/day and 20±2 °C at night with 60-65% RH). Plant height, total chlorophyll, fruit yield per plant, total soluble solid content, titratable acidity, vitamin C content and water use efficiency were measured. Statistical analyses were performed with SAS V9.3, and means comparison were separated by Duncan’s multiple range tests at p < 0.05.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that deficit irrigation significantly reduced growth, fruit yield, vitamin C and increased water use efficiency (WUE) and Total soluble solid content of Physalis peruviana. The soil application of humic acid significantly increased total chlorophyll, fruit quality and yield, and decreased leaf electrolyte leakage under normal and deficit irrigation, thus, the deficit irrigation 60 ETc% decreased the plant height by 18.6% and the fruit yield by 22.2% compared to irrigation 100 ETc%. The maximum plant length (200.3 cm), total chlorophyll content (2.42 mg g-1FW) and fruit yield (4793.3 kg ha-1) were observed in plants treated with 3 kg ha-1 humic acid under 100% ETc irrigation. The highest value of total soluble solid (12.6 B°), antioxidant activity (90.06 %) and WUE (1.23 kg m-3) were obtained with 3 kg ha-1 soil application of humic acid under deficit irrigation 60% ETc. The application of 3 kg ha-1 humic acid under 100 and 80 %ETc irrigation increased the fruit yield by 25% and 4%, respectively, compared to the control plants (non treated with humic acid) under irrigation100 ETc% and under deficit irrigation 60 ETc%, with decreasing 11% fruit yield, water consumption was saved by 40%. Soil and crop management practices that alter plant water and nutrient availability could affect the processes of crop evapotranspiration and WUE, which can influence the yield and fruit quality by changing the internal nutrient and water balance. Incorporating organic matter within a crop growth system either as leaf spray or soil mix is a complementary strategy to improve crop growth and WUE. By inducing antioxidant enzyme activities, HS could assist plants in stomata functioning, thereby closing stomata more efficiently under drought stress, which results in plant water conservation. The reason of the difference between WUE values probably appeared due to the differences on Physalis peruviana yield. WUE showed an upward trend with an increasing in irrigation.
Conclusion
Study results suggest that soil application of humic acid with increasing vitamin C, TSS and TA, improved fruit quality. According to the results, application of 3 kg ha-1 humic acid is suggested to improve fruit yield and quality of Physalis peruviana under normal and deficit irrigation conditions.
Medicinal Plants
S. Houshmand; S. Alizadeh- Salteh; S. Bolandnazar; E. Aryakia
Abstract
IntroductionTaking into account Iran's unique meteorological and biological characteristics due to its geographic position. This has contributed to the variety and abundance of plant species cultivated there. The Artemisia species, which are among Iran's most valuable plants, are members of the Asteraceae ...
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IntroductionTaking into account Iran's unique meteorological and biological characteristics due to its geographic position. This has contributed to the variety and abundance of plant species cultivated there. The Artemisia species, which are among Iran's most valuable plants, are members of the Asteraceae family and are found across the country in reasonably large numbers. Antioxidants now play an indisputable role in the food, pharmaceutical, and healthcare industries. Given that the antioxidant capability is greatly influenced by the kind of solvent used, the technique used to extract the plants that were harvested from each location, as well as other factors like the weather, altitude, and light. The substantial antioxidant activity of phenolic and flavonoid compounds and their protective significance in cancer illnesses are caused by these compounds' regenerative properties. Materials and MethodsIn this work, Artemisia aucheri, a medicinal plant, was gathered from Semnan, Mazandaran, and Isfahan in Iran, and the antioxidant activity of these ecotypes was assessed. In this study, the quantity of total phenol and flavonoids in polar (ethanol) and non-polar (ethyl acetate) extracts, as well as the proportion and diversity of essential oil components, were assessed. Antioxidant content was also determined using the DPPH and FRAP techniques. Results and DiscussionThe most active antioxidant is found in the Semnan ecotype. The polar solvent of ethanol showed the strongest inhibition whereas the non-polar solvent of ethyl acetate shown stronger reducing activity, proving the importance of the extraction solvent on antioxidant activity in various processes. The non-polar extract (ethyl acetate) from the Mazandaran ecotype had the greatest flavonoid concentration, while the polar extract (ethanol) from the Isfahan ecotype had the highest phenolic content. The ethanolic extract performed the best when assessing total phenol. The most crucial elements of essential oils are oxidized monoterpenes. Oxygenated monoterpenes are present in 54.82% of the Semnan ecotype, 38.81% of the Mazandaran ecotype, and 24.41% of the Isfahan ecotype. In comparison to other ecotypes, the Semnan ecotype exhibited the most oxygenated monoterpene compounds and the greatest number of essential oil-containing compounds. ConclusionThese findings suggest that A. aucheri possesses abundant natural antioxidant sources and is useful in both the food and pharmaceutical industries. A key aspect is the act of extraction, which is focused on the extraction's goal. The solvent used during extraction significantly affects the outcomes. Regarding the chemical makeup of the compounds, the solvent's polarity directly affects the solutes that are extracted. Since phenolic chemicals are more attracted to polar solvents, they are found in plant samples. The kind of flavonoids found in plants and their degree of polarity determine the variation in the quantity of flavonoid content between polar and non-polar extracts. On the other hand, a variety of ecological, genetic, regional, and dietary variables may have contributed to the variation in phenolic contents, essential oils, and antioxidant chemicals found in the three analyzed ecotypes.
Medicinal Plants
Y. Pourbeyrami Hir; E. Chamani; M. Ahadzadeh; S. Shaker; R. Nabipour Sanjbod
Abstract
Introduction
The use of medicinal plants has surged in recent times, with a substantial portion of modern medicines derived from botanical sources. This surge in demand underscores the potential of cultivating and producing medicinal plants to not only bolster public health but also significantly contribute ...
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Introduction
The use of medicinal plants has surged in recent times, with a substantial portion of modern medicines derived from botanical sources. This surge in demand underscores the potential of cultivating and producing medicinal plants to not only bolster public health but also significantly contribute to a society's economic well-being.Salvia nemorosa is an herbaceous, perennial, and medicinal plant. This valuable plant belongs to the Labiatae family. The aerial parts of the plant, especially the leaves, contain essential oils. Furthermore, S. nemorosa contains chemical compositions such as saponin, organic acids, diterpenes, triterpenes, polyphenols, and a bitter substance called picrosalvin. In the plant tissue culture, the preparation of culture medium and formulation compatible with the tissue of the tested plant is vital for efficient regeneration and plant growth. Generally, no specific culture medium can be recommended for the growth of explants, and is necessary to make changes in the culture medium in order to better respond to different types of explants. Carbon nanotubes are nanomaterials that can be added to the culture medium and increase the growth rate of different parts of the plant such as roots, stems, and branches. Cytokines also commonly participate in cell divisions and proliferate shoots by removing terminal dominance. Considering the mentioned importance, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of carbon nanotubes, kinetin, and their interactions on some morphophysiological and phytochemical properties of S. nemorosa under in vitro conditions.
Materials and Methods
This experiment was carried out in the tissue culture and biotechnology laboratory of the Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili. This study was conducted based on factorial design (completely randomized design) with five replications. The treatments included five levels of carbon nanotubes (0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/L CNT) and three levels of kinetin (0, 2, and 4 mg/L CK). The seeds of S. nemorosa were sterilized with 70% ethanol for 40 seconds and then 2.5% hypochlorite sodium for 15 minutes (then the seed were washed with deionized water three times 3, 5, and 15 minutes). The sterilized seeds were planted in MS medium containing 30 g/L sucrose and 8 g/L agar, and then transferred to a growth chamber. After 40 days, the obtained seedlings were cut into single nodes by removing leaves and transferred to the main treatment medium. After that, some traits such as fresh weight, number of branches, number of leaves, number of roots, leaf area, root length, seedlings height, viability rate, germination rate, chlorophylls a, b, carotenoid content, phenol content, and flavonoid content were examined. The obtained data related to the experiment were analyzed with SAS software, the comparison of data means was done with Duncan's test, and the graphs were plotted using Excel software.
Results and Discussion
The results indicated that the interaction effect of carbon nanotubes and kinetin on the indices of fresh weight, number of branches, number of leaves, number of roots, leaf area, root length, seedling height, survival percentage, germination percentage, pigment content photosynthesis was not significant. On the contrary, the interaction effect of two treatments on the content of total flavonoid and total phenol showed a significant difference. The highest phenol content was obtained in the treatment combination of 80 mg/L of carbon nanotubes and 4 mg/L of kinetin. On the other hand, increasing the concentration of carbon nanotubes up to 80 mg/L, the average shoot production, number of leaves, leaf area, plant height, root number, root length, chlorophyll a, b, carotenoid, phenol and flavonoid content. increased significantly. Also, by increasing the concentration of kinetin (4 mg/liter), the number of branches, the content of chlorophyll a and b increased significantly.
Conclusion
The characteristics of the S. nemorosa plant, except for fresh weight, significantly increased under the influence of carbon nanotube treatments. However, under the influence of kinetin treatment, only the number of branches, chlorophyll a, b, phenol content, and flavonoid content showed a significant increase. Based on the results of this study, carbon nanotubes can be used for proliferation and increasing the secondary metabolites of S. nemorosa. Despite the results of this study, it is still possible to use higher concentrations of carbon nanotubes in future research in order to increase the phytochemical properties and productivity of other medicinal plants.
Medicinal Plants
M.B. Razavinia; N. Pourghasemian; F. Najafi
Abstract
Introduction
Heavy metals, like cadmium, lead, and arsenic, harm air, soil, agriculture, and human health. Plants suffer from reduced growth, chlorophyll production, and enzyme activity due to heavy metal exposure. Reactive oxygen species are produced, damaging biological molecules. However, ...
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Introduction
Heavy metals, like cadmium, lead, and arsenic, harm air, soil, agriculture, and human health. Plants suffer from reduced growth, chlorophyll production, and enzyme activity due to heavy metal exposure. Reactive oxygen species are produced, damaging biological molecules. However, plants have developed resistance mechanisms, including antioxidant stimulation. Flavonoids, complex compounds in plants, enhance resistance to heavy metals. Medicinal plants, rich in secondary metabolites like flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and alkaloids, show resistance to heavy metals. Origanum majorana as a medicinal plant, contains compounds that contribute to its heavy metal resistance. Based on limited studies, medicinal plants, particularly marjoram, have shown greater resistance to environmental stresses due to their secondary metabolites and the ability to produce uncontaminated essential oils in response to heavy metals like cadmium and lead. This study aimed to investigate the biochemical responses and growth of marjoram plants when exposed simultaneously to cadmium and lead, as well as the mutual effects of these two elements on marjoram behavior.
Materials and Methods
A factorial randomized complete block design experiment with four replications was used to study the effect of Cd in four concentrations (0, 6, 12 and 24 mg.kg-1 soil) as well as Pb in four concentrations (0, 150 300 and 450 mg. Kg-1 soil). The concentrations were determined based on previous reports and a preliminary experiment. Soil was prepared with appropriate amounts of cadmium chloride and lead chloride were added according to the desired concentrations. The contaminated soil was then incubated at field capacity moisture for two months. Seeds have been sown in germination trays. Seedlings at the three to four leaf stage were transferred to pots containing the contaminated soil. Plant harvest took place 42 to 52 days after the transfer to pots, specifically when the plants had just entered the flowering stage. The aboveground parts of the plants were harvested separately, and the roots were carefully removed from the soil. Half of the plants were dried at 105 °C for 24 h to determine the dry weight, Pb and Cd concentrations. The other half of the plants were used to measure biochemical traits including flavonoids, anthocyanins, malondialdehyde, protein, proline and some enzymatic antioxidants. The data was analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the means were compared using the LSD test. A significance level of 95% was applied using SAS 9.2.
Results and Discussion
In this study, various parameters were measured including the dry weight of aerial parts and roots, concentrations of lead and cadmium in the aerial parts and roots, lipid peroxidation (MDA), flavonoids, anthocyanins, total phenols, proline, protein, and antioxidant enzymes including guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT). The results of the analysis of variance showed that all the mentioned traits were influenced by the individual effects of lead and cadmium. However, there was no significant interaction between cadmium and lead on proline, protein, GPX, polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. The dry weight of aerial parts and roots decreased in the presence of cadmium and lead, while the concentrations of lead and cadmium increased. However, this damage was more pronounced in the presence of cadmium compared to lead. The presence of cadmium in a lead-containing environment had an inhibitory effect on lead uptake by the plant, and vice versa. The highest level of MDA was reported in the combination of lead and cadmium concentrations of 450 and 24 mg/kg, respectively. The analysis of enzyme activity showed that the maximum catalase activity was observed in the combination of 6 and 450 mg/kg of cadmium and lead, respectively, while the minimum activity was found in the control group. Similarly, the highest APX activity was reported in the combination of 24 mg/kg of cadmium and zero lead, while the lowest activity was observed in the control group. The use of cadmium and lead at the highest consumption level compared to the control group resulted in a 204% and 40% increase in GPX activity, respectively. In the analysis of total phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and protein, an increase in cadmium concentration from zero to 24 mg/kg led to a decrease of 52%, 42%, 208%, and 81%, respectively, while protein decreased by 39%. These traits showed an increase of 14%, 14%, 58%, and 40%, respectively, with an increase in lead concentration from zero to 450 mg/kg, while protein decreased by 24%. Based on the results, it appears that the increase in secondary metabolites with the increase in heavy metals has accompanied the plant's response to the prevailing conditions.
Conclusion
The study found that both cadmium and lead negatively affect the dry weight of plants, with cadmium having a greater impact. This reduction is particularly noticeable in photosynthesis, pigments, electron transport chain, and energy production. The highest concentrations of lead and cadmium (24-450 mg/kg) show the maximum decrease. As the concentrations of these elements increase in the growth medium, their concentration in the plants also increases. Lead has lower mobility and tends to accumulate in the roots compared to cadmium. Interestingly, the presence of cadmium inhibits the uptake of lead by the plant, and vice versa. This leads to an average inhibition of 39% for lead uptake by cadmium and 35% for cadmium uptake by lead in the aerial parts. The study also observed an increase in secondary metabolites, which act as antioxidants and help the plant cope with the stresses caused by cadmium and lead. These metabolites may also contribute to osmotic regulation along with the increase in proline. Based on these findings, it seems that these plants can be used in green spaces contaminated with moderate to low levels of cadmium and lead, particularly in mining areas.
Medicinal Plants
S. Samavat; M. Salehi Vozhdehnazari; M. Yahyazadeh Balalami; M. Rahimifard
Abstract
Introduction
So far, more than 40 different types of alkaloids have been known in poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) as a valuable medicinal plant, the most important of which are morphine, codeine, thebaine, noscapine, and papaverine. The biosynthesis of these alkaloids may be strongly influenced by a variety ...
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Introduction
So far, more than 40 different types of alkaloids have been known in poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) as a valuable medicinal plant, the most important of which are morphine, codeine, thebaine, noscapine, and papaverine. The biosynthesis of these alkaloids may be strongly influenced by a variety of biotic and abiotic elicitors. In fact, microbes as biotic elicitors can affect the production of poppy alkaloids. Among them, plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can be noticed, which stimulate and improve plant growth through various mechanisms such as mineral phosphate solubilization, plant hormone production, siderophores secretion, nitrogen fixation, etc. The use of PGPR agents can not only lead to an increase in plant biomass, but simultaneously, due to their role as biotic elicitors, they cause to an increase in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in plants. These biotic elicitors target plants’ defense mechanisms and result in triggering a series of metabolic changes throughout the plant. The use of PGPR agents to stimulate the plant to produce secondary metabolites has several advantages: First, in some plants, defensive metabolites are active biological compounds that lead to the induction of food production with high added-value in the plants. Secondly, physiologically, with the increase in the synthesis of secondary metabolites, the resistance of the plant against pathogens also increases. Accordingly, the present study was performed with the aim of investigating the effects of bacterial strains with the ability to solubilize inorganic phosphate as biotic elicitors on the amount of morphine, papaverine, and noscapine alkaloids in P. somniferum.
Materials and Methods
In this research, the solubility of inorganic phosphate by four bacterial strains including Enterobacter xiangfangensis S2, Pantoea dispersa S7, Pantoea stewartii S25, and Pseudomonas canadensis S36 was evaluated quantitatively using Sperber broth medium. Under greenhouse conditions, the effect of foliar spraying of P. somniferum plants with a suspension of the bacterial strains (108 CFU.ml-1) on the amount of morphine, papaverine, and noscapine in the plants’ capsules, stems, and leaves was investigated. About three weeks after the appearance of capsules in poppy plants, the aerial parts of the plants (stems, leaves, and capsules) were sprayed with the bacterial suspensions. One week after foliar spraying, poppy plants were harvested in order to determine the amount of the desired alkaloids. Three pots were considered for each treatment and there were three poppy plants in each pot. Alkaloids were extracted based on an alcoholic method and detected using HPLC. Morphine and noscapine standards were prepared at a concentration of 1000 μg.ml-1 and papaverine standard at a concentration of 250 μg/ml. Then the mixture was prepared in proportions of 1, 1:50, 1:10, 1:50 and 1:100 and injected into the HPLC set to draw the calibration curve. All the experiments were conducted in a form of completely randomized design with three replications for each treatment (P<0.05).
Results and Discussion
The results showed that the highest (458.67 µg.ml-1) and the lowest (130.47 µg.ml-1) phosphate solubility were related to S2 and S36 strains, respectively. S7 and S25 strains were not statistically significantly different from each other and after S2 strain, they were placed in the second statistical position. In the bacterial strains’ treatments, the level of morphine in the stems and leaves as well as the capsules increased significantly in most cases compared to the control. The amount of papaverine in the stems and leaves decreased significantly, but it had no significant changes in the capsule. Also, noscapine showed a significant increase in the stems and leaves and reached from 0.8 mg.g-1 DW in the control to 8.12 in the S2 treatment. While, the amount of noscapine increased significantly in the capsules, only in the S2 and S36 treatments. Other strains did not show significant differences with the control for noscapine content in the capsules. The results showed that the interaction effects of the type of the alkaloids and the use of phosphate solubilizing bacterial strains on the concentration of the studied alkaloids in poppy stems, leaves and capsules are significant (P<0.01).
Conclusion
It can be concluded that there is no need to apply genetic engineering to increase the production of valuable secondary metabolites by medicinal plants. Rather, this goal can be achieved much cheaper by using bacterial elicitors. Accordingly, by selecting compatible and efficient bacterial strains with phosphate solubilizing activity, the amounts of morphine, papaverine, and noscapine alkaloids in the aerial parts of P. somniferum as a valuable medicinal plant can be noticeably increased.
Medicinal Plants
M. Yadegari
Abstract
Introduction
Hyssopus officinalis L. belongs to the family Lamiaceae, and is one of the endangered endemic species in Iran. This plant is rich in essential oil, flavonoids, monoterpene glycosides, trypanocidal terpenoids, rosmarinic acid, and linolenic acid6. The main compounds of the essential oil ...
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Introduction
Hyssopus officinalis L. belongs to the family Lamiaceae, and is one of the endangered endemic species in Iran. This plant is rich in essential oil, flavonoids, monoterpene glycosides, trypanocidal terpenoids, rosmarinic acid, and linolenic acid6. The main compounds of the essential oil from H. officinalis L. collected from natural habitats are α-pinene, Sabinene, 3-Carene, Beta-Pinene, Cis- Pinocamphone, Myrtenol, Pinocamphone and Camphor. The environmental factors cause changes in the growth, quantity, and quality of active substances (such as alkaloids, glycosides, steroids and volatile oils) in the medicinal and aromatic plants. Among environmental stresses, water deficit stress plays an important role in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in medicinal and aromatic plants in arid and semi-arid regions like Iran. Drought stress has detrimental effects on growth and yield and can upset the balance between the antioxidant defense system and free radicals by stimulating a series of biochemical reactions, where free radicals cause cell damage. In sustainable production systems of medicinal and aromatic plants, stable quantitative and qualitative functions can be achieved under conditions of environmental stress and it is possible to improve the production of secondary metabolites in these plants under adverse environmental conditions. Therefore, this study was done to evaluate the organic elicitors on the physiological and phytochemical properties of H.officinalis to determine and introduce the best elicitor under water stress.
Materials and Methods
This investigation was done from spring (May) 2022 to fall (September) 2023 at the Research Farm (latitude. 32°20′ N, longitude. 50°51′ E, altitude. 2061 m). Based on the Köppen climate classification, the climate of the area of study is classified as cold and semiarid. The present study was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications to investigate the effect of foliar application of different organic elicitors (chitosan, salicylic acid and phenylalanine) with control level (without any spraying) on the physiological and phytochemical characters of H. officinalis L. In each year, treatments were performed in 3 stages (end of vegetative, beginning of flowering and 50% of flowering) and in full flowering, harvesting was done. 3 irrigation regimes (4, 6, 8 day interval) in main plots and foliar application of elicitors in sub plots were done. The essential oils were extracted by hydro-distillation and analyzed using GC/MS.
Results and Discussion
According to obtained results, applied organic elicitors significantly influenced the physiological and phytochemical characters of H. officinalis L. However the assayed traits showed slightly variation during the studied years. In two years, the highest chlorophyll content (17.12-17.31 mg.Kg-1 FW) and total phenol content (1.77-1.81 mg.g-1 DW) were obtained in chitosan (0.5 mg.l-1) and phenyl alanine (1000 mg.l-1) treatments respectively. In most of measured characters, plants treated with chitosan (0.5 mg.l-1) and phenyl alanine (1000 mg.l-1) were in the same group. Amounts of some characters in plants treated with phenyl alanine (2000 mg.l-1) and salicylic acid (3 mM) lesser than control plants. The main constituents of essential oil were Sabinene, 3-Carene, Beta-Pinene, Cis- Pinocamphone, Myrtenol, Pinocamphone and Camphor (cyclic monoterpenes) that made the most components of essential oil plants. Among of elicitors, the chitosan effect on increasing of physiological and phytochemical characters such as the chlorophyll content was higher than other elicitors. Applied elicitors showed significant effects on essential oil content and composition of H. officinalis L. The highest essential oil content (0.89-0.91 %) was obtained from the treated plants by chitosan (0.5 mg.l-1). According to the biennial results of the chemical analysis of the essential oils from plants treated with treatments by GC/MS, the most important chemical compounds that determine the quality of H. officinalis L. essential oil including Beta-Pinene (17.93-18.53 %), Pinocamphone (24.97-25.12 %) and Cis-Pinocamphone (42.87-45.12 %) were identified. Cis-Pinocamphone belonging to bicyclic monoterpene was the predominant constituent of essential oil of H. officinalis L.
Conclusion
According to the results of this study, water deficit stress caused significant phytochemical changes in the H. officinalis L. essential oil. The main constituents of the volatile oils of H. officinalis L. were Sabinene, 3-Carene, Beta-Pinene, Cis- Pinocamphone, Myrtenol, Pinocamphone and Camphor were identified in the H. officinalis essential oil. Generally, Foliar application of chitosan and phenyl alanine significantly increased the monoterpenes compounds in essential oils of Hyssopus officinalis L., so that the content of these compounds and essential oil content in treated plants by organic elicitors 63% was more than the control plants. Finally, the application of chitosan at 0.5 mg.l-1 can be a good strategy to improve physiological and essential oil quantity and quality of H. officinalis L. in cold and semi-arid climates.
Medicinal Plants
Alireza Moshrefi-Araghi; Seyyed Hossein Nemati; Mahmood Shoor; Majid Azizi; Nasrin Moshtaghi
Abstract
Introduction Mentha is one of the most important genera of aromatic plants which belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The genus of Mentha is distributed across Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, and North America. Mentha longifolia L., also known as wild mint, is a fast-growing aromatic perennial herb. ...
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Introduction Mentha is one of the most important genera of aromatic plants which belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The genus of Mentha is distributed across Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, and North America. Mentha longifolia L., also known as wild mint, is a fast-growing aromatic perennial herb. It is widely used as herbal medicine and is beneficial for the immune system and fighting with secondary infections. The essential oil of this plant is partly responsible for the decongestant, antispasmodic and antibiotic effects. Currently, much emphasis is being laid on conserving plant germplasm as valuable bio-resources. Selection between and within accessions for a high level of herbage yield and other characters requires an effective tool to be applied by mint breeders. Achieving to cultivars that are more capable of optimum producing is a breeding goal. The objectives of this study were to analyze the diversion of the agronomical traits of Mentha longifolia L. genotypes from different regions of Iran under a similar condition in order to find the superior genotypes and introduce for the domestication of this plant. Material and MethodThis research was performed at the research field of the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The field is located at 36˚15' North latitude and 59˚38' East longitude, at an altitude of 985 meters. The information related to temperature and precipitation was obtained from climate station. Soil sampling was done in the depth of 0.3 meter and physical experiments on samples were done before starting the experiment. The field was fertilized by 25 kg/ha animal manure. Seeds of 20 genotypes of M. longifolia L. were prepared from Gene Bank of Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands and a view of the wild mint genotypes distribution was presented on the map. The experiment was performed in a field with 500m2 areas in 2015-2016 growing seasons. The experiment in form of compound analysis arranged in complete randomized design with three replicates of 20 wildmint's genotypes in every replication. In each furrow, fourteen bush was totally studied, in which the distance between the two plants was 20 cm. The plot was considered 1.2 by 3 m and the distance between rows was 0.50 m. The dimension in the plots for every replication area was 3.6 m2 and the distance between blocks were 1.5 and between experimental units were 0.5 meters. Picking up was done after elimination of 0.5 meters from every side of replication. The essential oil was extracted using Clevenger type apparatus and by hydrodistillation. Results and DiscussionAnalysis of variance showed that the effect of the diversity among the genotypes on morphological, agronomical and essential oil yield parameters of wild mint was significant (P≤0.01). The results of this study showed that Mentha longifolia L. herb has a high diversity under the same culture conditions among genotypes collected from 20 regions of Iran. Correlation result shows that vegetative organs have more effect on the essential oil content than the reproductive organs. This may be due to the distribution of essential oil accumulation and storage sites, which requires further research in this regard. The study of vegetative and reproductive characteristics suggests that the genotypes of the dry and semi-arid climates have different conditions, which may causes the separation of their genotypes compared with the other genotypes. The bi-plot, based on PC1 and PC2, reflects the relationships between the studied genotypes. The results of bi-plot of cluster analysis confirmed that genotypes were divided into two main groups based on agronomical and morphological traits. Conclusion Finally, plants of genotype G13 belongs to Hormozgan province and then G16 genotype belongs to Khuzestan province were selected because of more biomass, more aerial part volume and also the most essential oil performance compared to the other genotypes. Desirable traits for the aerial part such as the time of flowering, leaf length, leaf width, plant height, the highest number of leaves in the stem and internode distance are important traits that should be considered. In addition, the cultivation of these genotype in order to the further production can be the great help in the domestication of this species and, given the fact that the diversity is a precursor of breeding, this research can be an introduction for future breeding operations. However, further research is needed to confirm the phytochemical superior genotypes.
Medicinal Plants
Mina Amani; Saeideh Sabzi-Nojadeh; Mohsen Sabzi Nojadeh; Mehdi Younessi Hamzekhanlu
Abstract
IntroductionMedicinal plants have long had a special place in the traditional agricultural system of Iran and the use of these plants as medicine to prevent and treat diseases has been considered by traditional medicine experts since ancient times. Medicinal plants with rich sources of secondary ...
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IntroductionMedicinal plants have long had a special place in the traditional agricultural system of Iran and the use of these plants as medicine to prevent and treat diseases has been considered by traditional medicine experts since ancient times. Medicinal plants with rich sources of secondary metabolites provide the basic active ingredients of many medicines. Although the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites is genetically controlled, but their construction is strongly influenced by environmental factors. One of the important climatic factors that affect the distribution of plants around the world and can cause morphological, physiological and biochemical changes in the plant is the lack of available water. Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) seems to show little resistance to water stress. For this reason, there is a need for protective mechanisms for the basil plant against stress due to water shortage. Plants are able to reduce or eliminate the effects of water shortage stress by coexisting with a number of soil microorganisms. Coexistence relationship plant with T. harzianum fungi is one of the ways to reduce dehydration in plants. These mushrooms by altering some of the root properties and absorbing nutrients in the host plants, they reduce the destructive effects of water shortage stress. Observing the positive effect of these fungi in increasing the absorption of nutrients from the soil, improving plant water relations, increasing water use efficiency in plants and finally increasing plant resistance to water deficit stresses on the one hand and on the other hand. The existence of water crises in different countries has prompted researchers to further study this aspect of the symbiotic relationship between the host plant and Trichoderma harzianum. Materials and MethodsPresent study was performed to investigate the effect of T. harzianum on the antioxidant content of Ocimum basilicum under water deficit stress. It is also intended to evaluate the effects of an endophytic fungi namely T. harzianum on the shoot yield, photosynthetic pigments, content and yield of essential oil from O. basilicum under water deficit stress. All experiments were performed as the factorial based on completely randomized design blocks with three replications in greenhouse condition. The experimental factors were the different irrigation regimes including 100, 75, 50 and 25% of field capacity and two concentrations of the T. harzianum (106 and 109 CFU/ml). At the beginning of flowering, water deficit stress was applied at four levels of 25, 50, 75 and the control treatment (100 percent) of field capacity until three weeks later. The application of water stress was such that the pots were weighed daily and the moisture deficiency in each treatment was removed by watering the pots until reaching the desired treatment level. After applying the stress, sampling and measuring traits were done at the full flower stage. After the plants reach the full flowering period, various traits including plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weight yield of the plant (as the economic yield of basil) and fresh and dry weight yield of roots per square meter, chlorophyll a, b, total (T), carotenoid, colonization percentage, yield and essential oil content were measured in all the plants in the pots. Results and DiscussionIncreasing the level of water stress reduced the economic performance of basil (O. basilicum). Coexistence with Trichoderma reduced the destructive effects of dehydration on the plant. With the application of dehydration stress, the essential oil content increased in mild and moderate stresses, but the yield of essential oil did not differ significantly from the control and plant height, number of leaves and plant pigments decreased under dehydration stress. According to the experimental results, it can be said that Trichoderma with a population density of 106 (spores per ml of inoculum) had a better effect on most growth indices, while the effect Trichoderma with a population density of 109 (spores per milliliter of inoculum) on important traits such as shoot fresh weight yield (212.2 g), percentage (0.7%) and essential oil yield It was higher. According to the obtained results, it can be stated that inoculation of basil with Trichoderma increased the percentage and yield of essential oil in both water stress and non-stress conditions, and considering that in cultivation of plants the goal is to increase the effective substance. It is in these plants. ConclusionFinally, the results indicated that the use of Trichoderma mushroom in comparison with the control (without inoculation with the fungus) under water stress conditions has the ability to improve plant growth and leads to an increase in plant efficiency under water stress conditions.
Medicinal Plants
Homeyra Hatami; GhorbanAli Rassam; Alireza Dadkhah
Abstract
Introduction Mint has been used both as a medicinal and aromatic plant since ancient times. Peppermint volatile oil is one of the most important essential oils and has strong antimicrobial activity. The stage at which the maximum essential oil is obtained from the plant is not necessarily ...
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Introduction Mint has been used both as a medicinal and aromatic plant since ancient times. Peppermint volatile oil is one of the most important essential oils and has strong antimicrobial activity. The stage at which the maximum essential oil is obtained from the plant is not necessarily the stage at which the plant has the most biomass, therefore, the appropriate time for harvesting the plant should be determined according to the maximum amount of the effective substance and the yield of dry matter. In most of the methods of producing medicinal plants, quick access to the equipment for extracting effective substances is not possible, especially at high levels, and this requires drying a large part of the plants and extracting the effective substance in subsequent times. The quality of dried medicinal plants is defined by the content of their biologically active compounds. This study was aimed to determine the best time to harvest peppermint and the effect of different drying methods on the shoots biochemical compounds. Materials and MethodsIn order to increase the yield of peppermint medicinal plant essential oil, two separate experiments were designed and conducted in Shirvan Higher Education Complex (N 26 37', E 45 57', altitude 1067 m) in 2015. The aim of first experiment was finding the best harvest time at three levels (Before flowering, at flowering 50 and 100%) and the second experiment was finding the best method for shoot drying with nine levels (Microwave radiation at 90, 180, 360, 600 and 900 watts; Oven at 40 and 60°C; Shade; and Sun), were based on a completely randomized block design (CRBD) and a completely randomized design (CRD), respectively. In the spring of 2015, tillage operations were carried out and after preparing the land, 9 plots (2 × 3 meters) were created in it. The distance between the plots was considered 1.5 m. Rizhomes of peppermint plant was obtained from Mashhad Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center and transplanted at 20 × 30 cm intervals on May 26. Some morpholocial and biochemical traits were measured. Essential oil extraction was done by distillation method with water and essential oil components were determined by GC/Mass method. Results and DiscussionThe effect of harvesting time was significant (p≤0.01) on the plant height, number of leaves per plant, wet and dry yield of peppermint plant. The height of the plant after 50% flowering stage did not show any significant difference, but the other investigated traits include the number of leaves per plant, the wet and dry yield of the plant, the yield of essential oil in terms of wet and dry weight, and the inhibition of free radicals in the branches in shoots harvested at the time of full flowering had the highest amount, which showed a statistically significant difference. The yield of essential oil in terms of dry matter in the full flower stage increased 1.8 times compared to the 50% flowering stage and 4.6 times compared to the pre-flowering stage. The percentage of essential oil components was also affected by the harvest time, and the highest amount was observed in the full flowering stage (98.92 percent), include the highest amount in menthol (42.39 percent) and menthone (19.13 percent). The use of micro rays caused the shortest drying time, so that with the increase of power of micro rays, the drying time decreased and the shoots were dried in 0.16 hours at the power of 900 watts. The oven application at 60 and 40 °C were statistically ranked second and third in terms of drying speed with 10 and 14.6 hours. Sun and shade drying needed 46 and 109.6 hours to reach constant moisture, respectively. The highest amount of essential oil was obtained in the shade drying method (2.13%) and the lowest amount was observed in the microwave application at 900 and 600 watt. (0.01%). After shade drying, the highest amount of essential oil was observed in the oven method at 40 °C (2%) and in the sun drying (1.44%). According to the results of this study, it is recommended to harvest the branches at the time of full flowering and dry them using oven at 40 °C to obtain more essential oil yield of peppermint shoots. ConclusionIn general, the harvesting time has a significant effect on the morphological characteristics and essential oil of the peppermint shoots. Harvesting peppermint in the full flowering stage resulted in the highest amount of essential oil and essential oil yield. The maximum height and number of leaves in the plant were obtained by harvesting at the time of full flowering, but the maximum wet and dry yield of shoots was observed at the harvest of 50% of flowering. The amount of menthol and menthone as the most important compounds of mint essential oil in the full flowering stage was higher than the other two harvesting times. Also, based on the results of this experiment, different methods of drying peppermint plant have various effects on the essential oil amount of peppermint shoots. The shortest time until drying was related to the use of microwave, oven, sun and shade, respectively, and the highest yield of essential oil was obtained in shade, oven at 40 °C, microwave at 90 watt and sun, respectively.
