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; Majid Azizi; 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; Majid Azizi
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; Majid 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
Monireh 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; Majid 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; Seyyed Hossein Nemati
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
Zhale 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; Rana Mohammadipour; Davood Hashemabadi; Mohammad Hossein Ansari; Rasoul Onsinejad; Ahmad Reza Berimavandi
Abstract
IntroductionDamask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) is used as a multi-purpose species (edible, medicinal, aromatic and ornamental). The flower essential oil of this plant has many applications in various industries. There is a wide variety of morphological, phonological, flower shape, yield and yield of ...
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IntroductionDamask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) is used as a multi-purpose species (edible, medicinal, aromatic and ornamental). The flower essential oil of this plant has many applications in various industries. There is a wide variety of morphological, phonological, flower shape, yield and yield of essential oils among genotypes and different populations of Damask rose in various ecological conditions in Iran. Evaluation of genetic diversity among Damask rose of Iran is important in order for breeding purposes. Some studies on phenotype, essential oil and genetic diversity were also carried out among different cultivars of rose flowers in other parts of the world. Significant diversity has been reported among the populations and genotypes of rose in different ecological conditions for many traits. Identifying superior species, cultivars and populations is important for commercial cultivation and more essential oil production. It is difficult to understand genetic diversity in roses because natural hybridization and spontaneous mutations with high abundance occurs in this plant. Morphological differences can be due to the geographical coordinates, natural hybridization and mutations. Therefore, it is important to identify the genetic diversity among the Iranian rose flowers to improve the genotypes of these flowers with appropriate garden features. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the genetic variety of Damask rose in Guilan, Ilam, Golestan, Tehran and Kashan in order to introduce superior genotype based on essence content and some other morphological and physiological traits.Materials and MethodsFive genotypes of Damask rose including Kashan, Ilam, Golestan, Tehran and Guilan genotypes were evaluated as plant materials. Plant materials were collected from mentioned-above regions as root-sucker and transferred to the farm of Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands of the country. The design used was a completely randomized block design, which was performed in 3 replications and was considered for each 5-suckers’ repetition (total: 75 suckers). In each replication, three specimens of each genotype were planted in pits with diameter and depth of 50-60 cm. The distance between scions per rows was 2.5 meters and row spacing from each other was 2 meters. During the experimental period, the bushes were irrigated using drip (trickle) irrigation method. The sampling was performed to measure morphological and physiological parameters after the blooms were opened in early May. Evaluated parameters were plant height, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, petal number, stamen number, carpel number, fresh weight of petals, petal anthocyanin levels, petals essential oil levels, chlorophyll content and leaf carotenoids. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and, if significant, Tukey analysis was used. SPSS software was used for statistical analysis.Results and DiscussionThe results showed that the highest amount of essential oil (0.042 and 0.038%) was extracted from the petals of Ilam and Kashan genotypes, respectively. The highest petal weight (2.70 and 2.30 g) was related to the petals of Ilam and Kashan genotypes, respectively. The highest petal length and width were obtained in these two genotypes. The largest number of petals (71.80 per each plant) was related to Guilan samples. The highest amount of chlorophyll a was related to Ilam genotype and the highest amount of chlorophyll b, carotenoids and anthocyanin was related to Kashan genotype. Stamen number, carpel number, leaf area, leaf length and plant height were also measured. In the present study, rose flower genotypes collected from different parts of Iran showed significant diversity in relation to morphological and physiological properties, especially essence. The results of the present study showed that there was a significant correlation between the amount of essence in the petals and the weight and dimensions of the petals, so that the Ilam and Kashan genotypes with more essence in their petals had higher weight and dimensions. Similar findings related to the correlation between flower yield and its components in roses flowers were presented in some studies. The number of flowers per branch, the fresh weight of each flower and the number of flowers per branch can be a suitable choice for improving flower yield in rose flower genotypes. Some studies have shown that the weight of the flower has a very strong, positive and significant correlation with the flower yield. The findings of the present study confirm the results obtained in these studies. Despite the geographical distance between some genotypes, the high similarity coefficient between them may indicate the common origin or continuous and purposeful genotypes. On the other hand, the low similarity coefficient between genotypes proposes relatively low geographical connection and different primary origin. In the present study, there was a low correlation between the amount of essence in the petals and the weight and dimensions of the petals in the Ilam and Kashan genotypes with the Golestan and Guilan genotypes. Finding the high correlation between the more important traits is of high value in breeding programs and the selection of superior genotypes. Some reports have been presented to compare rose flower genotypes based on morphological properties. Generative traits, including flower characteristics, are more suitable for genetic and evolutionary evaluations than vegetative traits. The results of some researchers in Iran and elsewhere in the world showed that flower yield per plant is associated with some other traits, including flower number, dimensions and weight of flowers, and the number of branches in the plant. The genetic analysis of rose flower genotypes showed that some genotypes collected from different areas are genetically relevant and some are separate. This subject shows effective role of ecological conditions in changing and variability of different species and varieties. The results indicated that the difference in the amount of essential oil compounds is mostly influenced by environmental and physiological factors. Some studies have shown significant diversity in essential oil efficiency and yield in different samples of rose flowers. The morphological difference between the different genotypes of this flower indicates the presence of germplasm and the proper capacity to improve the traits and the ability to select the best genotypes using morphological markers to enhance flower yield in the country. Overall; Ilam and Kashan genotypes are suggested as superior genotypes for breeding programs.
Medicinal Plants
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
Mehrab Yadegari
Abstract
IntroductionAgave americana cv. marginata from Agavaceae family is one of the important plants have many uses in various medicinal and food industrial. Among environmental stresses, water deficit stress plays an important role in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants in arid and ...
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IntroductionAgave americana cv. marginata from Agavaceae family is one of the important plants have many uses in various medicinal and food industrial. Among environmental stresses, water deficit stress plays an important role in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in medicinal 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 some of important macro-micro nutrients on the morpho-physiological and phytochemical properties of Agave americana cv. marginata to determine and introduce the best combinations of fertilizers with use of superabsorbent nano-polymer under water stress conditions. Materials and MethodsThis research was performed in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a split-split plot layout with three replications. Irrigation regimes (D1-D3: Field Capacity, 50% and 75% evaporation from basin class A) in main plots, superabsorbent nano-polymer application (S1-S2: use and not use) in sub plots and treatments of fertilizers [F1-F15: grow-more 1 (F1), grow-more 2 (F2), grow-more 3 (F3), iron chelate (F4), zinc chelate (F5), grow-more 1+iron chelate (F6), grow-more 1+zinc chelate (F7), grow-more 2+iron chelate (F8), grow-more 2+zinc chelate (F9), grow-more 3+iron chelate (F10), grow-more 3+zinc chelate (F11), grow-more 1+iron chelate+zinc chelate (F12), grow-more 2+iron chelate+zinc chelate (F13), grow-more 3+iron chelate+zinc chelate (F14) and control (F15)] in sub-sub plots were done. This research was performed in greenhouse condition of Islamic Azad University Branch of Shahrekord (latitude. 32°20′ N, longitude. 50°51′ E, altitude. 2061 m) in 2023-2024. In each year, fertilizer treatments were applied in foliar application after stage of V8 (plants had 8 leaf) in 6 stage by 14 days interval and harvesting was done after one month after the final application of fertilizers. The fertilizers of grow-more (NPK), iron and zinc in 4 gr.l-1 concentration by production company certification were used in V8 stage in plants and the effects were compared by control plants. Weed control was done manually during the entire experiment. During the experiment no systemic pesticide and herbicide were used. The harvested shoots transferred to the laboratory for measure of characters. Morphological characters such as leaf length, leaf diameter and dry/fresh root/leaf weight; physiological characters such as chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll and zinc, iron and nitrogen content in root/leaf and phytochemical characters such as contents of hecogenin, saponin, protein of leaf and root were measured. For assessment of the total chlorophyll content of A.americana, the leaves were extracted with 80% acetone. The absorbance of the extraction was read at 470, 648, and 664 nm, and the content of total chlorophyll was calculated as mg per g leaf fresh weight. For measure of hecogenin, saponin, total protein in leaf and root and nitrogen content in leaf and root use the protocols of Hackman et al., 2006, Sidana et al., 2016, Bradford, 1976 and Álvarez-Chávez et al., 2021; respectively. Results and DiscussionIn two sequential years, the obtained results showed that the use of treatments increased the characters and made the significant effectiveness. The most of means of leaf dry weight (30.11 g.plant-1), leaf fresh weight (207.33 g.plant-1), root dry weight (3.82 g.plant-1), root fresh weight (18.79 g.plant-1), length of leaf (64.55 cm), leaf diameter (0.41 centimeter), chlorophyll a (2.27 mg.g-1 fresh weight), chlorophyll b (0.53 mg.g-1 fresh weight), total chlorophyll (2.81 mg.g-1 fresh weight), hecogenin (35.48 mg.kg-1 fresh weight), saponin (66164.8 mg.kg-1 fresh weight), nitrogen of leaf (1.39 mg.g-1 dry weight), nitrogen of root (1.23 mg.g-1 dry weight), protein of leaf (25.34 mg.g-1 dry weight), protein of root (16.99 mg.g-1 dry weight), zinc of leaf (68.99 microg-1 dry weight), zinc of root (44.84 microg-1 dry weight), iron of leaf (81.01 microg-1 dry weight) and iron of root (49.84 microg-1 dry weight) made in grow-more fertilizers specially grow-more 1 (20-20-20) in combination with Fe/Zn Libfer. However the superabsorbent nano-polymer application had the aggressive effectiveness on amounts of characters especially in hardness of water stress. The least morpho-physiological and phytochemical characters such as leaf dry weight (12.81 g.plant-1), leaf fresh weight (89.54 g.plant-1), root dry weight (1.62 g.plant-1), root fresh weight (8.18 g.plant-1), length of leaf (41.12 cm), leaf diameter (0.24 centimeter), chlorophyll a (1.69 mg.g-1 fresh weight), chlorophyll b (0.26 mg.g-1 fresh weight), total chlorophyll (1.95 mg.g-1 fresh weight), hecogenin (21.88 mg.kg-1 fresh weight), saponin (22134.3 mg.kg-1 fresh weight), nitrogen of leaf (0.29 mg.g-1 dry weight), nitrogen of root (0.77 mg.g-1 dry weight), protein of leaf (10.11 mg.g-1 dry weight), protein of root (6.47 mg.g-1 dry weight), zinc of leaf (34.34 microg-1 dry weight), zinc of root (20.36 microg-1 dry weight), iron of leaf (43.77 microg-1 dry weight) and iron of root (27.73 microg-1 dry weight) made in control plants. In most of measured characters the treatments of D1S1F12, D3S1F14 and D2S1F14 were the best and control plants had the least of characters.ConclusionGenerally the application of grow-more fertilizer 1 (20-20-20) with consumption of zinc and iron fertilizers can be a good strategy to improve the morpho-physiological and phytochemical characters of Agave americana cv. marginata specially the hecogenin and saponin amounts in the water stress conditions. However the use of superabsorbent nano-polymer in strenuous drought stress (75 %) is more effectivnes than other water stress levels.
Medicinal Plants
Mohammad Behzad Amiri; Vahid Mohammadzadeh Kakhki; Mohammad Hosein Aminifard
Abstract
IIntroduction
Soil amendment materials have diverse properties and tend to affect soil physicochemical properties in several ways. Of these amendments, biochar has received considerable attention due to its role in the management of acid soils, pollution remediation, and improvement of soil fertility, ...
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IIntroduction
Soil amendment materials have diverse properties and tend to affect soil physicochemical properties in several ways. Of these amendments, biochar has received considerable attention due to its role in the management of acid soils, pollution remediation, and improvement of soil fertility, carbon sequestration, and mitigation of climate change. Biochar is a porous carbon-rich material comprised chiefly of aromatic carbons and/or heteroatoms. Biochar is a product obtained from biological waste, particularly agricultural biomass waste which is thermally degraded using a process called pyrolysis, in the absence of oxygen. Biochar is useful as 1) a fuel source (charcoal) for renewable energy and 2) for carbon sequestering to the soil preventing the release of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere, 3) as a waste recycling method, 4) as a soil amendment to improve the soil structure, texture, water holding capacity and other physicochemical properties thus improving the soil fertility, 5) plant growth promotion due to the nutrients supplied by biochar when used as manure and 6) plant disease management by either directly (antagonism) or indirectly (induced systemic resistance) in plants.
Sulfur (S) is an important component of many amino acids such as methionine and cysteine in plants. The balance update of sulfur decreases the speed of oxidative processes with an improvement reduction mechanism. It also plays a critical role in the improvement of wheat productivity through better grain production. sulfur is very important for the efficacious use of nitrogen especially in the formation of protein contents. Without sulfur, the optimum activity of nitrogen regarding protein content biosynthesis cannot be achieved in terms of yield. Application of Nano fertilizers and reduction of the size of the material to the nanoscale leads to an increase in the surface mass ratio of the particles, and as a result, an abundant amount of nutrient ions is absorbed slowly and steadily for a long period.
Satureja hortensis L. which is a medicinal plant in the Lamiaceae (Labiatae) family is widely grown in France, Hungary, Spain and Iran. The essential oil of Satureja hortensis L. finds application in food products due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Traditionally, it was utilized as a stomachic, stimulant, expectorant, aphrodisiac and carminative treatment of various kinds of infectious illnesses.
Material and Methods
In order to investigate the effects of different levels of biochar and common sulfur and nona-fertilizer of sulfur on some morphological and physiological characteristics of Satureja hortensis L., an experiment was done at the Research Field of University of Gonabad during the years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. A split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted. Biochar with three levels (5, 10 and 20 t.ha-1 and control) and two sulfur nutritional treatments (common sulfur, nano-fertilizer of sulfur and control) were used as main and subplots, respectively. Plant height, lateral branch number, leaf area, stem diameter, dry shoot weight, dry matter yield, carbohydrate content, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll were recorded.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that in both of two cropping year, the highest plant height (with 41 and 39 cm plant height in the first and second cropping year, respectively) and lateral branch number (with 28 and 30 lateral branch number in the first and second cropping year, respectively) obtained in combined applicaton treatment of 20 t.ha-1 biochar and spraying of nano-fertilizer of sulfur and in both of two cropping year, use of common sulfur and spraying nano-fertilizer of sufur at higher levels of biochar (10 and 20 t.ha-1) resulted in the production of more leaf area and stem diameter than the application of these sulfur nutritional inputs in lower levels of biochar.
The results of the interaction effects of biochar application and nutritional treatment in the 2018-2019 crop year showed that with increasing biochar amounts to 10 t.ha-1, the positive effects of common sulfur and nanosulfur in improving essential oil content were more noticeable, so that the highest amount of essential oil (2.40%) was obtained in the treatment of simultaneous application of 10 t.ha-1 of biochar and soil application of common sulfur. In both years, the highest amount of essential oil (2.10 and 2.13% essential oil in the first and second year, respectively) was obtained in 10 t.ha-1 biochar.
The highest influence of sulfur nutritional treatments on chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll appeared when they were used simultaneously with biochar, for example, chlorophyll a content in conditions of spraying of nano-fertilizer of sulfur with the application of 5, 10 and 20 t.ha-1 biochar was 42, 54 and 72% in the first cropping year, respectively and 43, 54 and 73% in the second cropping year, respectively more than amount of these traits in conditions of separate spraying of nano-fertilizer of sulfur.
Conclusion
In general, based on the results of this research, it seems that the combined consumption of biochar with common sulfur and nano-fertilizer of sulfur, while improving the quantitative characteristics of Satureja hortensis L. can lead to the improvement of its physiological characteristics and the production of free of chemical substances in this valuable medicinal plant.
Medicinal Plants
Somaye Amini; Maryam Shamshirkesh shahri
Abstract
Introduction:
Invasion of weeds is one of the major factors in the reduction of yield of agricultural crops in the field conditions. Use of allelopathic plants is one of the methods of weeds control. So far, numerous laboratory and farm methods have been designed to evaluate the allelopathy in various ...
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Introduction:
Invasion of weeds is one of the major factors in the reduction of yield of agricultural crops in the field conditions. Use of allelopathic plants is one of the methods of weeds control. So far, numerous laboratory and farm methods have been designed to evaluate the allelopathy in various plants. Recently, there have been advances in allelopathy knowledge through the advent of innovative techniques and suitable bioassays. Researchers have shown that numerous problems could be solved in allelopathy investigations by the implementation of such techniques. The old methods have been replaced with new methods such as the Sandwich method by which allelopathic properties of various plants could be evaluated during the shortest time and using the minimum amount of plant sample.
Materials and methods:
Considering that there is significant evidence of the presence of allelopathic compounds in invasive weeds as well as medicinal plants, therefore, in the current research, the main focus was on these two groups of plants for the selection. In this research, the allelopathic activity of 57 plant species (60 samples including leaf, stem, seed, rhizome, flower, gum) of 18 families was investigated using the Sandwich method. In this method, plant samples were first dried at 40 degrees Celsius and then weighed in three replicates with amounts of 10 and 50 mg. Special containers with 6 well were used for cultivation. The diameter of each well was 3 cm. In one row of the wells, 10 mg and 50 mg of plant sample powder were placed in the other row. Then 5 ml of 0.5% agar solution was added to the samples and after the agar cooled and coagulated, another 5 ml of agar solution was added to each well. In this way, the plant sample was placed between two layers of agar. Then, in each well, 5 seeds of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) variety Great Lakes 366 were planted vertically on the agar surface. This variety of lettuce has been selected as an indicator due to its high sensitivity to metabolites. Then the containers were sealed and placed in an incubator with a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius in the dark conditions. After 3 days, the percentage of seed germination was checked by measuring the length of lettuce radicle and hypocotyl. To make it easier to compare plants, data clustering was performed using Minitab software.
Results and discusion:
Using this method, 59 plant samples were placed into 10 distinct clusters. The similarity of plants in each cluster was 85%. The findings revealed that the leaf residues of Anethum graveolens and a Cynara cardunculus clustered together based on their allelopathic activity, demonstrating the most significant growth-inhibitory effect at a concentration of 10 mg of the plant sample. The average percentage of inhibition of radicle and hypocotyl growth of lettuce seedlings caused by these two plants was reported to be 94.95 and 87.65 percent, respectively. Also, 13 plants including leaves of Chenopodium album, Prangos ferulacea, Lepidium draba, Petroselinum crispum, Dianthus barbatus, Convolvulus arvensis, Narcissus tazetta, Heracleum persicum, Onosma dichroantha, Stellaria media, Brassica cretica, Ipomoea purpurea and Apium graveolense Seeds were placed in one cluster. This group also had significant growth inhibitory effects. Although their inhibitory effects were always less than Anethum graveolens and a Cynara cardunculus. The average percentage of radicle and hypocotyl growth inhibition in these plants with 10 mg of dry plant sample was 79.76 and 62.27, respectively. This study demonstrated that both the leaf residue of Hypericum perforatum and Hypericum scabrum significantly enhanced the growth of lettuce seedlings. Even minimal amounts (10 mg of the dried plant sample) resulted in a remarkable increase in radicle growth by 14.65% and hypocotyl growth by 45.15%. Additionally, at a mount of 50 mg, Pistacia lentiscus gum demonstrated exceptional efficacy, enhancing radicle growth by an impressive 90%. Among the plants studied in this study, Cupressus sempervirens leaf residues had an inhibitory effect on radicle growth but stimulated hypocotyl growth. Centaurea behen leaf residues only produced a growth-stimulating effect (43.3%) on hypocotyl growth at amount of 10 mg, and in other cases, they showed allelopathic effects in the form of growth inhibition.
Conclusion:
This study confirms the reliability of the sandwich method for identifying allelopathic plants and assessing their properties. It efficiently evaluates a variety of plants with fewer samples and time. The results suggest that plant residues could be used in organic farming to control weeds. Further research is necessary to identify the specific allelopathic compounds involved.
Acknowledgement:
The authors of this article would like to thank Mr. Mohammad Reza Joharchi, a faculty member of the Herbarium of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, for his sincere cooperation in identifying the plants used in this study from a botanical perspective, confirming the Persian names, and matching them with scientific names.
Medicinal Plants
M. Kermani; Sh. Amirmoradi
Abstract
Introduction
Drought stress is one of the most important and most common limiting factors for plant growth in arid and semiarid regions. Asparagus (Asparagus afficinalis) is the most important species of asparagus and the fresh stem of this plant is harvested as its edible part and used as a vegetable ...
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Introduction
Drought stress is one of the most important and most common limiting factors for plant growth in arid and semiarid regions. Asparagus (Asparagus afficinalis) is the most important species of asparagus and the fresh stem of this plant is harvested as its edible part and used as a vegetable and medicine. Asparagus is very rich in vitamins, flavonoids, saponins, and glutathione, which have anti-cancer properties, protect nerve cells, and protect the heart. Asparagus is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing to 100–150 cm tall, with two types of stems. One of the stems called spear, which is edible and has no leaves. The second, called fern which has needle leaves and is non-edible. This plant has thick and fleshy roots called rhizome (crown), which is resistant to winter cold and can remain in the ground for up to 25 years and give economic crops for up to 10-15 years. According to some studies, commercial cultivars of asparagus are sensitive to abiotic stresses such as drought stress. Drought stress during the growth of fern can reduce the production of stored carbohydrates in the crown roots and lead to a decrease in yield in the next season. Also, drought stress increases the fiber and reduces the quality of asparagus. Mulch is any material that is spread or laid over the surface of the soil and used for reasons such as saving water consumption by reducing evaporation from the soil surface, controlling soil erosion, adjusting soil temperature, controlling the growth of weeds, and improving the absorption of soil nutrients. Several researches have reported that the use of mulch is effective in increasing the resistance of plants to drought stress and also reducing the negative effects of drought stress on yield and its components.
Materials and Methods
This research was conducted as a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design in three replications in the crop year of 2021-2022 in a two-year asparagus field near Mashhad city. The experimental factors were the types of mulch (barley straw, asparagus straw and plastic) and drought stress levels including irrigation after 50 mm (no stress), 70 mm (mild stress), 100 mm (moderate stress) and 150 mm (severe stress) evaporation from pan class A. Planting of transplants in the field was done manually on April 9 2021. Each experimental plot with dimensions of 4 x 10 meters included 4 rows with a distance of 100 cm and a distance of 50 cm between plants. Weeding was done manually. Fertilization was done according to the soil analysis and the recommendations of the soil science laboratory. The date of applying water stress was from April 4 to September 1 2022. The average of traits recorded in the first harvest (April 21) and the second harvest (September 6) were used for variance analysis. Data analysis was done using MSTAT-C software and mean comparisons were done using LSD method at 5% probability level. The graphs were drawn using Excel software.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that fresh stem yield, number of harvestable stems, stem length, stem diameter, stem fresh and dry weight, and total leaf chlorophyll content decreased and leaf proline content increased significantly at different levels of water stress. The content of leaf carotenoids also decreased significantly compared to the control only in severe water stress. The use of mulch in non-stressed conditions caused a significant increase in all studied traits except proline, so that asparagus straw with a 76% increase in stem yield was in the first place, and barley straw and plastic mulch were in the second and third places. Also, mulching reduced the negative effects of water stress on all traits, so that the non-use of mulch in mild, moderate and severe stress caused a 21%, 36% and 46% reduction in shoot yield, respectively, and the use of asparagus straw caused 10 %, 13% and 16% decrease in the yield of stems.
Conclusions
Water stress, as the most important factor of physiological limitation in plants, negatively affects growth, development and yield of plants. The use of plant residue mulches, especially asparagus straw, between the rows of asparagus cultivation can increase the yield in conditions without drought stress, and in drought stress conditions. the yield can be protected from the negative effects of stress to a large extent.
Medicinal Plants
M. Yadegari
Abstract
Introduction
Satureja bachtiarica is one of the important endemic species and is used in medicinal and food industries. This plant is rich in essential oil, flavonoids, monoterpene glycosides and trypanocidal terpenoids. The main compounds of the essential oil from S.bachtiarica L. collected from natural ...
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Introduction
Satureja bachtiarica is one of the important endemic species and is used in medicinal and food industries. This plant is rich in essential oil, flavonoids, monoterpene glycosides and trypanocidal terpenoids. The main compounds of the essential oil from S.bachtiarica L. collected from natural habitats are alpha-pinene, p-cymene, carvacrol and gamma-terpinene. The environmental factors cause changes in the growth, quantity, and quality of active substances (such as alkaloids, glycosides, steroids and volatile oils) in medicinal and aromatic plants. Among environmental stresses, water deficit 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 amino acids on the physiological and phytochemical properties of S. bachtiarica to determine and introduce the best amino acids under water stress.
Materials and Methods
This investigation was done from spring (May) 2022 to fall (September) 2023 at the Research Farm of Islamic Azad University, Branch of Shahrekord (latitude. 32°20′ N, longitude. 50°51′ E, altitude. 2061 m). Based on the Köppen climate classification, the climate of the study area is classified as cold and semiarid. This study was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) as a split plot layout with three replications. Irrigation regimes (3-day, 6-day, and 9-day intervals) were assigned as the main plots, while the foliar application of amino acids (methionine, lysine, phenylalanine, and proline) was designated as the subplots. In each year, treatments were applied at 3 stages (3 months after sowing, end of vegetation, before flowering, beginning of flowering and early flowering) and harvesting was done in the complete flowering stage. Weed control was applied manually during the entire experiment. During the experiment, no fertilizer and no systemic pesticide and herbicide were used. The harvested shoots were transferred to the laboratory for extracting and analysis of the leaves and stems of treated plants. For assessment of the total chlorophyll content of S. bachtiarica, the leaves were extracted with 80% acetone. The absorbance of the extraction was read at 470, 648, and 664 nm, and the content of total chlorophyll was calculated as mg per g leaf dry weight. Total phenol content was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent as reported by Singleton and Rossi. The total phenol content was expressed as mg of gallic acid equivalent per g leaf dry weight according to standard curves of gallic acid. The essential oils were extracted by hydro-distillation and analyzed using GC/MS.
Results and Discussion
Applied amino acids significantly influenced the morpho-physiological and phytochemical characters of Satureja bachtiarica. In two years, the highest chlorophyll content (1.41-1.54 mg.g-1 FW) and total phenol content (2.45-2.72 mg.g-1 FW) were obtained in methionine (2.5 g.l-1) and phenylalanine (100 µM) treatments by irrigation regimes 3-day interval. The highest essential oil contents (1.09-1.61 %) were obtained from the plants treated by methionine (2.5 g.l-1) and phenylalanine (100 µM) treatments by irrigation regime 3 days interval. The main chemical compounds of essential oil were P-cymene (17.12-19.45 %), gamma-terpinene (18.14-16.87 %) and Carvacrol (45.12-51.24 %) belonging to cyclic monoterpenes. The treatments had significant effectiveness on cyclic monoterpens such as alpha-terpinene, gamma-terpinene, germacren-d, carvacrol, thymol and p-cymene. Increasing of essential oil content/composition by use of amino acids was seen. The main components of essential oil in plants treated by proline were lesser than other treated plants. In two years of this research amino acids of methionine and phenylalanine mad the most amounts of carvacrol and essential oil content. The monoterpene alcohols in volatile oils of the treated plants with amino acids elicitors considerably were higher than the sesquiterpenes. According to the ratio of monoterpenes alcohol to sesquiterpenes in volatile oils of the treated S. bachtiarica with different elicitors, the foliar application of amino acids can improve the odor quality of S. bachtiarica volatile oil.
Conclusions
Foliar application of methionine (2.5 g.l-1) and phenylalanine (100 µM) treatments better than other treatments increased the morpho-physiological and essential oil attributes. Environmental conditions such as drought play a key role in plant growth and biosynthesis of different metabolic compounds. The observed variation in shoot yield and phytochemical content of S. bachtiarica during the studied years may related to differences in photoperiod, temperature, solar radiation, precipitation and occurrence of biotic and abiotic stresses at different growing seasons. Also amino acids had very important effectiveness on content/composition of essential oil of S. bachtiarica. Generally, treats of methionine and phenylalanine can be a good strategy to improve morpho-physiological characteristics and essential oil quantity and quality of S. bachtiarica in the same climate.
Medicinal Plants
S. Tandisseh Bana; A.R. Astaraei; A. Lakzian
Abstract
IntroductionSaline soils due to lack of organic matter and poor physicochemical properties and subsequent lack of moisture, usually having poor vegetation. The use of organic fertilizers in saline soils, can improve the growth and tolerance of plants under salinity conditions by improving the physical ...
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IntroductionSaline soils due to lack of organic matter and poor physicochemical properties and subsequent lack of moisture, usually having poor vegetation. The use of organic fertilizers in saline soils, can improve the growth and tolerance of plants under salinity conditions by improving the physical and chemical properties of the soil. For this purpose, this research was carried out with two types of organic fertilizers to modify saline soil properties along with humic acid foliar application as a stimulant for the growth of the Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni.) plant. The experimental factors included the first factor: 1) control (without organic fertilizer), 2) vermi compost (20 ton.ha-1), 3) vermi compost (40 ton.ha-1), 4) Spent Mushroom Compost (SMC) (20 ton.ha-1), 5) Spent Mushroom Compost (40 ton.ha-1), and the second factor was foliar spraying of humic acid at two levels of 0 and 0.1% in a Completely Randomized Design (factorial) with three replications. Photosynthesis rate, leaf area, plant dry weight, pH, salinity, bulk density and soil organic carbon were investigated in order to determine the most effective organic matter treatment under soil salinity stress conditions. Results showed that SMC significantly decreased soil pH, bulk density, but increased electrical conductivity and soil organic carbon. Leaf area was reduced but total phenol, chlorophyll a, b, total and carotenoid were increased resulting in significant increase in the dry weight of Stevia plants in saline soil. The highest dry weight of the plant was obtained with application of 40 tons.ha-1 of SMC fertilizer and humic acid foliar, which was 45.12% more than the control (without fertilizer). Therefore, SMC fertilizer can be a suitable remediator for saline soil, humic acid spray also had a significant positive effect if used along with SMC soil application. Materials and MethodsThis experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design (factorial) in boxes (dimensions 30x40x30 cm) containing natural saline soil (EC=10.15 dS.m-1) under natural agronomic conditions at The Ferdowsi University of Mashhad with three replications from July to January, 2018. Experimental factors were included the first factor: 1) control (without organic fertilizer), 2) vermicompost 20 tons/ha, 3) vermicompost 40 ton.ha-1, 4) Spent mushroom compost 20 ton.ha-1, 5) Spent mushroom compost 40 tons per hectare and the second factor: foliar spraying of humic acid at two levels of zero and 0.1%. A soil sample was collected from Kushk region of Neyshabur city with desired salinity (ECe=10.15 dS.m-1) and some physical and chemical properties of soil and organic fertilizers were measured before the experiment. Organic fertilizers after mixing with the experimental soil, were added to the plastic boxes according to the amount of each treatment. Two seedlings were planted in each plastic box, maintaining a spacing of 20 cm. Irrigation was carried out daily using tap water. One month after the stevia plants had adapted to the climatic conditions of Mashhad, foliar application of humic acid was performed in three stages at 20-day intervals. After plant physiological maturity stage some parameters including plant dry weight, leaf area, total plant phenol, amount of chlorophyll a, b, carotenoid, total plant chlorophyll, and soil organic carbon, bulk density, salinity, and soil pH, were determined after plant harvest. The dry weight of the stevia plant was obtained by weighing the plants after drying in an oven for 48 hours at 70°C. Statistical analysis of data was performed by JMP software version 0.8, drawing graphs using Excel software and comparing average data using LSD test at significance levels 1 and 5 percent. Results and DiscussionResults showed that the SMC fertilizeralone and in combination with HA foliar application significantly increased the dry weight of the stevia plant compared to the control through improving saline soil physical and chemical properties like pH, OC, soil bulk density. These improvements resulted in some improvement in photosynthetic pigments and total phenol. The highest dry weight of stevia plant was obtained with application of 40 ton/ha of SMC fertilizer and humic acid 0.1% leaf spraying. ConclusionsAccording to the results of this research, application of SMC fertilizer with and without foliar application of humic acid was able to significantly increase the dry weight of the stevia plant compared to the control (without fertilizer) through modifying the physical and chemical properties of saline soil (pH, OC, bulk density) and some phytochemical properties of the plant (Photosynthetic pigments and total phenol). Application of VC fertilizer was not successful. Even though humic acid foliar application increased the total plant phenol, it could not improve the growth of the plant in saline soil alone, but it could increase the dry weight of the plant only with application of SMC fertilizer. Thus, the highest dry weight of stevia plant was obtained with application of 40 ton/ha of SMC fertilizer and humic acid spraying.Therefore, it is suggested that in order to achieve proper performance (≥80%) and improvement in the physiological and morphological characteristics of the stevia plant in very saline soil (ECe≥10 dS.m-1), it is necessary to use 40 ton.ha-1 or more of mushroom compost waste. It should be used in saline soil three to six months before cultivation and 0.1% humic acid foliar spraying should be done three times with an interval of 20 days.
Medicinal Plants
F. Rezvani Nia; S. Zamani; M.T. Ebadi
Abstract
Introduction
The increasing use of medicinal, aromatic plants and spices has increased the economic production, value and trade of these plants. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe.) is a perennial rhizome plant which is considered as the most important spice in the global trade. Ginger rhizome has bioactive ...
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Introduction
The increasing use of medicinal, aromatic plants and spices has increased the economic production, value and trade of these plants. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe.) is a perennial rhizome plant which is considered as the most important spice in the global trade. Ginger rhizome has bioactive compounds such as phenolic compounds and essential oil. Essential oil (including zingiberene, α and β-pinene, camphene etc.) is responsible for the aroma of ginger. Important phenolic compounds of ginger include Gingerol, Shogaol, Paradol, and Zingerone, which are responsible for the spicy taste of ginger. Ginger has important effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antilipemic, anti-obesity, anti-diabetes, anti-nausea, and liver protective activities, improving digestive problems, etc. In addition to medicine, ginger rhizome is widely used as a spice and flavoring in foods, drinks, etc., and is also defined as a dietary supplement by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). In this study, while examining and analyzing the world market of this valuable spice, Iran's production potentials were examined to supply internal needs and enter to the export section.
Materials and Methods
In this research, the data on the production and trade of ginger was evaluated using the codes determined in the Harmonized System (HS codes 091010, 091011 and 091012). The area harvest, production amount, yield and the top producing countries were extracted from the statistics section of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The export and import trade data of ginger in Iran and the world, the top exporting and importing countries during 2010-2022 years were evaluated using the World Trade Center data.
Results and Discussion
According to the obtained assessments, the total production of ginger in the world has increased from 1.718.571 tons in 2010 with an increase of 183% to 4.874.216 tons in 2022, and India, Nigeria, China, Nepal, and Indonesia are among the main ginger producer countries in the world during these years. Also, the investigation of the global trade of ginger showed that the export of this product increased from about 655.9 million dollars in 2010 with a growth of 37% to 900.5 million dollars in 2022, and the import value also increased by 97%, from 568.7 million dollars in 2010 to 1.125 billion dollars, which indicates an increase in the global trade of this product. China, Netherlands, India, Peru, and Thailand were the top exporters while America, Japan, Netherlands, Germany, and Pakistan as the top importers of ginger. The analysis of Iran statistics showed that the total export value of ginger was 15.000 dollars in 2022, while the amount of import reached 36.6 million dollars from 1.35 million dollars in 2010, which shows an increase of 4.7 folds the import volume of this product. Iraq and Azerbaijan were the destinations of ginger exported from Iran, and the origins of ginger imported to Iran were China, United Arab Emirates, and India. In Iran, Tehran province was the only ginger-producer province in the country, which produced 23 tons of ginger with 0.3 ha of area in greenhouse conditions. Price fluctuations of ginger produced in countries such as the USA, China, Brazil and Peru and offered in the USA market in 2022 were investigated. The price of ginger varies throughout the year due to factors such as supply, demand, weather conditions and market dynamics. The highest ginger price ($9.19) was recorded for American ginger in the USA market from August 19 to September 14, and it still had a high price in the cold season. As mentioned, ginger is one of the most important spices in global trade and has a high value in global export and import. In Iran, production less than the internal demand has caused a significant increase in imports compared to exports. Therefore, according to the evaluation and success of the cultivation of similar products in the country, the existence of wide areas harvested and favorable weather conditions, especially in provinces such as Sistan & Baluchestan, and Hormozgan, it is suggested to pay attention to the cultivation of ginger to supply internal markets and achieve extensive exports. Also, according to the area under greenhouses cultivation, which is 24,000 hectares, taking into account the average production of 10 tons of ginger per hectare, if only 10% of the existing greenhouse cultivation is dedicated to ginger production, it is possible to produce 24,000 tons of fresh ginger, which will fully meet domestic needs and provide the export.
Conclusions
Global ginger production and trade grew significantly from 2010 to 2022, led by producers like India, Nigeria, and China, and top exporters like China, the Netherlands, and India. Iran’s ginger imports rose due to limited local production, and this underscored the potential for cultivation in regions such as Sistan & Baluchestan and Hormozgan. In addition, utilizing greenhouse capacity could meet domestic demand and boost exports, integrating Iran into the global ginger market.
Medicinal Plants
S. Mohtashami; H. Gholami; A. Ghani; M. Kamalizadeh
Abstract
IntroductionOptimum nutrition of plants and reducing the effect of lack of important nutrients is one of the most effective factors on the production of all plants; so, it is one of the main pillars in improving the quantitative and qualitative attributes of the product. In order to achieve optimal yield ...
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IntroductionOptimum nutrition of plants and reducing the effect of lack of important nutrients is one of the most effective factors on the production of all plants; so, it is one of the main pillars in improving the quantitative and qualitative attributes of the product. In order to achieve optimal yield with proper nutrition of the plant, each element must be provided to the plant sufficiently, and there must also be a balance between the absorbable amounts of elements in the soil. Securigera securidaca is one of the medicinal plants belonging to the Fabaceae family. There are many records about the traditional use of this plant and its seeds. Its seeds have antiparasitic, anticonvulsant, antihypertensive, antiulcer, analgesic, antioxidant, antiviral, antitumor and hypoglycemic effects have been reviewed. Considering the climatic conditions of Iran and its high potential in the production of medicinal plants and its economic justification; it is very necessary to pay attention to the nutrition of medicinal plants due to their different growth conditions with other crops and its effect on their growth and effective substances. Materials and MethodsIn this research, in order to evaluate the response of the Hatchet vetch plant (Securigera securidaca) to different levels of phosphorus and zinc foliar application, a factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors and three replications. The treatments include four levels of phosphorus (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg.h-1) and three levels of zinc foliar application during the flowering period (no foliar application as a control, foliar application: each two weeks once and once a week). Zinc foliar spraying was done with a concentration of 4 g per liter during before flowering to the formation of the pods (about one month), which was done twice and four times for the two-weekly and once-a-week treatments, respectively. This research was carried out in Mohammad Abad area of Jahrom city located in Fars province. The most important indicators of growth and yield were measured including: shoot number, length of main stem, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length and seed yield. Also, the most important biochemical characteristics of seed extract (flavon and flavonol, total flavonoid, total phenolic compounds, tannin content and antioxidant activity), oil percentage and seed oil yield were also measured. Results and DiscussionBased on the results obtained from the variance analysis of the data, the effect of phosphorus and zinc on all measured traits was significant except for the number of seeds in pods and pod length. The results showed that the application of phosphorus alone was more effective than the combined application of phosphorus and zinc in increasing the number of stems, main stem length, seed yield, oil yield, the amount of flavonoids and antioxidant activity of Hatchet vetch plant seeds. The application of 50 kg of phosphorus increased the number of stems, the length of the main stem, the number of pods per plant, the yield of seeds, amount of phenolic compounds and oil yield of seed. While the use of 100 kg of phosphorus without the use of zinc was more effective in increasing the amount of flavonoid and antioxidant activity. However, the application of zinc was effective in increasing phenolic compounds, tannin content, oil percentage and seed yield. The interaction effect of the treatments showed that the highest seed yield (61.03 g.m-2) was related to 50 kg of phosphorus without zinc foliar spraying, while the lowest amount (32.01 g) was observed in 50 kg of phosphorus and zinc solution once a week treatment. The highest amount of total flavonoid (3.58 mg.g-1 dry weight) was found in the treatment of 100 kg of phosphorus without the application of zinc. While the lowest amount (1.11 and 1.24 mg) was observed in treatments without phosphorus (spraying zinc solution once every two weeks and once a week), respectively. In the treatments of 100 and 150 kg of phosphorus, increasing the frequency of zinc foliar spraying has reduced the amount of phenolic compounds in the seeds of this plant. Although this decrease is not significant statistically. Also, in the control, 50 and 150 kg of phosphorus treatments, increasing the frequency of zinc foliar spraying had no effect on the change of its antioxidant activity, while in the treatment of 100 kg of phosphorus fertilizer, increasing the frequency of zinc foliar spraying decreased the antioxidant activity of the seed extract of this plant. ConclusionsIn general, according to the conditions in this research, despite the differences that were seen in the measured traits in response to the amounts of phosphorus and zinc, the concentration of 50 kg of phosphorus and foliar spraying of zinc once every two weeks, in most of the traits were satisfactory compared to other treatments.
Medicinal Plants
S. Sadeqifard; M. Azizi; S. Karimi Zinkanlu
Abstract
IntroductionGrowth 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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IntroductionGrowth 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 field of Agricultural Faculty of Shirvan and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad laboratories was conducted. Materials and MethodsThis research was conducted during 2014-2015 under field conditions in a split plot design in time, at Shirvan Agricultural Research Station (latitude 40 º / 37, longitude 93 º / 57 and with a height of 1097 m above sea level) and in laboratory 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. Irrigation was carried out immediately after planting, and a second irrigation was done 20 days later, once the seeds had germinated. Irrigation and weed control are also done manually once a week. Salicylic acid (Sigma Aldrich, 99.5%) in the three phases of plant growth (The onset of vegetative growth, throughout vegetative growth, and at the flowering stage), at concentrations (0, 10-2, 10-4 and 10-6 M) in three repeats were sprayed. The first spraying (The onset of vegetative growth) was done on April 3, 2014, the second spraying (throughout vegetative growth) on May 4, and the third (at the flowering stage) in early June 2014. The plants were harvested on July 20. To measure the dry weight of the plants, the samples were dried in the shade for a week. Essential oil content was determined using a 30-gram dry sample in 500 ml of water through hydro-distillation with a Clevenger apparatus for 4 hours. 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 shaken for 24 hours. After 24 hours the extract was filtered using filter paper then used for measuring phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. Phenol measurement: 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 five minutes, 300 ml of a molar sodium carbonate solution is added and maintained in a 40 °C bath for 30 minutes. 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 DiscussionBased on the results, the application of salicylic acid significantly affected fresh and dry weight, plant height, and phenol and flavonoid content (P < 0.01), but had no significant effect on essential oil percentage or yield. The highest fresh weight (264.763 grams per square meter) and dry weight (93.11 grams per square meter) were obtained with the application of 10⁻² molar salicylic acid during vegetative growth, while the lowest fresh and dry herb yields were observed in the control group. Maximum height of plants (29.01 cm) was related to 10-2 M salicylic acid during vegetative growth and the lowest of plant height (23/24 cm) was related to control treatment at the time of flowering. The highest amount of phenols (0.504 mg equivalents gallic acid per gram of dry weight) was detected in plants treated with 10-2 M salicylic acid during vegetative growth and the lowest phenols (0.248 mg equivalents gallic acid per gram of dry weight) was reported in 10-2M salicylic acid and during vegetative growth. The highest amount of flavonoids (0.31 mg equivalent Quercetin per gram of dry weight) was obtained in 10-4 M salicylic acid treatments during vegetative growth and the lowest of them (0.176 mg equivalent Quercetin per gram of dry weight) was in 10-6 M salicylic acid treatment at the beginning of vegetative growth. ConclusionsIn conclusion the results showed that the highest amount of fresh and dry weight and plant height was under the conditions of 10-2 M salicylic acid concentration and during vegetative growth and the best yield of essential oils, phenols and flavonoids in during vegetative growth and 10-4M salicylic acid concentration was obtained.
Medicinal Plants
B. Rahimkhani; M. Naseri; A. Ahmadian; M. Alipanah
Abstract
Introduction
Historically, medicinal plants have been one of the most important resources for therapeutic purposes, and even today, their use is expanding in many developed countries. Salinity stress is a major factor that limits plant growth by reducing metabolic and physiological activities. One of ...
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Introduction
Historically, medicinal plants have been one of the most important resources for therapeutic purposes, and even today, their use is expanding in many developed countries. Salinity stress is a major factor that limits plant growth by reducing metabolic and physiological activities. One of the effects of salinity stress is the increased production of abscisic acid in plants. In recent years, the use of seaweed and its extracts has been tested as a method to mitigate the effects of salinity stress on plants. 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 indicate that the use of seaweed extract helps plants maintain their health under salt stress by increasing proline levels and enhancing potassium absorption in plant tissues. Additionally, foliar spraying with seaweed extract preserves the chlorophyll structure in plants experiencing salinity stress, thereby increasing photosynthetic efficiency and promoting better growth under such conditions.
Conclusions
Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that seaweed can mitigate the negative effects of salinity stress in Iranian borage seedlings. Furthermore, due to its low cost and availability, it can serve as a suitable bio-fertilizer to support plant growth in saline conditions.
Medicinal Plants
Mehdi Kakaei
Abstract
Introduction 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 Allicin, diallyl sulfides, ...
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Introduction 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 Allicin, 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, given the statistics on rainfall and the excessive extraction pressure on underground water sources, large-scale research on drought in agriculture is essential. Drought is a significant limiting factor in agricultural production, preventing maximum plant yield. Thus, comparing performance in various environmental conditions (stressed and non-stressed) and selecting cultivars under such conditions can help evaluate their resistance to 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 studies have been performed in connection with garlic medicinal plant. Therefore, the present study was designed and implemented with the aim of investigating yeild indicators in two environmental conditions (environment with supplemental irrigation and dry environment) in garlic plant with the help of drought tolerance indicators.
Materials and Methods
In 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 2023 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 Discussion
Based 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.
Conclusion
Based on all the statistical analyses used in the research, the Bahar2 and Soolan ecotypes had the highest biomass yield. The overall results of this research indicated the very important and useful role of drought tolerance indices in differentiating the studied ecotypes.
Medicinal Plants
Faeze Rezvaninia; Mohammad-Taghi Ebadi; Naser Safaie
Abstract
Introduction
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 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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Introduction
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) 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 yield of plants and is also the most natural and best way to keep soil systems healthy. 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 G. fasciculatum) and the combined treatment of fungi (G. etunicatum + T. harizanum, G. fasciculitum + T. harizanum) on the growth parameters, rhizome yield and active substances of ginger.
Materials and Methods
This research was conducted as a factorial experiment based on a completely random design in the research greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University. The rhizomes were transferred to the greenhouse and cultivated in pots with amended soil. These plants were inoculated with Trichoderma (T. harizanum), Mycorrhiza (G. etunicatum and G. fasciculatum) and combined treatment of fungi (G. etunicatum + T. harizanum, G. fasciculatum + T. 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 (g), Stem Dry Weight (g), Number of Stems and Stem Length (cm), Leaf Traits contains: Leaf Dry Weight (g), Leaf Fresh Weight (g), Number of Leafs, Greenness Index, Rhizome Traits contains: Rhizome Dry Weight (g), Rhizome Fresh Weight (g), Darkness/Lightnees Indicator, Yellow/Blue Indicator, Rhizome Crude Fiber (%), Essential oil Traits contains: Essential oil Percentage, Essential oil Yield were investigated. Abbreviation of treatments include contains: Control, M1 (G. fasciculatum), M2 (G. etunicatum), T1 (T. harizanum), M1T1 (G. fasciculitum + T. harizanum) and M2T1 (G. etunicatum + T. harizanum).
Results and Discussion
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 g), Spad index (18.17), fresh and dry weight of leaves (34.46 and 8.96 g), 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 g) 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.
Conclusion
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
Zeinab Safaei; Majid Azizi; Gholamhossein Davarinejad; Hossein 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
Seyyed Amir Hossein Mousavi; F. Nekounam; Taher Barzegar; Zahra Ghahremani; Jafar 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
Sepideh Houshmand; Saeideh Alizade; Sahebali Bolandnazar; Elyas 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.
