Growing vegetables
Ladan Ajdanian; Hossein Arouiee; Majid Azizi
Abstract
Introduction: As an artificial light source, LED bulbs can help to grow better and faster greenhouse products. Meanwhile, blue and red light are important for plant growth. The quality of light in terms of color and wavelength can affect the morphological structure of the plants. Therefore, the use of ...
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Introduction: As an artificial light source, LED bulbs can help to grow better and faster greenhouse products. Meanwhile, blue and red light are important for plant growth. The quality of light in terms of color and wavelength can affect the morphological structure of the plants. Therefore, the use of additional lights in winter, when light exposure is less than normal, can improve plant growth and flowering. It is also advisable to change the quality of light by using artificial light sources in controlled environments such as greenhouses in order to change the quantity and quality of agricultural products, especially the fruits of the fruit.Materials and Methods: In this research, the effect of complementary light and nutrition (commercial Calfomyth solution containing high calcium phosphorus and calcium elements along with micronutrient elements) as a pot experiment under non-soil culture conditions in the greenhouse, in the form of split-based plots experiment A completely randomized design with 3 light treatments including: natural light (control), 60% red light + 40% light blue and 90% red light + 10% blue light, and 2 nutritional treatments including: non-spraying with commercial fertilizer, Calfomyth and spraying A concentration of 2,000 in 3 replicates was established and implemented. The traits that were studied in this experiment are: 1- leaf number (count of leaves), 2- plant height by meter, with accuracy 0.01 m, 3- diameter with caliber with accuracy 0.01 mm, 4- Number of flowers (counting), 5- Time of flowering until the product reaches (counting the number of days), 6- Performance: Whole and red ripe fruits were planted and weighed separately from the total fruit weight Per plant was obtained in grams per plant. Statistical analysis was performed using JMP8 software and comparison of meanings was done using LSD test at 1% and 5% probability level.Results and Discussion: The results showed that the application of additional light on fruit yield, stem diameter and plant height, yield time and leaf number (p≤0.05) were significant. Spraying with Calfomyth could have a significant effect on stem diameter and number of leaves. In the traits such as fruit yield, number of flowers and leaves, the interaction effect of feeding and supplementary light was also significant. The highest number of leaves belonged to 60% red + 40% blue treatment, as well as spraying with Calfomyth (118), the highest number of flowers (50) was related to 90% red + 10% blue and Calfomyth treatment, and the smallest number ( 15) was related to control treatment. Also, the highest yield (3553 g of fruit per plant) was obtained in Calfomyth treatment with 90% red + 10% blue treatment and the lowest yield (434 g fruit per plant) The control was light and non-foliar treatment. Although light is an important source of photosynthesis, photosynthesis can also be related to a series of optical regulators and optical sensors. Blue and red light cause different optical sensors and expression of genes, each of which can have a positive or negative effect on plant growth and development. Therefore, it can be concluded that the presence of both wavelengths (blue and red) is necessary for conducting, and for this reason, more research is now focused on achieving an appropriate optical composition.Conclusions: In this research, all of the morphological traits examined in the tomato plant were subjected to additional exposure by LED bulbs, each of which had a special effect on their receptors in the plant. Maximize growth and yield in the plant. As expected, blue light on vegetative traits and red light were more effective on reproductive traits. It can be said that the existence of both wavelengths (blue and red) is essential for the better and complete growth of the plant. In addition to the positive effect of wavelengths, the positive effect of leaf spraying can also be observed, which, along with the neodymium, could improve growth. The results of this study showed that the performance and growth under the cover of LED light (red and blue combination) were superior to natural conditions. Therefore, it could be suggested that the use of these lamps, as well as spraying with Calfomyth commercial fertilizer, could be feasible for better production in controlled conditions (greenhouse).It seems that application of complementary lights with proper nutrition can improve the performance and growth of tomato plants in greenhouse conditions.
Growing vegetables
Zahra Khalili; Fatemeh Nekounam; Taher Barzegar; Zahra Ghahremani; Maliheh Farhangpour
Abstract
Introduction: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) belongs to the Solanaceae family, which is one of the most widely cultivated and economically important vegetables in the world, which is an excellent source of ascorbic acid and has high antioxidant capacity against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. ...
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Introduction: Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) belongs to the Solanaceae family, which is one of the most widely cultivated and economically important vegetables in the world, which is an excellent source of ascorbic acid and has high antioxidant capacity against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Ascorbic acid (AsA) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a key physiological role in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enzyme cofactor. Ascorbic acid is antioxidant and antistress agent, and also acts as a signaling molecule in some plant physiological processes and defense mechanisms. Positive roles of such antioxidants in scavenging or chelating the free radicals and activating the natural resistance against different biotic and abiotic stresses have been reported in several fruit trees. Calcium has a vital role for normal growth and development of plants due to an important role in balancing membrane structures, increasing nutrient uptakes and activates of metabolic processes. Calcium plays a vital role in maintains cell wall stability, integrity and determining the fruit quality. To our knowledge, however, little information is available regarding the interaction effect of ascorbic acid and calcium chloride on tomato. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the foliar application of ascorbic acid and calcium chloride on quality and antioxidant capacity of tomato fruit.Materials and Methods: To study the effect of foliar application of calcium chloride (Ca) and Ascorbic acid (AsA) on growth, yield and fruit quality of tomato, the field experiment was carried out from June to September 2021 at Research farm of faculty of Agriculture, at the University of Zanjan, Iran. Each treatment was carried out with three replicates. Different concentrations of Ca (0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 %) and AsA (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg L-1) were sprayed three times (0, 15, 30 days after full bloom). Fruits were harvested at two harvests stage (orange and red color) and transferred to the laboratory on the same day. Flesh firmness was determined with penetrometer (model Mc Cormic FT 32), using an 8 mm penetrating tip. Results were expressed in kg cm-2. The pH values of solutions were monitored with pH meter. TSS was measured in the extract obtained from three fruit of each replicate with a digital refractometer Atago PR-101 (Atago Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) at 20◦C. Total ascorbic acid content was expressed as mg per 100 g of juice. Antioxidant activity was measured using the free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and calculated according to the following formula: RSA%= 100(Ac-As)/Ac. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS software package v. 20.0 for Windows, and means comparison were separated by Duncan’s multiple range tests at p <0.05.Results and Discussion: The results showed that fruit harvested at red color stage had the higher vitamin C, total soluble solid (TSS), total phenol, flavonoids contents and antioxidant capacity compared to fruit harvested at orange color stage. Foliar application of AsA and Ca had significantly improved tomat fruit quality. The highest value of TSS (4.9 °B), vitamin C (46.1 mg 100ml-1), total phenol and flavonoids contents and antioxidant capacity (36%) was achieved with application of 300 mg L-1 AsA and 0.9% Ca in fruit harvested at red color harvest time. The lowest value of pH and highest TA was observed in red color fruit treated with 300 mg L-1 AsA and all Ca levels. Ca had significant effect on fruit firmness, which the highest fruit firmness was obtained from 0.9% Ca. The fresh tomato is an important source of ascorbic acid for human consumption. AsA significantly increased the amount of vitamin C in the plum and sweet pepper fruits. Increasing vitamin C content in fruits after treatment with Ca could be related to inhibiting action of calcium on the activities of ascorbic acid oxidase that use ascorbate as a substrate. The results indicated that treatment of Ca produced fruits with higher firmness compared to control and other treatments. Firmness and resistance to softening can be increased by the addition of Ca, due to interaction of calcium with pectate acid in the cell wall to form calcium pectate and retarding polygalacturonase activity. Differences in the percentage of TSS content at the time of harvest indicated the AsA and Ca effects on carbohydrate accumulation in fruits, which had different potential on respiration rates and consequently storability of plants. The antioxidant activity has positive correlation with total phenolic content, flavonoids and content of ascorbic acid. Conclusion: The results of our research indicated that per-harvest foliar application of AsA and Ca improved fruit quality attributes including vitamin C, fruit firmness, TSS and antioxidant activity. These results suggest that AsA and Ca treatments, especially AsA 300 mg L-1 and Ca 0.9%, may be proposed to improve fruit quality.
Growing vegetables
Keyvan Poorhossein; Bahram Abedy; Mahmood Shoor
Abstract
Introduction Urban agriculture is one of the basic characteristics of urban schematization, which helps to increase the quality of urban life via reducing the climate pollution, preserving and increasing biodiversity, as well as re-utilizing urban waste. Therefore, in recent years, urban agriculture ...
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Introduction Urban agriculture is one of the basic characteristics of urban schematization, which helps to increase the quality of urban life via reducing the climate pollution, preserving and increasing biodiversity, as well as re-utilizing urban waste. Therefore, in recent years, urban agriculture has gained significant importance due to its economic, social and cultural benefits. However, studies have indicated that urban soils can contain high concentrations of certain infrequent elements such as lead and cadmium. These heavy metals can be distinguished from other pollutants because they cannot be bio-degraded; but they accumulate in living organisms and subsequently cause diseases and various disorders even in relatively lower concentrations. Plants, like other organisms, have defense mechanisms that are activated in stressful conditions. Thus, under stress, enzymatic antioxidant systems and non-enzymatic metabolites enhance, due to the production of reactive oxygen species. Peppermint plant (Mentha piperita L) has an essential oil with medicinal properties. High levels of heavy metals cause chlorosis and necrosis, increase the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress in mint plants. The present study was conducted on a regional scale in order to investigate heavy metal pollution and determine their impacts on some physiological and biochemical traits as well as the concentration of Cd and Pb in peppermint plants grown in urban green spaces.Material and methodsThis study was conducted to assess the amount of heavy metal absorption and its effect on some biochemical properties of peppermint plant (Mentha piperita L.), in Mashhad city in 2021.The experiment was carried out as a factorial in the form of randomized complete block design in three replications. The first factor (location) were Faz4 Park (with high degree of contamination) and Nasim Park (with low degree of contamination). The second factor was the times of harvest (June15, July15 and August 15). At the time of every harvest fully developed leaves were collected to evaluate physiological and biochemical traits.Results and discussionThe results of analysis of variance indicated that the effect of location was significant on all traits except for the yield of essential oil. Also, the effect of harvest time was significant on all traits except for peroxidase activity and the yield of essential oil. However, the interaction of location and harvest was significant only on phenol, flavonoid, proline, cadmium and lead concentration. The results indicated that the ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and peroxidase activities were higher in Faz 4 Park. Moreover, the highest activities of ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and peroxidase were recorded in Faz 4 + first harvest. Heavy metals cause the production of reactive free radicals and also increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes. However, the chlorophyll a, b, carotenoid and total chlorophyll contents were higher in Nasim. Thus, the highest contents of Chla, Chlb, Chltotal and carotenoid were observed in Nasim + first harvest. The higher amount of chlorophyll and carotenoids in the first harvest is due to the optimal growth conditions such as day length and sunlight and ambient temperature. In addition total phenol, flavonoid, proline, Cd and Pb elements indicated a reducing trend in Faz 4 compared to Nasim Park in different harvest times, but the amount of these traits were higher in the first harvest than in the subsequent harvests. Increased amount of total phenol in the first harvest can be related to the high air temperature at the first harvest which caused stressful conditions in this stage. Proline production also improves under heavy metal stress in order to protect the plant against toxicity. Nevertheless, the percentage of essential oil showed an increasing trend via enhancing the absorption of Pb and Cd in Faz 4 compared to Nasim Park. The higher percentage of essential oil in Faz 4 can be due to the lower growth of leaves due to the presence of more heavy elements in this area. In general, despite the fact that only the concentration of Pb was higher than the world standard level in both parks, the contamination with Cd and Pb (especially Pb) was more in Faz 4 than in Nasim Park, which was a factor in diminishing the growth traits of peppermint plants. In a case of harvest times, the first harvest recorded better growth characteristics and higher absorption of heavy metals due to the higher strength of the plant, while in the third harvest, due to spending more energy for regrowth, it had lower growth characteristics and weaker absorption of Pb and Cd metals. It was cadmium.
Growing vegetables
Farhad Shakarami; sadegh Mousavi-Frad; Abdolhossein Rezaei Nejad; Farhad Beiranvand
Abstract
IntroductionSalinity in water and soil stands as a crucial environmental factor that significantly hampers global agricultural production. Over recent decades, the escalating demand for irrigation in arid and semi-arid regions has intensified this issue, making it a major agricultural challenge. Salinity ...
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IntroductionSalinity in water and soil stands as a crucial environmental factor that significantly hampers global agricultural production. Over recent decades, the escalating demand for irrigation in arid and semi-arid regions has intensified this issue, making it a major agricultural challenge. Salinity stress, characterized by reduced water absorption, heightened salt uptake (especially sodium, chlorine, and boron), and the generation of reactive oxygen species, induces oxidative stress in plants, severely impacting their growth and overall performance. To enhance plant tolerance to salinity stress, elicitors are employed as a short-term and viable solution to mitigate the adverse effects of stress. Copper, serving as a cofactor and essential element for numerous enzymes involved in photosynthesis and respiration processes, plays a crucial role in sustaining natural plant growth and metabolism. Copper ions function as cofactors in enzymes like superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) and polyphenol oxidase, contributing to the removal of reactive oxygen species. However, the absence of this element in plants cultivated in alkaline and saline soils of arid and semi-arid regions can lead to nutritional disorders. In this context, copper nanoparticles emerge as a suitable alternative to chemical fertilizers due to their quicker and more efficient impact. Their use not only mitigates the negative consequences of excessive fertilizer application but also reduces the frequency of application. The Persian leek (Allium ampeloprasum subsp. Persicum) is a valuable edible-medicinal plant native to Iran, belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. It holds significance in Iran as a key leafy vegetable, valued for its freshness and high processing potential among horticultural plants. Given the nutritional and medicinal importance of Persian leek and the prevalence of salinity stress, this study aims to explore the impact of copper nanoparticle spray in modifying the effects of salinity stress on the morphophysiological and biochemical characteristics of Persian leek.Materials and methodsA factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with three replications in the research greenhouses of Lorestan University's Faculty of Agriculture. The experimental conditions included daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 28 °C, nighttime temperatures from 15 to 20 °C, relative humidity set at 60-70%, and a light intensity of 400-500 µmol m-2 s-1. The first factor involved foliar spraying of copper nanoparticles at control levels (zero), 150, and 300 mg/liter, while the second factor comprised salinity stress at control levels (zero), 50, 100, and 150 mM sodium chloride. F1 seeds were obtained from Pakan Bazr Company and planted in 1.5-liter pots, with each pot containing three plants. The copper nanoparticles were applied through foliar spraying twice on the shoot parts at the four-leaf and six-leaf stages. Salinity stress was introduced one week after the foliar application, implemented through irrigation once every three days at a level corresponding to 90% of the field capacity. The soil mixture comprised an equal ratio of agricultural soil, cow manure, and sand, maintaining a clay-sand loam texture. Following three months of applying salt stress, a comprehensive assessment of morphophysiological characteristics was carried out. This included the measurement of plant height, stem and bulb diameter, leaf count, fresh and dry weights of stem, root leaf, root volume and length, shoot/root ratio, dry matter (%), stress tolerance index, relative water content (RWC), electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde content, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll stability index, as well as the activity of peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase. Results and DiscussionThe results indicated that salinity stress had a detrimental impact on various aspects of plant growth, including a decrease in plant height, stem and bulb diameter, leaf number, and the fresh and dry weights of the stem, bulb, and root. Additionally, there was a reduction in root volume and length, along with decreased levels of photosynthetic pigments. The percentage of electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde content, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, namely peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase, also increased, highlighting the adverse effects of salinity stress on plant development. The decline in plant growth can be attributed to multiple factors, including diminished cell division, ionic imbalance, reduced water absorption, impaired uptake of essential elements, and the impact of toxic ions, particularly sodium and chlorine. Other contributing factors include impaired absorption, regeneration, and metabolism of nitrogen and protein, as well as stomatal closure, collectively resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency. Salinity stress further leads to a reduction in soil water potential and an increase in the osmotic pressure of the soil solution. Consequently, the plant requires more energy to absorb water from the soil, leading to increased respiration and alterations in the hormonal balance of plant tissues, ultimately causing a decrease in growth and negative effects on the plant. The application of copper nanoparticles at both concentrations demonstrated positive effects on various growth components, including plant height, stem and bulb diameter, leaf count, and the fresh and dry weights of the stem, bulb, and root, as well as increased root volume and length. Additionally, the use of copper nanoparticles resulted in a decrease in the percentage of electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content, coupled with an increase in the concentration of photosynthetic pigments and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase. Notably, the concentration of 150 mg/liter exhibited a more pronounced effect in enhancing plant growth, with a diminishing impact observed at higher concentrations. Copper \nanoparticles improve plant growth under stress conditions by influencing the content of cellular antioxidants and modulating the hormonal balance of plant tissues.ConclusionThe findings of this study indicated that increased salinity stress led to higher electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content, along with a reduction in RWC and photosynthetic pigments. These changes caused a decline in the morpho-physiological characteristics of Persian leek. However, salinity stress also increased the activity of peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes. Foliar application of copper nanoparticles under these conditions had beneficial effects on the plants. Specifically, at a concentration of 150 mg/liter, the negative effects of salinity stress on the morpho-physiological indices of Persian leek were alleviated. This improvement was due to an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, RWC, and the concentration of photosynthetic pigments.
Growing vegetables
Fahimeh Yarmohammadi; Alireza Motallebiazar; Samaneh Kazemiani; Mina Amani
Abstract
AbstractIntroduction: Considering the sensitivity of potatoes to viruses, the production of virus-free plants through in vitro cultivation and their propagation leads to a reduction in costs and an increase in yield. One of the effective methods of reducing plant diseases and producing disease-free microtubers ...
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AbstractIntroduction: Considering the sensitivity of potatoes to viruses, the production of virus-free plants through in vitro cultivation and their propagation leads to a reduction in costs and an increase in yield. One of the effective methods of reducing plant diseases and producing disease-free microtubers is the use of in-vitro production methods. Considering the role and importance of macro elements and micro elements in the growth of microtubers, it is possible to change the composition of MS culture medium by changing the concentration of salts of macro elements and micro elements without disturbing the balance of elements. This experiment aims to investigate the effect of different concentrations of macro elements (2 Mac, Mac, ½ Mac) and micro elements (2 Mic, Mic, ½ Mic) of MS culture medium in combination with two concentrations of sucrose (80 and 160 g/liter) was performed on in vitro micronodulation of Agria potato.Materials and Methods: This experiment to investigate the effect of different concentrations of macro elements (2 Mac, Mac, ½ Mac) and micro elements (2Mic, Mic, ½ Mic) of MS culture medium in combination with two concentrations of sucrose (80 and 160 (g/liter) on in vitro microtuberation of Agria potato was carried out as a factorial experiment in the form of a completely randomized design with 3 replications in the plant tissue culture laboratory of the Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz. Lateral buds obtained from in-vitro shoots were used as explants and were cultured under sterile conditions on different culture mediums for the purpose of microtuberation, and the cultures were kept in continuous darkness and at a temperature of 18±2°C were kept in the growth room. During one month, Microtuber initiation rate and after two months, microtuber formation characteristics were measured.Results and Discussion: The results of the analysis of variance showed that the effect of the concentration of micro elements and the interaction effects of micro elements with different concentrations of sucrose and macro elements were significant only in the case of two traits, the percentage and the speed of microtuber initiation, while all microtuber traits productivity was significantly affected by the interaction of micro elements and macro elements. In all culture mediums with 8% sucrose, the initiation percentage of microtubers was 100% and the initiation rate was also maximum. However, the highest percentage of microtuber formation, weight, length, diameter and number of buds on microtuber was obtained in 2Mac culture medium with 16% sucrose. The results showed that the microtuber that had more weight and size had a higher percentage of dormancy and the buds on the microtuber were not able to germinate and produce microtuber during the stages of microtuber formation.Conclusions: In all traits related to microtubers, except for percentage and speed of microtubers initiation, the effects of micro elements, macro elements and sucrose elements were not significant, and this shows that the three investigated factors cannot independently improve microtubers formation is effective in Agria variety. In all traits of micronodulation, the interaction effect of low consumption elements with other two factors was not significant and this shows that the concentration of low consumption elements in Agria variety is not critical for micronodulation. In all culture mediums with 8 % sucrose, the initiation percentage of microtubers was 100 % and the initiation speed was also the maximum, but when double the concentration of macro elements and 16 % sucrose were used, the initiation percentage and the initiation speed of micro-glands in Agria variety showed a significant decrease. The percentage of micro tuber formation, weight, length, diameter and number of buds on the micro tuber in Agria cultivar were significantly affected by the mutual effect of the concentration of macro elements and sucrose, and the 2 Mac culture medium has 16 % sucrose in the first priority and the ½ culture medium Mac with 8 % sucrose in the second priority was better than the other treatments in terms of the investigated traits. In this research, it was found that the produced micro glands with greater weight and size had a higher percentage of dormancy and during the stages of micro glandogenesis, the buds on the microtubers were not able to germinate and produce micro tubers.
Growing vegetables
Mohsen Mohammad Rezaei; Moazzam Hassanpour Asil; Jamal-Ali Olfati; Mohammad Mehdi Gheisari
Abstract
IntroductionThe Persian Shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss) is a valuable medicinal plant native to Iran, known for its significant economic value and medicinal properties. Its rich phytochemical composition makes it useful in treating various conditions such as rheumatism, stomach ulcers, and microbial ...
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IntroductionThe Persian Shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss) is a valuable medicinal plant native to Iran, known for its significant economic value and medicinal properties. Its rich phytochemical composition makes it useful in treating various conditions such as rheumatism, stomach ulcers, and microbial infections, while also showing potential as an aquaculture regulator. However, the overexploitation of natural habitats poses a threat to its biodiversity and survival. Sustainable practices in collection and cultivation are essential to address the increasing global demand while preserving genetic and chemical diversity. Iran's favorable climate and plant diversity position it well for the production and export of high-quality medicinal plants, including the Persian Shallot. Research on the nutritional value of native plants can further contribute to their recognition and utilization.Material and MethodsThis study was carried out in six habitats of Allium hirtifolium Boiss in Isfahan province in 2022. The research aimed to assess the morphophysiological and phytochemical characteristics of Persian shallot plants by collecting samples from six natural habitats at different altitudes. Each habitat yielded 50 samples during the growing season, which were then evaluated for traits such as number of leaf, leaf area surface, fresh and dry weight of onion of Persian shallot. Phytochemical analysis involved grinding fresh plant leaves with acetone, followed by spectrophotometric readings to determine chlorophyll, carotenoid concentration, and antioxidant activity. Data analysis was carried out using variance analysis to compare means and cluster analysis to group habitats based on their traits. The study employed SAS, SPSS and Excel software for statistical analysis and visualization. Phytochemical analysis involved grinding fresh plant leaves with acetone, followed by spectrophotometric readings to determine chlorophyll, carotenoid concentration, and antioxidant activity. Data analysis was carried out using variance analysis to compare means and cluster analysis to group habitats based on their traits. The study employed SAS, SPSS and Excel software for statistical analysis and visualization. The study employed SAS, SPSS and Excel software for statistical analysis and visualization. The study employed SAS, SPSS and Excel software for statistical analysis and visualization.Results and DiscussionThe research revealed significant diversity among Iranian shallot plants collected from different habitats, indicating the presence of substantial biodiversity due to environmental factors and genetics. The study found variations in morphological and phytochemical traits, such as fresh and dry weight, leaf area, chlorophyll and carotenoid content, and antioxidant activity among different plant stands. These differences were linked to factors like altitude, temperature, and soil conditions. Altitude was particularly influential, with higher altitudes leading to increased leaf surface and chlorophyll content. Furthermore, cluster analysis showed distinct groupings among the populations based on their traits, highlighting the impact of genetic factors and climatic conditions on the plants. The findings underscore the importance of understanding plant responses to natural growth conditions and environmental factors for breeding programs. Altitude gradients were identified as crucial in influencing plant characteristics and species distribution.Altitude was particularly influential, with higher altitudes leading to increased leaf surface and chlorophyll content. Furthermore, cluster analysis showed distinct groupings among the populations based on their traits, highlighting the impact of genetic factors and climatic conditions on the plants. The findings underscore the importance of understanding plant responses to natural growth conditions and environmental factors for breeding programs. Altitude gradients were identified as crucial in influencing plant characteristics and species distribution.Altitude was particularly influential, with higher altitudes leading to increased leaf surface and chlorophyll content. Furthermore, cluster analysis showed distinct groupings among the populations based on their traits, highlighting the impact of genetic factors and climatic conditions on the plants. The findings underscore the importance of understanding plant responses to natural growth conditions and environmental factors for breeding programs. Altitude gradients were identified as crucial in influencing plant characteristics and species distribution.ConclusionThe study confirms the presence of biodiversity among shallot populations in six habitats, indicating the potential for selecting suitable populations and genotypes. Results suggest that altitude variation has influenced genetic diversity and phytochemical composition, highlighting the impact of climatic and geographical factors on population diversity. climatic and geographical factors on population diversity. climatic and geographical factors on population diversity. climatic and geographical factors on population diversity. Further research is needed to identify specific factors contributing to diversity in Isfahan province and molecular markers can enhance understanding of population diversity.
Growing vegetables
Mohammad Hossein Aminifard; Sajjad Nadafan; Hassan Bayat; Mehdi Jahani
Abstract
IntroductionThe annual herb Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Fabaceae) is cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop. It is commonly known as Fenugreek and used as both a spice and medicinal plant. Fenugreek is used to treat many ailments due to the presence of various bioactive compounds, like apigenin, ...
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IntroductionThe annual herb Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Fabaceae) is cultivated worldwide as a semi-arid crop. It is commonly known as Fenugreek and used as both a spice and medicinal plant. Fenugreek is used to treat many ailments due to the presence of various bioactive compounds, like apigenin, luteolin, orientin, quercetin, vitexin, isovitexin, saponins, amino acids, phenols, alkaloids, etc. Combining chemical and organic fertilizers offers a sustainable approach to nutrient management. This integrated strategy enhances the effectiveness of chemical fertilizers, fosters improved soil health, and minimizes nutrient loss from the system.Chicken manure is one of the types of animal manure and a source of organic matter to strengthen all types of soil. In addition to having nutrients, it is one of the cheap fertilizers compared to common fertilizers in the production of crops, and it is richer in nitrogen than other animal fertilizers. Potassium is a critical element for plant growth and development, playing a vital physiological role in plant health and resilience against biotic and abiotic stresses. Materials and MethodsTo investigate the effect of chicken manure and potassium sulfate on yield and biochemical traits of the fenugreek medicinal plant, factorial research was conducted in the form of randomized complete block design in three replications in the crop year 2021-2022. Experimental treatments included chicken manure at three levels (0, 1000, and 2000 kg.ha-1) and potassium sulfate at four levels (0, 1.5, 3, and 5 per thousand). To determine the seed yield after full ripening, the seeds were collected from one plant in each plot, weighed, and recorded. Arnon's method was used to measure the pigments in the leaves at the full flowering stage of the plant. To measure the amount of total phenolic compounds in the leaf using the Folin Cicalto method, antioxidant using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, total sugar using anthrone method, total flavonoid using aluminum chloride reagent method was used in the full flowering stage of the plant. Results and DiscussionThis experiment revealed that chicken manure significantly boosted crop yield and improved most biochemical traits, with the exception of sugar and antioxidant content.The amount of antioxidant activity decreased with increasing levels of chicken manure and soluble sugar was not affected by this manure. Treatment of 2000 kg.h-1 chicken manure has the highest phenol with 10.793 mg.g-1 dry weight, flavonoid with 4.475 mg.g-1 dry weight, Chlorophyll a with 2.591 mg.g-1 of fresh weight, Chlorophyll b with 3.055 mg.g-1 of fresh weight, and seed yield with 1185.8 kg.h-1. Regarding the impact of Soluptas on biochemical traits, all except phenol and antioxidant content peaked at a concentration of three parts per thousand. Notably, these peak levels were statistically indistinguishable from those observed at five parts per thousand.Treatment of 5 per thousand Soluptas also increased 28% seed yield, 13% soluble sugar, 20% phenol, 31% flavonoid, and 97% chlorophyll b. In the interaction effect in the treatment, it was observed that the highest amount of the two fertilizers had the highest amount of yield and biochemical traits, except for the antioxidant, whose activity level decreased with the increase of fertilizer levels. The results showed that the highest amount of soluble sugar in fenugreek leaves was related to the level of no chicken fertilization with Soluptas 5 per thousand at the rate of 21.53 mg.g-1 dry weight. The highest levels of both treatments (2000 kg.h-1 of chicken manure and Soluptas 5 per thousand) caused an increase in grain yield (1396 kg.h-1), phenol (12.86 mg.g-1 DW), and chlorophyll b (3.62 mg.g-1 FW) compared to no fertilization (control level). The highest amount of chlorophyll a was related to the interaction of 2000 kg.h-1of chicken manure and Soluptas 3 per thousand at the rate of 3.11 mg.g-1 of fresh weight. ConclusionOverall, chicken manure exhibited the strongest positive influence on the greatest number of traits among the single treatments. When considering the combined effects, a combination of 2000 parts per thousand chicken manure and 5 parts per thousand Soluptas appears to be optimal for enhancing the fenugreek plant's properties.
Growing vegetables
Mahla Ghasemi; Somayeh Sardouei-Nasab; Ghasem Mohammadi- Nejad; Somayeh Aminizadeh
Abstract
Introduction
Onion stands as one of the primary and extensively consumed vegetables at global scale, with numerous genotypes, both native and imported, being cultivated in the country annually. The southern provinces of the country have allocated about 50 percent of the cultivated area to onion cultivation. ...
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Introduction
Onion stands as one of the primary and extensively consumed vegetables at global scale, with numerous genotypes, both native and imported, being cultivated in the country annually. The southern provinces of the country have allocated about 50 percent of the cultivated area to onion cultivation. Therefore, selecting superior genotypes compatible with southern regions is essential to achieve maximum yield. Considering the long history of onion cultivation as one of the native plants of our country, there is a lot of genetic diversity in this plant. However, to date, inadequate breeding programs have been conducted to develop new, high-yield varieties in our country, leading most farmers to rely on local cultivars for cultivation. Therefore, it is necessary to design targeted breeding programs to produce new varieties superior in yield potential, flavor, aroma, resistance to pests and diseases, and other characteristics. In this regard, collecting diverse onion germplasm and evaluating genetic diversity in it is one of the basic steps for designing targeted breeding. The main purpose of this project is to evaluate genetic diversity in yellow and white onion cultivars in terms of morphological traits and selecting superior genotypes. The results of this project are a necessary prerequisite for long-term plans for the production of new varieties of onions.
Materials and Methods
The research was carried out in the Faryab region, situated in the southern part of Kerman province. We assessed four commercial yellow onion hybrids- Rio Bravo, Soberana, Eiden, and Ascro Goldeneye -and four commercial white onion hybrids-Minerva, Cirrus, Macran, and 4043-using a 4x4 Latin square design during the 2022 growing season. Various observable traits, such as days to bulbing, days to maturity, onion bulb diameter, plant height and leaf length, fresh and dry plant weight, number of edible layers, fusarium infection percentage, and average tuber yield were recorded. To analyze the data, we used descriptive statistics to show the maximum, minimum, and average values of the traits, along with variance analysis, correlation analysis, and mean comparisons.
Results and Discussion
The analysis of variance revealed significant variations across the measured traits. Within the yellow onion genotypes, Rio Bravo displayed the shortest maturity cycle, averaging 113 days to maturity, while Aiden exhibited the longest maturity duration with an average of 141 days. The Sobrana cultivar consistently outperformed other varieties across all investigated traits and was introduced as the best yellow onion cultivar. Bulb yield displayed strong and positive correlations with bulb diameter, bulb length, plant height, leaf length, number of edible layers, and both fresh and dry plant weight. However, the correlation between days to maturity and bulb yield was low, suggesting that the duration from planting to maturity did not affect the enhancement of bulb yield in yellow onions. The findings indicated that in contrast to yellow onion cultivars, white onion cultivars exhibited a longer average duration to bulb formation and maturity, alongside a lower bulb yield. Among the white onion genotypes, Minerva displayed the earliest maturity, while Cirrus was observed as the longest maturing genotype. Cirrus cultivar exhibited the highest average bulb diameter, bulb length, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, leaf length, and bulb yield. Conversely, the Macran genotype displayed the lowest mean values for bulb diameter, bulb length, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, and bulb yield. Additionally, a significant and strong positive relationship was observed among bulb diameter, bulb length, plant fresh weight, and plant dry weight. Typically, onion quality is often assessed based on bulb diameter, where larger bulb diameters tend to correspond with higher bulb yields. Evidently, both in yellow and white onion cultivars, those with higher yields also demonstrated larger bulb diameters.
Conclusion
In the southern regions of Kerman province, the early maturity of onions is very important. Among the yellow onion genotypes, Rio Bravo was the earliest variety. The Soberana cultivar had a higher bulb yield compared to Rio Bravo, but it matured approximately twenty days later than Rio Bravo. Among the white varieties, Minerva was also the earliest maturing variety. However, the Cirrus cultivar had a higher bulb yield compared to Minerva. Yet, in comparison to Minerva, it was both later to mature and more susceptible to fusarium. The selection of onion varieties can significantly depend on the specific conditions of the region and the needs of the farmers. If timing and fusarium sensitivity are crucial factors for farmers, Minerva and Rio Bravo, with lower susceptibility to fusarium, might be suitable options. However, if bulb yield and product quality hold greater importance for farmers, Soberana among yellow onions and Cirrus among white onions are recommended. Additionally, considering breeding goals, these varieties can be utilized in onion breeding programs according to breeding objectives.
Growing vegetables
Parastoo Molaei; Fatemeh Nekounam
Abstract
IntroductionLettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) from the Asteraceae family is one of the most important vegetables due to its rapid growth and commercial value. Currently, the market share of organic vegetables is constantly increasing due to customer demand for safer and healthier food. Excessive use of pesticides ...
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IntroductionLettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) from the Asteraceae family is one of the most important vegetables due to its rapid growth and commercial value. Currently, the market share of organic vegetables is constantly increasing due to customer demand for safer and healthier food. Excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers threatens the environment and leads to the production of unsafe food products. Therefore, it is important to find alternatives instead of using pesticides chemical methods to manage powdery mildew. Generally, biotic and abiotic stresses are among the factors that have a destructive effect on growth and development, performance, and production of plant biomass. Fungicides can be the most effective method of controlling the powdery mildew disease, but this pathogen can develop resistance to fungicides. Rhizosphere bacteria are among the living agents that, by producing some allelochemicals, cause the dissolution of soil nutrients, increase the availability of nutrients, and induce plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In addition, they enhance host plant growth through an indirect mechanism, including the inhibition of disease-causing pathogens by releasing some allelochemical substances. The biological control of powdery mildew disease with the use of rhizospheric bacteria in lettuce and zucchini has been reported. Material and MethodsTo evaluate the biological control of powdery mildew fungus with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and effects on yield and quality of New Red Fire greenhouse lettuce, an experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications in the Research greenhouse of University of Zanjan during 2020. Experiment treatments consisted of five levels of PGPR (Pseudomonas vancouverensis- VPM, Pseudomonas Koreensis- KPM, Pantoea agglomerans- PAPM, Pseudomonas putida- PPM, and one level of combined bacteria (Pantoea agglomerans+ Pseudomonas Koreensis+ Pseudomonas putida+ Pseudomonas vancouverensis- MBPM, one level of chemical fertilizer 100% N, P and, K according to soil test results- NPK, and two control treatment without powdery mildew condition (C) and under powdery mildew conditions (CPM).The “New Red Fire” lettuce seeds were surface sterilized with 0.5% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite for 10 min and germinated at 20ºC. After germination, seedlings with similar size were transplanted into pots. Plants were grown under greenhouse condition with 60/70 % (day/night) relative humidity, 15/18 °C (day/night) temperature. Inoculation of pathogenic fungi was done 40 days after seed germination. Plants were harvested after 75 days. The chlorosis and necrosis spots number on each plant, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, leaf number, total chlorophyll, total phenol and flavonoids contents, antioxidant activity, anthocyanin content, and catalase and peroxidase enzyme activity were measured. ResultsThe results showed that the application of potassium and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and NPK fertilizer significantly increased plant growth compared to control plants under the stress of powdery mildew fungus. The highest plant fresh weight, percentage of plant dry weight, and leaf number were obtained with the application of combined potassium and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria treatment and 100% N fertilizer under the biostress. The maximum total chlorophyll was obtained with the application of Pseudomonas koreensis and Pantoea agglomerans bacteria. 100% reduction of necrosis spots was obtained by using the Pantoea agglomerans bacteria. The maximum of chlorosis spots (increase of 55.8%) and necrosis spots (an increase of 88.8%), total phenol (an increase of 52%), total flavonoids (an increase of 39.3%), catalase (an increase of 28.4%) and peroxidase enzymes activity (49.1%) were obtained with application of NPK fertilizer. No significant effect on antioxidant activity was observed with the application of chemical fertilizer and rhizosphere bacteria under the Biostress. The maximum anthocyanin contents were obtained with the application of Pseudomonas koreensis. ConclusionAccording to the results, the application of NPK chemical fertilizer and seed pretreatment of lettuce with PGPR increased the value of antioxidant compounds including total phenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents and catalase and peroxidase enzymes activity under powdery mildew conditions. Inoculation of lettuce seeds with PGPR, in addition to improve plant growth under biological stress conditions, increased anthocyanin contents and induced the resistance of lettuce plants to powdery mildew. Seed pretreatment with PGPR reduced chlorosis and necrosis spots in leaves. Therefore, pretreatment of lettuce seeds with PGPR instead of chemical compounds (fertilizers, pesticides and plant growth regulators) is recommended to improve the yield and quality of lettuce under powdery mildew conditions.
Growing vegetables
Farzad Abdollahi; Alireza Motallebi-Azar; Gholamreza Gohari; Bahram Dehdar; Amir Kahnamoii; Fatemeh Shariat
Abstract
IntroductionGrapheneis one of the new carbon nanomaterial that has unique physical properties and potentially important biological applications. Nanosheet Graphene Oxide has shown great potential to improve plant performance in various areas. Microtuber production technology is also used as a tool to ...
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IntroductionGrapheneis one of the new carbon nanomaterial that has unique physical properties and potentially important biological applications. Nanosheet Graphene Oxide has shown great potential to improve plant performance in various areas. Microtuber production technology is also used as a tool to reduce the time needed to produce economic plant resources, increase the quality of seed tubers, and produce microtubers throughout the year. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Nanosheet Graphene Oxide on the improvement of micropropagation and microtuberazation in potato var. Agria under in vitro conditions. Materials and MethodsSingle node explants obtained from in vitro virus-free plantlet (maintained in tissue culture laboratory, Department of Horticultural science, University of Tabriz) were cultured into modified Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing four concentrations of Nanosheet Graphene Oxide (0, 25, 50 and 75 mg/L) carried out in the completely randomized design (CRD) with four replications and kept at 25±2 degree centigrade and a photoperiod of 16 hours of light. The proliferation traits such as leaf length, leaf width, plantlet fresh weight, number of leaves and shoots were recorded. Then, single node explants were transferred to Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with four concentrations of Nanosheet Graphene Oxide (0, 25, 50 and 75 mg/liter) and kept for two months in complete darkness and at 18±2 ºC and microtuber production indices such as microtuber number, diameter, length and weight, microtuberization percentage, shoot length, microtuber with dormancy were measured. Results and DiscussionThe results of analysis of variance showed that different concentrations of Nanosheet Graphene Oxide had a significant effect on all traits in proliferation and microtuberization stages. Among different levels of Nanosheet Graphene Oxide, application of 75 mg/L showed the best response for leaf length, leaf width, and plantlet fresh weight, followed by 50 mg/L for the number of leaves and shoots, and lastly, 25 mg/L for shoot length. At a concentration higher than 50 mg/L (75 mg/L graphene oxide), the number of leaves not only remained constant but also showed a decreasing trend. Effect of different NGO concentrations on the shoot length showed that there was no significant difference between different concentrations of NGO and the shoot length remained constant, but the difference between the control treatment and NGO was significant. The maximum shoot length was obtained at a concentration of 25 mg/l NGO. The different concentrations of NGO had significant effect on all microtuberization traits at 1% probability level. Mean comparison results for different concentrations of NGO showed that the highest value of the microtuber length, diameter and number were obtained at 25 mg/liter NGO. However, all microtuber traits were not increased at above 25 mg/liter NGO. With the increase in NGO concentrations, the yield of microtuber weight and microtuberization rate remain constant, and it is also possible that these traits will decrease significantly with the increase NGO concentration. The highest yield of microtuber weight and microtuberization rate were obtained at the 25 mg/L NOG, and higher concentrations did not increase them. There was a significant difference between different concentrations of NGO and the control treatment in the number of lateral shoots, so that the maximum number of lateral shoots was obtained at a concentration of 25 mg/L of NGO. Also, concentrations above 50 mg/L of NGO had less effect on the number of lateral shoots and with increasing concentration, the number of shoots decreased significantly. The maximum microtuber weight was obtained at high concentrations of NGO. In other words, with the increase of NGO concentration, the microtuber weight increased, and the most effective concentration was 75 mg/L of NGO for this trait. Although all concentrations of NGO are favorable for this purpose, it is possible that the concentration of 25 mg/l is the most NGO concentration. ConclusionThe results of this research showed that the of 50 and 75 mg/L of Nanosheet Graphene Oxide were the best concentrations micropropagation and microtuberization. 25 mg/L of Nanosheet Graphene Oxide was most efficient concentration . Although these experiments were performed without the use of growth regulators, the addition of Nanosheet Graphene Oxide to the medium increased micropropagation and microtuberization. Therefore, Nanosheet Graphene Oxide can be used as a tool for efficient micropropagation and increasing the quantity and quality seed tubers.
Growing vegetables
Leyla Cheheltanan; Saeid Khosravi; Seyyed Hossein Nemati
Abstract
IntroductionGrasses are narrow-leaved plants that are used as cover plants in landscape. These plants are one of the basic and necessary components of the green cover of most gardens, parks and as the background color of landscape. In Iran, due to the high costs of planting and management of grass, high ...
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IntroductionGrasses are narrow-leaved plants that are used as cover plants in landscape. These plants are one of the basic and necessary components of the green cover of most gardens, parks and as the background color of landscape. In Iran, due to the high costs of planting and management of grass, high water requirements, climatic incompatibility and damage to water and soil salinity, it is recommended to remove from the green space in some cities, especially in areas with low water and water and soil saline. If it is possible to benefit from the role and influence of these plants by observing the technical points and choosing the best species for each area. Salinity stress is the second limiting factor for the growth of plants in the world after drought, which affects the efficiency and performance of plants. Increase in salinity causes a decrease in the water potential in the soil. In this condition, the plant spends most of its energy to maintain the water potential, cell mass, and water absorption to have minimal growth. The aim of this research is the effect of external application of glycine betaine on the accumulation of osmolality compounds and the antioxidant system of sports grass under salt stress. Materials and MethodsThis research was done in factorial form in completely randomized design with 3 replications on Rashid variety cucumber. The factors included 4 levels of temperature (25, 30, 35 and 40 degrees Celsius) and 3 levels of salicylic acid (0, 0.5 and 1 mM). When the seedlings reached the two-leaf stage, they were sprayed with different concentrations of salicylic acid two times with an interval of five days. One week after the application of salicylic acid, temperature treatment was gradually applied. After applying each heat treatment, the corresponding pots were transferred to the greenhouse with a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Then, fresh and dry weight of root and shoot, leaf surface, chlorophyll index, electrolyte leakage, proline, polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity and superoxide dismutase enzyme activity were measured. Results and Discussion The results showed that salinity stress decreased all the study morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters including plant height, shoot fresh and dry weight, number of tiller, leaf area, chlorophyll content, protein and total antioxidant capacity in the studied plants. It also increased peroxidase enzyme, H2O2 and proline in plants, but glycine betaine application significantly improved the morpho-physiological characteristics of plants compared to the control under salt stress conditions. Thus, the highest height, shoot fresh and dry weight, leaf area, number of tiller, chlorophyll content, and protein and antioxidant capacity were observed in plants sprayed with glycine betaine. Also, the highest content of glycine betaine and activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes and the lowest content of glycine betaine and H2O2 were observed in in plants sprayed with glycine betaine and 10 mM glycine betaine was more effective than 5 mM. The occurrence of salinity in plants disrupts the absorption of ions and causes the reduction of nutrients and increases sodium ions. One of the effects of salinity in plants is the reduction of photosynthetic activity, which results in the reduction of chlorophyll, carbon dioxide absorption, photosynthetic capacity, plant height, shoot fresh and dry weight, number of tiller and leaf area. One of the most strategies to deal with stress is accumulation of osmolyte and increasing the antioxidant activity, which makes plants resistant to environmental stresses. Salinity, through the toxic effect of Na+ and Cl- ions, affects the growth and performance of the plant by reducing the soil water potential, disrupting water absorption and imbalance of nutrients in the plant. The results obtained from comparing the average results of glycine betaine show that glycine betaine increased plant height, shoot fresh and dry weight, number of tiller, leaf area, chlorophyll content, total protein and antioxidant capacity, but on the other hand, it increased proline and H2O2 decreased, which is due to the accumulation of glycine betaine as a protector in plants under salt stress conditions. In stress conditions, glycine betaine can protect photosynthetic activities including photosynthetic enzymes, proteins and lipids in thylakoid membranes in the combination of photosystem II, and also the task of protecting cell membranes against osmotic stresses in the plant. ConclusionThe results obtained from this research showed that salinity stress reduced all the morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics in the sport grass plants, but glycine betaine application played a positive role in reducing salinity damage and maintaining plant quality. Glycine betaine is known as one of the effective molecules in stress signaling, so it can protect the plant cells against stress by reducing the destruction of the membrane and by increasing the salt tolerance mechanisms. Also, glycine betaine 10 mM is introduced as the best treatment to reduce salinity damage in sport grass during present study.
Growing vegetables
Saeed Mohammadzade; Morteza Goldani; Fatemeh Yaghobi; Mohammad Bannayan Aval
Abstract
IntroductionIncreasing the tolerance to drought and nitrogen stress in tomato cultivars is essential for the sustainable and environmentally friendly production of this product. Also, knowing the morpho-physiological, biochemical and molecular responses to drought and nitrogen stress is important for ...
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IntroductionIncreasing the tolerance to drought and nitrogen stress in tomato cultivars is essential for the sustainable and environmentally friendly production of this product. Also, knowing the morpho-physiological, biochemical and molecular responses to drought and nitrogen stress is important for a comprehensive understanding of plant water tolerance mechanisms and nitrogen limitation conditions in higher plants. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of irrigation and nitrogen fertilizer on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of tomatoes in different Cluster rows under greenhouse conditions. Materials and MethodsThe experiment was conducted at the research greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, in two years, 2021-02 and 2022-03. The experiment was set up as split-plot layout based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Irrigation levels were considered as the main plot at three levels: 75% (I75), 100% (I100), and 125% (I125) of the crop water requirement. Nitrogen fertilizer was considered as the subplot at four levels: control (no nitrogen), 75 kg ha-1 (7.5 g m-²), 150 kg ha-1 (15 g m-²), and 225 kg ha-1 (22.5 g m-²) from urea as the nitrogen source. Tomato seeds (Newton cultivar) were sown in polyethylene seedling trays with a coco peat and perlite mixture as the substrate. The seedlings were transplanted to the main field at 15 cm height with 3-4 true leaves. In all stages of growth, consistent agricultural practices were applied, including weed control, pest and disease management. Fertilization for tomato plants was based on soil analysis. Initially, after transplanting the seedlings, a complete fertilizer with high phosphorus (NPK 10-52-10) was applied at a ratio of 1.5 kg per thousand plants. In the subsequent stages, complete fertilizers (NPK 20-20-20) and high-potassium fertilizers (NPK 20-20-36) were applied through irrigation. Throughout the plant's growth stages, to prevent potential deficiencies and harm to growth and fruit development, micronutrients were applied as foliar sprays. Results and Discussion The results for all three Clusters showed that although nitrate accumulation was higher in the first year compared to the second year, in both years, nitrate accumulation was higher at I75 and 225 kg ha-1 nitrogen compared to the other treatments. The highest nitrate accumulation in the sixth (6.12 mg.kg-1) and seventh (6.29 mg.kg-1) Clusters was observed in I75 and 225 kg ha-1 nitrogen treatment in the first year. In the eighth Cluster, contrary to the sixth and seventh Clusters, the highest nitrate accumulation was obtained in I100 and 225 kg/ha nitrogen (6.43 mg.kg-1) in the first year. Chlorophyll decreased with stress but increased with nitrogen levels. In all four Clusters, the highest chlorophyll a content was obtained in I100 and 225 kg ha-1 nitrogen, with values of 3.75, 3.70, 3.30, and 3.85 mg g-1 fresh weight, respectively. The highest fruit number per square meter was obtained in I125 and 225 kg ha-1 nitrogen treatment in the second year (260 fruits), although there was no significant difference compared to the first year. Furthermore, this treatment produced 11% more fruits than the highest fruit number at 100% moisture. The highest single fruit weight was obtained in I125 and 225 kg ha-1 nitrogen treatment in the first year of the experiment (254 g), although there was no significant difference compared to the second year. Additionally, this treatment showed no significant difference in fruit weight compared to the 225 kg ha-1 nitrogen and I100 treatment in the first year but was 11% higher in the second year. The highest yield (65.1 kg m-²) was obtained at I125 and 225 kg ha-1 nitrogen. However, in the control treatment without fertilizer, there was no significant difference in yield at I100 and I125. Furthermore, the highest water use efficiency was observed at I100, followed by I75. In all fertilizer treatments, I125 treatment had the lowest water use efficiency. The highest water use efficiency (285 kg m-³) was obtained at I100 and 225 kg ha-1 nitrogen. Conclusion In general, the results demonstrated that while excessive nitrogen fertilizer increased nitrate accumulation at different irrigation levels, the increased use of irrigation water reduced nitrate accumulation in tomato fruits while improved yield. Moreover, no significant difference in fruit yield was observed between I125 and I100, but optimum yield and favorable water use efficiency were obtained with less water consumption. Based on the results of this experiment, the recommended treatment under greenhouse conditions is irrigation at 100% of the FC and the use of 250 kg ha-1 nitrogen.
Growing vegetables
Jaber Panahandeh; Mohammad Sedigh Zare far; Alireza Motallebi-Azar; Fariborz Zare Nahandi; Mina Amani
Abstract
IntroductionVarious methods of stress directly affected the growth and production yield of numerous plants. For example, environmental stress reduces the tomato manufacturing by the disrupting its natural metabolism, or, salinity stresses affect the it is growth and development from the germination stage ...
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IntroductionVarious methods of stress directly affected the growth and production yield of numerous plants. For example, environmental stress reduces the tomato manufacturing by the disrupting its natural metabolism, or, salinity stresses affect the it is growth and development from the germination stage to the fruit ripening stage. Salinity in tomatoes by stimulating the biosynthesis of growth regulators such as ethylene and abscisic acid leads to the acceleration of the aging of the leaves. Therefore, development of different methods to induce salinity stress tolerance in plants is necessary. Some approaches were studied to develop the salinity tolerant plants such as genetic breeding, environmental improvements and usage of phytohormones and signal molecules. Salicylic acid or orthohydroxybenzoic acid plays an important role in regulating the physiological and biochemical responses of plants to stress conditions, which improves the plant's resistance to adverse environmental conditions. For instance, salicylic acid is a facile and effective way to increase plant productivity under salt stress conditions. Considering the positive effects of salicylic acid in modulating the effects of salinity, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effects of salicylic acid’s usage in modulating the harmful effects of salinity on some vegetative, physiological, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of two tomato cultivars of Baneh local mass and Semi Dwarf line.Materials and MethodsTo investigate the effect of salicylic acid in modulating the effects of salinity stress in tomato, a factorial experiment was conducted in the form of a randomized complete block design, with 12 treatments, in 3 replications and with a total of 36 experimental units in the hydroponic greenhouse of the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, and university of Tabriz. The treatments included two levels of salicylic acid (0 and 1 mM) and salinity levels (0, 35 and 70 mM NaCl) on two tomato cultivars of Baneh and Semi Dwarf.Results and DiscussionThe results showed that in Baneh and Semi Dwarf cultivars, the increase in salinity levels caused a decrease in vegetative indices, meanwhile the treatment of salicylic acid along with salt stress increased same indices. Also, salt stress caused yield reduction in both Baneh and Semi Dwarf cultivars. By examining the qualitative indicators, it was observed that titratable acidity and vitamin C increased with salt stress and salicylic acid treatment in both cultivars. In terms of physiological indicators, the amount of proline increased at different salinity levels with salicylic acid treatment, but the amount of leaf chlorophyll index decreased with the increase of same condition.ConclusionThe results of testing the effect of salicylic acid and the effects of salinity stress on vegetative, quantitative, qualitative and physiological indicators in Baneh and Semi Dwarf tomatoes showed a remarkable difference in terms of significance. In terms of vegetative traits; Plant height, leaf area index, shoot wet in Baneh and Semi Dwarf cultivars decreased with increasing salinity levels of vegetative indices, but salicylic acid treatment along with salinity stress increased same indices. Indicators such as yield, fresh weight of fruit, and percentage of dry matter of fruit showed different responses to different levels of salinity and salicylic acid treatment. The fresh weight of fruit increased with the application of salicylic acid. Also, salt stress caused an increase in the percentage of dry matter of the fruit. But salt stress caused yield reduction in both Baneh and Semi Dwarf cultivars. In terms of quality indicators; the amount of titratable acidity and vitamin C increased with salt stress and salicylic acid treatment in both cultivars. In terms of physiological indicators, the level of proline increased across various salinity levels with salicylic acid treatment. However, the leaf chlorophyll index decreased with rising salinity levels, even in the presence of salicylic acid treatment. Overall, salinity stress caused a decrease in most analyzed traits in the Baneh and Semi Dwarf cultivars. Nevertheless, it led to improvements in certain quality traits. Additionally, salicylic acid treatment enhanced the mentioned indices in most of the examined traits in both cultivars. Therefore, considering the positive effects of salicylic acid treatment on Baneh and Semi Dwarf cultivars under salinity stress conditions, its use is recommended.
Growing vegetables
Najme Zeinali Pour; Fatemeh Aghebati; Bahareh Nejhad Shahrokh Abadi
Abstract
Introduction
Recently, the market demand for high quality tomato fruit is increasing. This product is one of the most important vegetables produced all over the world, and in the last few decades, there has always been a growing trend for its production and consumption. Today, seedling production is ...
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Introduction
Recently, the market demand for high quality tomato fruit is increasing. This product is one of the most important vegetables produced all over the world, and in the last few decades, there has always been a growing trend for its production and consumption. Today, seedling production is considered as a specialized and profitable industry all over the world, which also has a good development speed in our country. The production of healthy and strong seedlings is a prerequisite for proper plant growth and economic production, and nutrition plays an important role in this. Today, the use of natural and organic compounds in various sectors of production and agriculture is increasing. One of these organic compounds, is γ-aminobutyric acid. Biofertilizers are used in order to reduce the consumption of chemical fertilizers and thus reduce the negative environmental effects and increase the yield of plants in agricultural systems. Salicylic acid is a natural phenolic compound and one of the endogenous plant regulators that exists in most plants and is an important component in the signaling pathway. Salicylic acid is effective in regulating the process of plant growth and development, germination, flowering, opening and closing of stomata, respiration, absorption and transfer of ions, photosynthesis, maintaining membrane integrity and plant growth rate. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of varying concentrations of γ-aminobutyric acid and salicylic acid compounds on the physiological attributes, photosynthetic components, and quality traits of Lycopersicum esculentum cv. Seyran seedlings. The aim was to identify the most effective concentration of these hormonal and pseudo-hormonal compounds under the specific conditions of this research.
Materials and Methods
This experiment was conducted in 2017 in the research greenhouse of Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman as a factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications. Lycopersicum esculentum cv. Seyran seeds were planted and after the seedlings reached the stage of three to four leaves and were well established, the first foliar spraying was done with complete NPK fertilizer containing other micronutrients. After 75 % of the seedlings reached the five leaf stage, foliar spraying of the treatments with γ-aminobutyric acid with concentrations of 0, 5 and 10 mg/l and half an hour later with salicylic acid with concentrations of 0, 0.5 and 1.5 mM was performed. After 15 days, the second foliar spraying steps of the treatments were repeated. Traits studied include; seedling stem diameter, ion leakage, relative water content, total chlorophyll, yield, stomatal conductance, net photosynthesis rate, catalase, peroxidase, proline and malondialdehyde.
Results and Discussion
Based on the results of analysis of variance, the simple effect of GABA and the simple effect of salicylic acid on seedling diameter, ion leakage and total chlorophyll were significant at the level of one percent and their interaction was significant at the level of five percent. In the of relative water content and yield, the simple effects of GABA and salicylic acid, as well as the interaction of the two, were significant at the 1% level (Table 1). Results showed that the largest plant diameter and relative water content in GABA 10 mg/l and with the combined use of 1.5 mM salicylic acid and the lowest plant diameter and relative water content in the condition of not using GABA and using salicylic acid in the amount 0.5 mM was obtained. Also, the highest amount of ion leakage occurred in the control plants and the lowest amount of ion leakage is related to the treatment of 10 mg/l GABA combined with 1.5 mM salicylic acid. Investigations showed that a increase in performance compared to the control occurs when using the combination of GABA 10 mg/l along with 0.5 and 1.5 mM salicylic acid (Table 3). According to the analysis of variance results, both the individual effects of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and salicylic acid on leaf stomatal conductance and net photosynthesis rate were found to be significant at the one percent level, with their interaction being significant at the five percent level. Furthermore, the analysis revealed that the individual and combined effects of GABA and salicylic acid on catalase enzyme activity were significant at the five percent level. Additionally, the individual effect of GABA at the one percent level, the individual effect of salicylic acid, and their combined effect on malondialdehyde levels were all significant at the five percent level (refer to Table 2). According to the average comparison results, the highest level of leaf stomatal conductance was observed in the concentration of 1.5 mM salicylic acid in all three application levels of GABA, and the interaction treatment of 10 mg/l GABA with 1.5 mM salicylic acid had the highest net photosynthesis rate and activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes. The highest amount of proline accumulation occurred in the treatment combination of GABA 10 mg/l along with each of the three concentrations of salicylic acid. The highest accumulation of malondialdehyde was observed in the control sample (without the use of γ-aminobutyric acid and salicylic acid) and the lowest amount of this characteristic was obtained in the combined treatment of GABA 10 mg/l with 0.5 mM salicylic acid (Table 4).
Conclusion
In summary, the utilization of γ-aminobutyric acid as a biological compound and salicylic acid as a growth regulator exhibited a beneficial impact on most of the studied traits in Lycopersicum esculentum cv. Seyran seedlings. This included enhancements in seedling diameter, relative water content, total chlorophyll levels, yield, catalase and peroxidase enzyme activity, proline content, as well as reductions in ion leakage and malondialdehyde levels. It appears that the highest applied concentration of GABA (10 mg/l) and the highest concentration of salicylic acid (1.5 mM) yielded the most favorable results, effectively improving seedling production while preserving its quality.
Growing vegetables
Safdar Pourmombeini; Mahmud Lotfi; Hossein Ramshini
Abstract
Introduction Cantaloupes, are a group of Cucumis melo cultivars, that have round, fragrant fruits with netted skin. Our country, is one of the top five producers of cantaloupe, and melon in the world. Its original origin, is still debated, but one of the important centers of its diversity, is Iran. ...
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Introduction Cantaloupes, are a group of Cucumis melo cultivars, that have round, fragrant fruits with netted skin. Our country, is one of the top five producers of cantaloupe, and melon in the world. Its original origin, is still debated, but one of the important centers of its diversity, is Iran. Although, native cultivars, such as, Saveh cantaloupe, Samsoori, Rish Baba, and various types of Tiles, are often of good quality, and taste, but they are sensitive to a variety of fungal and viral diseases and as a result, their yield is low. On the other hand, every year new cultivars and hybrids, are introduced by seed companies, which are welcomed by farmers, due to, their better agronomic characteristics, and resistance to a wider range of diseases. Continuation of this process, in addition to severe genetic erosion of native cultivars, and populations, and even the complete elimination of some of them, will have consequences such as, dependence of production on foreign companies, annual departure of currency from the country, and non-exploitation of the country's genetic resources. Therefore, it seemed that by creating a diverse population resulting from the crossing of superior native cultivars with cultivars of commercially resistant hybrid to diseases, and then, successive selections, new cultivars, with desirable traits of both parents, could be achieved. Thus, in this study, heritability, minimum and maximum mean values of parents, and F1 and F2 generations, aggressive segregation, and relative frequency of qualitative traits, in F2 generation, and selection of the best genotypes, in two dispersing NGF2 populations, were investigated. Materials and Methods Parental cross, was performed in the spring of 2017, between Samsoori cantaloupe cultivar (round, striped fruit, cream skin color, completely reticulate, green flesh, very early ripening fruit, poor transportability and durability, free pollinator and high homogeneity) as the selected native paternal parent, and commercial cultivar from Gallia group, that called Cory and as maternal parent (round fruit, completely reticulate, no striped skin, yellow to cream skin color, high transportability and durability, green and very sweet flesh, high resistance to various plant diseases and viral diseases) and produced by Seminis Company. The first-generation seeds, obtained from parental crosses, were planted in the greenhouse in the fall of 2017, and were self-sown. In the spring of 1397, 1000 seeds of F2 generation, along with parent seeds, and their first generation, were planted in a seedling tray, in the greenhouses of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology (Aborihan) of Tehran University, and transplanted to the ground, in the rental research production farm, located, in Filistan village-Golzar sector-Pakdasht. Controlled pollination, (isolation of male flowers, and manual inoculation) was performed, for all second-generation plants. Selection for subsequent generations, was done by pedigree method, all plants in F2 generation, were evaluated, and selected. Morphological traits, such as, plant form and phenological traits, such as, day to fruit harvest, were evaluated, and recorded. Plant health, was assessed against common and important fungal, viral and mites, under normal field conditions by scoring the severity of infections in four categories. Fruit quality traits were measured based on nominal, sequential and interval scales and quantitative fruit traits were also measured. Tables of minimum and maximum values, variances, general heritability, transgressive segregation, etc for quantitative traits, also relative frequency percentages and observed genetic ratios for quantitative traits, were calculated. Results and Discussion The results showed that all quantitative traits in the F2 population had a general heritability above 90%. The mean of all quantitative traits except soluble solids and fruit flesh thickness in F1 population was lower than the parental average. In F2 population, for all quantitative traits, positive transgressive segregation was observed, compared to, the superior parent, and negative transgressive segregation was observed, compared to, the less valuable parent. In the F2 population, nearly 80% of the genotypes, were completely reticulate, and 20% had less or no netting, on the fruit skin. These results were almost consistent with genetic ratios of 3.1. Also, 35% of F2 population genotypes, were striped and more than 80% of them had yellowish skin color and green flesh color. Due to, the fact that, selection based on traits with high heritability, will be more reliable, and successful in early generations, so, it is better, to select the best genotypes, in this population, based on fruit weight, soluble solids, and early maturity, respectively. ConclusionIn the F2 population, positive transgressive segregation was evident for all quantitative traits, favoring the superior parent, while negative segregation was observed for the less valuable parent. Traits exhibiting high heritability showcased a pronounced influence of genetic variance over environmental variance. Consequently, selecting cultivars based on these traits in early generations is expected to yield more reliable and successful outcomes. Therefore, it is better, to selection, the best genotypes in the early generations, in the F2 population, based on fruit weight, (with high genetic efficiency), soluble solids, day to fruit ripening, and with the pedigree management, of the populations, it is finally, possible to achieve lines, that have the desirable traits, of both parental cultivars. The resulting lines, can be used to produce, new hybrids, or provided, to the farmer, as a single cultivar.
Growing vegetables
Ali Mirhosseyni; Moazam Hassanpour Asil; Jamal Ali Olfati; Mohammad Bagher Farhangi
Abstract
Introduction
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an annual plant in the Cucurbitaceae family, which has 90 genera and 750 species. Iran, with an under-cultivation area of 89,632 hectares and a production rate of 1,804,184 tons of cucumbers, yield of 201,289 tons per hectare, and it is the third largest ...
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Introduction
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is an annual plant in the Cucurbitaceae family, which has 90 genera and 750 species. Iran, with an under-cultivation area of 89,632 hectares and a production rate of 1,804,184 tons of cucumbers, yield of 201,289 tons per hectare, and it is the third largest cucumber producing country in the world in terms of production. Use of fruits of these vegetable is different depending on the country and the consumer's taste and demand, and it is cultivated for fresh consumption as well as processing (pickled vegetables or cucumbers). The utilization of local genotypes or unmodified native reserves for production has led to very low yield of cucumbers in some countries of the world. The general objectives of cucumber breeding are resistance to diseases and pests, fruit quality and yield increase. Considering the history of cultivation of this product in Iran and due to the large under-cultivation areas of cucumber in the country, little breeding research has been done on this product and the country's required seeds are supplied annually through imports. Therefore, practical and applied research on the breeding of cucumber plant seems necessary. The present study was conducted to evaluate 27 cucumber plant lines using factor analysis and cluster analysis as a tool to identify superior genotypes and more effective traits.
Materials and Methods
This study was carried out in the research greenhouse of Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, with a longitude of 49 degrees and 36 minutes east and latitude 37 degrees and 16 minutes north with a height of 7 meters from the level of the open sea in February 2021. Overall, 35 cucumber inbred lines, available in the Germplasm Bank, University of Guilan, were selected and on completely randomized design, in three separate rows, and with three replications. A code was assigned to each of the lines in order to facilitate the naming of lines and easier evaluation. In the winter of 2019, the desired genotypes were first planted in the seedling tray and kept there until the second true leaves were observed. Then they were transferred to the greenhouse in the form of a completely randomized design with 27 lines of inbred cucumbers, in three separate rows with 3 replications and 3 observations. The length of the plant breeding period continued until the economic fruiting of the plant. During the growing season, various traits were checked and recorded according to the national guidelines for tests of differentiation, uniformity and stability in cucumber prepared by the Research Institute of Registration and Certification of Seeds and Seedlings. These traits are the Fruit diameter (mm), Fruit length (mm), Fruit number, Weight of single fruit (g), Total fruit weight (g), Number of female flowers in 15 nodes, Number of female flowers per node, Width of the end of the terminal leaf(cm), Length of the end of the terminal leaf(cm), Number of lateral branches in 15 nodes, Length of 15 internodes (cm).
Results and Discussion
Genetic diversity in plant genotypes is essential for a successful breeding program. Understanding the degree of variability in plant species is of importance because it provides the basis for selection. The results of variance analysis show that there is a highly significant variation between the studied lines at the level of 1%. The significant difference observed between genotypes for all traits indicates the existence of inherent genetic variation among genotypes.
The evaluation results show that the average fruit weight trait varied from 1371.7 grams (L57) to 157.71 grams (L35) among the examined lines. Furthermore, genotype L57 (117.56 grams) had the highest statistical position in terms of single fruit weight. The results of the mean comparison table showed that L34 line had the highest fruit length values (161.84 mm) and L49 line had the highest fruit diameter values (39.83 mm). Moreover, L55 and L34 lines had the lowest values of fruit length (92.46 mm) and diameter (24.61 mm), respectively. The leaf area variable varied from 426.52 cm2 (L57) to 204.24 cm2 (L31) among the studied lines. The results of chlorophyll index traits investigation and total soluble solids showed that L51 line had the highest values in both traits.
The results of statistical analyses pertaining to genotypic and phenotypic variance, as well as general heritability, revealed that the trait with the highest heritability, at 99.44%, was fruit weight. With the exception of five traits-length of 15 primary internodes, leaf surface, length and width of the terminal leaf, and single fruit weight-whose heritability values were 87.35%, 73.83%, 63.59%, 61.27%, and 26.23%, respectively, the heritability exceeded 90% for the remaining traits. These findings indicate that most of the traits examined exhibited high heritability, suggesting they were less influenced by environmental factors. Factor analysis, an essential multivariate technique, was employed to explore trait relationships and assess the genetic diversity among genotypes. The results of factor analysis for 27 evaluated cucumber genotypes show that eight factors were identified. They were 23.52, 12.63, 11.81, 9.95, 8.6, 7.34, 6.27, 4.21 percent. in total explained 88% of the total diversity of traits in the studied population. In total, they justified 88% diversity of total traits in the studied population. The results of the cluster analysis placed the studied genotypes in four different groups based on the mean of traits. To ensure the cut-point in the dendrogram and to determine the actual number of groups, the discrimination function analysis method was used. The results of discrimination function analysis showed that the success of cluster analysis in grouping genotypes was 100%. Since the genotypes in each of the clusters have a greater genetic affinity with the genotypes in the same cluster and, conversely, a greater genetic distance with the genotypes in different clusters, hybridization can be done among the genotypes in different clusters according to the value of traits average for each cluster for more productivity of phenomena such as heterosis and transgressive segregation. On this basis, it seems that it is possible to produce hybrids that are superior to their parents in terms of various traits by hybridization between the genotypes in the first and second clusters with the genotypes in the third and fourth clusters.
Conclusion
According to the results obtained from this study, L57 and L54 genotypes had higher values than the rest of the genotypes in terms of fruit number and total fruit weight. Also, according to the results of cluster analysis, L57 line had higher total mean values in traits of total fruit weight, single fruit weight, diameter of the tail of the fruit, fruit, kernel diameter, fresh and dry weight of leaves and leaf area. In this study, the genotypes of the second and third groups in the fruit number trait, and the genotypes of the first and third groups in the fruit weight trait, due to having the maximum difference, were found suitable for use in crosses in order to create more diversity. In general, the results of this research showed that there was a suitable diversity among the studied lines in terms of all measured traits. In addition to the fact that the results obtained from this research can be used in future breeding programs, the results of multivariate statistical methods also show solutions for the scientific crossing of genotypes in future research. So that the genotypes placed in different groups in cluster analysis (Group 1: L57, Group 2: L54, L52, L47, L32, L49, and L27, Group 3: L43 and L35, Group 4: L59, L53, L51, L34, L26, L55, L25, L39, L31, L30, L33, L28, L29, L36, L24, L44, L22, and L20) and had superior characteristics in terms of different components, can be crossed together to create recombinant genotypes.
Growing vegetables
Mohammad Zare Mehrjerdi; Nasim Safari; Seyyedeh Mahdiyeh Kharrazi; Azadeh Khadem; Ahmad Sharifi
Abstract
Introduction In addition to providing the necessary energy for photosynthesis, light controls many plant metabolic processes. Nowadays, the use of supplemental light significantly improves the quality of the food product in the conditions of lack of natural light in the autumn and winter seasons. ...
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Introduction In addition to providing the necessary energy for photosynthesis, light controls many plant metabolic processes. Nowadays, the use of supplemental light significantly improves the quality of the food product in the conditions of lack of natural light in the autumn and winter seasons. Light-emitting diodes have been proposed as alternative light sources in controlled agricultural environments. These lamps are the first light sources with the ability to control the light spectrum. Therefore, by controlling the light spectrum and matching the wavelength of LED lamps with the photoreceptors of the plant, the performance and quality of the plant is improved. Cucumber is one of the most important greenhouse plants and its seedlings are generally produced during the autumn and winter seasons, when natural light is relatively low; therefore, the use of supplementary light is required. The use of artificial light sources in fully controlled conditions can change and improve the growth conditions of the plant and also improve its quantitative and qualitative traits. In this research, the aim was to investigate the effect of different qualities of light on the morphophysiological indicators of cucumber seedlings. Materials and Methods This research was performed at the Horticultural Plants Biotechnology Department, Industrial Biotechnology Research Institute of Khorasan Razavi. First, the seeds of the cucumber plant (Cucumis sativus L. var. Officer) were planted in a planting tray, and placed under the light panel with different light treatments. The experimental treatments included four light qualities including white light (6000-6500K) blue light (460-470 nm), red light (625 nm) and combined light (blue + red + white). The amount of photosynthetic photon flux was considered the same in all light treatments, which was equal to 2.75 µol m-2 s-1 CO2 assimilation. Thirty days after planting of seeds, the growth of plants were measured in three stages every 10 days. In each stage, 4 plant samples were selected and then plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, plant dry matter index and leaf chlorophyll content were measured. Data preparation was done in Excel software, data analysis was done using JMP-8 software and treatment averages were compared using LSD test at 5% probability level. Results and DiscussionThe results of the experiments showed that the quality of light was significantly effective on the growth indicators of Cucumber plants. Plant height in red light and blue light treatments compared to the white light and combined light (red+blue+white with the same intensity) treatments, increased by more than 130% and 60%, respectively. The lowest height was observed in plants grown under combined light, 9 and 14.25 cm after 40 and 50 days of cultivation respectively. The exposure of cucumber seedlings to the red and combined lights recorded the highest and the lowest leaf area in the plants, 618.65 and 377.26 cm2 respectively. Also white light significantly improved the dry weight of the roots. It is worth to mention that the highest plant fresh weight was observed in blue and white lights, 20.9 and 19.5 g respectively. For parameters such as dry weight, dry matter index, and pigment content, the light treatments did not exert a significant effect. However, the utilization of red and blue light, both individually and in combination, positively impacted plant growth. Notably, exposure to red light alone led to a significant increase in leaf surface area, root dry weight, and plant height compared to other light conditions. Previous studies have indicated that red light enhances leaf area, stem length, and fresh weight of plants. Leaves play a critical role in plant photosynthesis and overall growth. Therefore, increasing the leaf area in the plant increases the amount of photosynthesis, growth and development of the plant. In this study, with the increases of the leaf area in the plant and the subsequent increases in the amount of photosynthesis, allocation of dry mater to root increased. The results of the research has been shown that the combination of blue and red wavelengths in pepper, tomato and cucumber seedlings is effective in stimulating plant growth and improving the morphological characteristics under controlled conditions. Blue and red lights can increase the proton flow rate of epidermal cells through the separation mechanism and thus affect leaf development. Blue light directly through the interaction with proton pumps and indirectly through receptors, affects proton pumps by modulating passive ion conduction of potassium and calcium channels. Conclusion According to the results of this research, it was found that exposing the plant to different light quality had different responses in the cucumber plants. Although variables such as dry weight and the amount of photosynthetic pigments were not significantly affected by light quality, however, traits such as plant height, leaf area, root dry weight, and plant fresh weight were affected by light quality. The affected parameters are among the traits that are influenced by the gibberellin hormone and according to the reports related to the effect of light quality on the gibberellin biosynthesis and response to this hormone. It seems that plant action to the quality of light can be attributed to the regulation of this hormone. So it is possible to choose the appropriate light quality in fully controlled conditions according to the production goal and results. In this research, according to the plant leaf rea, root dry weight and plant height, it was determined that white light can be used in the seedling production stage.
Growing vegetables
Asghar Marzizadeh; Sahebali Bolandnazar
Abstract
Introduction
Cucumber stands out as a vital greenhouse crop. The continuous cultivation of cucumbers within greenhouse environments, aimed at mass production and the delivery of fresh products, inevitably leads to heightened soil salinity and the onset of soil-borne diseases like Fusarium wilt. Consequently, ...
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Introduction
Cucumber stands out as a vital greenhouse crop. The continuous cultivation of cucumbers within greenhouse environments, aimed at mass production and the delivery of fresh products, inevitably leads to heightened soil salinity and the onset of soil-borne diseases like Fusarium wilt. Consequently, these factors contribute to a decline in both yield and crop quality, underscoring the necessity for research into methods that enhance the yield and quality of greenhouse produce. Grafting cucumber onto various rootstocks and introducing inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi emerge as the most promising strategies for augmenting the yield and quality of greenhouse-grown cucumbers. With this in mind, the current study was undertaken to examine the impact of different rootstocks and mycorrhizal fungi inoculation on the growth and performance of greenhouse cucumbers under soilless culture conditions.
Materials and Methods
In order to investigate the effect of the rootstock and inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi on the growth and yield of greenhouse cucumber under the soilless culture conditions, a greenhouse factorial experiment was conducted based on the Complete Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with three replications. The first factor was grafting of cucumber cv Nagene on the Shintoza rootstock, and none-grafting; the second factor was symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi (Diversispora versiformis) and non mycorrhizal ones. The Nagene greenhouse cucumber cultivar was obtained as a scion from Enza Zaden Company, Netherlands and the desired mycorrhizal fungus was obtained from the Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz. The scion seeds were planted earlier than the rootstocks. After completing the planting operation, the seedling trays were moved to the greenhouse with a sufficient natural light. The substrate used for planting of seedlings was peat moss and perlite in the ratio of 1:2, impregnated with the desired amount of mycorrhizal fungi inoculum. Seedlings got ready for transplanting at the true single leaf stage and two weeks after planting the scion seeds. Transplantation of splice grafting was done on seedlings both mycorrhizal fungi treatments (inoculated and not inoculated). After 10 days of transplanting, the transplanted seedlings (which we already treated with mycorrhiza inoculation) were transferred to the transplant chamber immediately. Grafted and inoculated seedlings with the control ones were transferred into the 10-liter pots with peat moss and perlite in a ratio of 1:2. At the time of transferring ths seedlings inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi to the pot; to ensure root inoculation with mycorrhizal fungi, the inoculum including spores, hyphae and root fragments was added to the 10-liter pot of peat moss and perlite in the amount of 50 grams per pot with the substrate around the roots of greenhouse cucumber seedlings. All the plants were fertigated with Hoagland nutrient solution with half strength during the growing period. The pH and electrical conductivity (EC) of the nutrient solution were measured daily. At the end of the research, quantitative and qualitative traits were evaluated.
Results and Discussion
Results showed that there was a significant differences between the rootstock and colonization with the mycorrhizal fungi regarding the growth, yield and qualitative traits. Plants inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi and grafted on Shintoza showed a better growth parameter, fruit number, and yield than the other treatments. This treatment with 2115.62 g per plant had the highest fruit yield and the non-grafted non-mycorrhizal control plants with 1569.64 g per plant had the lowest fruit yields. Therefore, the fruit yield increased about 34% in comparison to control. Also, the fruit quality characteristics such as antioxidant capacity and soluble solids (TSS) content were higher in the grafted and colonized plants with mycorrhizal fungi. In addition, there was no significant difference between the treatments in term of pH and total phenol of fruit and titrable acidity of the fruit. These effects show the high potential of mycorrhizal fungi and rootstock in uptake of the nutrients, which provide nutrients that are unavailable to the plant with a special mechanism, and thus affect the growth and yield of greenhouse cucumbers. They have an effect that ultimately improve the growth and yield of the produced crop.
Conclusion
Based on this experiment results, it can be concluded that the simultaneous application of mycorrhizal fungi and grafting on Shintoza rootstock in the soilless culture using peat moss and perlite as the substrate (2:1) is of one the most efficient techniques to increase the yield and fruit quality of greenhouse cucumbers and therefore it is recommended.
Growing vegetables
Karim Arabsalmani; Amirhooshang Jalali; Peyman Jafari
Abstract
Introduction
Cucumis sativus L. (2n=2x=14) originates from the south of the Himalayan mountains and has at least 3000 years of history of cultivation in India. According to the latest statistics published by the Ministry of Agriculture, about 75% of greenhouse production belongs to greenhouse cucumbers. ...
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Introduction
Cucumis sativus L. (2n=2x=14) originates from the south of the Himalayan mountains and has at least 3000 years of history of cultivation in India. According to the latest statistics published by the Ministry of Agriculture, about 75% of greenhouse production belongs to greenhouse cucumbers. This plant, with a cultivated area of 7539 ha-1 and a production amounting to 1923865 t year-1, is considered one of the most important vegetable and summer greenhouse products in the country. Cucumber varieties should have characteristics such as high yield, quality of taste, shelf life and resistance to diseases. Based on this, modified cultivars and imported cultivars must pass compatibility tests in order to be able to enter commercial fields. Recent research in Japan shows that by creating suitable conditions for various factors in the greenhouse (light distribution, temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, irrigation, nutrition and pruning), the yield of greenhouse cucumbers can be up to 40 kg m-2 year-1 year. The difference between different varieties of cucumber is primarily due to characteristics such as the number of fruits per plant, fruit size (fruit length and length-to-diameter ratio) and fruit surface characteristics (the presence of grooves, surface smoothness, and fruit color). The number of cucumbers per plant is one of the most important yield components. The study of 9 varieties of cucumbers in greenhouse conditions showed that the range of changes in the number of cucumbers per plant varied from 19 to 54.3, and Khasib variety had the highest yield with the production of 14.9 kg of fresh weight per square meter.
Material and Methods
In order to compare the yield, yield components and some morpho-physiological characteristics of greenhouse cucumber hybrids produced in the country, a research was conducted in 2022 under greenhouse conditions in Varamin city. In this research, 11 greenhouse cucumber hybrids along with 4 regional control cultivars were evaluated in a completely randomized block design with three replications. The initial tillage including plowing, disc and soil disinfection was done through sunning the soil. The width of the seed planting bed was considered to be 70 cm in order to provide the possibility of two-row cultivation. The width of the corridors was considered to be 80 cm in order to provide proper ventilation and access of workers to the bushes for operations and harvest during the period. The drip irrigation system was chosen so that one tape strip could be used for each row of crops. The plant needed fertilizer during the growth period and was determined based on the soil test and provided to the plant through the irrigation system. Fruit yield for different harvests (once every 10 harvests) and total fresh fruit yield based on the total area of the plot (after removing the margins) and traits such as plant height (meters), internode length (cm), leaf length (cm), Leaf width (cm), petiole length (cm), fruit length (cm), fruit diameter (mm), number of fruits per plant and fruit weight per plant (grams) based on the selection of 10 plants per plot was taken. The fruit shape index was obtained from the ratio of the length to the diameter of the fruit. For the experimental hybrids, after harvest fruit color was determined by grouping (light green to green), (green), (green to dark green) and dark green.
Results and Discussion
Based on the obtained results, the hybrid (IR4) with a total fresh fruit yield of 11.49 kg m-2 had a significantly higher performance than other hybrids, but there is not a significant difference between this hybrid and the hybrid (IR5) with a fruit weight of 10.61 kg m-2. 10 harvested stages for two hybrids (IR4) and (IR5) constituted 24.6 and 22.9% of the total yield, respectively. The hybrids (IR11) and (IR6) had the longest and shortest fruit length with 16.60 cm and 11.12 cm, respectively. The fruit shape index (the ratio of fruit length to diameter) in hybrid (IR11) had the highest value (6.35). The hybrids (IR4) and (IR5) that produced the highest yields per hectare had the highest number of fruits plant-1 with 108.72 and 84.22 cucumbers plant-1, respectively. The presence of this number of fruits is one of the important factors for producing high yields in these two hybrids, and the number of fruits in the rest of the hybrids is often in the range of 50 to 70 cucumbers per plant. Although in some studies the number of 135 fruits plant-1 is also mentioned for greenhouse cucumbers, but in most cases this number is less than 50. The color of the fruit is also an important quality attribute that is very important in the cucumber market. This trait varies from light green to dark green. Hybrid (IR9) dark green, hybrids (IR2), (IR6), (IR13) (IR15) dark green to green, hybrids (IR1), (IR3), (IR4), (IR5), (IR12) and (IR14) was green and hybrids (IR7), (IR8), (IR10) and (IR11) had light green to green color. The superior performance of two experimental hybrids and the equal performance of 7 other experimental hybrids (out of 11 studied hybrids) compared to the control hybrids can be a good promise for the production of greenhouse cucumber hybrid varieties by domestic companies.
Growing vegetables
Parastoo Molaei; Taher Barzegar; Mohammad BabaAkbari Sari; Fatemeh Nekounam; Zahra Ghahremani
Abstract
Introduction
Excessive use of chemical fertilizers threatens the environment and leads to production of unsafe food products. Currently, the market share of organic vegetables is constantly increasing due to customer demand for safer and healthier food. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternatives ...
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Introduction
Excessive use of chemical fertilizers threatens the environment and leads to production of unsafe food products. Currently, the market share of organic vegetables is constantly increasing due to customer demand for safer and healthier food. Therefore, it is necessary to find alternatives instead of using chemical fertilizers in plant production.
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), belongs to Asteraceae family is considered as one of the most popular salad vegetables as a cool season crop. It is also one of the most important vegetables due to its rapid growth and commercial value. Plant growth promoting bacteria promote plant growth directly by facilitating nutrient uptake through fixing nitrogen, solubiliszation of phosphorus, production of hormones and iron uptake. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi establish symbioses with plant roots which help to improve nutrient uptake by the host plant and alter its physiology to withstand external abiotic factors and pathogens. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi interactions with bacteria have been reported to enhance plant growth through phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, increased AMF spore germination and colonization of plant roots. The potential of co-inoculation of these two organisms in promoting the growth of horticultural crops like tomato, strawberry, lettuce and spinach have also been reported.
Materials and Methods
In order to compare the effect of growth-promoting bacteria, mycorrhiza fungi and chemical fertilizers on morphological and physiological properties of lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. New Red Fire), the experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications. Experiment treatments consisted of 14 treatments including three levels of potassium solubilizing bacteria (Pseudomonas vancouverensis, Pseudomonas koreensis, Pseudomonas vancouverensis + Pseudomonas koreensis) + 100% N and P, three levels of phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (Pantoea agglomerans, Pseudomonas putida and Pseudomonas putida + Pantoea agglomerans) + 100% N and K, and one level of potassium and phosphorus solubilizing combined bacteria (Pantoea agglomerans+ Pseudomonas koreensis+ Pseudomonas putida+ Pseudomonas vancouverensis) + 100% N, mycorrhiza fungi combination of three Glomus species (G. mosseae, G. etunicatum and G. intraradices) + 100% N and K and five chemical fertilizer levels (N100P100K100, N100P100K0, N100P0K100, N100P25K100 and N100P100K25) according to soil test results, and control treatment without bio-mineral fertilizers.
The “New Red Fire” lettuce seeds were surface sterilized with 0.5% (v/v) sodium hypochlorite for 10 min, and germinated at 20ºC. After germination, seedlings of similar size were transplanted singly into pots containing agricultural soil. Plants were grown under greenhouse condition of 60/70% (day/night) relative humidity, 15/18 °C (day/night) temperature. After a growth period of 75 days, plants were removed from the pots. The root system was separated from the shoot and washed to remove adhered soil. Root and shoot fresh weight, chlorophyll, vitamin C, anthocyanin, TA, TSS and nitrate contents were measured.
Results
The results showed that application of potassium and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria and mycorrhiza fungi significantly increased plant growth compared to control plant. The highest fresh shoot weight (increase of 42.3%) and crown diameter (increase of 14.4%) was obtained with application of combined potassium and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria treatment + 100% N fertilizer compared to control plants. Application of Pseudomonas koreensis + 100% N and P resulted in the maximum content of anthocyanin (increase of 62.2%) and total soluble solids (increase of 82.5%) compared to control plants. Ascorbic acid, a well-known antioxidant and organic compound, is an essential vitamin can be obtained from fruits and vegetables. The highest vitamin C content (32.3 mg 100 mL-1) was observed at plant treated with N100P100K100 fertilizer. The maximum titratable acidity content was obtained with application of Pseudomonas vancouverensis + 100% N and P, and combined potassium and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria treatment +100% N fertilizer. The nitrate content is an important quality index of leafy vegetables; low nitrate content is associated with enhanced quality. Application of chemical fertilizers significantly increased nitrate accumulation compared to biofertilizers and control plants, so that the minimum nitrate accumulation content was observed in control plant and combined potassium and phosphorus solubilizing bacteria treatment + 100% N fertilizer (21.14 µg g-1FW), respectively.
Conclusion
With continuous development of economy and society, people pay an increasing attention to the quality of fruits and vegetables. Improving the crop yield means that attention must also be given to improving vegetables quality, resulting in chemical fertilizer nutrition problem. To conclude, our study suggested that after the control treatment (without using any chemical fertilizers), which had the lowest accumulation of nitrate, application of growth-promoting bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi in combination with nitrogen fertilizer caused lower nitrate accumulation than chemical fertilizers treatments. So, the use of combined and pure bacteria treatments and mycorrhizal fungus treatment can be used to improve the growth, quality and antioxidant properties and increase the concentration of nutrients and also reducing nitrate accumulation in lettuce.
Growing vegetables
Zahra Roudbari; Mohammad Reza Imani; Javad Sarhadi; Sibgol Khoshkam; Reza Yoneszadeh
Abstract
Introduction
To specify the diversity of pepper plant (Capsicum ssp.) population and the inheritance of fruit characteristics for use in seed production breeding programs, there is a need for a diverse population in terms of the characteristics affecting fruit yield. By a large variety of options ...
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Introduction
To specify the diversity of pepper plant (Capsicum ssp.) population and the inheritance of fruit characteristics for use in seed production breeding programs, there is a need for a diverse population in terms of the characteristics affecting fruit yield. By a large variety of options available for each product, there is a greater probability of selecting the best decision. A population's genetic variety may be used in several ways, including selection and hybridization. Pepper is a plant belonging to the genus Capsicum and the family Solanaceae. It is cultivated globally, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The genus Capsicum contains more than 30 wild and domestic species, which are classified according to flower structure, fruit, and the number of chromosomes (2n= 24, 26).
Materials and Methods
To compare different pepper species based on fruit morphology, a greenhouse experiment was conducted under hydroponic conditions in Zarandieh region, Markazi province, in a completely randomized design with three repetitions in 2021. The seeds of 42 pepper genotypes from 7 species were obtained from Gene Bank of Leibniz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research (IPK). Initially, the seeds were sown in dedicated planting trays. Once the seedlings had grown six leaves, they were transplanted to the main greenhouse. Within the greenhouse, the rows of cultivation were spaced 160 cm apart, with a 25 cm gap between individual plants. Each genotype was represented by ten plants. Throughout the growing season, the plants were managed by maintaining two branches and removing any surplus ones. In this research, the following characteristics were evaluated: fruit production across three harvests, fruit weight, fruit length and diameter, fruit flesh thickness, fruit flavor (spicy or sweet), unripe fruit color, and ripe fruit color. Descriptive statistics of evaluated trait, including mean, minimum and maximum traits and the percentage of phenotypic and genotypic diversity coefficients, heritability, and the analysis of variance and comparison of means, were used to analyze the data.
Results and Discussion
A diverse collection of pepper was evaluated due to the fruit morphological traits and significant differences among different genotypes in terms of these traits. The average fruit weight of the assessed population was 26.54 g. The minimum and maximum fruit weights of 152.70 and 0.13 g were related to genotypes 409 and 276, respectively. Genotype 318, with an average weight of 144.20 g, was not significantly different from genotype 409. Both genotypes were of the species annuum, but were in two separate groups regarding fruit morphology. The heritability rate of fruit weight was 93%, which is consistent with the results of Usman et al. (2014). Length, diameter and length to diameter ratio (fruit morphology index) are the most important factors in marketing pepper fruit. The mean fruit length, diameter and morphology index were 6.35, 2.57 cm and 3.04, respectively. The highest fruit length was related to genotypes 296 and 318 at 26.33, 20.20 and 19 cm, while the lowest fruit length was 0.70, related to genotype 277. The genotypes with the highest lengths were long pepper and Kapia sweet pepper, respectively, and the genotypes with the shortest lengths tasted spicy. Genotypes 409, 200, 318, 326, 272 and 348 had the largest diameter with 6.50, 6.23, 5.80, 5.67, 5.60 and 5.30 cm, respectively. These genotypes are bell, round, Kapia, triangular, triangular, round and sweet in terms of morphology. The smallest fruit diameter belonged to genotype 293 (0.30 cm), and the nineteen genotypes with a diameter of less than 2 cm did not differ significantly from 293. Twenty genotypes with the smallest fruit diameter have a pungent flavor (Table 1). The range of the fruit morphology index was from 0.56 to 8.99. The lowest and highest values were associated with genotypes 342 and 296, respectively (Table 3). The fruit of genotype 296 was sweet, whereas the fruit of genotype 342 was spicy. The heritability of length, diameter and fruit morphology index were 0.97, 0.97 and 0.98%, respectively. The lowest and highest numbers of fruits per plant in each hand-harvest were 1 and 67 fruits, respectively, belonging to genotypes 342 and 326. However, regarding shallow length, diameter, pulp thickness and, consequently, the low weight of the fruit in genotype 342, an almost low yield of this genotype was obtained in three harvests (2742.67 kg/ha). In contrast, genotype 318, despite its small number of fruits per hand-harvest (3 fruits per hand-harvest), had the highest fruit yield of 25379.20 kg Per hectare due to having fruits with large size and pulp thickness and as a result of high fruit weight. The lowest yields related to genotypes 276 and 293 belonged to C. frutescens L., with fruit yields of 17.60 and 44.00 kg/ha in three harvests. However, there was no statistically significant difference among the performance of these genotypes and the genotypes 277, 210, 282, 358, 261, 332, 394, 304, 311, 407, 321, 215, 427, 203, 342 and 200. The percentage of phenotypic and genetic variations in fruit yield was 61, 55% and the heritability of fruit yield was 81%.
Conclusion
This study evaluated a diverse collection of different species of pepper with a wide range of appearance traits. However, the most desirable and marketable characteristics of the fruit were obtained from genotypes belonging to C. annuum. However, genotypes belonging to other species, which were not addressed due to the high number of fruits per plant and resistance to pests and diseases, can play a complementary role in hybrid seed production breeding programs. Based on the results, genotypes 318 (Kapia, yellow and sweet), 287 (long, red and spicy), 348 (round, red and sweet), 272 (triangular, red and sweet), 309 (black, red and sweet) and 296 (long, red and sweet) could be introduced as cultivars after evaluating their compatibility, in terms of their high yield, suitable size fruits and marketability. In addition, because to the substantial variety of the examined population, breeding efforts might develop hybrid cultivars with unique traits.
Growing vegetables
Ghaffar Kiani; Sasan Golcheshmeh
Abstract
Introduction
Tomato is a self-pollinated crop and has a high potential for heterosis production. Tomato has a wide range of diversity in terms of vegetative and fruit traits. Therefore, learning information about the genetics of the tomato plant and the inheritance of its various traits to the next ...
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Introduction
Tomato is a self-pollinated crop and has a high potential for heterosis production. Tomato has a wide range of diversity in terms of vegetative and fruit traits. Therefore, learning information about the genetics of the tomato plant and the inheritance of its various traits to the next generation will help plant breeders to use appropriate breeding methods to improve them. One of the methods that is used to know the genetic structure of plants, identify parental lines and determine their combining ability is line × tester analysis. Line × tester analysis provides information about general and specific combining of parents and can be useful in estimating different types of gene effects such as additive and non-additive effects. In most of the developed countries, many researches have been done in relation to hybrid production and combining ability among tomato lines, and sometimes the inferred results are different from each other. In Iran, few studies have been done about crossing cultivars and their hybrids, and most of the seeds used by farmers are imported from other countries. Therefore, this study intends to evaluate genetic variance components, general and specific combining ability of some quantitative traits in a number of tomato lines and testers and their hybrids by using line × tester analysis.
Materials and Methods
This research was conducted in Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Mazandaran Province, Iran in 2022. Two modified cultivars SC and V as lines and three modified cultivars L, R and MZ as testers were crossed with each other to create F1 hybrids. Six F1 genotypes and their parents (11 treatments in total) were cultivated in the farm in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The evaluated traits included the number of days to the first flowering, earliness, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant (g), fruit yield (g), fruit length and width (cm). In order to analyze the variance of the experimental design to search for diversity between treatments, to separate the effects of treatments into their components based on line × tester analysis, to mean comparison with Duncan's test, and also to calculate the general and specific combining ability, R statistical software was used. Also, in order to calculate additive and non-additive variances, Singh and Chaudhary's method was used.
Results and Discussion
The results of line × tester variance analysis showed that the mean squares of parents and testers were significant for all traits except fruit length and width, and the mean squares of crosses and lines were significant for all traits except fruit length. The effect of line × tester was significant for all traits except the number of fruits per plant and fruit length. The line of SC to improve the number of days to first flowering, earliness, plant height, fruit weight per plant, and fruit width, and the line of V to improve the number of fruit per plant were the best general combiners with testers. The tester of L for improve all traits except yield, and the tester of MZ for improve plant height were the best general combiners with the maternal lines. Among the crosses, the SC×L cross for improve earliness and fruit width, and the SC×R and V×MZ crosses for improve plant height and fruit weight per plant, respectively, were favorable specific combiners. The mean comparison of the genotypes for some important traits showed that among the parental cultivars, the line of SC and among the crosses, the SC×L genotype had the lowest means for the number of days to first flowering and earliness. Also, the line of SC for the number of fruits per plant and the SC×L genotype for fruit weight per plant, yield and fruit width had the highest means. Also, the estimation of additive and non-additive variances indicated that in plant height and fruit weight per plant traits, additive variance plays the main role. While for the traits of the number of days to first flowering, earliness and yield, the contribution of non-additive variance was more than the additive variance.
Conclusion
According to the results obtained from this study, in future projects it is recommended to use parents that have significant general combining ability (GCA) for traits. Because such parents easily transfer the trait to their next generation. In this way, the line of SC was a good general combiner for the number of days to first flowering, earliness, plant height, fruit weight per plant and fruit width, and the line of V was a good general combiner for the number of fruits per plant. Among the testers, the tester of L was a good general combiner for improve the number of days to first flowering, earliness, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight per plant, and fruit width, and the tester of MZ recorded a high GCA for the plant height. Also, for the improvement of earliness and fruit width, the SC×L cross and for plant height and fruit weight per plant, SC×R and V×MZ crosses were favorable specific combiner. Mean comparison of genotypes showed that the SC×L cross is superior to its parents for the number of days to first flowering, earliness, fruit weight per plant, fruit yield, and fruit length and width. The traits of plant height and fruit weight per plant are more affected by additive variance, so the best breeding method to improve plant height and fruit weight per plant is selection from among the segregating population. The traits of number of days to first flowering, earliness and yield were affected by non-additive variance, so hybrid production is recommended to improve the mentioned traits.
Growing vegetables
Mitra Jabbari; Reza Darvishzadeh
Abstract
Introduction
Pepper is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals. Like tomatoes, pepper plays an important role in preventing heart diseases due to its high amount of antioxidants. Fruit yield is a complex trait that is not only controlled by several genes, but also greatly influenced by the ...
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Introduction
Pepper is a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals. Like tomatoes, pepper plays an important role in preventing heart diseases due to its high amount of antioxidants. Fruit yield is a complex trait that is not only controlled by several genes, but also greatly influenced by the environment. On the other hand, fruit yield is affected by a large number of other traits and their interaction. Therefore, it is very important for plant breeders to know the relationships between these traits and their interaction effects. The path coefficient analysis is a method that clarifies the relationships between traits and their direct and indirect effects on fruit yield. In this method, the correlation coefficient between two attributes is divided into components that measure direct and indirect effects. Considering the limited studies regarding the evaluation of relationships between fruit yield and other traits affecting fruit yield in pepper, this research was conducted with the aim of identifying these important relationships and evaluating their direct and indirect effects in Iranian pepper populations.
Materials and Methods
In order to carry out this research, the seeds of 30 Iranian pepper accessions were collected directly from the farmers. The experiment was conducted in the form of pot cultivation in the research greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture of Urmia University in a completely randomized design with five replications during 2015-2016. After the flowering stage, the desired traits were estimated. Variance analysis was estimated, after examining the basic hypotheses of variance analysis by SAS9.4, as well as the genotypic and phenotypic correlation between traits based on the restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedure in the SAS9.4 software. Step-by-step regression analysis was used to determine the traits with the most variation justified the fruit yield. The Durbin-Watson test was performed to investigate the independence of experimental errors. Analysis of path coefficients was performed based on the results of stepwise regression and genotypic correlation of traits in the R V.4.0.5.
Results and Discussion
In order to understand the relationships between traits and use them in breeding programs, the phenotypic correlation was estimated. In this study based on the results of phenotypic correlation, leaf width and leaf length (0.651), single fruit weight and fruit circumference (0.784), fruit circumference and fruit diameter (0.625) and pulp weight and fruit diameter (0.610), showed positive and significant correlation. The purpose of estimating genotypic correlation coefficient is to determine relationships in conditions which in environmental factors are not involved. In the investigation of genotypic correlation, a positive, strong and significant relationship between fruit yield and pulp weight (0.907), fruit circumference (0.891), fruit diameter (0.697), single fruit weight (0.646) and around the plant (0.381) were observed. Given that most of these traits are factors contributing to fruit yield, the presence of such positive and significant genotypic correlation coefficients is reasonable. It can be inferred that pepper accessions with higher fruit characteristics, encompassing factors such as plant density and branching, are likely to exhibit higher fruit yields as well. It's important to note that correlation coefficients are mathematical tools used to measure the linear relationship between two variables. Their significance lies in their mathematical interpretation, and as such, they alone do not provide sufficient proof of a cause-and-effect relationship. Utilizing the results of stepwise regression, less impactful traits or those with minimal effects were eliminated from the model. As a result, seven key traits were identified as the most influential factors affecting fruit yield: pulp weight, plant density, fruit diameter, fruit count, plant height, total seed weight, and branch count.The first characteristic was pulp weight, which was included in the model and explained 78.8% of the fruit yield changes between genotypes. The second characteristic (around the plant) along with pulp weight explained 80.9% of the fruit yield variations. Fruit diameter, together with the previous two characteristics, explained 81.5% of fruit yield variations. In total, the traits included in the model for fruit yield justified 84.6% of the total changes in fruit yield in 30 pepper accessions. In order to better understanding and more accurately interpret of the results, as well as to know the direct and indirect effects and the effect of the traits that were entered into the model through stepwise regression, the path coefficient analysis method was used in this research. Fruit diameter (0.709) and pulp weight (0.289) respectively showed the most positive and direct effect on fruit yield. Fruit pulp weight through fruit diameter had the most positive indirect effect (0.595) on fruit yield. Around the plant showed an indirect positive effect on fruit yield through pulp weight (0.157), fruit diameter (0.392) and number of branches (0.080).
Conclusion
In the present study, the trait of fruit diameter had a positive, strong and significant genotypic correlation (0.697) with fruit yield, and it also showed a positive direct effect (0.709) on fruit yield, these two coefficients can be considered equal, Approximately. Therefore, direct selection based on fruit diameter proves to be a valuable strategy for enhancing fruit yield. The magnitude of residual effects serves as an indicator of the model's accuracy in path analysis. When this value is substantial, it may be advisable to incorporate additional causal variables into the model. In the current study, the residual effects value (0.213) affirms the model's optimal accuracy.This research highlights the effectiveness of employing stepwise multivariate regression and path coefficient analysis to gain a deeper understanding of the fundamental relationships between traits. It underscores that relying solely on correlation relationships is insufficient for comprehensively justifying the associations between these traits.
Growing vegetables
Javad Hamzei; Masud Khishvand
Abstract
Introduction
Due to the limits of the conventional agricultural system, intercropping is important in terms of production sustainability. Intercropping plays an important role in increasing production and performance stability to improve the use of resources and environmental factors. Spinach ...
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Introduction
Due to the limits of the conventional agricultural system, intercropping is important in terms of production sustainability. Intercropping plays an important role in increasing production and performance stability to improve the use of resources and environmental factors. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) is an important leafy vegetable, of which the leaves and tender shoots are consumed fresh or processed. Spinach is native to Iran. Spinach contains different flavonoids that function as antioxidants and anticancer agents. Also, spinach may be used in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. It is an annual plant and as well as chickpea, spinach is grown as both an early spring and late fall crop in order to have growth at the coolest parts of the season. Spinach seed yield varies based on the climatic conditions, optimum sowing date and chose of the best planting pattern. Considering that the intercropping of this plant has not been studied with legumes such as chickpe, this experiment was designed to determine the possibility of intercropping spinach with chickpea using agronomical and economical indices, as well as determining the best planting pattern.
Materials and Methods
In order to investigate agronomic traits, yield and economical indices in spinach intercropping with chickpea, an experiment was carried out as a randomized complete block design with four treatments and three replications in 2017-18 growing season in Tuyserkan city, Hamedan province. In this city, spinach is mainly cultivated for seed production. Experimental treatments included additive intercropping of 20% chickpea with spinach, replacement intercropping of 60% spinach + 40% chickpea and pure stand of spinach and chickpea. Plant height, number of branches per plant, number of seeds per plant, 1000 seed weight, grain yield and biological yield in spinach, as well as plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 1000 seed weight, grain yield and biological yield in chickpea were measured. To compare the advantages of intercropping of spinach with chickpea, the land equivalent ratio (LER), dry matter equivalent ratio (DMER), system productivity index (SPI), competitive ratio (CR), aggressivity (AG), actual yield loss (AYL ), relative value total (RVT), monetary advantage index (MAI) and intercropping advantage (IA) were calculated and evaluated. SAS 9.1 software were used for analysis of variance (ANOVA) calculations. The difference between the means was evaluated by the least significant difference (LSD) method at the level of 5% probability.
Results and Discussion
Plant height, number of branches per plant, 1000 grain weight and grain and biological yields of spinach were significantly affected by intercropping. The highest plant height and the lowest number of branches per spinach plant were obtained from the replacement intercropping. Additive intercropping and pure stand of spinach without significant difference had the lowest plant height and the highest number of branches per plant. The highest 1000 grain weight and grain yield of spinach were associated with the additive intercropping method. However, in terms of biological yield, the pure stand of spinach showed the highest results. Notably, there were no significant differences between the treatments of additive intercropping and pure stand of spinach concerning grain and biological yield of spinach. On the other hand, in chickpeas plants, intercropping had a notable impact on various parameters. Specifically, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, 1000 grain weight, and both grain and biological yields were affected by the intercropping method. Among these, the additive intercropping treatment resulted in the highest plant height, while it had the lowest number of branches and number of pods per chickpeas plant.The highest 1000 grain weight and grain yield of spinach were related to the additive intercropping. Pure stand of spinach had the maximum biological yield. Treatments of additive intercropping and pure stand of spinach were not significantly different in terms of grain and biological yield of spinach. In chickpeas plant, plant height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, 1000 grain weight, grain and biological yields were affected by intercropping. The highest plant height and the lowest number of branches and number of pods per chickpeas plant were obtained at the treatment of additive intercropping. Maximum grain and biological yields of chickpea were belonged to the pure stand of chickpea. Spinach and chickpea were dominant and recessive plants, respectively. Evaluation of the economical indices also showed the advantages of spinach intercropping with chickpea at both intercropping design (replacemet and additive intercropping). So that the highest values for land equivalent ratio, dry matter equivalent ratio, system productivity index, actual yield loss, relative value total and monetary advantage index were achieved at additive intercropping system. But, the lowest values for these indices (1.13, 1.06, 1.20 and 1321 for LER, DMER, RVT and MAI, respectively) were revealed at replacement intercropping.
Conclusion
Overall, the results indicate that chickpea is a suitable plant for intercropping with spinach. So that the intercropping of 20% chickpea with spinach improved the yield performance of spinach and land-use efficiency and can lead to the greatest economical profit.
Growing vegetables
Moslem Ghoreyshi; Fatemeh Nekounam; Taher Barzegar; Jafar Nikbakht
Abstract
Introduction
Water stress is the most prominent abiotic stress limiting agricultural crop growth and productivity. Deficit irrigation stress as a consequence of the progressive decrease in water availability has been a hot topic regarding food security during the last two decades. Growth and development ...
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Introduction
Water stress is the most prominent abiotic stress limiting agricultural crop growth and productivity. Deficit irrigation stress as a consequence of the progressive decrease in water availability has been a hot topic regarding food security during the last two decades. Growth and development of plants is influenced by reduction in turgor that results in decreased nutrient acquisition from dry soil. When water supply is limited, plant growth and yield is reduced and plant structure is modified by decreasing in leaf size. The effect of deficit irrigation on fruit yield and quality has been reported by numerous researchers with different results. In melon, deficit irrigation reduced marketable fruit number and yield, average fruit weight, fruit diameter and did not affect rind thickness and seed cavity, but increased total soluble solids content. Although the effects of water stress have been studied on growth and yield of different crops during the last years, recent information on the response of African horned cucumber yield and quality to deficit irrigation remains limited, particularly about the results of restricted water distributions in arid and sub-arid environments. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of controlled deficit irrigation on growth, physiological parameters and yield and fruit quality of African horned cucumber.
Material and Methods
Field experiment was performed based on a completely randomized block design with three irrigation regimes (60, 80 and 100 %ETc), whit three replications at Research Farm of University of Zanjan during the 2019. The African horned cucumber seeds were sown on 1th July 2020 at recommended spacing of 50 cm in row with 120 cm between rows. The irrigation system consisted of one drip line every crop row. The three irrigation levels were calculated based on actual evapotranspiration (ETc): (1) control, irrigated 100% crop water requirement, (2) deficit irrigation 80% ETc and (3) deficit irrigation 60% ETc. The Water requirement of the plant for control treatment was estimated using long-term average daily data of meteorological parameters recorded at Zanjan Meteorological Station and following relation. Before starting the differential irrigation at five-leaf stage, all treatments were supplied with similar amount of water to maximize stands and uniform crop establishment. During plant growth, the relative water content, proline content, electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll and carotenoids, P and K contents were measured. After fruit harvest, vine length of each plant, leaf dry weight and stem diameter were measured. The fruits were harvested when color changed from green to yellow. Fruit weight, fruit number per plant and fruit yield per plant was measured. Immediately after harvest, fruit firmness, total soluble solid, total phenols content, antioxidant capacity and vitamin C were determined.
Results and Discussion
As the results showed water deficit stress significantly reduced plant length, chlorophyll content, and increased carotenoids content. Based on the findings, deficit irrigation caused a significant reduction in leaf relative water content. According to the results, phosphorus and potassium contents in African horned cucumber leaves decreased with deficit irrigation treatments. The highest P and K contents were found under irrigation 100 %ETc treatment. Drought stress and associated reduction in soil moisture can decrease plant nutrient uptake by reducing nutrient supply through mineralization. The proline content increased with the deficit irrigation treatments; in particular with sever deficit irrigation (60 %ETc). Mean comparisons of data showed that deficit irrigation led to a significant increase in electrolyte leakage compared to control.
Water deficit stress caused significant reductions in yield. The highest fruit number per plant and yield were obtained under irrigation 100% ETc. The average fruit weigh significantly increased in response to increase water deficit stress. Deficit irrigation treatments significantly decreased vitamin C and fruit firmness. Significant differences among irrigation treatments were observed for total phenols and total soluble solid contents. The phenols and total soluble solid contents increased with the decrease of irrigation water applied. Antioxidant capacity was affected significantly by the irrigation treatments, and water deficit stress increased antioxidant capacity, which no significant difference was observed between irrigation 100 and 80 %ETc.
Conclusion
Water deficit has been shown to adversely affect plant growth, fruit yield, and leaf water status of African horned cucumber, but led to increase the TSS and antioxidant capacity. According to the results, fruit yield reduced 13.9 % under irrigation 80% ETc compared to irrigation 100% ETc, However, water consumption was saved by 20% and improved fruit weight and fruit quality with increasing soluble solids and antioxidant capacity.
