Growing vegetables
Nasrin Farhadi; Mojgan Abdeshahian; Samane Mottagi
Abstract
IntroductionCurrently, salinity stress is one of the most important challenges in the agriculture and is the main growth limiting factor of many plant species. Saline stress adversely affects the plant's physiological and biochemical process which leads to a considerable reduction of plant growth and ...
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IntroductionCurrently, salinity stress is one of the most important challenges in the agriculture and is the main growth limiting factor of many plant species. Saline stress adversely affects the plant's physiological and biochemical process which leads to a considerable reduction of plant growth and yield. Shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss.) is a perennial plant from the Alliaceae family, which is one of the native and valuable plants of Iran and wildly grows in the slopes of the Zagros Mountain range. The nutritional and medicinal value of shallots is due to the presence of sulfur compounds, especially allicin in the bulbs. The present study was conducted to investigating the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid on the changes of growth, physiological and biochemical traits of shallot under different levels of salinity stress in factorial design based on a completely randomized design with three replications. The investigated treatments were four levels of salinity (0, 30, 60 and 90 mM NaCl) and four levels of salicylic acid (0, 1, 1.5 and 2 mM). Distilled water (control) and salicylic acid (1, 1.5 and 2 mM) were foliar sprayed on the whole plants at 4, 6 and 8 weeks after sowing date. At the end of the growing season (beginning of yellowing of the leaves of the plants), growth, physiological and biochemical traits were evaluated. Evaluation of lipid peroxidation, osmolality compounds and activity of antioxidant enzymes was carried out in the leaves of treated plants and the amount of pyrovat and allicin was measured in harvested shallot bulbs.Results and discussion Various abiotic stresses restrict plant productivity, and many efforts have been done to reduce plant growth inhibition by alleviating the disorder’s effects of these stresses. Exogenous application of plant growth regulators has been reported as an economic procedure to improve plant resistance to environmental stresses. It has been previously reported that salicylic acid as a signaling molecule alleviated the adverse effect of different stress condition. In this experiment, shallot resistance to saline condition was enhanced by the foliar spray of salicylic acid. The results showed a significant link between salicylic acid treatment and improvement of bulb biomass under saline conditions. Lipid peroxidation regards to accumulation of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide increased with increasing the salinity intensity. Also, saline stress significantly enhanced the proline and glycine betaine content in stressed plants of shallot. The plant antioxidant activity induced under stress condition by increased the total phenol content as well as the activity of catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase enzymes. The pyrovat and allicin content of shallot bulb was increased with increasing salinity stress. The decreased in the photosynthetic pigments (total chlorophyll and carotenoids) led to a decrease in plant growth with the intensifying of stress level. So that the lowest leaf area, fresh and dry weight of bulbs were obtained in severe salinity stressed plants (90 mM NaCl). Foliar application of salicylic acid through increasing the antioxidant compounds (total phenol, pyrovat and allicin) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POX, APX and SOD) limited the of hydrogen peroxide accumulation and lipid peroxidation. The induced accumulated osmolyte compounds proline and glycine betaine was decreased in treated plant with salicylic acid. The treatment of salicylic acid considerably improved the chlorophyll and carotenoids content especially in salinity stressed plants. So that the applied of salicylic acid, especially at concentration of 2 mM, reduced the harmful effects of salinity stress on plant growth and bulb yield by increasing the photosynthesis pigments and consequently photosynthesis efficiency. Also increased growth in the treated plants with salicylic acid has been attributed to changes in the concentration of plant hormones, especially auxins and cytokinins (the most important plant growth stimulating hormones). Nevertheless, the growth reactions of treated plants to salicylic acid are different depending on the used concentration, the plant species and the growth stage at the treatment time.ConclusionIn the several literatures the salicylic acid effects on plant growth enhancement under unfavorable environmental condition attributed to salicylic acid-induced changes in plant biochemical and physiological processes. Based on the obtained results, the salinity resistance of the shallot plant in response to salicylic acid is related to the increased antioxidant capacity of the stressed plants, which leads to the improvement of the photosynthetic pigments, and consequently plant growth and bulb biomass under saline condition. Although the present study was performed in the glass greenhouse, the obtained finding showed that salicylic acid application could also be a promising treatment for improving salinity tolerance of A. hirtifolium under field conditions.
Growing vegetables
Elnaz SoleimanyFard; Kambiz Mashayekhi; s.j Mousavizadeh; Mehdi Zarei
Abstract
Introduction
Melon (Cucumis melo L., Cucurbitaceae family) is an important commercial fruit crop that is extensively grown throughout the world due to its generally very good adaptation to climate and soil. The quality of melon fruits represents a combination of a wide range of physical characteristics ...
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Introduction
Melon (Cucumis melo L., Cucurbitaceae family) is an important commercial fruit crop that is extensively grown throughout the world due to its generally very good adaptation to climate and soil. The quality of melon fruits represents a combination of a wide range of physical characteristics (fruit size, shape, texture, firmness, etc.) and chemical compositions (acidity, sugars, vitamins, phenolic compounds, etc.), which are very important for consumers acceptability and marketability. On the other side, high-quality fruit must be achieved in the field because after harvesting time all fruit attributes can only be preserved, not improved. Hence, harvesting time plays an essential role in determining quality and marketability as well as storage life of melon fruits. Moreover, the accurate determinations of harvesting time and ripening stages of melon fruit have widespread application to improve management of it. Despite the increasing consumption and the cultivation of various melon accessions in different regions of Iran, the physical characteristics and chemical compositions of some fruit melon accessions (particularly lesser-known accessions) during fruit ripening have not yet been evaluated in detail. With this background, the specific objectives of study were, primarily, to monitor and compare the changes of physicochemical traits, total phenolics and antioxidant activity of two Iranian melon accessions (‘Chaghercheh’ and ‘Zamcheh’) during the ripening process and, secondly, to determine the optimal harvesting time to achieve maximum fruit quality and marketability.
Materials and Methods
In order to evaluate the influence of ripening process on quantitative and qualitative fruit properties of two lesser-known melon accessions (‘Chaghercheh’ and ‘Zamcheh’) have grown in Gonbad Kavous, the experiment was conducted according to factorial based on completely randomized design with 4 replicates (five fruits per replication) during two years (2023-2024). The developing fruits were hand-harvested at five different developing stages from 10 days after fruit set up to fruit ripening (namely, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 days after fruit set) during the months of June and July. Data of two years were combined and analyzed by Statistical Analysis System (SAS) software using analysis of variance and differences among means were determined for significance at P < 0.05 using Tukey’s test. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to identify the relationship between the different physical and chemical characteristics.
Results and Discussion
The findings of this experiment confirmed that there were significant differences among the different harvest times in all measured factors for both accessions. The fresh weight and dimensions of fruit, thickness and percentage of pulp increased throughout fruit ripening and reached to the maximum values at last harvesting stage, while fruit firmness, peel thickness, percentages of peel and seed showed a descending trend in the same period. At full maturation stage, the both melon accessions exhibited the highest total soluble solids and pH, along with the lowest titratable acidity, resulting in the highest maturity index. As the ripening proceeded, levels of ascorbic acid, total phenolics and antioxidant activity incremented, and reaching the peaks on 30th day after fruit set, but afterward mentioned factors reduced dramatically until the end of the harvesting period. Also, significant differences of all measured parameters were statistically detected among two melon accessions. At full maturation stage, the fruit fresh weight, fruit firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenolics and antioxidant activity were varied from 2438.12 (‘Zamcheh’) to 2941.17 g (‘Chaghercheh’), 14.02 (‘Zamcheh’) to 20.66 N (‘Chaghercheh’), 13.17 (‘Chaghercheh’) to 15.23 °Brix (‘Zamcheh’), 0.59 (‘Zamcheh’) to 0.79 mg.100g-1 FW (‘Chaghercheh’), 17.80 (‘Zamcheh’) to 19.47 mg.100g-1 FW (‘Chaghercheh’), 21.34 (‘Zamcheh’) to 22.48 mg.100g-1 FW (‘Chaghercheh’) and 22.26 (‘Zamcheh’) to 24.08% (‘Chaghercheh’), respectively. Also, the antioxidant activity was positively correlated with total phenolics (r = 0.936) and ascorbic acid (r = 0.869).
Conclusions
Overall, the data of this study revealed the degree of maturity and the variety are main parameters controlling the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of melon fruit. The both accessions showed identical evolution trends throughout their growth and development. The period between 40 and 50 days after fruit set seemed to be the most active time of fruit ripening in both accessions, which growers can maximize marketability, nutritional value and quality of melon fruit by choosing the ideal harvest. In general, the both accessions are potential source of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity that can be regarded as an important nutrient for dietary and health of human.
Growing vegetables
Fahimeh Ghaemizadeh; Farshad Dashti
Abstract
Introduction
Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a vegetable with great nutritional value. In the recent years, the cultivation of onion seedlings has expanded due to the rising production costs and limited water resources. The growth of high-quality seedlings is crucial for achieving optimal and high crop yield. ...
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Introduction
Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a vegetable with great nutritional value. In the recent years, the cultivation of onion seedlings has expanded due to the rising production costs and limited water resources. The growth of high-quality seedlings is crucial for achieving optimal and high crop yield. Light quality is a significant factor influencing seedling quality, as it markedly affects the morphological and photosynthetic responses of plants. Currently, LED lights are employed in growth chambers to enhance seedling development. Another important factor influencing seedling growth is the cell volume of the seedling tray. Larger cells offer a more suitable environment for the optimal growth of seedlings; however, increasing the volume of the seedling tray may impose spatial constraints for producers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect various tray cell volumes in combination with different light conditions to improve the growth and quality characteristics of onion (Allium cepa L.) seedlings.
Material and methods
To this end, an experiment was conducted in a factorial design comprising two levels of cell volume (28 cc and 18 cc) and three levels of light composition (75% red: 25% blue, 50% red: 50% blue, and 75% blue: 25% red), with three replications, using the Azar Shahr onion cultivar (red and long-day onion). Seed were cultured in the growing substrates (2 coco peat: 4 perlite). After the emergence of the first true leaf (with a leaf length of approximately 5 centimeters), the plants were transferred to a growth chamber equipped with LED lamps and subjected to light treatments for a duration of 45 days. Ultimately, after the seedlings were removed from the growth chamber, various growth parameters were measured, including seedling height, length of the longest true leaf, root length, Pesodostem diameter and length, fresh and dry weight, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid), fv/fm, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, sub-stomatal CO2 concentration, transpiration rate, total carbohydrate content, and total phenolic content. At the end of the experiment, data analysis was performed using SAS software (version: 9.1).
Results and discussion
According to the results, in the 18 cc cell compared to the 28 cc cell and at all light treatment, seedling length, length of the longest leaf, and Pesodostem length increased, and root length, fresh and dry weight decreased. However, in the 18cc cell, using a 75% red: 25% blue light treatment resulted in the highest quality seedlings with a length of 25.5 cm, Pesodostem diameter (2.13 mm), Pesodostem length (3.4 mm), and dry weight (34 mg). Although at all light levels, cell volume reduction resulted in a decrease in photosynthetic pigments (amount of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid), FV/FM, a decrease in substomatal carbon dioxide, photosynthetic rate, soluble carbohydrates, and phenol content. However, the highest levels of these parameters were observed in the small cell, in the 75% red: 25% blue light treatment. At all it seems that, using a smaller cell volume reduces the root's access to oxygen, water, and nutrients, leading to reduced root growth and some seedling quality parameters. Also, reducing the cell volume also increases the number of plants per tray. This increased density reduces the seedling's access to the appropriate light treatment. However, using an appropriate light treatment can improve growth and physiological parameters. Overall, in the smaller cell with high planting density, the use of the 75% red: 25% blue light combination can lead to improved growth and increased seedling quality. Under red light treatment, plants have smaller stomata and can more effectively control the process of stomatal opening and closing. In this light, in addition to the entry of carbon dioxide, a smaller amount of water is lost, which also increases water consumption efficiency. Therefore, combining red and blue light can offset the negative effects of red and blue light and increase the rate of photosynthesis. However, the response of different plant species to different ratios of red to blue light may vary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our findings indicate that utilizing trays with smaller cell volumes (which allows for higher planting densities) can be economically beneficial and space-efficient. However, to ensure optimal onion seedling quality, it is crucial to implement a light composition of 75% red and 25% blue during the growth period.
Growing vegetables
abdulsatar darabi; zahr Abbasi Abbasi
Abstract
Introduction
Onion is one of the most important vegetables in Iran and is cultivated in 51.499 hectares. The cultivated area of this crop in the short-day southern regions is 25.964 hectares, which is equivalent to more than 50% of the cultivated onion area in Iran. Commercial short-day onion cultivars ...
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Introduction
Onion is one of the most important vegetables in Iran and is cultivated in 51.499 hectares. The cultivated area of this crop in the short-day southern regions is 25.964 hectares, which is equivalent to more than 50% of the cultivated onion area in Iran. Commercial short-day onion cultivars are cultivated in most of these regions, so that large amount of currency is expensed to import short-day onion seed. In addition, the increase in the currency rate in recent years has increased the cost of onion production in short-day southern regions. Therefore, it is very important to produce and introduce short-day onion cultivars. This research was conducted to produce half-sib families through open pollination among nine superior onion cultivars. The best half-sib families were selected in terms of bulb yield and storability.
Materials and methods
This project was carried out in Isfahan and Khuzestan during three crop years (2020-2023). During two crop years of 2020-2022, a polycross genetic design was carried out among nine short-day onion cultivars (Sahar, Paliz, Saba, Savanasweet, Goldeneye, Duster, Impriaterize, Primavera, and Texas Early Grano) in the Isfahan location (Dastgerd Agriculture Research station), and half-sib families were produced. The progenies of half-sib families along with their parents were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 18 treatments and three replications in Khuzestan location (Behbahan Agriculture Research station) during the crop year of 2022-2023. Seeds were sown in the nursery in early October, and seedlings were transplanted (at the two- or three-leaf stage) in late September. The earliest bulb time was estimated using the bulb ratio and statistical technique of cusums. The studied traits included leaf number and height, bolting percentage, bulb yield, days to maturity, mean bulb weight, mean bulb diameter and height, skin number, total soluble solids, dry matter, and bulbstorage losses. Bulbs were harvested when 50-80% of the foliage top had fallen and collapsed. To calculate dry matter content of the bulb, 10 bulbs were randomly selected from each plot and their weight was determined. After drying complete samples in the oven (65 ̊C) and fixing weights (about 72 h), samples were weighed again, and dry matter was calculated. After harvesting and curing, bulbs were stored under uncontrolled storage conditions (no heating, cooling, or ventilation systems), and after 3 months, postharvest bulb storage losses were determined. The results were analyzed using SPSS v.26. software. Means of significant differences among treatments were determined at the 0.05 probability level using Duncan’s test. Correlation coefficients among traits were calculated using Pearson method.
Results and Discussion
Bulbing occurred in the studied genotypes in a photoperiod of less than 13 h; therefore, all progenies and their parents were short-day genotypes. Palize cultivar produced the highest yield. The difference in bulb yield among this cultivar and Sahar, Saba, Savana sweet, and Goldeneye cultivars and Saba and Texas Early Grano half-sib families was not significant. The doubling bulb was not observed in studied genotypes. The highest bulb dry matter percentage was found in Texas Early Grano cultivar. The decrease in the percentage of bulb dry matter in the Saba cultivar and Savanasweet half-sib families was not significant compared with the Texas Early Grano cultivar. The highest skin number was recorded in the Texas Early Grano cultivar. The decrease in the number of skins in Sahar, Primavera, and Saba cultivars was not significant as compared with that in Texas Early Grano cultivar. The lowest bulb storage losses were observed in Sahar cultivar. The differences in this trait among Paliz, Primavera, and Texas Early Grano cultivars and Paliz, Savanasweet, Duster, Primavera, and Texas Early Grano half-sib families were not significant in comparison to Sahar cultivar. The correlation coefficients among bulb yield with leaf number and height, mean bulb weight and diameter were positive and significant at 1% probability level. Differences in days to maturity were not significant in all genotypes; therefore, final progeny selection was made with emphasis on bulb yield and storage losses. According to these results and comparison of days to maturity ,yield and bulb storage losses in progenies half -sib with maternal parent and parents mean the half-sib, progenies of Saba, Daster, and Texas Early Granohalf- sib families were selected.
Conclusion
The results showed that Texas Early Grano, Saba, and Duster half-sib families with high bulb yields (from 65.18 to 68.29 t ha-1) and good storability (storage bulb losses from 11.79% to 15.41%) are promising genotypes for introducing as short-day indigenous onion cultivars.
Growing vegetables
Seyyed Hasan Mousavi; Nasrin Farhadi
Abstract
Introduction
Lettuce, with the scientific name Lactuca sativa L., is an annual, self-pollinating, cool-season vegetable belonging to the Asteraceae family. Its leaves are rich in antioxidant compounds, vitamins, and essential nutrients beneficial to human health. The genus Lactuca comprises over 100 ...
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Introduction
Lettuce, with the scientific name Lactuca sativa L., is an annual, self-pollinating, cool-season vegetable belonging to the Asteraceae family. Its leaves are rich in antioxidant compounds, vitamins, and essential nutrients beneficial to human health. The genus Lactuca comprises over 100 species, of which 20 belong to lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Numerous researchers have reported extensive diversity in morphological, biochemical, and genetic traits among different lettuce genotypes (Kumar et al., 2016; Dahal et al., 2021; Volpe et al., 2021; Asadi et al., 2022). According to FAO statistics, the production of various lettuce cultivars and lines has experienced a 118% growth over the past two decades, placing lettuce as the fifth most widely cultivated crop globally after corn, rice, potatoes, and tomatoes in terms of cultivated area (FAO, 2023). In Iran, lettuce is one of the most common leafy vegetables cultivated across various regions of the country. Alongside increasing market demand and the economic viability of lettuce production, diverse genotypes of different types—including leaf, stem, romaine, and iceberg—have been developed. Although romaine-type lettuces account for the majority of cultivated areas in Iran, in recent years, several well-adapted genotypes suitable for different regions in the north and south of the country have been introduced or are under development, receiving widespread acceptance. Evaluating and introducing suitable and adapted lettuce genotypes with desirable quantitative and qualitative traits, alongside indigenous Iranian lettuces, is of great importance (Mousavi et al., 2024). Accordingly, in the present study, several commercial lettuce genotypes of stem and leaf types were investigated under field conditions to identify superior cultivars and lines based on qualitative characteristics.
Materials and methods
The present study was conducted in both field and laboratory settings at the Greenhouse and Controlled Environment Research Institute, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Seeds of lettuce cultivars including Batavia, Mignonette, Prize Head, Bull Red, Tango, French Red, Ice Green, Lines 4, 7 and 20 Roman were sown in 6×12-cell seedling trays containing a cocopeat : perlite (4:1) growing medium for seedling production. Seedlings at the 3-4 leaf stage were transplanted to the main cultivation beds in the field. Each cultivar was planted in 25-meter-long rows with 50 cm bed width, maintaining 50 cm spacing between plants within rows. Uniform cultivation practices including temperature control, humidity management, irrigation, and weed removal were applied to all plants. The drip irrigation system operated for one hour every two days. Following harvest, qualitative traits including pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, chlorophylls, carotenoids, total phenolic compounds, anthocyanin and antioxidant capacity were measured in the collected cultivars and lines. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 21), with mean comparisons conducted using Duncan's test at the 5% probability level. Graphs were generated using Microsoft Excel (2013 version).
Results and discussion
According to the results of analysis variance, the qualitative traits studied were significantly influenced by lettuce cultivar type. The highest titratable acidity (1.52%), pH (5.38), and soluble solids content (6.83 Brix) were measured in Bull Red, Ice Green, and Line 20 Roman, respectively. The maximum chlorophyll a (13.36 mg g-1 fresh weight) and b (7.57 mg g-1 fresh weight) content were recorded in Mignonette and French Red cultivars, respectively. Line 20 Roman showed the highest carotenoid content, while Line 7 Roman exhibited the lowest value. Significant differences were observed among lettuce genotypes regarding total phenol and anthocyanin content. The highest total phenol content was recorded in Bull Red (616.17 mg g-1 fresh weight), followed by French Red (553.95 mg g-1 fresh weight). Bull Red and Mignonette cultivars contained the highest anthocyanin levels (3.768 and 1.823 mmol g-1 fresh weight, respectively). Regarding antioxidant capacity, Bull Red (97.75%), Line 20 Roman (93.41%), and Mignonette (92.74%) demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity. Variations in qualitative characteristics among different lettuce cultivars and lines are primarily influenced by genetic traits that determine flavor and taste differences among genotypes. The diversity in qualitative leaf traits (e.g., color and flavor) among lettuce cultivars has been attributed to underlying genetic differences (Volpe et al., 2021). Biosynthetic pathways and enzymes involved in the metabolism of various compounds—such as carotenoids and phenolic—vary significantly. Furthermore, their synthesis mechanisms, transporters, and metabolic pathways are genetically regulated (Dahal et al., 2021; Asadi et al., 2022).
Conclusion
Based on the assayed quality traits, Bull Red, Mignonette, French Red, and Line 20 Roman cultivars with desirable qualitative characteristics are recommended for lettuce cultivation and production.
Growing vegetables
M. Pourahmadi; R. Zargami; M. Diyanat; A. Mohammadi Torkashvand
Abstract
IntroductionIron is an essential element for plants, playing a crucial role in the structure of many oxidation and reduction enzymes and in the synthesis of chlorophyll. Its importance in nitrogen fixation and enzyme activity has been well-documented. However, in calcareous soils, such as those in Iran, ...
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IntroductionIron is an essential element for plants, playing a crucial role in the structure of many oxidation and reduction enzymes and in the synthesis of chlorophyll. Its importance in nitrogen fixation and enzyme activity has been well-documented. However, in calcareous soils, such as those in Iran, non-chelated forms of iron are not effective in providing iron to plants and soil microorganisms. The use of iron chelates is considered the best solution to address iron chlorosis, particularly in alkaline soils. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers has led to the alkalinization of large agricultural areas, causing challenges such as reduced absorption of micronutrients, including iron. This experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of different particle sizes of micronutrients, including iron oxide and iron chelate nanofertilizers, on tuber quality. The potatoes used in this study were cultivated from seedlings produced through tissue culture. Materials and MethodsA factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with three replications at the greenhouse of the Agricultural Research Institute of Hamadan during 2018–2019 and 2019–2020. The experimental factors included: microtuber weight at three levels of 1-3, 3-5 and 5-10 g and different iron fertilizers at seven levels of Zero, 20 µmol iron chelate in the form of soil consumption, 20 µmol nano iron oxide in the form of soil consumption, foliar spraying of 1% iron chelate, foliar spraying of 2% iron chelate, foliar spraying of 1% nano iron oxide and foliar spraying of 2% nano iron oxide. The iron chelate fertilizer (Fe-EDDHA 7%) was sourced from Khadra Company and is water-soluble, with plant absorption at pH levels of 3–11. Nano iron oxide with a purity of 98% was obtained from Pishgaman Nano Materials, an Iranian company. Data analysis was performed using SAS statistical software. Bartlett's test was used to check data normality, and means were compared using Duncan’s Multi-Range Test at a 5% probability level. Results and discussionThe results of the comparison of the mean number of eyes in the microtuber under the influence of the size of the tuber and iron fertilizer showed that the lowest number of eyes per tuber (3.18 eyes) was in the absence of application of iron fertilizer in the tuber 1-3 g and the highest number of eyes in the tuber (4.24 eyes) was in the application of 20 µmol iron chelate was obtained in microtuber 10-5 g. The results indicated that the number of tuber eyes, as well as iron, protein, and amino acid contents (alanine, glycine, methionine, and lysine), increased with the weight of the microtubers. Iron fertilizers had no significant effect on protein levels in microtubers weighing 1–3 g or 3–5 g. However, in 5–10 g microtubers, the highest protein contents (4.67%, 4.81%, 5.16%, 5.4%, and 5.67%) were observed with treatments of 2% iron chelate, 1% iron chelate, 2% nano iron oxide, 20 µmol nano iron oxide, and 20 µmol iron chelate, respectively. There was no significant effect of iron fertilizers on alanine in 5–10 g microtubers. In 1–3 g microtubers, treatments with 20 µmol iron chelate, 20 µmol nano iron oxide, 1% iron chelate, and 2% nano iron oxide resulted in the greatest increases in alanine levels. In 1–3 g microtubers, iron application did not significantly differ from the control. In 3–5 g microtubers, foliar spraying with 2% iron chelate increased methionine by 17.92%. For 5–10 g microtubers, the highest methionine levels (1.32 and 1.36 µmol.g-1 FW) were observed with treatments of 20 µmol iron chelate and 2% iron chelate. The maximum lysine levels (2.19, 2.43, and 2.49 µmol.g-1 FW) were achieved with treatments of 20 µmol iron chelate, 1% nano iron oxide (foliar spray), and 20 µmol nano iron oxide, respectively, in 5–10 g microtubers. ConclusionNano iron oxide fertilizers were more effective than iron chelates in enhancing tuber quality. The nanoscale size of iron particles increases the number of reactive atoms, resulting in higher reactivity and efficiency. Consequently, the application of nano iron fertilizers requires less material while achieving superior results. The highest quality improvement of potato tuber was observed in microtubers of 5-10 g and foliar application of nano iron oxide fertilizer.
Growing vegetables
F. Ahmadnia; A. Ebadi; M. Hashemi
Abstract
IntroductionThe most significant reduction of the commercial value and quality of leafy crops, such as lettuce, is primarily caused by weeds. The most common weeds in lettuce fields include Lambs quarters (Chenopodium album L.), Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), and wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis ...
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IntroductionThe most significant reduction of the commercial value and quality of leafy crops, such as lettuce, is primarily caused by weeds. The most common weeds in lettuce fields include Lambs quarters (Chenopodium album L.), Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.), and wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.). Although using chemical inputs is considered a successful method in weed control, the risk of accumulating chemical contamination in plants and reducing human health by using these products increased the idea of using safe and environmentally friendly methods. Cover crops are an environmentally friendly strategy for controlling weeds in agricultural fields, offering numerous environmental benefits. Rye (Secale cereale L.) and chickling pea (Lathyrus sativus) are well-known worldwide cover crops. Many studies have mentioned them for their ability to control weeds, improve soil conditions, and release nutrients. Also, hand-weeding is known as one of the simple but expensive weed control methods. In our study, we aimed to explore how rye and chickling pea cover crop residues, when used in monoculture and intercropping systems, can help reduce the need for hand-weeding and improve the yield of Iceberg lettuce, considering the importance of weed control in leafy products. Materials and Methods In the spring of 2020, an experiment was conducted using a factorial design base of RCBD with three replications. The experimental treatments included monoculture and intercropping of rye (Secale cereal L.), and chickling pea (Lathyrus sativus) cover crops, control (without cover crops), and additionally, different levels of hand-weeding were implemented (once, twice, and no hand-weeding). The amount of seed used for the rye and chickling pea monoculture was 100 and 25 kg.ha-1, respectively. For intercropping, 50% of the recommended seed was used. F1 Iceberg lettuce (Bruma Rz.) seeds were planted in a mixture of peat moss and perlite in a 1:5 ratio. Due to the short growing season in Ardabil (20°48' E and 19°38' N), the growth of cover crops was terminated 67 days after the sowing date using paraquat. Then, lettuce seedlings were transplanted manually by 25 × 25 cm inter-row spacing. Hand weeding was conducted at three different stages: once 15 days after transplanting, twice at 15 and 30 days after transplanting, and not at all at the time of lettuce harvest. In this experiment, in addition to investigating the dry weight of cover crops and weeds, weed control efficiency index and fresh yield and lettuce yield components such as number of leaves, plant height, crown diameter, and head diameter were measured. Results and DiscussionThe results indicated that the highest dry weight of cover crops was obtained from the rye monoculture (530.59 ± 30.15 g.m-2), followed by intercropping (400.21.43 ± 10.37 g.m-2). The lowest dry weight of Chenopodium album L. and Anchusa italica Retz. weeds (0 g.m-2) were recorded in intercropping with one- and two-times hand-weeding. The dry weight of Sinapis arvensis L. in intercropping once, twice, and without hand-weeding, rye and chickling pea monoculture without hand-weeding was 0 g.m-2. The lowest total weed dry weight was found in the intercropping of cover crops with once hand-weeding. The highest weed control efficiency indexes (100, 86.95, and 87.72) were observed with intercropping by once and twice hand-weeding, and chickling pea monoculture without hand-weeding. The highest yield of Iceberg lettuce (3.70 ± 0.82 kg.m2) was achieved by intercropped cover crops without hand-weeding. The maximum number of leaves (21.55 ± 2.69 and 21.44 ± 1.01), crown diameter (4.15 ± 0.13 and 4.18 ± 0.23 cm), and head diameter (20. 22.12 ± 2 and 22.65 ± 2.22 cm, respectively) were obtained from the chickling pea monoculture and intercropping. ConclusionThe effectiveness of using cover crop residues for weed control depends largely on the quantity of their dry weight. In the treatments without hand weeding, the rye monoculture and intercropping reduced the dry weight of weeds. The presence of cover crop residues reduced weed growth, although hand-weeding was still a more effective method of weed control in vegetables. However, the results highlighted the impact of cover crop dry weight on reducing hand-weeding for lettuce. In terms of increasing the yield of iceberg lettuce, rye intercropping, and chickling pea were favorable for the Ardabil region's climatic conditions. AcknowledgmentThe authors would like to express their gratitude to the Department of Plant Production and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Iran, for their financial support.
Growing vegetables
K. Hokmabadi; S.H. Nemati; R. Tavakkol Afshari
Abstract
IntroductionThe success of breeding programs depends on the existence of diversity in germplasms in terms of the desired trait or traits. Collecting superior watermelons and examining their characteristics provides valuable resources to researchers for breeding programs. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus ...
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IntroductionThe success of breeding programs depends on the existence of diversity in germplasms in terms of the desired trait or traits. Collecting superior watermelons and examining their characteristics provides valuable resources to researchers for breeding programs. Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thund) Matsum and Nakai) (Citrullus lanatus) has great diversity in terms of shape, fruit size, fruit skin pattern, fruit flesh color, seed length and width, and number, the seed in the fruit as well as the quality of the fruit is among its cultivars and varieties, therefore it seems that by examining the native cultivars it is possible to find desirable traits and use them in future commercial cultivars for breeding processes. Iran is the most important producer of watermelon seeds. These nuts not only meet the needs of the domestic market, but are also one of the export items, especially to Arab countries. Limited breeding efforts have been made globally on nutty watermelons. However, developing high-yielding and high-quality cultivars can improve water use efficiency and enhance export potential and foreign exchange earnings. In many central and eastern provinces of the country, nutty watermelons are commonly cultivated as a second or dry-season crop. Unlike edible watermelons, the yield in nutty watermelon cultivation is measured by the quantity of dry seeds produced, rather than the fresh weight of the fruit, as the seeds are harvested for use as snacks. The primary breeding objective for nutty watermelons is seed yield. Other key traits targeted for improvement include larger seed size, a higher kernel-to-hull ratio, and softer seed texture. Therefore, due to the fact that it is necessary to investigate the cultivated landraces in each region, the genetic diversity and capabilities of each for genetic modification and improvement should be determined. This research investigates the genetic diversity of the indigenous s of Iran through the investigation of morpho-physiological traits. Materials and MethodsIn order to evaluate genetic diversity and eliminate weak and low-quality landraces in the first generation and to investigate genetic improvement in the second generation of 10 Iranian watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thund) Matsum and Nakai) landraces by examining growth and seed-related traits, a two-year study was conducted in Farouj County. Seeds of the landraces Jabani (4 lanrace), Sanbak (4 landrace), and Kalaleh (2 landrace) from Jovin, Kashan, and Gorgan were separated and collected based on fruit skin color and seed-related traits. Direct seed sowing was carried out in Farouj County lands using drip irrigation with a tape. Evaluation of 10 local breeds was carried out in the first year (first generation) in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications and 10 samples per experimental unit. Then, inter-cultivar and intra-cultivar selection was carried out among the 10 local breeds with regard to uniformity and especially data on key seed-related traits, including seed yield and kernel-to-seed percentage. The 4 selected landraces from the first year were evaluated again in the second year (second generation) in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications and 10 samples in the experimental unit. Results and DiscussionData analysis of the selected landraces in the first and second years was performed as a split plot analysis of variance. The study of morpho-physiological and functional changes of different watermelon s in the first generation showed that the s of Stigma 1 and 2 and Jabani 1 and 3 were superior to the other landraces in terms of growth traits and fruit yield, but in the second generation, Jabani 1 had the best fruit yield in terms of weight and fruit flesh percentage and can be used as mother s for the improvement of nut watermelon. Also, in the first generation, the study of traits determining seed quality and quantity such as thousand-seed weight, percentage of kernel weight to seed, length, width and diameter, and seed coat thickness showed that Jabani 1 and 3 were the most desirable landraces. In the second year, the Jabani 1 and 3 landraces had the highest seed quantity and quality and were suitable for cultivation as nut watermelons. Comparison of the two generations of each of the selected landraces showed that most of the fruit and seed traits improved under the influence of generation, and the second generation produced heavier fruits with higher seed yield. Also, this improvement in fruit traits in Jabani 1 and improvement in seed traits in Kalaleh 1 was more significant than in others. ConclusionThe evaluation of morpho-physiological and functional traits in the first generation of various watermelon cultivars revealed that Kalaleh 1 and 2, along with Jabani 1 and 3, outperformed the others in terms of growth performance and fruit yield. However, in the second generation, Jabani 1 demonstrated the highest fruit yield, particularly in terms of fruit weight and flesh percentage, making it a strong candidate for use as a maternal parent in nutty watermelon breeding programs. Additionally, the assessment of seed quality and quantity traits—such as thousand-seed weight, kernel-to-seed ratio, seed length, width, diameter, and shell thickness—in the first generation indicated that Jabani 1 and 3 were the most desirable cultivars. In the second year, Jabani 1 and 3 exhibited the highest seed quantity and quality, making them well-suited for cultivation as nutty watermelons. A comparison between the two generations of each selected cultivar revealed that most fruit and seed traits improved in the second generation, which produced heavier fruits with enhanced seed yield. Notably, improvements in fruit-related traits were most significant in Jabani 1, while enhancements in seed-related traits were more pronounced in Kalaleh 1 compared to the other cultivars.
Growing vegetables
M. Mohammad Rezaei; M. Hassanpour Asil; J.A. Olfati; M.M. Gheisari
Abstract
Introduction
The Persian Shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss), an endemic and economically significant medicinal plant native to Iran, has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its potent therapeutic properties and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. Traditionally used in Iranian ...
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Introduction
The Persian Shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss), an endemic and economically significant medicinal plant native to Iran, has garnered increasing attention in recent years due to its potent therapeutic properties and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions. Traditionally used in Iranian medicine, this plant boasts a rich phytochemical profile that contributes to its effectiveness in treating various ailments, including rheumatism, stomach ulcers, and microbial infections. Beyond these established applications, recent studies suggest that the Persian Shallot may also serve as a potential aquaculture regulator, further enhancing its value in both agricultural and pharmaceutical contexts. However, growing demand and the overharvesting of wild populations have raised concerns regarding the plant's long-term sustainability and conservation. Unsustainable harvesting practices pose significant threats to the genetic reservoir and ecological balance of its native habitats. In light of these challenges, there is a pressing need to promote sustainable cultivation practices and conservation-oriented harvesting strategies. Iran’s rich biodiversity and favorable agro-climatic conditions offer a strategic advantage for the cultivation, research, and export of high-quality medicinal plants such as the Persian Shallot. Research that focuses on evaluating local ecotypes and their nutritional and phytochemical characteristics can facilitate domestication efforts, genetic improvement programs, and the broader commercialization of this valuable species.
Materials and Methods
This study was conducted in 2022 across six distinct natural habitats of Allium hirtifolium in Isfahan Province, Iran. These habitats, which differ in elevation and environmental conditions, were selected to capture a broad range of genetic and ecological diversity. From each habitat, 50 individual plant samples were collected during the growing season, resulting in a total of 300 samples. The primary objective was to evaluate and compare the morphophysiological and phytochemical traits of Persian Shallot populations across these diverse environments. Morphological traits assessed included the number of leaves per plant, leaf surface area, and the fresh and dry weight of bulbs. These indicators were selected for their relevance to plant vigor, productivity, and commercial value. For phytochemical analysis, fresh leaf samples were processed using acetone-based extraction. The contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity were measured spectrophotometrically. This biochemical evaluation aimed to provide insights into the plants’ adaptive responses to environmental variables such as altitude, temperature fluctuations, and soil conditions. Data analysis was performed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine statistically significant differences among populations. Cluster analysis was also conducted to group the habitats based on their morphophysiological and phytochemical traits. All statistical computations and visualizations were carried out using SAS, SPSS, and Microsoft Excel software.
Results and Discussion
The results revealed significant diversity among Persian Shallot plants from different habitats, indicating high levels of biodiversity due to environmental and genetic factors. Variations were observed in morphological traits such as fresh and dry weight, leaf area, chlorophyll, carotenoid levels, and antioxidant activity across the different populations. Altitude was found to be particularly influential, with plants at higher altitudes showing larger leaf areas and higher chlorophyll concentrations. These adaptations suggest that environmental conditions such as temperature and sunlight availability at different altitudes strongly affect the plant’s growth and phytochemical profile. Phytochemical analysis also showed higher antioxidant activity in plants from higher altitudes, likely due to environmental stress factors such as low temperature and increased UV exposure. These findings underscore the importance of altitude in influencing the biological and chemical characteristics of Persian Shallot populations. Cluster analysis grouped the different habitats, revealing distinct patterns of trait expression that reflect the plants’ adaptation to their environments. Understanding how environmental factors like altitude affect plant traits is essential for developing breeding strategies aimed at improving yield and medicinal properties. The study emphasizes the need for selecting landraces with desirable characteristics for both cultivation and conservation purposes. By considering environmental gradients in plant selection and breeding, we can ensure that the genetic diversity and valuable traits of Allium hirtifolium are preserved.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates the presence of significant biodiversity among Persian Shallot populations across six habitats in Isfahan province. The results suggest that altitude plays a critical role in shaping both genetic diversity and phytochemical composition, which are key to the plant's adaptability and medicinal value. The observed variations offer opportunities to select suitable landraces for specific uses, whether for their phytochemical content or their ability to thrive under certain environmental conditions. Further research should focus on identifying specific genetic factors contributing to this diversity. Molecular markers can be used to gain deeper insights into the genetic structure of these populations, aiding in the development of targeted breeding programs. By understanding the role of environmental factors and genetics in shaping plant traits, we can support the sustainable use and conservation of this important medicinal plant.
Growing vegetables
F. Ghaemizadeh; F. Dashti
Abstract
Introduction
At present, garlic (Allium sativum L.) production is completely dependent on asexual propagation, but a wide diversity of bolting and scape formation is observed in garlic. Based on their ability to produce flowering stem (scape), garlic clones are classified into non-bolting, semi-bolting, ...
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Introduction
At present, garlic (Allium sativum L.) production is completely dependent on asexual propagation, but a wide diversity of bolting and scape formation is observed in garlic. Based on their ability to produce flowering stem (scape), garlic clones are classified into non-bolting, semi-bolting, and bolting clones. In non-bolting clones, scape is not formed or abort at early stages. In semi-bolting clones, cessation of scape development often results in the formation of very short scape between the leaves and development of the elongated leaf-like bracts in the center of the inflorescence. In bolting clones after exposure to low temperature during autumn and winter (vernalization) and long day during spring, long and thick scape is formed which contains inflorescence with flowers. Transition from vegetative to reproductive phase and formation of scape, inflorescences and flowers in plants includes a series of continuous stages which control by several gene groups. Vernalization reduces the expression of the flowering inhibitors like FLOWERING LOCUC C (FLC), resulting in increased flowering integrators expression like SUPPRESSOR OF OVER EXPRESSON OF CONSTANT 1 (SOC1), APETALA 1 (AP1) and APETALA 1 (AP2). So, a correct understanding of the vernalization control genes expression pattern will improve garlic flowering and breeding programs. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative expression of AsFLC, AsSOC1, AsAP1 and AsAP2 before and after vernalization in Iranian bolting, semi-bolting and non-bolting garlic clones.
Materials and Methods
In this study, three garlic clones including, bolting (Mazand Zabol), semi-bolting (Langrud), and non-bolting (Hamedan) garlic clones were selected from vegetable collection of Bu-Ali Sina university (Hamedan, Iran). At first, RNA extracted from meristems of three clones monthly, from 4 to 20 weeks after planting (for AsFLC, AsSOC1, AsAP1 and AsAP2 expression analysis) and from inflorescence of semi-bolting and bolting clones at 24 weeks after planting (for AsSOC1, AsAP1 and AsAP2 expression analysis) at 2 biological replicates. Then, cDNA synthesized using Oligo d(T) primer and relative expression pattern of the mentioned genes were analyzed using quantitative Real time- PCR.
Results and discussion
The highest expression of the AsFLC in all three clones were observed at 4 weeks after culture (before vernalization). Its expression in non-bolting clone at 4 weeks after planting was 2.03 and 1.13 times more than bolting and semi-bolting garlic, respectively. After vernalization AsFLC expression decreased in the meristem of the all three clones. The decrease in the relative expression of AsFLC in bolting garlic occurred at a faster rate compared to the other two garlic clones. Then the relative expression of the AsSOC1 was increased in the meristem during vegetative to reproductive transition phase (12 weeks after planting). The highest AsSOC1 expression was observed in the meristem of bolting garlic at 12 weeks after planting which was 10.98 and 18.41 times more than the meristem of semi-bolting and non-bolting garlic, respectively. AsAP1 was expressed in the meristem of three clones in the vegetative to reproductive phase, but its highest expression was in bolting clone at 12 weeks after planting and was 1.22 and 3.64 times more than the meristem of semi-bolting and non-bolting clone respectively. AsAP2 was just expressed in the meristem of semi-bolting and bolting clones and after reproductive transition. The highest expression of the AsAP2 was observed at 16 weeks after planting in the meristem of semi-bolting and bolting garlic, which was higher in bolting garlic (2.33 times) in comparison to semi–bolting garlic. Decreases in the expression of the AsFLC during vernalization and increases in the expression of the AsSOC1 and AsAP1 during vegetative to reproductive phase in the meristem may lead to scape formation in bolting garlic. However, the higher AsFLC and the lower AsSOC1 and AsAP1 expression in the meristems of non- and semi bolting garlics in comparison to bolting garlic inhibit scape formation. In non-bolting garlic scape aborts and in semi-bolting garlic short and thin scape formed in the middle of leaves. According to the results AsSOC1 and AsAP1 were expressed in the inflorescence of semi-bolting and bolting garlic. AsSOC1 and AsAP1 relative expression in the inflorescence of bolting garlic were 4.28 and 11.25 times more than semi-bolting garlic, respectively. AsAP2 was just expressed in the inflorescence of the bolting clone but wasn’t expressed in the inflorescence of semi-bolting garlic. The differences in the expression pattern of AsSOC1, AsAP1 and AsAP2 in the inflorescence of the garlic clones could be the reason of the abnormal inflorescence in semi-bolting garlic.
Conclusions
Finally, it seems that AsFLC is a flowering inhibitor and AsSOC1 and AsAP1 are flowering integrators in bolting garlic. As AsFLC expression decreased after vernalization and AsSOC1 and AsAP2 were expressed highly in the time of vegetative to reproductive transition in the meristem of all clones, and there was difference in the bolting of clones, it is suggested that these genes may influence flower induction but their low relative expression cause incomplete bolting in semi-bolting garlic and forbid bolting in non-bolting garlic.
Growing vegetables
Z. Khalili; F. Nekounam; T. Barzegar; Z. Ghahremani; M. Farhangpour
Abstract
IntroductionTomato (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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IntroductionTomato (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 anti-stress 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 MethodsTo 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 DiscussionThe results showed that fruit harvested at red color stage had 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 tomato fruit quality. The highest value of TSS (4.9 °B), vitamin C (46.1 mg.100 ml-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. ConclusionsThe 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
K. Poorhossein; B. Abedy; M. Shoor
Abstract
Introduction
Urban agriculture, as one of the basic features of urban planning, helps to increase the quality of urban life due to its cultural, economic and social benefits. However, pollution with heavy metals in cities causes the accumulation of these metals in different parts of planted plants and ...
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Introduction
Urban agriculture, as one of the basic features of urban planning, helps to increase the quality of urban life due to its cultural, economic and social benefits. However, pollution with heavy metals in cities causes the accumulation of these metals in different parts of planted plants and also the risk of consuming them for food in urban green spaces.
Materials and Methods
This study was conducted to assess the amount of heavy metal absorption and its effect on some biochemical and physiological properties of peppermint plant (Mentha piperita L.), in Mashhad city in 2021.The experiment was carried out as a factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor (location) were phase 4 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 the traits.
Results and Discussion
The 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 phase 4 Park. Moreover, the highest activities of ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and peroxidase were recorded in phase 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 phase 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 increases under heavy metal stress to help protect the plant against toxicity. However, the percentage of essential oil showed an increasing trend with enhanced absorption of Pb and Cd in phase 4 compared to Nasim Park. The higher percentage of essential oil in phase 4 may be attributed to reduced leaf growth due to the higher presence of heavy metals in that area.
Conclusions
Overall, while the concentration of Pb exceeded the global standard level in both parks, contamination with Cd and Pb (especially Pb) was greater in phase 4 than in Nasim Park, contributing to reduced growth traits in peppermint plants. Regarding harvest times, the first harvest exhibited better growth characteristics and higher absorption of heavy metals due to the plant's greater vigor. In contrast, the third harvest showed lower growth characteristics and weaker absorption of Pb and Cd, likely due to the energy expended for regrowth.
Growing vegetables
F. Shakarami; S. Mousavi-Fard; A. Rezaei Nejad; F. Beiranvand
Abstract
Introduction
Salinity 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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Introduction
Salinity 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 rapid and efficient effects. Their use not only mitigates the negative consequences of excessive fertilizer application but also decreases the frequency of applications. 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 Methods
A 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.l-1, 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 Discussion
The 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-1 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.
Conclusions
The 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-1, 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
F. Yarmohammadi; A. Motallebi-Azar; S. Kazemiani; Mina Amani
Abstract
Introduction
Considering the sensitivity of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) 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 ...
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Introduction
Considering the sensitivity of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) 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.l-1) was performed on in vitro micronodulation of Agria potato.
Materials and Methods
This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of macroelements (2 Mac, Mac, ½ Mac) and microelements (2 Mic, Mic, ½ Mic) in the MS culture medium, combined with two sucrose concentrations (80 and 160 g.l-1), on in vitro microtuberization of Agria potato. The study was conducted as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications in the plant tissue culture laboratory of the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the 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
For all traits related to microtubers, except for the percentage and speed of microtuber initiation, the effects of microelements, macroelements, and sucrose were not significant. This indicates that the three factors investigated do not independently enhance microtuber formation in the Agria variety. Regarding micronodulation traits, the interaction effect of low-consumption elements with the other two factors was also not significant, suggesting that the concentration of low-consumption elements is not critical for micronodulation in the Agria variety. In all culture media with 8% sucrose, the initiation percentage of microtubers reached 100%, and the initiation speed was at its maximum. However, when the concentration of macroelements was doubled and 16% sucrose was used, both the initiation percentage and speed of microgland formation in the Agria variety showed a significant decrease. The percentage of microtuber formation, weight, length, diameter and number of buds on the microtuber 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 microglands with greater weight and size had a higher percentage of dormancy and during the stages of microglandogenesis, the buds on the microtubers were not able to germinate and produce microtubers.
Growing vegetables
P. Molaei; F. Nekounam; M. BabaAkbari Sari
Abstract
Introduction Over time, water deficit and environmental pollution by traditional agriculture that forces the producer to contribute to competitive and sustainable agriculture. Leafy vegetables are beneficial to human health, therefore, to adapt an eco-friendly approach in some vegetables, the partial ...
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Introduction Over time, water deficit and environmental pollution by traditional agriculture that forces the producer to contribute to competitive and sustainable agriculture. Leafy vegetables are beneficial to human health, therefore, to adapt an eco-friendly approach in some vegetables, the partial substitution (25–50%) of mineral NPK by biofertilizers in lettuce improves the yield and agronomic features and produces healthy plants for human nutrition as well. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) from Asteraceae family is considered as one of the most popular salad vegetables as a cool season crop. PGPB (Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria) are rhizosphere bacteria that improve plant growth through a broad range of processes, i.e., phosphate solubilization, biological nitrogen fixation, siderophore manufacturing, phytohormone manufacturing, antifungal activity, systemic resistance induction and plant-microbe symbiosis promotion. The promoting of growth and yield of horticultural crops such as cucumber, potato, tomato and spinach by plant growth promoting bacteria inoculation at nutrient solutions under soilless systems have also been reported. Material and Methods In order to study the effect of growth-promoting bacteria on the yield, iron concentration and phenolic compounds of lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. New Red Fire) under floating systems, the 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 PGPB (Pseudomonas vancouverensis, Pseudomonas koreensis, Pantoea agglomerans, Pseudomonas putida, and one level of combined bacteria (Pantoea agglomerans+ Pseudomonas koreensis + Pseudomonas putida+ Pseudomonas vancouverensis)) and control plant (without bacteria treated). Application of bacteria was done in two stages, one step before cultivation as seed inoculation and the next step as root inoculation. Lettuce plants grown in hydroculture condition with Hoagland nutrient solution. Growth conditions were environmentally controlled at a relative humidity of 60/70 % day/night and temperature was maintained between 20 and 17 °C. At 40 days after transplanting date, the lettuce head were harvested. The freshly harvested lettuce head were immediately weighed separately of each plant for fresh weight determination. Leaf samples were dried at 72 °C for 48 h in a drying oven and kept for further investigations. Also, leaf number per plant, chlorophyll and carotenoids contents, Fe concentration, total phenol, total flavonoids and anthocyanin contents were measured. ResultsThe obtained results in the current study indicated that the application of PGPB on lettuce caused significant increase in growth, photosynthetic pigments and iron concentration. The maximum growth rate and photosynthetic pigments content was observed in combined four bacteria treatment, so that, an increase of 388.2% chlorophyll a, 439.8% chlorophyll b, 398.3% total chlorophyll, 246.3% carotenoids contents, 42.6% plant fresh weight and 22.2% number of leaves was obtained compared to control plants. Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) can enhance growth and development of plants. PGPB have direct and indirect influences on plant growth process. The immediate promotion of growth involves either supplying the plant with a compound produced by the bacteria, i.e., phytohormones, or promoting certain nutrient uptake from the setting. Whereas, the indirect plant growth promotion happens when PGPB decreases or prevents the deleterious impacts of one or more phytopathogenic species. Plants inoculated with PGPB showed higher leaf iron concentration compared to control plant. Thus inoculation with combined four bacteria induced a 26.2 % increase of lettuce leaves iron concentration. The obtained results in the current study revealed that the inoculation with PGPB significant decreased the total phenol, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents. The maximum content of phenol (483 µg g-1FW), flavonoid (188.1 µg g-1FW) and anthocyanin (27.5 µmol g-1FW) were observed in control plants compared to treated plants. Conclusion According to the results of this research, the use of PGPB in the hydroculture system, on the one hand, led to a significant increase in iron absorption, the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, and subsequently promote growth and increases lettuce yield. On the other hand, due to facilitating the growth conditions and increasing the absorption of nutrients for the host plants as a result of inoculation with PGPB, led to a decreases of phenolic compounds including total phenol, total flavonoid and anthocyanin contents.
Growing vegetables
M. H. Aminifard; S. Nadafan; H. Bayat; M. 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
M. Ghasemi; S. Sardouei-Nasab; Gh. Mohammadi- Nejad; S. 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
P. Molaei; F. 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
F. Abdollahi; A. Motallebi-Azar; Gh. Gohari; B. Dehdar; A. Kahnamoii; F. 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
L. Cheheltanan; S. Khosravi; S.H. 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
S. Mohammadzade; M. Goldani; F. Yaghobi; M. 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
J. Panahandeh; M. S. Zare far; A. Motallebi-Azar; F. Zare Nahandi; M. 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
N. Zeinali Pour; F. Aghebati; B. 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
S. Pourmombeini; M. Lotfi; H. 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
A. Mirhosseyni; M. Hassanpour Asil; J. A. Olfati; M. B. 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.
