Ornamental plants
Ali Sahari Moghaddam; Behzad Kaviani; Ali Mohammadi Torkashvand; Vahid Abdossi; Ali Reza Eslami
Abstract
IntroductionYew or English yew (Taxus baccata L.) from the family of Taxaceae is an ornamental shrub that is used in various industries. Root induction and formation process at the base of stem cuttings of yew is slow. This species is in danger of extinction. Stimulation of rooting in cuttings causes ...
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IntroductionYew or English yew (Taxus baccata L.) from the family of Taxaceae is an ornamental shrub that is used in various industries. Root induction and formation process at the base of stem cuttings of yew is slow. This species is in danger of extinction. Stimulation of rooting in cuttings causes the plant to grow faster. Polyamines are a group of plant growth regulators that play a variety of roles, including cellular differentiation and development and stimulation of adventitious root production. Some yew habitats have been destroyed because of neglect, destruction, livestock and ineffective exploitation. The yew is propagated by seeds or through cutting and grafting. Propagation of yew through seed is difficult and obtained plants show non-uniformity. Therefore, vegetative propagation is used to produce plants similar to the mother plant. The proliferation of the plant through leafy stem cutting is one of the most famous and the best propagation methods due to the preservation of the genetic structure and uniformity. Increasing the rooting capacity of trees and shrub cuttings is being carried out with a variety of plant growth regulators around the world. Putrescine has shown a better response in compare with other polyamines. The stimulation effect of exogenous application of polyamines, especially putrescine, was shown on the rooting of several plants’ cutting. Literature evaluation showed that there is not any study on the effect of polyamines on the rooting of the yew stem cuttings. Therefore, the aim of this research was to improve the rooting conditions of difficult-to-root cuttings with different concentrations of putrescine (a type of polyamine). Materials and MethodsIn order to investigate the effect of different concentrations of putrescine, an experiment was performed based on a completely randomized block design with 4 replications. Treatments included 0 (as a control), 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 mg.l–1 of putrescine concentrations. In October, 25 cm of the end of the shoot of 5-years-old mother plants were cut and used as hardwood cuttings. The cuttings diameter was 2.5-3 mm. The lower ends of the shoot cuttings were kept at different concentrations of putrescine for 10 seconds and then placed in the cultivation bed. In this study, root percentage, number of roots, root length, stem length, shoot number, leaf number and survival percentage of cuttings were measured. Cuttings cultivation bed was perlite, cocopeat and peat moss. To prevent possible contamination, the bottom of the cuttings were immersed in a 2/1000 fungicide solution of Berdofix a week befor cutting preparation. Results and DiscussionThe results of analysis of variance showed that different concentrations of putrescine on all traits were significant at 1% probability levels. The results of mean comparison showed that the largest number of roots (6.50 per plantlet) and the highest root length (7.70 cm per plantlet) were observed in cuttings treated with 500 mg.l–1 putrescine. The highest number of shoots (5.50 per plantlet) and the highest rooting percentage (97.50) were obtained in cuttings treated with 2000 mg.l–1 of putrecine. The maximum number of leaves (41.25 per plantlet) was counted in cuttings treated with 3000 mg.l–1 of putrescine. Yew can be propagated successfully by stem cuttings. Natural conditions propagation and in vitro propagation beside cryopreservation are effective approaches to conserve plants particularly those putted in the red list. Plant growth regulators have an effective role in increasing the rooting of difficult-to-root cuttings of trees and shrubs. The exogenous use of polyamines as a new group of hormones stimulated root production in some cuttings. Peach × almond hybrid cuttings treated with 2 mM putrescine for 5 min showed the highest rooting percentage, root number and root length with the best quality. Putrescine is capable to influences on other plant growth regulators and has less toxicity than most of them. Polyamines stimulate cellular division in dissection place cells of cuttings such as cambium and phloem. The exogenous application of these compounds, especially putrescine during the root formation phase resulted in an increase in endogenous putrescine, endogenous auxin and peroxidase enzyme activity. In the cutting of the leafy stem of Corylus avellana L., the use of putrescine stimulated rooting. The study, like the present study, confirmed that putrescine can be useful for increasing rooting percentage and root quality. Putrescine had an effective role in the rooting of the stem cuttings. The present study revealed that the lowest root number was counted in cuttings that were not treated by putrescine (control). Polyamines (spermine, spermidine and putrescine) increased rooting percentage and root growth by stimulating root cell division (increased mitotic index of tip root cells) in regenerated pine (Pinus virginiana Mill.) seedlings. Polyamine biosynthesis and antioxidant enzymes activity were increased during root induction and formation. The exogenous application of spermidine in the apple (Malus prunifolia) stem cutting stimulated rooting by changing the concentration of some hormones. Spermidine regulated the expression of genes involved in the production of auxins. The study aimed to investigate the cellular-molecular effect of polyamines on the structure and development of roots in Arabidopsis showed that these organic compounds adjusted the size of the root meristematic zone during the effect on both symptomatic accumulations of hormones and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The same and different results are presented with the present findings by some other researchers. The main cause of these different results is the difference in the amount and balance of endogenous hormones, including polyamines in different species. Plant genotype, type of cuttings, cutting age, environmental factors, nutritional status especially type and amount of carbohydrates in the plant, the transfer rate of these carbohydrates from leaves to roots, the presence and the amount of phenolic compounds, nitrogen compounds, phonological stages and cutting season also play an effective role in these differences.
Hamed Doulati Baneh; Narjes khatoon Abedi; Tooraj Jadidi
Abstract
Introduction: Before a new vineyard construction, in addition to collecting detailed data on climate, soil and planting area, some other considerations like selection and understanding the principles of quality and quantity in terms of agronomic traits and physiological characteristics of the product ...
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Introduction: Before a new vineyard construction, in addition to collecting detailed data on climate, soil and planting area, some other considerations like selection and understanding the principles of quality and quantity in terms of agronomic traits and physiological characteristics of the product should be made. Among grape varieties grown in anorchard, some self-fertile and male sterile cultivars (female physiological) are present. Without suitable pollinating, varieties in the vineyard, is not accessible for semi-fertile or sterile ones with high quality and quantity and will notbe sufficient.Therefore the identification of sterile varieties, the best pollinizers and fruit growth and phenological stages is essential. Qzlouzum is one of commercial seeded cultivars in West Azerbaijan province whichis suitable for storage and delivering to domestic and foreign markets forout of season because of nice red color and thick skin and late ripening.These favorable properties for sale with high prices is also one of the otherbenefits that have led to the interest of the farmers every year to increase the acreage of the cultivation. Preliminary studies showed that Qzlouzum cultivar is a physiological female and needs cross pollination for fruitset. This study aimed to investigate the complete botanical characteristics, flower sexuality, pollen germination and determine the phenological stages (especially fruit growth stages).
Materials and methods: Based on grape descriptor, morphological characters of 10 vines of Qzlouzum grape cultivar at different stages from bud break to dormancy was studied in Horticultural Research Station in 1390 in Urmia(Kahriz). To calculate the growing degree days (GDD), daily temperature above 10 ° C was obtained from the meteorological station of Agriculture faculty in Kahriz-Urmia. Pollen germination rate was tested in both liquid and solid growth medium. In order to study the changes in a number of qualitative and quantitative traits, TSS (total soluble solids), TA (titrable acidity), pH, berry weight and diameter, seed length and weight from the beginning of the berry formation to harvest time of clusters in 15-day interval were measured.
Results and discussion: The results of this study showed that flowers of Qzlouzum are female with reflexed stamens. The results also determined that none of pollens germinated on both liquid and solid media culture. Based on reflexed stamens and none pollen germination, Qzlouzum grape cultivar proves to be male sterile (physiological substance). This cultivar needs 1483 degree days (above 10°C) from bud break till ripening. The changes in TA and TSS were reversed. Amount of acid reduced and sugar content increased with time and berry development. Veraision period was approximately started 55 days after full bloom. At this stage, which is also known as berry softening, acid concentration is reduced and the amount of sugar was increased. Acid content and pH of the fruit were opposite together and by reducing the amount of acid, the pH levels increased. Several studies have confirmed that after changing the color of the grape varieties,sugar can often increase. Conversely, acid reduction in berries is the first happensbefore color change in berries. The berry weight and size changes were described as Double Sigmoid Curve. In the first phase, berry diameter and weight increased rapidly and lasted 60 days. In the second phase or delay phase, berry weight and diameter changedvery slowly while seed weight reached themaximum in this stage. After this phase, the third phase which was associated began with veraision, sugar content increased and the amount of aciddecreased. At this stage berry reached its maximum size and weight.
Conclusion: Uniform planting of Qzlouzum red grapes is not recommended because of male sterility and suitable pollinizers should be used. Male sterility, without emasculation will be suitable for grape breeding programs. In areas with short growing season, if the total heat has not beensupplied, berries of this cultivar will ripe late and sugar contentand color intensity will decrease and will notproducedesired and marketable product. Phenological stages duration is highlydependent on factors such as cultivar, environment and location. Genetic factor also isparticularly important in determining the time of ripening. Qzlouzum is a late ripening grape cultivar and without sufficient thermal requirements, the ripening process will not occur completely.
Hassan Farhadi; Majid Azizi; Seyyed Hossein Nemati
Abstract
Introduction: Fenugreek (Trigonalla foenum-graecum L.), an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Coleoidea (Fabaceae) family, has numerous medicinal properties such as decreasing blood glucose, laxative, appetizer, mucus, antipyretic and increasing the amount of milk during lactation . Among the most ...
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Introduction: Fenugreek (Trigonalla foenum-graecum L.), an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the Coleoidea (Fabaceae) family, has numerous medicinal properties such as decreasing blood glucose, laxative, appetizer, mucus, antipyretic and increasing the amount of milk during lactation . Among the most important problems in arid and semi-arid regions, drought stress or water shortage will have negative effects on plant growth. Drought stress occurs mostly because of reducing water availability in the soil. This may be due to excessive water loss or absorption problems, or both of them. One of the major factors limiting germination, which occurs in more arid and semi-arid regions, is salt stress. The study was done to evaluate germination of four Iranian population of fenugreek (Amol, Tabriz, Sari and Mashhad) under drought and salinity stresses.
Materials and methods: To investigate the effect of salinity and drought stresses on germination and seedling growth characteristics of native landrace fenugreek, two separate experiments were conducted in a Completely Randomized Design with three replications in Seed Laboratory of University of Mashhad in 2014. The experiment treatments consisted of four levels of salinity (0, 60, 120, 180 mM) that was induced by different concentrations of sodium chloride and drought stress induced by polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) at four levels (0, -3, -6 and -9 Bar) with three replications. The drought stress levels were simulation by polyethylene glycol 6000 and using the Michel and Kaufmann formula. Distilled water was applied as control. Iranian seed population of fenugreek were purchased from the city of Amol, Tabriz, Sari and Mashhad then the seeds were washed with sodium hypochlorite (3 % v/v) for two minutes for disinfestation and washed three times with distilled water. On the twelfth day of experiment, seedling traits such as plumule and root length and weight in Petri dishes were measured.
Results and Discussion: The results of ANOVA showed that salinity and drought stress significantly (p≤0.01) affect germination process. The results of the means comparison confirmed that fenugreek germination in all seed population was reduced by increasing salinity levels. The lowest germination was detected under 180 mM salt stress in “Tabriz” population (12.04%), while the highest germination (95/26%) was calculated in “Mashhad” population at control. Seeds of “Mashhad” population in comparison to other population showed higher germination at other salinity levels. Germination rate also was significantly affected by salinity (p≤0.01). Decreasing of germination rate in fenugreek population of Amol, Tabriz, Sari and Mashhad under 180 mM salinity stress in comparison to control (0 mM) were 84/62, 87/80, 85/93, 82/59, respectively. Mashhad and Amol (second order) populations showed more germination rate stability after changes in salinity levels. The results of analysis of variance from this study showed that interaction effect of salinity and population significantly (p≤0.05) affect root length of the fenugreek. The root length of Mashhad and Amol populations were more stable at high level of salinity. Other researcher also reported that the root length decreased after salinity treatments (10, 13). Salinity stress affect water absorption by seed and decreasing Amylase and lipase activity caused degradation of stored material in seeds and then decreasing root length (23). Salinity, population and interaction between these factors significantly (p≤0.01) affected length of plumule. The results showed that Mashhad population had the highest and Tabriz revealed the lowest length of plumule. Interaction effects of treatments on seedling dry weight showed significant (p≤0.01) differences. Mashhad in comparison to the other populations had the highest seedling dry weight as 9.26, 8.10, 7.22 and 3.6 mg/seedling at different salinity treatments (0, 60, 120, 180 mM), respectively.
Interaction effects of drought stress and population on germination percentage was significant (p≤0.01). Mashhad and Amol (second order) populations were the best populations. At the highest level of drought stress (-9 Bar), these two populations had the lowest decrease in germination percentage. The mechanism of the results was the same as salinity which explained in above. According to the results of analysis of variance (ANOVA), all treatments and all interaction had significant effect (p≤0.01) on germination rate. The Mashhad and Sari populations were more tolerant than other populations against drought stress examined as germination rate as concerned. Analysis of variance showed that the simple effects of drought stress and population on root length were significant at one percent but interaction effect of drought stress and population was not significant statistically. The root length was in the range of 26.78 to 50.29 mm in the tested population. Mashhad population was more tolerant against drought stress in comparison to the other tested populations. Analysis of variance showed that simple effect of drought and population were significant (p≤0.01) on this trait but their interaction was not significant. Length of plumule mean comparison showed that the traite was in the range of 21.74 to 43.31 mm in Tabriz and Mashhad populations, respectively.Acoording to the length of plumule,Mashhad population in comparison to other tested populations under drought stress was tolerant . The water potential (drought stress), population and interaction between them showed significant effect (p≤0.01) on seedling dry weight. Among the evaluated population the Mashhad population was tolerant to drought stress when seedling dry weight was concerned. The highest correlation coefficient (r=0.96) was detected between germination percentage and root length and in second order the correlation coefficient between germination percentage and seedling dry weight was 0.93. The lowest correlation coefficient (0.61) was observed between germination rates and seedling dry weight.
Conclusions: The decline in germination percentage, germination rate, root length, shoot length and dry weight of seedlings with increased water osmotic potential in Mashhad population was less than other evaluated populations. Seed germination rate was more sensitive than seed germination percentage in both salt and drought stress therefore this trait is a suitable criterion for screening of tolerant population for future breeding purpose. The order for tolerance to salinity and drought stress in evaluated population was Mashhad, Tabriz, Sari and Amol.
Ali Akbar Shokouhian; Shahriyar Einizadeh
Abstract
Introduction: Insemination combined Effective Microorganisms (EM) to the plant ecosystem can improve photosynthesis and yield of fruit plants. The useful microorganisms contained in effective microorganisms (EM) mix include photosynthetic bacteria (Rhodopseudomonaspalustris, Rhodobactersphacrodes), lactic ...
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Introduction: Insemination combined Effective Microorganisms (EM) to the plant ecosystem can improve photosynthesis and yield of fruit plants. The useful microorganisms contained in effective microorganisms (EM) mix include photosynthetic bacteria (Rhodopseudomonaspalustris, Rhodobactersphacrodes), lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus casei, Streptococcus), yeasts (Saccharomyces spp.), actinomycetes (Streptomyces spp.) and fermentation fungi (Aspergillus, Penicillium).When EM applied with the soil or sprayed on the plant will be expanded, the population of photosynthetic bacteria and nitrogen stabilizer. Optimal nitrogen consumption not only causes delays old age it will also change the appearance of the plant. The availability of nitrogen to the roots especially in the early stages of growth causes elongation of the aerial parts of the plant. Proper use of nitrogen has a positive effect on flower number and the beginning of flowering in pepper but high consumption of this element has caused a delay in the formation of flowers and increase plant growth. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Effective Microorganisms by two methods of soil application and foliar application in different nitrogen levels on yield and morphological characteristics of strawberry cv. Paros
Materials and Methods: In order to study the impact of effective microorganisms (EM) on morphological characteristics and yield of strawberry cv. Paros a split-split-plots experiment was conducted based on Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with foliar and soil treatments of effective microorganisms, each in four levels (control, one, two and three percent) and nitrogen treatment in the form of urea fertilizer in three levels (50, 100 and 150 kg ha-1of the net nitrogen) with three replications in University of Mohaghegh Ardabili during 2014-2015 years. Land was prepared in late August and potassium and phosphorous fertilizers were added as 150 and 50 kgha-1, respectively. Strawberries were planted in early November 2014 in double rows on beds covered with black polyethylene foil.Nitrogen levels in the main plots, methods of application of EM in the subplots, the concentration of effective microorganisms in the sub-sub plots were placed.Half of the amount of nitrogen at planting time, 25 percent in the April and 25 percent in the May was given with irrigation water to plants.Treatments of EM, after the start of growth seedlings weekly basis a period of two months, were applied. In soil treatment with irrigation water and foliar Treatments be applied after the irrigation (control plants with distilled water). In this study were measured traits leaf and root dry weight, root length, number of runner, chlorophyll a, band total leaf and yield. Data were analyzed by SAS ver9.3 software and means were compared by LSD test (P≤0.05).
Results: Analysis of variance showed that the effect of different levels of effective microorganisms at the level of 1% probability were observed significant difference in the characters fresh and dry weight of root, root length, number of runner, total chlorophyll, leaf area and yield and in the probability level 5% is significant on the characters fresh and dry weight of leaves, chlorophyll aand b. Based on the results the effect of different methods of application of EM and interaction effects were not significant differences in any of the studied indicators.According to the analysis of variance,using of nitrogen had significant effect on the fresh weight yield root, root length, number of runner, chlorophyll A, B and total leaf area and yield at1% probability. The treatments had also significant effect on fresh and dry weight of leaf and root traitsat 5%,probability. Based on the results of this study the concentration of 1% and 3%of effective microorganisms and 100 kgNha-1 have positive effects on the parameters compared to the control.The results indicated that 2% EM was treated with a maximum of 185 g, and control treatment with 136 g had the lowest yield per plant.Fruit yield in plant with nitrogen application at 100 kg ha-1had the highest production (188 g) among nitrogen levels.
Conclusion: According to the results of this review, the best result was in treatment 2% of EM and 100 kg of nitrogen per hectare. Method used of EM in this study had no significant difference; accordingly method of consumption has no impact on the traits mentioned.
Medicinal Plants
M. Yadegari
Abstract
Introduction
Satureja bachtiarica is one of the important endemic species and is used in medicinal and food industries. This plant is rich in essential oil, flavonoids, monoterpene glycosides and trypanocidal terpenoids. The main compounds of the essential oil from S.bachtiarica L. collected from natural ...
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Introduction
Satureja bachtiarica is one of the important endemic species and is used in medicinal and food industries. This plant is rich in essential oil, flavonoids, monoterpene glycosides and trypanocidal terpenoids. The main compounds of the essential oil from S.bachtiarica L. collected from natural habitats are alpha-pinene, p-cymene, carvacrol and gamma-terpinene. The environmental factors cause changes in the growth, quantity, and quality of active substances (such as alkaloids, glycosides, steroids and volatile oils) in medicinal and aromatic plants. Among environmental stresses, water deficit plays an important role in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites in medicinal and aromatic plants in arid and semi-arid regions like Iran. Drought stress has detrimental effects on growth and yield and can upset the balance between the antioxidant defense system and free radicals by stimulating a series of biochemical reactions, where free radicals cause cell damage. In sustainable production systems of medicinal and aromatic plants, stable quantitative and qualitative functions can be achieved under conditions of environmental stress and it is possible to improve the production of secondary metabolites in these plants under adverse environmental conditions. Therefore, this study was done to evaluate the amino acids on the physiological and phytochemical properties of S. bachtiarica to determine and introduce the best amino acids under water stress.
Materials and Methods
This investigation was done from spring (May) 2022 to fall (September) 2023 at the Research Farm of Islamic Azad University, Branch of Shahrekord (latitude. 32°20′ N, longitude. 50°51′ E, altitude. 2061 m). Based on the Köppen climate classification, the climate of the study area is classified as cold and semiarid. This study was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) as a split plot layout with three replications. Irrigation regimes (3-day, 6-day, and 9-day intervals) were assigned as the main plots, while the foliar application of amino acids (methionine, lysine, phenylalanine, and proline) was designated as the subplots. In each year, treatments were applied at 3 stages (3 months after sowing, end of vegetation, before flowering, beginning of flowering and early flowering) and harvesting was done in the complete flowering stage. Weed control was applied manually during the entire experiment. During the experiment, no fertilizer and no systemic pesticide and herbicide were used. The harvested shoots were transferred to the laboratory for extracting and analysis of the leaves and stems of treated plants. For assessment of the total chlorophyll content of S. bachtiarica, the leaves were extracted with 80% acetone. The absorbance of the extraction was read at 470, 648, and 664 nm, and the content of total chlorophyll was calculated as mg per g leaf dry weight. Total phenol content was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent as reported by Singleton and Rossi. The total phenol content was expressed as mg of gallic acid equivalent per g leaf dry weight according to standard curves of gallic acid. The essential oils were extracted by hydro-distillation and analyzed using GC/MS.
Results and Discussion
Applied amino acids significantly influenced the morpho-physiological and phytochemical characters of Satureja bachtiarica. In two years, the highest chlorophyll content (1.41-1.54 mg.g-1 FW) and total phenol content (2.45-2.72 mg.g-1 FW) were obtained in methionine (2.5 g.l-1) and phenylalanine (100 µM) treatments by irrigation regimes 3-day interval. The highest essential oil contents (1.09-1.61 %) were obtained from the plants treated by methionine (2.5 g.l-1) and phenylalanine (100 µM) treatments by irrigation regime 3 days interval. The main chemical compounds of essential oil were P-cymene (17.12-19.45 %), gamma-terpinene (18.14-16.87 %) and Carvacrol (45.12-51.24 %) belonging to cyclic monoterpenes. The treatments had significant effectiveness on cyclic monoterpens such as alpha-terpinene, gamma-terpinene, germacren-d, carvacrol, thymol and p-cymene. Increasing of essential oil content/composition by use of amino acids was seen. The main components of essential oil in plants treated by proline were lesser than other treated plants. In two years of this research amino acids of methionine and phenylalanine mad the most amounts of carvacrol and essential oil content. The monoterpene alcohols in volatile oils of the treated plants with amino acids elicitors considerably were higher than the sesquiterpenes. According to the ratio of monoterpenes alcohol to sesquiterpenes in volatile oils of the treated S. bachtiarica with different elicitors, the foliar application of amino acids can improve the odor quality of S. bachtiarica volatile oil.
Conclusions
Foliar application of methionine (2.5 g.l-1) and phenylalanine (100 µM) treatments better than other treatments increased the morpho-physiological and essential oil attributes. Environmental conditions such as drought play a key role in plant growth and biosynthesis of different metabolic compounds. The observed variation in shoot yield and phytochemical content of S. bachtiarica during the studied years may related to differences in photoperiod, temperature, solar radiation, precipitation and occurrence of biotic and abiotic stresses at different growing seasons. Also amino acids had very important effectiveness on content/composition of essential oil of S. bachtiarica. Generally, treats of methionine and phenylalanine can be a good strategy to improve morpho-physiological characteristics and essential oil quantity and quality of S. bachtiarica in the same climate.
Jamal Javanmardi; Ozra Hasanshahian
Abstract
Introduction Pepino (SolanummuricatumAit.), a Solanaceous vegetable fruit has been recently introduced to Iran markets. Organic farming is currently the fastest growing agricultural sector worldwide. Although several investigations are available on chemical fertilization of pepino, the knowledge of organic ...
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Introduction Pepino (SolanummuricatumAit.), a Solanaceous vegetable fruit has been recently introduced to Iran markets. Organic farming is currently the fastest growing agricultural sector worldwide. Although several investigations are available on chemical fertilization of pepino, the knowledge of organic fertilization ismostly lacking. Therefore, at the beginning of introducing pepino plant to Iranian farmers it worth to evaluate the impact of organic fertilization on the productivity, profitability, acceptability and sustainability of farming systemsto this plant. High chemical fertilization of pepinoincreases the vegetative growth over the generative and fruit production. The aim of this investigation was to introduce the possibility of organic production of pepino.
Materials and Methods.A two-year experiment was carried out to assess the possibility of organic production of pepino using organic fertilizers. Humistar® organic fertilizer (containing 8.6% humic acid) at 50 L/ha and sheep or cow manure teas at 1:10 and 1:5 ratios were used for production of pepino cv. Kanseola to evaluate their effects on the physiology of reproductive stage and some fruit quality characteristics. The experiments were arranged as factorial in a randomized complete block design comprised of 3 replications, each of which 10 plants. Mother plants were obtained from Mashhad Ferdowsi University and incubated in a greenhouse (mean temperature of 25 °C and 60-70% relative humidity) for 1 month to proliferate. Cuttings with 2-3 leaves at the top, 3-5 healthy buds and 20 cm length were rooted for 14 days in a rooting media, ( 1:1:2 of field soil, composted leaf and perlite), respectively. Plants were transplanted into the field in 100 × 75 cm spacing after the danger of frost was over. Treatments consisted of two levels of 1:5 and 1:10 (w:w) cow or sheep manure teas in combination with two levels of Humistar® organic fertilizer as 0 and 50L/ha levels. Control plants received no manure teas and organic fertilizer. Treatments were applied as drenching2 weeks after transplantation in a weekly manner for 10 weeks. Plant characteristics including number of days from transplanting to first flowering, flower number in truss, fruit set percentage, number of days from transplanting to the first harvestable fruit were recorded. Fruit quality indices including fruit fresh weight, fruit dry matter percentage, total soluble solids (TSS), fruit total phenolic contents and ascorbic acid content were measured at harvest time.
Results and Discussions The seasonal effect on all traits was not significant. All studied traits were affected by combination of manure teas andhumic acid except fruit total soluble solid. Cow manure tea at 1:5 v/v caused plants to fail growth in both years. The sole application of manure tea did not significantly affect the number of flowers per truss but humic acid alone or in combination with manure tea showed similar increasing trend in flower number. Application of sheep manure tea at 1:10 v/v caused the greatest total soluble solid content in fruits (up to 6.9 °Brix) as was 45% greater than control and cow manure tea treatment. The effect of humic acid on the number of days from planting to the first flower formationwas not significant. Sheep manure tea at 1:10 (v/v) level when combined with humic acid lead to the least required days preceding the first flower formation (9 days earlier flowering). The same treatment leads to the highest fruit dry matter percent (as about 8.1%) which was 10 times greater than control plants. The sole application of humic acid led to the greatest fruit set percentage as of 60% (2 fold above control). The same treatment caused 17 days earlier crop (53 days for fruit ripening versus 70 days in control plants. The greatest total phenolic content (56.1 mg gallic acid per 100 g fresh fruit over 50% greater than control plants) was obtained with sole humic acid application. This treatment leads to the greatest fruit ascorbic acid content asabout 15.62 mg/100g fw (over 57% greater than control plants).
ConclusionTo obtain the preferred fruit quality for industry or fresh use, different combinations of humic acid, cow and sheep manure teas should be considered. Briefly, sole application of humic acid would affect fruitset percentage, earliness, fruit total phenolic content and vitamin C. Manure tea affect fruit total soluble solid content, while in combination with humic acid would affect flowering and fruit dry matter content.
Mohammad Salahifarahi; Faramarz Sayyedi; Hadi Sheikhvesi
Abstract
Introduction: Watermelon, originated from warm regions of Africa, is one of the most important vegetable crops used as human food, forage and for producing alcohol. The area under its cultivation in our province was 1031 ha as irrigated and 3829 ha as rainfed. The average fruit yields under above-mentioned ...
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Introduction: Watermelon, originated from warm regions of Africa, is one of the most important vegetable crops used as human food, forage and for producing alcohol. The area under its cultivation in our province was 1031 ha as irrigated and 3829 ha as rainfed. The average fruit yields under above-mentioned conditions were 23784 and 14888kg ha-1, respectively. Watermelon fruits suffer from a nutritional disorder that is attributed to shortage of calcium in developing fruits. The adsorption and uptake process of calcium by plants is comprised of three main stages; the first stage is passing through root cortex into xylem, the second one is its transport within xylem, and the last one is its distribution into leaves and fruits. Plants obtain calcium preferably from soil solution. Calcium moves upward in apoplastic pathways (with transpiration flow), and reaches different organs of the plants through xylem. Blossom-end rot (BER) is a nutritional disorder of watermelon, tomato and pepper that is caused by a shortage of calcium in enlarging fruits. Blossom-end rot of watermelon commonly occurs in our province when fruits are growing rapidly. BER is frequently seen in watermelon genotypes with long fruits, Charleston gray type in particular. Calcium requirement increases at rapidly developing stage of fruit. BER might happen as a result of increased demand of blossom-end rot of fruit (rapidly growing section of the fruits) for calcium. It can occur even when there is abundant calcium in the soil, because demand exceeds supply. Since fruits do not transpire as much as leaves, less calcium is deposited when calcium containing water is transpired, resulting in a localized calcium deficiency in the fruit.
Materials and methods: In order to investigate the effects of foliar application of calcium on BER of watermelon, an experiment was carried out at the agricultural research station of Gonbad, Gonbad-e Qabus, Iran, in 2008. The soil of the experiment site was calcizerol, thermic. The soil was river alluvial plain type and the slope was moderate .The soil was not saline and PH was slightly alkaline. The amount of phosphorus, potassium, iron, boron, and calcium were sufficient but the amount of available zinc was low. The experiment was carried out in a factorial based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two factors and three replications. The first factor was two watermelon cultivars (Charleston gray and Charlie), and the second factor was four levels of calcium (0, 3, 5 and 8 gl-1 of calcium chloride). Each plot consisted of four ten-meter long rows. Row and within-row distances were 3 and 0.75 meters, respectively. Three seeds were planted in each hill, and they were thinned to one seedling at first hoeing when they were completely established. Irrigation was applied six times in furrows to avoid moisture stress. Foliar application of calcium was initiated before fruit set and applied with fifteen-day intervals afterwards. Number of healthy fruits, mean fruit weight, and number of fruits affected by blossom-end rot were counted from the two inner rows discarding the first and last plants of the rows. Brix was determined using a hand refractometer (OSK 7926). The data obtained was analyzed by using SAS.
Results and discussion:The effect of foliar application of calcium and genotypes were not significant for fruit length. The interaction of genotype and calcium did not significantly affect fruit length. Calcium application did not have any effect on the length of blossom-end rot affected fruits. There were not any differences between the genotypes studied. These findings were in contrast with those of some other researchers, who reported enhanced fruit length by calcium application. Brix (soluble solid content) is an important trait in watermelon, so that an increase in it raises the marketability of the product. Brix was not significantly affected by calcium, genotypes, and their interaction. The results of analysis of variance showed that fruit rind width of the genotypes was not affected by calcium, whereas calcium and genotype interaction significantly affected fruit rind width at 0.05 probability level. These findings were consistent with those of some other researchers. Fruit yield was not significantly affected by calcium. The effect of calcium on the number of fruits affected by blossom-end rot disorder was significant at 0.01 probability level, while the effect of genotype and calcium interaction on this trait was not significant. The average number of fruits affected by BER were 1667, 1144 and 588 per hectare at 0, 3, 5 and 8 gl-1calcium chloride, respectively. These findings were consistent with those reported by some other researchers.
Conclusion We concluded that under our experiment's conditions, calcium foliar application was ineffective in improving watermelon fruit yield, but it was promising in decreasing blossom-end rot, which reduces marketability of the fruit.
Abdolhamid Mohebi
Abstract
Mycorrhizal symbiosis increase nutrient uptake and enhance plant growth by elaborating root system. The positive effects of mycorrhizal symbiosis on the growth, physiology and ecology of various plants have been recognized. The symbiotic relations between mycorrhizal fungi and date palm with regard to ...
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Mycorrhizal symbiosis increase nutrient uptake and enhance plant growth by elaborating root system. The positive effects of mycorrhizal symbiosis on the growth, physiology and ecology of various plants have been recognized. The symbiotic relations between mycorrhizal fungi and date palm with regard to nutrient uptake by this plant have not yet been explored and studied in Iran. This project was conducted as a randomized complete block design with four replications (blocks) in a greenhouse at Date Palm and Tropical Fruit Research institute during 2008 to 2009. Factor A such as; five rate of fertilizer superphosphate triple (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 mg/kg soil), factor B including; with or without mycorrhiza inoculation. Fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, root length, mycorhizal root length and nutrient concentration in different treatments were measured. The results showed significantly differences between dry weight of roots and shoots, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in shoot and roots (P
Seyyed Majid Zargarian; Ali Tehranifar; Seyyed Hossein Nemati; Bahram Syavashpor
Abstract
Introduction: In order to improve physical and mental human healthy, development of the urban area landscape is necessary. Water deficit is one of the most important problems in arid and semi- arid regions. Water deficit causes to reduce growth of different plants parts, including roots, aerial parts, ...
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Introduction: In order to improve physical and mental human healthy, development of the urban area landscape is necessary. Water deficit is one of the most important problems in arid and semi- arid regions. Water deficit causes to reduce growth of different plants parts, including roots, aerial parts, leaf area, height, dry weight, proteins, amino acids and chlorophyll. Using drought tolerance plantsisone solution. Moreover, one physiological method to decrease the hazardous effects of environmental stresses on plants is to applyplant growth regulators such as salicylic acid (SA). SA is one of the plant phenolic compounds in low amounts (mg/g wet weight or lower).
This hormone can perform an important role in resistance to stresses. Asteraceae is one of the biggest plant families with over 20,000 species which is distributed worldwide in moderate and tropical regions. A lot of border flowers of this family are widely used in landscaping. Toselect drought tolerance flowers and application of materials that reducing stress effects, this experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of salicylic acid on some morphological and physiological characteristics of five border flowers of this family.
Materials and Methods: The field experiment was conducted as split plot on randomized complete blocks design with four replications in which factors included two levels of water deficit (50, 100% FC) as main plot and two levels of SA (0, 1mmol/L-1) as sub plot in the horticulturedepartment of faculty of Agriculture atFerdowsi University of Mashhad. In this investigation five border flowers (Ageratum houstonianum‘Blue Danube’, Tagetserecta ‘Discovery Yellow’, Tagetspatula‘Hero Harmony’, Zinnia elegans ‘Lilliput rose’andCallistephuschinensis ‘Milady Mix’ ) of Asteraceae family were chosen for study. The soil mixture was analyzed before starting the test. According to the result of physicochemical analysis of the soil, it had loamy texture (52% sand, 30% silt and 18% clay) with 7.04 pH and 3.6 ds/m electrical conductivity (EC) and total N (0.175mg/kg), P (142.7 mg/kg) and K (142.3mg/kg) were reported, too. Investigated characteristics were height of the plants, leaf area,flower number,root dry weight, flower dry weight, aerial parts dry weight,chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, ,total chlorophyll,carotenoide,stomata conductance,relative water content (RWC) and electrolyte leakage. Tomeasureleaf area and stomata conductance, leaf area meter and prometer were used, respectively. In addition, electrolyte leakage, RWC, chlorophyll and carotenoide were evaluated by Sairamet al., Smart and Bingham, Arnon and Rangan methods, respectively. Minitab 16 software was used for data analysis and LSD test (p≤ 5%) for mean comparison was applied.
Results and Discussion: The results of this study showed that all characteristics of examined flowers decreased underwater deficit treatment (50% FC). SA had different effect on flowers properties. Although SA had not significant effect on flower number, it improved the percentage of characteristicssuch asflower dry weight, chlorophyll a, stomata conductance and RWC of Ageratum houstonianum; root dry weight, carotenoid andstomata conductance of Zinnia elegans; carotenoid of Tagetserecta; flower number, flower dry weight, carotenoid and stomata conductance of Tagetspatula; root dry weight, flower dry weight, aerial parts dry weight andstomata conductance of Callistephuschinensis. Moreover, SA had significant effect on the considered characteristics of the other studied flowers. Interaction effect of these two factors had different effects on all of the examined characteristics of five flowers. The highest amounts of the investigated characteristics mostly obtained from water deficit with SA application treatment. Under water deficit, SA could influence leaf area and electrolyte leakage of all examined flowers and aerial parts dry weight of all flowers except Callistephuschinensis. Among the studied flowersTagetserectaand Zinnia elegans showed the highest and Callistephuschinensisdisplayed the lowest response to SA application under water deficit. Underwater deficit conditions SA probably cause to improve nutritious elements that can increase plant growth. Different effects of SA on morphological and physiological properties may be due to the plant species and environmental conditions that can influence on morphophysiologic process variously.
Conclusions: The results of this studyindicated that SA resulted in the improvement of themost of morphological and physiological properties. However different results obtained,due to the variation in morphological and physiological characteristics of flowers.
Mostafa Aalifar; Ali Ebady; Mohammadreza Fattahi
Abstract
Seedlessness is the most important trait in table grape and raisin industry which has attracted breeders from long ago. Breeding grapes by traditional methods result in low number of seedless progenies and their selection requires long time. Therefore, marker-assisted selection (MAS) can overcome the ...
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Seedlessness is the most important trait in table grape and raisin industry which has attracted breeders from long ago. Breeding grapes by traditional methods result in low number of seedless progenies and their selection requires long time. Therefore, marker-assisted selection (MAS) can overcome the selection difficulty and would decrease high cost of progeny maintenance for several years. In this study, SCC8 marker was employed to evaluate its efficiency in early discrimination of seedless progenies as well as the status of sdI gene in seedless and seeded important Iranian grape cultivars. To do so, 11 progenies which were realized as seedless by panel test, were evaluated Scar marker Scc8. According to the results, Scar marker Scc8 could identify 10 of them as homozygous seedless and just one as homozygous seedless. This marker could also identified 'Muscat of Hamburg', 'Dastechin', 'Shahani', 'Sahebi', 'Khalili', 'Alibaba', 'Qhezel Ozum', 'Dizmari' and 'Shirazi Qermez' as homozygous seeded cultivars whereas 'Atabake', 'Shahroudi' and 'Toloqhi' were found to be heterozygous seeded ones. It can be concluded that Scar marker SCC8 could discriminate seedless progenies as well as cultivars and their sdI gene status correctly in most cases (87.5%).
Rozita Khademi Astaneh; Seyyed Jalal Tabatabaie; Sahebali Bolandnazar
Abstract
Introduction: Selenium is a non-metallic, rare chemical element and essential for many organisms but this element is not mentioned as an essential element for plants. Due to its presence in antioxidant defense systems and hormonal balance, selenium is known to be necessary in human and animal health ...
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Introduction: Selenium is a non-metallic, rare chemical element and essential for many organisms but this element is not mentioned as an essential element for plants. Due to its presence in antioxidant defense systems and hormonal balance, selenium is known to be necessary in human and animal health Plants exhibit a variety of physiological responses to selenium.Some species accumulate large amount of selenium, while many plant species are sensitive to presence of large amounts of selenium in soil and water. The mean, the maximum and tolerance level of selenium required for humans is 45, 55 and 400 micrograms, respectively (Dietary Reference). but acute toxicity level in animals are found with a concentration of 1000 ppm. Plants absorb and storage selenium in chemical form and concentration depends on pH, salinity and calcium carbonate content. High contents of selenium reduce plant growth and plant dryness, however in some plants low selenium concentrations improved growth and increase stress resistance by maintenance of chloroplast enzymes. Positive response to the use of selenium were mentioned in lettuce, potato, mustard, crap, darnel, soybean (Glycinemax L), potatoes and green tea leaves. Research has shown that there is a positive relationship between selenium concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity, which is a reason to delay aging and increase growth of aging plants. The results of this study had shown that the application of selenium treatments increased leaf area of plants and, consequently, the higher availability of asmilates, can increase plant growth. The results of the studies also indicated that all vegetative characteristics of plants are increased due to the concentration of selenium and the accumulation capacity of plants affected by selenium application. Since there is no research on the effect of selenium on cabbage, it seems that the use of this element can affect the growth and development of this plant.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was tested in a controlled condition hydroponic greenhouse of Horticulture Department, College of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, The greenhouse was covered with polyethylene monolayer and equipped with a cooling and fogging systems to control the temperature in the warm months and humidity, respectively. Daily temperatures were setted3 ± 20 3 ± 16. Seeds of Gemmifera varieties brussels cabbage weregerminated in petri dishes. Seedlings were transferred to the plastic cups (to the floating system) with perlite in four leaf stage. . Plants root system were floated in solution. Modified Hoagland nutrient solution (Table 1) was prepared (12 liters per container with 40 and 32 cm height and diameter, respectively.
Results and Discussion: Results of vegetative Brussels sprouts button showed that selenium significantly increased leaf, stem and root dry weight, leaf number and leaf area. Leaf area, leaves, stems and roots fresh and dry weight increased with increasing selenium up to 8 mg L- but then decreased due to a high concentration of selenium toxicity. There were no significant difference in the treatments on stem length, stem diameter. Number of buds was significantly (P≤0.05) affected by selenium treatments and the highest number of sprouts were in two levels of 8 and 16 mg selenium per liter, respectively. Yield and shoot dry weight showed a significant increase (at 1 percent) with increasing levels of selenium,.Conclusions Plants yield significantly (P≤0.01) affected by selenium treatments, so that selenium concentration in the nutrient solution increased from 0 to 8 mg L-1increased yield and reduced afterward. The maximum yield was observed at a concentration of 8 mg L-compared with control. Based on the findings of this study, selenium concentration can be up to 8 mg L-1 in order to improve plant growth to nutrient solution.
Morteza Goldani; Sedigheh Mazroi
Abstract
Introduction: B. campestris is an old plant that commonly grows in arid and semi-arid areas. It has mucilage in the epidermal cells of canola seeds, a considerable variation in growth form and characteristics across the many cultivars. These species have in general, a flat root without an elongated crown, ...
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Introduction: B. campestris is an old plant that commonly grows in arid and semi-arid areas. It has mucilage in the epidermal cells of canola seeds, a considerable variation in growth form and characteristics across the many cultivars. These species have in general, a flat root without an elongated crown, with stems that typically grow 30 to 120 cm tall. The leaves are large, soft, smooth or soft-hairy. The yellow flowers are small, usually less than 2 cm long (24). Seed priming is a procedure in which seed is soaked and then dried back to its original water content. Hydropriming uses only water in the process of controlled imbibitions, but osmopriming simply means soaking seeds in an osmotic solution. Seed priming is a technique of controlled hydration and drying that results in more rapid germination when the seed is reimbibed. Priming can be a valuable process for improving germination and uniformity of heterogeneously matured seed lots. Seed priming has been successfully demonstrated to improve germination and emergence in seeds of many crops, particularly vegetables and small seeded grasses. Seed priming is a presowing strategy for influencing seedling development by modulating pregermination metabolic activity prior to emergence of the radicle and generally enhances germination rate and plant performance. Fast germination and uniform emergence assist the farmer to “catch up” on the time lost to drought (17, 18). This research aimed to study the effect of the best treatments of osmopriming and hydropriming on varieties of mustard seed germination traits was conducted.
Materials and Methods: The present research was conducted under laboratory conditions of the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, during 2012 to determine the seed priming effects on germination traits of two cultivars of mustard. The experiment was in completely randomized design with six treatments. Seeds of two mustard cultivars including Goldrash and Parkland (Brassica compestris var.) were subjected to hydro priming and osmotic priming (-4 and -16 urea and Zinc sulfate solution with osmotic potential MPa) in laboratory conditions. Then germination performance was studied. To calculate the germination percentageand rate, mean germination time (MGT) and seed vigor, were used according to equation1, 2, 3and4(11).
1: Germination percentage= (n / N) × 100
2:
3: MGT= Σ(ni × ti)Σn
whereni is the number of newly germinated seeds at time of tiafter imbibing, and n = total number of emerged seeds.
4: Seed vigor= Germination percentage * dry weight
The soft ware macro, and charting in Excel software were used to analyze the data and LSD test at the 5% level was used for means comparison.
Results and Discussion: Priming treatments impressed radica and plumul length, germination percentage and rate, mean germination time and seed vigor at the 5% level (Table 3). As maximum germination percentage and rate at the control and hydropriming treatments and at least 16 MPa at osmopriming zinc were (respectively 6/14 and 92/0% for Parkland and 6/82, and 15% for Goldrash)(Tables 1, 2). Given that most of micronutrients such as zinc, copper, cobalt thatare also classified as heavy metals when their concentrations in soil and plant tissues above the plant are sufficient to cause poisoning, affect yield and plant growth (19). It seems, the Goldrash compared to Parkland with imbibitions less metabolic activity has shown better and more tolerance to stresses caused by the toxicity of zinc.Hydropriming partially hydrated seeds and cellular turgescenceoccurs. In this experiment when compared to osmopriming, hydration process was accelerated in hydropriming treatment and germination indices were better. Benntt and Waters (3) reported no germination at osmopriming treatment for largeseed crops (such as corn and soybeans). This method can possibly include other osmotic elements uptake by seeds and create toxicity and reduced oxygen uptake at low osmotic potential was noted.
Conclusion: In this experiment, the priming process could increase seed vigor and seedling growth of cultivars. It seems that the use of zinc as a heavy metal toxicity in plant tissues and plant growth is reduced. The damage was more severe with increasing concentrations of heavy elements. But the Goldrash compared to Parkland has shown more tolerance and Goldrashhas shown better results in hydroponic conditions.
Gholamhossein Davarynejad; Ali Akbar Shokouhian; Ali Tehranifar
Abstract
Introduction: Potential almond rootstock and thus main genetic sources for the breeding of its new rootstocks are almond itself, peach and plum, and these species cross-breeds Almond is a source of resistance to limestone and to drought because of its roots, which reach deep layers of soil; it is also ...
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Introduction: Potential almond rootstock and thus main genetic sources for the breeding of its new rootstocks are almond itself, peach and plum, and these species cross-breeds Almond is a source of resistance to limestone and to drought because of its roots, which reach deep layers of soil; it is also more resistant than peach to Na and Bo. Asexual or vegetative propagation is a hereditable characteristic and this paper is a review of sources available on this character for almond rootstock breeding. The bibliographic reference regarding this species, vegetative propagation is very poor. Stem cutting is considered the most simple and economical method of propagation. It is important, particularly in horticulture for mass production of improved material within a short time and to perpetuate the characteristics of the parent plant.
Materials and Methods: In this study the effects of different concentrations of indole-3- butyric acid (IBA) and medium type on rooting of hardwood stem cuttings of two rootstocks natural hybrids of almond × peach and the clone of G.F.677(as control) was investigated in plastic greenhouse with bottom heat, In this research 4 levels of IBA (0.3000,6000 and 9000 mg/l) and three levels of bed (perlait, cocopeat and, mixtures of 2 perlite + 1cocopeat) on rooting of hardwood cuttings of two almond × peach natural hybrids and control was used in a split plot based on a randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Hardwood cuttings were prepared in Department of Horticultural Sciences of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad at January 2011. The basal one inch of cuttings was treated with IBA solution for five seconds at 3000, 6000 and 9000 ppm. the following components were determined, the rooting percentage of cuttings, number of root, length of roots, roots fresh and dry weight and volume of roots
Results and Discussion: Results showed that effects of different concentrations of IBA, on the rooting percentage of cuttings were significantly different at the %1 level compare with control. In this case were observed the highest of rooting percentage (40.9) at concentration of 3000(mg/l) and the lowest percentage (12.7) in control. The observations showed that treating almond hardwood cuttings with 3000 ppm IBA gave the highest significant rooting percentage compared with other treatments. Furthermore, results of many investigations indicated that, IBA increased rooting percentage, number of roots/cutting, length and fresh weight of roots. Also on the trait there were significantly differences in the %1 level between the growing Medias. Rooting percentage of cuttings expanded by bed of perlait. Results showed that effects of different rootstocks on the rooting percentage of cuttings were significantly different at the %1 level. In this trait observed the highest of rooting percentage at G.F.677 and there was no significant difference between the two other rootstocks.Treated with control rootstock with IBA at 3000 mg/l and Perlait resulted in the highest rooting percentage ،the maximum number of roots and root length. In the traits rooting percentage, number of roots and root length was interactions between, concentrations × bed × rootstocks significantly different at the %1 level. The result was better than Gf677× 3000 ppm of IBA × perlite bed. Also effect of treatments concentrations on root volume was significant at the %5 level. Highest root volume obtained in a concentration of 3000 mg/l of IBA.
Conclusion: From our preliminary results, it could be inferred that there is a correlation between types of rootstock, concentrations of IBA and media in rooting ability of hardwood cuttings rootstocks of almond × peach. In this study, the desired result was obtained from the interaction between treatments concentration of 3000 mg per liter of IBA in perlite media and GF677 rootstock.
Hassan Hasani Jifroudi; Mehdi Mohebodini; Behrooz Esmaielpour; Esmaeil Chamani
Abstract
Introduction: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum- graecum) is a medicinal plant extensively distributed in most regions of the world. Fenugreek is an annual plant from the family of papilionaceae, leguminosae. Fenugreek leaves and seeds have been used extensively to prepare extracts and powders for medicinal ...
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Introduction: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum- graecum) is a medicinal plant extensively distributed in most regions of the world. Fenugreek is an annual plant from the family of papilionaceae, leguminosae. Fenugreek leaves and seeds have been used extensively to prepare extracts and powders for medicinal uses. Its root, leaf and seed contain a number of important medicinal compounds such as polysaccharide, galactomannan, different saponins such as diosgenin, yamogenin, mucilage, volatile oil and alkaloids such as choline and trigonelline. Plant tissue culture is fundamental to most aspects of biotechnology of plants. Establishment of an efficient callus induction and direct regeneration protocol is an essential prerequisite in harnessing the advantage of cell and tissue culture for genetic improvement. For the successful application of the tissue culture technique in plant breeding, callus induction and plant regeneration potential of each plant must be determined. The present study was performed in order to determine the optimum concentration of plant growth regulators (IBA + TDZ) for producing of in vitro plantlet using cotyledon and hypocotyl as an explant for two different Iranian genotypes (Ardestani and Neyshabouri).
Materials and Methods: In this investigation, Ardestani and Neyshabouri genotypes were used for callus induction and direct shoot regeneration. The medium used in this investigation was MS (Murashige and Skoog) basal medium. Then seeds were germinated on MS medium. For callus induction and direct shoot regeneration, cotyledon and hypocotyl explants were excised from 8-day-old sterile seedlings and cultured on MS medium containing various concentrations of IBA and TDZ. In this experiment, two combinations (TDZ + IBA) were used. In the first composition, IBA had four levels (0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5 mg l-1) and TDZ had five levels (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 mg l-1) and in the second composition, IBA had four levels (0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15 mg l-1) and TDZ had seven levels (0, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45 mg l-1).The experimental designs were factorial based on completely randomized design with four replications. Cultures were incubated at 25° C ± 2 with a 16/8 hour (day/night) photoperiod and an irradiance of 1500 LUX using Sylvania cool white fluorescent tubes. The percentage of callus induction, direct shoot regeneration and average weight of callus were calculated for cotyledon and hypocotyl explants. All Data were analyzed using SPSS16, and mean comparisons were performed with duncan’s multiple range test (P < 0.05).
Results and Discussion: According to our results, explants cultured on MS basal medium without plant growth regulators (control) produced no callus. However, after two weeks, callus formed in both of Ardestani and Neyshabouri genotypes from cotyledon and hypocotyl explants in the presence of IBA + TDZ plant growth regulators in most of the combinations. In hypocotyl explants of Neyshabouri genotype, the highest callus induction was obtained from the medium containing 0.15 mg l-1 IBA + 0.45 mg l-1 TDZ (96.87%). Various important factors such as genotype, source of explants and plant growth regulators significantly influence direct regeneration. Direct regeneration was obtained from hypocotyl explants for Neyshabouri genotype in combination IBA + TDZ. The highest percentage of direct shoot regeneration was observed in MS medium containing 0.05 mg l-1 IBA + 0.35 mg l-1 TDZ in hypocotyl explants of Neyshabouri genotype (37.5%). Direct shoot regeneration requires plant cells to undergo dedifferentiation which is known to be affected by not only exogenous plant growth regulators but also endogenous content of the hormones. Different tissues may have different levels of endogenous hormones and, therefore, the type of explant source would have a critical impact on the regeneration success. In our study, when cotyledon and hypocotyl explants were compared, it was clear that hypocotyl explants were much more productive for direct shoot regeneration than cotyledon explants.
Conclusions: Callus induction and direct shoot regeneration are as in vitro tissue culture methods. Plant growth regulators and types of explant and genotype are the most important factors for callus induction and direct shoot regeneration phases. Therefore, optimization of these factors is essential to establish a high frequency of callus induction, direct shoot regeneration and gene transferring to this plant. According to the results of this investigation, it is recommended to apply plant growth regulators that were used in this study for other landraces of fenugreek cultured in Iran and select the best genotypes in response to tissue culture conditions for using in future studies.
Nader Yaghubi Akram; Ali Imani; Davood Sadeghzadeh-Ahari
Abstract
Introduction: Apple tree is one of the widely grown fruit crops in Iran. Apple is not only consumed as fresh fruit in Iran but also it is one of the most important export products in country. Iran has a good ranking among the first world ten apple producing countries and it annual production is about ...
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Introduction: Apple tree is one of the widely grown fruit crops in Iran. Apple is not only consumed as fresh fruit in Iran but also it is one of the most important export products in country. Iran has a good ranking among the first world ten apple producing countries and it annual production is about three million tons. Although Iran has acceptable ranking in the case of apple production in the world, but its mean yield is about 13 tons per hectare. Unsuited nourishing and unbalancing of the nutrients in the soils is one of the reasons for reducing of apple yields in most parts of Iran.
Calcium (Ca) is one of the plant nutrients that most closely related to improvement of fruit quality and increasing of fruits shelf life. Calcium mobilization from leaf to fruit is controlling by transpiration of plant. With growing of fruits, calcium deficiency will be increase especially in high temperature and drought condition because of dilution effect.
Calcium ions bind tightly to the pectins in the cell walls and produce cationic bridges between pectic acids, or between pectic acids and other acidic polysaccharides. These bridges make the cell walls less accessible to the action of pectolytic enzymes.
It is suggested that addition of calcium to fruit can either enhance resistance of fruit to postharvest pathogens or reduce susceptibility to postharvest diseases and disorders.
Calcium chloride (Ca Cl2) and calcium nitrate [Ca (NO3)2] are commonly used for foliar sprays. Application of calcium chloride has been reported to control fruit disorders and improve fruit quality of apples and pears. Calcium chloride solution by immersion did not significantly differ from the untreated control in pH, total soluble solids (TSS), total titratable acidity (TA).
Boron is an essential micronutrient required for optimal yield and quality of apple fruit. Its availability to plants decreases with increasing of soil pH and under drought condition. Boron deficiencies may reduce Ca movement in a tree. Boron plays a significant role in pollination success and it plays a role in the trees ability to translocation of Ca from the roots to other parts of the tree. Foliar application of boron is preferred over soil application because of the very narrow range from deficient to toxic levels. Efficiency of calcium and boron increases plant height by increasing mitotic activity in the terminal meristems.
Dwarfing rootstocks have been used in most parts of the world. They have more differences in adaptability with different soils and agro-climatologically conditions. Recently using from East Maling 9 (M9) and Maling Merton 106 (MM106) has been extended in Iranian apple gardens.
Regarding to the difficulties of apple growing gardens in Iran that due to appearing serious difficulties in nutrients absorption by plants and importance of improvement of qualitative and quantitative apple production on the other hand, this study carried out.
Materials and Methods: The research study was conducted at the Khorramdarreh region located in 36○.13' eastern longitude and 49○.12' northern altitude and 1560 meter above the free seas levels, during spring and summer 2014 to determine the influence of foliar calcium chloride + calcium nitrate and boron mixture application on growth and yield performance of Star King apple cultivar grafted on M 9 and MM 106 rootstocks. Trees were nine years old. The experiment was laid out in factorial based on randomized complete blocks design with 3 replications. Factor A was rootstock in two level(M 9 and MM 106) and factor B was foliar spraying of calcium chloride + calcium nitrate and boron mixture with three levels(0, 3000 and 5000 ppm).
Mixture of calcium chloride, calcium nitrate and borax (3000 and 5000 ppm), were applied as foliar spray in four times with 22 days interval started from 28 of June (after June drop). A back-held spray pump was used for foliar application of the chemicals. After spraying two branches were selected at two eastern and western directions with 80-100 centimeter length and 1-1.5 centimeter diameter for noting the growing related traits such as length and diameter of new branches also the tress height and diameter were noted. After ripening of the fruits, ten randomly selected fruit were picked around the tree canopy from each treatment and in laboratory some qualitative characteristics such as pH, titrable acid and total soluble solids of them were tested.
The data were analyzed using MSTAT-C software and treatment means were separated by the Duncans Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 0.05% level of significance.
Results and Discussion: Results showed that effect of rootstock factor was significant on length of new branches, tree diameter, annual increasing of tree diameter and fruit pH. The highest length of new branches (30.56 cm) belonged to MM 106 rootstock that 47% increased comparing with M9 new branches length. The lowest tree diameter was 11.50 cm and belonged to M 9 rootstock that decreased about 51% comparing with MM 106 rootstock. The highest annual increasing of tree diameter (6.8 mm) belonged to MM 106. The maximum fruit pH (4.7) belonged to M9 rootstock that had significantly differences with fruit pH in MM 106(4.5).Concentration factor had significantly effect on individual tree fruit yield, yields per hectare, length and diameter of new branches, trees height and diameter, annual increasing of tree diameter, fruit total soluble solid, fruit juice and fruits texture hardiness. Interaction effect of rootstock × concentration was significant only on length of new branches. With increasing of solution mixture (calcium chloride + calcium nitrate and boron) concentration, growing of new branches (in length and diameter), trees height and diameter were increased.
Conclusion: It can be concluded from these results that three time foliar application of calcium chloride + calcium nitrate and boron mixture on Star King apple cultivar grafted on M 9 and MM 106, results in a significant increase in tree and fruit qualitative and quantitative production. According to the results of study spraying of Star King apple cultivar with 5000 ppm concentration of calcium chloride + calcium nitrate and boron mixture, recommended in Khorramdarreh region.
Nasrin Shahabi; Alireza Abdali Mashhadi; Mohammad Hossein Gharineh; Amin Lotfi Jalal Abadi
Abstract
Introduction: The German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is an annual herb from the Asteraceae family. This plant has many medicinal uses. Chamazulene, α-bisabolone oxide A and b-farnesene are part of essential oil components of German chamomile. Chamomile causes the chamomile essential oil ...
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Introduction: The German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is an annual herb from the Asteraceae family. This plant has many medicinal uses. Chamazulene, α-bisabolone oxide A and b-farnesene are part of essential oil components of German chamomile. Chamomile causes the chamomile essential oil to turn blue color. Chamazulene is the most important part of chamomile essential oil. Chamazulene has many therapeutic properties, including lowering total cholesterol and triglycerides and generally having a high anti-concentration effect of lipoprotein (Hyperlipidemia) in the blood. Most plants are more vulnerable in the early stages of growth. Within a region with adverse climatic conditions, microclimate can make more survival possible for the plants. In very warm and dry areas, in furrow sowing condition, seeds sowing in the bed of furrow in the different geographical orientations causes the formation of microclimates, especially in short plants and at the germination and seedling stages. For example, salt accumulation on the ridge and reducing soil salt in the bed of furrowimprove growth conditionsand on the other hand, shading the ridge on the furrow, by reducing the time of sunlight shining on the furrow bed reduces soil temperature and evapotranspiration in early stages of seedling growth. The geographical orientations of the sowing can affect the shading period time of the ridgeon bedfurrow.
Materials and Methods: Under low irrigation and saline-sodic soil condition (At a depth of 0 to 30 cm, with an average electrical conductivity of 7.7 dS.m-1, pH 7.7, silty clay soil texture, 1% organic matter and with an altitude of 22 meters above sea level), a field experiment conducted in a factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in Khuzestan Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University (North East of Ahvaz, 2016-2017). The experimental treatments were included the geographical orientations of sowing rows (control (nonlinear flat sowing) and orientations of sowing rows in the North-South, East-West, North East-South West, North West-South East) and chamomile landraces (Ahvaz, Isfahan, and Shiraz).The traits that were studied included: plant height, diameter of main stem, light extinction coefficient, capitule diameter, dry weight of 10 inflorescences, number of flowers per plant, number of stems per plant, dry inflorescence yield, essential oil percentage, essential oil yield, biological yield, percentage of chamazulene, α-Bisabolone oxide A and b-Farnesene in essential oil .
Results and Discussion: Experimental factors had no significant effect on dry weight of 10 inflorescences and capitule diameter. The lowest light extinction coefficient was observed in nonlinear flat sowing. The landraces had no significant effect on main stem diameter but the effect of geographical orientations of sowing rows were significant. The lowest and highest diameter of main stem were obtained from nonlinear flat sowing, respectively. The main effect of geographical orientations of sowing rows and interaction of populations and geographical orientations of sowing rows on number of stems per plant were significant. The highest number of stems per plant (15.2) was obtained from Shiraz landrace and northwest-southeast geographical orientation but the lowest number of stems per plant was in Shiraz landrace and nonlinear flat sowing (8.7). In both the highest and the lowest number of stems per plant, the landrace of Shiraz was common, this indicates a high effect of geographical orientations of sowing rows on this trait. The highest and the lowest of number of flowers per plant was observed in Isfahan landrace in north-south orientation (78.5) and Shiraz landrace and nonlinear flat sowing (49.5), respectively. The highest number of flowers per plant, dry inflorescence yield, and the highest biological yield were obtained from Isfahan landrace in the north-south, north-south and north west-south east orientations, respectively. The highest essential oil percentage was obtained from the Isfahan landrace (East-West orientation). The lowest and highest yield of essential oil was observed in Isfahan landrace and in nonlinear flat sowing and east-west direction, respectively, which increased by 221%. Isfahan landrace received different signals due to different climatic conditions (Ahwaz) compared to the main region (Isfahan) and this increased the percentage and yield of essential oil even more than native landrace (Ahwaz population). The highest percentage of chamazulene, b-Farnesene, and α-bisabolone oxide were shown in the Ahwaz (north-south), Shiraz (south west-north east) and Isfahan (north to south) landraces, respectively.
Conclusion: Isfahan non-native landrace had higher biological yield (northwest-southeast orientation) and essential oil percentage (east-west orientation) and essential oil yield (east-west orientation) than Shiraz and Ahwaz native landraces. Generally, row sowing in the furrow and in a suitable geographical orientation can be a low-cost method to increase crop productivity.
Mohsen Moradi; Farhang Razavi; Vali Rabiei; Morteza Soleimani Aghdam; Leila Salehi
Abstract
Introduction: In recent years, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-proteinogenic four-carbon signaling amino acid, has been employed as a safe strategy for attenuating chilling injury and fungal decay, delaying senescence and keeping sensory and nutritional quality of fruits and vegetables during postharvest ...
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Introduction: In recent years, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a non-proteinogenic four-carbon signaling amino acid, has been employed as a safe strategy for attenuating chilling injury and fungal decay, delaying senescence and keeping sensory and nutritional quality of fruits and vegetables during postharvest life. In addition to applying GABA as exogenous safe procedure, heightening cellular GABA shunt pathway activity also is pivotal for attenuating chilling injury and fungal decay, delaying senescence and keeping sensory and nutritional quality of fruits and vegetables during postharvest life. Low temperature storage is widely employed for prolonging postharvest life of fruits and vegetables accompanying by keeping sensory and nutritional quality. Tomato is one of the most important horticultural crops, which exhibits higher benefits for human health but being endemic to subtropical climates, they are very vulnerable to chilling injury. Cold storage application is normally employed as a regular low-cost real postharvest technology. Owing to its great socio-economic significance, great efforts have been done by researchers to attenuating chilling injury in tomato fruits during low temperature storage employing safe strategies such as melatonin, brassinosteroids, salicylic acid, nitric oxide, and gibberellic acid. Attenuating chilling injury in tomato fruits by postharvest treatments may attribute to keeping safe membrane integrity representing by lower electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation occurring by eliciting endogenous polyamines, proline and nitric oxide accumulation by activating CBF1 signaling pathway, hampering phospholipase D (PLD) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes activity, activating reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging enzymes activity resulting in higher ascorbic acid and glutathione accumulation, maintaining endogenous GA3 homeostasis occurring by higher CBF1 signaling pathway concurrent with higher endogenous salicylic acid accumulation, which not only are pivotal for conferring chilling tolerance in tomato fruits but also are crucial for preserving sensory and nutritional quality.
Material and Methods: Tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Izmir) were picked at the mature green stage in Zanjan Province, Iran, and transported to the fruit analysis laboratory at Zanjan University. In the laboratory, the fruit was screened for uniform size, maturity, and absence of mechanical damage. Fruits (1440) were divided into four groups, each consisting of 360 fruits. The experiment was done in triplicate in which each replicate consisted of 120 fruits. The exogenous GABA applying was done by immersing of fruits in GABA at 0, 0.1, 1, and 5 mM for 15 min at 20 ˚C. Then, fruits were air dried at room temperature and stored at 4 ± 0.5 ºC (85–90 % RH) for 28 days. After assessment of chilling injury every 7 days during storage at 4 ˚C followed by shelf life at 25 ºC for 3 days, biochemical analyses were performed.
Results and Discussion: In recent experiment, we showed that the exogenous GABA applying, especially at 5 mM, is beneficial for attenuating chilling injury in tomato fruits during storage at 4 ºC for 28 days which was associated with higher membrane integrity representing by lower electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation. Keeping safe membrane integrity in tomato fruits in response to exogenous GABA applying may ascribe to triggering reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzymes activity giving rise to higher endogenous ascorbic acid accumulation concomitant with promoting phenylpropanoid pathway activity representing by higher phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) enzyme activity giving rise to higher phenols and flavonoids accumulation and superior DPPH scavenging capacity.
Conclusion: Therefore, exogenous application of GABA not only is proficient for attenuating chilling injury but also is beneficial for preserving nutritional quality of tomato fruits during storage at 4 ºC for 28 days.
Mahmood Shoor; Zahra Karimian; Morteza Goldani
Abstract
In one side the negative effects of increasing of concentration of carbon dioxide in the world, and in the other side, the positive effects of greenhouse enrichment by such gas is one of the most important reasons in researching of this gas on different plants. For assessment of the effects of carbon ...
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In one side the negative effects of increasing of concentration of carbon dioxide in the world, and in the other side, the positive effects of greenhouse enrichment by such gas is one of the most important reasons in researching of this gas on different plants. For assessment of the effects of carbon dioxide and light regimes in different genotypes of Pansy (viola tricolor) a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with 3 replications and 18 treatments was conducted at the greenhouses of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad at 2009. The treatments are including; 2 concentrations of carbon dioxide (380 and 1000 µmol/mol), 3 light regimes (11000 and 14000 lux and sun light) and 3 cultivars (Yellow-Black, Bourdeaux, Sawyers-Black) of Pansy. The results of this experiment showed that among the 11 measured traits in the most treatments, the traits of length, width and the number of stomata and dry weight of shoot were significant. The concentration of 1000 µmol/mol carbon dioxide had less decreasing of stomata conductivity and dry weight than carbon dioxide 380 µmol/mol. Totally the effect of light regimes on the measured traits didn’t has any significantly difference with sun light. Among the cultivars, altogether Sawyers was more proper because of less stomata conductivity and probably decreasing of water consumption.
Mahrokh Rostami; Ali Akbar Shokouhian
Abstract
Introduction: Strawberry fruit is soft and has a variety of vitamins, especially vitamin C and minerals. Parus is one of the most important short-day cultivars and suitable for the fresh produce market. Nitrogen is involved in vegetative and reproductive growth of most horticultural crops and excessive ...
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Introduction: Strawberry fruit is soft and has a variety of vitamins, especially vitamin C and minerals. Parus is one of the most important short-day cultivars and suitable for the fresh produce market. Nitrogen is involved in vegetative and reproductive growth of most horticultural crops and excessive use of itdecrease yield and quality of products and increasing pollution of the environment. Humic substances are contained nutrients that improve the soil nutrients and increases the availability of food and therefore plant growth and yield. Studies haveshown that to adding a certain amount ofhumic acid fertilizer with nitrogen can improve the growth of roots, stems and leaves and enhances the yield and quality of products and increases the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer consumption. On this basis, this research was performed aimed at achieving the best combination of treatments of humic acid and its application method and nitrogen in improving strawberry vegetative and reproductive growth cv. Paros.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Mohaghegh Ardabili at during 2015-2016. In early september, land preparation was carried out, and then were calculated base fertilizers 150 and 50 kg.ha-1 of potassium and phosphorus, respectively plus forty tons per hectare of manure. Stacks was prepared to dimensions of 1.5 × 1 m and the distance of rows was 40 cm. Strawberry seedlings were planted with distance of 25 cm on the row (10plants m-2)in late November.
The experiment was carried out as a split split plot based on complete randomized block design with the application of foliar and soil treatments of Humic acid levels (control, 2, 4 and 6 kg.ha-1) and nitrogen fertilizer (50, 100 and 150 kg.ha-1) with three replications. Nitrogen levels were placed in the main plots and the type of humic acid application in sub plots and humic acid concentrations in the sub- sub plots. Half of N(urea fertilizer) was used at the time of planting and 25 %on the early may and 25 %on the early June. To apply foliar and soil treatments, humic acid was used (Humaster tob with 85% of humic and fulvic acid, Yazd Golsangkavir Company) with the start of the growing season at the intervals of every 10 days once (four times total). In the soil method, humic acid is measured based on the desired treatments and then dissolved with deionized water and added to irrigation water. In the foliar method, after irrigation thehumic acid powder was solutioned with a certain amount of deionized water and it was sprayed on the plants in equal measure. In addition, only irrigation water and deodorizing water were applied to the control of soil and foliar treatments, respectively. Traits were as: leaf number and area, number of runners, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, root volume, number of flowers and fruits, fruit weight average and yield per plant. Data analysis were performed by using SAS 9.1 and comparison of data by the LSD test at the 5% probability level.
Results and Discussion: All results due to different concentrations of nitrogen, humic acid and methods of its application and their interaction on most traits were significant at 5% probability level. The highest values in the leaf number (17.91) and area (1304.34 cm2) obtained in 6 kg.ha-1 drench application of humic acid. Also,the most number of flowers (13.27) was observed in 100 kgN.ha-1combined with foliar application of humic acid and the highest number of runners (22.34) was obtainedin 150 kgN.ha-1with drench application of humic acid. The most flowers (17.55), fruits (14.5) number and yield (104.43 g.plant-1) observed in 100 kgN.ha-1with 4 kg.ha-1humicacid. The results trilateral interactions of nitrogen,humic acid and application methods showed that the highest values of fresh weight (48.32 g.plant-1) and volume (44.13 cm3.plant-1) of root, dry weight of shoot (21.08 g.plant-1) and root (16.28 g.plant-1) obtained infoliar application of 4 kg.ha-1humic acid.The most of shoot fresh weight (77.7 g.plant-1) also observed in drench application of 4 kg.ha-1humic acid and highestfruit weight average (11.68 g) obtained in foliar application of 2 kg.ha-1humic acid with 100 kgN.ha-1.
Conclusion: Results showed that the majority of evaluated traits, the highest values have been achieved of 100 kgN.ha-1with foliar application of 4 kg.ha-1humic acid. On this basis, combined application of chemical and biological fertilizers can be the best strategy to achieve sustainable agriculture and reducing the pollution of soil and water resources along with increasing the product.
Azam Amiri; Bahram Baninasab
Abstract
Introduction: Salinity is a common abiotic stress that seriously affects crop production in some parts of the world, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The deleterious effects of salinity on plant growth are associated with low osmotic potential of soil solution (water stress), nutritional imbalance, ...
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Introduction: Salinity is a common abiotic stress that seriously affects crop production in some parts of the world, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The deleterious effects of salinity on plant growth are associated with low osmotic potential of soil solution (water stress), nutritional imbalance, specific ion effect (salt stress), or a combination of these factors. Paclobutrazol (PBZ), a member of the triazole plant growth inhibitor group, is a broad-spectrum gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor. Triazoles have both fungal toxicity and plant growth regulatory effects. They also increase tolerance of various plant species to biotic and abiotic stresses, including fungal pathogens, drought, air pollutants, and low- and high-temperature stress. According to our knowledge, there are no reports on the effects of exogenous PBZ enhancing vegetative peach- almond hybrid (GF 677) rootstock tolerance to salt stress. Therefore, the objective of this work was the possibility test of this idea that PBZ application would protect GF 677 rootstock from damaging effects of salinity.
Materials and Methods: One-year-old rooted cuttings of GF 677 were grown in in plastic pots in the research greenhouse of Agricultural College, Isfahan University of Technology of Iran. The minimum and maximum temperatures during the experiment period were 19 and 32˚C, respectively. After cutting establishment (3 months), the plants were sprayed twice (with a 7 days interval) with 0 (control), 20 and 40 mg l-1 PBZ to the point of run-off. One week after the second foliar application of PBZ, each plants was subjected to one of several salt stress treatments. The salt treatments (0, 25 and 50 mM NaCl) were applied to the pots intervals in 0.5 l of irrigation water. To avoid osmotic shock, the NaCl concentration was increased gradually. The layout was a 3×3 factorial experiment in a completely randomized design, with four replications. The experimental measurements were carried out 60 days after beginning the salt treatments.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that salt stress and application of PBZ significantly affected injury rating valve (IRV). The Injury rating value of plants was found to increase significantly as the salt concentration was raised. After exposure to salt stress those plants that did not receive PBZ exhibited higher symptoms of salt injury. There was a significant interaction between salinity and PBZ application. The lowest IRV in all NaCl concentrations observed when 20 mg l-1 PBZ was applied. Salinity caused significant decrease leaf parameters so that the lowest means of leaf number (12.5) and leaf fresh weight (6.52 g) were recorded at 50 mM NaCl treatment, showing a 55.80% and 41.78% decrease compared with the control, respectively. The application of PBZ significantly increased leaf number, with the largest increase when 40 mg l-1 PBZ was applied. The interaction between salinity and the application of PBZ showed that at 25 mM NaCl maximum valve of leaf number was observed in plants after spraying with 40 mg l-1 PBZ. Relative leaf chlorophyll (RLC) was not affected by salt stress. Application of PBZ significantly increased relative RLC value compared with the control, with the largest increase in RLC measured when 20 mg l-1 PBZ was applied. The interaction between salinity and the application of PBZ showed that at 50 mM NaCl maximum valve of RLC was observed in plants after spraying with 20 mg l-1 PBZ. The proline content of leaves was significantly influenced by the salt stress and PBZ application, but not their interaction. Salinity stress, increased proline content in the leaves of salt-treated plants. At 50 mM NaCl, proline content was maximum compared to those of the controls and other salt levels. PBZ treatment increased proline content in leaves. The highest proline content was obtained from leaves of the plants treated with 40 mg l-1 PBZ (55.62μmol g-1 FW), which was 39.18 % more than the control. Salt stress significantly reduced the relative water content (RWC) with maximum reduction observed in plants grown by 50 mM NaCl. Application of PBZ significantly increased RWC compared with the control, with the largest increasing in RWC at 20 mg l-1 PBZ application. Leaf electrolyte leakage was affected by both salt stress and PBZ application. Salt stress significantly increased leaf electrolyte leakage, with a maximum increase observed in plants grown by 50 mM NaCl. The application of PBZ significantly decreased electrolyte leakage in leaf discs, with the largest decreaseing in leaf electrolyte leakage measured at 20 mg l-1 PBZ application..There was a significant interaction between salinity × PBZ concentrations. However, the greatest decreasing in leaf electrolyte leakage occurred at 40 mg l-1 PBZ in non-saline condition. In this study, the correlation between vegetation and physiological parameters of GF677 plants subjected to salt stress was analyzed. These correlations suggested that salt injury symptoms was negatively correlated with number and fresh weight of a leaf, RWC, RLC, but positively correlated with proline content and leaf electrolyte leakage.
Conclusions: in overall, this investigation revealed that salt stress had an inhibitory effect on the vegetative growth of GF 677 plants. The responses of GF 677 plants to the PBZ treatments suggest that the application of PBZ could partially increase the survival capacity of GF 677 plants and protect the plants against injuries such salt stress.
Farzaneh Badakhshan; Farideh Sedighi Dehkordi; Seyyed Mohammad Hassan Mortazavi
Abstract
Introduction: Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), is considered as one of the main edible crops of Lamiaceae family. In addition of consuming as a leafy vegetable, basil is known as a medicinal plant due to its aromatic and phytochemical compositions. The common edible basil has two main varieties i.e. Green ...
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Introduction: Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), is considered as one of the main edible crops of Lamiaceae family. In addition of consuming as a leafy vegetable, basil is known as a medicinal plant due to its aromatic and phytochemical compositions. The common edible basil has two main varieties i.e. Green and Opal. Although the production of this plant is highly happened in open farms during hot seasons, recent changes in agricultural policies in terms of year-round production, using less water and increasing the yield and quality, have encouraged the production of basil under controlled environments such as hydroponic systems. The main criteria to proceed a successful hydroponic culture are selecting proper cultivar, planting density and nutrition management. Optimum plant density alleviates the competition between plants and as a consequence, sufficient light and nutrient can lead to higher quantity and quality. This study aimed to discover the impact of plant density on the quality and yield properties of two main varieties of basil under hydroponics system.
Material and Methods: The experiment was done at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz during 2015-2016 growing season. A pot experiment was conducted based of Split-plot in time design with three replications. Cultivar (Green and Opal) and planting density (150, 200 and 250 plants per m2) were considered as the main and sub plot respectively. The plants were cut twice and different morphological and biochemical properties including number of leaves, leaf area, leafy parts yield, chlorophyll, carotenoids, soluble solid content, titrable acidity, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and essential oil content were analyzed.
Result and Discussion:The results showed that among applied treatments, the highest number of leaves (30.61), leaf area (26140 mm2) and stem fresh weight (3.28 g) were recorded for the var. Green with 150 p/m2 planting density at second cut. In contrast, this treatment had the lowest number of leaves (12.33) and leaf area (10810 mm2) at first cut. While maximum leaf fresh weight (5.84 g) was obtained for second cut of 150 p/m2 planting density, minimum leaf and stem fresh weight (3.09 and 2.01 g respectively) were found for second cut of 200 p/m2 planting density. Total fresh yield as an important criteria for a leafy vegetable was affected by both variety and planting density factors. The highest amount of yield (1427 g/m2) was recorded at second cut when plants were at 250 p/m2. In contrast, the plants of 150 p/m2 had the minimum yield at first cut (1020 g/m2). The chlorophyll content was higher in Opal variety surprisingly and the plants of 250 p/m2 and 150 p/m2 had around 2.09 mg/g chlorophyll at second cut. Similar findings were obtained for total phenolic content of leaves that was around 104.3 mg/Kg fresh weight for these treatments. Lowest levels of chlorophyll (1.29 mg/g FW) and total phenolic content (6.158 mg/kg) were seen in the leaves of var. Green when they were planted at 150 plant/m2 density. The data for total carotenoids content showed that the level of this pigments were affected by both parameters of variety and planting density. The leaves of var. Opal of 250 p/m2 density had the highest (6.252 mg/g fresh weight) carotenoids content. The highest (2.021 mmol Fe II/g FW) and lowest (0.69 mmol Fe II/g) amount of antioxidant capacity was recorded in Opal and Green varieties respectively, when they were at 150 plant/m2 density. The taste related parameters including total soluble solids, titrable acidity and essential oil content were not affected by planting density and variety. However, the level of acidity was increased by increasing plant density. On the other hand, a significant difference was seen in terms of TSS, acidity and essential oil between first and second cuts.
Conclusion: Overall and based on obtained data, it can be said that the var. Opal at 150 and 250 plants/m2 density showed the best results in terms of evaluated morphological and qualitative traits and can be recommended for hydroponics basil cultivation. Basil is harvest in 2-3 cuts and this experiment showed that for almost all vegetative parameters, the second cut had better results. The improved yield and quality at second cut could be attributed to the better establishment of roots and providing higher levels of nutrients.
Majid Azizi; Mansour Mashreghi; Fatemeh Oroojalian; Naser Shahyahmasebi
Abstract
To study the interaction of silver nanoparticles with antibacterial effects of Kelussia odoratissima and Teucrium polium essential oils consolidated trial based on calculation of MIC and FIC index or differential inhibitory concentration and simple method checkboard designed and implemented. Essential ...
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To study the interaction of silver nanoparticles with antibacterial effects of Kelussia odoratissima and Teucrium polium essential oils consolidated trial based on calculation of MIC and FIC index or differential inhibitory concentration and simple method checkboard designed and implemented. Essential oil of the plants extracted by hydro-distillation using clevenger apparatus. In this study, common food contaminant bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157: H7, Salmonella enterica and Ps. aureogenosa were used. The results showed that the antibacterial properties of the essential oil of Teucrium is stronger (MIC between 0.16 to 1.25 mg/ ml) than of the oil of Kelussia (MIC between 0.3 to 2.5 mg/ml). Antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles (MIC between 0.006 to 0.025 mg) were stronger significantly. Calculate the differential inhibitory concentration index (FICi) implies the existence of synergistic and additive effect between silver nanoparticles and oil of both plant which will depend on the type of pathogen. This means that the combined use of silver nanoparticles and essential oil of the plant especially Teucrium essential oils strong inhibitory effect with lower concentrations of the essential oils was observed. Antagonistic interaction between silver nanoparticles and oil treatments in any of these two plants were observed.
Ornamental plants
Behzad Kaviani; Naser Negahdar
Abstract
IntroductionPoinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) from the family Euphorbiaceae is used as potted and cut flower and has great importance in floriculture industry. Appropriate application of nutrients and plant growth regulators has an important role in increasing the quantity and quality of crops. The ...
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IntroductionPoinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) from the family Euphorbiaceae is used as potted and cut flower and has great importance in floriculture industry. Appropriate application of nutrients and plant growth regulators has an important role in increasing the quantity and quality of crops. The successful application of various nanoplatforms in medicine under in vitro conditions has generated some interest in agro-nanotechnology. This technology holds the promise of controlled release of agrochemicals and site-specific targeted delivery to improve efficient nutrient utilization and enhanced plant growth. Nanoencapsulation shows the benefit of more efficient use and safer handling of pesticides with less exposure to the environment. Thus, nanofertilizers can be substituted for conventional fertilizers. The role of iron in the activity of some enzymes such as catalase, peroxidase and cytochrome oxidase has been demonstrated. Iron is present as a cofactor in the structure of many enzymes. The results of some studies showed that in the absence of micro-nutrients elements, the activity of some antioxidant enzymes decreased, which resulted in increased sensitivity of plants to environmental stresses. The use of nano-iron fertilizer is an appropriate solution to remove this problem. Some growth retardants such as cycocel, paclobutrazol, bayleton and daminozide reduced the plant growth. Growth reduction in some ornamental plants enhances their overall quality and marketing. Cycocel is one of the most important growth retardants which inhibits gibberellin biosynthesis and activity in plant. Today, a range of artificially made growth-reducing compounds are used in the floriculture industry. The effect of plant growth retardants, depends on the time and method of application, concentration, species and varieties type, type of target organ and environmental and physiological conditions. Plant growth retardants reduce the division and elongation of stem cells. These compounds also reduce stem length and growth by having a negative effect on gibberellin structure. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of different levels of nano-iron fertilizer and different concentrations of cycocel on growth and development of poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.). Materials and Methods These experiments were carried out based on a randomized completely block design in three replications to evaluate the effect of various levels of nano iron chelated fertilizer and cycocel on growth parameters of Euphorbia pulcherrima. Cuttings with a height of 15 to 20 cm, each with 3 nodes, were prepared from the mother plant of poinsettia. Cuttings were placed in water within 24 hours for exudation of latex. Then, cuttings were planted in perlite for rooting. After rooting (60-65 days), cuttings were transferred into substrates including cocopeat, municipal compost and soil in ratio of 1:1:1. Poinsettia cuttings were grown in pots. Treatments include nano-iron fertilizer (0, 0.9, 1.8, 3.6 and 4.5 g.l–1) and cycocel (0, 500, 1000, 1500 and 3000 mg.l–1). Application of EDTA-based nano-iron chelate as foliar spray was performed on plants at the beginning of the experiment and 30 days later, as well as the use of cycocel 30 days after the start of the experiment as foliar spray. Stem height, internode length, node number, root length, root number, root volume, leaf number, leaf surface, leaf total chlorophyll content, iron content in leaf and the number and longevity of bracts were evaluated. Results and Discussion Results showed that the lowest plant height and the highest leaf number, root length, root volume, the number and longevity of bracts were obtained in treatments of 1.8 g.l–1 nano-iron chelate without or with the concentration of 1000 mg.l–1 cycocel. In some traits such as root volume and chlorophyll content, the minimum amount was calculated in the maximum of nano-iron chelate and cycocel concentrations. Suitable root characters were severely reduced through the use of 3000 mg.l–1 cycocel. Overall, the most suitable treatment, especially for reduction of stem height and enhancing some vegetative traits (such as leaf number) and flowering (such as bract longevity) was 1.8 g.l–1 nano-iron chelate along with 1000 mg.l–1 cycocel. Research has demonstrated that cycocel application reduces plant height in various species, including ornamental plants, as confirmed by this study. Furthermore, this study reveals a novel effect of cycocel: it alters the weight of both aerial and underground plant parts, alongside influencing leaf iron and chlorophyll content. Notably, plant growth retardants like cycocel are known to increase cytokinin content, which in turn can lead to elevated leaf chlorophyll levels.
Mohammad Rahmnpourazar; Seyyed Jalal Tabatabaie; Sahebali Bolandnazar
Abstract
Nitrate is an essential component for plants and vegetables are of the most important source of nitrate for human being. It is estimated that vegetables provide 92 % of nitrate for human nutrition. The positive and negative effects of elevated root zone CO2 on growth and yield of some plants have been ...
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Nitrate is an essential component for plants and vegetables are of the most important source of nitrate for human being. It is estimated that vegetables provide 92 % of nitrate for human nutrition. The positive and negative effects of elevated root zone CO2 on growth and yield of some plants have been reported. This study has been conducted in order to examine the effect of root zone CO2 on growth and nitrate accumulation in lettuce. The experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with four levels of CO2 (0, 200, 400 and 600 ml per minute) and with five replication on two cultivars of lettuce (Sativa and Capitata). The study performed in floating system and aeration was supplied by air pump. The results showed that injection of CO2 had significant effect on the fresh and dry weight of leaves, stems and roots of plants. By increasing the concentration of CO2 fresh and dry weight of leaves, stems and roots increased in both cultivars. Photosynthesis efficiency increased in both cultivars in the treatment of 400 ml/min root zone CO2. The influence root zone CO2 significantly decreased nitrate content in leaves of lettuce. Nitrate concentration in the leaves of lettuce was decreased by injection of root zone CO2 in L.sativa. var. Capitata in the treatment of 400 ml/min and in L.sativa. var Sativa in the treatment 600 ml/min. respectively by 27% and 47.6%. With increasing input root zone CO2 increased activity of nitrate reductase enzyme in both cultivars that showed highest content in treatment 400 ml/min.
Fatemeh Jafarpour; Davoud Bakhshi; Mahmood Ghasemnejad; Reza Hassan Sajedi
Abstract
In this study, effect of exogenous putrescine on maintaining postharvest quality and antioxidant compounds of two broccoli cultivars, ‘General’ and ‘Liberty’ during cool storage were investigated. Broccoli branchlets were treated with 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mM Putrescine. Distilled water was used as ...
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In this study, effect of exogenous putrescine on maintaining postharvest quality and antioxidant compounds of two broccoli cultivars, ‘General’ and ‘Liberty’ during cool storage were investigated. Broccoli branchlets were treated with 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mM Putrescine. Distilled water was used as control. Treated florets were put into polyethylene bag and transferred to storage with 0°C and 90% RH. Weight loss, total chlorophyll, total phenols and catechin and chlorogenic acid were determined after 40 days of cool storage and kept 2 additional days in room temperature. Results showed that 1.5 mM putrescine treatment prevented weight loss, delayed chlorophyll degradation and senescence and improved florets quality in General and Liberty cultivars. Total phenols and flavenoids content declined at the end of storage and also two additional days in room temperature, but putrescine treatments prevented its significant decreasing. Catechin and chlorogenic acid content decreased in untreated florets was decreased when transferred to room temperature after long-term storage in low temperature; but 1.5 mM putrescine increased them in both studied cultivars. Overall, application of 1.5 mM putrescine with preventing chlorophyll degradation and maintaining antioxidant compounds, delayed broccoli florets senescence.
