Growing vegetables
K. Poorhossein; B. Abedy; M. Shoor
Abstract
Introduction
Urban agriculture, as one of the basic features of urban planning, helps to increase the quality of urban life due to its cultural, economic and social benefits. However, pollution with heavy metals in cities causes the accumulation of these metals in different parts of planted plants and ...
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Introduction
Urban agriculture, as one of the basic features of urban planning, helps to increase the quality of urban life due to its cultural, economic and social benefits. However, pollution with heavy metals in cities causes the accumulation of these metals in different parts of planted plants and also the risk of consuming them for food in urban green spaces.
Materials and Methods
This study was conducted to assess the amount of heavy metal absorption and its effect on some biochemical and physiological properties of peppermint plant (Mentha piperita L.), in Mashhad city in 2021.The experiment was carried out as a factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor (location) were phase 4 Park (with high degree of contamination) and Nasim Park (with low degree of contamination). The second factor was the times of harvest (June15, July15 and August 15). At the time of every harvest fully developed leaves were collected to evaluate the traits.
Results and Discussion
The results of analysis of variance indicated that the effect of location was significant on all traits except for the yield of essential oil. Also, the effect of harvest time was significant on all traits except for peroxidase activity and the yield of essential oil. However, the interaction of location and harvest was significant only on phenol, flavonoid, proline, cadmium and lead concentration. The results indicated that the ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and peroxidase activities were higher in phase 4 Park. Moreover, the highest activities of ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and peroxidase were recorded in phase 4 + first harvest. Heavy metals cause the production of reactive free radicals and also increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes. However, the chlorophyll a, b, carotenoid and total chlorophyll contents were higher in Nasim. Thus, the highest contents of Chla, Chlb, Chltotal and carotenoid were observed in Nasim + first harvest. The higher amount of chlorophyll and carotenoids in the first harvest is due to the optimal growth conditions such as day length and sunlight and ambient temperature. In addition, total phenol, flavonoid, proline, Cd and Pb elements indicated a reducing trend in phase 4 compared to Nasim Park in different harvest times, but the amount of these traits were higher in the first harvest than in the subsequent harvests. Increased amount of total phenol in the first harvest can be related to the high air temperature at the first harvest which caused stressful conditions in this stage. Proline production also increases under heavy metal stress to help protect the plant against toxicity. However, the percentage of essential oil showed an increasing trend with enhanced absorption of Pb and Cd in phase 4 compared to Nasim Park. The higher percentage of essential oil in phase 4 may be attributed to reduced leaf growth due to the higher presence of heavy metals in that area.
Conclusions
Overall, while the concentration of Pb exceeded the global standard level in both parks, contamination with Cd and Pb (especially Pb) was greater in phase 4 than in Nasim Park, contributing to reduced growth traits in peppermint plants. Regarding harvest times, the first harvest exhibited better growth characteristics and higher absorption of heavy metals due to the plant's greater vigor. In contrast, the third harvest showed lower growth characteristics and weaker absorption of Pb and Cd, likely due to the energy expended for regrowth.
Medicinal Plants
B. Rahimkhani; M. Naseri; A. Ahmadian; M. Alipanah
Abstract
Introduction
Historically, medicinal plants have been one of the most important resources for therapeutic purposes, and even today, their use is expanding in many developed countries. Salinity stress is a major factor that limits plant growth by reducing metabolic and physiological activities. One of ...
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Introduction
Historically, medicinal plants have been one of the most important resources for therapeutic purposes, and even today, their use is expanding in many developed countries. Salinity stress is a major factor that limits plant growth by reducing metabolic and physiological activities. One of the effects of salinity stress is the increased production of abscisic acid in plants. In recent years, the use of seaweed and its extracts has been tested as a method to mitigate the effects of salinity stress on plants. According to the studies conducted in some plants, seaweed extract can cause the growth and expansion of the roots and help to increase the absorption of water and minerals through the roots. Also, based on the research conducted on some plants, the use of seaweed increases the amount of chlorophyll in the plant and accelerates the time of flowering and fruit formation in the plant. Echium amoenum is a perennial plant belonging to the family Borage is a valuable plant in terms of its medicinal properties is considered. In general environmental factors have a significant effect on flower production in these plants. Therefore, for the successful cultivation of medicinal plants, including in general environmental factors have a significant effect on flower production in these plants. Therefore, for the successful cultivation of medicinal plants, including Echium amoenum, providing optimal environmental conditions is a priority, providing optimal environmental conditions is a priority. Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract contains significant amounts of high-use mineral elements such as nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and low-use mineral elements such as iron, copper, and manganese. Therefore, according to the current results, in this study, the effect of foliar spraying of algae extract was investigated. The morphological characteristics of Echium amoenum seedling under salt stress were investigated
Materials and Methods
In order to investigate the effects of foliar spraying of seaweed extract on borage flower seedlings under salinity stress conditions, a factorial experiment was conducted with two factors of seaweed and salinity stress with sodium chloride salt, in the form of a completely randomized design in the greenhouse. The seeds were purchased from Pakan Seed Company of Isfahan and soaked in normal water for 24 hours, and then they were transferred into small pots containing three parts of peat moss and one part of perlite. One week after transferring the seedlings to the main pots, foliar spraying with seaweed extract was done. Foliar-spraying was repeated once every two weeks and in total the seedlings were sprayed three times with seaweed extract. In this experiment, a concentration of 1500 ppm of seaweed extract and three levels of salinity (EC=1.6, 4, 8) were used. The seaweed extract used in this experiment belonged to Akadin Company. The type of seaweed from which the extract was prepared was Ascophyllum nodosum and it is a type of brown algae. One week after the first foliar application of seaweed extracts, the application of salinity stress began. In order to prevent shock in plants, salinity treatment was done gradually and in three stages. In order to prevent salt accumulation, washing with ordinary water was done once every two weeks.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that the use of seaweed extract can significantly protect plant growth under salinity stress. Seaweed extract increased the amount of proline and potassium in the leaves of the plant and thereby reduced the harmful effects of salinity stress on the borage plant. In addition, foliar spraying of borage plant with the use of seaweed extract increased the amount of chlorophyll in the plant, and in this way, by increasing the amount of photosynthesis in the plant; it helped the plant to grow better under salt stress conditions. The results of this research indicate that the use of seaweed extract helps plants maintain their health under salt stress by increasing proline levels and enhancing potassium absorption in plant tissues. Additionally, foliar spraying with seaweed extract preserves the chlorophyll structure in plants experiencing salinity stress, thereby increasing photosynthetic efficiency and promoting better growth under such conditions.
Conclusions
Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that seaweed can mitigate the negative effects of salinity stress in Iranian borage seedlings. Furthermore, due to its low cost and availability, it can serve as a suitable bio-fertilizer to support plant growth in saline conditions.
Pomology
S.A. Mousavi; A. Vatankhah; A. Imani
Abstract
Introduction
Almond (Prunus dulcis L.) is one of the valuable nut trees that is cultivated in many temperate regions and Mediterranean climatic conditions for domestic consumption and export. Almond belongs to the genus Prunus, from the Rosaceae family. Identifying and introducing genotypes and cultivars ...
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Introduction
Almond (Prunus dulcis L.) is one of the valuable nut trees that is cultivated in many temperate regions and Mediterranean climatic conditions for domestic consumption and export. Almond belongs to the genus Prunus, from the Rosaceae family. Identifying and introducing genotypes and cultivars of late bloom is one of the most important goals of almond breeding programs. The correct choice of almond rootstock causes better management of the garden, compatibility with all types of soil and resistance to nematodes. Peach × almond hybrid has been the most widely used rootstock in both dry and irrigated conditions in the past years. Creating an orchard by selecting grafted genotypes on suitable rootstock for sustainable cultivation of almonds is particularly important. Cultivation of superior genotypes grafted on fruit trees has an effect on pomological characteristics, yield and quality of nuts. The requirement for the introduction and production of superior cultivars is an accurate selection between cultivars, which is possible through the identification of cultivars and their diversity. The purpose of this research is to investigate and evaluate the most important vegetative, phenological, quantitative, and qualitative characteristics of nuts and kernels in 36 promising cultivars and genotypes grafted onto GN15 rootstock, with the goal of identifying and introducing superior cultivars.
Materials and Methods
In this research, 36 promising almond cultivars and genotypes on GN15 rootstock were investigated in garden conditions in terms of various vegetative traits, nut and kernel characteristics in order to obtain suitable commercial cultivars. This research was conducted at the Badam research station in Saman region affiliated to the Center for Research and Education of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province as a randomized complete block design with three replications. The cultivars and genotypes studied are presented in Table 1. Vegetative traits of tree height, canopy length, canopy width, and branch length were measured by meter in the garden, and rootstock diameter, scion diameter, and branch diameter were measured in the garden with calipers. In order to measure the nut and kernels, 100 fruits were harvested from each of the studied cultivars and genotypes at the time of fruit ripening, and their green shell was separated and dried. Measurement of traits such as length, width, diameter of nut and kernel was done by digital caliper and weight of nut and kernel was measured by digital scale with accuracy of 0.01. Coding of some traits was done based on almond descriptor (Gülcan, 1985) with some changes. The data obtained from the experiment were analyzed using SAS software (version 3.1.9). To compare the means, Duncan's multiple range test was used at the 5% probability level.
Table 1- Promising cultivars and genotypes examined in this study (based on the sent label of the scion)
Cultivar/genotype
Cultivar/genotype code
Cultivar/genotype
Cultivar/genotype code
TS-16
GA1
2-29 (D7)
GA 19
D
GA 2
100-1-1
GA 20
TS-21
GA 3
2-0-4
GA 21
TS-14
GA 4
3-1-4
GA 22
Aviz
GA 5
TS-18
GA 23
A8
GA 6
D2
GA 24
B8
GA 7
TS-30
GA 25
100-1-8-1
GA8
1306 (Tabriz genotype)
GA 26
2-3-2
GA 9
AH2 (Tabriz genotype)
GA 27
TS-11
GA 10
108 (Tabriz genotype)
GA28
( 1/16) 1-16
GA 11
Yalda
GA29
3-1-15
GA 12
Saba
GA 30
13-40
GA 13
Shamshiri (Shahrekord)
GA 31
TS1
GA 14
AY (Shahrekord)
GA 32
8-35
GA 15
Mamaei
GA 33
85
GA 16
AN2 (Shahrekord)
GA 34
35
GA 17
AN4 (Shahrekord)
GA 35
B6
GA 18
AN5 (Shahrekord)
GA 36
Results and Discussion
According to the results of analysis of variance (ANOVA), there was a statistically significant difference at the level of 1% between the attributes of tree height, canopy width, rootstock and scion diameter, branch length and diameter, and the ratio of tree height to canopy length. (P<0.01). The results of variance analysis show that there is a significant difference between the investigated nut and kernel traits in promising cultivars and genotypes grafted on GN (Table 5). These differences show the diversity in the investigated traits and it is possible to choose cultivars for different values of the same trait. Based on the average comparison results of the vegetative traits, the highest height in genotypes GA4, GA3, GA35, The highest canopy width was observed in genotypes GA5, GA17, GA3, and GA20, GA15, GA5, the highest diameter of rootstock and scion, and the highest length and diameter of one-year branches were observed in genotype GA18. The results of the comparison of the average nut and kernel characteristics show that there is a significant difference in the cultivars and genotypes investigated in this research. The results of the comparison of the average nut and kernel characteristics show that there is a significant difference in the cultivars and genotypes investigated in this research. Based on the obtained results, cultivars and genotypes of GA5, GA24, GA12, GA9 and GA1 showed relative superiority in terms of nut and kernel traits. The results of this research showed that the GA35 genotype grafted on the GN15 rootstock had the highest length, width and diameter of the nut, and the highest weight of nut and kernel. The kernel color light, the without shrinking the kernel and the highest percentage of kernel and the highest ratio of kernel weight to nut weight.
Conclusions
The results of this research showed that the examination of vegetative traits, nuts and kernels in the studied cultivars and genotypes could show the diversity between cultivars and genotypes. The results showed that the investigated cultivars and genotypes have significant differences in terms of all nut and kernel traits, which indicates the existence of diversity between the investigated cultivars and genotypes. This indicates that these cultivars and genotypes can be considered a valuable source of germplasm for breeding programs. Cultivars and genotypes with a higher kernel percentage had thinner shells, more patterns on the skin, and light to medium kernel color. Based on the results, the cultivars and genotypes GA5, GA24, GA12, GA9, and GA1 demonstrated relative superiority in terms of nut and kernel traits. The research also showed that the GA35 genotype grafted onto GN15 rootstock had the greatest nut length, width, and diameter, as well as the highest nut and kernel weight. Additionally, GA35 had light kernel color, no kernel shrinkage, the highest kernel percentage, and the highest kernel-to-nut weight ratio.
Growing vegetables
F. Shakarami; S. Mousavi-Fard; A. Rezaei Nejad; F. Beiranvand
Abstract
Introduction
Salinity in water and soil stands as a crucial environmental factor that significantly hampers global agricultural production. Over recent decades, the escalating demand for irrigation in arid and semi-arid regions has intensified this issue, making it a major agricultural challenge. Salinity ...
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Introduction
Salinity in water and soil stands as a crucial environmental factor that significantly hampers global agricultural production. Over recent decades, the escalating demand for irrigation in arid and semi-arid regions has intensified this issue, making it a major agricultural challenge. Salinity stress, characterized by reduced water absorption, heightened salt uptake (especially sodium, chlorine, and boron), and the generation of reactive oxygen species, induces oxidative stress in plants, severely impacting their growth and overall performance. To enhance plant tolerance to salinity stress, elicitors are employed as a short-term and viable solution to mitigate the adverse effects of stress. Copper, serving as a cofactor and essential element for numerous enzymes involved in photosynthesis and respiration processes, plays a crucial role in sustaining natural plant growth and metabolism. Copper ions function as cofactors in enzymes like superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) and polyphenol oxidase, contributing to the removal of reactive oxygen species. However, the absence of this element in plants cultivated in alkaline and saline soils of arid and semi-arid regions can lead to nutritional disorders. In this context, copper nanoparticles emerge as a suitable alternative to chemical fertilizers due to their rapid and efficient effects. Their use not only mitigates the negative consequences of excessive fertilizer application but also decreases the frequency of applications. The Persian leek (Allium ampeloprasum subsp. Persicum) is a valuable edible-medicinal plant native to Iran, belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. It holds significance in Iran as a key leafy vegetable, valued for its freshness and high processing potential among horticultural plants. Given the nutritional and medicinal importance of Persian leek and the prevalence of salinity stress, this study aims to explore the impact of copper nanoparticle spray in modifying the effects of salinity stress on the morphophysiological and biochemical characteristics of Persian leek.
Materials and Methods
A factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with three replications in the research greenhouses of Lorestan University's Faculty of Agriculture. The experimental conditions included daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 28 °C, nighttime temperatures from 15 to 20 °C, relative humidity set at 60-70%, and a light intensity of 400-500 µmol.m-2.s-1. The first factor involved foliar spraying of copper nanoparticles at control levels (zero), 150, and 300 mg.l-1, while the second factor comprised salinity stress at control levels (zero), 50, 100, and 150 mM sodium chloride. F1 seeds were obtained from Pakan Bazr Company and planted in 1.5-liter pots, with each pot containing three plants. The copper nanoparticles were applied through foliar spraying twice on the shoot parts at the four-leaf and six-leaf stages. Salinity stress was introduced one week after the foliar application, implemented through irrigation once every three days at a level corresponding to 90% of the field capacity. The soil mixture comprised an equal ratio of agricultural soil, cow manure, and sand, maintaining a clay-sand loam texture. Following three months of applying salt stress, a comprehensive assessment of morphophysiological characteristics was carried out. This included the measurement of plant height, stem and bulb diameter, leaf count, fresh and dry weights of stem, root leaf, root volume and length, shoot/root ratio, dry matter (%), stress tolerance index, relative water content (RWC), electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde content, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll stability index, as well as the activity of peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase.
Results and Discussion
The results indicated that salinity stress had a detrimental impact on various aspects of plant growth, including a decrease in plant height, stem and bulb diameter, leaf number, and the fresh and dry weights of the stem, bulb, and root. Additionally, there was a reduction in root volume and length, along with decreased levels of photosynthetic pigments. The percentage of electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde content, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, namely peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase, also increased, highlighting the adverse effects of salinity stress on plant development. The decline in plant growth can be attributed to multiple factors, including diminished cell division, ionic imbalance, reduced water absorption, impaired uptake of essential elements, and the impact of toxic ions, particularly sodium and chlorine. Other contributing factors include impaired absorption, regeneration, and metabolism of nitrogen and protein, as well as stomatal closure, collectively resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency. Salinity stress further leads to a reduction in soil water potential and an increase in the osmotic pressure of the soil solution. Consequently, the plant requires more energy to absorb water from the soil, leading to increased respiration and alterations in the hormonal balance of plant tissues, ultimately causing a decrease in growth and negative effects on the plant. The application of copper nanoparticles at both concentrations demonstrated positive effects on various growth components, including plant height, stem and bulb diameter, leaf count, and the fresh and dry weights of the stem, bulb, and root, as well as increased root volume and length. Additionally, the use of copper nanoparticles resulted in a decrease in the percentage of electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content, coupled with an increase in the concentration of photosynthetic pigments and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase. Notably, the concentration of 150 mg.liter-1 exhibited a more pronounced effect in enhancing plant growth, with a diminishing impact observed at higher concentrations. Copper \nanoparticles improve plant growth under stress conditions by influencing the content of cellular antioxidants and modulating the hormonal balance of plant tissues.
Conclusions
The findings of this study indicated that increased salinity stress led to higher electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content, along with a reduction in RWC and photosynthetic pigments. These changes caused a decline in the morpho-physiological characteristics of Persian leek. However, salinity stress also increased the activity of peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes. Foliar application of copper nanoparticles under these conditions had beneficial effects on the plants. Specifically, at a concentration of 150 mg.liter-1, the negative effects of salinity stress on the morpho-physiological indices of Persian leek were alleviated. This improvement was due to an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, RWC, and the concentration of photosynthetic pigments.
Growing vegetables
F. Yarmohammadi; A. Motallebi-Azar; S. Kazemiani; Mina Amani
Abstract
Introduction
Considering the sensitivity of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) to viruses, the production of virus-free plants through in vitro cultivation and their propagation leads to a reduction in costs and an increase in yield. One of the effective methods of reducing plant diseases and producing ...
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Introduction
Considering the sensitivity of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) to viruses, the production of virus-free plants through in vitro cultivation and their propagation leads to a reduction in costs and an increase in yield. One of the effective methods of reducing plant diseases and producing disease-free microtubers is the use of in-vitro production methods. Considering the role and importance of macro elements and micro elements in the growth of microtubers, it is possible to change the composition of MS culture medium by changing the concentration of salts of macro elements and micro elements without disturbing the balance of elements. This experiment aims to investigate the effect of different concentrations of macro elements (2 Mac, Mac, ½ Mac) and micro elements (2 Mic, Mic, ½ Mic) of MS culture medium in combination with two concentrations of sucrose (80 and 160 g.l-1) was performed on in vitro micronodulation of Agria potato.
Materials and Methods
This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of macroelements (2 Mac, Mac, ½ Mac) and microelements (2 Mic, Mic, ½ Mic) in the MS culture medium, combined with two sucrose concentrations (80 and 160 g.l-1), on in vitro microtuberization of Agria potato. The study was conducted as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications in the plant tissue culture laboratory of the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz. Lateral buds obtained from in-vitro shoots were used as explants and were cultured under sterile conditions on different culture mediums for the purpose of microtuberation, and the cultures were kept in continuous darkness and at a temperature of 18±2°C were kept in the growth room. During one month, Microtuber initiation rate and after two months, microtuber formation characteristics were measured.
Results and Discussion
The results of the analysis of variance showed that the effect of the concentration of micro elements and the interaction effects of micro elements with different concentrations of sucrose and macro elements were significant only in the case of two traits, the percentage and the speed of microtuber initiation, while all microtuber traits productivity was significantly affected by the interaction of micro elements and macro elements. In all culture mediums with 8% sucrose, the initiation percentage of microtubers was 100% and the initiation rate was also maximum. However, the highest percentage of microtuber formation, weight, length, diameter and number of buds on microtuber was obtained in 2Mac culture medium with 16% sucrose. The results showed that the microtuber that had more weight and size had a higher percentage of dormancy and the buds on the microtuber were not able to germinate and produce microtuber during the stages of microtuber formation.
Conclusions
For all traits related to microtubers, except for the percentage and speed of microtuber initiation, the effects of microelements, macroelements, and sucrose were not significant. This indicates that the three factors investigated do not independently enhance microtuber formation in the Agria variety. Regarding micronodulation traits, the interaction effect of low-consumption elements with the other two factors was also not significant, suggesting that the concentration of low-consumption elements is not critical for micronodulation in the Agria variety. In all culture media with 8% sucrose, the initiation percentage of microtubers reached 100%, and the initiation speed was at its maximum. However, when the concentration of macroelements was doubled and 16% sucrose was used, both the initiation percentage and speed of microgland formation in the Agria variety showed a significant decrease. The percentage of microtuber formation, weight, length, diameter and number of buds on the microtuber in Agria cultivar were significantly affected by the mutual effect of the concentration of macro elements and sucrose, and the 2 Mac culture medium has 16% sucrose in the first priority and the ½ culture medium Mac with 8 % sucrose in the second priority was better than the other treatments in terms of the investigated traits. In this research, it was found that the produced microglands with greater weight and size had a higher percentage of dormancy and during the stages of microglandogenesis, the buds on the microtubers were not able to germinate and produce microtubers.
Pomology
S.M Gholami; M. Hadadinejad; H. Moradi; H. Sadeghi
Abstract
Introduction
Bud dormancy is one of the important issues in planting and cultivation of fruit trees that needs to be addressed in many trees such as orange (Citrus sinensis). Bud dormancy involves cessation of horizontal and vertical growth, lack of budbreak, and reduction in plant activity during cold ...
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Introduction
Bud dormancy is one of the important issues in planting and cultivation of fruit trees that needs to be addressed in many trees such as orange (Citrus sinensis). Bud dormancy involves cessation of horizontal and vertical growth, lack of budbreak, and reduction in plant activity during cold weather. One of the commercial orange cultivars is Tarocco blood orange which compared to older blood cultivars, is larger in size and with lower alternate bearing has higher marketability. The nursery trees of this cultivar are grafted on sour orange, citrange, and vigorous rootstock of citrumelo (a hybrid between trifoliate orange and grapefruit) (Talon et al., 2020). One of the major problems of nurserymen in spring grafting of Tarocco cultivar on vigorous citrumelo rootstock is the failure of about 50 percent of buds to break compared to other cultivars on the same rootstock and other similar rootstocks. This unwanted dormancy leads to a one-year delay in the nursery tree production process and unnecessary occupation of nursery space. Given the commercial importance of blood orange and the adverse effects of bud dormancy on yield and fruit lifetime, solutions are used to control and overcome this problem. One of the effective solutions is the application of cytokinins which can stimulate the growth of graft buds (Yadav & Saini, 2018).
Materials and Methods
This research was conducted in a citrus nursery at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources of Sari, in late May 2022. Citrumelo seedlings were grown in 5.3 liter pots containing a loamy-silt soil mix in the nursery location. Tarocco cultivar buds were prepared from a seven-year-old mother orchard and T-budding was performed in June (during rootstock bark slipping). All hormone treatments were applied after graft union and before bending the branch using a soft brush on the graft buds. The applied treatments included hormone treatment (control, 5000 mg.l-1 benzyladenine, 1000 mg.l-1 kinetin, and 50 mg.l-1 thidiazuron) and treatment time (13, 15, and 17 days after grafting). After two months, some traits related to budbreak and growth of the grafted buds were evaluated.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that thidiazuron and benzyladenine treatments had better effects compared to kinetin treatment on spring budbreak and initial growth of Tarocco grafted buds. In a way that 50 mg.l-1 thidiazuron treatment had the highest number of sprouted buds (67.91), largest leaf area (118.04 cm2), highest number of leaves (16.50), especially when applied 13 days after grafting. Also, in leaf size related traits, leaf area indices, graft growth rate as well as chlorophyll and carotenoid content of Tarocco graft leaves were significantly affected by different hormonal treatments and application times, with 50 mg.L-1 thidiazuron being more effective than other treatments. Cytokinins can promote division and expansion of leaf cells and thereby result in increased cell numbers and improvement of different leaf parameters. Also, cytokinins regulate important physiological processes like photosynthesis. Application of these materials provides cell division especially in areas like buds and growth points and also possibly more buds may form on the spring graft by using these treatments during the grafting process which can lead to increased bud break and faster plant growth (Cook & Bahar, 2017). Increasing cytokinin levels can stimulate the photosynthesis process which results in increased food production, leaf growth and ultimately increased leaf area. On the other hand, cytokinins affect plant metabolism and can regulate production and accumulation of different growth factors. This may lead to a better balance in nutrient distribution and metabolic activities which in turn aids leaf area increase (Hodchek et al., 2023). Finally, according to the obtained results, it can be recommended to nurserymen of this cultivar to use 50 mg.L-1 thidiazuron 13 days after grafting as a practical and effective strategy for increasing spring budbreak, growth and development of Tarocco buds grafted on citrumelo.
Conclusions
In general, based on the results, the application of 50 mg.l-1 of thidiazuron 13 days after grafting can be considered a practical and effective strategy to enhance bud awakening, as well as the growth and development of Tarocco spring shoots on citronmelo. This practice is recommended for producers of seedlings of this cultivar.
Ornamental plants
S. Mirzaei; M. Chehrazi
Abstract
Introduction
Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta) (Daffodil) with the scientific name (Narcissus tazetta) is a perennial bulbous plant from the Amaryllidaceae family (Mozafarian, 1996; Ghahraman & Atar, 2000). Narcissus is one of the most important ornamental bulbous plants that is used as a cut flower ...
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Introduction
Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta) (Daffodil) with the scientific name (Narcissus tazetta) is a perennial bulbous plant from the Amaryllidaceae family (Mozafarian, 1996; Ghahraman & Atar, 2000). Narcissus is one of the most important ornamental bulbous plants that is used as a cut flower and a potted plant. Our country has a huge source of native daffodils. Iran, with its climatic diversity, vast area of fertile land and abundant solar energy, is one of the centers of the propagation of plant species is important. Today, plant genetic resources are considered as the most valuable and vital resources of any country. Ornamental plants such as narcissus have been important for mankind since ancient times. They are valuable for their beauty, but also for their medicinal properties and as a food source (Chehrazi et al., 2008; Farahmand & Khosh-Khui, 2007). Considering the importance of the product in the mentioned cases, preserving the valuable native narcissus plant of our country has many economic and social benefits, also to prevent its extinction. Therefore, this project was carried out to collect and evaluate native daffodil genotypes and introduce superior genotypes.
Materials and Methods
In this research, the bulbs of narcissus native genotypes were collected from natural narcissus fields in different regions of the country (Khuzestan, Mazandaran, Fars, Ilam and Khorasan provinces). Then bulbs were planted in the research field of the Ornamental Plants Research Institute and the morphological and physiological characteristics of the daffodils were evaluated in the field, including the height of the flowering stem, number of leaves, number of flowers, flowering period, chlorophyll and flavonoid content, bulb size, number and fresh and dry weight were measured. Measuring methods are explained below. Flowering branch height: The height of the narcissus flower branch from the point of contact with the soil to the tip of the flower was measured by a ruler in centimeters. Number of leaves: The number of leaves in each narcissus plant was counted. Number of flowers in each branch: The number of flowers in each branch of narcissus was counted. Flowering period: the number of days from the appearance of the first flower to the time the flowers withered was counted. The size of daughter bulbs: The diameter of daughter bulbs in each narcissus plant was measured by calipers in millimeters. Number of daughter bulbs: The number of daughter bulbs in each narcissus plant was counted. Fresh and dry weight of daughter bulbs: The bulbs of each narcissus plant were removed from the soil. After cleaning the onions from the mud, the onions were weighed by an accurate digital scale, which was recorded as fresh weight, in grams. The onions were then placed in the oven for 72 hours and then weighed again by a precision digital balance, which was recorded as dry weight in grams. Amount of chlorophyll and carotenoids was measured by the method of Maxwell & Johnson, 2000 and amount of flavonoids was measured by the method of Chang et al. (2002).
Results and Discussion
According to the results of this experiment, Mazandaran and Ilam genotypes showed the highest values for morphological indices. By comparing different populations of Narcissus Shahla, it was observed that the population of Mazandaran with (16.38 cm) had the highest height of flowering stem, with (11.9) had the highest number of flowers, with (55.34) had the highest number of leaves, with (47.33 days) had the longest flowering period, with (8.53) had the largest number of girl onions, with (48.39 mm) had the largest size of girl onions, with (15.88 g) had the highest fresh weight of girl onions, with (10.68 g) had the highest dry weight of girl onions. Also, Khuzestan and Mazandaran genotypes showed the highest values for physiological indices. It was observed that the population of Khuzestan with (2.229 mg.g-1) had the highest amount of chlorophyll, with (1.594 mg.g-1) had the highest amount of carotenoids and with (1.525 mg.ml-1) had the highest amount of flavonoids.
Conclusions
Comparisons of morphological and physiological characteristics of native Iranian narcissus in the field and post-harvest period in different populations of native narcissus (Shahla and Porpar) showed that native Iranian narcissus is a plant suitable for planting in green spaces. The planting of these plants in the area of Mahalat has been successful and if cultivated, along with daily care, weeding and regular watering, it is completely suitable for surface production. Planting native narcissus can be recommended for cities with a climate similar to Mahalat. In order to achieve this, we can introduce the native daffodils of Mazandaran and Ilam regions as the best genotypes. Because in terms of morphological indicators, they have the highest stem height, number of flowers, number of leaves. Also, In order to use a flower pot in the home or office environment, the native daffodils of Khuzestan and Mazandaran regions can be introduced as the best genotypes.
Medicinal Plants
Hoda Sajedimehr; Mahya Sajedimehr; Majid Azizi
Abstract
IntroductionMedicinal plants with a high level of antioxidant activity are of great importance due to their effect on a wide range of diseases such as diabetes, inflammatory diseases, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular diseases, blood pressure and other diseases caused by oxidative stress. Therefore, ...
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IntroductionMedicinal plants with a high level of antioxidant activity are of great importance due to their effect on a wide range of diseases such as diabetes, inflammatory diseases, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cardiovascular diseases, blood pressure and other diseases caused by oxidative stress. Therefore, studying medicinal plants and extracting and identifying chemical properties and effective compounds in medicinal plants emphasizes the necessity of learning and using medicinal plants. Iranian shallot plant with the scientific name Allium hirtifolium is a species of the onion family (Alliaceae) and is one of the largest genera of the monocot group. Shallot plant is an important horticultural product that has been known and used as a vegetable, spice and medicinal plant since ancient times due to its useful properties. In this genus, there are economically important species such as: onions, garlic, shallots, chives and leeks. Germination and sprouting are one of the most important phenological stages (life cycle) of the plant. Having enough information about the phenological cycle of the plant leads to better management of the different stages of this cycle, which determines the degree of success of agricultural systems. Seedling germination and growth in the early stages are strongly influenced and controlled by environmental factors, especially temperature, soil moisture and seed quality (germination and seedling strength) and internal factors (growth regulators) such as Gibberellin and Abscisic acid hormones.In order to speed up the germination of seeds and eliminate seed dormancy so that germination can happen faster, there are different methods. One of these methods is mechanical or chemical scratching. The aim of this research is to present a precise and scientific description for the failure of Iranian shallot medicinal plant seed dormancy (Allium hirtifolium) and improvement in the acceleration of germination, considering the different characteristics in three populations of Iranian shallot seeds. Also, to increase the quality and accuracy in this research, a scanning electron microscope was also used to accurately determine the surface changes of the seeds before the acid-washing treatment with sulfuric acid and after the acid-washing treatment with sulfuric acid. In the previous research that has been carried out on Iranian shallot seeds, the simultaneous examination of different temperatures and different times of acid washing by sulfuric acid in a precise manner and with several populations that have different genotypes, as well as the use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) has not been done.Materials and methodsThe study was done to investigate the effect of different degrees of temperature, and different times of sulfuric acid for acid washing on the improvement of germination of three populations of Iranian shallot seeds (Allium hirtifolium). The effect of four different temperatures (5, 10, 15 and 20 degrees Celsius) inside the Germinator device and four different times of acid washing with sulfuric acid (0, 5, 10, 15 minutes) on germination and micromorphological characteristics of three populations of shallot plant (Feridon Shahr, Tiran and Khansar) was investigated. On the other hand, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with different degrees of magnification was used for the effect of sulfuric acid treatment on the surface of the seed coat. The experiment was conducted as a factorial, in the form of a completely randomized design with four replications. At the end of the experiment, traits such as germination percentage, average germination time, germination speed, root length and shoot length were evaluated. Also, traits such as diameter, length, volume and weight of seeds in three populations of shallot were also analyzed statistically.Conclusion and discussionThe results of electron microscopy showed that in all three populations of Iranian shallot seeds, the seed coat, after using the acid washing treatment with sulfuric acid for 15 minutes, underwent noticeable and significant changes compared to the control seeds. The surface of the seed is destroyed by sulfuric acid and the surface of the seed does not have its natural ornamentation and protrusions compared to the control. Also, the effect of temperature, duration of acid washing and seed population on germination percentage, germination speed, average germination duration, seedling root length and seedling length was significant at the 1% probability level (p≤0.01). The population of Fereydoun Shahr has the highest germination percentage (69.16 percent), germination speed 3.7 (number of seeds per day) and average duration of germination 9.64 (number of seeds per day) at a temperature of 5 degrees Celsius and acid washing time of 15 minutes. The maximum shoot length and root length were 19.7 and 8.81 (mm) in the Tiran population with a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and a 15-minute acid washing time, and in the Khansar population with a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and time of 5 minutes acid washing respectively. The results show that, according to the dormancy of the seeds and their need for cold, the best temperature for shallot seed germination is 5 degrees Celsius with 15 minutes of acid washing by sulfuric acid. Diversity in shallot plant populations has a significant effect on the performance of this plant in improving seed germination.AcknowledgeWe thank Ferdowsi University of Mashhad and the Isfahan University of Technology.Keywords: shallot diversity (seed morphology), stratification, seed scarification, germination, scanning electron microscope (SEM)
Growing vegetables
Nasrin Farhadi; Mojgan Abdeshahian; Samane Mottagi
Abstract
IntroductionCurrently, salinity stress is one of the most important challenges in the agriculture and is the main growth limiting factor of many plant species. Saline stress adversely affects the plant's physiological and biochemical process which leads to a considerable reduction of plant growth and ...
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IntroductionCurrently, salinity stress is one of the most important challenges in the agriculture and is the main growth limiting factor of many plant species. Saline stress adversely affects the plant's physiological and biochemical process which leads to a considerable reduction of plant growth and yield. Shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss.) is a perennial plant from the Alliaceae family, which is one of the native and valuable plants of Iran and wildly grows in the slopes of the Zagros Mountain range. The nutritional and medicinal value of shallots is due to the presence of sulfur compounds, especially allicin in the bulbs. The present study was conducted to investigating the effect of foliar application of salicylic acid on the changes of growth, physiological and biochemical traits of shallot under different levels of salinity stress in factorial design based on a completely randomized design with three replications. The investigated treatments were four levels of salinity (0, 30, 60 and 90 mM NaCl) and four levels of salicylic acid (0, 1, 1.5 and 2 mM). Distilled water (control) and salicylic acid (1, 1.5 and 2 mM) were foliar sprayed on the whole plants at 4, 6 and 8 weeks after sowing date. At the end of the growing season (beginning of yellowing of the leaves of the plants), growth, physiological and biochemical traits were evaluated. Evaluation of lipid peroxidation, osmolality compounds and activity of antioxidant enzymes was carried out in the leaves of treated plants and the amount of pyrovat and allicin was measured in harvested shallot bulbs.Results and discussion Various abiotic stresses restrict plant productivity, and many efforts have been done to reduce plant growth inhibition by alleviating the disorder’s effects of these stresses. Exogenous application of plant growth regulators has been reported as an economic procedure to improve plant resistance to environmental stresses. It has been previously reported that salicylic acid as a signaling molecule alleviated the adverse effect of different stress condition. In this experiment, shallot resistance to saline condition was enhanced by the foliar spray of salicylic acid. The results showed a significant link between salicylic acid treatment and improvement of bulb biomass under saline conditions. Lipid peroxidation regards to accumulation of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide increased with increasing the salinity intensity. Also, saline stress significantly enhanced the proline and glycine betaine content in stressed plants of shallot. The plant antioxidant activity induced under stress condition by increased the total phenol content as well as the activity of catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase enzymes. The pyrovat and allicin content of shallot bulb was increased with increasing salinity stress. The decreased in the photosynthetic pigments (total chlorophyll and carotenoids) led to a decrease in plant growth with the intensifying of stress level. So that the lowest leaf area, fresh and dry weight of bulbs were obtained in severe salinity stressed plants (90 mM NaCl). Foliar application of salicylic acid through increasing the antioxidant compounds (total phenol, pyrovat and allicin) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POX, APX and SOD) limited the of hydrogen peroxide accumulation and lipid peroxidation. The induced accumulated osmolyte compounds proline and glycine betaine was decreased in treated plant with salicylic acid. The treatment of salicylic acid considerably improved the chlorophyll and carotenoids content especially in salinity stressed plants. So that the applied of salicylic acid, especially at concentration of 2 mM, reduced the harmful effects of salinity stress on plant growth and bulb yield by increasing the photosynthesis pigments and consequently photosynthesis efficiency. Also increased growth in the treated plants with salicylic acid has been attributed to changes in the concentration of plant hormones, especially auxins and cytokinins (the most important plant growth stimulating hormones). Nevertheless, the growth reactions of treated plants to salicylic acid are different depending on the used concentration, the plant species and the growth stage at the treatment time.ConclusionIn the several literatures the salicylic acid effects on plant growth enhancement under unfavorable environmental condition attributed to salicylic acid-induced changes in plant biochemical and physiological processes. Based on the obtained results, the salinity resistance of the shallot plant in response to salicylic acid is related to the increased antioxidant capacity of the stressed plants, which leads to the improvement of the photosynthetic pigments, and consequently plant growth and bulb biomass under saline condition. Although the present study was performed in the glass greenhouse, the obtained finding showed that salicylic acid application could also be a promising treatment for improving salinity tolerance of A. hirtifolium under field conditions.
Medicinal Plants
Soroush Tafakhori; Vahid Akbarpour; Mohammad Kazem Souri
Abstract
Introduction
Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), a warm-season herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family, is a valuable medicinal and culinary herb widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Its aromatic leaves and mucilaginous seeds, beneficial for soothing sore throats, make it a significant ...
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Introduction
Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), a warm-season herbaceous plant from the Lamiaceae family, is a valuable medicinal and culinary herb widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Its aromatic leaves and mucilaginous seeds, beneficial for soothing sore throats, make it a significant crop in West Asia and the Middle East. As global populations grow, greenhouse and urban farming, such as vertical farming systems, have gained prominence to ensure year-round production (Massa, 2006). However, basil’s growth and productivity are often limited during low-light conditions, particularly in colder seasons. To address this, artificial lighting, particularly light-emitting diodes (LEDs), has emerged as a powerful tool due to their ability to deliver specific wavelengths, high photoelectric conversion efficiency, and optimal photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) efficiency (80–100%) (Darko et al., 2014). LEDs allow precise control over light quality and intensity, enhancing plant biomass and secondary metabolite production. Additionally, ascorbic acid, a potent antioxidant, plays a critical role in detoxifying reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improving plant growth under stress conditions (Shigeoka et al., 2002). Previous studies have shown that specific light spectra, particularly red and blue combinations, enhance terpenoid and phenolic content in basil (Rihan et al., 2020; Rafiei et al., 2023). Similarly, foliar application of ascorbic acid has been reported to improve growth and mitigate environmental stresses in various plants (Yadollahi et al., 2016; Esmailpour et al., 2023). This study investigates the combined effects of LED light spectra and ascorbic acid foliar application on the morphophysiological and phytochemical traits of basil under controlled conditions, aiming to optimize its production in low-light environments.
Materials and Methods
The experiment was conducted in the summer of 2024 at the Horticulture Laboratory of the University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Sari, Iran. A split-plot design based on a randomized complete block with three replications was employed. The main factor consisted of four LED light treatments: three blue-to-red ratios (75:25 [BBBR], 50:50 [BBRR], 25:75 [BRRR]) and full-spectrum white light (FFFF). Red light was set at 660 nm, and blue light at 440 nm, with a photoperiod of 16 hours light and 8 hours darkness daily. The sub-factor included two levels of ascorbic acid foliar application (0.5 g/L weekly and no application). Basil seeds were sown in plastic pots filled with a 1:1 mixture of perlite and cocopeat and fertilized using Hoagland’s solution via fertigation. Morphophysiological traits, including stem diameter, number of lateral branches, leaf count, fresh and dry shoot weight, root fresh and dry weight, and root volume, were measured. Phytochemical traits, such as antioxidant activity (DPPH method, measured at 517 nm), total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu method, measured at 765 nm), and flavonoid content (aluminum chloride method, measured at 415 nm), were assessed using a spectrophotometer (UV-1800PC, Shimadzu, Japan). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and means were compared using appropriate statistical tests.
Results and Discussion
The results demonstrated that the red-blue (75:25) light treatment significantly enhanced several morphophysiological traits compared to full-spectrum light, increasing stem diameter by 8%, lateral branches by 26%, leaf count by 15%, fresh leaf weight by 39%, and dry shoot weight by 25%. Foliar application of ascorbic acid further amplified these traits, with increases of 23%, 21%, 20%, 44%, and 31%, respectively. The combination of red-blue (75:25) light and ascorbic acid resulted in the highest stem height, root dry weight, and root volume, indicating a synergistic effect. These findings align with previous research showing that red light promotes stem elongation and biomass accumulation through gibberellin synthesis, while blue light regulates cellular expansion via cryptochromes (Hosseini et al., 2019; Kaiser et al., 2019). Ascorbic acid likely enhanced growth by acting as a coenzyme in photosynthesis and hormone biosynthesis, increasing carbohydrate production and nutrient uptake (Barkosky & Einhellig, 2003). For phytochemical traits, the red-blue (50:50) light without ascorbic acid yielded the highest antioxidant activity, suggesting that balanced light spectra stimulate defense mechanisms. The red-blue (75:25) light increased phenolic content by 12% and flavonoid content by 28% compared to full-spectrum light, consistent with studies showing that blue light enhances phenylpropanoid biosynthesis via phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activation (Rafiei et al., 2023). However, ascorbic acid did not significantly increase flavonoid content, possibly due to metabolic saturation or suppression of defense responses at high antioxidant levels (Azoz et al., 2016). These results highlight the importance of tailored light spectra and nutritional interventions for optimizing basil’s growth and secondary metabolite production.
Conclusion
This study confirms that LED light spectra, particularly the red-blue (75:25) combination, significantly improve basil’s morphophysiological traits, including stem diameter, leaf count, and biomass, under low-light conditions. Foliar application of ascorbic acid enhances these effects, promoting root development and overall plant growth. While specific light spectra alone can boost antioxidant activity and phenolic content, ascorbic acid’s influence is more pronounced on growth than on flavonoid accumulation. These findings provide a practical framework for optimizing basil production in controlled environments, such as greenhouses and vertical farms, by integrating light quality management with ascorbic acid supplementation. This approach offers a cost-effective strategy to enhance both the quantity and quality of basil, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Medicinal Plants
nesa Gharehbaghli; Ahmad Mehraban
Abstract
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), a valuable medicinal plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, has been widely recognized for its medicinal and culinary uses. Its essential oils and bioactive compounds, such as anethole, fenchone, and estragole, have made it a significant crop in the pharmaceutical, food, ...
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Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), a valuable medicinal plant belonging to the Apiaceae family, has been widely recognized for its medicinal and culinary uses. Its essential oils and bioactive compounds, such as anethole, fenchone, and estragole, have made it a significant crop in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Fennel is not only prized for its aromatic seeds and leaves but also for its therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects. Given the increasing global demand for high-quality medicinal plants, optimizing cultivation practices to enhance growth, yield, and essential oil production is crucial. Traditional agricultural practices often face challenges such as nutrient inefficiency, environmental degradation, and resource depletion, which can limit the productivity and sustainability of medicinal plant cultivation. In this context, nanotechnology, particularly the use of nanofertilizers, has emerged as a promising approach to improve nutrient efficiency and plant performance. Nanofertilizers offer several advantages over conventional fertilizers, including enhanced nutrient uptake, reduced application rates, and minimized environmental impact. This study aimed to investigate the effects of foliar application timing and varying concentrations of potassium nanoparticles on the growth characteristics and essential oil yield of fennel over two cropping years (2021-2022 and 2022-2023). By exploring the potential of nanotechnology in fennel cultivation, this research seeks to contribute to the development of sustainable agricultural practices that can meet the growing demand for medicinal plants while preserving environmental health.Materials and Method: The experiment was conducted as a factorial design in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The factors included foliar application timing at three growth stages: stem formation, flowering, and fruiting; and nano potassium oxide concentrations at five levels: 0 (control), 2, 3, 4, and 5 parts per thousand (ppt). The measured parameters included plant height, biomass yield, seed yield, 1000-seed weight, number of umbels per plant, seed carbohydrate content, chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll levels, as well as essential oil percentage and yield.Result and Discussion: The results demonstrated that foliar application of potassium nanoparticles significantly influenced the growth and essential oil production of fennel. The application of 3 ppt potassium nanoparticles had the most pronounced positive effects on plant height, biomass yield, seed yield, 1000-seed weight, number of umbels per plant, seed carbohydrate content, and chlorophyll levels (a, b, and total). This concentration was found to optimize nutrient uptake and utilization, leading to enhanced photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant vigor. In terms of essential oil production, the highest essential oil percentage (4.37%) was observed in plants treated with 5 ppt potassium nanoparticles. However, the maximum essential oil yield (5.69 kg/ha) was achieved with 4 ppt potassium nanoparticles applied during the fruiting stage. This indicates that while higher concentrations of potassium nanoparticles may increase the essential oil percentage, the optimal concentration for maximizing essential oil yield is 4 ppt during the fruiting stage. The fruiting stage was identified as the most critical period for foliar application, as it coincides with the peak demand for nutrients to support seed and essential oil developmentThe findings of this study highlight the importance of precise nutrient management in fennel cultivation. Potassium, as a vital macronutrient, plays a key role in various physiological processes, including enzyme activation, osmoregulation, and stress tolerance. The use of potassium nanoparticles enhances nutrient use efficiency by providing a controlled and sustained release of potassium, thereby improving plant growth and essential oil production. Furthermore, the application of nanotechnology in agriculture offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional fertilizers, reducing the risk of groundwater contamination and soil salinity. From an agronomic perspective, the results suggest that foliar application of 4 ppt potassium nanoparticles during the fruiting stage is the most effective strategy for maximizing essential oil yield in fennel. This approach not only improves the economic viability of fennel cultivation but also aligns with sustainable agricultural practices by minimizing input waste and environmental impact.In conclusion, this study underscores the potential of nanotechnology, particularly potassium nanoparticles, in enhancing the growth and essential oil production of fennel. By optimizing foliar application timing and concentration, farmers can achieve higher yields and better-quality essential oils, thereby increasing the profitability of fennel cultivation. The findings of this research provide valuable insights into the role of nanotechnology in sustainable agriculture and its potential to address global challenges in food and medicinal plant production. Future research should explore the long-term effects of nanofertilizers on soil health and plant physiology, as well as their applicability to other medicinal plants. Additionally, studies on the economic feasibility and scalability of nanofertilizer use in different agricultural systems would be beneficial. This work contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable agricultural practices and highlights the importance of integrating innovative technologies into traditional farming systems to ensure food security and environmental sustainability in the face of a changing climate and growing population.
Growing vegetables
Elnaz SoleimanyFard; Kambiz Mashayekhi; s.j Mousavizadeh; Mehdi Zarei
Abstract
Introduction
Melon (Cucumis melo L., Cucurbitaceae family) is an important commercial fruit crop that is extensively grown throughout the world due to its generally very good adaptation to climate and soil. The quality of melon fruits represents a combination of a wide range of physical characteristics ...
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Introduction
Melon (Cucumis melo L., Cucurbitaceae family) is an important commercial fruit crop that is extensively grown throughout the world due to its generally very good adaptation to climate and soil. The quality of melon fruits represents a combination of a wide range of physical characteristics (fruit size, shape, texture, firmness, etc.) and chemical compositions (acidity, sugars, vitamins, phenolic compounds, etc.), which are very important for consumers acceptability and marketability. On the other side, high-quality fruit must be achieved in the field because after harvesting time all fruit attributes can only be preserved, not improved. Hence, harvesting time plays an essential role in determining quality and marketability as well as storage life of melon fruits. Moreover, the accurate determinations of harvesting time and ripening stages of melon fruit have widespread application to improve management of it. Despite the increasing consumption and the cultivation of various melon accessions in different regions of Iran, the physical characteristics and chemical compositions of some fruit melon accessions (particularly lesser-known accessions) during fruit ripening have not yet been evaluated in detail. With this background, the specific objectives of study were, primarily, to monitor and compare the changes of physicochemical traits, total phenolics and antioxidant activity of two Iranian melon accessions (‘Chaghercheh’ and ‘Zamcheh’) during the ripening process and, secondly, to determine the optimal harvesting time to achieve maximum fruit quality and marketability.
Materials and Methods
In order to evaluate the influence of ripening process on quantitative and qualitative fruit properties of two lesser-known melon accessions (‘Chaghercheh’ and ‘Zamcheh’) have grown in Gonbad Kavous, the experiment was conducted according to factorial based on completely randomized design with 4 replicates (five fruits per replication) during two years (2023-2024). The developing fruits were hand-harvested at five different developing stages from 10 days after fruit set up to fruit ripening (namely, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 days after fruit set) during the months of June and July. Data of two years were combined and analyzed by Statistical Analysis System (SAS) software using analysis of variance and differences among means were determined for significance at P < 0.05 using Tukey’s test. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to identify the relationship between the different physical and chemical characteristics.
Results and Discussion
The findings of this experiment confirmed that there were significant differences among the different harvest times in all measured factors for both accessions. The fresh weight and dimensions of fruit, thickness and percentage of pulp increased throughout fruit ripening and reached to the maximum values at last harvesting stage, while fruit firmness, peel thickness, percentages of peel and seed showed a descending trend in the same period. At full maturation stage, the both melon accessions exhibited the highest total soluble solids and pH, along with the lowest titratable acidity, resulting in the highest maturity index. As the ripening proceeded, levels of ascorbic acid, total phenolics and antioxidant activity incremented, and reaching the peaks on 30th day after fruit set, but afterward mentioned factors reduced dramatically until the end of the harvesting period. Also, significant differences of all measured parameters were statistically detected among two melon accessions. At full maturation stage, the fruit fresh weight, fruit firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total phenolics and antioxidant activity were varied from 2438.12 (‘Zamcheh’) to 2941.17 g (‘Chaghercheh’), 14.02 (‘Zamcheh’) to 20.66 N (‘Chaghercheh’), 13.17 (‘Chaghercheh’) to 15.23 °Brix (‘Zamcheh’), 0.59 (‘Zamcheh’) to 0.79 mg.100g-1 FW (‘Chaghercheh’), 17.80 (‘Zamcheh’) to 19.47 mg.100g-1 FW (‘Chaghercheh’), 21.34 (‘Zamcheh’) to 22.48 mg.100g-1 FW (‘Chaghercheh’) and 22.26 (‘Zamcheh’) to 24.08% (‘Chaghercheh’), respectively. Also, the antioxidant activity was positively correlated with total phenolics (r = 0.936) and ascorbic acid (r = 0.869).
Conclusions
Overall, the data of this study revealed the degree of maturity and the variety are main parameters controlling the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of melon fruit. The both accessions showed identical evolution trends throughout their growth and development. The period between 40 and 50 days after fruit set seemed to be the most active time of fruit ripening in both accessions, which growers can maximize marketability, nutritional value and quality of melon fruit by choosing the ideal harvest. In general, the both accessions are potential source of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity that can be regarded as an important nutrient for dietary and health of human.
Growing vegetables
Fahimeh Ghaemizadeh; Farshad Dashti
Abstract
Introduction
Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a vegetable with great nutritional value. In the recent years, the cultivation of onion seedlings has expanded due to the rising production costs and limited water resources. The growth of high-quality seedlings is crucial for achieving optimal and high crop yield. ...
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Introduction
Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a vegetable with great nutritional value. In the recent years, the cultivation of onion seedlings has expanded due to the rising production costs and limited water resources. The growth of high-quality seedlings is crucial for achieving optimal and high crop yield. Light quality is a significant factor influencing seedling quality, as it markedly affects the morphological and photosynthetic responses of plants. Currently, LED lights are employed in growth chambers to enhance seedling development. Another important factor influencing seedling growth is the cell volume of the seedling tray. Larger cells offer a more suitable environment for the optimal growth of seedlings; however, increasing the volume of the seedling tray may impose spatial constraints for producers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect various tray cell volumes in combination with different light conditions to improve the growth and quality characteristics of onion (Allium cepa L.) seedlings.
Material and methods
To this end, an experiment was conducted in a factorial design comprising two levels of cell volume (28 cc and 18 cc) and three levels of light composition (75% red: 25% blue, 50% red: 50% blue, and 75% blue: 25% red), with three replications, using the Azar Shahr onion cultivar (red and long-day onion). Seed were cultured in the growing substrates (2 coco peat: 4 perlite). After the emergence of the first true leaf (with a leaf length of approximately 5 centimeters), the plants were transferred to a growth chamber equipped with LED lamps and subjected to light treatments for a duration of 45 days. Ultimately, after the seedlings were removed from the growth chamber, various growth parameters were measured, including seedling height, length of the longest true leaf, root length, Pesodostem diameter and length, fresh and dry weight, photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid), fv/fm, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, sub-stomatal CO2 concentration, transpiration rate, total carbohydrate content, and total phenolic content. At the end of the experiment, data analysis was performed using SAS software (version: 9.1).
Results and discussion
According to the results, in the 18 cc cell compared to the 28 cc cell and at all light treatment, seedling length, length of the longest leaf, and Pesodostem length increased, and root length, fresh and dry weight decreased. However, in the 18cc cell, using a 75% red: 25% blue light treatment resulted in the highest quality seedlings with a length of 25.5 cm, Pesodostem diameter (2.13 mm), Pesodostem length (3.4 mm), and dry weight (34 mg). Although at all light levels, cell volume reduction resulted in a decrease in photosynthetic pigments (amount of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid), FV/FM, a decrease in substomatal carbon dioxide, photosynthetic rate, soluble carbohydrates, and phenol content. However, the highest levels of these parameters were observed in the small cell, in the 75% red: 25% blue light treatment. At all it seems that, using a smaller cell volume reduces the root's access to oxygen, water, and nutrients, leading to reduced root growth and some seedling quality parameters. Also, reducing the cell volume also increases the number of plants per tray. This increased density reduces the seedling's access to the appropriate light treatment. However, using an appropriate light treatment can improve growth and physiological parameters. Overall, in the smaller cell with high planting density, the use of the 75% red: 25% blue light combination can lead to improved growth and increased seedling quality. Under red light treatment, plants have smaller stomata and can more effectively control the process of stomatal opening and closing. In this light, in addition to the entry of carbon dioxide, a smaller amount of water is lost, which also increases water consumption efficiency. Therefore, combining red and blue light can offset the negative effects of red and blue light and increase the rate of photosynthesis. However, the response of different plant species to different ratios of red to blue light may vary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our findings indicate that utilizing trays with smaller cell volumes (which allows for higher planting densities) can be economically beneficial and space-efficient. However, to ensure optimal onion seedling quality, it is crucial to implement a light composition of 75% red and 25% blue during the growth period.
Growing vegetables
abdulsatar darabi; zahr Abbasi Abbasi
Abstract
Introduction
Onion is one of the most important vegetables in Iran and is cultivated in 51.499 hectares. The cultivated area of this crop in the short-day southern regions is 25.964 hectares, which is equivalent to more than 50% of the cultivated onion area in Iran. Commercial short-day onion cultivars ...
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Introduction
Onion is one of the most important vegetables in Iran and is cultivated in 51.499 hectares. The cultivated area of this crop in the short-day southern regions is 25.964 hectares, which is equivalent to more than 50% of the cultivated onion area in Iran. Commercial short-day onion cultivars are cultivated in most of these regions, so that large amount of currency is expensed to import short-day onion seed. In addition, the increase in the currency rate in recent years has increased the cost of onion production in short-day southern regions. Therefore, it is very important to produce and introduce short-day onion cultivars. This research was conducted to produce half-sib families through open pollination among nine superior onion cultivars. The best half-sib families were selected in terms of bulb yield and storability.
Materials and methods
This project was carried out in Isfahan and Khuzestan during three crop years (2020-2023). During two crop years of 2020-2022, a polycross genetic design was carried out among nine short-day onion cultivars (Sahar, Paliz, Saba, Savanasweet, Goldeneye, Duster, Impriaterize, Primavera, and Texas Early Grano) in the Isfahan location (Dastgerd Agriculture Research station), and half-sib families were produced. The progenies of half-sib families along with their parents were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 18 treatments and three replications in Khuzestan location (Behbahan Agriculture Research station) during the crop year of 2022-2023. Seeds were sown in the nursery in early October, and seedlings were transplanted (at the two- or three-leaf stage) in late September. The earliest bulb time was estimated using the bulb ratio and statistical technique of cusums. The studied traits included leaf number and height, bolting percentage, bulb yield, days to maturity, mean bulb weight, mean bulb diameter and height, skin number, total soluble solids, dry matter, and bulbstorage losses. Bulbs were harvested when 50-80% of the foliage top had fallen and collapsed. To calculate dry matter content of the bulb, 10 bulbs were randomly selected from each plot and their weight was determined. After drying complete samples in the oven (65 ̊C) and fixing weights (about 72 h), samples were weighed again, and dry matter was calculated. After harvesting and curing, bulbs were stored under uncontrolled storage conditions (no heating, cooling, or ventilation systems), and after 3 months, postharvest bulb storage losses were determined. The results were analyzed using SPSS v.26. software. Means of significant differences among treatments were determined at the 0.05 probability level using Duncan’s test. Correlation coefficients among traits were calculated using Pearson method.
Results and Discussion
Bulbing occurred in the studied genotypes in a photoperiod of less than 13 h; therefore, all progenies and their parents were short-day genotypes. Palize cultivar produced the highest yield. The difference in bulb yield among this cultivar and Sahar, Saba, Savana sweet, and Goldeneye cultivars and Saba and Texas Early Grano half-sib families was not significant. The doubling bulb was not observed in studied genotypes. The highest bulb dry matter percentage was found in Texas Early Grano cultivar. The decrease in the percentage of bulb dry matter in the Saba cultivar and Savanasweet half-sib families was not significant compared with the Texas Early Grano cultivar. The highest skin number was recorded in the Texas Early Grano cultivar. The decrease in the number of skins in Sahar, Primavera, and Saba cultivars was not significant as compared with that in Texas Early Grano cultivar. The lowest bulb storage losses were observed in Sahar cultivar. The differences in this trait among Paliz, Primavera, and Texas Early Grano cultivars and Paliz, Savanasweet, Duster, Primavera, and Texas Early Grano half-sib families were not significant in comparison to Sahar cultivar. The correlation coefficients among bulb yield with leaf number and height, mean bulb weight and diameter were positive and significant at 1% probability level. Differences in days to maturity were not significant in all genotypes; therefore, final progeny selection was made with emphasis on bulb yield and storage losses. According to these results and comparison of days to maturity ,yield and bulb storage losses in progenies half -sib with maternal parent and parents mean the half-sib, progenies of Saba, Daster, and Texas Early Granohalf- sib families were selected.
Conclusion
The results showed that Texas Early Grano, Saba, and Duster half-sib families with high bulb yields (from 65.18 to 68.29 t ha-1) and good storability (storage bulb losses from 11.79% to 15.41%) are promising genotypes for introducing as short-day indigenous onion cultivars.
Medicinal Plants
Reza Azadi Gonbad; Nasrin Farhadi
Abstract
Introduction
Hydroponic systems have emerged as an advanced method for cultivating medicinal plants, offering precise control over environmental and nutritional factors to enhance the production of secondary metabolites. Chemical elicitors, such as salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA), play ...
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Introduction
Hydroponic systems have emerged as an advanced method for cultivating medicinal plants, offering precise control over environmental and nutritional factors to enhance the production of secondary metabolites. Chemical elicitors, such as salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA), play a key role in stimulating plant defense responses and increasing the synthesis of valuable phytochemical compounds. These compounds alleviate biotic and abiotic stress signals, triggering plant defense mechanisms and stimulating the biosynthesis of valuable secondary metabolites, including phenolics, flavonoids, and essential oils (Mehdizadeh and Moghaddam, 2023). Salvia officinalis L. (sage), a perennial aromatic plant from the Lamiaceae family, is known for its medicinal properties and rich content of bioactive compounds, including essential oils and phenolic derivatives. Recent studies have demonstrated that exogenous application of SA and MeJA can significantly influence plant growth and secondary metabolism. However, their effects are highly concentration-dependent and species-specific, necessitating further research to determine optimal dosages for different medicinal plants (Mohi-Ud-Din et al., 2025). While some studies have explored the individual effects of these elicitors, their synergistic interactions in hydroponically grown sage remain understudied (Jeyasri et al., 2023). This study investigates the synergistic effects of SA and MeJA foliar application on the growth, phytochemical composition, and antioxidant activity of sage in a hydroponic system.
Materials and Methods
This experiment was conducted as a factorial design based on a completely randomized design with three replications. Treatments included the foliar application of SA (0, 0.5, and 1 mM) and MeJA (0, 0.25, and 0.5 mM). Sage seeds were germinated under controlled conditions, and seedlings were transferred to a hydroponic system with a perlite-cocopeat (3:1, v/v) substrate. Plants were grown under natural light, with temperatures maintained at 20–30°C and relative humidity at 70–80%. Nutrient solutions were provided using Hoagland’s formula (EC 1.6 dS/m). Foliar treatments were applied at three growth stages: initial three-leaf, six-leaf, and flowering onset. Ten days after the final treatment, biomass, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant enzyme activities (POX, APX, SOD), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity, phenolic and flavonoid content, essential oil percentage, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH assay) were evaluated.
Results and Discussion
The experimental results demonstrated that the foliar application of salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate significantly influenced the growth, physiological traits, and phytochemical composition of hydroponically cultivated sage. The combined treatment of 0.5 mM SA and 0.25 mM MeJA produced the highest fresh (49.00 g) and dry (21.48 g) biomass, indicating a synergistic effect on plant growth. This enhancement can be attributed to the role of SA in promoting cell division and elongation, while MeJA at low concentrations stimulates metabolic activity without inducing excessive stress. However, higher MeJA concentrations (0.5 mM) exhibited inhibitory effects, likely due to the overactivation of defense mechanisms that divert energy away from growth-related processes. Photosynthetic pigments, including chlorophyll and carotenoids, were significantly influenced by the elicitor treatments. The combination of 1 mM SA and 0.25 mM MeJA resulted in the highest carotenoid content (2.34 mg g⁻¹ FW), suggesting that moderate elicitation enhances photosynthetic efficiency. Conversely, excessive MeJA (0.5 mM) led to a reduction in chlorophyll content, possibly due to accelerated senescence or oxidative stress. The application of SA and MeJA also induced a marked increase in antioxidant enzyme activities, including POX, SOD, and APX. Among the highest activities, POX was maximized in the combined treatment of 0.5 mM SA and 0.25 mM MeJA (20.49 U mg⁻¹ protein), while the highest APX (6.96 U mg⁻¹ protein) and SOD (1.95 U mg⁻¹ protein) activities were recorded in plants treated with 0.25 mM MeJA alone. These enzymes are critical for scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), which accumulate under elicitor-induced stress. The upregulation of these defense mechanisms not only protects cellular integrity but also stimulates the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. A key finding was the significant increase in phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity, a rate-limiting enzyme in the phenylpropanoid pathway. The highest PAL activity was observed in plants treated with 1 mM SA alone or in combination with 0.25 mM MeJA, correlating with elevated levels of total phenolics and flavonoids. Phenolic compounds, such as rosmarinic acid, are major bioactive constituents in sage, contributing to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The increase in flavonoid content, particularly under the combination of 0.5–1 mM SA and 0.25 mM MeJA, further supports the role of these elicitors in activating secondary metabolic pathways. One of the most notable outcomes was the 39% increase in essential oil content under the 0.5 mM SA + 0.25 mM MeJA treatment. Essential oils in sage are synthesized via the terpenoid pathway, which appears to be strongly induced by these elicitors. The enhanced essential oil yield was accompanied by a significant improvement in antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by the DPPH radical scavenging assay. This suggests that the elicited plants not only produced higher quantities of bioactive compounds but also exhibited stronger free-radical quenching activity, which is valuable for medicinal and nutraceutical applications. These findings align with previous studies indicating that SA and MeJA act synergistically at optimal concentrations to enhance secondary metabolite production while maintaining plant growth. However, the negative effects of high MeJA levels (0.5 mM) underscore the importance of dosage optimization, as excessive elicitation can lead to phytotoxicity and metabolic imbalance.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that the combined application of salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate in a hydroponic growth medium serves as a powerful tool for regulating growth and enhancing the production of secondary metabolites in sage plants (Salvia officinalis). A key finding was the identification of an optimal treatment combination (0.5-1 mM salicylic acid coupled with 0.25 mM methyl jasmonate), which synergistically increased biomass, essential oil content, and antioxidant activity. In contrast, higher concentrations of methyl jasmonate alone were found to inhibit growth. The implications of this research are significant, as it shows that by precisely modulating elicitor concentrations, the metabolic balance between growth and defense compound synthesis can be strategically managed to meet agricultural and pharmaceutical objectives.
Postharvest physiology
Mohsen Mohammadi; Davood Hashemabadi; Behzad Kaviani
Abstract
Introduction
Cut tuberose flowers face challenges such as reduced vase life and postharvest quality deterioration. This problem is mainly caused by various factors such as dehydration, vascular blockage due to bacterial growth, ethylene accumulation and oxidative stress, which lead to a reduction in ...
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Introduction
Cut tuberose flowers face challenges such as reduced vase life and postharvest quality deterioration. This problem is mainly caused by various factors such as dehydration, vascular blockage due to bacterial growth, ethylene accumulation and oxidative stress, which lead to a reduction in the postharvest lifespan of flowers. To address these challenges, the use of chemical and natural compounds has been considered an effective method to extend postharvest longevity and maintain the quality of cut flowers. Aluminum sulfate helps to preserve the freshness of cut flowers by reducing microbial growth, improving water uptake and preventing vascular blockage. The use of aluminum sulfate in vase solutions has shown to increase of the postharvest lifespan in certain cut flowers, such as roses, gardenias and lisianthus. Plant essential oils (containing phenol), possess antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. They can inhibit microbial growth in vase solutions and prevent cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals. The positive effects of certain essential oils on extending the vase life of some cut flowers, including gerberas, roses and alstroemerias, have been reported. Cobalt chloride prevents vascular blockage caused by bacterial agents in stems and maintains a high-water flow rate, leading to improved water uptake by cut flowers. This salt can also extend vase life by inhibiting ethylene production, preventing its accumulation and reducing respiration. The beneficial effect of cobalt chloride on increasing the vase life of some ornamental cut flowers, including roses, carnations, tuberoses, gladiolus and chrysanthemums, has been reported. 8-Hydroxyquinoline sulfate (8-HQS) is an inhibitor of ethylene production and reduces respiration rate. In cut flowers such as dendrobium, gerbera and gladiolus, 8-HQS extended the vase life by preventing microbial growth, reducing respiration rate and enhancing water absorption. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aluminum sulfate, Eryngium spp. essential oil, cobalt chloride and 8-HQS on the postharvest longevity of cut tuberose flowers (Polianthes tuberosa).
Materials and Methods
Cut tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa) flowers were obtained from a commercial producer in Tehran Province. To standardize the stem length, all flowers were recut at a 60 cm distance under water and immediately transported to the postharvest laboratory at the Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University, Rasht Branch, to prevent dehydration. Upon arrival, the flowers were placed in distilled water to maintain hydration. For the experiment, five cut flowers were placed in each 2-liter plastic vase and then treated with specific concentrations of the experimental factors. The study was conducted based on a completely randomized block design with three replications. The effects of different concentrations of aluminum sulfate (50, 100 and 150 mg/L), Eryngium essential oil (10, 20 and 40%), cobalt chloride (200, 300 and 400 mg/L) and 8-HQS (100, 200 and 400 mg/L) on cut flowers parameters such as vase life, water uptake, fresh weight loss, chlorophyll content, malondialdehyde (MDA) as an indicator of lipid peroxidation, bacterial colony count and antioxidant enzyme activity were evaluated. Thus, the present experiment consisted of 12 treatments, 3 replications and 5 flower stems per replication, totaling 36 experimental units (plots). Treatments were applied permanently, with each treatment prepared based on a 500 mL volume in the plastic vase. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and means were compared by the LSD at P < 0.05 using the SAS ver. 9.2 software.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that treatment with aluminum sulfate significantly increased vase life and prevented fresh weight loss. Aluminum sulfate improved water uptake and preserved chlorophyll content, thereby enhancing the longevity of the flowers. Eryngium essential oil also had a positive effect on maintaining flower quality due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Results of the variance analysis showed that treatments with aluminum sulfate, Eryngium essential oil, cobalt chloride and 8-HQS significantly increased the vase life of tuberose cut flowers (P < 0.01). The effect of treatments was significant for most traits. The longest vase life (12 and 11.50 days) was observed in aluminum sulfate at 100 and 50 mg/L, respectively, while the control treatment had a vase life of only 8 days. The highest water uptake was observed in treatments with aluminum sulfate (100 mg/L), 8-HQS (200 mg/L) and Eryngium essential oil (10 mg/L). The control treatment had the highest bacterial population at the stem base (33 CFU/mL) and vase solution (73 CFU/mL). 8-HQS (400 mg/L) showed the lowest bacterial population at the stem base (4 CFU/mL). Just some treatments were selected for measurement of enzymes activity. Among the selected treatments, Eryngium essential oil (20 mg/L) exhibited the highest peroxidase (POD) enzyme activity, while the control treatment (0.07 µmol/g fresh weight) had the lowest. The control treatment (9.47 µmol/g fresh weight/min) showed the highest catalase (CAT) enzyme activity, while cobalt chloride (300 mg/L, 1.84 µmol/g fresh weight/min) had the lowest. Aluminum sulfate can partially reduce ethylene production and respiration rate in cut flowers. It primarily acts as an antimicrobial agent, indirectly extending vase life. Some studies suggest aluminum may moderately reduce lipid peroxidation in cell membranes. The aluminum ion may interact with cell walls, enhancing tissue rigidity and delaying wilting. Studies on roses, peonies and gladiolus confirmed that aluminum sulfate delays senescence by inhibiting microbial growth, preventing bacterial blockage and improving water uptake. Plant essential oils (e.g., in tuberose, chrysanthemum, gerbera, gladiolus and carnation) extend postharvest life due to their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, reducing microbial load in vase solutions and ethylene production. 8-HQS, as a disinfectant, extended vase life in peonies, dendrobium and gladiolus by inhibiting bacteria, enhancing water uptake, delaying senescence, suppressing ethylene and reducing respiration rate. Increased POD activity in treated flowers indicates enhanced antioxidant defense, crucial for neutralizing free radicals and mitigating oxidative stress. Reduced CAT activity in treated tuberose flowers may result from lower ROS production, direct inhibition of enzyme activity, hormonal/metabolic signaling changes and delayed oxidative stress and senescence.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that the use of these compounds particularly aluminum sulfate at the concentration of 100 and 50 mg/L can be an effective method to improve the postharvest longevity and quality of cut tuberose flowers.
Growing vegetables
Seyyed Hasan Mousavi; Nasrin Farhadi
Abstract
Introduction
Lettuce, with the scientific name Lactuca sativa L., is an annual, self-pollinating, cool-season vegetable belonging to the Asteraceae family. Its leaves are rich in antioxidant compounds, vitamins, and essential nutrients beneficial to human health. The genus Lactuca comprises over 100 ...
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Introduction
Lettuce, with the scientific name Lactuca sativa L., is an annual, self-pollinating, cool-season vegetable belonging to the Asteraceae family. Its leaves are rich in antioxidant compounds, vitamins, and essential nutrients beneficial to human health. The genus Lactuca comprises over 100 species, of which 20 belong to lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Numerous researchers have reported extensive diversity in morphological, biochemical, and genetic traits among different lettuce genotypes (Kumar et al., 2016; Dahal et al., 2021; Volpe et al., 2021; Asadi et al., 2022). According to FAO statistics, the production of various lettuce cultivars and lines has experienced a 118% growth over the past two decades, placing lettuce as the fifth most widely cultivated crop globally after corn, rice, potatoes, and tomatoes in terms of cultivated area (FAO, 2023). In Iran, lettuce is one of the most common leafy vegetables cultivated across various regions of the country. Alongside increasing market demand and the economic viability of lettuce production, diverse genotypes of different types—including leaf, stem, romaine, and iceberg—have been developed. Although romaine-type lettuces account for the majority of cultivated areas in Iran, in recent years, several well-adapted genotypes suitable for different regions in the north and south of the country have been introduced or are under development, receiving widespread acceptance. Evaluating and introducing suitable and adapted lettuce genotypes with desirable quantitative and qualitative traits, alongside indigenous Iranian lettuces, is of great importance (Mousavi et al., 2024). Accordingly, in the present study, several commercial lettuce genotypes of stem and leaf types were investigated under field conditions to identify superior cultivars and lines based on qualitative characteristics.
Materials and methods
The present study was conducted in both field and laboratory settings at the Greenhouse and Controlled Environment Research Institute, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Seeds of lettuce cultivars including Batavia, Mignonette, Prize Head, Bull Red, Tango, French Red, Ice Green, Lines 4, 7 and 20 Roman were sown in 6×12-cell seedling trays containing a cocopeat : perlite (4:1) growing medium for seedling production. Seedlings at the 3-4 leaf stage were transplanted to the main cultivation beds in the field. Each cultivar was planted in 25-meter-long rows with 50 cm bed width, maintaining 50 cm spacing between plants within rows. Uniform cultivation practices including temperature control, humidity management, irrigation, and weed removal were applied to all plants. The drip irrigation system operated for one hour every two days. Following harvest, qualitative traits including pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, chlorophylls, carotenoids, total phenolic compounds, anthocyanin and antioxidant capacity were measured in the collected cultivars and lines. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 21), with mean comparisons conducted using Duncan's test at the 5% probability level. Graphs were generated using Microsoft Excel (2013 version).
Results and discussion
According to the results of analysis variance, the qualitative traits studied were significantly influenced by lettuce cultivar type. The highest titratable acidity (1.52%), pH (5.38), and soluble solids content (6.83 Brix) were measured in Bull Red, Ice Green, and Line 20 Roman, respectively. The maximum chlorophyll a (13.36 mg g-1 fresh weight) and b (7.57 mg g-1 fresh weight) content were recorded in Mignonette and French Red cultivars, respectively. Line 20 Roman showed the highest carotenoid content, while Line 7 Roman exhibited the lowest value. Significant differences were observed among lettuce genotypes regarding total phenol and anthocyanin content. The highest total phenol content was recorded in Bull Red (616.17 mg g-1 fresh weight), followed by French Red (553.95 mg g-1 fresh weight). Bull Red and Mignonette cultivars contained the highest anthocyanin levels (3.768 and 1.823 mmol g-1 fresh weight, respectively). Regarding antioxidant capacity, Bull Red (97.75%), Line 20 Roman (93.41%), and Mignonette (92.74%) demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity. Variations in qualitative characteristics among different lettuce cultivars and lines are primarily influenced by genetic traits that determine flavor and taste differences among genotypes. The diversity in qualitative leaf traits (e.g., color and flavor) among lettuce cultivars has been attributed to underlying genetic differences (Volpe et al., 2021). Biosynthetic pathways and enzymes involved in the metabolism of various compounds—such as carotenoids and phenolic—vary significantly. Furthermore, their synthesis mechanisms, transporters, and metabolic pathways are genetically regulated (Dahal et al., 2021; Asadi et al., 2022).
Conclusion
Based on the assayed quality traits, Bull Red, Mignonette, French Red, and Line 20 Roman cultivars with desirable qualitative characteristics are recommended for lettuce cultivation and production.
Medicinal Plants
zahra mahdavi; behrouz esmaielpour; rasoul azarmi
Abstract
Evaluation of morphophysiological and biochemical characteristics of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni treated with proline nanoparticles and liquid fish waste fertilizer in salinity stress
Introduction
Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is plant perennial medicinal of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family. Stevia plants ...
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Evaluation of morphophysiological and biochemical characteristics of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni treated with proline nanoparticles and liquid fish waste fertilizer in salinity stress
Introduction
Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni is plant perennial medicinal of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family. Stevia plants contain many compounds with medicinal properties, importantly steviol glycosides (e.g., stevioside, steviolbioside, rebaudiosides A.E and dulcoside), in the leaves and shoots that are used as natural and useful sweeteners in the food industry. These sweeteners are 300 to 400 times sweeter than glucose and sucrose and calorie-free. Salinity stress is causes major constraints factor affects crop production in world . The adverse effects of salinity stress on plant growth can be related to factors e.g. induced osmotic stress and ionic imbalance. Ionic imbalance is due to high presence of sodiumand chloride. There is several strategies for reduce salt effects in plants that including have been used biofertilizers, organic fertilizers and nanoparticles. Nanoparticles (NPs) as one of the most important effective methods, to reduce salinity stress condition. Nano-materials are at a scale of 100 nm or less. Proline can be mentioned among nano-materials. Proline (Pro) is one of compatible solutes and cellular protector accumulated in response to abiotic stress. Accumulation of proline happens in plant during exposure to stress. The amount of this biosynthesis is insufficient, so it is applied externally to tolerance with the stress of this substance. Organic fertilizers reduce the harmful effects of chemical fertilizer and improve the chemical, biological structure of soils, leading to increased crop yield. waste reduction and especially fish waste (as one of the concerns of the world today) is one of the important strategies for environmental sustainability. Fish processing waste is rich in essential proteins, macro and micronutrients that casuses reduced salinity stress.
Method
Stevia seedlings were purchased from a medicinal plant greenhouse (zargiah) in Shiraz city and planted in 12 L pots. This study was conducted in a factorial experiment and based on a completely randomized design with four replications in the spring-summer of 2022. Planting bed includes containing a mixture of cocopeat and perlite .The plants were first irrigated with half-strength Hoagland’s solution and then irrigated with full-strength nutrient solution. The first factor was salinity stress at four levels (0, 30, 60, 90 mM NaCl) and the second factor salinity reducer at five levels (control, 15 and 30 mgL-1 glycine betaine without liquid fish waste fertilizer, 15 and 30 mgL-1 glycine betaine with 15% (v/v) liquid fish waste fertilizer). Then growth parameters, relative water content, a* and b* color and total phenol, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), proline, and total carbohydrates were measured. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.1 software by analyzing the means using Duncan’s multiple range test, with a significant difference level at p < 0.05.
Results
Salinity stress significantly decreased plant growth traits. Salinity, increased proline and total phenols, MDA, H2O2, EL compared with the control. Fish waste fertilizer with proline nanoparticles increased morphological parameters, RWC, proline, phenols, sugar, and reduced EL, MDA, and H2O2. Salinity stress caused a 39% reduction in plant height, 50.24% in root fresh weight, 70.93% in root dry weight, 46.15% in relative water content, 55.93% in a*color, 51.16% in b*color, 39.44% in proline, 71.68% total carbohydrate, 42.7% by phenol and 73.33% by hydrogen peroxide by compared to the control. The application of 20 mg/L proline nanoparticles simultaneous with liquid fish waste fertilizer resulted in reduction a 31.7% by membrane electrolyte leakage, 56.66% by root sodium, and an increase of 78.23% proline, 72.98% by total carbohydrate, 71.42% root potassium, and 62.45% by root calcium under 90 mM salinity stress compared to the control treatment.
Conclusions
Results showed that salinity due to accumulation in Na+ and disruption to the absorption of essential nutrients especially N and K, negatively affected plant growth and yield and overall. Proline and fish waste bio- fertilizer with increase in potassium causes open of the stomata increase of photosynthesis and plant growth. Application of proline especially when used at a concentration of 20 (mg/l) and fish waste bio-fertilizer could be considered as a sustainable, for the mitigating of salinity stress effects in stevia plants and potentially other crops. Hence, proline nanoparticles with fish waste bio-fertilizer could be considered an effective method to apply on plants under different stress conditions to mitigate stress effects through a safe and environmentally friendly method.
