Jalal Baradaran Motie; Mohsen Shakeri
Abstract
Conditional monitoring is prerequisite to prevent severe damage or falling down the trees. Problems such as trunk decays, reduces trees resistance against wind and floods. In this study, a mathematical modeling technique is being selected to determine the trees strength against such events. Finally, ...
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Conditional monitoring is prerequisite to prevent severe damage or falling down the trees. Problems such as trunk decays, reduces trees resistance against wind and floods. In this study, a mathematical modeling technique is being selected to determine the trees strength against such events. Finally, an applicable model for safety factor was created By having numeral (dimensions of crown and trunk, crown density, crown volume, section diameter, internal cavity diameter etc.) and mechanical (modulus of elasticity of wood, allowable stress, maximum wind speed, crown and trunk weight) parameters of tree. By using this model we may estimate the total maximum stress in critical plane of the trunk. Comparing allowable stress of trunk wood leads us to calculate the safety factor of the tree. The results indicated that the total maximum stress in trunk increases exponentially after the diameter of internal cavity exceeds 40 percent of trunk in critical plane.
Shirin Rezaei; Amir Lakzian; Mohammad Farsi; Mahboobeh Abolhassani-Zeraatkar; Gholamhossein Haghjnia
Abstract
One of the most important steps of Agaricus bisporus production is casing. In this step a layer of soil is added on top of compost. Peat is the most suitable casing soil for A. bisporus production. The lack of peat in Iran is one of the major problems in A. bisporus production for mushroom producers. ...
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One of the most important steps of Agaricus bisporus production is casing. In this step a layer of soil is added on top of compost. Peat is the most suitable casing soil for A. bisporus production. The lack of peat in Iran is one of the major problems in A. bisporus production for mushroom producers. It seems that peat can be replaced by Spent Mushroom Compost (SMC). In order to study the possibility of peat replacement, a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design layout with two replications. The experimental factors consisted of Spent Mushroom Compost with two levels (one and two years old), leaching with three levels (one (L1), two (L2) and three (L3) times) and EDTA with two levels (without EDTA (E1) and with EDTA, 0.3 M (E2)) and different casing soil with four levels (SMC+loam, SMC+Azolla, SMC+Peat (1:1) and Peat). The experiment was carried out in the Mushroom Production Center of Agricultural College, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The results showed that the highest mushroom yield was obtained in peat treatment (24%). The average of yield in SMC+Peat treatment was 11.78%. The Diameter of mushroom cap in SMC+Peat treatment was 44.1 mm. The lowest yield (8.1%) and diameter of A. bisporus cap (37 mm) was observed in SMC+Azolla treatment. The results also showed that the EDTA had a negative effect on yield (44.3 %) and diameter of the mushroom cap.
Kambiz Mashayekhi; Hossein Sadeghi; Vahid Akbarpour; Sadegh Atashi; Yousef Ghasemi; Seyyed Javad Mousavizadeh
Abstract
Carbohydrate flow between vegetative and reproductive parts of trees is one of the determining factors of yield and fruit quality. Therefore, it varies during different times of growth season. The aim of this study was to investigate the carbohydrate content variation during growth season between leaf ...
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Carbohydrate flow between vegetative and reproductive parts of trees is one of the determining factors of yield and fruit quality. Therefore, it varies during different times of growth season. The aim of this study was to investigate the carbohydrate content variation during growth season between leaf and fruit of nectarine. So, eight nectarine trees cv. Red Gold selected randomly in the orchard and after labeling two of them combined and four replications achieved for laboratory tests. Results indicated that the highest fresh (9.3 g) and dry (3.3 g) weight of the leaves recorded at the last harvesting stage. Fresh to dry weight ratio showed a descending trend than can be indicated this fact that leaf biomass is low at primary harvesting stages and increased gradually. Chlorophyll a, b and ab reached to the highest content at the last harvesting stage. Total sugar content showed an ascending trend at second and third harvesting stages and decreased at final harvesting stage. Fruit chlorophyll content also decreased by maturation and fruit ripening; while, anthocyanin content showed an ascending trend. Fruit total sugar content decreased by third stage, two weeks after pit hardening, but increased at the final harvesting stage. Sucrose content variations show a higher value at primary stages of fruit growth in comparison with next stages and decreased by final stages. Total sugar increased at the fourth stage to third harvesting stage.
Kambiz Mashayekhi; Hossein Sadeghi; Vahid Akbarpour; Sadegh Atashi; Seyyed Javad Mousavizadeh; Malihe Abshaei; Zohre Nazari
Abstract
Citrus fruits contain numerous nutrients and secondary metabolites including sugars, vitamin C, flavonoids and phenols which have high antioxidant activity and nutritional value. Factors such as cultivar, type of stock and fruit position affect the amount of these compounds. Hence in this study the amount ...
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Citrus fruits contain numerous nutrients and secondary metabolites including sugars, vitamin C, flavonoids and phenols which have high antioxidant activity and nutritional value. Factors such as cultivar, type of stock and fruit position affect the amount of these compounds. Hence in this study the amount of sucrose, glucose, total sugar, vitamin C, flavonoids and phenols in pulp, mesocarp and flavedo of Parson Brown and Mars oranges grafted on Citrange, Cleopatra and Rough Lemon stocks were measured. According to the results, maximum of vitamin C was in Parson Brown cultivar on the Citrange and Cleopatra grafting stocks. The highest total sugar was recorded in Parson Brown and Mars cultivars on the Rough Lemon stock (P
Mohammad Shahin Daneshmandi; Majid Azizi; Reza Farhoosh
Abstract
In this research, we studied physical, chemical and biochemical characteristics of pistachio entitled Pistacia vera cv. Daneshmandi and was compared to three pistachio including of Badami Sefid, Kalle Ghoochi and Akbari. The examined characteristics were fresh and dry weight of seed, green shell and ...
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In this research, we studied physical, chemical and biochemical characteristics of pistachio entitled Pistacia vera cv. Daneshmandi and was compared to three pistachio including of Badami Sefid, Kalle Ghoochi and Akbari. The examined characteristics were fresh and dry weight of seed, green shell and also kernel, weight of hard shell, seedless and early opening nut, comparing the seed and kernel dimensions, percentage of oil, saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, acid value, peroxide value, total tocopherols, and total phenolics. The results indicated that Pistacia vera cv. Daneshmandi in some characteristics holds a distinction amongst the other types and particulary in some qualities such as kernel weight, percentage early opening nut and kernel/seed proportion. This cultivar was high-oil (51.28%) and also the highest in the ratio of poly unsaturated to saturated fatty acids (2.82). The second place of pistachio Daneshmandi was the amount of antioxidant material. In front, was lowest peroxide value in the Daneshmandi cultivar (2.702 mil equivgr.kg-1 oil). Also 27% decreased the amount of acid value in the Daneshmandi cultivar (0.49 mg.g-1 oil) of compared of the Kalleghoochi cultivar (0.627 mg.g-1 oil). In total, Pistacia vera Cv. Daneshmandi can be considered to be a good cultivar for commercial production and to have a top position among the national product exported.
Majid Azizi; Soheila Shahriari; Hossein Arouiee; Hossein Ansari
Abstract
Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) from Lamiaceae family is one of the most important medicinal plants, used in food, sanitary and cosmetic industries. A field experiment was carried out in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2010-2011 to evaluate the effects of three irrigation levels (100, 80 and 60 percent ...
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Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) from Lamiaceae family is one of the most important medicinal plants, used in food, sanitary and cosmetic industries. A field experiment was carried out in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2010-2011 to evaluate the effects of three irrigation levels (100, 80 and 60 percent of water requirements calculated by evaporation pan class A) and two mulch types (black plastic and wood chips) in comparison to control (without mulch) on physiological parameter and essential oils content in a factorial experiments on the basis of Randimised Complete Block Desing with four replications. The data obtained from each harvest analyzed as a factorial experiment on the basis of randomized complete block design with four replications and the results of two harvests analyzed as split plot on time. The results of two harvest indicated that peppermint plants grow better in the first harvest than the second harvest. Plants collected in the first harvest showed higher dry matter and essential oil yield. The highest dry herb yield (44.12 g/plant), the highest percentage of essential oil (2.835 %v/w) and the highest essential oil yield (116.7 l/ha) detected in plots treated with third level of irrigation and use of wood chips mulch. In conclusion the results also confirmed that the highest dry herb and the highest oil yield per area unit were observed in plots treated with third level of irrigation with use of wood chips mulch.
Zohreh Chenarani; Farhad Shokouhifar; Mojtaba Mamarabadi
Abstract
Introduction: Iran is the third producer of Melon (Cucumismelo L.) after China and Turkey in the World.Melon is one of the main crops in Khorasan province in the term of cultivation area. The cultivar of Khatooni, among many varieties of melon, can be considered as a breeding cultivar because of its ...
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Introduction: Iran is the third producer of Melon (Cucumismelo L.) after China and Turkey in the World.Melon is one of the main crops in Khorasan province in the term of cultivation area. The cultivar of Khatooni, among many varieties of melon, can be considered as a breeding cultivar because of its great qualitative traits including sweetness and flavor. This cultivar is also economically important and has many attractions for export. However, this cultivar is susceptible to some of plant diseases caused by different bacterial, viral and fungal pathogens which among them vascular wilt caused by Fusariumoxysporum f. sp. melonis (Leach &Currenu) Snyder & Hansen (FOM) is one of the most destructive soil-borne diseases in melon in Iran particularly in temperate and cold regions. The control of melon diseases has depended increasingly on the extensive use of toxic chemicals (pesticides). Many of these chemicals have been shown to be toxic to non-target microorganisms and animals and may be toxic to humans. Another problem with using chemicals to control plant pathogens is that a pathogen may become resistant to the chemicals.
The most promising control approaches are included conventional breeding and genetic engineering of disease-resistant plants. However, the conventional breeding method of melon is very complicated therefore; genetic engineering could be an effective and quick tool for producing new cultivars. In vitro direct regeneration is one of the most crucial step in gene transferring programs (20). In the present study, the effects of explant type and medium were considered in order to optimize the regeneration condition for melon (cv. Khatooni).
Material and Methods: The Khatoonicv.was provided by the Seed Bank of Plant Sciences Research Center from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The seeds were disinfected by NaClO in 1 % concentration, washed three times by distilled water and cultivated on MS medium (Murashigo and Skoog) for germination. The explant types were; lateral buds of cotyledon and the true leaves and hypocotyls. The selected media were: M1(0.1 mg.l-1 BAP (6-Benzyl amino purine)), M2 (0.25 mg.l-1 BAP), M3 (0.5 mg.l-1 BAP), M4 (0.75 mg.l-1 BAP),M5 (1 mg.l-1 BAP)and M6(including 0.5 mg.l-1 BAP and 0.01 mg.l-1 NAA (1-Naphthalene acetic acid))The experiment was repeated three times. The experimental –was conducted factorial based on completely randomized design and statistical analysis was performed using the SAS and JMP software. The corresponded graphs were drawn by Microsoft excel 2007.
Results and Discussion: The greatest amount of shoot regeneration in cotyledons was observed in M5 with 1 mg.l-1 BAP while minimum shoot regeneration was observed in M1with 0.1 mg.l-1 BAP. Cotyledon leaves showed the best regeneration efficiency among the other evaluated explants as it has also been reported by many other researchers (12, 8, 20, 21, and 2). The observations showed that in all BAP concentration, hypocotyls only formed callus tissue and did not produce any stem. In all three explants (true leaves, cotyledon and hypocotyls) rooting was observed in a treatment combination including 0.5 mg.l-1BAP and 0.01 mg.l-1 NAA 20 days after cultivation while no stem was formed at the same time. In three weeks after exposure , a weak root system was formed on the rooting mediumin without hormonetreatment . In MS medium enriched with 0.01 and 0.05 mg.l-1 NAA an appropriate root system was formed after 8 to 10 days. The medium containing 0.01mg.l-1 NAA was more appropriate for root regeneration (rooting).
Conclusion: Many studies have been shown that, the manipulation of different phytohormones ratio such as auxin and cytokinin in cultural medium is a suitable strategy to manage differentiation and organogenesis programs in plant (9). In the present study, the effects of explant type and medium were investigated in order to optimize the regeneration condition for melon (cv. Khatooni). As a result, in all BAP concentration, hypocotyls only formed callus tissue and did not produce any stem. However, by increasing of BAP hormone concentration in the cultivated media, shoot regeneration will also increase. The result of our study showed that, cotyledon leaves were more effective on shoot regeneration compared to the true leaves and hypocotyls as it has also been reported by other researchers.
Ali Reza Imani; Mousa Arshad
Abstract
Introduction: Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a herbaceous, biennial, monocots and cross pollination and one of the most important vegetables around the world. This plant contains vitamin B, vitamin C, carbohydrates and a small amount of protein. Onions with substances such as fructans, flavonoids and organic ...
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Introduction: Onion (Allium cepa L.) is a herbaceous, biennial, monocots and cross pollination and one of the most important vegetables around the world. This plant contains vitamin B, vitamin C, carbohydrates and a small amount of protein. Onions with substances such as fructans, flavonoids and organic sulfur has many medicinal properties. One of the factors increasing the onion growth is the application of a desirable quantity of foliar for the cultivation of this plant. With respect that nitrogen is one of the main ingredients of amino acid and chlorophyll, accelerating the rate of growth of this plant and increasing protein and activity of the plant, it is more effective for the plant. Nitrogen is a component of pigments, secondary metabolites and the main components of proteins and in other biological important biomolecules such as ATP and nucleic acids can also be found. Lack of nitrogen reduces the activity of nitrate reductase, nitrite reductase, glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthetase and glutamine dehydrogenase. The relevant application of fertilizer has positive effect on the soil quality but also on the preservation of nitrogen and other soil ingredients and decreases a need for the fertilizers. Phosphorus plays an important role in plant metabolism, such as root development, photosynthesis, nutrient transport within the plant, meiosis, growth and development of reproductive organs is responsible. In this regard, the use of micro-organisms will help to reduce the amount of phosphorus fertilizers is expensive. Biological fertilizer has an important role in the dissolution of some elements such as phosphorus can be influenced in combined with phosphorus fertilizer. Since in our country due to drastic changes in pH, the amount of soluble phosphorus in rhizosphere is limited. Therefore use of bio-fertilizers releasing phosphorus for a large extent can be balanced difficult to absorb this nutrient, and the absorption of other nutrients in plants is effective as a quantitative measure.
Materials and Methods: Due to the importance of nutrition with bio-fertilizer and nitrogen fertilizer, its effects on yield and yield components of onion in city Malekan climatic conditions were evaluated. Therefore, in order to investigate the effect of nitrogen and bio-phosphate fertilizer on quantitative and qualitative characteristics Azarshahr red onion, factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications in two separate experiments were conducted in the crop year 2015-2016. First experiment included nitrogen fertilizer in three levels (0, 60 and 120 kg per hectare) and spraying bio-phosphate fertilizer (Barvar 2) on three levels (control, 1 and 2 per thousand) and the second experiment, nitrogen fertilizer at mentioned and inoculation seed with -bio-phosphate fertilizer (Barvar 2) in three levels (non-inoculated, 1 and 2 per thousand), respectively. Data from tests using SPSS software were analyzed and mean comparisons of data were performed using Duncan's multiple range test, finally required tables and charts using Excel software were drawn.
Results and Discussion: The analysis of data variance at first experiment indicated that the effect of nitrogen on all of studied traits without sugar content and bio-phosphate fertilizer (Barvar 2) on the plant height, average weight onion, yield, sugar compounds and protein rate without amount of nitrate and chlorophyll index were significant. On the other hand, effect of nitrogen was not significant for the average weight of onion and chlorophyll index. The effect of 2-bio-phosphate on the average weight of onion and sugar ingredient was significant. In the first experiment, the highest performance bulbs (18/98 T/h), average bulb weight (127/51 g), plant height (50/96 cm) and chlorophyll index with 120 kg per hectare nitrogen and yield bulbs, average bulb weight, height and amount of protein in the foliar concentration of 2 per thousand phosphate fertilizer 2 was observed. In the second experiment, most of these traits obtained from 120 kg of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizer 2 inoculated seeds with a concentration of 2 per thousand, respectively.
Conclusion: In this survey, the utilization of the fertilizing bio-phosphate (Barvar 2) through two ways as diffusing and inoculating of solution causes the height of bushes, average eight , function, glucose composition and level of protein of onion to be increased. But the use of the biological phosphate through diffusing significantly decreases the amount of the stored nitrate in onion. This is one of the main and effective factors in the consumer's health. Despite that the application of nitrogen increases the effectiveness of onion, the amount of nitrate increases accordingly. The concurrent application of nitrogen and the fertilizing bio-phosphate (Barvar 2) will have more effect on onion. In the meantime, the leaf-application of the fertilizing bio-phosphate (Barvar 2) inclines the increasing effectiveness of Nitrogen on the amount of Nitrate.
Zahra Falahi; Sasan Aliniaeifard; Mostafa Arab; Shirin Dianati deylami
Abstract
Introduction: Postharvest handling of tropical flowers is usually difficult due to their sensitivity to cold temperatures. Anthurium(Anthurium andraeanum)is a tropical plant used in ornamental industry for its beautiful spathe and leaves. It can be produced in wide ranges of climates; in locations far ...
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Introduction: Postharvest handling of tropical flowers is usually difficult due to their sensitivity to cold temperatures. Anthurium(Anthurium andraeanum)is a tropical plant used in ornamental industry for its beautiful spathe and leaves. It can be produced in wide ranges of climates; in locations far away from their original habitats in greenhouses. Although, anthurium has long vase life compared to other cut flowers, postharvest exposure to cold temperatures makes some restrictions on its desirable vase life. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different light spectra on postharvest performance of anthurium cut flowers. Materials and Methods: Cut flowers of Anthurium andraeanum cultivars with red ('Calore') and white ('Angel') spathes were obtained from a commercial anthurium greenhouse on the morning. Anthurium cut flowers were harvested when 40-50% of the spadix true flowers were fully opened. Each flower was placed in closed flasks containing 500 mL water. Sixty flasks with cut flowers (30 cut flowers from each cultivar) were placed into chambers with exactly similar conditions but with different light spectra including white (W), blue (B), red (R) and 70% R+30% B (RB) provided by LED production modules and darkness. Each flower under light spectra was inspected and the vase life of the all flowers, change in spathe angel, spathe area, maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and fluorescence decline ratio (RFD) were measured during 14 days exposure to 4 °C storage. Results and Discussion: Spathe 'angel' seven and 14 days following exposure to cold storage was dramatically increased in B light while the lowest changes were observed in R light of the both cultivars. Vase life of anthurium cut flowers were significantly (P≤0.01) influenced by the interaction between light spectra and cultivars. Among the light spectra, the longest vase life were observed in spathes exposed to R light in both cultivars. In 'Angel', exposure to B light dramatically shortened the vase life of anthurium cut flowers in comparison with the other light spectra. A positive relationship was detected between spathe area and vase life of cut flowers, while the relationship between spathe 'angel' and vase life was negative. No photosynthetic activity was detected on the spathe of anthurium, but the peduncle of anthurium showed the photosynthetic activity. The highest Fv/Fm and RFD values were detected in darkness and the lowest values for Fv/Fm and RFD were observed in R and RB-exposed spathes. No relationships was observed between the photosynthetic activities and the vase life of anthurium cut flowers. Although there are some reports confirmed the importance of plant growth under different light spectra on its postharvest quality, there is no report regarding the effects of light spectra on the quality of cut flowers in postharvest stage. Similar to anthurium, some reports indicated that there is no relationship between the photosynthesis and the quality of harvested products. Conclusion: Exposure of anthurium cut flowers to different light spectra resulted in alterations of morphology and quality during exposure to low temperatures. B spectrum had strong negative effects on the morphology and quality of anthurium cut flowers, while exposure to R light resulted in improvement of quality of anthurium cut flowers with less negative effects on their morphology. Spathe of anthurium had no photosynthetic activity, while its peduncle showed the photosynthetic activity. There were significant relationships between morphology and vase life of anthurium cut flowers, while no relationships were found between photosynthetic activity and their vase life. In conclusion, lighting environment during postharvest of anthurium cut flowers should be take into account for keeping their quality under low temperature conditions. Red light spectrum was introduced as the best light treatment to reduce chilling injury, increase the vase life and maintain the quality of anthurium cut flowers in both cultivars.
Ornamental plants
R. AbaszadehFaruji; M. Shoor; A. Tehranifar; B. Abedy
Abstract
Introduction Unbalanced and frequent use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides results in the degradation of soil physicochemical properties, loss of soil-born organisms, reduction of quality of produced crops and reduction of yield plant. Nowadays, due to environmental considerations of chemical ...
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Introduction Unbalanced and frequent use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides results in the degradation of soil physicochemical properties, loss of soil-born organisms, reduction of quality of produced crops and reduction of yield plant. Nowadays, due to environmental considerations of chemical fertilizers, use of organic acids for quantitative and qualitative improvement of crops has been increased. Humic materials are natural organic compounds that contain 50 to 90% of organic matters of peat, wood coal and rotten material, as well as non-living organic matters of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Humic compounds indirectly increase soil fertility by providing micro- and macro-elements for root, improving soil structure, increasing medium permeability to water and air, increasing soil microbial population and beneficial microorganisms, increasing cation exchange capacity and the ability to buffer pH of medium or nutrient solution, and providing some special substances for plant roots such as nucleic acids and acetamides.Materials and Methods In order to investigate the influence of humic and fulvic acids on some growth characteristics in ornamental plant of Scindapsus spp., an experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with three replications at greenhouse in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during 2014-2015. The first factor was humic acid in four levels of 0, 0.2, 0.5, 1 g/l, and the second factor was fulvic acid in four levels of 0, 0.2, 0.5, 1 g/l. Cuttings were taken from the plant in late March. Two weeks after transferring the rooted cuttings to pot, the treatments were applied on plants via fertigation. The traits measured in the experiment included plant height, mean number of nodes, internode length, leaf number, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, root length, root fresh weight, leaf fresh weight, shoot fresh weight, aerial organ fresh weight, root volume, aerial organ volume, root dry weight, leaf dry weight, shoot dry weight, aerial organ dry weight, fresh and dry weights ratios of aerial organ to fresh weight. Statistical analysis of data was performed by 8-JMP software. LSD test was used to compare the means of the data.Results and Discussion Based on the results obtained, the combined use of humic acid and fulvic acid had a significant effect on height, fresh and dry weights of leaf, shoot, aerial organ and root, number of node and leaf and volume of aerial organ, fresh and dry weights of root, length and volume of root and the ratio of fresh and dry weights of aerial organ to root. Thus, combined use of humic acid and fulvic acid caused an increase in all the measured traits compared to the control treatment. Furthermore, an increase was observed in the length, width, and area of leaf, and internode length as the result of application of humic substances when compared to the control treatment. Organic fertilizers increase plant growth by improving soil conditions and increasing availability of plant to nutrients. Humic compounds cause changes in the specific distribution of cytokinins, polyamines and ATP by affecting the activity of root H+-ATPase and the distribution of root nitrate in the stem, thus affecting the growth of the plant stem. Humic materials increase plant growth by using different mechanisms such as hormonal effects, direct effect on plant cell metabolism, increase of cell division, chelating power and nutrient uptake, increase of soil ventilation and enhancement of plant photosynthesis by increasing Rubisco enzyme activity. Increasing nitrogen uptake leads to the increase in the growth of shoots and aerial organs. It also increases the number of branches in plants and increases the production of dry matter by increasing the production of photosynthetic materials.Conclusion In general, according to the results of this experiment, it can be concluded that application of humic substances (humic acid and fulvic acid) together, improved the growth characteristics of the plant and led to the better growth of the plant; therefore, these materials can be a good alternative to plant growth-stimulating chemical fertilizers.
Lamya Vojodi Mehrabani
Abstract
Introduction: Ocimum basilicum L. is an herbaceous annual plant from Lamiaceace family. Ocimum basilicum is more valued for its essential oil components, vitamins and elemental content. Nowadays, using soil covers is a major trend in modern agricultural systems mainly due to their water saving potential, ...
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Introduction: Ocimum basilicum L. is an herbaceous annual plant from Lamiaceace family. Ocimum basilicum is more valued for its essential oil components, vitamins and elemental content. Nowadays, using soil covers is a major trend in modern agricultural systems mainly due to their water saving potential, prevention of soil erosion, soil temperature equilibrium, nutrients availability, soil structure improvement, positive effect on plant quality attributes, weed control and yield improvement. Organic fertilizers, regulate pH, adjust soil CEC and improve the micro-organisms activity. Dekap® and Estimplex® improves the plant nutrition and the application of these organic sources would be so promising in order to meet the sustainable agricultural system needs mainly to cut the overuse of chemical fertilizers. High pH and calcareous soils greatly impact the quality and yield of plants dominantly due to nutritional imbalances in the most regions of the country. Therefore, the foliar application of nutrients would be an efficient way to overcome the problem. Moreover, water deficiency is another constraint encourages the using bed-covers to combat the water scarcity in many parts of the country.
Materials and Methods: In order to study the effects of soil cover (control, black and white) and different levels of Dekap® [Dekap fertilizer is containing 33% P (P2O5) and 42%K (K2O)] and Estemplex (see algae extract) (0, 1.5, 3 and 4.5 mlL-1) on growth and some physiochemical characteristics of Ocimum basilicum L. an experiment was conducted as factorial based on completely randomized block design with three replications at Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Iran.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that there were interaction effects of soil cover and foliar applications on phenolics content. The highest data for phenolics content was recorded with black soil cover × 4.5 mlL-1Dekap (105 mgg-1 DWt), black soil cover × 1.5 and 3 mlL-1 (98 mgg-1 DWt) Estemplx. The results showed that the highest data for plant dry weight (51 g) were obtained from black soil-cover and the highest plant height and axillary shoots number were recorded in both plastic soil cover. Foliar application of Dekap and Estemplex increased plant height and axillary shoots number. The highest data for N and Mg contents were obtained from black soil-cover and for K and Zn were obtained from black and white soil cover. The foliar application of Dekap and Estemplex increased P and K contents in plant. 1.5, 3 and 4.5 mlL-1 Estemplex increased N, K and Mg contents in Ocimum basilicum. The results showed that the highest data for chlorophyll a, flavonoid, total soluble solids and protein content were obtained from black soil-cover. IC50 and superoxide dismutase content of plant influenced by black and white soil cover. Foliar application of Dekap and Estemplex increased flavonoid contents in plant. Foliar applications with three concentrations of Estemplex increased chlorophyll a, IC50 and protein content in plant. 1.5, 3 and 4.5 mlL-1Estemplex increased superoxide dismutase, total soluble solids content (2.1 0 brix) and Zn content (28.9 and 30.3 mgKg-1).
Conclusion: Adequate and balanced nutrition of plants result in environmental protection mainly by the reduced application of chemical fertilizers, soil erosion prevention, and increased input efficiency. Foliar application is an environmental friendly method to reduce the production changes. The overall results revealed the positive effects of black mulch and Estemplex fertilizer on nearly all the desired traits. It seem that Estemplex fertilizer effects on the growth indices was greater than Dekap fertilizer. Seemingly, with the more detailed studies, this fertilizer has the potential to be employed with the extension section.
Ornamental plants
E. Saeedipooya; A. Tehranifar; A. Gazanchian; F. Kazemi; M. Shoor
Abstract
Introduction
Turfgrasses, as one of the important components of urban landscapes, have played a vital role in this regard. However, the main problems of turfgrass development are the cost of turfgrass seeds, maintenance costs such as moving, as well as the high water requirement in arid and semi-arid ...
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Introduction
Turfgrasses, as one of the important components of urban landscapes, have played a vital role in this regard. However, the main problems of turfgrass development are the cost of turfgrass seeds, maintenance costs such as moving, as well as the high water requirement in arid and semi-arid regions. Thus, the reduction of lawn culture in the landscape is one of the decision has taken in parks and green spaces organization of Tehran, Isfahan and even Mashhad. For over ten years, researchers have been looking for alternatives to conventional grass lawns to reduce the high cost of maintenance especially irrigation cost in urban landscapes. According to many researches, one of the potential ground cover alternatives that might be used instead of turfgrass is White Clover. Clover (Trifolium spp.) from Fabaceae family is a genus of about 300 species.
Materials and Methods
The aim of this experiment was to compare three common turfgrasses with two clover varieties as turf replacement to reduce landscape maintenance cost specially moving cost. So, some growth and qualitative factors of clover lawn: Trifolium repens var. Calway and Trifolium repens var. Pipolina (micro clover) and three turfgrasses of Festuca arundinacea L. and Lolium perenne L. and commercial sport turf mixture (from NAk-Nederland Ltd.) were compared together. This research was conducted in randomized complete block design with three replications in the research field of the Department of Horticultural Science and Landscape Engineering‚ Faculty of Agricultural‚ Ferdowsi University of Mashhad‚ Mashhad‚ Iran, during 2016 and 2017. The site (59º 38′ E and 36º 16 ′ N; elevation 989 m) is located in an arid and semi- arid region with mean annual rainfall 233.8 mm and long term averages of maximum and minimum temperature are 22.5 ºC and 9.3 ºC‚ respectively. Turfgrass plots were established by directly sowing the seeds in April, 2016. The planting rate of the seedling considering their pure live seeds (PLS) were 45 g.m-2 for Lolium perenne, 34 g.m-2 for Festuca arundinacea, 6.5 g.m-2 for Trifolium repens, 5.5 g.m-2 for micro clover and 39 g.m-2 for commercial mixture of sport turf. The plots were 1 m2 (1m×1m) in size and were prepared after plowing and leveling the soil. The seeds were hand sown and covered with a thin layer of leaf compost and sand.
Results and Discussion
According to the results in the first evaluation of emergence percentage, Lolium perenne had the highest emergence percentage. After 36 days from culture, all plants had 92-98 % coverage which did not have any significant difference among grasses with clover lawns. In terms of density, uniformity and weed density, there was no significant difference between the studied plants. In the other hands, white clover showed the best quality after clipping in both years. At the point of growth index, which have done in this experiment by measuring height and dry weight of clipping, grass lawns had the higher growth index in compered to clover lawn in both years. Festuca arundinacea and Lolium perenne had the highest growth index and white and micro clover had the lowest growth. Also, with air warming, Festuca arundinacea became dominated plant in height and clipping dry weight. In July, Festuca arundinacea produced the highest clipping dry weight by 40 gr.m-2, Lolium perenne (19.52), commercial sport turf (15.68), white clover (6.24) and micro clover (0.36) gr.m-2.
Conclusion
One of the problems of landscape is reduction of maintenance costs such as mowing. So, the low growth of white and micro clover is a positive factor in reduction of the moving costs than turfgrasses. Also, the coverage and proper density of clover lawns are similar to grass lawns and did not have a significant difference with them. The character of low growth can be effective in reduction of irrigation costs in white and micro clover, which requires more research and examination in future. This is a positive point in the white clover and micro clover that do not need to move or cut every months. Almost, clover moving is recommended for removing their flower. Therefore, it is recommended to use white and micro clover as a replacement with less maintenance costs in landscape. Finally, the results of cultivation of grass and clover as monoculture in this study can be used to produce clover-grass mixtures suitable for the climate of our country (arid and semi-arid regions), instead of importing turf mixtures from European countries.
Postharvest physiology
B. Kaviani; M. R. Safarimotlagh; S. Hataminejad
Abstract
Introduction Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolum L.) is one of the most important cut flowers in the world, which currently ranks second in the world after rose in terms of economy and cultivation. Stem end blockage and water stress are two problems in decreasing the vase life of chrysanthemum ...
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Introduction Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolum L.) is one of the most important cut flowers in the world, which currently ranks second in the world after rose in terms of economy and cultivation. Stem end blockage and water stress are two problems in decreasing the vase life of chrysanthemum cut flowers. Cut flowers undergo physiological and biochemical alterations which often lead to an early senescence. Steps to delay the senescence process rely on consideration of many aspects of handling process particularly the preservative solution that will influence the quality and longevity of the flowers. Many flowers are harvested before they are fully developed, to ensure a long postharvest life and to minimize mechanical damages which may occur during handling. Many researches have been performed to prolong the vase life of chrysanthemum cut flowers with different treatments like essential oils, organic acids and nanoparticles. Essential oils are aromatic oily liquids obtained from some aromatic plant materials. In vase solution, microorganisms cause stem obstruction and accelerate the aging of petals. Microorganisms and their toxic products restrict water uptake by blocking the end of the stem. Water balance, which is an important factor in maintaining the quality and longevity of cut flowers and the inability to uptake water are the main causes of senescence. The presence of disinfectants in the vase solution prevents the growth of microorganisms, protects the vessels against disintegration, and ultimately increases the vase life. Most of nanoparticles have antibacterial effects and their application in vase solution hinders microorganism growth and vascular blockage. Nanoparticles have high area-to-volume ratio, high efficiency, and low toxicity. Some nanoparticles penetrate into the cells of bacteria, disrupt their respiration chain, and cause disorder in their cell division, thereby killing them. They also inhibit the accumulation of bacteria in vase solution and stem end of cut flowers. Various studies have reported the positive impact of nanoparticles on decreasing microbial load, reducing transpiration from leaf surface, and preserving water uptake. Studies on postharvest longevity of chrysanthemum cut flowers using these compounds is low. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of orange spring essential oil, fulvic acid and cupper nanoparticles on vase life and some physiological parameters of chrysanthemum cut flowers. Materials and MethodsThe experiment was performed based on randomized completely design with three replicates in order to investigate the effect of different levels of fulvic acid (50, 100 and 150 mg l–1), orange spring essential oil (10, 30 and 50%) and copper nanoparticles (5, 10 and 20 mg l–1) in comparison to control (distilled water + 3% sucrose + 30 mg l–1 8-hydroxyquinoline sulphate) on postharvest parameters of chrysanthemum cut flowers. Measured parameters included vase life, solution uptake, vase solution bacterial population, stem end bacterial population, decreasing the brix degree, decreasing fresh weight, dry matter, total chlorophyll content, carotenoid content, protein content, and peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity. Data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software package and means were compared with the LSD test at the probably level of 95%. Results and DiscussionAccording to the obtained results, the effect of treatments on improving the quality characteristics of chrysanthemum cut flowers after harvest was significant. Results showed that the high vase life (16.33-17.00 days) was obtained with all three copper nanoparticles concentrations. The vase life of chrysanthemum cut flowers was extended to 17 days by the addition of 20 mg l–1 copper nanoparticles in preservative solution in compared to control with 14 days’ vase life. Least solution bacteria colonies was obtained through the use of 5 mg l–1 copper nanoparticle. On the other hand, least stem end bacteria colonies was obtained using 10 and 30% orange spring essential oil. Solution uptake in these treatments was high, too. The effects of different treatments on some other physiological traits and antioxidant enzymes activity were measured. Many studies have been carried out on the effect of essences (herbal extracts) as antimicrobial agents on prolonging the vase life of cut flowers. In most of these studies, these essences could prolong postharvest life. Essences have been studied with the intension of incorporating them into integrated pest management to avoid or reduce the use of synthetic bactericides and fungicides. They also have antioxidant properties. Application of herbal extracts improved water absorption in rose cut flowers by preventing the vessel obstruction. The above results are similar to the results of this study. In most cases, when the cut flowers were treated with nanoparticles, they exhibited longer vase life, higher water uptake, and lower stem-end bacteria than the control flowers.
Ebrahim Abedi Gheshlaghi; Reza Fifaei; Davoud Javadi Mojaddad
Abstract
'Flying dragon' is one of the citrus rootstocks that are considered to be a promised dwarfing rootstock in the world. This experiment was conducted in the Astara research station for study of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of 4 mandarin cultivars (Unshiu, Clementine, Page, and Yunesi) budded ...
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'Flying dragon' is one of the citrus rootstocks that are considered to be a promised dwarfing rootstock in the world. This experiment was conducted in the Astara research station for study of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of 4 mandarin cultivars (Unshiu, Clementine, Page, and Yunesi) budded on 'Flying dragon'. This experiment was carried out with four cultivars in randomized complete bloke design (RCBD) with three replications. Qualitative and quantitative characteristics of fruits, as well as vegetative traits were recorded and analyzed for 3, 6 and 1 years, respectively. The highest yield was observed on Yunesi cultivar in the final year of experiments and the lowest yield was on Unshiu cultivar in the fifth year. TSS/TA and means of fruit weight were affected by interaction of year and cultivar. The highest means of fruit weight was on Yunesi in the years of 85 and the highest TSS/TA was in years of 88 on Clementine cultivar. The highest alternate bearing index obtained in years of 88 on the Unshiu cultivar and the lowest that was on the Page cultivar. The highest yield efficiency, cumulative yield and plant height were observed on Yunesi cultivar, and the highest width and canopy of tree were on Unshiu cultivar. The lowest yield and tree size were on Page cultivar.
Mehdi Mohebodini; Zahra Azimzadeh; Esmaeil Chamani; Malihe Erfani
Abstract
Introduction: Lily (L. ledebourii) is the rarestspeciesof thegenusLilium, and grows in Caucasus region. Iranis one of the important distribution areas of this endangered species. It is important as an ornamental plant due to its large and attractive white flowers that are equal to those of commercial ...
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Introduction: Lily (L. ledebourii) is the rarestspeciesof thegenusLilium, and grows in Caucasus region. Iranis one of the important distribution areas of this endangered species. It is important as an ornamental plant due to its large and attractive white flowers that are equal to those of commercial lilies in terms of beauty.The two main constraints on growing this plant are a low multiplication rate and the high cost of bulb production. Five to ten flowers commonly appear on each plant, even specimens with up to 15 flowers have been observed. Plant tissue culture techniques are widely used in plant propagation and using these methods can effectively provide micro-propagation of this plant in large scale. High percentage ofregeneration is necessary for plant protection, using in the breeding programs and gene transfer to this plant. Therefore, the effect of plant growth regulators and abiotic stress (ultrasound) werestudied on the bulblet production and root induction of Lilium ledebourii.
Materials and Methods: The experiment was factorial based on completely randomized design with four replicattions and was carried out in tissue culture lab of University of MohagheghArdabili in 2015. For this purpose, segmentsof scale explant was treated with ultrasound and cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations of NAA and BA alone and/or in combination with each other. In this experiment, different concentrations of NAA (0, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mgl-1) and BA (0, 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mgl-1) and different Ultrasound exposure duration (0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 second) were studied. In order to remove possible contamination from the media, all media were autoclaved for 20 minutes at 121 °C. At the end of the experiment, the number of bulblet, root length, fresh weight of bulblet were recorded. The cultures were kept at 25±2°C under illumination with daylight fluorescent lamps (30 mol m-2s-1) at 16 h photoperiod. Data was subjected for analysis of variance and compare means using SPSS 16.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that ultrasound had negative effect onroot length, so that the highest root length was observed in explants without ultrasound treatment. Result also indicated that ultrasound had positive effect on bulblet production and root induction. A different effect of growth regulators was observed in similar media on the bulblet formation percentage. The 0.1 NAA concentration had a higher efficiency while increasing NAA insignificantly decreased bulblet induction. The highest total weight and number of bulblets obtained by 0.1 mgl-1 NAA. Concentrations of NAA increased rooting percentage. Different concentrations of NAA had also significant effects on some traits. So that, the highest weight of bulblets obtained by 0.01 and 0.1 mgl-1 BA and the highest number of roots obtained in control. Bulblet maximum mean weightwas in30 seconds ofultrasoundtreatment, which hada significantdifference with the control treatment (without ultrasoundtreatment). In the other hand, ultrasound increased the number and weight of bulblets.Mechanical stress and microstreaming by acoustic cavitation might be considered as the most possible cause of the various physiological effects of ultrasound on cells. The enhancement of V-ATPase transport and ATP hydrolysis activities seem to be an ultrasound-induced metabolic response of cells. High-intensity ultrasound is well known to be destructive to biological materials, disrupting the cell membranes and deactivating biological molecules such as enzymes and DNA. Low-intensity ultrasound, on the other hand, has shown a range of sub lethal biological effects that are of potential significance in biotechnology. There are several processes that take place in the presence of cells or enzymes activated by ultrasonic waves. High-energy ultrasonic waves break the cells and denature the enzymes. Low-energy ultrasound can modify cellular metabolisms or facilitate the uptake of nutrient, and make them easily through the cellular walls and membranes. In the case of enzymes, the increase in the mass transfer rate of the reagents to the active site seems to be a most important factor.
Conclusions: The results showedthatthebulblet production at first stages and a little root formation in tissue culture is useful for fast bulblet inductionandthenrooting. Finally, it seems that ultrasound in combination with plant growth regulators have the potential to produce the highest average number of bulblets in the scale explant.
Medicinal Plants
M. Kermani; Sh. Amirmoradi
Abstract
Introduction
Drought stress is one of the most important and most common limiting factors for plant growth in arid and semiarid regions. Asparagus (Asparagus afficinalis) is the most important species of asparagus and the fresh stem of this plant is harvested as its edible part and used as a vegetable ...
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Introduction
Drought stress is one of the most important and most common limiting factors for plant growth in arid and semiarid regions. Asparagus (Asparagus afficinalis) is the most important species of asparagus and the fresh stem of this plant is harvested as its edible part and used as a vegetable and medicine. Asparagus is very rich in vitamins, flavonoids, saponins, and glutathione, which have anti-cancer properties, protect nerve cells, and protect the heart. Asparagus is a herbaceous, perennial plant growing to 100–150 cm tall, with two types of stems. One of the stems called spear, which is edible and has no leaves. The second, called fern which has needle leaves and is non-edible. This plant has thick and fleshy roots called rhizome (crown), which is resistant to winter cold and can remain in the ground for up to 25 years and give economic crops for up to 10-15 years. According to some studies, commercial cultivars of asparagus are sensitive to abiotic stresses such as drought stress. Drought stress during the growth of fern can reduce the production of stored carbohydrates in the crown roots and lead to a decrease in yield in the next season. Also, drought stress increases the fiber and reduces the quality of asparagus. Mulch is any material that is spread or laid over the surface of the soil and used for reasons such as saving water consumption by reducing evaporation from the soil surface, controlling soil erosion, adjusting soil temperature, controlling the growth of weeds, and improving the absorption of soil nutrients. Several researches have reported that the use of mulch is effective in increasing the resistance of plants to drought stress and also reducing the negative effects of drought stress on yield and its components.
Materials and Methods
This research was conducted as a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design in three replications in the crop year of 2021-2022 in a two-year asparagus field near Mashhad city. The experimental factors were the types of mulch (barley straw, asparagus straw and plastic) and drought stress levels including irrigation after 50 mm (no stress), 70 mm (mild stress), 100 mm (moderate stress) and 150 mm (severe stress) evaporation from pan class A. Planting of transplants in the field was done manually on April 9 2021. Each experimental plot with dimensions of 4 x 10 meters included 4 rows with a distance of 100 cm and a distance of 50 cm between plants. Weeding was done manually. Fertilization was done according to the soil analysis and the recommendations of the soil science laboratory. The date of applying water stress was from April 4 to September 1 2022. The average of traits recorded in the first harvest (April 21) and the second harvest (September 6) were used for variance analysis. Data analysis was done using MSTAT-C software and mean comparisons were done using LSD method at 5% probability level. The graphs were drawn using Excel software.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that fresh stem yield, number of harvestable stems, stem length, stem diameter, stem fresh and dry weight, and total leaf chlorophyll content decreased and leaf proline content increased significantly at different levels of water stress. The content of leaf carotenoids also decreased significantly compared to the control only in severe water stress. The use of mulch in non-stressed conditions caused a significant increase in all studied traits except proline, so that asparagus straw with a 76% increase in stem yield was in the first place, and barley straw and plastic mulch were in the second and third places. Also, mulching reduced the negative effects of water stress on all traits, so that the non-use of mulch in mild, moderate and severe stress caused a 21%, 36% and 46% reduction in shoot yield, respectively, and the use of asparagus straw caused 10 %, 13% and 16% decrease in the yield of stems.
Conclusions
Water stress, as the most important factor of physiological limitation in plants, negatively affects growth, development and yield of plants. The use of plant residue mulches, especially asparagus straw, between the rows of asparagus cultivation can increase the yield in conditions without drought stress, and in drought stress conditions. the yield can be protected from the negative effects of stress to a large extent.
Hosein Nazari Mamaqani; Seyyed Jalal Tabatabaie
Abstract
Introduction: The N source used in commercial hydroponic culture of vegetables is mainly NO3-N. The rate of NO3- uptake is usually high, particularly in leafy vegetables and it can be markedly increased when the NO3- supply in the environment is high. An abundant N supply leads to a high NO3-N absorption ...
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Introduction: The N source used in commercial hydroponic culture of vegetables is mainly NO3-N. The rate of NO3- uptake is usually high, particularly in leafy vegetables and it can be markedly increased when the NO3- supply in the environment is high. An abundant N supply leads to a high NO3-N absorption and accumulation in plants. When NO3- rich vegetables are consumed, various harmful effects on human health may occur such as met-hemoglobinemia (Blue Baby Syndrome) and cancer. Keeping levels of NO3- below limits of FAO seems to be impossible without changing conventional fertilizer application techniques. The suitability of urea for the cultivation of field crops has been well documented. Urea is used as the main source of N fertilizer for crops grown in soil. Its use as N source for crops grown under the hydroponic system has yet to be evaluated. To hydrolyze urea, the enzyme urease requires Ni as a component. Substitution of urea for commonly used N03-N fertilizers in hydroponic culture of vegetables would not only enable to avoid excessive accumulation of N03- in plants but would also reduce the cost of production. Leafy vegetable crops, such as lettuce and spinach, contain large amounts of N03-N. Therefore, it is important to reduce N03- concentrations in hydroponically grown with lowest negative effects on yield.
Materials and Methods: The experiments were carried outin greenhouse hydroponicsResearchFaculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz in randomized complete block designwithtwo factors ureaatfivelevels of 0,25, 50, 75and100milligrams perliter(U0, U25,U50, U75, U100)andnickelattwo levels of0and2mg per liter (Ni0, Ni2)ofnickelsulfate(NiSO4)in4replicatesusinglettuce(Lactuca sativa cv. Siyahoo). Plants fed with the modifiedHoagland solutionorhalf theconcentration. Treatments added to nutrient solution when plants were in four leaf stage. Plants were harvested 50 days after treatment. Different organs (leaves, stems and roots) were separated and each separate simultaneous freshweight wasmeasured. Dry weight of organs wasmeasured afterit was oven-dried at 80ºCfor 72h. Leavesoven-dried andthenpowdered, and weredigested(usingacid) tomeasure theelements. Extracts from thedigestionmethodwere used for determination ofnickelusingDimethylglyoximemethod.Spectrophotometer used to cover the wavelength at 530nm. Potassium was measured by Flame Photometer410.Totalnitrogenwas measuredbyKjeldahlmethod.Thehomogeneouspowders of dried leaves with hot water were extractedwithnitratemeter(Horiba, Japan)and they were used to measuretheirnitrate content. Analysis was performed usingthe Software Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) v. 16.0. Individual treatment means were compared with a Duncan’s test to determine whether they were significantly different at the 0.05 probability.
Results and Discussion: U50treatedwith 1.8 fold increasecompared with thecontrol groupshowed thehighestfresh weight. The yield increased with increasing concentration to 50 mg/l urea, butat higher urea concentrations, 50 mg/l,yieldsignificantlydecreased, althoughitwas significantlyhighercompared to control. .Enhanced growth and yield in two levels of U25 and U50were coerced. It was duo tohydrolysis urea with the help nickel stored in seed endosperm and also contamination application of nickel fertilizers in nutrient solutionsthat led to release of urea nitrogen.The highestandthelowest concentration ofnickelinleaveswith11-fold increase,were observedatconcentrations ofU50andU100, respectively. Dilution phenomenon occurred with increasingurea concentrationmore than U50.Nickelconcentration inleaveswassignificantlyincreased that this is theopposite offresh weightanddry weight. In U50 treated K concentration was 1.6-fold higher compared to control. With increasing urea concentration more than U50,K concentration decreased. Applyingthe Ni, 8 percent decreased K concentration in leaf tissues. With increasing urea innutrientsolution, totalnitrogenconcentration of leaf tissuealsoincreased,so that theplantsU100 have 1/1-foldmoretotalnitrogencomparedwithU25plants. Theinteractions betweenthe treated also showed that plantsU0Ni2compared to control(U0Ni0), have 1.2-fold moretotalnitrogen. Concentration ofnitrateinplantsleavesthat showednickelwas 1.2 fold highercompared to the plants withoutnickel.Interactive effectofureaconcentration andapplication ofnickelalso showedthat treated plants hadU0Ni0 2.6-fold more nitratethanU0Ni2plantsleaftissues.
Conclusion: Urea was hydrolyzed in low and middle concentrations (U25 and U50) and led to increasing yield. An inhibition of NO3- uptake can result from the action of Ni on H+- ATPase pump, though it can also affect the carrier of H+/NO3symport. Moreover, proteins of the NO3- uptake system contain -SH groups, and due to that they are sensitive to heavy metals including Ni.
Hamid Alipour; Mohammad Kafi; Ahmad Nezami; Amir Hossein Mohammadi
Abstract
Introduction: In Iran, main pistachio cultivation areas are located in the edge of desert. The major problem of these areas is the salinity of soil and irrigation water, which affects the growth and performance of plants and reduce yield.
Material and methods: In the present study, the effects of salinity ...
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Introduction: In Iran, main pistachio cultivation areas are located in the edge of desert. The major problem of these areas is the salinity of soil and irrigation water, which affects the growth and performance of plants and reduce yield.
Material and methods: In the present study, the effects of salinity on growth characteristics and mineral contents of seedlings of seven pistachio cultivars and three genotypes (Akbari, Ahmad-Aghaei, Kaleh-Ghoochi, Fandoghi, Badami, Ebrahimi, Seyfadini and G1, G2 and G3 genotypes) were evaluated. The study was conducted in split plot based on randomized complete block design in three replications. The main plots were salinity levels of the irrigation water (0.6, 15 and 30 dS/m) by adding sodium chloride to tap water, and the sub plots were the pistachio cultivars. After germination of seeds in the lab, the seedlings were transplanted into new vases in the greenhouse. At 3rd leaf stage, the salinity treatments were imposed for a period of four months. At the end of the experiment, all samples were collected for growth and cation contents of shoots and roots and data were analyzed by analysis of variance and correlation method, using SAS statistical software and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test was employed at probability level of 5%.
Results and discussions: The results showed that increasing salinity levels reduced stem, root and leaf dry weight as well as stem height and diameter. Salinity also caused a reduction in leaf number and leaf area. At the salinity level of 30 dS/m, dry weights of root and leaf decreased by more than 70%. The length and diameter of seedlings were decreased by 17.2 % and 37.9 % under the mentioned condition. According to the measured growth characteristics, Akbari and Kaleh-Ghoochi, considered as fast growing cultivars, while G3 genotype and Seyfoddini cultivar were considered as slow growing cultivars. By increasing salinity, sodium and calcium concentrations in root, stem and leaf increased significantly, and the ratio of potassium to sodium decreased in the mentioned parts of the plant. Fandoghi and Kaleh-Ghoochi cultivars accumulated the highest amounts of sodium in leaf, while G1 and G2 genotypes had the lowest sodium level. An important fact is that G3 variety had minimum stem and leaf sodium content and maximum root sodium content. In contrast, Kaleh-Ghoochi cultivar had maximum leaf sodium content and minimum root sodium content. This obviously indicates that G3 variety accumulates sodium in the root and avoids sodium transmission to stem and leaf, and Kaleh-Ghoochi variety acted conversely. G2 genotype and Kaleh-Ghoochi variety contain the highest (3%) and lowest (1.4%) levels of leaf potassium. At salinity levels of 15 and 30 dS/m, the index of potassium to sodium ratio decreased by 93% and 87%, respectively, in comparison to the control salinity level (0.6 dS/m2). Generally, local genotypes of pistachio (G1, G2 and G3) showed lower sodium absorption and transport to leaf, while G3 genotype had the highest sodium content in the root and the lowest concentration of sodium in stem and leaf. G2 genotype and Ahmad-Aghaei cultivar had the highest leaf potassium to sodium ratios of 7/8 and 6/3, respectively, while Kaleh-Ghoochi cultivar had the lowest leaf potassium to sodium ratio (3/95). It seems that Kaleh-Ghoochi, Fandoghi and Akbari cultivars are relatively sensitive and G1, G2 and G3 genotypes and Ahmad-Aghaei cultivar are relatively tolerant to salinity at seedling stage. Results of correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between the levels of salinity and growth characteristics of pistachio. Leaf sodium content has a significant negative correlation with leaf potassium content as well as the potassium to sodium ratio in root, stem and leaf. Reduced or stunted growth of the pistachio seedlings can be a result of water stress as well as sodium and chlorine toxicities. The impaired balance of nutrient uptake through the root in salt stress conditions leads to reduced growth characteristic of the pistachio seedlings. As the salinity of the irrigating water increases, concentrations of sodium and chlorine ions in soil solution increases, therefore, balance of nutrients is impaired and the root absorption of sodium and chlorine increases and potassium uptake decreases. Hence, the concentrations of sodium and chlorine ions increased in root, stem and leaf, andpotassium concentration decreased. Salinity tolerance in many plants is attributed to non-transmission or limited transmission of sodium to aerial parts of the plant. Various pistachio cultivars acted differently in absorption and accumulation of these elements in the parts of plant. The pistachio varieties with less sodium absorption and transmission to the leaf, but more potassium absorption and transmission, increased potassium to sodium ratio in the leaf and showed more tolerance to salinity. The mechanism is not clearly recognized, perhaps sodium is re-absorbed from the xylem sap and remained in the root and stem, without transmission to leaf. A similar mechanism probably occurs in local genotypes of pistachio (G1, G2, and G3) and results in improved tolerance to salinity.
Peyman Jafari; Amirhooshang Jalali
Abstract
Introduction: The term of Mulch, is the German word (Molsh) means the soft, however, not soft, and made of plant debris or synthetic substances. Many positive effects attributed to the use of plastic mulch such as adjusting the temperature in the root environment, conserve moisture, reduce weeds, increase ...
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Introduction: The term of Mulch, is the German word (Molsh) means the soft, however, not soft, and made of plant debris or synthetic substances. Many positive effects attributed to the use of plastic mulch such as adjusting the temperature in the root environment, conserve moisture, reduce weeds, increase root growth, reduce soil erosion, and soil condensation and improve germination and early plant establishment. The use of mulch can reduce the harmful effects of salt in plants.
Materials and Methods: To evaluate the effects of black and clear polyethylene mulch on yield and yield components of melon in salinity stress condition, a study was conducted in 2011 using split plot randomized based on complete block design with three replications in Varamin region. Three salinity levels of irrigation water of 2, 5 and 8 dS-1 as main factor and three plastic mulch treatments (no mulch, clear mulch and black mulch) were considered as sub-plots. At harvest and after determining the yield and number of fruits harvested from each plot, the average number of fruits per plant was measured and fruit pulp thickness was recorded with calipers.
Results Discussion The results showed interactive effects of salinity and mulch on fruit yield, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, fruit length, days to first harvest and fruit soluble solids percentage were statistically significant. In salinity levels of 2, 5 and 8 dS m-1, fruit yield increased, respectively, 19.6, 59, and 45.4 %in clear mulch compared to control. Similarly these increases for the black mulch were equal to 15.7, 41.9, and 21.4 percent, respectively. With 2, 5 and 8 dS m-1 salinity levels, fruit yield in the first harvest were 7.44, 7.72, and 6.98 t ha -1, respectively, which was significantly higher than without mulch and black mulch. Mulch can reduce evaporation and increase the level of moisture in the soil and thereby dilute the salt and reduce the harmful effects of salinity. Some researchers believe that increase in crop yield by using plastic mulch than plant debris mulch is due to the simultaneous increase in moisture and soil temperature. Effect of plastic mulch on soil temperature and crop yield depends on the color and usually transparent plastic are more effective in this regard than black polyethylene mulch. In terms of rising temperatures in the microclimate around the plant roots, transparent mulches are more effective than dark mulches. Unlike dark mulch, clear mulch have minimal absorption of light, approximately 85 to 95 percent .The inner surface of clear mulch is covered with water that the short wave passes and outgoing long wave radiation is absorbed from the soil and thus prevent heat loss. Water use efficiency with use of clear and dark mulches in compared to control treatment was increased by 17.3 and 13.4 %, respectively. Under salinity conditions, plastic mulches can reduce the harmful effects of salinity. Water use efficiency in salinity 2, 5 and 8 dS m-1, respectively, were 12.6, 7.6 and 3.1 kg m-3.Research results indicated that when water use efficiency based on the economic performance expression (e.g. present study) reduced water use efficiency but when water use efficiency expressed based on the total dry weight, water use efficiency is independent of salt concentration and the amount of water use efficiency is the function of plant and plant yield.
Conclusion For using salty water, which may be unavoidable for many agricultural areas, use of mulch (especially transparent mulch) can have a significant role in increasing yield and more efficient utilization of water. From a practical perspective, in areas where irrigation water quality has declined due to reducing the level of the underground water table, the indiscriminate use of water resources and similar cases and use of these resources will lead to a gradual increase in soil salinity, application of mulch with the impact on the soil water content prevent of crop yield loss and cause earliness product.
Mahjabin Adel; Mohammad Esmaeil Amiri; Mohammad Ali Nejatian; Maryam Adel
Abstract
Introduction: Distribution of photosynthetic substances between vegetative and reproductive parts is influenced by the environmental factors as well as plant nutrition status. Therefore, application of nutrient substances (such as chelated magnesium sulfate and salicylic acid combination) can influence ...
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Introduction: Distribution of photosynthetic substances between vegetative and reproductive parts is influenced by the environmental factors as well as plant nutrition status. Therefore, application of nutrient substances (such as chelated magnesium sulfate and salicylic acid combination) can influence the distribution of photosynthetic substances which in turn result in changes in allocation of photo-assimilates between vegetative and reproductive parts. Since the investigation of partitioning of photo- assimilates is complex and the interpretation of treatments effects on partitioning of substances is difficult in garden plants, this examination has been focused on external application of nutritional treatments on different organs growth by comparing the effects of salicylic acid and chelated magnesium sulfate on the allocation of photo- assimilates.
Materials and Methods: This experiment was performed in a commercial 10-year old orchard of Qazvin in 2013. Initially, 60 uniform pears (cv. Louise Bonne) which were infected to fire blight disease were selected. Before treatment imposing, agronomic practices such as removing and pruning infected shoots were applied. Treatments were combination of salicylic acid and chelated magnesium sulfate at different levels, which were applied on foliage under the conditions of neutral pollution to fire blight. In the present research, vegetative parameters (current shoot growth, leaf weight, leaf area, relative water content and so on) and reproductive parameters (length: diameter ratio and density of fruit and so on) were measured.
The fully expanded leaves were collected randomly from each replicate. After washing the samples were weighed and these values referred to as initial readings (fresh weight). Then, the leaf samples were placed in distilled water for 24 h in the dark at room temperature. The turgid leaves were blotted dry and weighed (saturation weight). After weighing, the material was oven-dried at 70 °C for 24 h. Relative water content (RWC) of the leaves was appraised as described by Ritchie and Nguyen (19) using the following formula:
RWC (%) = [(f. wt. – d. wt.) / (t. wt. – d. wt.)] × 100
Where f. wt, d. wt and t. wt are fresh weight, dry weight and turgid weight, respectively.
Diameter and length of fruit were measured by nondestructive method (on the tree) and by using digital caliper in the places of maximum length and maximum width diameters, and length: diameter ratio from the division of these two parameters. Fruit weight was estimated by digital scale (0.01 g) and its volume by the difference of the water level of scaled column, and then fruit density was calculated by using formula d=M/V.
In order to estimate the parameters of leaf area, specific leaf area and specific leaf weight, leaf area meter and oven were used. To evaluate the effect of the treatments on decrease or increase current shoot growth, measuring shoot length was reported by tape measure according to centimeter.
Results and Discussion: The results indicated that the most amount of specific leaf weight was allocated in chelated magnesium sulfate (0.5 and 0.7 g: 1000 ml) treatments and the least amount was belonged to the control group. The extent of changes in leaf area was between 28.17 to 44.33 cm2, were recorded to control group (without water) and salicylic acid (0.1 g: 1000 ml) plus chelated magnesium sulfate (0.7 g: 1000 ml), respectively. The minimum and maximum of specific leaf area were ranged between 44.14 to 59.40 cm2 and belonged to control group (without water) and salicylic acid (0.1 g: 1000 ml), respectively. The most current shoot growth was observed in control group (without water) and the least quantity was in chelated magnesium sulfate (0.5 g: 1000 ml). The minimum and maximum of fresh weight of leaf was changeable between 1.513 to 1.94 g were recorded to control group and salicylic acid (0.1 g: 1000 ml) plus chelated magnesium sulfate (0.7 g: 1000 ml), respectively. The most and the least content of leaf relative water were observed to salicylic acid (0.5 g: 1000 ml) plus chelated magnesium sulfate (0.5 g: 1000 ml) and salicylic acid (0.5 g: 1000 ml) plus chelated magnesium sulfate (0.7 g: 1000 ml), respectively. The extent of changes in fruit specific gravity was changeable between 0.72 to 0.97 g to cm3. The maximum amount of fruit specific gravity was seen in salicylic acid (0.5 g: 1000 ml) plus chelated magnesium sulfate (0.7 g: 1000 ml) and the minimum amount was in salicylic acid (0.5 g: 1000 ml) treatment. The conformity of the maximum current shoot growth and leaf fresh weight with the minimum leaf dry weight, leaf area, specific leaf area and specific leaf weight to control group and control group (without water) can declare the effect of treatment substances on the allocating manner of substances in different organs in plants and its stimulating effect on vegetative indexes that is not observable in the lack of treatment substances. The allocation of the most fruit specific gravity and also the least leaf relative water content and the least fruit length: diameter ratio to salicylic acid (0.5 g: 1000 ml) and chelated magnesium sulfate (0.7 g: 1000 ml) can confirm the opposit relation among these parameters in the way of substances allocation and the effect of above treatment on this opposit relation. Denser fruits have fewer growth rather than types with the more blank space and receive a more carbohydrate from the tree rather than their weight. The decrease of relative water content of leaf can also be explained in the direction of the more absorption of carbohydrate by fruit as a strong sink. In other words, the existence of fruit as a strong sink in favorable conditions for photosynthesis (with paying attention to the high vegetative indexes) can prevent gathering water in chloroplast and cause an increase of fruit specific gravity.
Also, the allocation of the most specific leaf weight and the least fruit length: diameter ratio and the least current shoot growth to chelated magnesium sulfate (0.5 g: 1000 ml) express the positive role of sulfur in aforesaid concentration on stimulating leaf growth and its negative role in stimulating growth of shoot and fruit that somehow points on the effect of treatment substances on the allocation of substances (elaborate sap) to different organs. The sulfur compounds can cause preventing gibberellin synthesis and the decrease of internode length, like other growth retardants.
The maximum fruit length: diameter ratio was belonged to salicylic acid (0.1 g: 1000 ml) and chelated magnesium sulfate (0.7 g: 1000 ml). Salicylic acid (0.1 g: 1000 ml) treatment induced maximum amounts of fruit length and diameter to itself that confirms the positive role of salicylic acid in stimulating growth in stress conditions (biotic stress derived from Erwinia amylovora). The significant negative correlation (p
Mahsa Taiefeh; Mohammad Moez Ardalan; Farid Baghery
Abstract
Soil pH is one of the important chemical characteristics of soil that plays major role in growing of tea plant and affects on absorbing of food elements by plant and their usability. In this study, the effect of different calcium source was investigated on some of quantifying parameters in tea plant, ...
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Soil pH is one of the important chemical characteristics of soil that plays major role in growing of tea plant and affects on absorbing of food elements by plant and their usability. In this study, the effect of different calcium source was investigated on some of quantifying parameters in tea plant, pH and EC in tea soil. Tea is plant with shallow roots, this shrubs grows two forms wild and farmed. The leaves of plant are the use in tea that is important economically. This study was conducted as a factorial with two factors, calcium fertilizer type and fertilizer levels on the basis Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. In order to supervise content of calcium component which contains calcium carbonate, dolomite, calcium oxide and calcium chloride with four levels (0, 1, 2, 3) g ca / kg was added to soil with three replications. The result of analysis of variance related to calcium fertilizer on soil pH indicated that only calcium fertilizer type in soil pH is significant at 0.1%. Also the result of calcium fertilizer on soil EC showed that the type of calicum fertilizer, fertilizer level and interaction effects and level of fertilizer on soil EC is significant at 0.1%. But the effect of different sources of calcium has not significantly different on parameters of quantity in tea plant during investigation (three months).
Mahjabin Adel; Mohammad Esmaeil Amiri; Mohammad Ali Nejatian
Abstract
Introduction: Fruit quality is described based on the crop functions (for industry or table) and/or difference of the consumer tastes in different societies. The conformity of the quality with consumer demands has an effective role in improvement of the marketing process. For example, elongated pears ...
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Introduction: Fruit quality is described based on the crop functions (for industry or table) and/or difference of the consumer tastes in different societies. The conformity of the quality with consumer demands has an effective role in improvement of the marketing process. For example, elongated pears are preferred for the processing industries and conserving productions. The lack of attention to retaining of quality and/or improvement of apparent situation of gardening product in proportion to consumer demands decreases especial consumer acceptance. The necessity of having desired quality characteristics in pear fruits from the characters viewpoint of fruit specific gravity (major rating criterion of pears) and proportion of length to diameter (minor rating), because of their role in market acceptance and pricing, is evident. Fruit quality, while harvesting, as one of the components of plants fertility influenced under different parameters like nourishment and could be managed during growth season. In other words, the gain of qualities proportionated to consumers demands and/or processing industries is possible by the use of acquired method such as the kind of mother plant nutrition, and control of pests and diseases, etc. In the current research, the effect of salicylic acid and chelated magnesium sulfate was studied on physical indexes of fruits quality of pear fruit.
Materials and Methods: In order to study the effect of treatment agents, an experiment was conducted in the ecological conditions of Qazvinon Pear trees belonging to Louise Bonne cultivar in the Randomized Complete Block Design. The treatments includecontrol group (with andwithout water),chelated magnesium sulfate with concentration of 0.5 gram in a liter, chelated magnesium sulfate with concentration of 0.7gram in a liter, salicylic acid with concentration of0.1 gram in a liter,the compound treatment of salicylic acid with concentration of 0.1 andchelated magnesium sulfate with concentration of 0.5 gram in a liter, the compound treatment of salicylic acid with concentration of 0.1andchelated magnesium sulfate with concentration of 0.7gram in a liter, salicylic acid with concentration of 0.5gram in a liter,the compound treatment of salicylic acid with concentration of 0.5andchelatedmagnesium sulfate with concentration of 0.5 gram in a liter, and the compound treatment of salicylic acid withconcentration of 0.5andchelated magnesium sulfate with concentration of 0.7gram in a liter. Measuring the attributes of fruit weight, fruitvolume, fruit specific gravity(W/V), fruit length, fruit diameter and fruit shape index (L/D) were made in two successive years (2012, 2013).Diameter andlength of fruit earned by nondestructive method and by using digital caliper (Mitutoyo) in the place of maximum length and width diameters andlength: diameter ratio by division of these two parameters. Fruit weight estimated by digital scale (0.01 g) and its volume by the difference of the water level of scaled column and fruit density was calculated by using formula d=M/V. The statistic calculations of measured characteristics were made using MSTATC and SPSS soft wares and the comparison of means using Duncan's test.
Results and discussion: The results indicated that the plants nourishment using organic and mineral combinations had an influence on quality characteristics and there was a significant difference among combinations in most cases (p< 0.01). In the way that the extent of changes among different treatments was changeable in the case of fruit length between 64.67 to 76.82 mm, fruit diameter between 45.01 to 57.81 mm, proportion oflength to diameter between 1.28 to 1.59 mm, fruitvolume between 54.67 to 128.7cm3, fruit weight between 67.39 to 121.7 g and fruit specific gravity between 0.72 to 0.97 g to cm3. Maximum weight, volume and specific gravity in fruits were allocated to the treatment of salicylic acid with concentration of 0.1gram in a liter, the compound treatment of salicylic acid with concentration of 0.1 and chelated magnesium sulfate with concentration of 0.5gram in a liter, and the compound treatment of salicylic acid with concentration of 0.5and chelated magnesium sulfate with concentration of 0.7 gram in a liter, respectively and the least amount in each of the three cases was related to the treatment of salicylic acid with concentration of 0.5 gram in a liter, too. The most and the least amount oflength: diameter ratio were allocated to the treatment of salicylic acid with concentration of 0.5 gram in a liter and the compound treatment of salicylic acid with concentration of 0.1 and chelated magnesium sulfate with concentration of 0.5gram in a liter, respectively. The increase of crop quality by salicylic acid in plants under tension conforms to the other study results. Salicylic acid has an important role in regulating various physiological processes such as growth, plant development, ion absorption and photosynthesis. Therefore, the application of salicylic acid as a plant growth regulator besides the mineral compound of chelated magnesium sulfate is effective on physical indexes of fruit quality in Pear.
Conclusions: The results indicated that the fruits treated with salicylicacid with concentration of 0.5 gram in a liter had more proportion of length to diameter and less specific gravityrelated to others and the aforesaid treatment can be paid attention as proposed nutrition to produce lighter and more extended pear fruits, depending on the purpose.Furthermore, the compound treatment of salicylic acid with concentration of 0.5 and chelated magnesium sulfate with concentration of 0.7 gram in a litercan be paid attention as proposed nutrition to produce heavier pear fruits, too and that is because of its allocation of the most amount of fruit specific gravity.
Darush Ashoori; Seyyed Ali Noorhosseini; Mohammad Naghi Safarzadeh
Abstract
To study the effect of plant density and planting pattern on Iranian ox-tongue, an experiment carried out with two factors: planting pattern (square and rectangular pattern) and plant density (2, 4, 6, 8 plant m-2) in a factorial test performed based on RCBD in 3 replications during 2009-2010 in Latmahalleh ...
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To study the effect of plant density and planting pattern on Iranian ox-tongue, an experiment carried out with two factors: planting pattern (square and rectangular pattern) and plant density (2, 4, 6, 8 plant m-2) in a factorial test performed based on RCBD in 3 replications during 2009-2010 in Latmahalleh Eshkevarat village in Guilan province, Iran. Characteristics that measured included: dry flowers yield, plant dry-weight, number of inflorescence per plant, number of flower per inflorescence, plant height and flower length. The results indicated that effect of plant density on dry flowers yield, plant dry weight, number of inflorescence per plant, number of flower per inflorescence and flower length (P
Ghahraman Bagheri; Bahman Zahedi; Reza Darvishzadeh; Ahmad Hajiali
Abstract
Introduction: Pepper is one of the most important vegetables in the world that belongs to the family of Solanaceae. It is used as a food flavoring, coloring agent and a pharmaceutical ingredient in different innovative ways. Capsicum annuum is one of the five cultivated species in the genus and the ...
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Introduction: Pepper is one of the most important vegetables in the world that belongs to the family of Solanaceae. It is used as a food flavoring, coloring agent and a pharmaceutical ingredient in different innovative ways. Capsicum annuum is one of the five cultivated species in the genus and the others are C. baccatum L., C. chinense, C. frutescens and C. pubescens. While C. pubescens and C. baccatum are morphologically quite distinct, C. annuum, C. chinense and C. frutescens show evidence of parallel evolution for a variety of plant and fruit morphological characteristics as a result of similar regimens of human selection. The near continuous overlapping in morphological traits among these three species led various authors to recognize them as a complicated species. Within complex, taxa are differentiated from one another based primarily on differences in corolla color, the presence or absence of a calyx constriction and the occurrence of multiple pedicels/node.
Materials and Methods: This research was conducted to evaluate genetic diversity in pepper genotypes. Morphological traits of 42 genotypes were investigated in rectangular lattice 6×7 with three replications in two separate experiments at West Azerbaijan research institute. Analysis of variance was conducted by using SAS, SPSS and MINITAB softwares. 14 traits including length and width of fruits, thickness of fruit wall, width of plant canopy, length of shoots, length of corolla, fruits fresh and dry weight, SPAD, photosynthesis, yield, vitamin C, TSS and pH were assessed according to the International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR) descriptor. Solid contents (TSS) were assessed by using refractometer, pH by using pH meter, and fruits fresh and dry weight by using a digital scale. For measuring vitamin C content, 3-10 g of the fruit tissue (pericarp and pulp) was homogenized and 100 mL of distilled water were added. Then 10 mL of sulfuric acid 20%, 1 mL of 0.01 N potassium iodide, 1 mL of 1% starch were added to the solution and then for titrating, 0.01 N potassium iodide was used.
Results and Discussion: Analysis of variance showed significant differences (at 1% level) among pepper genotypes, in terms of width of fruits, fruit wall thickness, yield, plant height, shoots diameter, length of shoots, and dry weight of fruit, TSS and vitamin C. But there were no significant difference between pH, SPAD and photosynthesis. The highest heritability was observed in length and width of fruits, fruit wall thickness, fruit pedicel length, yield, dry and fresh weight of fruits, and the lowest heritability obtained in SPAD and pH. Phenotypic variation coefficient was higher than genotypic variation coefficient for all traits, indicating the significant effects of environmental conditions. The maximum phenotypic correlation obtained between fruit fresh and dry weight (r=0.95) and also observed between fruit fresh weight and fruit wall thickness. Cluster analysis with Ward method classified studied landraces into six different groups. The highest distance was observed between groups four and five. This result showed that the maximum expected heterosis could achieve from crosses between genotypes from groups four and five.
Conclusions: High genetic variation was observed among pepper genotypes that could be helpful for morphological traits studies and to improve superior genotypes in next breeding programs.
Moslem Salehi; Vahid Reza Saffari; Shima Hasanzadeh Fard
Abstract
Introduction: Bedding plants, especially petunia is important element for urban landscaping and attracted the attention of landscapers. This is due to some properties such as growth habit and color. The petunia (Petunia hybrida L.) belongs to Solanaceae family that has annual and perennial varieties. ...
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Introduction: Bedding plants, especially petunia is important element for urban landscaping and attracted the attention of landscapers. This is due to some properties such as growth habit and color. The petunia (Petunia hybrida L.) belongs to Solanaceae family that has annual and perennial varieties. This plant is originally from Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. Some plant growth regulators such as gibberellic acid (GA3) and vitamins including thiamine and ascorbic acid affect plant growth and development and may extend flowering period. Vitamin C affects cell division and cell growth in plants and is effective on the feeding cycle activity in higher plants and it has an important role in electron transport system. The concentrations of 50 and 100 ppm of vitamin C and thiamine can increase the plant height, leaf number, leaf area, fresh and dry weight, and chemical compounds of the Syngonium plant. The application of 100 mg/l of GA3 significantly increased plant height and the number of leaves of gladiolus.
Material and methods: The experiment was arranged in a factorial based on a completely randomized design with five replications. In this research, growth characteristics (lateral branch number, flower number, flower diameter, stem diameter, root length, and lateral branch length) and biochemical characteristics (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and reducing sugar) were measured. After seeding and transplanting the seedling at 6 leaf stage, plants sprayed at 4 various growth stages with following treatments:
1- Control
2- Vitamin C(100 mg/l)
3- Thiamin (100 mg/l)
4- Gibberellic acid (100 mg/l)
5- Vitamin C and Thiamin (The concentration of both 100 mg/l)
6- Vitamin C and Gibberellic acid (The concentration of both 100 mg/l)
7- Thiamin and Gibberellic acid (The concentration of both 100 mg/l)
8- Vitamin C, Thiamin and Gibberellic acid (The concentration of three 100 mg/l)
Data obtained from the measured parameters analyzed using statistical package SAS and means were compared using LSD test at the level of statistical significance of P˂0.05.
Results and Discussion: The results indicated that GA3 affected all the measured characteristics except carotenoids in comparison with thiamine and ascorbic acid. Meanwhile, the combined application of GA3 and ascorbic acid affected stem growth, root growth and flower diameter. Simultaneous use of GA3 and thiamine was effective on pigments, reducing sugar, carotenoids and flower number. The simultaneous application of three chemicals resulted in a considerable increase in growth and development traits, such as stem and root growth, flower number and diameter, pigments and reducing sugar compared to control. Generally, gibberellic acid will increase vegetative growth with impress cellular processes, including stimulation cell division and cell elongation. It was reported that the uses of ascorbic acid and gibberellic acid in Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) increased plant height and root length. Ascorbic acid makes a set of functions such as cell division and enlargements, cell wall development and other developmental processes in plants. Ascorbic acid affects plasma membrane proton pump and according to the acidic theory stimulates weaking cell wall and consequently will increase cell wall development and cell enlargement. It was found that thiamine significantly increased flower number in chrysanthemum .
Conclusion: The results indicated that the synergistic effects of this material can be used to enhance the growth and development of petunia. On the other hand, in arid and semiarid areas of the country, that drought and salinity stresses somewhat inevitable, these materials, especially vitamins are effective in reducing stress and increase flowering period.
