Research Article
Esmaeil Chamani; Zahra Eftekhari; Alireza Ghanbari; Hamid Reza Heydari; Mousa Arshad
Abstract
Introduction: Fritillaria imperialis L. is an ornamental and medicinal plant native to mountainous regions of Iran. This plant genetic resource is in danger of extinction, Because of grazing livestock and pest outbreaks. Therefore, micro propagation of Fritillaria through in vitro regeneration is essential ...
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Introduction: Fritillaria imperialis L. is an ornamental and medicinal plant native to mountainous regions of Iran. This plant genetic resource is in danger of extinction, Because of grazing livestock and pest outbreaks. Therefore, micro propagation of Fritillaria through in vitro regeneration is essential for conservation and commercial production. Thymol and Carvacrol are one of the main essential oil compounds in family Lamiaceae.
Material and Methods: Fritillariaimperialis L. bulbs in dormancy stage obtained from mountainous regions of Lorestan in Iran and were placed in cold room at +4 °C for 4-6 weeks. Then, Bulbs were surface-sterilized with 70% ethanol for 45 s followed by immersion in 5% (v/v) NaOCl solution for 20 min with gentle agitation, and then rinsed three times in sterile double distilled water. Present study was conducted in two separate experiments. In first experiment, effect of different concentration of Thymol and Carvacrol and in second experiment, different concentration of NAA and BA on in vitro characteristics of Fritillaria was evaluated. Explants (1× 1 cm) prepared from the lower third of scales with basal plate and were placed in MS basal medium supplemented with different concentrations of Thymol (50, 100, 150 and 300 ppm), Carvacrol (10, 100, 500 and 100 ppm), BA (1, 2 and 4 mg/l) and NAA (1, 2 and 4 mg/l).All cultures were incubated in a growth chamber at 24±2°C, and a photosynthetic photon flux of 40-60 μmol m–2 s–1 was provided by cool white fluorescent lamps with a 16-h photoperiod. This experiment wascarried out in completely randomized designs with fivereplications.
Results and Discussion: Analysis of variance showed that Thymol and Carvacrol were not effective on number of new bulblets but had significant effects on bulb diameter, number and length or roots, number and length leaves and callus induction and diameter of callus obtained from scales (P< 0.05). The highest rate (3 bulblets) of bulblets formation was obtained fromMS medium supplemented with 50 ppm Thymol that showed significantly difference from other treatments. Medium containing 10 ppm Carvacrol gave the highest Bulblet formation (2.5 bulblets) between Carvacrol treatments. Investigation of rooting was done by assessment of the number and length of roots. Mean comparison of the effect of cultivar type on root number showed that the largest number of roots per explant was obtained fromMS medium containing 50 ppm Thymol. Lowest number of roots observed in mediums supplemented with 300 ppm Thymol and 100 ppm Carvacrol. The best medium for increasing the root length per explant (10.90 cm) was MS medium supplemented with 100 ppm Carvacrol, while the least increasing in root length per explant observed from culture mediums contained 300 ppm Thymol and 100 ppm Carvacrol. Also, the largest number of leave formation obtained from culture medium supplemented with 50 ppm Thymol that significantly higher than other treatments. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) of the data showed that high frequency callus induction and formation occurred in MS mediums contained 50, 100 and 150 ppm Thymol and 10 ppm Carvacrol and culture mediums supplemented with 300 ppm Thymol and 1000 ppm Carvacrol showed least callus induction. In contrast, largest callus diameter observed in culture mediums supplemented with 300 ppm Thymol and 500, 100 ppm Carvacrol.
Statistical analysis of results showed that different concentrations of BA and NAA had significant effects on bulblets number and bulblets diameter (P
Research Article
Maryam Kamali; Mahmood Shoor; Hassan Feizi
Abstract
Introduction: Titanium is the ninth most abundant element and the second most transition metal found in the earth’s crust (about 6.320 ppm). There has been a rising demand for nanotechnology-based products in recent years, particularly in areas directly related to humans. Nanotechnology has many applications ...
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Introduction: Titanium is the ninth most abundant element and the second most transition metal found in the earth’s crust (about 6.320 ppm). There has been a rising demand for nanotechnology-based products in recent years, particularly in areas directly related to humans. Nanotechnology has many applications in agricultural research, such as in reproductive science and technology, the transfer of agricultural and food waste to energy and other helpful by-products through enzymatic nanobioprocessing.
An important effect of titanium compounds on plants used for improvement of yield (about 10–20%) in various crops. Other effects of titanium on plants are increasing contents of some essential elements in plant tissue; an increase in enzyme activity such as peroxidase, catalase, and nitrate reductase activities in plant tissue, and research has shown increased chlorophyll content in paprika (Capsicum anuum L.) and green alga (Chlorella pyrenoidosa). Nanotechnologyapplication is now widely distributed throughout life, and especially in agricultural systems. Nano particles, because of their physicochemical characteristics, have been considered the potential candidates for modulating the redox status and changing in seed germination, growth, performance, and quality of plants.nano-TiO2 has shown to be potential for agricultural application because of its photocatalytic disinfection and photobiological effects. Also,stalinizationof soils or waters is one of the world’s most serious environmental problemsin agriculture. During initial exposure to salinity, plants experience water stress, which in return reduces leaf expansion. during long-term exposure to salinity, plants experience to ionic stress, which can lead to premature senescence of adult leaves, which led to a reduction in the photosynthetic area available to support plants growth.However,a few studies have been done on the effects of nanoparticles on ornamental plants. Nanosized TiO2 is a frequently used nanoparticle, consequently there has been an exponential increase in data collection on the effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on different species. There is much less information on the effects of nanoparticles on plants compared to animals. Studies of the effects of TiO2 nanoparticles on plants provide information about the positive and stimulating effects as well as any negative impact. In this study, weaimedto findout the phytotoxicity or positive effects of different concentrations of Bulk TiO2 and nanosized TiO2 on plant growth of Petunia hybridain salinity stress.
Material and Method: experiments were done to assess the effect of different concentrationsof bulk and nanosized TiO2 on petunia growthin salinity stress in a factorial test based on completely randomized design with 3 replications in agriculture faculty of Ferdowsi University, Mashhad. There were 3 factors, including1- three concentrations (0, 75 and 150 mM) of NaCl, 2- bulk and Nanosized titanium dioxide and 3- six concentrations (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 40 ppm) of TiO2. Titanium dioxide treatments for foliar application was applied 5 times with intervals of seven days (three times before, and twice after starting salinity stress). The experiment was performed at the College of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. during the flowering, flower number, corolla length, flower diameter and flower fresh weight were measured. At the end of the flowering phase, parameters such as leaf area, shoot and leaf fresh weight, lateral shoot number, leaf number, chlorophyll a, b, total and cartenoidwere measured. The data were subjected to Analysis of Variance, was done using Mstat-C statistical. The means were separated, using LSD test.
Results and Discussion: Results showed that interaction of salinity, bulk and nanosized titanium dioxide and titanium dioxide concentrationsweresignificanton total chlorophyll, cartenoides, biomass, leaf area and flower number. The highest amount of total chlorophyll concentrations was measured in 20 and 40 ppm TiO2 and 5 ppm Nano treatments, respectively. The highest leaf area (608 cm2) was in 15 ppm Nano treatment. Among levels of nano TiO2,foliar application with 5 ppm had the best flower diameter in general, foliar application of nano titanium dioxide and titanium dioxide have been effective in improving the effects of salinity stress. In addition, the use of titanium dioxide in the highest level (40 ppm) and use of nano titanium dioxide in less concentration in Petunia plant had better effect on morphological traits. An important effect of titanium compounds on plants used for various crops is yield improvement. The positive effects of TiO2 could be probably due to the antimicrobial properties of engineered nanoparticles, which can enhance strength andresistance of plants to stress.
Research Article
Ara Alinejad Elahshah; Hossein Moradi; Hossein Sadeghi
Abstract
Introduction: Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassaDuch.,Rosaceae). fruitis rich of fiber, vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants. Since the balance of nutrients at the appropriate time for commercial fruit production, yield improvement and fruit quality is essential, so foliar application at key stages could ...
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Introduction: Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassaDuch.,Rosaceae). fruitis rich of fiber, vitamin C, potassium and antioxidants. Since the balance of nutrients at the appropriate time for commercial fruit production, yield improvement and fruit quality is essential, so foliar application at key stages could have a positive effect on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of perennial crop fruits. Among essential mineral nutrients that are involved on plant physiology, micronutrients of zinc (Zn) and boron (B) because of their association with synthetic hormones are particularly important. In a study by Lolaei et al. (2012) conducted showed that the foliar application at flowering stage increased fruit quality and yield of strawberrycultivar ʻCamarosa’. The results of Rafeii and Pakkish(2014) indicated that spraying of strawberry cultivar ʻCamarosa’ with boric acid had a significant effect on yield, fruit weight, chlorophyll and leaf area. So according to the importance of micronutrients on horticultural yield improving and environmental protection, this investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of foliar application of zinc and boron and combination of them on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of strawberry cultivar ʻAromas’ in hydroponic system.
Material and Methods: The experiment was arranged in factorial based on a complete randomized block design with 9 treatments and 9 replications in 2015 and 2016 in greenhouse and laboratory of Genetics and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute of Tabarestan (GABIT), Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Sari, Iran. Experimental treatments were included: zinc at three levels (0, 100 and 200 mg l-1) of fertilizer source zinc sulfate and boron at three levels (0, 500 and 1000 mg l-1) of fertilizer source boric acid as alone or combined. Spraying of strawberry cultivar ʻAromas’ at 3 stages in hydroponic system were applied after the chilling requirement treatment. When Fruits were stained 75-80% and have appropriate size, were harvested. Traits that were evaluated include: vitamin C, antioxidant activity, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), taste index (TSS/TA), pH of fruit juice, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid, fruit weight, fruit length and diameter, leaf number, petiole length and plant height. The data collected were statistically analyzed using the computer software using SAS 9.1 and MSTATC, Analysis of variance techniques were employed to test the overall significance of the data, while the least significant difference (LSD) test (P ≤ 0.05) was used to compare the treatment means.
Results and Discussion: Results indicated that foliar application of Zn and B significantly affected on the vitamin C, antioxidant activity, TSS, TA, TSS/TA, pH of fruit juice, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid, fruit weight, fruit length and diameter, leaf number and plant height (1% or 5% of probably level), while the Petiole length was not significantly affected. Between the different nutrient levels of zinc sulfate application at the concentrations of 100 and 200 mg l-1, boric acid application at the concentration of 500 mg l-1, the combination of zinc sulfate at 100 and 200 mg l-1 with boric acid at 500 mg l-1 play a significant role at increasing studying characteristicsexcept the content of TA. Zinc is effective at the formation of growth hormones and chloroplasts, it is also necessary for chlorophyll biosynthesis and also plays a very important role at cell division and the protein synthesis and carbohydrates metabolism. It seems this subject caused increased plant height, leaf number, petiole length, diameter, length and weight of the fruit and chlorophyll by foliar application. Boron is an element which increases weight by effect of reproductive growth and help to material production, production and transfer of carbohydrate, and nutrient by boron is necessary for fruit set and fruit retention. The results showed that zinc sulfate is effective on TSS, TA, taste index and pH, the increase may be attributed to their effects on different enzymes which are involved in the formation of proteins, acids and sugars, also enough amounts of boron in the plant, increased carbohydrate transport to fruit and areas of active growth and its effect is evident in increasing the amount of fruit sugar. Because of increased vitamin C and antioxidant capacity of plants had been sprayed with boron and zinc can be attributed to zinc that plays an active role in auxin production in plants, and vitamin C increases the production of auxin. Similarly, Kazemi (2014) reported the highest pH of fruit juice, TSS and TA at 150 mg l-1 of Zn for strawberry cultivar ʻPajaro’ and the lowest of these parameters was recorded in control. The results of our study is in accordance with Mashayekhi and Atashi(2012) who reported a significant positive correlation between chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid content of strawberry cultivar ʻCamarosa’ leaves that had been sprayed by B and sucrose. As Khan et al. (2015) simultaneously combined application of Zn and B in the ʻKinnow’ mandarin fruit increased vitamin C, tree height and fruit weight, diameter and length significantly that was consistent with our results.
Conclusions: Since the foliar application of zinc sulfate at 100 and 200 mg l-1 with boric acid at 500 mg l-1 showed significant effect on quantitative and qualitative properties of strawberry, so to reduce the environmental effects caused by the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, foliar application of micronutrients is recommended as an effective management solution in the production of strawberry cultivar ʻAromas’ under hydroponic culture.
Research Article
Fateme Shabbepour Bandari; Somayeh Rastegar; Mostafa Ghasemi
Abstract
Introduction: Ziziphus mauritiana is a drought-tolerant fruit tree that originated in Central Asia. Ziziphus mauritiana v. khormaee is one of the cultivars of Hindi Ber which was favored by many people in the world and Iran. Maintenance of fruit quality is critical while employing any new technology ...
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Introduction: Ziziphus mauritiana is a drought-tolerant fruit tree that originated in Central Asia. Ziziphus mauritiana v. khormaee is one of the cultivars of Hindi Ber which was favored by many people in the world and Iran. Maintenance of fruit quality is critical while employing any new technology for increasing production. Fruit quality such as color, firmness, size, antioxidant and pulp to seed ratio had important role in marketability of fruits that can be affected by some chemicals. The quality of fruit can be influenced by growth conditions, developmental stage at harvest and postharvest factors. Calcium treatment, either by prearrest foliar sprays or by postharvest dips, represents a safe and potentially effective method for increasing the quality of some fruits. Prearrest treatments are more effective when calcium is applied directly to the fruit surface, since calcium moves in the transpiration stream and little or no subsequent translocation occurs from leaf to fruit. Calcium is an essential element which involved in cell division, elongation and fruit growth. Polyamines have the properties of growth promoters. Exogenous application of PAs has been reported to improve fruit retention and yield of fruits. Although a number of studies demonstrated the significance of PAs in reducing fruit drop and improving yield in various fruit crops, information on their effects on fruit quality is scant. Salicylic acid (SA) is an endogenous growth regulator of phenolic nature, which participates in the regulation of physiological processes in plants. Little information is available on the effects of foliar application of different Pas, salicylic acid and calcium on the quality of Ber fruit.
Materials and Methods: In this study, we evaluated the effect of foliar application of calcium chloride, putrescine and salicylic acid in various concentrations on fruit quality and quantity characters of Hindi ber(Ziziphusmauritiana. khormaee). Fruits selected from trees of the same age with branches of the same height and spraying with calcium chloride (0.5 and 1.5%), putrescine (1 and 2 mM), salicylic acid (1 and 2 mM) and distilled water (control) in two stages before commercial maturity. First stage, when fruit were 5-10 mm in size and second stage, when fruit color break. After the harvest fruit were transferred immediately to the laboratory and measured quantitative and qualitative parameters such as firmness, fruit length, fruit diameter, volume of fruit juice, pulp to seed ratio, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids, color parameters and antioxidant activity. The length and diameter of the fruit were measured using a micrometer caliper. Total soluble solids (TSS) were determined using a digital refractometer. Firmness values of each individual fruit were measured at two points of the equatorial region by using a texture analyzer with a 5 mm Lurton 5005 probe. Fruits surface color was measured on individual fruit from each replicate at two opposite sides using a chromameter (CR 400, Minolta).For vitamin C (ascorbic acid) determination the titrimetric method with 2, 6-dichlorophenolindophenol reagent was applied. Antioxidant activity of fruit was tested by free radical DPPH scavenging.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that foliar application of calcium chloride, putrescine and salicylic acid favorably was effective on quantitative and qualitativecharacteristics Hindi Ber genotype.Kormaed. In treated fruits, total soluble solids (TSS), carotenoids and a* value were less and degree of firmness, fruit length, diameter, volume of fruit juice, pulp to seed ratio, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), antioxidant activity, chlorophyll a and b, chroma index and hue angle were higher than control. Parameters of L* and b* in treated fruits had not significant different with control. Control fruits had the minimum carotenoid and the maximum chlorophyll. Fruit treated with putrescin(2mM) and control has the highest L* value. Different concentration of treatment that used hadn’t any significant difference with together in antioxidant characters. Maximum and the minimum firmness were found in salicylic acid (1mM) and control respectively. Among different treatments, CaCl2 1.5% showed highest volume of fruit juice of course had not significant difference with other treatments. The highest total soluble solids observed in control and highest vitamin C value showed in putrescin treatments
Conclusions: Generally, our result showed treatments that study in this study were effective on quality of Ber fruit. Calcium chloride (0.5 %), putrescine (2 mM), salicylic acid (2 mM) had the best effect on fruit quality. Therefor this chemical can be used to improve Ber fruit quality for consumer and marketing.
Materials and Methods: In this study, we evaluated the effect of foliar application of calcium chloride, putrescine and salicylic acid in various concentrations on fruit quality and quantity charachters of Hindi ber (Ziziphus mauritiana genotype.khormaee). Fruits selected from trees of the same age with branches of the same height and spraying with calcium chloride (0/5 and 1.5%), putrescine (1 and 2 mM), salicylic acid (1 and 2 mM) and distilled water (control) in two stages before commercial maturity. First stage, when fruit were 5-10 mm in size and second stage, when fruit color break. After the harvest fruit were transferred immediately to the laboratory and measured quantitative and qualitative parameters such as firmness, fruit length, fruit diameter, volume of fruit juice, pulp to seed ratio, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, ascorbic acid, chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids, color parameters and antioxidant activity. The length and diameter of the fruit were measured using a micrometer caliper. Total soluble solids (TSS) were determined using a digital refractometer. Firmness values of each individual fruit were measured at two points of the equatorial region by using a texture analyzer with a 5 mm Lurton 5005 probe. Fruits surface color was measured on individual fruit from each replicate at two opposite sides using a chromameter (CR 400, Minolta). For vitamin C (ascorbic acid) determination the titrimetric method with 2, 6-dichlorophenolindophenol reagent was applied. Free radical scavenging activity (antioxidant activity) of fruit was tested by DPPH.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that foliar application of calcium chloride, putrescine and salicylic acid favorably was effective on quantitative and qualitative characteristics Hindi ber genotype. Kormaed. In Treated Fruits, Total Soluble Solids (TSS), carotenoids and a* value were less and degree of firmness, fruit length, diameter, volume of fruit juice, pulp to seed ratio, titratable acidity, Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), antioxidant activity, chlorophyll a and b, chroma index and hue angle were higher than control. Parameters of L* and b* in treated fruits had not significant different with control. Control fruits had the minimum carotenoid and the maximum chlorophyll rather than other treatments. Fruit treated with Putrescin (2mM) and control has the highest L* value. Different concentration of treatment that used hadn’t any significant difference with together in antioxidant characters. Maximum and the minimum firmness were found in Salicylic acid (1Mm) and control respectively. Among different treatments, Cacl2 1.5% showed highest volume of fruit juice of course had not significant difference with other treatments. Control showed the highest Total Soluble Solids and significant differences with other fruits. Putrescin in both concentration had highest vitamin C content that had significant difference with control fruits.
Conclusions: Generally, our result showed treatment that study in this study were effect on quality of Ber fruit. Calcium chloride (0/5 %), putrescine (2 mM), salicylic acid (2 mM) had the best effect on fruit quality. Therefor this chemical can be used for improve Ber fruit quality for consumer and marketing.
Research Article
Hamidreza Rahmani; Ebrahim Mohammadi Goltapeh
Abstract
Introduction: Strawberry as an herbaceous perennial plant, belongs to the Rosaceae family, which is considered as an important plant, due to having various types of vitamins such as C, A, B6, E. Nowadays, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers instrawberry productionin order to increase yields, has ...
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Introduction: Strawberry as an herbaceous perennial plant, belongs to the Rosaceae family, which is considered as an important plant, due to having various types of vitamins such as C, A, B6, E. Nowadays, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers instrawberry productionin order to increase yields, has resulted in environmental pollution and dangers on the health of consumers. Microbial endophytes are considered as the most important soil microorganisms with genetic, physiological and ecological impacts in their host plants, increasing the yield. Pirifomosporaindica is a member of Basidiomycetes in order Sebacinales.The fungus is easily cultivable, lacks host specificity and colonizes roots of many different plants, mostly in an endophytic fashion. It interacts with a wide range of hosts, including bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms and a large number of mono- and dicot plants. The fungus grows inter- and intracellularly, forms pearshaped, auto fluorescent chlamydospores within the cortex of the colonized roots and in the rhizosphere zone, but it does not invade the endodermis and the aerial parts of the plants. The fungus promotes nutrient uptake, allows plants to survive under water, temperature and salt stresses, and confers systemic resistance to toxins, heavy metal ions, insects and pathogenic organisms. In this study,the effectson the flowering and root growth parameters of strawberry in hydroponic culture was examined in a completely randomized design with 28 replicationsundergreenhouse condition of Faculty of Agriculture,TarbiatModarres University.
Materials and Methods: This research was conducted in the greenhouse of faculty of agriculture TarbiatModarres University.Fungi used in this study was prepared of fungi collection of the Department of Pathology, University of TarbiatModarres. Endophytic fungus roots was cultured in solid medium Kafer.For this study, 140 strawberry runners were prepared and then put them in a pots with diameter of 25 and height of 30 cm was cultivated in perlite and cocopeat.Two weeks afterestablishment roots, concentrations, 0 (control), 80, 160, 250 and 330 spores/ml of endophytic fungus P. indica was inoculated by injecting around roots of strawberry plants. Temperature and humidity conditions needed for fungal growth were provided in the strawberry’s greenhouse and were irrigated with a nutrient solution three times per day. Eight month after fungal inoculation flowering content was measured for all pots. One week after the last harvest length, Fresh and dry weight roots were measured. Data is transferred to excel software and then analyzed using SAS 9.1 software and comparison of means using Duncan test was conducted.
Results and Discussion: Analysis of variance showed that among treatments there is significant difference on growth parameters of strawberryplants (P < 0.01),soby increasing concentration of fungi increased growth parameters and this indicate the positive impact of the endophytic fungus onthe growth parameters of strawberry plant is inoculated with the fungus than the control plants. Results showed that the maximum and minimum effects of fungal on growth parameters related to 330 sp/ml and control treatments, respectively. flowering content showed 37 and 18.53 percent increase respectively under 330 and 250 spores/ml compared to control which can be related to absorb more nutrient elements, especially phosphorus and biomass of strawberry plants. Root dry (76.71 and 52 percent) and fresh (75.52 and 40 percent) weights were increased under 330 and 250 spores/ml treatment compared to control and were significantly different with other treatments (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference among control, 80 and 160 spores/ml treatments. Regarding to root length, 330, 250 and 160 spores/ml treatments resulted in 72, 37 and 14.33 percent increase respectively compared to control and showed a significant difference with other treatments. In this respect, it can be stated that P. indica at high concentrations due to the increase production of auxin that increased the root length, root dry and fresh weight is inoculated plants compared to control that increase root growth parameters which cause absorb more nutrient elements from soil.
Conclusions: It can be concluded that high concentrations of the fungus P. indica can increase physiological characteristics (the flowering, root length and dry weight and fresh weight) of strawberry plants. and thus it has a positive effect on plant growth and yield.
Research Article
Mahrokh Rostami; Ali Akbar Shokouhian
Abstract
Introduction: Strawberry fruit is soft and has a variety of vitamins, especially vitamin C and minerals. Parus is one of the most important short-day cultivars and suitable for the fresh produce market. Nitrogen is involved in vegetative and reproductive growth of most horticultural crops and excessive ...
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Introduction: Strawberry fruit is soft and has a variety of vitamins, especially vitamin C and minerals. Parus is one of the most important short-day cultivars and suitable for the fresh produce market. Nitrogen is involved in vegetative and reproductive growth of most horticultural crops and excessive use of itdecrease yield and quality of products and increasing pollution of the environment. Humic substances are contained nutrients that improve the soil nutrients and increases the availability of food and therefore plant growth and yield. Studies haveshown that to adding a certain amount ofhumic acid fertilizer with nitrogen can improve the growth of roots, stems and leaves and enhances the yield and quality of products and increases the efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer consumption. On this basis, this research was performed aimed at achieving the best combination of treatments of humic acid and its application method and nitrogen in improving strawberry vegetative and reproductive growth cv. Paros.
Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Mohaghegh Ardabili at during 2015-2016. In early september, land preparation was carried out, and then were calculated base fertilizers 150 and 50 kg.ha-1 of potassium and phosphorus, respectively plus forty tons per hectare of manure. Stacks was prepared to dimensions of 1.5 × 1 m and the distance of rows was 40 cm. Strawberry seedlings were planted with distance of 25 cm on the row (10plants m-2)in late November.
The experiment was carried out as a split split plot based on complete randomized block design with the application of foliar and soil treatments of Humic acid levels (control, 2, 4 and 6 kg.ha-1) and nitrogen fertilizer (50, 100 and 150 kg.ha-1) with three replications. Nitrogen levels were placed in the main plots and the type of humic acid application in sub plots and humic acid concentrations in the sub- sub plots. Half of N(urea fertilizer) was used at the time of planting and 25 %on the early may and 25 %on the early June. To apply foliar and soil treatments, humic acid was used (Humaster tob with 85% of humic and fulvic acid, Yazd Golsangkavir Company) with the start of the growing season at the intervals of every 10 days once (four times total). In the soil method, humic acid is measured based on the desired treatments and then dissolved with deionized water and added to irrigation water. In the foliar method, after irrigation thehumic acid powder was solutioned with a certain amount of deionized water and it was sprayed on the plants in equal measure. In addition, only irrigation water and deodorizing water were applied to the control of soil and foliar treatments, respectively. Traits were as: leaf number and area, number of runners, fresh and dry weight of shoot and root, root volume, number of flowers and fruits, fruit weight average and yield per plant. Data analysis were performed by using SAS 9.1 and comparison of data by the LSD test at the 5% probability level.
Results and Discussion: All results due to different concentrations of nitrogen, humic acid and methods of its application and their interaction on most traits were significant at 5% probability level. The highest values in the leaf number (17.91) and area (1304.34 cm2) obtained in 6 kg.ha-1 drench application of humic acid. Also,the most number of flowers (13.27) was observed in 100 kgN.ha-1combined with foliar application of humic acid and the highest number of runners (22.34) was obtainedin 150 kgN.ha-1with drench application of humic acid. The most flowers (17.55), fruits (14.5) number and yield (104.43 g.plant-1) observed in 100 kgN.ha-1with 4 kg.ha-1humicacid. The results trilateral interactions of nitrogen,humic acid and application methods showed that the highest values of fresh weight (48.32 g.plant-1) and volume (44.13 cm3.plant-1) of root, dry weight of shoot (21.08 g.plant-1) and root (16.28 g.plant-1) obtained infoliar application of 4 kg.ha-1humic acid.The most of shoot fresh weight (77.7 g.plant-1) also observed in drench application of 4 kg.ha-1humic acid and highestfruit weight average (11.68 g) obtained in foliar application of 2 kg.ha-1humic acid with 100 kgN.ha-1.
Conclusion: Results showed that the majority of evaluated traits, the highest values have been achieved of 100 kgN.ha-1with foliar application of 4 kg.ha-1humic acid. On this basis, combined application of chemical and biological fertilizers can be the best strategy to achieve sustainable agriculture and reducing the pollution of soil and water resources along with increasing the product.
Research Article
Farzaneh Badakhshan; Farideh Sedighi Dehkordi; Seyyed Mohammad Hassan Mortazavi
Abstract
Introduction: Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), is considered as one of the main edible crops of Lamiaceae family. In addition of consuming as a leafy vegetable, basil is known as a medicinal plant due to its aromatic and phytochemical compositions. The common edible basil has two main varieties i.e. Green ...
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Introduction: Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.), is considered as one of the main edible crops of Lamiaceae family. In addition of consuming as a leafy vegetable, basil is known as a medicinal plant due to its aromatic and phytochemical compositions. The common edible basil has two main varieties i.e. Green and Opal. Although the production of this plant is highly happened in open farms during hot seasons, recent changes in agricultural policies in terms of year-round production, using less water and increasing the yield and quality, have encouraged the production of basil under controlled environments such as hydroponic systems. The main criteria to proceed a successful hydroponic culture are selecting proper cultivar, planting density and nutrition management. Optimum plant density alleviates the competition between plants and as a consequence, sufficient light and nutrient can lead to higher quantity and quality. This study aimed to discover the impact of plant density on the quality and yield properties of two main varieties of basil under hydroponics system.
Material and Methods: The experiment was done at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz during 2015-2016 growing season. A pot experiment was conducted based of Split-plot in time design with three replications. Cultivar (Green and Opal) and planting density (150, 200 and 250 plants per m2) were considered as the main and sub plot respectively. The plants were cut twice and different morphological and biochemical properties including number of leaves, leaf area, leafy parts yield, chlorophyll, carotenoids, soluble solid content, titrable acidity, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and essential oil content were analyzed.
Result and Discussion:The results showed that among applied treatments, the highest number of leaves (30.61), leaf area (26140 mm2) and stem fresh weight (3.28 g) were recorded for the var. Green with 150 p/m2 planting density at second cut. In contrast, this treatment had the lowest number of leaves (12.33) and leaf area (10810 mm2) at first cut. While maximum leaf fresh weight (5.84 g) was obtained for second cut of 150 p/m2 planting density, minimum leaf and stem fresh weight (3.09 and 2.01 g respectively) were found for second cut of 200 p/m2 planting density. Total fresh yield as an important criteria for a leafy vegetable was affected by both variety and planting density factors. The highest amount of yield (1427 g/m2) was recorded at second cut when plants were at 250 p/m2. In contrast, the plants of 150 p/m2 had the minimum yield at first cut (1020 g/m2). The chlorophyll content was higher in Opal variety surprisingly and the plants of 250 p/m2 and 150 p/m2 had around 2.09 mg/g chlorophyll at second cut. Similar findings were obtained for total phenolic content of leaves that was around 104.3 mg/Kg fresh weight for these treatments. Lowest levels of chlorophyll (1.29 mg/g FW) and total phenolic content (6.158 mg/kg) were seen in the leaves of var. Green when they were planted at 150 plant/m2 density. The data for total carotenoids content showed that the level of this pigments were affected by both parameters of variety and planting density. The leaves of var. Opal of 250 p/m2 density had the highest (6.252 mg/g fresh weight) carotenoids content. The highest (2.021 mmol Fe II/g FW) and lowest (0.69 mmol Fe II/g) amount of antioxidant capacity was recorded in Opal and Green varieties respectively, when they were at 150 plant/m2 density. The taste related parameters including total soluble solids, titrable acidity and essential oil content were not affected by planting density and variety. However, the level of acidity was increased by increasing plant density. On the other hand, a significant difference was seen in terms of TSS, acidity and essential oil between first and second cuts.
Conclusion: Overall and based on obtained data, it can be said that the var. Opal at 150 and 250 plants/m2 density showed the best results in terms of evaluated morphological and qualitative traits and can be recommended for hydroponics basil cultivation. Basil is harvest in 2-3 cuts and this experiment showed that for almost all vegetative parameters, the second cut had better results. The improved yield and quality at second cut could be attributed to the better establishment of roots and providing higher levels of nutrients.
Research Article
Mojtaba Lotfi; Mohammad Farsi; Amin Mirshamsi Kakhki; Javad Janpoor
Abstract
Introduction: Because of their high protein and mineral contents and low fat, calories and cholesterol, edible mushrooms such as Agaricus bisporus are an important part of the people diet in many countries, but in Iran, the yield of this mushroom is less than the average of yield in the world. Phase ...
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Introduction: Because of their high protein and mineral contents and low fat, calories and cholesterol, edible mushrooms such as Agaricus bisporus are an important part of the people diet in many countries, but in Iran, the yield of this mushroom is less than the average of yield in the world. Phase change from the vegetative to the reproductive stage and fruit body initiation of this mushroom depends on special physical, chemical and microbial properties of casing layer. Phase change is initiated by decreasing oftemperature and CO2 concentration and presence of some bacteria (such as Pseudomonas putida) in the casing layer. It is believed that P. putida may cause this process and increase the yield of A. bisporus by siderophore and hormone-like compounds secretion, decreasing the level of ethylene via ACC deaminase activity and dissolution of insoluble phosphate. The objective of this work was to identify P. putida isolates as growthpromoting bacteria isolated from A.bisporus casing soil and to evaluate their effect on mushroom yield.
Materials and Methods: In this study, 81 individual bacterial isolates were collected by screening the casing layer of 6 edible mushroom farms. Luria Bertani (LB) medium supplemented with sodium lauroyl sarcosine (SLS) and trimethoprim were used for isolation of Pseudomonas bacteria by plating serial dilutions of each soil sample. Finally, using species-specific primers, 33 isolates that identified as P. putida were selected and were used toinoculate
A. bisporuscasing layer. Inoculations were performed in a completely-randomized design with two replicates. The harvesting began when buttons were fully-grown (but not yet open), and the number of mushrooms and fresh (wet) weight of them were recorded after harvesting of each flush. In the next experiment IAA and siderophore production ability, ACC deaminase production capacity and ability of dissolving of insoluble phosphate in isolates and the correlation between these factors and number and fresh weight of mushroom were evaluated. Analysis of the data was carried out using JMP 8. Means were compared using Tukey’s test at p≤0.05.
Results and Discussion: The results of this study showed that the best stage for collecting P. putida is pinning, because the maximum number of identifiedP. putidawas recorded at this stage.Field experiment showed that different isolates have a significant effect on fresh weight and the number of mushrooms per kg compost compared to control (p≤0.05), so that the highest fresh weight observed in treatment of P27 and P13 isolates with 361.63 and 342.8 gr/kg compost respectively and the highest number of mushroom observed in treatment of P18 and P24 isolates with 21 and 20.83 mushroom per kg of compost,respectively. Interestingly, in this study, some isolates showed negative or no effect on mushroom yield which could be due to the interaction between bacteria and A. bisporus strain and/or complex conditions of casing layer. Other results showed that there is a positive and significant correlation between IAA production ability in P. putidaand fresh weight (r=0.58) and the number of mushrooms (r=0.50) in A. bisporus.Whereas there was no significant correlation between other factors and fresh weight and the number of mushrooms. IAA through promotion of cell elongation and differentiation increased mushroom growth and protein.This hormone is one of the needs of A.bisporus mushroom and it is very effective in growth and caused an increase in mushroom yield compared to other growth promoting factors.
Conclusions: In the present study, with the aim of investigation of the effect of P. putida on the yield of
A. bisporus and determining the most effective factor in this process, collectedisolatesinoculated to A. bisporuscasing layer and growth promoting factors in these isolates were evaluated. Results showed that the best stage for collecting P. putida is pinning. These bacteria havesignificant effects on fresh weight and the number of mushrooms.There is not significant correlation between other factors and fresh weight and the number of mushrooms. Based on the results, it could be said that the use of growth promoting bacteria in edible mushroom culturing could be resulted anincrease in mushroom yield and could be beneficial in production of healthy food. Finally, it could be said that P. putida isolates P27 and P13 may have the potential to act as a potential bio-fertilizer.
Research Article
Maryam Haghighi; Atena Sheibanirad
Abstract
Introduction: Soil salinity is a global problem that affects approx. 20 % of irrigated land and reduces crop yields significantly. Since, salinity is one of the most important abiotic stress and limiting factor for plant growth all around the world. It is necessary to find some way to ameliorate these ...
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Introduction: Soil salinity is a global problem that affects approx. 20 % of irrigated land and reduces crop yields significantly. Since, salinity is one of the most important abiotic stress and limiting factor for plant growth all around the world. It is necessary to find some way to ameliorate these damages. The physiological responses of a plant to salinity are often complex and multi-faceted, which makes experiments difficult to design and interpret. At basic level, the response of plants to salinity can be described in two main phases: the shoot ion-independent response occurs first, within minutes to days, and is thought to be related to Na+sensing and signaling. Tomato is one the most popular crop in open door and greenhouse cultivation which could face with salinity stresses. Salinity with inducing osmotic stress could have irreversible damages on plant growth and function. Three main salinity tolerance mechanisms have been proposed: on exclusion – the net exclusion of toxic ions from the shoot; tissue tolerance – the compartmentalization of toxic ions into specific tissues, cells and subcellular organelles; and shoot ion-independent tolerance – the maintenance of growth and water uptake independent of the extent of Na+ accumulation in the shoot. In order to face with stresses plant make some internal signals which cause producing different compound and inducing stress resistance. Salicylic acid is one these resistances induced agent. Azealic acid is an organic compound which could increase salicylic acid accumulation in plants.
Materials and Methods: So that, the present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of azealic acid and saline irrigation on tomato vegetative and photosynthetic parameters in factorial design based on CRD with three replications. The treatments were salinity level (0, 100, 150 and 200 mM) and azealic acid (0, 8, 10, and 24 mg l-1). The experiment was conducted in pot and in the greenhouse. Gradually in a week salinity treatments applied for plants after that each week once azelaic treatments also applied in each plant. Two weeks later each gas exchange parameters and all parameters needed fresh plant were measured and at the end all parameters with dry matter measured. The photosynthesis traits like transpiration, photosynthesis rate, mesophyll conductance, stomata conductance some stress indices like proline and antioxidant phenol were measured.
Results and Discussion: Results indicated that with increasing salinity level biomass production reduced. It seems that with azealic supplement especially in AZ2 treatment with improving photosynthetic water use efficiency, stomatal and mesophyll conductance has positive effect on photosynthesis. Under low salinity level azealic acid was an effective treatment in photosynthetic parameters although when salinity exceeds more than 100 mM photosynthetic parameters even with azealic acid application reduced. Azealic acid causes a kind of osmotic balance following that the proline content of these treatment reduced. In all salinity levels when azaleic acid applied the phenolic compound increased significantly and the highest was in AZ3. Azaleic acid reduced the Na concentration of leaves it causing the most tolerate reason against salinity when the azaleic acid applied. Although the photosynthetic rate increased with azaleic acid it is not because of chlorophyll content, because the chlorophyll content decreased with azaleic acid. The increase of photosynthesis could be due to decreasing Na concentration of leaves and increasing defense system of plants. Chlorophyll florescence decreased even with azaleic acid in salinity, it means that azaleic acid cannot completely compensate the stress harmful effect. The growth was improved with azaleic acid in salinity; the improvement was greater in root weight compare with shoot weight. Azaleic acid not only prevent decreasing the weight but also improved them in salinity. In defense system of tomato it seems that antioxidant and phenol content were more effective than proline because they are increased with azaleic acid in saline condition effectively compare with proline.
Conclusions: Finally, it seems that until 100mM salinity level azealic acid with maintaining gas exchange capacity in optimum level and inducing osmotic balance could reduce salinity damages. Conclusively, when azaleic acid was applied in 8mg/l that it improved photosynthetic traits like stomata conductance, mesophyll conductance, and photosynthetic water use efficiency compare with control. Azaleic acid can improve the photosynthetic traits when salinity was in low level like 100mM. Proline which is amino acid role as a defense system of plants increased the osmotic adjustment in plant in response to azaleic acid
Research Article
Ahmad Sharifi; Azadeh Khadem; Maryam Moradian; Seyyedeh Mahdiyeh Kharrazi
Abstract
Introduction: Application of stress-tolerant rootstocks is known as one of the effective methods to enhance the productivity of fruit gardens. Pear is one of the four or five major classes of fruits that are produced worldwide. Among pear cultivars, Pyrodwarf rootstock is tolerant to alkaline soil and ...
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Introduction: Application of stress-tolerant rootstocks is known as one of the effective methods to enhance the productivity of fruit gardens. Pear is one of the four or five major classes of fruits that are produced worldwide. Among pear cultivars, Pyrodwarf rootstock is tolerant to alkaline soil and low temperatures of winter. In addition, many cultivars of pear with high productivity could be grafted to this rootstock. These advantages result in widespread culture of pyrodwarf rootstock in pear gardens. The increasing market demand of this rootstock presents an opportunity to investigate alternative methods for efficient production of pyrodwarf. Therefore, this study has been conducted to increase the efficiency of pyrodwarf propagation through tissue culture methods.
Materials and Methods: For this experiment, sterile plantlets of pyrodwarf rootstocks in a same growth phase were used. Plantlets were cultured in different 12 media including MS, WPM, KNOP, modified KNOP, QL and modified QL basal media supplemented with 0.5 mg.L-1 BA and 0.05 mg.L-1 IAA or IBA and solidified with 8 g.L-1 agar. After that, cultures were transferred to the growth room at 25 ± 1°C under a 16/8h light/dark photoperiod (light intensity 30 μmol.m−2.s−1, cool-white fluorescent light). In the next step for rooting optimization, two separate experiments were conducted. In the first, 10 different basal media containing various nutritional compounds were examined for rooting properties of pyrodwarf plantlets. The following experiment was performed to reveal the effects of IAA and active charcoal on the efficiency of plantlets rooting. All the experiments were carried out in acompletelyrandomized design. The study of propagation efficiency of plantlets was arranged in a factorial approach with twofactors including the type of basal media (sixlevels) and auxins (twolevels) with threereplications. The both experiments of plantlet rooting were performed with sevenreplications. Data were analyzed using JMP-8 statistical software and the meanswere compared by using LSD test at 5% probability.
Results and Discussion: All explants were regenerated 15 days after cultivation. The number of buds per explants indicates that nutritional compounds significantly affected bud formation. MS basal media induced the most number of adventitious buds and decreasing amount of nitrogen in the culture medium (either in its ammonium or nitrate form) leads to 50%-decrease in the number of buds induced per explant. Previous reports mentioned that macronutrients have the most significant effect on bud formation of peach hybrid rootstock GF677. In addition, high amount of nitrogen is necessary to achieve the highest height of pyrodwarfin vitro plantlets. In contrast to the basal media, neither bud formation nor height of plantlets did not affected by the type of auxins, IAA and IBA. Also weight of plantlets was similar in all treatments and shows the effect of basal media and auxins were not significant on biomass production. According to the results of rooting experiment, plantlets that were cultured in MS and DKW had higher height than QL and Knop in rooting phase. Also, 1/2 MS-cultured plantlets have the lowest height among all treatments. These results showed that macronutrients have positive effects on the growth of pyrodwarf plantlets as decreasing concentration; the growth of plantlets was inhibited. In contrast to shoot growth, number of roots per explants in 1/2 MS medium was significantly higher than the other media. These results are expected as shoots and roots of plants have different response to environmental stimuli. Data obtained from the following experiment of rooting indicated that IAA improved root induction similar toother functional traits of plants but the presence of both of those compounds in medium have inhibitory effect on the functional traits of plants.
Conclusion: These data suggest that macronutrients and hormonal compounds have impressive impact on the regeneration of pyrodwarf plantlets. In this regard, MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg.L-1 BA and 0.05 mg.L-1 IAA or IBA induced most number of buds and the regenerated plantlets hadthe highest height in that medium compared to the other treatments. Also, 1/2 MS medium containing 1 mg.L-1 IAA was identified as the best media in case of rooting parameters.
Research Article
Mehri Mahdavi-Fard; Abdolhossein Rezaei Nejad; Sadegh Mousavi-Frad
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Marigold species(Tagetes spp.) are ornamental plants which belong to Asteraceaefamily and their geographical dispersal occur mainly in temperate regions. Climate conditions, soil nutritional properties and water are considered as three important factors for plant growth. The ...
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Background and Objectives: Marigold species(Tagetes spp.) are ornamental plants which belong to Asteraceaefamily and their geographical dispersal occur mainly in temperate regions. Climate conditions, soil nutritional properties and water are considered as three important factors for plant growth. The majority of these plants are cultivated as bedding plant, flowerbed edging and mass planting from January through May in spring and early summer. During this period, plants are exposed to a wide range of temperature and light conditions. Light is an absolute requirement for plant growth and development. However, different plants have optimum requirements and both deficient and excessive light intensities are injurious. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different light intensity on the growth and flowering of two species of the Marigold under the late season planting dates, conditions in which young plants have to grow under high light intensity.
Material and Methods: In order to evaluate the effect of light intensity on the growth and flowering of two species of marigold (Tagetes erectaandTagetes patula), an experiment was conducted at the research station of Lorestan University (Khorramabad, Iran) in 2016. The experimental design was a split plot based on a completely randomized design with three replications. The treatments were consisted of three light intensity levels (600, 1200 and 1800 μmol m-2 s-1) as main factor and two species of marigold as a sub-plot factor. F1 seeds were growninto the pots containing equal amount of soil, sand and manure. Different levels of light intensities (1200 and 600 μmol m-2 s-1) were achieved by shading with one or two thin layers of green screen (Saran), respectively. Control plants were grown under natural light condition (no shading) with light intensity of about 1800 μmol m-2 s-1. The shading was applied at the two leaf stage until the end of the experiment. Plant height, stem diameter, numbers of axillary shoots, root length, internode length, leaf number, flower diameter, flower vase life, peduncle diameter, root, shoot and total dry and fresh weights, relative water content, chlorophyll and carotenoid content were measured at the flowering stage.
Results: The result of the present study showed that the effects of light intensity, species and their interaction effects were significant for plant height, leaf number, root length, flower diameter, leaf fresh weight, flower fresh weight, total fresh weight, leaf dry weight, stem dry weight, root dry weight, flower dry weight, chlorophyll a, carotenoids and total chlorophyll.The main effects of light intensity and species had also significant effects on stem diameter, flower vase life, stem fresh weight, root fresh weight, total dry weight and chlorophyll b. The highest mean of the most traits was found in plants grown under 600 μmol m-2 s-1, followed by that in 1200 μmol m-2 s-1. The mean comparison revealed that with increasing light intensity, plant height decreased in both cultivars. With decreasing light intensity, flower fresh and dry weight increased in T. erecta, while no differences were found in those of T. patula. The highest flower fresh and dry weight was found in T. erecta plants grown under 600 μmol m-2 s-1.In the present study, high light intensity had a detrimental effect on T.erecta as all plants died under the 1800 μmol m-2 s-1 level. However, under 600 or 1200 μmol m-2 s-1T. erecta performed much better than T. patulain most studied traits.
Discussions: The obtained results showed that by decreasing light intensity, plant height, internode length, stem diameter, leaf number, root length, number of axillary shoots, flower vase life and flower diameter increased which revealed that marigold is a sensitive plant to light intensity in late planting date, and so suitable planting date is very important for good performance of this plant. The responses of various species of marigold were different to light intensity and also toplanting date. Although the mean of most traits in T. erectawas higher compared to T. patula, T. erecta was more sensitive to light intensity compared to T. patulasince high light intensity could kill the T. erecta. Considering all the investigated traits, there is a possibility that high light intensity can affect marigold growth and development through oxidative stress. The results of present study suggest that, in late season planting conditions, T. patula and T. erectaare recommended for sunny and shaded area, respectively.
Research Article
Shadab Faramarzi
Abstract
Introduction: Ziziphus mauritiana is a plant from the family of Rhamnaceae. The fruits of Indian jujube contain high amounts of soluble sugars, non-volatile acids and phenolic compounds. Antioxidant properties and cytotoxic effects of the fruit, bark and seed of the Indian jujube has been reported. Also, ...
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Introduction: Ziziphus mauritiana is a plant from the family of Rhamnaceae. The fruits of Indian jujube contain high amounts of soluble sugars, non-volatile acids and phenolic compounds. Antioxidant properties and cytotoxic effects of the fruit, bark and seed of the Indian jujube has been reported. Also, it have been proven the effects of Indian jujube seed on insomnia and anxiety. Several studies have been conducted on genetic diversity based on morphological traits and molecular markers. This research was conducted to investigate the morphological traits including fresh weight, fruit length, fruit diameter, length and diameter of seed, firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), total phenol content (TPC) and antioxidant capacity of 11 Indian jujube varieties are located in Minab agricultural research station (longitude 57˚ 05, latitude 27˚ 06).
Materials and Methods: This experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Fruits were selected from trees in Minab agricultural research station and transferred to the laboratory of Minab education center. Some of fruits were also transferred to the laboratory of TarbiatModarres University and were liophylized in the Freeze-Dayer. The traits included fruit weight, length and diameter of the fruit, total soluble solids (TSS), tissue firmness and length and diameter of the seed were measured. Due to the abundant sugar content of the fruit, extraction was carried out using liquid-liquid method and with two solvents: ethyl acetate and distilled water. Total phenol content (TPC) was measured by Folinciocalteu in terms of mg of equivalent gallic acid/g of fruit dry weight. The phenolic compounds extracted was used to determine the antioxidant properties of the fruit. Scavenging of ABTS radical was calculated by spectrophotometry method at 734 nm wavelength.
Results and Discussion: The results showed that the fresh weight of the fruit was between 10.57 (Z3) and 23.66 (Z11) grams. In a study on 22 genotypes in Pakistan, fruit weight varied from 6.8 to 37.64 grams. The highest amount of fruit length to diameter ratio was seen in the genotype Z11 with a value of 5.76. For firmness parameter, the highest value was related to Z2. The highest amount of TSS was found in Z6 and Z9 genotypes (20.69 and 20.01 ˚Brix, respectively). The results of using two solvents for TPC extraction, had different results in studied genotypes. TPC extracted with ethyl acetate solution was highest in Z11 with 80 mg equivalent gallic acid / g of fruit dry weight, and then Z10 (70), Z5 (65), Z7 (60) and Z1 (55) genotypes were in order. The lowest amount of TPC was observed in Z2 with 38 mg equivalent gallic acid / g of fruit dry weight. The highest amount (45) of TPC extracted with water solvent was observed in Z10. In previous studies, it has been shown that the fruit of Indian jujube has high soluble sugars and high phenolic compounds. 12 phenolic compounds have been identified by HPLC from Indian jujube’s fruit, including caffeic, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, ferrolic acid and p-cumaric acid. The total phenol content and total flavonoid content was between 453.3 to 1298 mg equivalent gallic acid / 100 g of dry weight for seven Z. jujube species. Radical scavenging of ABTS˚ was different in ethyl acetate extracted solution in the studied Indian jujubes. The highest amount of ABTS˚ absorption was observed in the concentration of 40 ug of ethyl acetate extracted solution, in Z7 and Z11 genotypes, and the lowest radical inhibitory was seen in Z8. The highest IC50 in water and ethyl acetate solvents was related to Z6 and Z8 genotypes, respectively.
Conclusions: We can conclude that there was a significant morphological diversity in fruits of studied genotypes. In this study, genotype Z11 had the larger fruit than others (23.66 g), with the highest ratio of length to diameter. In a study on Indian jujubes in Pakistan, the highest fruit weight was 37.64 g. TSS in Z6 and Z9 genotypes was the highest amount (20 ˚Brix), and TSS in previous studies has been reported between 11 to 18. TPC and antioxidant capacity were different in all genotypes based on the used solvent (water and ethyl acetate). Therefore, different solvents can effect on the amount of phenolic content and radical scavenging properties. But, the highest TPC extracted with ethyl acetate solvent was observed in Z11 with 80 mg equivalent gallic acid / g of fruit dry weight, and the lowest amount was observed in Z2 with 38 mg equivalent gallic acid / g of fruit dry weight. From antioxidant capacity point of view, the highest amount of ABTS˚ absorption was observed in ethyl acetate extracted solution of Z7 and Z11 genotypes.
Research Article
Bahram Abedy; Behnam Esfandiyari
Abstract
Introduction: Citrus is highly sensitive to water and soil salinity. About 13 percent decrease of citrus yield per each 1 dS m -1 increase in salinity above 1.4 dS m-1. Arbuscularmycorrhizal (AM) fungi are probably distributed in most soils and approximately 90% of higher plant species examined interact ...
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Introduction: Citrus is highly sensitive to water and soil salinity. About 13 percent decrease of citrus yield per each 1 dS m -1 increase in salinity above 1.4 dS m-1. Arbuscularmycorrhizal (AM) fungi are probably distributed in most soils and approximately 90% of higher plant species examined interact with AM fungi.AM growth hyphae increased root level, water absorption efficiency and nutrient distribution specially phosphorus and zinc. More biomass and less proline content in citrange "carrizo" inoculated with Glomusintraradices in compare with non-inoculated treatment under different salinity levels. Two symbiosis AM (Glomusmosseae and Paraglomusoccultum) through growth improving, photosynthetic rate and root structure could reduce adverse effects of salinity under 100 mM sodium chloride concentration. We analyzed the impact of two mycorrhizal fungi under salinity stress. Our objectives were to determine how AM symbiosis can alleviate adverse effect of salinity and which of our mycorrhizal fungi show better results.
Materials and Methods: Seed of Flying dragon were sterilized by immersion in 70% alcohol for 4 min, rinsed 5 times with distilled water and germinated in jiffy pots at 27ºC. 25 g of fungi (Glomusmosseae and Paraglomusoccultum) per pot were used while non-AM fungi treatments received the same weight of growth media. The experimental design conducted in a completely randomized design as a factorial form. First factor was four levels of salinity (0, 50, 100 and 150 mMNaCl) and the second factor was two different genotypes of mycorrhizal fungi. Six replicates of each treatment were applied. Control treatments were irrigated with distilled water. Shoot and root dry weight were measured. Concentration of proline was measured by the method of Bates et al (3). AM colonization was estimated in according to with Hashem et al (14) with using light microscopy. Relative water content (RWC) was measured by Wu and Xia (28). The sucrose and glucose were determined by Wu et al (29) method. Na+, K+ and Ca+ concentrations in leaves were measured by using atomic absorption spectrometer. The data were analyzed by two factor ANOVA using JMP 7 software. Least significant difference (LSD, α
Research Article
Jeiran Ghanbari zade; Davood Naderi; Ahmad Reza Golparvar
Abstract
Introduction: Production of ornamental plants is a global trade. The economic value of ornamental plants has been significantly increased in the past two decades. These plants have high potential for continuous development of domestic and international markets in the future. Alstroemeria is a perennial, ...
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Introduction: Production of ornamental plants is a global trade. The economic value of ornamental plants has been significantly increased in the past two decades. These plants have high potential for continuous development of domestic and international markets in the future. Alstroemeria is a perennial, monocotyledon, ornamental plant which is used as a cut flower or potted flowering plant for the home and as herbaceous urban landscape plant. Popularity of this flower is increasing because of its beautiful flowers, wide range of colors (orange, pink, purple, red, yellow, white, and the other colors), year-round flowering, as well as high yield.Nowadays, soilless culture has been developed a lot. Permanent use of soil nutrients in developing countries without adequate replacement has reduced production capacity and nutrients of soils. Therefore, selecting a suitable substrate is one of the main factors in producing high quality potted plants. Many factors affect the quality and growth of flowers including medium. Thus, we try to use substrates which have positive effects on flowers’ quality and its growth. Such substrates must be economical without any pollution of water or soil.
Materials and Methods: In this study, the effects of peat moss, cocopeat, leaf manure and spent mushroom compost in three levels of 40, 60 and 80% in combination with Tuff mineral soil plus control treatment (100% of Tuff mineral soil) were investigated on growth characteristics and flowering of potted alstroemeria. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 13 treatments and four replications in the research greenhouses of Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) branch. Alstroemeria rhizomes (2 to 2.5 cm) were grown in four liter pots. About three centimeters of leca was poured in the bottom of each container and then pots were filled with specific volume ratios of substrates which had been mixed completely. After that, rhizomes were planted and pots were irrigated. Irrigation was carried out every three days in spring and every two days in summer. At the end of the experiment, the number of leaves, flowers and flowering branches, fresh and dry weight of the shoot, rhizome size and flower life were evaluated.
Results and Discussion: Results showed that the highest number of flowering branches, leaf number, rhizome size and shoot dry weight were observed in peat moss 80% treatment. The highest vase life of the flowers was obtained from peat moss 80% and cocopeat 40%. The highest shoot fresh weight was observed in peat moss80% and fungal compost60%. On the other side, the lowest number of leaves and flowers, rhizome size, fresh and dry weights of aerial part were obtained from compost80%. The lowest number of flowering branches was produced by compost 80%, leaf manure 40%, leaf manure 60%, and control treatments. Also, the least vase life of flowers was observed in Tuff mineral soil and compost 80%.
Conclusions: According to results, the presence of peat moss and cocopeat in the culture medium increased the growth and flowering characteristics significantly so that the highest means of traits were observed in media with higher peat moss amounts. In substrates containing peat moss, optimum absorption of nitrogen and potassium will improve the quantity and vase life of the flowers. Absorption of the adequate phosphorus causes better root growth and therefore better absorption of nutrients and increases the number, longevity and size of flowers. Better performance of organic substrates than mineral soils can be due to higher porosity and water holding capacity of these substrates. Considering the results obtained from chemical analysis of culture media, peat moss had a significant effect on plant growth and yield because of higher levels of manganese and zinc nutrients. On the other hand, the positive effect of cocopeat on increasing some of the studied traits may be due to the physical and chemical properties of this substance and its high ability to keep up water and nutrients which provide favorable growth conditions for plant. It seems that the use of this material in combination with the culture medium improves the nutrition, ventilation and growth of the plant; therefore, this medium is recommended for the growth of flowering plants, especially alstroemeria. The reason of decreased growth in media containing leaf manure can be high electrical conductivity of theses substrates.
