Research Article
Medicinal Plants
S. Sadeqifard; M. Azizi; S. Karimi Zinkanlu
Abstract
IntroductionGrowth regulators play a vital role in developmental stages of plants and their use can be improved the yield of crops. One of the most important compounds that used as growth regulators in recent years is salicylic acid. The application of salicylic acid in the activation of systemic acquired ...
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IntroductionGrowth regulators play a vital role in developmental stages of plants and their use can be improved the yield of crops. One of the most important compounds that used as growth regulators in recent years is salicylic acid. The application of salicylic acid in the activation of systemic acquired resistance, and metabolite synthesis and antioxidant enzymes has been proved. Also, salicylic acid as a natural compound has potential to prevent ethylene production and its effect. In order to evaluate the effect of salicylic acid in different concentration on yield and oils content of Ziziphora, a split plot experiment with three replications during 2014-2015 in the field of Agricultural Faculty of Shirvan and Ferdowsi University of Mashhad laboratories was conducted. Materials and MethodsThis research was conducted during 2014-2015 under field conditions in a split plot design in time, at Shirvan Agricultural Research Station (latitude 40 º / 37, longitude 93 º / 57 and with a height of 1097 m above sea level) and in laboratory Department of Horticultural Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Each plot had an area of 4 square meters in furrow planting way which the distance between rows were 50 cm and on rows 15 cm and were carried out on 25 March 2014. Irrigation was carried out immediately after planting, and a second irrigation was done 20 days later, once the seeds had germinated. Irrigation and weed control are also done manually once a week. Salicylic acid (Sigma Aldrich, 99.5%) in the three phases of plant growth (The onset of vegetative growth, throughout vegetative growth, and at the flowering stage), at concentrations (0, 10-2, 10-4 and 10-6 M) in three repeats were sprayed. The first spraying (The onset of vegetative growth) was done on April 3, 2014, the second spraying (throughout vegetative growth) on May 4, and the third (at the flowering stage) in early June 2014. The plants were harvested on July 20. To measure the dry weight of the plants, the samples were dried in the shade for a week. Essential oil content was determined using a 30-gram dry sample in 500 ml of water through hydro-distillation with a Clevenger apparatus for 4 hours. For biochemical characteristics first samples extract were obtained. To prepare extracts, dry samples were milled then one gram of each sample was transferred to the 50 ml Erlen and 10 ml of 80% methanol was added and shaken for 24 hours. After 24 hours the extract was filtered using filter paper then used for measuring phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity. Phenol measurement: phenolic content was measured using the Folin reagent. In 5.0 mL of each extract (10 milligrams per ml) 5.2 ml Folin reagent was added. After five minutes, 300 ml of a molar sodium carbonate solution is added and maintained in a 40 °C bath for 30 minutes. The sample absorbance at 760 nm was measured by a spectrophotometer against the blank. Gallic acid was used as the standard for calibration curve. Flavonoids measurement: Flavonoid content of the samples were measured using aluminum chloride reagent. In 5.0 ml of methanol extract (10 milligrams per ml), 5.1 ml of methanol, 1.0 ml of 10% aluminum chloride, 1.0 ml of a molar potassium acetate and 8.2 ml of distilled water was added. The mixture kept in dark for 30 minutes and absorbance at a wavelength of 415 nm was read against the blank. Quercetin was used as the standard for calibration curve evaluation. JMP statistical software was used to analyze the data. Results and DiscussionBased on the results, the application of salicylic acid significantly affected fresh and dry weight, plant height, and phenol and flavonoid content (P < 0.01), but had no significant effect on essential oil percentage or yield. The highest fresh weight (264.763 grams per square meter) and dry weight (93.11 grams per square meter) were obtained with the application of 10⁻² molar salicylic acid during vegetative growth, while the lowest fresh and dry herb yields were observed in the control group. Maximum height of plants (29.01 cm) was related to 10-2 M salicylic acid during vegetative growth and the lowest of plant height (23/24 cm) was related to control treatment at the time of flowering. The highest amount of phenols (0.504 mg equivalents gallic acid per gram of dry weight) was detected in plants treated with 10-2 M salicylic acid during vegetative growth and the lowest phenols (0.248 mg equivalents gallic acid per gram of dry weight) was reported in 10-2M salicylic acid and during vegetative growth. The highest amount of flavonoids (0.31 mg equivalent Quercetin per gram of dry weight) was obtained in 10-4 M salicylic acid treatments during vegetative growth and the lowest of them (0.176 mg equivalent Quercetin per gram of dry weight) was in 10-6 M salicylic acid treatment at the beginning of vegetative growth. ConclusionsIn conclusion the results showed that the highest amount of fresh and dry weight and plant height was under the conditions of 10-2 M salicylic acid concentration and during vegetative growth and the best yield of essential oils, phenols and flavonoids in during vegetative growth and 10-4M salicylic acid concentration was obtained.
Research Article
Growing vegetables
Z. Khalili; F. Nekounam; T. Barzegar; Z. Ghahremani; M. Farhangpour
Abstract
IntroductionTomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) belongs to the Solanaceae family, which is one of the most widely cultivated and economically important vegetables in the world, which is an excellent source of ascorbic acid and has high antioxidant capacity against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. ...
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IntroductionTomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) belongs to the Solanaceae family, which is one of the most widely cultivated and economically important vegetables in the world, which is an excellent source of ascorbic acid and has high antioxidant capacity against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Ascorbic acid (AsA) is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a key physiological role in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enzyme cofactor. Ascorbic acid is antioxidant and anti-stress agent, and also acts as a signaling molecule in some plant physiological processes and defense mechanisms. Positive roles of such antioxidants in scavenging or chelating the free radicals and activating the natural resistance against different biotic and abiotic stresses have been reported in several fruit trees. Calcium has a vital role for normal growth and development of plants due to an important role in balancing membrane structures, increasing nutrient uptakes and activates of metabolic processes. Calcium plays a vital role in maintains cell wall stability, integrity and determining the fruit quality. To our knowledge, however, little information is available regarding the interaction effect of ascorbic acid and calcium chloride on tomato. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the foliar application of ascorbic acid and calcium chloride on quality and antioxidant capacity of tomato fruit. Materials and MethodsTo study the effect of foliar application of calcium chloride (Ca) and Ascorbic acid (AsA) on growth, yield and fruit quality of tomato, the field experiment was carried out from June to September 2021 at Research farm of faculty of Agriculture, at the University of Zanjan, Iran. Each treatment was carried out with three replicates. Different concentrations of Ca (0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 %) and AsA (0, 100, 200 and 300 mg.l-1) were sprayed three times (0, 15, 30 days after full bloom). Fruits were harvested at two harvests stage (orange and red color) and transferred to the laboratory on the same day. Flesh firmness was determined with penetrometer (model Mc Cormic FT 32), using an 8 mm penetrating tip. Results were expressed in kg cm-2. The pH values of solutions were monitored with pH meter. TSS was measured in the extract obtained from three fruit of each replicate with a digital refractometer Atago PR-101 (Atago Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) at 20◦C. Total ascorbic acid content was expressed as mg per 100 g of juice. Antioxidant activity was measured using the free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and calculated according to the following formula: RSA%= 100(Ac-As)/Ac. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS software package v. 20.0 for Windows, and means comparison were separated by Duncan’s multiple range tests at p< 0.05. Results and DiscussionThe results showed that fruit harvested at red color stage had higher vitamin C, total soluble solid (TSS), total phenol, flavonoids contents and antioxidant capacity compared to fruit harvested at orange color stage. Foliar application of AsA and Ca had significantly improved tomato fruit quality. The highest value of TSS (4.9 °B), vitamin C (46.1 mg.100 ml-1), total phenol and flavonoids contents and antioxidant capacity (36%) was achieved with application of 300 mg.l-1 AsA and 0.9% Ca in fruit harvested at red color harvest time. The lowest value of pH and highest TA was observed in red color fruit treated with 300 mg.l-1 AsA and all Ca levels. Ca had significant effect on fruit firmness, which the highest fruit firmness was obtained from 0.9% Ca. The fresh tomato is an important source of ascorbic acid for human consumption. AsA significantly increased the amount of vitamin C in the plum and sweet pepper fruits. Increasing vitamin C content in fruits after treatment with Ca could be related to inhibiting action of calcium on the activities of ascorbic acid oxidase that use ascorbate as a substrate. The results indicated that treatment of Ca produced fruits with higher firmness compared to control and other treatments. Firmness and resistance to softening can be increased by the addition of Ca, due to interaction of calcium with pectate acid in the cell wall to form calcium pectate and retarding polygalacturonase activity. Differences in the percentage of TSS content at the time of harvest indicated the AsA and Ca effects on carbohydrate accumulation in fruits, which had different potential on respiration rates and consequently storability of plants. The antioxidant activity has positive correlation with total phenolic content, flavonoids and content of ascorbic acid. ConclusionsThe results of our research indicated that per-harvest foliar application of AsA and Ca improved fruit quality attributes including vitamin C, fruit firmness, TSS and antioxidant activity. These results suggest that AsA and Ca treatments, especially AsA 300 mg.l-1 and Ca 0.9%, may be proposed to improve fruit quality.
Research Article
Pomology
M. Jalali; N. Moallemi; E. Khaleghi; S. Zivdar; M. Rahmati-Joneidabad
Abstract
IntroductionThe date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) tree tolerate high temperatures, drought and salinity more than other fruit crop, that is why date palm tree is named the tree of life in the desert. Date palm (Phoenix dactiylifera) is one of the fruit tree crops that is cultivated in arid region of ...
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IntroductionThe date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) tree tolerate high temperatures, drought and salinity more than other fruit crop, that is why date palm tree is named the tree of life in the desert. Date palm (Phoenix dactiylifera) is one of the fruit tree crops that is cultivated in arid region of Middle East and North Africa having a significant role on the economy of many countries in these regions. Fruit thinning is one of the major operation for improving the quality of dates as also for other fruit trees. Quality of dates is improved by increasing fruit weight and size and regulating date palm production by reducing the magnitude of year to year production affecting the date palm. Date palm orchard operations include all operations that are repeated annually to produce date fruit. Alternate bearing is common phenomenon in date palms. The thinning is one of the main methods that often helps to solve this problem. The main purpose of thinning is to create a suitable balance and often to increase the leaf to cluster ratio. It is creating a balance between vegetative growth and flowering and reducing the possibility of aging in the alternate bearing. Fruit thinning is one of the necessary operations that affects the growth, quality, fruit yield and regulation of the alternate bearing of the tree. The thinning process is performed manually, mechanically and chemically. Therefore, choosing a thinning method that saves time and money is necessary for date palms, especially in critical situations. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of manual and chemical thinning on the qualitative characteristics of date fruit at different stages of development for the Khadrawi cultivar. Materials and MethodsAn experiment was carried out as factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with 3 replications at Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in 2022 and 2023. The Experimental factors included: hand thinning (No hand thinning, removal of 33%, removal of 25% of the total number of strands) and chemical thinning (zero, 50 and 100 mg per liter of naphthalene acetic acid). Chemical and strand thinning were done in the Hubabok stage (about 4 weeks after pollination) and the Kimri stage (12 to 13 weeks after pollination), respectively. In two consecutive years, the fruits were transferred to the plant physiology laboratory of the Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. The qualitative traits such as total soluble solids (%), pH, total acidity (%), taste index, antioxidant activity (%), total phenol (mg.g-1 FW), total soluble tannin (mg.g-1 FW), ascorbic acid (mg.g-1 FW), poly-galacturonase enzymes (U.g-1 FW), methyl pectin esterase (U.g-1 FW), cellulase (U.g-1 FW) and invertase (U.g-1 FW) and the percentage of reducing (%), non-reducing (%) and total sugars (%) were measured. Results and DiscussionThe results of this experiment showed that in the Tamar Stage, the interaction of hand and chemical thinning improved the qualitative characteristics of the fruit and on the characteristics of soluble total tannin, polygalactronase activity, pectin-methylesterase and reducing and total sugars, and the effect of hand thinning on total and percentage phenol and Non-reducing sugar and chemical thinning had a significant effect on ascorbic acid and cellulase enzyme. The results showed that there was upward trend in amount of total soluble solids, pH, total acidity, taste index, poly-galactronase, pectin-methyl-esterase, cellulase and invertase enzymes and the reducing and total sugars from the Kimri to Tamar stage. Also, there was downward trend in amount of total phenol, total soluble tannin content, ascorbic acid, and non-reducing sugar percentage from the Kimri stage to the Tamar. ConclusionsThe Khadrawi date variety has short strands, which results in a significant density of fruits on the strands of a cluster, which leads to large changes between fruits in most of the biochemical properties and has a negative effect on marketability. Fruit thinning is one of the most important agronomic practices in groves, as it enhances the quality characteristics of the fruit. Although hand thinning is more expensive, time-consuming, and relatively more difficult than chemical thinning, our findings showed that the quality of date fruit from the Khadrawi cultivar improved with the removal of 25% of the total number of strands and with chemical thinning using 100 mg/liter of naphthalene acetic acid. These treatments are recommended for palm growers.
Research Article
Growing vegetables
K. Poorhossein; B. Abedy; M. Shoor
Abstract
Introduction
Urban agriculture, as one of the basic features of urban planning, helps to increase the quality of urban life due to its cultural, economic and social benefits. However, pollution with heavy metals in cities causes the accumulation of these metals in different parts of planted plants and ...
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Introduction
Urban agriculture, as one of the basic features of urban planning, helps to increase the quality of urban life due to its cultural, economic and social benefits. However, pollution with heavy metals in cities causes the accumulation of these metals in different parts of planted plants and also the risk of consuming them for food in urban green spaces.
Materials and Methods
This study was conducted to assess the amount of heavy metal absorption and its effect on some biochemical and physiological properties of peppermint plant (Mentha piperita L.), in Mashhad city in 2021.The experiment was carried out as a factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor (location) were phase 4 Park (with high degree of contamination) and Nasim Park (with low degree of contamination). The second factor was the times of harvest (June15, July15 and August 15). At the time of every harvest fully developed leaves were collected to evaluate the traits.
Results and Discussion
The results of analysis of variance indicated that the effect of location was significant on all traits except for the yield of essential oil. Also, the effect of harvest time was significant on all traits except for peroxidase activity and the yield of essential oil. However, the interaction of location and harvest was significant only on phenol, flavonoid, proline, cadmium and lead concentration. The results indicated that the ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and peroxidase activities were higher in phase 4 Park. Moreover, the highest activities of ascorbate peroxidase, catalase and peroxidase were recorded in phase 4 + first harvest. Heavy metals cause the production of reactive free radicals and also increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes. However, the chlorophyll a, b, carotenoid and total chlorophyll contents were higher in Nasim. Thus, the highest contents of Chla, Chlb, Chltotal and carotenoid were observed in Nasim + first harvest. The higher amount of chlorophyll and carotenoids in the first harvest is due to the optimal growth conditions such as day length and sunlight and ambient temperature. In addition, total phenol, flavonoid, proline, Cd and Pb elements indicated a reducing trend in phase 4 compared to Nasim Park in different harvest times, but the amount of these traits were higher in the first harvest than in the subsequent harvests. Increased amount of total phenol in the first harvest can be related to the high air temperature at the first harvest which caused stressful conditions in this stage. Proline production also increases under heavy metal stress to help protect the plant against toxicity. However, the percentage of essential oil showed an increasing trend with enhanced absorption of Pb and Cd in phase 4 compared to Nasim Park. The higher percentage of essential oil in phase 4 may be attributed to reduced leaf growth due to the higher presence of heavy metals in that area.
Conclusions
Overall, while the concentration of Pb exceeded the global standard level in both parks, contamination with Cd and Pb (especially Pb) was greater in phase 4 than in Nasim Park, contributing to reduced growth traits in peppermint plants. Regarding harvest times, the first harvest exhibited better growth characteristics and higher absorption of heavy metals due to the plant's greater vigor. In contrast, the third harvest showed lower growth characteristics and weaker absorption of Pb and Cd, likely due to the energy expended for regrowth.
Research Article
Medicinal Plants
B. Rahimkhani; M. Naseri; A. Ahmadian; M. Alipanah
Abstract
Introduction
Historically, medicinal plants have been one of the most important resources for therapeutic purposes, and even today, their use is expanding in many developed countries. Salinity stress is a major factor that limits plant growth by reducing metabolic and physiological activities. One of ...
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Introduction
Historically, medicinal plants have been one of the most important resources for therapeutic purposes, and even today, their use is expanding in many developed countries. Salinity stress is a major factor that limits plant growth by reducing metabolic and physiological activities. One of the effects of salinity stress is the increased production of abscisic acid in plants. In recent years, the use of seaweed and its extracts has been tested as a method to mitigate the effects of salinity stress on plants. According to the studies conducted in some plants, seaweed extract can cause the growth and expansion of the roots and help to increase the absorption of water and minerals through the roots. Also, based on the research conducted on some plants, the use of seaweed increases the amount of chlorophyll in the plant and accelerates the time of flowering and fruit formation in the plant. Echium amoenum is a perennial plant belonging to the family Borage is a valuable plant in terms of its medicinal properties is considered. In general environmental factors have a significant effect on flower production in these plants. Therefore, for the successful cultivation of medicinal plants, including in general environmental factors have a significant effect on flower production in these plants. Therefore, for the successful cultivation of medicinal plants, including Echium amoenum, providing optimal environmental conditions is a priority, providing optimal environmental conditions is a priority. Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract contains significant amounts of high-use mineral elements such as nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and low-use mineral elements such as iron, copper, and manganese. Therefore, according to the current results, in this study, the effect of foliar spraying of algae extract was investigated. The morphological characteristics of Echium amoenum seedling under salt stress were investigated
Materials and Methods
In order to investigate the effects of foliar spraying of seaweed extract on borage flower seedlings under salinity stress conditions, a factorial experiment was conducted with two factors of seaweed and salinity stress with sodium chloride salt, in the form of a completely randomized design in the greenhouse. The seeds were purchased from Pakan Seed Company of Isfahan and soaked in normal water for 24 hours, and then they were transferred into small pots containing three parts of peat moss and one part of perlite. One week after transferring the seedlings to the main pots, foliar spraying with seaweed extract was done. Foliar-spraying was repeated once every two weeks and in total the seedlings were sprayed three times with seaweed extract. In this experiment, a concentration of 1500 ppm of seaweed extract and three levels of salinity (EC=1.6, 4, 8) were used. The seaweed extract used in this experiment belonged to Akadin Company. The type of seaweed from which the extract was prepared was Ascophyllum nodosum and it is a type of brown algae. One week after the first foliar application of seaweed extracts, the application of salinity stress began. In order to prevent shock in plants, salinity treatment was done gradually and in three stages. In order to prevent salt accumulation, washing with ordinary water was done once every two weeks.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that the use of seaweed extract can significantly protect plant growth under salinity stress. Seaweed extract increased the amount of proline and potassium in the leaves of the plant and thereby reduced the harmful effects of salinity stress on the borage plant. In addition, foliar spraying of borage plant with the use of seaweed extract increased the amount of chlorophyll in the plant, and in this way, by increasing the amount of photosynthesis in the plant; it helped the plant to grow better under salt stress conditions. The results of this research indicate that the use of seaweed extract helps plants maintain their health under salt stress by increasing proline levels and enhancing potassium absorption in plant tissues. Additionally, foliar spraying with seaweed extract preserves the chlorophyll structure in plants experiencing salinity stress, thereby increasing photosynthetic efficiency and promoting better growth under such conditions.
Conclusions
Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that seaweed can mitigate the negative effects of salinity stress in Iranian borage seedlings. Furthermore, due to its low cost and availability, it can serve as a suitable bio-fertilizer to support plant growth in saline conditions.
Research Article
Pomology
S.A. Mousavi; A. Vatankhah; A. Imani
Abstract
Introduction
Almond (Prunus dulcis L.) is one of the valuable nut trees that is cultivated in many temperate regions and Mediterranean climatic conditions for domestic consumption and export. Almond belongs to the genus Prunus, from the Rosaceae family. Identifying and introducing genotypes and cultivars ...
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Introduction
Almond (Prunus dulcis L.) is one of the valuable nut trees that is cultivated in many temperate regions and Mediterranean climatic conditions for domestic consumption and export. Almond belongs to the genus Prunus, from the Rosaceae family. Identifying and introducing genotypes and cultivars of late bloom is one of the most important goals of almond breeding programs. The correct choice of almond rootstock causes better management of the garden, compatibility with all types of soil and resistance to nematodes. Peach × almond hybrid has been the most widely used rootstock in both dry and irrigated conditions in the past years. Creating an orchard by selecting grafted genotypes on suitable rootstock for sustainable cultivation of almonds is particularly important. Cultivation of superior genotypes grafted on fruit trees has an effect on pomological characteristics, yield and quality of nuts. The requirement for the introduction and production of superior cultivars is an accurate selection between cultivars, which is possible through the identification of cultivars and their diversity. The purpose of this research is to investigate and evaluate the most important vegetative, phenological, quantitative, and qualitative characteristics of nuts and kernels in 36 promising cultivars and genotypes grafted onto GN15 rootstock, with the goal of identifying and introducing superior cultivars.
Materials and Methods
In this research, 36 promising almond cultivars and genotypes on GN15 rootstock were investigated in garden conditions in terms of various vegetative traits, nut and kernel characteristics in order to obtain suitable commercial cultivars. This research was conducted at the Badam research station in Saman region affiliated to the Center for Research and Education of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province as a randomized complete block design with three replications. The cultivars and genotypes studied are presented in Table 1. Vegetative traits of tree height, canopy length, canopy width, and branch length were measured by meter in the garden, and rootstock diameter, scion diameter, and branch diameter were measured in the garden with calipers. In order to measure the nut and kernels, 100 fruits were harvested from each of the studied cultivars and genotypes at the time of fruit ripening, and their green shell was separated and dried. Measurement of traits such as length, width, diameter of nut and kernel was done by digital caliper and weight of nut and kernel was measured by digital scale with accuracy of 0.01. Coding of some traits was done based on almond descriptor (Gülcan, 1985) with some changes. The data obtained from the experiment were analyzed using SAS software (version 3.1.9). To compare the means, Duncan's multiple range test was used at the 5% probability level.
Table 1- Promising cultivars and genotypes examined in this study (based on the sent label of the scion)
Cultivar/genotype
Cultivar/genotype code
Cultivar/genotype
Cultivar/genotype code
TS-16
GA1
2-29 (D7)
GA 19
D
GA 2
100-1-1
GA 20
TS-21
GA 3
2-0-4
GA 21
TS-14
GA 4
3-1-4
GA 22
Aviz
GA 5
TS-18
GA 23
A8
GA 6
D2
GA 24
B8
GA 7
TS-30
GA 25
100-1-8-1
GA8
1306 (Tabriz genotype)
GA 26
2-3-2
GA 9
AH2 (Tabriz genotype)
GA 27
TS-11
GA 10
108 (Tabriz genotype)
GA28
( 1/16) 1-16
GA 11
Yalda
GA29
3-1-15
GA 12
Saba
GA 30
13-40
GA 13
Shamshiri (Shahrekord)
GA 31
TS1
GA 14
AY (Shahrekord)
GA 32
8-35
GA 15
Mamaei
GA 33
85
GA 16
AN2 (Shahrekord)
GA 34
35
GA 17
AN4 (Shahrekord)
GA 35
B6
GA 18
AN5 (Shahrekord)
GA 36
Results and Discussion
According to the results of analysis of variance (ANOVA), there was a statistically significant difference at the level of 1% between the attributes of tree height, canopy width, rootstock and scion diameter, branch length and diameter, and the ratio of tree height to canopy length. (P<0.01). The results of variance analysis show that there is a significant difference between the investigated nut and kernel traits in promising cultivars and genotypes grafted on GN (Table 5). These differences show the diversity in the investigated traits and it is possible to choose cultivars for different values of the same trait. Based on the average comparison results of the vegetative traits, the highest height in genotypes GA4, GA3, GA35, The highest canopy width was observed in genotypes GA5, GA17, GA3, and GA20, GA15, GA5, the highest diameter of rootstock and scion, and the highest length and diameter of one-year branches were observed in genotype GA18. The results of the comparison of the average nut and kernel characteristics show that there is a significant difference in the cultivars and genotypes investigated in this research. The results of the comparison of the average nut and kernel characteristics show that there is a significant difference in the cultivars and genotypes investigated in this research. Based on the obtained results, cultivars and genotypes of GA5, GA24, GA12, GA9 and GA1 showed relative superiority in terms of nut and kernel traits. The results of this research showed that the GA35 genotype grafted on the GN15 rootstock had the highest length, width and diameter of the nut, and the highest weight of nut and kernel. The kernel color light, the without shrinking the kernel and the highest percentage of kernel and the highest ratio of kernel weight to nut weight.
Conclusions
The results of this research showed that the examination of vegetative traits, nuts and kernels in the studied cultivars and genotypes could show the diversity between cultivars and genotypes. The results showed that the investigated cultivars and genotypes have significant differences in terms of all nut and kernel traits, which indicates the existence of diversity between the investigated cultivars and genotypes. This indicates that these cultivars and genotypes can be considered a valuable source of germplasm for breeding programs. Cultivars and genotypes with a higher kernel percentage had thinner shells, more patterns on the skin, and light to medium kernel color. Based on the results, the cultivars and genotypes GA5, GA24, GA12, GA9, and GA1 demonstrated relative superiority in terms of nut and kernel traits. The research also showed that the GA35 genotype grafted onto GN15 rootstock had the greatest nut length, width, and diameter, as well as the highest nut and kernel weight. Additionally, GA35 had light kernel color, no kernel shrinkage, the highest kernel percentage, and the highest kernel-to-nut weight ratio.
Research Article
Growing vegetables
F. Shakarami; S. Mousavi-Fard; A. Rezaei Nejad; F. Beiranvand
Abstract
Introduction
Salinity in water and soil stands as a crucial environmental factor that significantly hampers global agricultural production. Over recent decades, the escalating demand for irrigation in arid and semi-arid regions has intensified this issue, making it a major agricultural challenge. Salinity ...
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Introduction
Salinity in water and soil stands as a crucial environmental factor that significantly hampers global agricultural production. Over recent decades, the escalating demand for irrigation in arid and semi-arid regions has intensified this issue, making it a major agricultural challenge. Salinity stress, characterized by reduced water absorption, heightened salt uptake (especially sodium, chlorine, and boron), and the generation of reactive oxygen species, induces oxidative stress in plants, severely impacting their growth and overall performance. To enhance plant tolerance to salinity stress, elicitors are employed as a short-term and viable solution to mitigate the adverse effects of stress. Copper, serving as a cofactor and essential element for numerous enzymes involved in photosynthesis and respiration processes, plays a crucial role in sustaining natural plant growth and metabolism. Copper ions function as cofactors in enzymes like superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD) and polyphenol oxidase, contributing to the removal of reactive oxygen species. However, the absence of this element in plants cultivated in alkaline and saline soils of arid and semi-arid regions can lead to nutritional disorders. In this context, copper nanoparticles emerge as a suitable alternative to chemical fertilizers due to their rapid and efficient effects. Their use not only mitigates the negative consequences of excessive fertilizer application but also decreases the frequency of applications. The Persian leek (Allium ampeloprasum subsp. Persicum) is a valuable edible-medicinal plant native to Iran, belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family. It holds significance in Iran as a key leafy vegetable, valued for its freshness and high processing potential among horticultural plants. Given the nutritional and medicinal importance of Persian leek and the prevalence of salinity stress, this study aims to explore the impact of copper nanoparticle spray in modifying the effects of salinity stress on the morphophysiological and biochemical characteristics of Persian leek.
Materials and Methods
A factorial experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with three replications in the research greenhouses of Lorestan University's Faculty of Agriculture. The experimental conditions included daytime temperatures ranging from 20 to 28 °C, nighttime temperatures from 15 to 20 °C, relative humidity set at 60-70%, and a light intensity of 400-500 µmol.m-2.s-1. The first factor involved foliar spraying of copper nanoparticles at control levels (zero), 150, and 300 mg.l-1, while the second factor comprised salinity stress at control levels (zero), 50, 100, and 150 mM sodium chloride. F1 seeds were obtained from Pakan Bazr Company and planted in 1.5-liter pots, with each pot containing three plants. The copper nanoparticles were applied through foliar spraying twice on the shoot parts at the four-leaf and six-leaf stages. Salinity stress was introduced one week after the foliar application, implemented through irrigation once every three days at a level corresponding to 90% of the field capacity. The soil mixture comprised an equal ratio of agricultural soil, cow manure, and sand, maintaining a clay-sand loam texture. Following three months of applying salt stress, a comprehensive assessment of morphophysiological characteristics was carried out. This included the measurement of plant height, stem and bulb diameter, leaf count, fresh and dry weights of stem, root leaf, root volume and length, shoot/root ratio, dry matter (%), stress tolerance index, relative water content (RWC), electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde content, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll stability index, as well as the activity of peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase.
Results and Discussion
The results indicated that salinity stress had a detrimental impact on various aspects of plant growth, including a decrease in plant height, stem and bulb diameter, leaf number, and the fresh and dry weights of the stem, bulb, and root. Additionally, there was a reduction in root volume and length, along with decreased levels of photosynthetic pigments. The percentage of electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde content, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, namely peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase, also increased, highlighting the adverse effects of salinity stress on plant development. The decline in plant growth can be attributed to multiple factors, including diminished cell division, ionic imbalance, reduced water absorption, impaired uptake of essential elements, and the impact of toxic ions, particularly sodium and chlorine. Other contributing factors include impaired absorption, regeneration, and metabolism of nitrogen and protein, as well as stomatal closure, collectively resulting in reduced photosynthetic efficiency. Salinity stress further leads to a reduction in soil water potential and an increase in the osmotic pressure of the soil solution. Consequently, the plant requires more energy to absorb water from the soil, leading to increased respiration and alterations in the hormonal balance of plant tissues, ultimately causing a decrease in growth and negative effects on the plant. The application of copper nanoparticles at both concentrations demonstrated positive effects on various growth components, including plant height, stem and bulb diameter, leaf count, and the fresh and dry weights of the stem, bulb, and root, as well as increased root volume and length. Additionally, the use of copper nanoparticles resulted in a decrease in the percentage of electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content, coupled with an increase in the concentration of photosynthetic pigments and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase. Notably, the concentration of 150 mg.liter-1 exhibited a more pronounced effect in enhancing plant growth, with a diminishing impact observed at higher concentrations. Copper \nanoparticles improve plant growth under stress conditions by influencing the content of cellular antioxidants and modulating the hormonal balance of plant tissues.
Conclusions
The findings of this study indicated that increased salinity stress led to higher electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content, along with a reduction in RWC and photosynthetic pigments. These changes caused a decline in the morpho-physiological characteristics of Persian leek. However, salinity stress also increased the activity of peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes. Foliar application of copper nanoparticles under these conditions had beneficial effects on the plants. Specifically, at a concentration of 150 mg.liter-1, the negative effects of salinity stress on the morpho-physiological indices of Persian leek were alleviated. This improvement was due to an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes, RWC, and the concentration of photosynthetic pigments.
Research Article
Growing vegetables
F. Yarmohammadi; A. Motallebi-Azar; S. Kazemiani; Mina Amani
Abstract
Introduction
Considering the sensitivity of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) to viruses, the production of virus-free plants through in vitro cultivation and their propagation leads to a reduction in costs and an increase in yield. One of the effective methods of reducing plant diseases and producing ...
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Introduction
Considering the sensitivity of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) to viruses, the production of virus-free plants through in vitro cultivation and their propagation leads to a reduction in costs and an increase in yield. One of the effective methods of reducing plant diseases and producing disease-free microtubers is the use of in-vitro production methods. Considering the role and importance of macro elements and micro elements in the growth of microtubers, it is possible to change the composition of MS culture medium by changing the concentration of salts of macro elements and micro elements without disturbing the balance of elements. This experiment aims to investigate the effect of different concentrations of macro elements (2 Mac, Mac, ½ Mac) and micro elements (2 Mic, Mic, ½ Mic) of MS culture medium in combination with two concentrations of sucrose (80 and 160 g.l-1) was performed on in vitro micronodulation of Agria potato.
Materials and Methods
This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of macroelements (2 Mac, Mac, ½ Mac) and microelements (2 Mic, Mic, ½ Mic) in the MS culture medium, combined with two sucrose concentrations (80 and 160 g.l-1), on in vitro microtuberization of Agria potato. The study was conducted as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications in the plant tissue culture laboratory of the Department of Horticultural Sciences at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz. Lateral buds obtained from in-vitro shoots were used as explants and were cultured under sterile conditions on different culture mediums for the purpose of microtuberation, and the cultures were kept in continuous darkness and at a temperature of 18±2°C were kept in the growth room. During one month, Microtuber initiation rate and after two months, microtuber formation characteristics were measured.
Results and Discussion
The results of the analysis of variance showed that the effect of the concentration of micro elements and the interaction effects of micro elements with different concentrations of sucrose and macro elements were significant only in the case of two traits, the percentage and the speed of microtuber initiation, while all microtuber traits productivity was significantly affected by the interaction of micro elements and macro elements. In all culture mediums with 8% sucrose, the initiation percentage of microtubers was 100% and the initiation rate was also maximum. However, the highest percentage of microtuber formation, weight, length, diameter and number of buds on microtuber was obtained in 2Mac culture medium with 16% sucrose. The results showed that the microtuber that had more weight and size had a higher percentage of dormancy and the buds on the microtuber were not able to germinate and produce microtuber during the stages of microtuber formation.
Conclusions
For all traits related to microtubers, except for the percentage and speed of microtuber initiation, the effects of microelements, macroelements, and sucrose were not significant. This indicates that the three factors investigated do not independently enhance microtuber formation in the Agria variety. Regarding micronodulation traits, the interaction effect of low-consumption elements with the other two factors was also not significant, suggesting that the concentration of low-consumption elements is not critical for micronodulation in the Agria variety. In all culture media with 8% sucrose, the initiation percentage of microtubers reached 100%, and the initiation speed was at its maximum. However, when the concentration of macroelements was doubled and 16% sucrose was used, both the initiation percentage and speed of microgland formation in the Agria variety showed a significant decrease. The percentage of microtuber formation, weight, length, diameter and number of buds on the microtuber in Agria cultivar were significantly affected by the mutual effect of the concentration of macro elements and sucrose, and the 2 Mac culture medium has 16% sucrose in the first priority and the ½ culture medium Mac with 8 % sucrose in the second priority was better than the other treatments in terms of the investigated traits. In this research, it was found that the produced microglands with greater weight and size had a higher percentage of dormancy and during the stages of microglandogenesis, the buds on the microtubers were not able to germinate and produce microtubers.
Research Article
Pomology
S.M Gholami; M. Hadadinejad; H. Moradi; H. Sadeghi
Abstract
Introduction
Bud dormancy is one of the important issues in planting and cultivation of fruit trees that needs to be addressed in many trees such as orange (Citrus sinensis). Bud dormancy involves cessation of horizontal and vertical growth, lack of budbreak, and reduction in plant activity during cold ...
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Introduction
Bud dormancy is one of the important issues in planting and cultivation of fruit trees that needs to be addressed in many trees such as orange (Citrus sinensis). Bud dormancy involves cessation of horizontal and vertical growth, lack of budbreak, and reduction in plant activity during cold weather. One of the commercial orange cultivars is Tarocco blood orange which compared to older blood cultivars, is larger in size and with lower alternate bearing has higher marketability. The nursery trees of this cultivar are grafted on sour orange, citrange, and vigorous rootstock of citrumelo (a hybrid between trifoliate orange and grapefruit) (Talon et al., 2020). One of the major problems of nurserymen in spring grafting of Tarocco cultivar on vigorous citrumelo rootstock is the failure of about 50 percent of buds to break compared to other cultivars on the same rootstock and other similar rootstocks. This unwanted dormancy leads to a one-year delay in the nursery tree production process and unnecessary occupation of nursery space. Given the commercial importance of blood orange and the adverse effects of bud dormancy on yield and fruit lifetime, solutions are used to control and overcome this problem. One of the effective solutions is the application of cytokinins which can stimulate the growth of graft buds (Yadav & Saini, 2018).
Materials and Methods
This research was conducted in a citrus nursery at the University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources of Sari, in late May 2022. Citrumelo seedlings were grown in 5.3 liter pots containing a loamy-silt soil mix in the nursery location. Tarocco cultivar buds were prepared from a seven-year-old mother orchard and T-budding was performed in June (during rootstock bark slipping). All hormone treatments were applied after graft union and before bending the branch using a soft brush on the graft buds. The applied treatments included hormone treatment (control, 5000 mg.l-1 benzyladenine, 1000 mg.l-1 kinetin, and 50 mg.l-1 thidiazuron) and treatment time (13, 15, and 17 days after grafting). After two months, some traits related to budbreak and growth of the grafted buds were evaluated.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that thidiazuron and benzyladenine treatments had better effects compared to kinetin treatment on spring budbreak and initial growth of Tarocco grafted buds. In a way that 50 mg.l-1 thidiazuron treatment had the highest number of sprouted buds (67.91), largest leaf area (118.04 cm2), highest number of leaves (16.50), especially when applied 13 days after grafting. Also, in leaf size related traits, leaf area indices, graft growth rate as well as chlorophyll and carotenoid content of Tarocco graft leaves were significantly affected by different hormonal treatments and application times, with 50 mg.L-1 thidiazuron being more effective than other treatments. Cytokinins can promote division and expansion of leaf cells and thereby result in increased cell numbers and improvement of different leaf parameters. Also, cytokinins regulate important physiological processes like photosynthesis. Application of these materials provides cell division especially in areas like buds and growth points and also possibly more buds may form on the spring graft by using these treatments during the grafting process which can lead to increased bud break and faster plant growth (Cook & Bahar, 2017). Increasing cytokinin levels can stimulate the photosynthesis process which results in increased food production, leaf growth and ultimately increased leaf area. On the other hand, cytokinins affect plant metabolism and can regulate production and accumulation of different growth factors. This may lead to a better balance in nutrient distribution and metabolic activities which in turn aids leaf area increase (Hodchek et al., 2023). Finally, according to the obtained results, it can be recommended to nurserymen of this cultivar to use 50 mg.L-1 thidiazuron 13 days after grafting as a practical and effective strategy for increasing spring budbreak, growth and development of Tarocco buds grafted on citrumelo.
Conclusions
In general, based on the results, the application of 50 mg.l-1 of thidiazuron 13 days after grafting can be considered a practical and effective strategy to enhance bud awakening, as well as the growth and development of Tarocco spring shoots on citronmelo. This practice is recommended for producers of seedlings of this cultivar.
Research Article
Ornamental plants
S. Mirzaei; M. Chehrazi
Abstract
Introduction
Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta) (Daffodil) with the scientific name (Narcissus tazetta) is a perennial bulbous plant from the Amaryllidaceae family (Mozafarian, 1996; Ghahraman & Atar, 2000). Narcissus is one of the most important ornamental bulbous plants that is used as a cut flower ...
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Introduction
Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta) (Daffodil) with the scientific name (Narcissus tazetta) is a perennial bulbous plant from the Amaryllidaceae family (Mozafarian, 1996; Ghahraman & Atar, 2000). Narcissus is one of the most important ornamental bulbous plants that is used as a cut flower and a potted plant. Our country has a huge source of native daffodils. Iran, with its climatic diversity, vast area of fertile land and abundant solar energy, is one of the centers of the propagation of plant species is important. Today, plant genetic resources are considered as the most valuable and vital resources of any country. Ornamental plants such as narcissus have been important for mankind since ancient times. They are valuable for their beauty, but also for their medicinal properties and as a food source (Chehrazi et al., 2008; Farahmand & Khosh-Khui, 2007). Considering the importance of the product in the mentioned cases, preserving the valuable native narcissus plant of our country has many economic and social benefits, also to prevent its extinction. Therefore, this project was carried out to collect and evaluate native daffodil genotypes and introduce superior genotypes.
Materials and Methods
In this research, the bulbs of narcissus native genotypes were collected from natural narcissus fields in different regions of the country (Khuzestan, Mazandaran, Fars, Ilam and Khorasan provinces). Then bulbs were planted in the research field of the Ornamental Plants Research Institute and the morphological and physiological characteristics of the daffodils were evaluated in the field, including the height of the flowering stem, number of leaves, number of flowers, flowering period, chlorophyll and flavonoid content, bulb size, number and fresh and dry weight were measured. Measuring methods are explained below. Flowering branch height: The height of the narcissus flower branch from the point of contact with the soil to the tip of the flower was measured by a ruler in centimeters. Number of leaves: The number of leaves in each narcissus plant was counted. Number of flowers in each branch: The number of flowers in each branch of narcissus was counted. Flowering period: the number of days from the appearance of the first flower to the time the flowers withered was counted. The size of daughter bulbs: The diameter of daughter bulbs in each narcissus plant was measured by calipers in millimeters. Number of daughter bulbs: The number of daughter bulbs in each narcissus plant was counted. Fresh and dry weight of daughter bulbs: The bulbs of each narcissus plant were removed from the soil. After cleaning the onions from the mud, the onions were weighed by an accurate digital scale, which was recorded as fresh weight, in grams. The onions were then placed in the oven for 72 hours and then weighed again by a precision digital balance, which was recorded as dry weight in grams. Amount of chlorophyll and carotenoids was measured by the method of Maxwell & Johnson, 2000 and amount of flavonoids was measured by the method of Chang et al. (2002).
Results and Discussion
According to the results of this experiment, Mazandaran and Ilam genotypes showed the highest values for morphological indices. By comparing different populations of Narcissus Shahla, it was observed that the population of Mazandaran with (16.38 cm) had the highest height of flowering stem, with (11.9) had the highest number of flowers, with (55.34) had the highest number of leaves, with (47.33 days) had the longest flowering period, with (8.53) had the largest number of girl onions, with (48.39 mm) had the largest size of girl onions, with (15.88 g) had the highest fresh weight of girl onions, with (10.68 g) had the highest dry weight of girl onions. Also, Khuzestan and Mazandaran genotypes showed the highest values for physiological indices. It was observed that the population of Khuzestan with (2.229 mg.g-1) had the highest amount of chlorophyll, with (1.594 mg.g-1) had the highest amount of carotenoids and with (1.525 mg.ml-1) had the highest amount of flavonoids.
Conclusions
Comparisons of morphological and physiological characteristics of native Iranian narcissus in the field and post-harvest period in different populations of native narcissus (Shahla and Porpar) showed that native Iranian narcissus is a plant suitable for planting in green spaces. The planting of these plants in the area of Mahalat has been successful and if cultivated, along with daily care, weeding and regular watering, it is completely suitable for surface production. Planting native narcissus can be recommended for cities with a climate similar to Mahalat. In order to achieve this, we can introduce the native daffodils of Mazandaran and Ilam regions as the best genotypes. Because in terms of morphological indicators, they have the highest stem height, number of flowers, number of leaves. Also, In order to use a flower pot in the home or office environment, the native daffodils of Khuzestan and Mazandaran regions can be introduced as the best genotypes.
