Research Article
Breeding and Biotechnology of Plant and Flower
Davood Hashemabadi; Behzad Kaviani; Kobra Shakeri Kiasaraei; Rasoul Onsinejad; Mohammad Reza Safari Motlagh
Abstract
Introduction Tulip flower (Tulipa L.) from the family Liliaceae is a bulbous and monocotyledon plant that has the highest level under cultivation among this family group. Tulips can be propagated by seeds and bulbs. Its seeds produce bulbs up to two years after planting and it takes ...
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Introduction Tulip flower (Tulipa L.) from the family Liliaceae is a bulbous and monocotyledon plant that has the highest level under cultivation among this family group. Tulips can be propagated by seeds and bulbs. Its seeds produce bulbs up to two years after planting and it takes six years for the bulbs to reach the flowering stage. In fields, the quality characteristics of flowers can be changed to some extent by changing some planting characteristics such as planting pattern and plant density. Some researchers have reported changes in the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of various crops and orchards, including ornamental plants, with changes in planting pattern and plant density. One effect of changes in planting patterns and plant density is alterations in photosynthesis and plant growth regulators. The purpose of this study was to identify the best planting pattern and determine the optimal planting density, as well as to examine the impact of these factors on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of tulip (Tulipa L.) cv. 'Spryng'. Materials and MethodsTo evaluate the effect of planting pattern and density on growth and flower characteristics of tulip cv. ʹSpryingʹ, present study study was conducted as a factorial experiment based on completely randomized block design (RCBD) with 3 replications in 27 plots. The first factor was three planting patterns (square, triangle and rectangle) and three planting densities (25, 45 and 65 plant/m2) as the second factor. Morphological and physiological traits such as height, length and diameter of stem, leaf and flower, flowering time, cut flower number, flower longevity, number, diameter and weight of bulb and bulblet, and the content of chlorophyll and carotenoid were measured. Statistical analysis of data was performed with SAS 9 software and mean comparison of the data with LSD test at 5% probability level. Graphs were drawn in Excel. Results and DiscussionResults showed that the maximum number of cut flowers (59.90) was counted in plants cultivated in triangle cultivation design with planting density of 65 plants/m2. The lowest time to start of flowering (69.30 days) and the highest content of leaf chlorophyll (13.57 μg/ml) was obtained in plants cultivated in trianle cultivation design with planting density of 45 plants/m2. The most flower longevity (12.73 day) and the highest content of carotenoid (1.68 μg/ml) was obtained in plants cultivated in square cultivation design with planting density of 45 plants/m2. The height of the flowering stem is one of the important traits for the marketing of cut flowers. The results of the present study showed that the height of the tulip plant was affected by plant density and planting pattern. This result was consistent with the results reported by some researchers. At low plant densities, long plant spacing reduces plant competition for water and nutrient uptake, resulting in larger plant growth and leaf size. Also, long plant distances cause the roots to develop and grow, and the leaves to grow and thicken. Increasing the vegetative competition of adjacent plants at high densities causes photosynthetic organs to be placed in the shade (change in the quantity and composition of the received radiation spectrum in the shade leaves), which has a great effect on the balance of plant growth regulators, resulted in longitudinal and superficial growth of plant organs. It intensifies the longitudinal growth of the petiole and accelerates all the developmental processes of the plant. Plant morphology and angle of leaf deviation can also be effective in increasing leaf size. Uniform distribution of plants and greater absorption of light and nutrients increased leaf length and width. The results revealed that plants compete for light and nutrients, and in these competitive conditions, roots and stems are taller than optimal, and the distance between nodes increases. The effect of planting pattern on flowering process can be related to changes in plant photosynthesis and the availability of photosynthetic materials for the developing reproductive parts. Changes in planting distance or pattern can alter inflorescence characteristics by affecting root growth and modifying the production of plant growth regulators in the roots. These regulators are then transferred to the aerial parts, influencing inflorescence characteristics. Adjusting the planting distance or pattern can also impact various traits of bulbs and bulblets in bulbous plants. Competition for receiving maximum light and photosynthesis is a key factor in changing bulb and bulblet traits. This competition is influenced by planting arrangement and plant density. Some studies have shown that planting pattern and plant density affect the amount of plant pigments such as chlorophyll and carotenoids, the main reason being the difference in light intake.
Research Article
Breeding and Biotechnology of Plant and Flower
Leila Baghazadeh Daryaii; Davood Samsampoor; Abdoolnabi Bagheri; Jelveh Sohrabipour
Abstract
Introduction
Endophytes have symbiosis life within the plant tissues without causing any obvious negative effects. Seaweeds are one of the large and diverse groups of marine plants that play an essential role in marine and oceans ecosystems. Seaweeds show rich diversity of associated microorganisms ...
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Introduction
Endophytes have symbiosis life within the plant tissues without causing any obvious negative effects. Seaweeds are one of the large and diverse groups of marine plants that play an essential role in marine and oceans ecosystems. Seaweeds show rich diversity of associated microorganisms in compare with the other multicellular organisms. Citrus species, are amongst the most important evergreen fruit trees, cultivated in many countries worldwide. There are several obstacles for citrus production in southern of Iran, limiting continuity of citrus production. Lack of suitable soil, salinity and drought stresses are the main challenges threatening citrus industry in southern of Iran. Similar to other citrus species, the production of Mexican lime is threatened by certain biological stresses (such as pests, plant diseases and weeds) and non-biological stresses (such as salinity, drought, floods, cold and heat stress). Endophytes are advantageous group of microorganisms that protect plants from biotic and abiotic stresses. One of the alternative ways to restore normal plant growth may be to use plant growth to stimulate endophytes. Endophytes can play an important role in plant growth. Endophytes from marine environment are gaining special interest because of their existence in the harsh conditions of marines and ocean ecosystem such as temperature, light availability, high salinity and osmotic stress. Endophytes have already been isolated from various marine habitat, including marine plants, marine invertebrates and vertebrates. Among these organisms, seaweeds are one of the most prevalent sources of marine-derived fungi and bacteria for chemical studies. The purpose of this study was the isolation of associated fungi and bacteria endophytes with seaweed species in Persian Gulf to investigate morphological and molecular characterization by using PCR amplifications ITS1-5.8S-ITS4 regions and 16s rRNA gene respectively. Here, we have evaluated the potential of inoculating Mexican lime seedlings with seaweeds fungi and bacteria endophyte combination, (Aspergillus niger+ Bacillus aquimaris OD14), to improve morphological, biochemical, antioxidant and photosynthesis pigments characterizes of Mexican lime in salinity condition.
Materials and Methods
The main aim of this study was to investigate the role of endophytic fungi (Aspergillus niger) and bacteria (Bacillus aquimaris OD14) in improving the growth of Mexican lime seedlings. The seaweed samples were collected from coastal regions of Bushehr province and Qeshm Island. Fungi and bacteria endophytes were isolated and identified base on morphological and molecular methods. Molecular characterization was investigated using PCR amplification of ITS1-5.8S-ITS4 regions and 16s rRNA gene respectively. Mexican lime seeds were sterilized with 0.5% sodium hypochlorite for 20 minutes and then completely distilled three times with distilled water. Seedlings pots containing autoclaved soil were placed in the greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Hormozgan University. The experiment was arranged as a factorial experiment based on randomized complete randomize design with three replications. Isolated fungi and bacteria by MT420720 and MT278260 accession numbers were used in eight months old Mexican lime seedlings. The suspension was adjusted to a concentration of 1×106 cell per ml for fungi and 1×108 cell per ml for bacteria inoculums. For better contact of seedlings with endophytes, inoculation was performed three times. After three months, salinity stress was applied. morphological (Leave, Stem and Root dry and fresh weight), biochemical (Protein, MDA and soluble sugars), antioxidant capacity (CAT, POD, SOD, APX and Gr activity) and photosynthesis pigments (Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, Total Chlorophyll and Carotenoids) characteristics in treated Mexican lime seedlings and control were analyzed. Analysis of variance of traits was performed using SAS software version 9.4 and the means were compared using LSD method with a probability level of P≤0.05.
Results and Discussion
The results show that most characterizes were significant compare with control. For example, in 6000 µs/cm water salinity, leave fresh weight (203.49%), root fresh weight (347.41%), stem fresh weight (206.81%) and root dry weight (421.95%) were significantly higher compared with control (P>0.001). Endophytes inoculation can significantly improve photosynthesis pigments such as chlorophyll a (65.21%), chlorophyll b (11.9%), total chlorophyll (28.39%) and carotenoids (59.09%) (P>0.001) compare with control. In antioxidant capacity of seedling, CAT, POD, SOD, Gr and APX were analyzed, Endophytes can increase enzymes activity. For biochemical characterizes, in 6000 µs/cm water salinity, endophytes can significantly increase soluble sugars (17.85%) and decrease MDA (35.18%) in inoculated seedlings compare with control (P>0.001).
Conclusion
The results showed that the use of endophytic fungi and bacteria can increase the growth of Mexican lime seedlings under salinity stress. Thereby it can be used as an effective tool for growing salinity-sensitive plants in saline conditions.
Research Article
Growing vegetables
Parastoo Molaei; Fatemeh Nekounam; Mohammad BabaAkbari Sari
Abstract
Introduction Over time, water deficit and environmental pollution by traditional agriculture that forces the producer to contribute to competitive and sustainable agriculture. Leafy vegetables are beneficial to human health, therefore, to adapt an eco-friendly approach in some vegetables, the partial ...
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Introduction Over time, water deficit and environmental pollution by traditional agriculture that forces the producer to contribute to competitive and sustainable agriculture. Leafy vegetables are beneficial to human health, therefore, to adapt an eco-friendly approach in some vegetables, the partial substitution (25–50%) of mineral NPK by biofertilizers in lettuce improves the yield and agronomic features and produces healthy plants for human nutrition as well. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) from Asteraceae family is considered as one of the most popular salad vegetables as a cool season crop. PGPB (Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria) are rhizosphere bacteria that improve plant growth through a broad range of processes, i.e., phosphate solubilization, biological nitrogen fixation, siderophore manufacturing, phytohormone manufacturing, antifungal activity, systemic resistance induction and plant-microbe symbiosis promotion. The promoting of growth and yield of horticultural crops such as cucumber, potato, tomato and spinach by plant growth promoting bacteria inoculation at nutrient solutions under soilless systems have also been reported. Material and Methods In order to study the effect of growth-promoting bacteria on the yield, iron concentration and phenolic compounds of lettuce (Lactuca sativa cv. New Red Fire) under floating systems, the experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three replications in the Research greenhouse of University of Zanjan, during 2020. Experiment treatments consisted of five levels of PGPB (Pseudomonas vancouverensis, Pseudomonas koreensis, Pantoea agglomerans, Pseudomonas putida, and one level of combined bacteria (Pantoea agglomerans+ Pseudomonas koreensis + Pseudomonas putida+ Pseudomonas vancouverensis)) and control plant (without bacteria treated). Application of bacteria was done in two stages, one step before cultivation as seed inoculation and the next step as root inoculation. Lettuce plants grown in hydroculture condition with Hoagland nutrient solution. Growth conditions were environmentally controlled at a relative humidity of 60/70 % day/night and temperature was maintained between 20 and 17 °C. At 40 days after transplanting date, the lettuce head were harvested. The freshly harvested lettuce head were immediately weighed separately of each plant for fresh weight determination. Leaf samples were dried at 72 °C for 48 h in a drying oven and kept for further investigations. Also, leaf number per plant, chlorophyll and carotenoids contents, Fe concentration, total phenol, total flavonoids and anthocyanin contents were measured. ResultsThe obtained results in the current study indicated that the application of PGPB on lettuce caused significant increase in growth, photosynthetic pigments and iron concentration. The maximum growth rate and photosynthetic pigments content was observed in combined four bacteria treatment, so that, an increase of 388.2% chlorophyll a, 439.8% chlorophyll b, 398.3% total chlorophyll, 246.3% carotenoids contents, 42.6% plant fresh weight and 22.2% number of leaves was obtained compared to control plants. Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) can enhance growth and development of plants. PGPB have direct and indirect influences on plant growth process. The immediate promotion of growth involves either supplying the plant with a compound produced by the bacteria, i.e., phytohormones, or promoting certain nutrient uptake from the setting. Whereas, the indirect plant growth promotion happens when PGPB decreases or prevents the deleterious impacts of one or more phytopathogenic species. Plants inoculated with PGPB showed higher leaf iron concentration compared to control plant. Thus inoculation with combined four bacteria induced a 26.2 % increase of lettuce leaves iron concentration. The obtained results in the current study revealed that the inoculation with PGPB significant decreased the total phenol, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents. The maximum content of phenol (483 µg g-1FW), flavonoid (188.1 µg g-1FW) and anthocyanin (27.5 µmol g-1FW) were observed in control plants compared to treated plants. Conclusion According to the results of this research, the use of PGPB in the hydroculture system, on the one hand, led to a significant increase in iron absorption, the synthesis of photosynthetic pigments, and subsequently promote growth and increases lettuce yield. On the other hand, due to facilitating the growth conditions and increasing the absorption of nutrients for the host plants as a result of inoculation with PGPB, led to a decreases of phenolic compounds including total phenol, total flavonoid and anthocyanin contents.
Research Article
Pomology
Javad Samimi; Yahya Selahvarzi; Ali Tehranifar; Nasser Beikzadeh
Abstract
IntroductionPear (Pyrus communis L.) is a cold-climate fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, and it is native to Western Asia and Eastern Europe. Fire blight disease is caused by the gram-negative bacterium Erwinia amylovora, and it is considered one of the most damaging and harmful diseases in ...
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IntroductionPear (Pyrus communis L.) is a cold-climate fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, and it is native to Western Asia and Eastern Europe. Fire blight disease is caused by the gram-negative bacterium Erwinia amylovora, and it is considered one of the most damaging and harmful diseases in pome fruit trees in cold and temperate regions worldwide. The most sensitive plant organ in pome fruit trees to this disease is flowers. Fire blight disease has five important stages, from initial infection to the final death of the tree trunk. These five stages include blossom blight, fruit blight, leaf blight, main branches, and trunk blight, and finally, root blight. The first and most important stage of pathogenicity in fire blight disease begins in early spring under high humidity, causing the burning and death of the flower. Materials and MethodsThe Rootstock used in this experiment were Dargazi and Pyrodwarf, and the cultivars studied were Koshia and Dargazi. The experiment was conducted in two conditions, orchard and greenhouse. In the orchard, a factorial experiment was carried out in a completely randomized block design with five repetitions. The factors studied were Rootstocks (Dargazi and Pyrodwarf) and cultivars (Koshia and Dargazi). In the greenhouse, a factorial experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three repetitions. The factors studied were Rootstocks (Dargazi and Pyrodwarf) and cultivars (Dargazi and Kosha). Gardner scale was used to measure the severity of fire blight infection. In addition, the levels of sucrose, sorbitol, and pH in leaf tissue were measured. The sucrose content in the leaf tissue of Koshia/Pyrodwarf Rootstock increased from day 0 to 6 and reached its highest level (10%) on the 6th day, then decreased to 5% on the 12th day. In the Dargazi/Pyrodwarf base, sucrose levels increased from day 0 to 6 and reached its highest level (8%) on the 6th day, then decreased to 5% on the 12th day. In the Dargazi/Dargazi base, sucrose levels increased from day 0 to 6 and reached its highest level (7%) on the 6th day, then decreased to 4% on the 12th day. The sorbitol content in the leaf tissue of Koshia/Pyrodwarf base increased from day 0 to 6 and reached its highest level (2%) on the 6th day, then decreased to 1% on the 12th day. In the Dargazi/Pyrodwarf Rootstock, sorbitol levels increased from day 0 to 6 and reached its highest level (1.5%) on the 6th day, then decreased to 1% on the 12th day. In the Dargazi/Dargazi Rootstock, sorbitol levels increased from day 0 to 6 and reached its highest level (1%) on the 6th day, then decreased to 0.5% on the 12th day. On the other hand, the pH of the leaf tissue in the Dargazi/Pyrodwarf base remained constant at 6.2 from day 0 to 12 and increased to 7.4 on the 12th day. Results and DiscussionThe rootstock used in this experiment were Dargazi and Pyrodwarf, and the cultivars studied were Koshia and Dargazi. The experiment was conducted in two conditions, orchard and greenhouse. In the orchard, a factorial experiment was carried out in a completely randomized block design with five repetitions. The factors studied were rootstocks (Dargazi and Pyrodwarf) and cultivars (Koshia and Dargazi). In the greenhouse, a factorial experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three repetitions. The factors studied were Rootstocks (Dargazi and Pyrodwarf) and cultivars (Dargazi and Koshia). Gardner scale was used to measure the severity of fire blight infection. In addition, the levels of sucrose, sorbitol, and pH in leaf tissue were measured. The sucrose content in the leaf tissue of Koshia/Pyrodwarf Rootstocks increased from day 0 to 6 and reached its highest level (10%) on the 6th day, then decreased to 5% on the 12th day. In the Dargazi/Pyrodwarf Rootstock, sucrose levels increased from day 0 to 6 and reached its highest level (8%) on the 6th day, then decreased to 5% on the 12th day. In the Dargazi/Dargazi Rootstock, sucrose levels increased from day 0 to 6 and reached its highest level (7%) on the 6th day, then decreased to 4% on the 12th day. The sorbitol content in the leaf tissue of Koshia/Pyrodwarf Rootstock increased from day 0 to 6 and reached its highest level (2%) on the 6th day, then decreased to 1% on the 12th day. In the Dargazi/Pyrodwarf Rootstock, sorbitol levels increased from day 0 to 6 and reached its highest level (1.5%) on the 6th day, then decreased to 1% on the 12th day. In the Dargazi/Dargazi Rootstock, sorbitol levels increased from day 0 to 6 and reached its highest level (1%) on the 6th day, then decreased to 0.5% on the 12th day. On the other hand, the pH of the leaf tissue in the Dargazi/Pyrodwarf Rootstock remained constant at 6.2 from day 0 to 12 and increased to 7.4 on the 12th day. The collected data from both orchard and greenhouse experiments were analyzed to determine the effects of Rootstock and cultivar on fire blight resistance. ConclusionThe results showed that the combination of Koshia/Dargaz had higher resistance to fire blight compared to Koshia/Pyrodwarf. Additionally, the pH and carbohydrate content in the leaf tissue of the rootstock affected the growth and proliferation of fire blight bacteria. This study demonstrated varying levels of resistance to fire blight among the studied combinations, indicating significant potential for breeding and improving pear resistance to this disease. The Dargazi cultivar exhibited very high resistance to fire blight in both orchard and greenhouse conditions. Overall, the resistance of the Dargazi rootstock contributed to the resistance of the sensitive Koshia cultivar.
Research Article
Medicinal Plants
Mehdi Kakaei
Abstract
Introduction and Objective
The garlic (Allium sativum) is a plant that is known all over the world as a food additive or flavoring and also because of its medicinal properties. Garlic is chemically diverse, and many compounds have been extracted and tested from it, including Allicin, diallyl sulfides, ...
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Introduction and Objective
The garlic (Allium sativum) is a plant that is known all over the world as a food additive or flavoring and also because of its medicinal properties. Garlic is chemically diverse, and many compounds have been extracted and tested from it, including Allicin, diallyl sulfides, and ajoene, which are probably the most studied compounds in garlic. Garlic has antibacterial activity, cardiovascular effect, stimulation of the immune system and also has an effect on cancer. Therefore, given the statistics on rainfall and the excessive extraction pressure on underground water sources, large-scale research on drought in agriculture is essential. Drought is a significant limiting factor in agricultural production, preventing maximum plant yield. Thus, comparing performance in various environmental conditions (stressed and non-stressed) and selecting cultivars under such conditions can help evaluate their resistance to stress. Drought and water limitation are among the most important problems affecting the agricultural sector to increase the efficiency and optimal production of crops in the world, including Iran. Successful crossing of land requires research and applied research in this sector. But few studies have been performed in connection with garlic medicinal plant. Therefore, the present study was designed and implemented with the aim of investigating yeild indicators in two environmental conditions (environment with supplemental irrigation and dry environment) in garlic plant with the help of drought tolerance indicators.
Materials and Methods
In this research, in order to investigate the genetic diversity of garlic ecotypes, sieve and to identify resistant ecotypes in dry land, 6 garlic ecotypes with the arrangement of randomized complete blocks design with three replications in the crop year 2023 in two stress environmental conditions drought and without drought stress was designed and implemented in the educational-research farm of Payame Noor University in Asadabad. The studied drought tolerance indices are: yield index (YI), stress tolerance index (STI), harmonic mean index (HAM), average productivity index (MP), yield stability index (YSI), sensitivity index to stress (SSI) and tolerance index (TOL) were based on the economic yield of garlic in two environmental conditions of drought stress and without drought stress. Correlation was calculated between tolerance indices and yield under drought stress conditions and supplementary irrigation conditions, and based on the analysis of these correlations, tolerance indices were selected and the most appropriate indices were selected in both environmental conditions, including drought stress conditions and supplementary irrigation that had a good correlation with yield were selected. Finally, after identifying the most favorable indicators, a three-dimensional statistical graph was used to determine drought-tolerant cultivars with high yield in both environmental conditions, in which the yield in supplementary irrigation conditions on the X-axis, the yield in stress conditions (rain) was shown on the Z-axis and one of the above-mentioned selected indicators on the Y-axis. To show the relationship between three variables and distinguish group A from other groups (B, C and D) as well as the usefulness of the mentioned index as a criterion for selecting cultivars with high yield and tolerance to drought, X-Z level by drawing cross lines to four groups A, B, C and D were divided and because in a three-dimensional diagram only the relationship between three variables can be evaluated, to study more than three variables at the same time, bi-plot diagrammatic display based on analyzes Multi-variables were drawn with the help of the digit-index data matrix to determine the relationships between digits and drought tolerance indices in a single image. Before performing data analysis, the presence of outliers was checked. Statistical analysis of the data was done using Minitab version 15 and SPSS version 26.
Results and Discussion
Based on the results of analysis of variance, the yield index in normal humidity conditions and the yield index in drought stress conditions were significant at the probability level of one percent (P≤1%). In this study, STI, SSI, MP, GMP, HAM, YI, YSI, DI and STS indicators were significant at the probability level of one percent (P≤1%), which indicates the diversity among ecotypes. garlic in terms of the studied indicators. Based on the decomposition into main components for drought tolerance indices, both the first and second components justify 94% of the changes. According to the correlation table, the correlation between yield in normal humidity conditions (Yp) with yield traits in drought stress conditions (Ys) and MP, GMP, HAM, YI, ATI, YSI and STS indicators has a positive and significant correlation. be in the bi-plot diagram, ecotypes Bahar2 and Soolan are located near STI, ATI, GMP and MP indicators, which are indicators of drought tolerance. These two ecotypes (Bahar2 and Soolan) are also located in they were placed in the first group, so it can be concluded that according to the biplot diagram, these ecotypes were desirable and indicative ecotypes. Based on cluster analysis, ecotypes are classified into two statistical groups, the first group includes ecotypes Maryanaj, Bahar1 and Emam zadeh koh (Toeejin), and the second group includes ecotypes Bahar2 and Soolan and Asadabad. Ecotypes with lower yield are placed in the first group and ecotypes with higher and more suitable yield are placed in the second group.
Conclusion
Based on all the statistical analyses used in the research, the Bahar2 and Soolan ecotypes had the highest biomass yield. The overall results of this research indicated the very important and useful role of drought tolerance indices in differentiating the studied ecotypes.
Research Article
Medicinal Plants
Faeze Rezvaninia; Mohammad-Taghi Ebadi; Naser Safaie
Abstract
Introduction
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a perennial and monocotyledonous medicinal and spice plant, whose rhizome, essential oil and extract are of interest, and this plant has wide uses in various industries. The origin of ginger is Southeast Asia and possibly India. This plant is mainly cultivated ...
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Introduction
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a perennial and monocotyledonous medicinal and spice plant, whose rhizome, essential oil and extract are of interest, and this plant has wide uses in various industries. The origin of ginger is Southeast Asia and possibly India. This plant is mainly cultivated as an annual and the rhizome or the underground stem is the used part. It should be noted that the use of biological fertilizers can improve the growth and yield of plants and is also the most natural and best way to keep soil systems healthy. In addition, benefiting from natural solutions instead of using chemicals reduces pollution and destruction of biological resources. The use of Arbuscular mycorrhizal and Trichoderma fungi can leads to a reduction in the consumption of fertilizers and fungicides and an increase in yield, and also reduces production costs and is compatible with environmental principles. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Trichoderma harizanum, mycorrhiza (Glomus etunicatum and G. fasciculatum) and the combined treatment of fungi (G. etunicatum + T. harizanum, G. fasciculitum + T. harizanum) on the growth parameters, rhizome yield and active substances of ginger.
Materials and Methods
This research was conducted as a factorial experiment based on a completely random design in the research greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University. The rhizomes were transferred to the greenhouse and cultivated in pots with amended soil. These plants were inoculated with Trichoderma (T. harizanum), Mycorrhiza (G. etunicatum and G. fasciculatum) and combined treatment of fungi (G. etunicatum + T. harizanum, G. fasciculatum + T. harizanum). During the growing season and harvesting, the morphological characteristics and rhizomes yield were evaluated, and then the essential oil content and composition, the amount of fiber and the color of the rhizomes and precisely. The effect of treatments on ginger stem traits contains: Stem Fresh Weight (g), Stem Dry Weight (g), Number of Stems and Stem Length (cm), Leaf Traits contains: Leaf Dry Weight (g), Leaf Fresh Weight (g), Number of Leafs, Greenness Index, Rhizome Traits contains: Rhizome Dry Weight (g), Rhizome Fresh Weight (g), Darkness/Lightnees Indicator, Yellow/Blue Indicator, Rhizome Crude Fiber (%), Essential oil Traits contains: Essential oil Percentage, Essential oil Yield were investigated. Abbreviation of treatments include contains: Control, M1 (G. fasciculatum), M2 (G. etunicatum), T1 (T. harizanum), M1T1 (G. fasciculitum + T. harizanum) and M2T1 (G. etunicatum + T. harizanum).
Results and Discussion
The results showed that the inoculation with G. etunicatum had the highest value of stem length (35.68 cm), fresh and dry weight of the stem (22 and 10.2 g), Spad index (18.17), fresh and dry weight of leaves (34.46 and 8.96 g), number of leaves (9.46) and fiber content of rhizome (4.28%). Also, the highest number of stems, darkness/brightness index and yellow/blue color index of rhizome were observed in the control treatment with values of 7.16, 73.29 and 98.6 respectively. The highest fresh and dry weight of rhizome (35.5 and 5.2 g) were observed in the inoculation with G. fasciculitum treatment and the highest percentage of essential oil (0.4) was observed under the combined treatment of the inoculation with G. etunicatum. Camphene, 1,8-cineole, neral and geranial were identified as the main compounds of essential oil and the amounts of these compounds in the inoculation treatment with fungi were more than the control. In general, this research showed that the inoculation of rhizomes with G. etunicatum resulted in achieving the desired growth characteristics, rhizome yield and active substances in ginger. Camphene, 1,8-cineole, neral and geranial were identified as the main compounds of essential oil and the amounts of these compounds in the inoculation treatment with fungi were more than the control.
Conclusion
In general, this research showed that the inoculation of rhizomes with G. etunicatum resulted in achieving the desired growth characteristics, rhizome yield and active substances in ginger.
Research Article
Breeding and Biotechnology of Plant and Flower
Marzieh Ghorbani; Khosro Parvizi; Mohammad Yazdandoost Hamedani; Darab Hassani
Abstract
Introduction
In our country, walnut tree propagation is traditionally done through seed cultivation, often resulting in seed rot and death due to fungal, bacterial, and viral contamination (MC Granahan et al., 1986; Driver & Kenyuki, 1984; Saadat & Henry, 2002). The traditional method, in addition ...
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Introduction
In our country, walnut tree propagation is traditionally done through seed cultivation, often resulting in seed rot and death due to fungal, bacterial, and viral contamination (MC Granahan et al., 1986; Driver & Kenyuki, 1984; Saadat & Henry, 2002). The traditional method, in addition to low multiplication rates, leads to high variation in resulting seedlings, potential loss of seedlings due to contamination, and reduced efficiency in subsequent stages (Unit, 2012; Kaur et al., 2006). Previous research has mainly utilized concentrations of one milligram per liter of benzyl adenine along with small amounts of indole butyric acid for Iranian walnut growth and enrichment (Rodrigues, 1982; Revilla et al., 1989; Penuela, 1988; Mejzadeh et al., 2010, 1997; Amiri & Qaraati, 2012; Riosleal et al., 2012). This research aims to build upon and optimize previous work, evaluating the effectiveness of different concentrations of two growth regulators, benzyl aminopurine and adenine sulfate, on walnut plantlet regeneration and growth traits in tissue culture.
Materials and Methods
This study was conducted to optimize the tissue culture protocol for the "Chandler" cultivar walnut and determine the most suitable culture medium and hormonal composition for micropropagation. Lateral and terminal buds from the current season's branches were sterilized and cultured in DKW medium containing 2 mg/liter of benzyl adenine hormone and 100 mg/liter of indole butyric acid hormone, with polyvinyl pyrrolidine at one g/liter and activated charcoal at 2 g. Two-factorial experiments were used to process and multiply the plant after the establishment phase. The first factor was DKW culture medium containing five levels of adenine sulfate (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/liter), and the second factor was benzylaminopurine plant growth regulator with five hormonal levels containing 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg/liter in combination with 0.01 mg/liter of indole butyric acid hormone. DKW base culture medium without any plant growth regulating substances was considered as control. After two months, growth traits including plantlet weight, stem length, number of leaves, number of buds, and number of leaflets per plantlet were measured in different culture media. The resulting data were statistically analyzed using SAS 9.1 software, and means were compared using Duncan's multiple range test with a five percent probability level.
Results and Discussion
The analysis of variance showed that both plant growth regulators, benzyl aminopurine and adenine sulfate, had a very significant effect at 1% probability level on plantlet weight, stem length, number of leaves, number of buds, and number of leaflets. The interaction effect of benzyl aminopurine with adenine sulfate treatment on plantlet weight and stem length was significant at the 1% probability level. However, the interaction effect of benzyl aminopurine with adenine sulfate treatment on the number of leaves, number of buds, and number of leaflets was not significant. The results indicated that an increase in the levels of growth regulators benzyl aminopurine and adenine sulfate led to an increase in plantlet weight. The positive effects of increasing the levels of growth regulating substances in increasing plantlet weight are likely due to their direct effect on nutrient absorption, utilization, and the photosynthesis process. These results align with the research of Hatemzadeh et al. (2017) and Saadat and Henrati (2002). The positive effects of higher concentrations of both growth regulators on the increase in the number of sprouts and the lack of significant difference between the two high concentrations confirm that the use of high levels does not exceed the economic threshold. It can be justified that in excessive and unconventional concentrations, positive effectiveness is not achieved, but it can also impose more costs on the walnut tissue culture program. The appropriate concentration of BAP and adenine sulfate increases the leaf surface through the effect on cell divisions, resulting in receiving more light radiation and increasing the rate of photosynthesis. It seems that the two growth regulating substances in the appropriate concentration intensified each other's effect, affecting the rate of absorption and utilization of materials from photosynthesis, leading to an increase in the fresh and dry weight of the seedling. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in the length of the reproduction period in the resulting seedlings and an increase in the efficiency of the seedling production in walnut tissue culture.
Conclusion
The use of both studied growth regulators significantly increased plantlet weight, stem length, number of leaves, number of buds, and number of leaflets compared to the control treatment. Plantlet growth was achieved with the use of plant growth regulators, whereas no growth was observed in their absence. All assessed traits increased significantly with the addition of plant growth regulators, with the highest trait values obtained through the simultaneous use of benzylaminopurine and adenine sulfate.
Research Article
Breeding and Biotechnology of Plant and Flower
Farhad Shokouhifar; Mojtaba Mamarabadi; Sahba Toosi
Abstract
Introduction
Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a diploid plant with (2n = 2x = 24) chromosomes, dicotyledonous and annual, which has been receiving lots of attention for its biological characteristics and economic value for a long time. Iran with production of about 1.6 million tons per year ranks third in ...
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Introduction
Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a diploid plant with (2n = 2x = 24) chromosomes, dicotyledonous and annual, which has been receiving lots of attention for its biological characteristics and economic value for a long time. Iran with production of about 1.6 million tons per year ranks third in melon production in the world after China and Turkey. Vascular wilt caused by the soil borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis is one of the most important diseases causing damage to the melon plant. Due to the survival of this fungus in the form of chlamydospores in the soil and plant debris its control has been a difficult challenge so that, the only way to deal with this disease is to use resistant cultivars. The present study was conducted to characterize morphologically different melon cultivars with varying levels of resistance against Fusarium vascular wilt. Furthermore, the presence pattern of two MRGH genes belonging to the MRGH21 linkage group was tracked in the genome of the melon line, and their variations were defined. Moreover, the potential for using these genes in gene-assisted selection was investigated.
Materials and Methods
Five different varieties of melon named Charentais T, Charentais Fom1, Charentais Fom2, BG-5384 and the local cultivar Khatouni were grown under greenhouse conditions. Different characteristics of the plant, including leaf shape, male flowers, female flowers and normal flowers, and after harvesting the fruits, fruit weight, fruit diameter and length, diameter of flesh and middle cavity. The differentiation of resistant and sensitive cultivars was investigated based on the evaluated morphological traits. Additionally, the presence patterns of resistance genes were examined in the genomic data of the aforementioned melon cultivars. The genomic analysis of melons aimed to locate the MRGH21 linkage group, which carries several resistance genes. The sequence of this linkage group was tracked from two gene bank databases in NCBI and MELONOMICS database.
Results
Based on the obtained results, although it was possible to differentiate melon cultivars based on morphological traits, but since the study of these traits in the evaluation of a large number of samples in selective studies is a very time-consuming and costly task. Therefore, the presence pattern of resistance genes were analyzed in the genomic data of different melon cultivars. The sequence between two genes MRGH12 and MRGH13 including MRGH21 linkage group as one of the linkage groups carrying a number of resistance genes on Ch09 chromosome was retrieved form two gene bank databases in NCBI and MELONOMICS. Due to the presence of multiple point mutations in the genomic data, the MRGH13 gene sequence was selected for investigation in melon cultivars. Specific primers, PSh21-F/R, were designed to track part of this gene's sequence. The tracking results showed that a single specific band, corresponding to the expected size, could be detected in the cultivars Charentais Fom1 and BG-5384. Sequence analysis using the InterPro network tool confirmed the possible role of the protein coded by the MRGH13 gene. It was identified as a member of the protein family carrying leucine-rich repeat sequences, including the TIR, NB-ARC, and LRR domains.
Discussion
Attaining suitable markers to distinguish melon cultivars resistant to Fusarium wilt disease can support the development of breeding programs with higher accuracy and speed. The results of the present study showed that based on the morphological traits such as leaf shape, the presence of full flowers, and the number of petals, some differences can be observed between different melon cultivars, but the noteworthy point is that in selection programs searching for these morphological traits will be a very time-consuming and expensive task due to the large number of investigated samples. Therefore, if molecular markers related to the resistance trait are available, the efficiency of breeding programs is expected to increase significantly. In the present study MRGH13 gene was selected to be investigated for tracking in melon cultivars and specific primers were designed to track part of the sequence of this gene. The tracking results showed that a single specific band could be detected in the cultivars Charentais Fom1 and BG-5384. Biological processes related to MRGH13 protein in the QuickGO network tool showed its relevance in the signaling pathway that regulates immune responses. In future studies, it is suggested to evaluate the ability to distinguish resistant cultivars based on resistance genes, including the MRGH13 gene, in a larger number of samples. Moreover, considering to the predicted functions of MRGH13 protein, more investigation on its interaction with other resistance proteins as well as proteins of pathogenic agents can be useful for identification of its functional role in resistance.
Research Article
Postharvest physiology
Fatemeh Ahmadi; Mohammad Mehdi Sharifani; Amir Mousavi; Negin Akhlaghi Amiri; Mostafa Khoshhal Sarmast; Khalil Zaynali Nezhad
Abstract
IntroductionExternal and internal quality of citrus such as color, shape and taste increase economic benefit. The vigour of each rootstock causes qualitative and quantitative change and the effective factor on commercial maturity, which is important for gardeners and producers. Considering the characteristics ...
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IntroductionExternal and internal quality of citrus such as color, shape and taste increase economic benefit. The vigour of each rootstock causes qualitative and quantitative change and the effective factor on commercial maturity, which is important for gardeners and producers. Considering the characteristics of the fruit in grafted trees, the present research was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effects of trifoliate orange, Citrange and Citrumelo rootstocks on some morphological, phytochemical and molecular traits of ‘Thomson Navel’ orange fruit. Materials and MethodsThis research was carried out in 2018 at Ghaemshahr Horticultural Research Station, Mazandaran. It was conducted in the form of randomized complete block design (RCBD) of uniform and 10-year-old ‘Thomson Navel’ orange grafted on ‘trifoliate orange’, ‘Citrange’ and ‘Citrumelo’ rootstocks with four replications. The samples were collected at the end of October and were transferred to the research laboratory of Horticulture Department, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources for further research. Measurements were made on the morphological traits, quality characteristics of the fruit, the phenolic compounds of the peel and the pulp of the fruit and relative expression of fruit pulp sucrose phosphate synthase1 gene. Data variance analysis was done using SAS software (version 9.0). Mean comparisons were done with Duncan's multiple range test. Results and DiscussionThe results of analysis of variance showed that the rootstock effect on traits of length-to-diameter ratio, weight and density of ‘Thomson Navel’orange was significant at the five percent probability level (p<0.05) and the fruit length and diameter traits were significant at the one percent probability level (p<0.01). The results of mean comparison showed that the characteristics of length, diameter, length-to-diameter ratio, weight and density of ‘Thomson Navel’ orange at commercial maturity on the trifoliate orange rootstock were more than the two other rootstocks. Due to the early harvest, the density of the fruit was recorded lower than one, so that the highest amount (0.5 g per cm3) was observed in the rootstock of trifoliate orange however it was not significantly different from Citrange rootstock. Based on the results of analysis of variance, it showed that the effect of rootstock on total soluble solids was significant at the level of five percent. Also, the rootstock had a significant effect on titratable acidity, taste index, vitamin C, acidity, EC and total sugar at the level of one percent. However, the amount of vitamin C was higher in the Citrumelo rootstock. The highest amount of acidity and EC belonged to trifoliate orange rootstock and the lowest amount belonged to Citrange rootstock. The highest amount of total sugar was observed in the dwarfing trifoliate orange rootstock, while its lowest amount was recorded in the vigorous Citrumelo rootstock. The highest amount of total soluble solids was observed at the rootstock of the trifoliate orange. The amount of titratable acid in the Citrange rootstock was higher than the other two rootstocks. The taste index was higher in the trifoliate orange rootstock than the other rootstocks. According to the results of analysis of variance, the rootstock effect on the index of total phenol of fruit peel and pulp and total flavonoid of fruit peel was significant at the five percent probability level (p<0.05) and only on the antioxidant activity of the fruit peel at the statistical level of one percent (p<0.01). Also, there was no significant difference in total flavonoid traits and antioxidant capacity of fruit pulp. The highest amount of total phenolic, total flavonoid and percentage of antioxidant activity was found in the trifoliate orange rootstock. Also, between the fruit organs, phenolic compounds were recorded more in the fruit peel compare to the fruit pulp. The peel of orange is more exposed to ultraviolet rays and changes in environmental conditions, Therefore more secondary metabolites accumulate in that part of the plant. The highest relative expression of fruit pulp sucrose phosphate synthase1 gene was obtained in the Citrange rootstock. ConclusionThe vigor of different citrus rootstocks caused the dwarf trees to have a higher accumulation rate of phytochemical indices than the vigorous trees. The trifoliate orange rootstock is suitable for fresh consumption due to the early commercial maturity of the fruit. Fruit peel rich in phenolic compounds is used for medicinal purposes. The technical knowledge from this research will be useful for citrus producers in East Mazandaran.
Research Article
Postharvest physiology
Karim Manda-Hakki; Hamid Hassanpour
Abstract
Introduction
One of the most important global challenges is food waste, about 30% of the world's agricultural land is wasted. Every year, about 9.5 million tons of food is lost in the post-harvest phase of agriculture. Therefore, storage technology is very important to increase shelf life, preserve ...
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Introduction
One of the most important global challenges is food waste, about 30% of the world's agricultural land is wasted. Every year, about 9.5 million tons of food is lost in the post-harvest phase of agriculture. Therefore, storage technology is very important to increase shelf life, preserve nutrition and maintain the taste of fresh products. Storing strawberry fruits at an inappropriate temperature after harvesting significantly increases weight loss, rotting and softening. L-phenylalanine as an amino acid is used for the biosynthesis of all phenolic compounds through the phenylpropanoid pathway. In recent years, the application of exogenous phenylalanine has been considered for use as a biologically safe molecule to maintain the postharvest quality of many horticultural crops. L-phenylalanine treatment has been reported to reduce the frost damage of plum fruit during cold storage by maintaining membrane integrity and improving reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity. The treated fruit showed a higher DPPH inhibition capacity by increasing the accumulation of phenolic compounds and antioxidant enzyme activity. Aghdam et al. (2019) also reported that application of L-phenylalanine significantly reduced cold damage, membrane lipid peroxidation and ROS accumulation in tomato fruits during cold storage.
Materials and Methods
Strawberry fruits were obtained from a commercial greenhouse located in Urmia at full maturity stage. The fruits were transported to the laboratory of the Department of Horticultural Sciences in Urmia University with necessary precautions to prevent any mechanical damage to the product. The fruits were separated in terms of size and uniformity, so that the fruits were divided into 3 groups, one group as a control group and 2 groups were treated with concentrations of L-phenylalanine (4 and 8 mM). After drying the treated fruits, they were placed in zipped nylon bags and kept in a cold room for 15 days at a temperature of 3 ± 0.5 °C and a relative humidity of 90-95%. Also, three biological replicates at each time point were included in the analysis. The samples obtained at each of these times were used to evaluate skin color, titratable acidity, soluble solids, taste index, pH, weight loss, firmness, antioxidant capacity, total phenol content, and polyphenol oxidase enzyme activity.
Results and Discussion
The results showed that the effect of post-harvest treatment, storage time, and the interaction between them were statistically significant on all of the traits. In terms of color changes, the effect of post-harvest treatment (p≤0.05) was significant only in b* index, and the highest rate was observed in the 4 Phe treatment. The effect of storage time was also significant in a* and Chroma indices (p≤0.05) and the highest level was observed in both of these indices at day 5. The effect of storage time was also significant in TA (p≤0.01), the highest value was observed in day 10. In antioxidant capacity (p≤0.05), TSS (p≤0.05) and taste index (p≤0.01), the interaction effect between storage time and Phe treatment was significant. In antioxidant capacity, the highest percentage of DPPH inhibition was observed in day 10 and 4 Phe treatment, in TSS, the highest rate was observed on day 10 and 8 Phe treatment, and in taste index, the highest rate was observed on day 15 and 4 Phe treatment. The effect of post-harvest Phe treatment and storage period on fruit weight loss was significant (p≤0.05) and (p≤0.01) respectively, and the lowest percentage of weight loss was observed in Phe 4 and day 5. In terms of firmness and total phenol content, only the effect of Phe treatment was significant (p≤0.05) and (p≤0.01), respectively, the highest level of firmness in the 4 Phe treatment and the highest amount of total phenol content in the 8 Phe treatment were observed. In the PPO enzyme, only the effect of storage time (p≤0.05) was significant.
Conclusion
According to the obtained results, the 4 Phe treatment is the best concentration of phenylalanine to increase the shelf life of harvested strawberry fruits under cold storage.
