Morteza Khosh-Khui
Abstract
Scented rose species are very important in the genus Rosa due to their use in highly-prized essential oil production and as garden roses. The fragrance of the rose flower (attar) captured by extraction is one of the most valuable flavor and fragrance products. A comprehensive study of the papers published ...
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Scented rose species are very important in the genus Rosa due to their use in highly-prized essential oil production and as garden roses. The fragrance of the rose flower (attar) captured by extraction is one of the most valuable flavor and fragrance products. A comprehensive study of the papers published in the field of in vitro culture and biotechnology of these species, particularly Damask rose, was performed. Then, in separate sections, the articles related to media preparation for callus culture, shoot regeneration and multiplication, rooting, and cell suspension culture were reviewed. In this paper, the stages of the in vitro culture of scented roses, including establishment, multiplication, in vitro rooting, acclimatization, and genetic variability are also considered. Subsequently, investigations on methods of in vitro culture of scented roses by callus, pollen, anther, cell suspension, and protoplast culture are described. Finally, technological improvements for micropropagation, biotechnology. pharmaceutical, and other properties of the Damask rose and other species of scented roses are discussed. Prospects of in vitro culture and biotechnological techniques of scented rose species are also discussed. Among scented roses, the focus of this paper is on four species, namely Rosa damascena Mill., R. gallica Linn., R. centifolia Linn., and R. moschata Herrm., which are highly prized for oil production.
Mohammad Pessarakli
Abstract
Continuous desertification of arable lands mandates use of low quality/ saline water for irrigation, especially in regions experiencing water shortage. Using low quality/ saline water for irrigation imposes more stress on plants that are already under stress in these regions. Thus, a logical solution ...
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Continuous desertification of arable lands mandates use of low quality/ saline water for irrigation, especially in regions experiencing water shortage. Using low quality/ saline water for irrigation imposes more stress on plants that are already under stress in these regions. Thus, a logical solution will be to find a salt/ drought-tolerant plant species that will survive/sustain under such stressful conditions. As the native plants are already growing under such conditions and are adapted to these stresses, they are most suitable for use under these harsh arid environmental conditions. If stress-tolerant species/ genotypes of these native plants are identified, there will be substantial savings in inputs (i.e., water, fertilizers, and agrochemicals) in using them under these stressful conditions. My research studies at the University of Arizona on various native grasses indicate that saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) has a great potential to be used under harsh environmental desert conditions, to combat the desertification processes. The objectives of this review article are to introduce saltgrass, a halophytic plant species, which through my investigations on various salinity and drought-tolerant halophytic plant species has proven to be the most tolerant plant species for recommendation as the potential species for use in arid regions and in areas with saline soils and limited water supply or drought conditions, for sustainable agriculture and for combating desertification. In my various investigations, different saltgrass clones/accessions/genotypes were studied in a greenhouse, to evaluate their growth responses under salinity or drought stress conditions. The grasses were grown vegetatively either hydroponically in culture solution for salt tolerance or in galvanized cans that contained fritted clay for drought tolerance. For salt tolerance, the grasses were grown under four treatments (EC = 6 (control), 20, 34, and 48 dSm-1 salinity stress) with three replications in a randomized complete block (RCB) design experiment. During this period, the shoots were clipped bi-weekly for fresh and dry matter (DM) weight determination. At the last harvest, the roots were also harvested and the DM weights determined. For drought tolerance, the growth responses of the grasses were evaluated under a progressive drought condition for four months in a split plot design experiment with three replications. Shoots were harvested bi-weekly for DM determination. Although growth responses reduced at high salinity levels or as the drought period progressed, all the grasses showed a high degree of salinity/drought tolerance. However, there was a wide range of variations observed in salinity/ drought tolerance among the various clones/accessions/genotypes. The superior salinity/ drought-tolerant plants were identified, which could be recommended for sustainable production under arid regions and combating desertification.
Mohamad Reza Taslimpour; Ali Asghar Zeinanloo; Elham Aslmoshtaghi
Abstract
Olive (Olea europaea L.) consumption and production are socially and economically important in Iran. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the vegetative characteristics, floral biology, fruit characteristics, oil percentage, and yield of eleven olive cvs. (‘Arbequina’, ‘Amygdalolia’, ...
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Olive (Olea europaea L.) consumption and production are socially and economically important in Iran. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the vegetative characteristics, floral biology, fruit characteristics, oil percentage, and yield of eleven olive cvs. (‘Arbequina’, ‘Amygdalolia’, ‘Bledy’, ‘Roghani’, ‘Zard’, ‘Sevillana’, ‘Koroneiki’, ‘Conservalia’, ‘Gordal Sevillana’, ‘Manzanilla’, and ‘Mission’) in Kazeroun olive research station, Fars province, Iran. This experiment, conducted in completely randomized blocks design with three replications, was active for five years, 2004 until 2008. The results exhibited morphological trait differences across the cultivars. ‘Amygdalolia’ and ‘Conservalia’ were suitable in subtropical areas for canning and oil, ‘Sevillana’, ‘Manzanilla’, and ‘Gordal Sevillana’ as canning ‘Arbequina’ and ‘Koroneiki’ can be grown as oil cultivars in subtropical climate.
Turi Fileccia
Abstract
FAO promotes Sustainable Production Intensification (SPI), which consists of a technology menu for optimizing crop production per unit area, taking into consideration the range of sustainability aspects including potential and/or real social, political, economic and environmental impacts. The author ...
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FAO promotes Sustainable Production Intensification (SPI), which consists of a technology menu for optimizing crop production per unit area, taking into consideration the range of sustainability aspects including potential and/or real social, political, economic and environmental impacts. The author suggests that Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) cropping is not only well aligned to SPI but also that this technology is a way to maximize the SPI principles. GMO crops cover about 13 percent of the world’s cropped land. More than three quarters of this area is within the three countries that also lead the production and export of the major food and feed commodities: USA, Brazil and Argentina. The remaining area is spread across about 29 countries, mostly developing countries and a few industrialised countries. Four crops account for the majority of land under GMO crops: corn, soybean, cotton, and canola. About 90 percent of the soybean and 80 percent of the corn that is traded in the world market is genetically engineered. Consequently a very large part of the world population likely eats every day food that either contains GMOs or GMO derivatives or animal products derived from GMO fed animals. It has been the fastest adopted agricultural technology, rising to its current level over only twenty years. Further increases in production will mainly occur in developing and low-income countries. In the EU, a large majority of the member states have chosen to rule against GMO cultivation. It is essentially a ‘marketing’ strategy. Nevertheless, GMOs land on European tables daily in one way or another. The developing world and its low income countries are gradually improving their policy, institutional and administrative environments towards the adoption of modern biotech rules. The technology is simple, has been thoroughly tested and through extensive scientific research and testing has been shown to be as safe as crops bred and developed by other techniques. The advantages in terms of higher crop productivity and lower production costs are substantial and widely proven. GMOs are also substantially eco-friendly but more research and development is required to improve herbicide management. Only a small fraction of the GM achievements, and opportunities, are being widely exploited. Other tested discoveries, which offer valuable strategies to address the challenges of climate change, productivity concerns and human health plagues/malnutrition that are widespread in low income countries, are yet to be adopted on a meaningful scale. There is no credible evidence that GMOs constitute a threat to human health. International rules and regulatory frameworks exist and are acknowledged. Cultural, which at times appear to be ideological, barriers more often of the developed world, are hindering rational technological advancement and food security and adequacy. In order to feed the growing world population, heading towards 9 billion or more by 2050, there is the need to increase food production by 60-70 percent, and to double it in the developing world where the highest demographic growth will occur. A safe and sustainable technology exists that can contribute substantially towards this target and humanitarian responsibility.
David Kiprono Rutto; Elizabeth Omami; Julius Ochuodho; Lucas Ngode
Abstract
Production of Mrenda (Corchorus olitorius) in Kenya has been low due to various reasons, such as poor agronomic practices like incorrect fertilizer rates. Observations from the Mrenda growing areas showed that there is high unmet demand for crop in local market and even for export. This is due to yields ...
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Production of Mrenda (Corchorus olitorius) in Kenya has been low due to various reasons, such as poor agronomic practices like incorrect fertilizer rates. Observations from the Mrenda growing areas showed that there is high unmet demand for crop in local market and even for export. This is due to yields being low, 2-4 tons/ha as compared to expected yield of 5-8 tons/ha. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to discern effect of Nitrogen fertilizer on growth and yield of Mrenda (Corchorus olitorius) morphotypes. Seed samples were planted at two sites of University of Eldoret and Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization, Kitale using Randomly Complete Block Design with three replicates and three levels of nitrate (Calcium nitrate) fertilizer. Five plants were tagged and the following traits were recorded: plant height, number of branching at main stem, number of pods and fresh leaf yield. Results showed highest N fertilizer rates had most effect exhibited by Morphotypes GT and BT on plants height; plant branching; pods number per plant and yield weight per plant respectively. Use of no N fertilizer caused lowest plant height, branching at main stem, pods and leaf weight per plant by Morphotypes GT and BT. It is concluded that Mrenda is N loving plant as it enhanced its growth when high amount of Nitrogen fertilizer was applied. It is recommended farmers use high N fertilizer for Mrenda production.
khaled Elmeer; Imene Mattat; Ameena Al-Malki; Al-Ghaliya Al-Mamari; Khaled BoJulaia; Aladdin Hamwieh; Michael Baum
Abstract
In this study fourteen microsatellite primer pairs were used to study the genetic diversity of Shishi Date palm in Qatar. A total of 32 date palm (15 Shishi cultivar, 10 Khalas and seven male date palms) were collected from Qatar and 5 Shihi cultivars were collected from Saudi Arabia for comparison. ...
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In this study fourteen microsatellite primer pairs were used to study the genetic diversity of Shishi Date palm in Qatar. A total of 32 date palm (15 Shishi cultivar, 10 Khalas and seven male date palms) were collected from Qatar and 5 Shihi cultivars were collected from Saudi Arabia for comparison. The Shishi set collected from Qatar was selected from different regions to represent the genetic diversity of this cultivar. The results indicated 98 alleles produced from the 14 microsatellite markers, and the cluster analysis showed four major clusters corresponding o the geographical areas. Similarly, the structure analysis indicated four populations according to statistic K value. PCoA analysis showed three groups (A, B and C) separating Shishi (from Qatar) in group A, Khalas in group B and Shishi (from Saudi Arabia) in group C and no clear group separated the male genotypes. This indicates that the sexual propagation by seeds is the main source of variation in the date palm. This is the first study focusing on Shishi cultivar in Qatar and Saudi Arabia by using molecular markers.
Simeneh Tamrat Alemu; Amsalu Gobena Roro
Abstract
UV-B radiation and EOD light (EOD) quality has both signaling and damaging effects based on the dosage and time of exposure. At highland areas UV-B decreases crop productivity and also light quality increase at high elevation area but EOD light quality effect was not researched based on altitude. Therefore, ...
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UV-B radiation and EOD light (EOD) quality has both signaling and damaging effects based on the dosage and time of exposure. At highland areas UV-B decreases crop productivity and also light quality increase at high elevation area but EOD light quality effect was not researched based on altitude. Therefore, in the present study a field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of UV-B radiation, EOD light and its exclusion on growth performance and biomass accumulation of sweet potato cultivars on different altitude. The treatments consisting of UV-B exclusion, UV-B+ EOD light exclusion, + UV-B and (control) were studied on two sweet potato cultivars, Kulfo and Hawassa-83. The experimental design was laid out in split plot design with factorial combinations. According to the result, the highest UV-B radiation (1693.0 mw m-2 s-2) was recorded at highlands and the lowest (1107.1 mw m-2 s-2) was recorded at lowland areas. Also EOD light quality was low at lowland. Cultivar and altitude significantly affected growth and net assimilation rate but exclusion only affected growth rate. On dry weight accumulation, cultivar and altitude had high impact but exclusion affected tuber and specific leaf dry weight. Exclusion by cultivar interaction affected net-assimilation rate and specific leaf dry weight but exclusion by altitude interactions affected growth rate, net-assimilation rate and tuber dry weight. Altitude by cultivar doesn’t have any significant effect on growth performance but it has considerable effect on dry biomass accumulation. In conclusion, high UV-B at highland and low EOD time light quality at lowland negatively influenced growth performance and biomass of sweet potato cultivars
Musa Ibrahim Saheed; Ikhajiagbe Beckley; Geoffrey O. Anoliefo; Alexander O. Orukpe
Abstract
The Earth has become increasingly overcrowded as a result of rapid urbanization and population growth, with strong predictions that its carrying capacity could be overstretched soon. As a result, it is important to test the possibilities of growing plants under space exploration conditions, especially ...
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The Earth has become increasingly overcrowded as a result of rapid urbanization and population growth, with strong predictions that its carrying capacity could be overstretched soon. As a result, it is important to test the possibilities of growing plants under space exploration conditions, especially gravitational balance. Since microgravity impedes plant development, it is important to evaluate the extents by which plant growth stimulators can reverse or enhance this trend. A total of 12 maize seeds were weighed and placed sideways in petri dishes and inoculated with plant growth stimulators, indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), and ascorbate (AA). They were clinorotated at different rates (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 rpm), while the control seeds were just placed on a balanced table. Results of this research showed that under microgravity, the maize seeds had a decreased level of germination percentage with increasing clinorotation rates at 72 hrs, compared to the control group. But when stimulated with IAA, GA and AA, they improved in germination percentage, compared to the control, even under microgravity conditions. The seedling dry weight, germination time and other germination parameters also showed similar improvements. Comparatively, the three growth stimulators showed no major variations in their ability to improve germination percentage under micro-gravitational impact. However, IAA caused more improvements in seedling vigor, compared to the other growth regulators, while GA had more effects on the rate of germination. This research confirmed the possibilities of improving germinability in maize seeds under space exploration conditions.
Émeline Samy; Diane Benoit; Shahrokh Khanizadeh
Abstract
The susceptibility to Terbacil of six randomly selected strawberry cultivars (‘Aromas’, ‘Chambly’, ‘Harmonie’, ‘Kent’, ‘La Clé des Champs’ and ‘Seascape’) was analysed using chlorophyll florescence (CF) in comparison with ...
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The susceptibility to Terbacil of six randomly selected strawberry cultivars (‘Aromas’, ‘Chambly’, ‘Harmonie’, ‘Kent’, ‘La Clé des Champs’ and ‘Seascape’) was analysed using chlorophyll florescence (CF) in comparison with visual observation, in an attempt to develop a method for use in a breeding programme to select herbicide-resistant strawberry lines. Terbacil was applied at one of five rates (0, 0.55, 1.10, 2.20 and 3.30kg/ha), and CF was measured 1, 3, 7 and 14d after application. Visible damage was assessed using a scale of 0 to 10 (where 0 is no damage and 10 is the death of the leaf). All cultivars showed a decrease in CF after herbicide application, but this decrease was not the same for all cultivars. ‘Chambly’ and ‘Harmonie’ had the lowest CF changes, and both appeared to be tolerant or resistant to Terbacil, in keeping with previously reported results. In contrast, ‘Kent’ and ‘Aromas’ showed a significant decrease in CF on the third day after treatment with Terbacil at 2.20 and 3.30 kg/ha, an indication that their chlorophyll system had been damaged by herbicide application without any visible signs of leaf damage. It is concluded that CF can be used as an alternative and more accurate method to evaluate seedlings in a strawberry breeding programme aimed at selecting herbicide-resistant lines. This method could be very useful, especially for those lines that do not show any visible leaf damage from herbicide application, even though their chlorophyll system is damaged enough to cease plant growth and development.
Li Tao; Zhang Yu-Qi; Zhang Yi; Cheng Rui-Feng; Yang Qi-Chang
Abstract
Chinese solar greenhouse (CSG) is universally applied in northern China for producing horticultural products. CSG is characterized by the unbalanced structures with an arched front roof face to the south side and a thick wall as well as back roof in the north side. Such structures affect light distribution ...
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Chinese solar greenhouse (CSG) is universally applied in northern China for producing horticultural products. CSG is characterized by the unbalanced structures with an arched front roof face to the south side and a thick wall as well as back roof in the north side. Such structures affect light distribution in the greenhouse. This study aims to investigate the light distribution properties in CSG from north to south sections, and to investigate tomato plant growth performance in the corresponding locations. Experiments were carried out in a CSG which was divided into three equal sections from north to south side. Tomato was grown in the greenhouse. Results showed that PAR intensity in the south and middle sections of CSG was permanently higher than the north section. This resulted in a distinct plant growth performance in CSG. Specifically, plants grown in the north section of CSG exhibited a shade avoidance response with stem elongation phenotype and leaf expansion. Furthermore, the north-plants showed lower leaf photosynthetic capacity which correlated with a lower total nitrogen and chlorophyll contents in comparison with the plants grown in the middle and south sections. Taken together, plants in the north section of CSG produced less total biomass than the middle and south section plants. We conclude that plant growth is not uniform in CSG due to heterogeneous light distribution which was caused by unbalanced greenhouse structures. This study may provide sound evidence for exploring a proper lighting strategy as well as fine crop management in CSG.
Homayoun Farahmand; Farzad Nazari
Abstract
Ornamental geophytes (ornamental flower bulbs) are international and national heritage considering their contribution to people's life quality around the world. Iranian habitats support about 8000 species of flowering plants (belonging to 167 families and 100 genera) of which almost 1700 are endemic. ...
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Ornamental geophytes (ornamental flower bulbs) are international and national heritage considering their contribution to people's life quality around the world. Iranian habitats support about 8000 species of flowering plants (belonging to 167 families and 100 genera) of which almost 1700 are endemic. Iran is a rich country in terms of distribution of bulbous plants. More than 200 species of bulbous species from different plant families naturally grow in Iran and play an important role in the colorful display of flowers in the plains, mountains, and forests. Unfortunately, some flower bulbs are at the risk of eradication in Iran due to some factors, including inappropriate herboviry and overgrazing, land use change, illegal bulb and flower harvesting, road construction, mining activities, drought, etc. The establishment of protected areas, efficient propagation methods such as micropropagation, gathering the species at the risk of extinction in Botanical Gardens and Research Centers, highlighting the decisive role of Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and improving tourism are some approaches suggested for better conservation. Meanwhile, under the current situation, national and international protecting rules and regulations should be assigned and fulfilled to save this invaluable natural heritage.
Naser Askari; Richard G.F. Visser; Geert-Jan De Klerk
Abstract
In micropropagation of lily, preferably bulblets should be produced: Because bulblets are compact and robust, they are much easier to handle and to plant in soil than shoots. In this review, the various factors that determine bulblet growth in vitro are discussed. Gibberellins, jasmonates (JA) and abscisic ...
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In micropropagation of lily, preferably bulblets should be produced: Because bulblets are compact and robust, they are much easier to handle and to plant in soil than shoots. In this review, the various factors that determine bulblet growth in vitro are discussed. Gibberellins, jasmonates (JA) and abscisic acid (ABA) are the major identified plant growth regulators (PGRs) for storage organ formation. They also play a major role in lily bulblet growth in vitro. Growth conditions such as temperature and light (quantity and quality) strongly affect lily bulblet growth in tissue culture. Moderate abiotic stresses are introduced as new tool to improve storage organ formation in vitro. The amounts of endogenous carbohydrates (starch) in the explant and exogenous carbohydrates in the medium (sucrose) influence bulblet growth in vitro. It is also discussed how compounds present in the medium or in the scale-explants are translocated to the regenerating bulblet.
Mohammad Mehdi Sharifani; Tetsuya Kimura; Toshiya Yamamoto; Chikako Nishtani
Abstract
This study was conducted to identify and recognize relations and diversity among accessions of the Iranianpears (Pyrus spp). A total of 34 pear accessions, derived presumably from at least six species, were subjected to simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis. The Japanese and the Chinese pear samples ...
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This study was conducted to identify and recognize relations and diversity among accessions of the Iranianpears (Pyrus spp). A total of 34 pear accessions, derived presumably from at least six species, were subjected to simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis. The Japanese and the Chinese pear samples were; “Housui” and “Yali” cultivars, example of Pyrus pyrifolia and P. bretschneideri, respectively. Some European pears and Iranian germplasm were analyzed. Seven SSR markers (KU10, BGA35, BGT23b, NH011b, NH013a, NH004a and NH015a) were used for the analysis. One hundred six visible amplified fragments (putative alleles) acquired for 34 pear samples NH011b and NH015a loci exhibited high heterozygosities of 0.82 and 0.79, respectively. BGA35 produced eight putative alleles, while NH013a created 22 putative alleles. The average value of allele per locus was 15. A phenogram was constructed based on the similarity-matrix data using the unweighted pair-group and arithmetic average methods. There was no association between the SSR and morphological phenograms. This work revealed relatedness of Iranian pear samples to the four species of P. communis, P. syriaca, P. salicifolia, and P. glabra.
Fares Alhaj Alali; Mohammad Ali Askari Sarcheshmeh; Mesbah Bababalar
Abstract
Peach fruit (Prunus persica L.) was harvested at the stage of commercial harvest and was then treated with 0, 1, 2, 3 mM citric acid (CiA). A factorial model was planned on a completely randomized block design with three replications. Two factors were used in the experimental design, i.e. 4 storage durations ...
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Peach fruit (Prunus persica L.) was harvested at the stage of commercial harvest and was then treated with 0, 1, 2, 3 mM citric acid (CiA). A factorial model was planned on a completely randomized block design with three replications. Two factors were used in the experimental design, i.e. 4 storage durations × 4 concentrations of CiA. The impact of CiA was evaluated on postharvest quality parameters, decay incidence (DI), vitamin C, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capacity, as the peach fruits were maintained in cold storage at 0 ± 0.5 ˚C and 85-90% relative humidity (RH) for 40 days. By the end of the storage time, peach fruits that were treated with 3 mM CiA showed statistical significance and resulted in the highest values of fruit firmness (FF) (1.75 N), titratable acidity (TA) (0.24%), vitamin C (VC) (3.58 mg.100g-1 FW), total phenolic compounds (TPC) (58.49 mg GAE.100g-1 WF) and antioxidant capacity (AC) (52.96%). CiA treatments significantly controlled the DI by about 30.17 % and remarkably extended the shelf life by about 11.66 days, compared to the control samples during the cold storage. Our findings suggested that using CiA, especially at 3 mM, could be a promising treatment in helping to maintain edibility and to inhibit decay in peach fruits. While these can play an important role in the marketing and export of peach fruits, other benefits include a low cost of the chemical inputs and more safety for human consumption. AbbreviationsCitric acid (CiA), Decay incidence (DI), Vitamin C (VC), Total phenolic compounds (TPC), Antioxidant capacity (AC), Fruit Weight loss (FWL), Fruit firmness (FF), Titratable acidity (TA), Total soluble solid (TSS), Relative humidity (RH)
Ameneh Tarakemeh; Majid Azizi; Vahid Rowshan; Hassan Salehi; Rosella Spina; François Dupire; Hossein Arouei; Dominique Laurain-Mattar
Abstract
Narcissus spp. are of great importance to pharmaceutical industries because of biosynthesis of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids. N. tazetta with several varieties is a widespread species, native to the Mediterranean region with considerable distribution in Iran. In the present study, calli, roots and bulblets ...
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Narcissus spp. are of great importance to pharmaceutical industries because of biosynthesis of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids. N. tazetta with several varieties is a widespread species, native to the Mediterranean region with considerable distribution in Iran. In the present study, calli, roots and bulblets were regenerated from N. tazetta var. Meskin. In order to report alkaloid profile and quantify galanthamine and lycorine, methanolic extract of different in vitro tissues were subjected to alkaloid purification by SPE (solid phase extraction) method, followed by GC-MS analysis. In general, galanthamine and lycorine were detected in all in vitro tissues, while demethylmaritidine was only identified in bulblets. Bulblet was identified as the best source of main Amaryllidaceae alkaloids regarding the highest quantities of galanthamine and lycorine with 15 and 731 µg/g dry weight (DW) respectively.
Ivy Lynn Aoko; Dezzline Ondigo; Agnes Mumo Kavoo; Cornelius Wainaina; Leonard Kiirika
Abstract
We reported a simple colorimetric probe based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for detecting Ralstonia solanacearum. The AuNPs were synthesized through reduction with citrate ion and characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron ...
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We reported a simple colorimetric probe based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for detecting Ralstonia solanacearum. The AuNPs were synthesized through reduction with citrate ion and characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The freshly synthesized AuNPs were brick red due to an intense surface plasmon absorption band at 520 nm. Upon interaction with synthetic gibberellic acid (GA3), a bathochromic shift occurred in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak of AuNPs to higher wavelengths. The 'eye-ball' limit of detection was 0.2 ppm. This shift was accompanied by a change in the color of the AuNPs from brick red to purple. Soil samples were collected from the rhizosphere of tomato plants, exhibiting bacterial wilt symptoms and pure cultures of Ralstonia solanacearum isolated using a modified Kelman’s TZC medium. Gibberellins (GA) were extracted from the culture of R. solanacearum using ethyl acetate and characterized using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). AuNP solution aggregation was induced by GA-mediated R. solanacearum. A color change from brick red to purple was also observed. The results illustrated the use of both SPR wavelength-shift sensing and visual color change to detect molecules of biological relevance.
Farid Moradinezhad; Mehdi Jahani
Abstract
The main objective of this work was to assess the effectiveness of salicylic acid (SA), calcium chloride (CaCl2) or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and packaging on some qualitative properties of apricot fruit during cold storage. The experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design as factorial, ...
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The main objective of this work was to assess the effectiveness of salicylic acid (SA), calcium chloride (CaCl2) or sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and packaging on some qualitative properties of apricot fruit during cold storage. The experiments were conducted using a completely randomized design as factorial, with three replicates. Fruits were dipped in SA (0.1 or 0.5 mM), CaCl2 (1 or 2%) or NaHCO3 (0.2 or 0.5%) solutions for 3 min at 22°C. Then, fruits were placed into polyethylene trays and wrapped with cellophane films to create a passive modified atmosphere packaging, whilst the second group remained unwrapped. Fruits were stored in a cool room at 0.5 ± 0.5°C. Regardless of chemical treatments, total soluble solids (TSS), organoleptic characteristics, and shelf life were higher in packed fruit compare to unpacked fruit. The TSS, weight loss and firmness were lower in fruits covered with cellophane compared to unwrapped fruit. Fruits that treated with SA (0.5 mM) and covered with cellophane film had the lowest TSS while treated fruit with CaCl2 (1%) with no cover indicated the highest TSS. Generally, there was a significant decrease in fruit firmness under the cellophane layer compare to unpacked fruits while in treated fruit with CaCl2 (1%) firmness in packed fruit was obviously higher than unpacked fruits. The best visual quality and taste were obtained in treated fruit with CaCl2 (2%), followed by SA (0.5 mM) when they were packed with cellophane film. The highest shelf life obtained in treated fruit with SA (0.1 mM), followed by NaHCO3 (0.5%). Overall, a combination of chemical treatments and packaging with cellophane film improved fruit quality and extend shelf life significantly compared to the control.
Md. Mokter Hossain; Madhoby Jahan Mohona
Abstract
Frequency of irrigation to the crops is the key factor for proper growth and economic yield. Therefore, in the current study growth of broccoli plants was investigated under different irrigation levels in pot culture condition. Five levels of irrigation schedules were applied including I0 [Non-irrigation ...
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Frequency of irrigation to the crops is the key factor for proper growth and economic yield. Therefore, in the current study growth of broccoli plants was investigated under different irrigation levels in pot culture condition. Five levels of irrigation schedules were applied including I0 [Non-irrigation control], I1 [Irrigation up to 15 days after transplanting (DAT)], I2 [Irrigation up to 30 DAT], I3 [Irrigation up to 45 DAT] and I4 [Irrigation up to 60 DAT] with three replications. Maximum plant height, shortest days to curd initiation, fresh mass of curd, curd diameter, shoot fresh mass and moisture content of roots per plant were obtained from irrigation up to 60 DAT. Moreover, maximum number of leaves, leaf fresh mass, moisture content, root length, root fresh and dry mass per plant were obtained from irrigation up to 45 DAT while the lowest results were obtained from non-irrigated control treatment. Higher dry weight (3.37 g plant-1) and dry matter content of leaves (11.76%) and roots (18.94%) and root to shoot ratio (0.077) were observed from non-irrigated control treatment. Results suggested that irrigation up to 60 DAT might be optimum schedule for broccoli, but in terms of economic profitability, irrigation up to 45 DAT would be sufficient.
Santosh Kumar Bose; Shakil Ahmed; Prianka Howlader; Mohammad Ali
Abstract
Guava is one of the most important commercial fruit crop in Bangladesh due to its high nutrient value, good taste and high health benefits. This study was conducted to investigate the flowering, fruiting behavior and nutritional quality of guava genotype suitable for coastal region of Bangladesh. Fifteen ...
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Guava is one of the most important commercial fruit crop in Bangladesh due to its high nutrient value, good taste and high health benefits. This study was conducted to investigate the flowering, fruiting behavior and nutritional quality of guava genotype suitable for coastal region of Bangladesh. Fifteen genotypes (PG 01 to PG 15) having satisfactory growth were selected for this study. One branch was randomly selected in each direction (North, South, East and West) to collect field data from each plant. Among the genotypes, the highest percentage (87.62%) of fruit setting and the maximum time (115.8 days) required for fruit maturation were recorded from PG 13 and PG 14, respectively. The PG 12 had the highest fruit weight (312.6 g) and the longest fruit (9.34 cm), whereas the highest diameter (26.28 cm) of fruit was recorded in PG 06. The maximum numbers of seeds (411.20) were counted from PG 10 whereas no seed was obtained in the PG 01 and PG 02. Maximum anthocyanin (0.17 mg/100 g FW), lowest pH (3.31), maximum vitamin C content (91.25 mg/ 100g FW), total sugar (6.56 %) and TSS (5.19 ºBrix) were also recorded in the seedless genotype (PG 01). Moreover, the quality characteristics, pulp percentage of seedless genotype (PG 01 and PG 02) was comparatively higher than the other genotypes. The genotypes PG 01 and PG 02 have shown important pomological traits for further study, variety improvement and selection as new variety.
Abbas Fallah; S-Zahra Hosseini Cici
Abstract
Sustainable agriculture can increase the efficiency of resource utilization, provide longer productivity and create a balance in the environment. A field experiment was conducted to study the use of organic and chemical fertilizers on biomass, essential oil content and essential oil yield as well as ...
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Sustainable agriculture can increase the efficiency of resource utilization, provide longer productivity and create a balance in the environment. A field experiment was conducted to study the use of organic and chemical fertilizers on biomass, essential oil content and essential oil yield as well as chemical compositions of Dracocephalum polychaetum Burnm in the first and second cutting. The treatments were: broiler litter (1700 kg ha-1), cow manure (2500 kg ha-1), sheep manure (1700 kg ha-1), chemical fertilizer (110 kg ha-1) and control (no fertilizer) in three replications. The results showed that D. polychaetum was most responsive to application of broiler litter as compared with the other treatments. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis indicated that neral, geranial, geranyl acetate and α-pinene were the major chemical compounds of D. polychaetum in the both cuttings. In the first cutting the plants treated with sheep manure had the highest neral content (28.24%). The highest geranial content (26.85%) in the first cutting was recorded in plants amended with chemical fertilizer, without significant difference with broiler litter (26.36%). In the first cutting the greatest α-pinene (15.52%) content was observed in the control treatment without significant difference with broiler litter (15.09%). Unlike the first cutting, plant amended with cow manure had the maximum neral (23.89%) and geranial (29.27%) contents in the second cutting. The present study demonstrated that the application of organic manure improved essential oil content and quality and aroma profile of D. polychaetum.
Maryam Bagheri; Mahmood Esna-Ashari; Ahmad Ershadi
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the storage life and quality of persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) fruit cv. ‘Karaj’ stored at 0°C for 4 months after postharvest calcium chloride treatment. Fruit weight loss, fruit firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total phenolic ...
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The objective of this study was to evaluate the storage life and quality of persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) fruit cv. ‘Karaj’ stored at 0°C for 4 months after postharvest calcium chloride treatment. Fruit weight loss, fruit firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total phenolic content, soluble tannin content, chilling injury, antioxidant activity, electrolyte leakage, and malondialdehyde content were measured in 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, and 120 days after storage. Peroxidase and catalase enzyme activities were also determined at the end of the storage. Fruits were dipped in the solutions containing 0.5, 1, and 2% (w/v) CaCl2 as well as distilled water only as the control. Results showed that the fruit weight loss and chilling injury significantly decreased by CaCl2 treatments compared with the control. CaCl2 treatments also increased fruit firmness and catalase and antioxidant activities, whereas they reduced MDA content, EL, and peroxidase activity during 4 months of cold storage. The results indicated that CaCl2 application influenced TPC and soluble tannin compared with the control but had no significant effect on TA. The best result was obtained from the 2% CaCl2 treatment in almost all the studied parameters. In general, postharvest CaCl2 treatment of persimmon could decrease chilling symptoms during the cold storage.
Esmaeil Fallahi; Bahar Fallahi; Kourosh Vahdati; Michael J Kiester
Abstract
An increasing world population and the competitive nature of the stone fruit market, particularly nectarines [(Prunus persica var. nectarine)], demand the selection of fruit with high quality attributes, flavor, and a wide range of maturity. Information on this subject is limited at the present time. ...
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An increasing world population and the competitive nature of the stone fruit market, particularly nectarines [(Prunus persica var. nectarine)], demand the selection of fruit with high quality attributes, flavor, and a wide range of maturity. Information on this subject is limited at the present time. In search of superior nectarines, a trial was conducted to study growing degree days (GDD), full bloom and harvest dates, fruit quality attributes, and yield of 11 yellow-fleshed nectarines under the high desert conditions of southwest Idaho in the northwestern region of the United States; these factors were studied over a span of 5 years. The average response analyses results over these years revealed that ‘Fantasia’ and ‘Honey Kist’ bloomed earlier, while A28.082 and ‘Summer Fire’ bloomed later than other cultivars. ‘Diamond June’ and ‘Honey Kist’ were the earliest cultivars to harvest and needed 110 and 114 days between full bloom and harvest, respectively. On average, ‘Sparkling Red’ and A28.082 were harvested after the second half of September, and the periods between bloom and harvest for these cultivars were 161 and 166 days, respectively. The difference between the earliest and latest cultivars for full bloom dates was only 4 days or 26.7oC GDD, while the range for harvest dates was 57 days or 943.7oC GDD. Considering all factors evaluated in this project, ‘Honey Kist’ is suitable as an early cultivar. ‘Summer Grand’ would be a good choice as a yellow-fleshed cultivar with moderately high soluble solids concentration (SSC), while ‘Fantasia’ would be an excellent choice for a yellow-fleshed cultivar if fruit appearance, large size, and high yield are the main objectives of nectarine production during the period of late-August to early-September. A28.082 was a good choice for planting as a very-late maturing yellow-fleshed cultivar. It had attractive fruit color, high fruit SSC, a high number of fruit per tree and large fruit size, and hence high yield.
Mina Mohebi; Mesbah Babalar; Mohammad Ali Askari; Alireza Talaei; Allen.V. Barker
Abstract
Different dates for apples fruit harvest (Malus domestica Borkh. Cv. Fuji) were studied to determine physiochemical changes during the storage. Fuji apples were harvested from 9 September till 23 October, at five different times and stored at 0±0.5 °C and 95% relative humidity ...
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Different dates for apples fruit harvest (Malus domestica Borkh. Cv. Fuji) were studied to determine physiochemical changes during the storage. Fuji apples were harvested from 9 September till 23 October, at five different times and stored at 0±0.5 °C and 95% relative humidity for 120 days. To determine the best harvest date for maximum quality and storability, physical and chemical parameters were measured at each harvesting time and after 40-day periods until the end of 120 days of storage. Results showed that, the fruit quality parameters at harvest and after storage, depends on the degree of the ripeness at which the apples were harvested. Fruits from the first harvest, were firmest before and after storage and had the lowest phenolic compounds at the end of storage. First, second and third harvest date samples, had a decrease in phenolic content and total antioxidants activity during storage, but the fourth and fifth harvested fruits were opposite. Total soluble solids and Titrable acidity were affected by the harvest date and duration of storage. First and second harvest date samples showed an increase in total soluble solids during 120 days of storage but it was opposite in third, fourth and fifth harvested samples. The fifth harvest date samples characterized with oblate fruit shape and high weight loss during storage.
Rasoul Heydarnajad Giglou; Mousa Torabi Giglou
Abstract
Cape gooseberry is a climacteric, temperature-sensitive fruit from the Solanaceae family. Its quality and quantity are characterized by phenolic and antioxidant substances, the stability of which depends on temperature and storage conditions. In this research, the effects of calyx cover (fruits without ...
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Cape gooseberry is a climacteric, temperature-sensitive fruit from the Solanaceae family. Its quality and quantity are characterized by phenolic and antioxidant substances, the stability of which depends on temperature and storage conditions. In this research, the effects of calyx cover (fruits without calyx cover and fruits covered with calyx) and storage conditions were evaluated on the storage life of Cape gooseberry fruits. For this purpose, the fruits were kept in with and without calyx conditions at three temperature levels of 10, 15, and 20 °C for 30 days. The results showed that, at the end of storage, the titratable acidity, total soluble solids, vitamin C, total flavonoid, and total antioxidants decreased significantly. However, total phenol content and flavor index increased during the storage period. The increase in total flavor and phenol content during storage can be due to a significant reduction in the titratable acidity (as reflected in the flavor index), because of cellular destruction and cold damage. In addition, at the end of the storage period, the calyx-covered fruits which were stored at 10 °C had good physicochemical and antioxidant qualities. The highest titratable acidity (0.633%), soluble solids (14.96%), vitamin C, and total antioxidants (59.33%) were observed in fruits covered with calyx at 10 °C. Also, the results of this study showed that storing berries at cooler temperatures increased the shelf life and maintained the quality of the Cape gooseberry.
Narges Mojtahedi; Parisa Koobaz; Mohammad Fathi; Omid Dabirashrafi; Pejman Azadi; Solmaz Khosravi
Abstract
One of the most effective ways to propagate Lilium is by using tissue culture techniques, preferably through bulblet production. In addition to the surviving percentage of Lilium bulbs after transplantation, the small size of in vitro bulblets compared to commercial bulbs and bulblets‟ dormancy are ...
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One of the most effective ways to propagate Lilium is by using tissue culture techniques, preferably through bulblet production. In addition to the surviving percentage of Lilium bulbs after transplantation, the small size of in vitro bulblets compared to commercial bulbs and bulblets‟ dormancy are the most important constraints to commercializing Lilium micropropagation. Different concentrations of sucrose or sorbitol as carbohydrate sources were investigated as maturation and enlargement factors on in vitro bulblets of Lilium longiflorum cv. „Ceb-dazzle‟. Five concentrations of gibberellic acid and 4°C cold treatment for 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 weeks in the greenhouse were studied in relation to the dormancy breaking of three in vitro Lilium bulblets cultivars: „Simplon‟, „Navona‟ and „Ceb-dazzle‟, which belong to the Oriental, Asiatic and LA hybrids. The results showed that 3% of sucrose and two weeks of culture significantly increased the bulblet maturation and enlargement of „Ceb-dazzle‟. One mg L-1 gibberellic acid for six weeks, or cold treatment for six to eight weeks, had significant positive effects on the dormancy breaking of in vitro bulblets of Lilium cultivars.
