Mostafa Eshghi Khas; Ahmadreza Abbasifar; Babak ValizadehKaji
Abstract
Tissue culture techniques can be beneficial for quick clonal propagation and production of disease-free plants of purple passion fruit as one of the most important medicinal and ornamental plants. These techniques are essential tools for the production of transgenic plants and high-value phytochemicals. ...
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Tissue culture techniques can be beneficial for quick clonal propagation and production of disease-free plants of purple passion fruit as one of the most important medicinal and ornamental plants. These techniques are essential tools for the production of transgenic plants and high-value phytochemicals. The present study was planned to introduce an efficient in vitro propagation for purple passion fruit(Passiflora edulis Sims.). To do so, the effect of different plant growth regulators was investigated on micropropagation medium of purple passion fruit. For proliferation stage, nodal segments were cultured in media supplemented with various combinations of different plant growth regulators including: BA (0, 2.2, 4.4 and 8.9 μM), TDZ (2.3, 4.5 and 9.1 μM), GA3 (0 and 2.9 μM) and IBA (0 and 0.5 μM). For rooting, shoots with about 1.5 cm long originating from explants were removed and cultured in half-strength MS medium containing different concentrations of auxin-based plant growth regulators including: IAA (0, 1.1, 2.9, 5.7 and 11.4 μM), IBA (1, 2.5, 4.9 and 8.9 μM), and NAA (1.1, 2.7, 5.4, 10.7 μM). For the proliferation stage, the best plant growth regulator combination was 8.9 μM BA+2.9 μM GA3+0.5 μM IBA, resulting in the maximum shoot proliferation, number of shoots per explants, and shoot length. Half-strength MS medium supplemented with 5.4 μM NAA or 8.9 μM IBA was the most effective treatment for the rooting of shoots. Gradual acclimatization of the rooted plantlets was performed and the plantlets were established in the soil successfully. The micropropagated plants did not exhibit any visually detectable variation to their mother plants.
Asghar Sadeghi Chah-Nasir; Abdolhossein Abootalebi Jahromi; Behnam Behrooznam; Hamed Hassanzadeh Khankahdani; Abdolkarim Ejraei
Abstract
The foliar application of organic compounds and biofertilizers is a suitable method for optimal nutrition of plants. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the foliar application of humic acid and amino acids on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of tomato fruits under field conditions ...
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The foliar application of organic compounds and biofertilizers is a suitable method for optimal nutrition of plants. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the foliar application of humic acid and amino acids on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of tomato fruits under field conditions in 2019-2020. The treatments included the control, three concentrations of humic acid (1, 2, and 3 g L-1), three concentrations of amino acids (2, 4, and 6 g L-1), and combined treatment of humic acid (3 g L-1) + amino acid (3 g L-1). The results showed that the effect of the treatments on plant fresh and dry weight, leaf chlorophyll content, fruit number, total yield and marketability, and fruit quality except the fruit length was significant. The highest leaf pigment content, fruit number (30.3 per plant), yield (50.3 tons ha-1), and marketable yield (43.1 tons ha-1) were related to the combined treatment of humic acid + amino acids. Furthermore, the highest fruit quality characteristics such as firmness, TSS, vitamin C, anthocyanin, and potassium were observed for the humic acid at 3 g L-1, which showed no significant difference with the combined treatment of humic acid + amino acid. In general, it was found that the foliar application of organic compounds improved the yield, yield components, and fruit quality of tomato plants, so that the combined application of humic acid (3 g L-1) + amino acids (3 g L-1) had the highest effect on improving the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of tomato plants.
Sediqeh Afsharipour; Abdolmajid Mirzaalian Dastjerdi; Azam Seyedi
Abstract
Different culture media have various materials that impact root system architecture (RSA) and root system quality in plants. Finding the most compatible RSA of cucumber seedlings among the eight mixed culture media is critical to plant productivity. In this experiment, cucumber seeds were sown in eight ...
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Different culture media have various materials that impact root system architecture (RSA) and root system quality in plants. Finding the most compatible RSA of cucumber seedlings among the eight mixed culture media is critical to plant productivity. In this experiment, cucumber seeds were sown in eight mixed culture media, including a volume ratio of 30:10:60 of 1- perlite-vermicompost-coco peat as the control group, 2- peat moss-vermicompost-palm peat, 3- cocopeat vermicompost-palm peat, 4- perlite-vermicompost-palm peat, and 30:70 ratios of 5- peat moss- palm peat, 6- cocopeat -palm peat, 7- perlite -palm peat and 8- vermicompost-palm peat under greenhouse conditions. RSA of the seedlings was evaluated by GiA-Roots software via imaging at the fourleaf stage. The results showed that the minimum network length, network area, and network perimeter (821.6 cm, 7598.3 cm2, and 2102.3 cm, respectively) in the seedlings occurred on perlite-vermicompost-coco peat (control) which lacked palm peat. The minimum network volume, number of connected components, and network depth were observed in the control. However, the maximum network length, network volume, number of connected components, network width, network area, and network perimeter (88862.8 cm, 2076390.9 cm3, 23.2, 4567.4 cm, 332356.1 cm2, and 132068.9 cm, respectively) occurred in seedlings on peat moss-vermicompost-palm peat (30:10:60). Thus, a culture medium containing 30% peat moss, 60% palm peat, and 10% vermicompost improved RSA in cucumber seedlings. Palm peat was recommended as a sustainable resource to comprise culture media for cucumber seedlings.
David Kiprono Lelei Kiprono Rutto; Elizabeth Nabwile Nabwile Omami; Julius Onyango Onyango Ochuodho
Abstract
Production of high quality seeds in African leafy vegetables has not been practiced due to varying reasons including incorrect harvesting stages and fertilizer rates. Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) pods do not ripen simultaneously and fruits left to dry on mother plant long before harvesting, which ...
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Production of high quality seeds in African leafy vegetables has not been practiced due to varying reasons including incorrect harvesting stages and fertilizer rates. Jute mallow (Corchorus olitorius L.) pods do not ripen simultaneously and fruits left to dry on mother plant long before harvesting, which face seed quality deterioration. Timely seed harvesting ensures maximum seed quality attributes of purity, germination and vigour. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of harvesting stages and nitrogen fertilizer on seed quality and yield of Jute mallow. Seed samples from four Jute mallow morphotypes (GEMS, GLMT, BEMS, and BLMT) were planted. Completely randomized block design was used for analysing the effects of nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 60 and 120 kg/ha) with three replicates. Five plants were randomly tagged per plot and seed harvested at three maturity stages of green, tan and black. Seed quality test of purity, germination and vigour were done as per ISTA (2004) and means separation done by DMRT at p≤0.05. Results showed that harvesting stage significantly influenced seed quality attributes, in a way that the maximum purity, germination and seed vigour was detected at tan pod stage and their lowest levels were observed at black pod stage. It can be concluded that best agronomic practices of Jute mallow seed can be attained when they harvested at tan stage together with use of N fertilizer for high seed quality and yield.
Dennis Maina Gatahi; Felix Nyoro
Abstract
Fresh Moringa oleifera leaves are very rich in phytonutrients, however the leaves are also highly perishable and require processing for increased shelf-life. The method of processing, specifically drying affects the nutritional value of the product. The present study therefore, analyzed the nutraceutical ...
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Fresh Moringa oleifera leaves are very rich in phytonutrients, however the leaves are also highly perishable and require processing for increased shelf-life. The method of processing, specifically drying affects the nutritional value of the product. The present study therefore, analyzed the nutraceutical value and growth of toxic microbes when the leaves were dried under different conditions i.e. room temperature, greenhouse, 50% shade net, and in the oven at 60 oC for 4 h. The experiments were carried out at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). The treatments were applied in triplicate and arranged on a completely randomized design (CRD). Data on nutritional value of dried Moringa leaves was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) for parameterization and means separated using protected LSD0.05. The study showed that drying Moringa leaves under shade, room and greenhouse conditions significantly (P<0.05) affects the nutritional value of the product. The results showed highest levels of vitamin C, vitamin A, polyphenols and terpenoids when the leaves were dried under 50% shade net and room temperature conditions. In contrast, the glucosinolate content was significantly (P<0.05) higher when the leaves were dried instantly in the oven (9.1%/wt), followed by drying under greenhouse conditions (8.7%/wt) before oven drying. However, drying of Moringa leaves under shade before oven drying resulted in growth of toxic microbial organisms such as staphylococcus, yeast, E. coli and molds that can potentially affect the safety of the product. Finally, the drying conditions also significantly (P<0.05) affected the moisture content of the powder obtained. The results of this study form an important reference for small-holder Moringa growers and processors in the development of an optimal processing regime for high value Moringa powder.
Rouhollah Karimi; Seyed Mehdi Mirbagheri; Maryam Davtalab
Abstract
Raisins are good sources of bioactive compounds with beneficial effects on human health. Mineral nutrition is one of the main viticultural practices affecting grape and raisin phytochemical compositions. In this study, the effect of preharvest foliar application of potassium (K2SO4; 0, 1.5 and 3%) and ...
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Raisins are good sources of bioactive compounds with beneficial effects on human health. Mineral nutrition is one of the main viticultural practices affecting grape and raisin phytochemical compositions. In this study, the effect of preharvest foliar application of potassium (K2SO4; 0, 1.5 and 3%) and iron (Fe-EDDHA; 0, 0.5 and 1%) was evaluated on some nutritional and biochemical properties of raisins produced from ripped ‘Red Sultana’ grape (Vitis vinifera L.). The experiment laid on a factorial arrangement of variables using a completely randomized block design. The highest soluble sugars of fructose and glucose were related to raisin produced from the vines treated with 3% potassium in combination with 0.5% iron fertilizers. However, 3% K2SO4-treated vines in combination with 1% Fe- EDDHA showed a considerable increase in raisin sucrose and also putrescine concentration. The raisin organic acids of succinic acid, fumaric acid, citric acid, and malic acid increased significantly in treated vines with both fertilizers at final doses; however, tartaric acid showed the highest amount in 3% potassium in combination with 0.5% iron treatments. The vines treated with a high level of potassium in combination with moderate level of iron produced raisin with the highest phenolic acids of kaempferol, quercetin, chlorogenic acid and resveratrol and also showed the lowest polyphenol oxidase activity. Furthermore, raisin cinnamic acid, rutin and catechin concentration showed a peak in vines sprayed with a high level of potassium and iron and also most anthocyanidins such as petunidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside and delphinidin-3-glucoside reached their highest concentration by this treatment. Likewise, the highest antioxidant capacities (measured by FRAP, DPPH and ABTS methods) were achieved in 3% potassium–treated vines in combined with iron at a moderate level. In conclusion, results indicated that preharvest application of potassium and iron are highly effective to improve the Red Sultana raisin bioactive compositions.
Soraya Karami; Sakine Faraji; Tayebeh Basaki; Sedighe Ghanaei
Abstract
The present research considered identifying drought-tolerant genotypes through an index-based analysis of stress tolerance and physiological traits in pomegranates. Ten local pomegranate genotypes in Iran were evaluated for drought stress tolerance in two different irrigation regimes, i.e., normal conditions ...
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The present research considered identifying drought-tolerant genotypes through an index-based analysis of stress tolerance and physiological traits in pomegranates. Ten local pomegranate genotypes in Iran were evaluated for drought stress tolerance in two different irrigation regimes, i.e., normal conditions and severe drought stress (SDS). The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with three replications and took two consecutive years to accomplish (2019- 2020). Indices for stress tolerance were estimated from the fruit yield of a single tree under each irrigation regime. There were significantly positive correlations among several parameters, including Yp (fruityield under normal conditions), Ys (fruit yield under SDS), mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), stress tolerance index (STI), and proline (Pro) content. Therefore, these indices can be applied when identifying drought-tolerant genotypes under SDS and normal conditions. The Pro content was introduced as the best physiological index to assist in indirectly selecting drought-tolerant genotypes. A negative correlation occurred between Ys and stress susceptibility index (SSI). This index may assist in identifying susceptible genotypes. Based on principal component analysis (PCA), two genotypes (MTS and PSS) performed best in fruit yield and showed a high Pro content under the SDS condition.
Borzou Yousefi; Fatemah Sefidkon; Hooshmand Safari
Abstract
A decrease in agricultural water resources in recent years has led to the cultivation of plants with low water requirements. Creeping savory (Satureja spicigera) is a medicinal species that grows on rock walls in the north of Iran. To evaluate the effects of different planting densities and different ...
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A decrease in agricultural water resources in recent years has led to the cultivation of plants with low water requirements. Creeping savory (Satureja spicigera) is a medicinal species that grows on rock walls in the north of Iran. To evaluate the effects of different planting densities and different treatments of organic fertilizer (O.F.) on creeping savory essential oil (EO) under rainfed cultivation, an experiment was conducted by a split plot design based on RCBD with three fertilizer treatments (rotten cow manure, enriched straw and farm soil), and three planting densities (2.66, 4 and 8 plant/m2). The experiment was carried out in two crop years (2017-2019) in Mehregan Research Station of Kermanshah Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center. After extraction by water distillation, the EO content and EO yield were calculated and the chemical compounds were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. A total of 13 compounds were identified in the EO, comprising more than 97% of the total compounds. The effects of fertilizer treatments had statistical significance (P≤0.01) in terms of EO content, EO yield, and several chemical compounds. The effects of planting density were significant on the EO yield and chemical compounds (P≤0.01). The highest EO content was obtained in the treatment of rotten cow manure×high density (3.75%) and the lowest EO content occurred from the effect of farm soil×high density (2.78%). The highest EO yield was caused by enriched straw×high density (72.59 kg ha-1). The use of O.F. increased the EO content, EO yield, and thymol content.
Namrata Ghimire; Arvind Srivastava; Deepak Poudel; Kamal Raj Gaire
Abstract
To determine the suitability of different mulching materials for improving the yield of potato,a field experiment was conducted from January 2020 to May 2020 at Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments including: T1: silver ...
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To determine the suitability of different mulching materials for improving the yield of potato,a field experiment was conducted from January 2020 to May 2020 at Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal. The experiment was carried out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments including: T1: silver plastic mulch, T2: black plastic mulch, T3: perforated black plastic mulch, T4: straw mulch, and T5: Control, with four replications. The experiment revealed that the highest tuber yield was obtained in silver plastic mulch (42.29tonne/ha) followed by perforated black plastic (41.04tonne/ha), black plastic (39.17tonne/ha), and straw (28.54tonne/ha) mulches, and the lowest yield was obtained in the Control treatment (21.46tonne/ha). Soil temperature was found to be influenced by the use of mulching materials with the highest soil temperature recorded under black plastic mulch, whereas the lowest soil temperature was detected under the Control treatment. The economic analysis of using different mulching materials showed the highest benefit/cost ratio by silver plastic mulch (3.63); followed by perforated black plastic mulch (3.53) and the lowest benefit/cost ratio was calculated for the Control (2.60). The present study, therefore, depicted silver plastic mulch followed by perforated black plastic mulch as the most effective mulching material for improving production of potato.
Md. Farid Hossain
Abstract
To investigate the effects of organic fertilizers and irrigation frequencies on yield and quality of cherry tomato an experiment was conducted using six fertilizer doses including control (no fertilizer), NPK fertilizer (urea at 300 kg, TSP 200 kg and MoP 250 kg), cow-dung at 5 t ha-1, cow-dung at 10 ...
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To investigate the effects of organic fertilizers and irrigation frequencies on yield and quality of cherry tomato an experiment was conducted using six fertilizer doses including control (no fertilizer), NPK fertilizer (urea at 300 kg, TSP 200 kg and MoP 250 kg), cow-dung at 5 t ha-1, cow-dung at 10 t ha-1, poultry manure at 5 t ha-1 and poultry manure at 10 t ha-1 with two levels of irrigation frequencies including alternate day irrigation and two day interval irrigation in a split plot design with three replications. Data on yield and quality attributes of cherry tomato like plant height, number of fruits per plant, fruit yield per plant (g), yield (t ha-1), TSS (%) and vitamin C contents (mg 100 g-1) were recorded. Results revealed that poultry manure had significant effects on the yield and quality of cherry tomato. Among the fertilizer treatments, poultry manure at 5 t ha-1 showed the best results on yield and quality of cherry tomato. On the other hand, cherry tomato showed best performance in relation to yield and quality when field was irrigated in one-day interval. It can be concluded that application of poultry litter at 5 t ha-1 in combination with one day interval result in highest yield and quality on cherry tomato.
Safa Khosravi; Babak ValizadehKaji; Ahmadreza Abbasifar
Abstract
Consumption of vegetables with high nitrate content threaten human health. Garden cress is a hyperaccumulator of nitrate and quickly accumulates a large amount of nitrate. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of foliar application of selenium (Se) on the morphological and ...
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Consumption of vegetables with high nitrate content threaten human health. Garden cress is a hyperaccumulator of nitrate and quickly accumulates a large amount of nitrate. The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of foliar application of selenium (Se) on the morphological and physiochemical traits of garden cress plants. Treatments included three levels of sodium selenite (1, 2, and 4 mg L-1) and three levels of green synthesized Se nanoparticles (NPs) (1, 2, and 4 mg L-1). Most nutrient treatments, especially 1 mg L-1 Se NPs, significantly increased plant height, number of leaves, fresh and dry weights, chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll, and nitrate reductase activity of garden cress plants. The foliar application of Se, especially 1 mg L-1 Se NPs, caused a significant decrease in the level of nitrate accumulation. Under different treatments of sodium selenite and green synthesized Se NPs on garden cress plants, the concentration of Se was increased, and concentrations of zinc and phosphorus were decreased. This research highlights the implications of Se for improving the quality and quantity of garden cress plants.
Farzaneh Razavi
Abstract
Global warming exacerbates rainfall irregularity and causes a decline in water resources. Drought is one of the main limiting parameters in agricultural and fruit production. In this study, we established a standard method for measuring drought tolerance in Fragaria , the simplest genomic model in the ...
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Global warming exacerbates rainfall irregularity and causes a decline in water resources. Drought is one of the main limiting parameters in agricultural and fruit production. In this study, we established a standard method for measuring drought tolerance in Fragaria , the simplest genomic model in the Rosaceae, a plant family comprising important fruit species like almonds, apples, plums, etc. A quick screening method for monitoring Fragaria genotypes in response to dehydration involved conducting a short-term water deficit experiment. We measured two eco-physiological parameters associated with leaf water status, leaf relative water content (RWC), and leaf water loss rate (WLR) in a total of 20 strawberry cultivars (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) from different breeding programs. The plants included two ecotypes of the European diploid species, F. vesca, and one American octaploid species, F. chiloensis. Fragaria genotypes responded to drought stress, as measured by WLR and RWC, and DNA fingerprints further described select Fragaria genotypes using AFLP and candidate gene EST markers. We revealed correlations among specific DNA markers, leaf WLR, and RWC while navigating the possibility of using association mapping in a small set of Fagaria accessions. The ultimate aim was to create a set of correlated markers to the physiological drought-involved traits in Fragaria. Using F. vesca extensively as a characterized Rosaceae mod e-l plant species in this study can ensure the benefits of drought charact e-rization and plant-based responses in other important Rosaceae fruit species.
Ramin Rafezi; Hamid Dehghani; Ziaeddin Banihashemi; Michel Pitrat
Abstract
In order to estimate the genetic parameters of resistance against the race 1.2y of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis, a complete 7 × 7 diallel mating design was conducted with three replications by the use of Iranian native melons including Jalali, Chapalizi, Sooski, Magasi, Khaghani, Semsoori ...
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In order to estimate the genetic parameters of resistance against the race 1.2y of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis, a complete 7 × 7 diallel mating design was conducted with three replications by the use of Iranian native melons including Jalali, Chapalizi, Sooski, Magasi, Khaghani, Semsoori and Shadegani. Moreover two inbred lines including Charentais-T and Isabelle were entered as susceptible and resistant controls in the experiment respectively while they were not involved in diallel mating. Plants were inoculated by root dip method with 106 conidia ml-1 concentration of Maharloo isolate.The traits, including area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), disease severity index (DSI), standardized AUDPC (SAUDPC), and latent period (LP), were all measured. The results revealed significant additive, dominance, and reciprocal variance for all traits followed by significant estimates in broad-sense and narrow-sense heritabilities. The highest narrow-sense heritability was calculated for SAUDPC (0.47). General combining ability (GCA), special combining ability (SCA), and the reciprocal effects were significant for AUDPC, SAUDPC, and LP. Results stand for the significant role of both additive and non-additive effects in the control of the traits. In combining ability studies, Magasi, Chapalizi, and Jalali showed the lowest significant GCA effect for AUDPC and SAUDPC followed by high significant GCA for LP. These populations can be considered as resistant parents in corresponding breeding programs. The F1 of Chapalizi × Sooski showed the lowest significant SCA for DSI, AUDPC, and the highest significant SCA was for LP. Therefore it can be considered as the best resistant ‘hybrid’ against FOM-1.2y.
Aldo Tava; Marcello Iriti; Sara Vitalini
Abstract
Achillea moschata Wulfen (Asteraceae) is an endemic species growing on the Alps and traditionally used in several medicinal remedies. For its aromatic properties, it is also collected for food purposes. Chemical content and biological activity of A. moschata oil are not extensively studied. We investigated ...
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Achillea moschata Wulfen (Asteraceae) is an endemic species growing on the Alps and traditionally used in several medicinal remedies. For its aromatic properties, it is also collected for food purposes. Chemical content and biological activity of A. moschata oil are not extensively studied. We investigated whether the different lithological and geomorphological features of two alpine areas including Vallone dello Scerscen and Valle dei Ratti, located in the Sondrio Province (Northern Italy), can influence the essential oil (EO) composition and the related antioxidant activity of the respective A. moschata populations. The essential oils obtained by steam distillation from the dried aerial parts were investigated by GC/FID and GC/MS. Several compounds were identified belonging to different chemical classes, including monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes as the most abundant constituents, together with ketones, alcohols, phenols, acids and esters. A variation in the quantitative composition of several constituents was recorded in the two oils. The main constituents were camphor (23.4-34.2%), 1,8-cineole (9.8-16.4%), trans-tujone (3.6-13.4%), sesquicineole (3.5-5.8%), borneol (1.1-4.8%), -caryophyllene (2.7-4.4%) and myrcene (1.3-4.2%). Their antioxidant activity was measured in vitro by the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS⋅+) and 2,2-diphenyl-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH⋅) stable radical assays. The essential oils showed similar and significant scavenger effects, possibly due to the synergistic action of all components including compounds present in small quantities.
Chrispo Makheti Mutebi; Davine Atieno Ondede
Abstract
Leaf spot (Cercospora moricola, Cooke) is a disease that negatively influences the yield of mulberry (Morus alba L.) plants. To determine the effect of nitrogen levels on the incidence and severity of leaf spot an experiment was carried out on mulberry plants. The nitrogen levels included 0, 100, 200 ...
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Leaf spot (Cercospora moricola, Cooke) is a disease that negatively influences the yield of mulberry (Morus alba L.) plants. To determine the effect of nitrogen levels on the incidence and severity of leaf spot an experiment was carried out on mulberry plants. The nitrogen levels included 0, 100, 200 and 300 kg ha-1, which were applied in two splits coinciding with the two rainy seasons. The study design was randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Determination of disease intensity involved scoring for disease intensity on a 1-5 Manandhar scale and calculation of the disease incidence were performed by expressing the number of infected leaves as a percentage of the total number of leaves. The values were translated to area under disease progress stairs (AUDPS). The means for AUDPS were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using PRO GLM in SAS and Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) used to partition the means at p≤0.05. The results showed that as the rate of nitrogen application was increased, there was a corresponding decrease in AUDPS for disease incidence and a decrease in AUDPS for disease severity. From the obtained results it can be concluded that nitrogen at an application rate of 200 kg ha-1 is an effective approach to suppress Cercospora leaf spot of mulberry and can be recommended to the farmers, where this disease is a problem for cultivation of mulberry.
Ali Saghafian Larijani; Hassan Hajnajari; Mahmood Khosrowshahli; Amir Mousavi
Abstract
The influence of five open-pollinated seedling rootstocks and two marketed seed lots (as the controls) were assessed on pomological, biochemical, and organoleptic traits of four apple cultivars (Malus×domestica Borkh.), grown in Meshkin Abad Horticultural Research Station (Karaj, Iran). The maternal ...
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The influence of five open-pollinated seedling rootstocks and two marketed seed lots (as the controls) were assessed on pomological, biochemical, and organoleptic traits of four apple cultivars (Malus×domestica Borkh.), grown in Meshkin Abad Horticultural Research Station (Karaj, Iran). The maternal parents, as the three crabs 'Zinati', 'Morabbaei', and 'Azayesh' along with the standard trees 'Northern Spy' and 'Golden Karaj' were selected as the seed sources through a breeding program in 2003. The present study was achieved on the 4- and 5-year-old trees, spindle formed, planted in 3.5×4 m, and drop irrigated in 28 combinations (four cultivars onto 5+2 rootstocks, distributed in four distinct parcels). The investigation was carried out on pomological traits based on UPOV scales, as well as biochemical and organoleptic traits. Higher fruit length, diameter, and weight were recorded for the cultivars grafted onto 'Northern Spy', followed by 'Zinati' and 'Morabbaei' seed sources. 'Zinati' F1 crab seedling induced higher flesh firmness combined with the four scions. The crab seedling rootstocks 'Zinati' followed by 'Azayesh' caused a higher organoleptic scent, flavor, and sweetness attributed by the panel members. Moreover, pH, TA, and TSS were influenced by scion, while rootstock effect was negligible. These results indicated that F1 half-sib seedling rootstocks positively influenced the pomological and organoleptic traits and improved the fruit's quality.
Leila Baghazadeh Daryaii; Davood Samsampour; Abdolnabi Bagheri; Majid Askari Seyahooei; Mojdeh Raam
Abstract
Investigating genetic diversity in plant species provides a platform for further insight in plant breeding and conservation. Therefore, in the present study genetic diversity of 13 geographically isolated genotypes of Zhumeria majdea, as a seriously endangered medicine plant growing exclusively in Hormozgan ...
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Investigating genetic diversity in plant species provides a platform for further insight in plant breeding and conservation. Therefore, in the present study genetic diversity of 13 geographically isolated genotypes of Zhumeria majdea, as a seriously endangered medicine plant growing exclusively in Hormozgan province (South of Iran) was studied. To do so, the leaf samples of Z. majdea were collected from the main growing habitats of this spices including Haji Abad, Geno and Bastak regions. The collected leaf samples were subjected to DNA extraction followed by PCR assay, using Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) markers. Twelve markers produced totally 121 polymorphic bands and revealed a clear-cut among and within Z. majdea genotypes. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed 86% and 14% variations within and among populations, respectively. Cluster analysis divided genotypes into four main groups. The first and second principle coordinates allocated 28.81% and 15.71% of the variations, respectively. In addition to the innate differences of the individuals, the high intra population variation of Z. majdea, can also be explained by differences in the presence or absence of endophytes and differences in the type and genetic pattern of their endophytes.
Elaheh Hashemidehkordi; Seyed Najmmaddin Mortazavi; Pejman Azadi
Abstract
Zantedeschia spp is an important flower in the ornamental plants market. Due to the high demand for this plant in the horticultural industry, it is indispensable to introduce an in vitro protocol for its mass propagation. For this aim, the tubers of calla lily were disinfected in a hot water bath with ...
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Zantedeschia spp is an important flower in the ornamental plants market. Due to the high demand for this plant in the horticultural industry, it is indispensable to introduce an in vitro protocol for its mass propagation. For this aim, the tubers of calla lily were disinfected in a hot water bath with different temperatures (30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 oC) and duration (30 or 35 min). Then explants were cultured on MS medium with different combinations of 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and Kinetin (Kin). Based on the obtained results, the highest disinfection percentage (more than 90%) was obtained at 45 oC for 35 min. Also, the highest proliferation rate (with an average of 15.33 and 14.32 in cv. Orania and cv. Sunclub, respectively) was observed in 2.5 mg L-1 BAP + 1.5 mg L-1 Kin. The highest rooting percentage (100% in both cultivars) and root number per explant (with an average of 4.00 and 3.03 in cv. Orania and Sunclub, respectively) was obtained in 0.5 mg L-1 Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) + 0.1 mg L-1 Kin, but the highest root length (with an average of 120.0 and 106.6 mm in cv. Orania and Sunclub, respectively) was observed in 1.0 mg L-1 IAA + 0.1 mg L-1 Kin. In MS medium + 2.0 mg L-1 Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) + 4% Sucrose, the highest number of tubers (with an average of 6.66 and 5.21 in cv. Orania and Sunclub, respectively) was formed. The highest fresh and dry weights (with an average of 948.33 and 851.33 mg in cv. Orania and Sunclub, respectively) of tuber were obtained in 2.0 mg L-1 IBA + 6% sucrose. The rooted and tuberous plants were adapted in the greenhouse successfully.
Farahnaz Fattahi; Fardin Ghanbari; Mehdi Saidi
Abstract
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) belongs to the Malvaceae family and is sensitive to chilling injury. To evaluate the effect of amino acids on preventing okra pods from chilling injury and maintaining their quality during storage, an experiment was performed to evaluate the possible role of amino acids ...
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Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) belongs to the Malvaceae family and is sensitive to chilling injury. To evaluate the effect of amino acids on preventing okra pods from chilling injury and maintaining their quality during storage, an experiment was performed to evaluate the possible role of amino acids in maintaining okra quality during cold storage. In this regard, okra pods were dipped for 10 min in distilled water (as control) and four solutions containing 2mM arginine, asparagine, or glycine individually as well as a combination of the aforementioned amino acids. The samples were then stored at 4°C for 14 days. Results showed that glycine and asparagine individually reduced the rate of pods’ weight loss by as much as 43% and 37%, respectively. Moreover, pretreatment of okra with amino acids, particularly glycine, remarkably diminished chilling disorders because of their roles in inducing antioxidant activity and declining lipid peroxidation in the pods. Results also revealed that pretreatment of okra with amino acids significantly mitigated polyphenol oxidase activity, and this could delay the appearance of pods’ browning lesions during cold storage. In conclusion, the results suggest that pretreatment of okra pods with amino acids, especially glycine, could reduce biochemical changes that occurred in pods due to chilling in cold storage.
Afsaneh Rashnoo; Zahra Movahedi; Majid Rostami; Mehdi Ghabooli
Abstract
In two independent experiments, acclimatized chicory plants were transferred into an aeroponic system and to the soil. Then, the effects of biofertilizer (Nitrokara) and culture filtrate of Piriformospora indica were investigated on some plant characteristics in both aeroponic and soil cultivation system ...
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In two independent experiments, acclimatized chicory plants were transferred into an aeroponic system and to the soil. Then, the effects of biofertilizer (Nitrokara) and culture filtrate of Piriformospora indica were investigated on some plant characteristics in both aeroponic and soil cultivation system under greenhouse conditions. The plants were foliar sprayed with three different biofertilizer concentrations (1, 2, and 3 g/L) and P. indica culture filtrate (2.5, 5, and 7.5 mL in 100 mL water) following 20, 40 and 60 days after transplanting to the aeroponic and soil culture media. Results showed that the highest vegetative growth (e.g. plant height, root length, number of leaves per plant, root and shoot dry weights) and physiological traits (e.g. relative water content, proline, anthocyanin content, chlorophyll a, and chlorophyll b) were observed with 7.5 mL of P. indica culture filtrate in both aeroponic and soil culture media. Besides, the best results for all studied traits were obtained from 3 g/L of biofertilizer application in the both culture media. In both experiments, better results were obtained from the aeroponic system than the soil culture for P. indica production.
Lavin Babaei; Mohammad Mehdi Sharifani; Reza Darvishzadeh; Naser Abbaspour; Mashhid Henareh
Abstract
To investigate photosynthetic response of some pear (Pyrus spp.) species to drought stress, a pot experiment was conducted using as factorial experiment based on completely randomized design (CRD) with three replication under greenhouse condition. The factors included five pear species including: P. ...
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To investigate photosynthetic response of some pear (Pyrus spp.) species to drought stress, a pot experiment was conducted using as factorial experiment based on completely randomized design (CRD) with three replication under greenhouse condition. The factors included five pear species including: P. biossieriana, P. communis, P. glabra, P. salicifolia and P. syriaca and three levels of drought stress [(100%, 60% and 30% of field capacity (FC)]. According to the obtained results, different levels of drought stress significantly restricted morphological and physiological responses in all studied species. Increasing drought stress intensity reduced leaf relative water content (RWC), net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and intercellular carbon dioxide concentration when compared to their values in control plants. However, root/shoot dry weight ratio, specific leaf weight and stomatal density per unit of area were increased. In P. glabra exposed to severe stress (30% of FC), the values of root/shoot dry weigh ratio (0.85 g), specific leaf weight (23 mg cm-2), stomata density per unit of area, relative water content (73%) and net photosynthetic rate (3.9 µmol CO2 m-2 s-1) were significantly higher than the other species. P. syriaca, P. salicifolia, P. biossieriana and P. communis were placed in the next ranks, respectively based on their response to drought. In conclusion, P. glabra is reported as a more effective species in mitigating the adverse effects of drought by boosting its protective mechanisms than the other pear species.
Hossein Sheikhi; Mojtaba Delshad; Sasan Aliniaeifard; Kamahldin Haghbeen; Mesbah Bababalar; Rasool Nasiri
Abstract
Lettuce is one of the most important leafy vegetable crops. Despite lettuce being mostly grown in open fields, its greenhouse production is widely increasing. Lettuce growth comprises two distinct stages known as the seedling and head stages. The effect of supplemental lighting (SL) on lettuce growth ...
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Lettuce is one of the most important leafy vegetable crops. Despite lettuce being mostly grown in open fields, its greenhouse production is widely increasing. Lettuce growth comprises two distinct stages known as the seedling and head stages. The effect of supplemental lighting (SL) on lettuce growth was well studied, but the lighting requirement during the early stage of its growth and head development remained unknown. For this purpose, we evaluated nutritional qualities and growth in lettuce in response to SL in separate seedling and head development stages. The experiment involved SL with different daily light integral (DLI) provided by light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Light treatments included supplemental DLI of 8.64, 11.52, 12.96, and 17.28 mol m-2 d-1. The results revealed that the lighting period was more effective on lettuce biomass increase than the light intensity. Although the SL increased the photosynthetic pigment content of lettuce, its impacts on the two growth stages were not the same. In a way, the chlorophyll a,total chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents decreased under the SL conditions (DLI of 17.28 mol m2 d-1 and light intensity of 300 μmol m-2 s1 for 16 h). Increasing DLI caused a significant increase in the nutritional quality of lettuce, but antioxidant accumulation did not follow a similar trend in seedlings and mature plants. These findings confirmed that SL improves lettuce growth and quality, but optimal lighting requirements may vary depending on the growth stage.
Chrispo Makheti Mutebi; Vincent Moranga
Abstract
The present study was done to determine the effect of different soil fertilities on cowpea mosaic virus disease incidence. The fertilities were; 50 kg/ha Diammonium phosphate (18.46.0), 50 kg/ha Mavuno (10.26.10) that is a mineral fertilizer that has been extensively utilized in western Kenya, ...
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The present study was done to determine the effect of different soil fertilities on cowpea mosaic virus disease incidence. The fertilities were; 50 kg/ha Diammonium phosphate (18.46.0), 50 kg/ha Mavuno (10.26.10) that is a mineral fertilizer that has been extensively utilized in western Kenya, 3 tons/ha farmyard manure (FYM), FYM/Mavuno combination with half rate of the latter at 25 kg/ha, FYM/DAP combination with half rate of the latter at 25 kg/ha and unfertilized control, all applied at planting time. Certified cowpea seed of Kenkunde variety was planted using the different fertilizers in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Percent cowpea mosaic disease incidence (DI) data was collected and analyzed through one-way ANOVA. The results of cowpea mosaic DI shown as a descriptive statistics collected from the six fertilizer treatments indicated that FYM/DAP combination had the smallest mean for DI (M = 12.55), while DAP alone had the highest DI mean (M = 33.97). Associations among groups in the ANOVA table showed that the fertilizer effects were significant (p < .005). Fisher’s LSD post-hoc tests at 5% level of confidence was used to evaluate the nature of the differences in mean DI. It was observed that 92% of the variance in DI was accounted for the type of fertilizer treatment applied. In conclusion, application of DAP combined with FYM at 25 kg/ha and 1.5 tons/ha can be helpful in lowering the cowpea mosaic virus infection in the region where this study was carried out, though these could be used with knowledge of soil reaction.Abbreviations: ANOVA, Analysis of variance; DAP, Diammonium phosphate; DI, Disease incidence; FYM, Farmyard manure; LSD, Least significant difference; KALRO, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization; NRF, National Research Fund; RCBD, Randomized complete block design; SPSS, Statistical package for social sciences
Sophia Soroori; Elham Danaee
Abstract
The experiment was performed to study the effect of foliar application of citric acid on reducing the effects of drought stress on Calendula officinalis L., the effect of citric acid (0, 50 and 100 mg l-1) and different levels of drought (no stress: control, 25, 50 and 75% field capacity) was studied ...
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The experiment was performed to study the effect of foliar application of citric acid on reducing the effects of drought stress on Calendula officinalis L., the effect of citric acid (0, 50 and 100 mg l-1) and different levels of drought (no stress: control, 25, 50 and 75% field capacity) was studied as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replicates in 2018 in greenhouses in northern Iran. The foliar application was applied in three stages with an interval of about 20 days, including the six-leaf stage, full tillering and the appearance of the first bud. The results showed that drought stress and foliar application of CA significantly affected the parameters evaluated. The highest fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots, carotenoids, phenol and flavonoid were obtained in 75% FC + CA 50 mg l-1. The maximum plant height, root length and number of flowers were for control irrigation + CA 50 mg l-1 and the highest longevity of the flower on the plant, total carbohydrate, rutin and total antioxidant activity was observed in 75% FC + CA 100 mg l-1. In addition, treatment of control irrigation + CA 100 mg l-1 had the highest total chlorophyll and vitamin C and the 25% FC treatment had the highest proline content. In general, irrigation of pot marigolds with 75% FC and spraying with citric acid 100 mg l-1 had positive effects on plant growth and biochemical parameters
Anjaly Shankar M; Rachna Sehrawat; Sunil Pareek; Prabhat K Nema
Abstract
Mushrooms are characterized as the fruiting bodies of fungi and are fruitful source of high-quality protein and vitamins with low calories. Among the three most cultivated species, the oyster mushroom stands with limited shelf life (2-3 days at refrigerated conditions). Elevated quotients of browning ...
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Mushrooms are characterized as the fruiting bodies of fungi and are fruitful source of high-quality protein and vitamins with low calories. Among the three most cultivated species, the oyster mushroom stands with limited shelf life (2-3 days at refrigerated conditions). Elevated quotients of browning reaction and restricted shelf life obliges the preservation of species as a matter of concern. A suitable pre-treatment along with the drying method is very important to retain the bioactive compounds of oyster mushroom. Pre-treatment optimization prior to oyster mushroom drying was carried out in two steps which involved individual and combined effects of blanching (70 to 90 oC) and chemical treatments. Thereafter, it was dried in a recently developed multi-mode novel drying unit under hot air and vacuum drying (50-70oC) conditions. Pre-treatment with citric acid and blanching at 80 oC for 2 min resulted in the lowest residual activity of polyphenol oxidase. Retention of phenolics, flavonoids, ascorbic acid and antioxidant compounds were higher in the samples dried using vacuum drying. Increase in temperature from 50 to 70 oC significantly decreased the bioactive compounds and colour of vacuum dried samples. In samples dried using hot air-drying, the higher retention of bioactive compounds and colour was obtained at 60 oC as compared to 70 oC and 50 oC. Page model was found to be the best fitted model among the different models studied. Analysis inferred the usefulness of optimised pre-treatment and vacuum drying technique at low temperature for drying of oyster mushrooms.Abbreviations: AA, Ascorbic acid; BI, Browning index CA, Citric acid; FRAP, Ferric reducing antioxidant power; KMS, Potassium metabisulphite; MR, Moisture ratio; PPO, Polyphenol oxidase; RR, Rehydration ratio; RSA, Radical scavenging activity; TFC, Total flavonoid content; TPC, Total phenol content
