Hamid-Reza Fallahi; Morteza Ghorbany; Alireza Samadzadeh; Mahsa Aghhavani-Shajari; Amir-Hassan Asadian
Abstract
In this study effect of irrigation managements including irrigation after 100 and 200 mm pan evaporation as normal and deficit irrigation respectively was investigated in Roselle plants. Effects of humic acid (including 0 and 4 kg ha-1) and mycorrhizal inoculants (including Glomus versiforme (GV) and ...
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In this study effect of irrigation managements including irrigation after 100 and 200 mm pan evaporation as normal and deficit irrigation respectively was investigated in Roselle plants. Effects of humic acid (including 0 and 4 kg ha-1) and mycorrhizal inoculants (including Glomus versiforme (GV) and Rhizophagus irregularis (RI)) were also studied on growth, yield and mycorrhizal symbiosis index of Roselle plants. Drought stress reduced the amounts of morphological indices and yield components, while mycorrhizal treatment particularly RI inoculation and to a lower extent humic acid application reduced the negative impacts of water deficit on growth and yield of Roselle plants. Both inoculants of mycorrhizal fungi increased the economical yield of Roselle under drought stress condition, where the amount of calyx yield for RI, GV and control in 200 mm pan-evaporation treatment was 130, 127 and 66 kg ha-1, respectively. In addition, the highest root mycorrhizal frequency was obtained at normal irrigation × humic application × RI (95%) and the lowest value was observed at deficit irrigation × no-humic × no-mycorrhizal inoculation (31.6%) treatment. In conclusion, combined effects of experimental factors showed that seed inoculation of plants by mycorrhiza and to some extent application of humic acid are two reliable strategies for Roselle production under deficit irrigation.
Asit Baran Mondal; Mohammad Bashir Ahmed; Md. Abdul Mannan
Abstract
This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of thickness of floating beds on the growth and yield of okra, Indian spinach, cucumber and red amaranth, from 2013 to 2014, at Gopalganj district in Bangladesh. The single-factor experiment was conducted as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) ...
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This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of thickness of floating beds on the growth and yield of okra, Indian spinach, cucumber and red amaranth, from 2013 to 2014, at Gopalganj district in Bangladesh. The single-factor experiment was conducted as a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. There were three treatments viz. 1.5 m, 2.0 m and 2.5 m thickness of floating bed, the raw material of which was solely comprised of water hyacinth biomass. The thickness of the floating bed was reduced each month due to a gradual decomposition of water hyacinth, and as the rotten material fell into the water and soil. The rate at which the floating bed became thinner accelerated through time. For okra, the maximum plant height (150.67 and 151.77 cm, respectively) was found in response to the 2.5 m thick bed which was significantly similar to the 2.0 m thick bed in both growing seasons. Bed thickness of 2.5 m led to more branches (6.67 and 6.67, respectively), leaves (47.00 and 49.67, respectively), fruits (25.00 and 26.00, respectively), fruit length (14.56 cm and 14.02 cm, respectively), fruit diameter (6.29 cm and 6.08 cm, respectively) and yield (7.99 and 8.09 t ha-1, respectively). Minimum values were observed in response to the 1.5 m thick bed in both years. A similar trend was also observed in the case of other three corps, i.e. Indian spinach, Cucumber and Red amaranth, regarding their growth and yield, as a function of bed thickness. From an economic viewpoint, the 2.0-meter thick bed was found suitable for the production of the said crops.
Asma Chbani; Sandy Majed; Hiba Mawlawi
Abstract
Nowadays, organic fertilizers play an important role in agriculture. They are progressively substituting chemical fertilizers to prevent their harmful impact on human health and the environment. They provide high yield, better quality products and a shorter period of harvesting crops. In this study, ...
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Nowadays, organic fertilizers play an important role in agriculture. They are progressively substituting chemical fertilizers to prevent their harmful impact on human health and the environment. They provide high yield, better quality products and a shorter period of harvesting crops. In this study, the mineral elements: primary macronutrient (N, PO3- and K+), secondary macronutrient: (Ca2+, Mg2+ and SO2-), micronutrient (Na+ and Cl-), alkalinity (HCO3-) and other elements (NO2- and NO-), of three seaweeds were determined: chlorophytae (Ulva lactuca, Ulva linza) and phaeophytae (Padina pavonica). The nitrogen content was the most abundant element in the three Mediterranean seaweeds [79.85 - 57.16 - 126.09 [×10³ mg L-1], respectively, with a maximum to the chlorophytae U. lactuca. This is true also for other macroelements (K and P); their values are higher in green seaweed than the brown Padina pavonica. Secondary elements (Ca and Mg) also show higher values in green algae, with a maximum value in Ulva lactuca. There is no significant difference concerning the values of microelements Na+ and Cl- between green and brown algae. The values of nitrite and nitrate are equivalent for the two green algae, while these items are virtually nonexistent in the brown algae. In conclusion, interesting values of the green alga Ulva lactuca could suggest the use of aqueous extract of this alga such as biofertilizant.
Esmaeil Chamani; Carol Wagstaff
Abstract
Experiments were conducted to evaluate the response of different originated (the same mother plants with different growers from different cities in Ethiopia) cut rose flowers to various relative humidity (RH) and recut (recut and non-recut). Three different experiments (E1, E2 and E3) using three RH ...
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Experiments were conducted to evaluate the response of different originated (the same mother plants with different growers from different cities in Ethiopia) cut rose flowers to various relative humidity (RH) and recut (recut and non-recut). Three different experiments (E1, E2 and E3) using three RH (60, 75 and 90%) and three Ethiopian growing areas (Fleur, Liki and Longonot) with 10 replications were designed. Cut rose flowers from three growing area were recut to 5 cm and placed in 60, 75 and 90% RH as a commercial supply chain. Rose flowers without any recut were selected as control. Mean comparison in three experiments revealed that by increasing storage time in cold room, flower vase life significantly decreased. 75% RH produced the highest flower vase life compared to 60 and 90% RHs. However, mean comparisons showed that cut rose flowers originated from Liki growers significantly had the highest vase life compared to others which followed by Longonot and Fleur ones. The results revealed that 5 cm cut the end of flower stem significantly increased flower vase life compared to control. Mean comparison of bacterial populations in commercial supplies of the three experiments, declared the highest amount of bacteria in E1 than the other experiments. Cut rose flowers originated from Liki growers had the highest bacterial populations at the bottom part of the stem compared to the other growers. The results also showed that the end part of stems contain more bacterial agent compared to upper parts.
Elene Maghlakelidze; Zviad Bobokashvili; David Maghradze
Abstract
Plum local varieties and forms are widespread in all regions of Georgia. Despite the wide dissemination of this crop, the number of cultivars is not quite a lot. Due to this reason, study of cultivars has been carried out in a collection plot of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture, in village ...
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Plum local varieties and forms are widespread in all regions of Georgia. Despite the wide dissemination of this crop, the number of cultivars is not quite a lot. Due to this reason, study of cultivars has been carried out in a collection plot of the Scientific-Research Center of Agriculture, in village Jighaura. Eight plum (Prunus domestica L.) cultivars including: Amers, Bluefree, Chanchuri, Empresss, President, Stanley, Shaviqliavi, Tophit were used in this study. The following agronomic and biological characteristics were studied for the cultivars: calendar periods of phenological phases, pomological description of fruits, fruit chemical analysis and productivity. The results showed that average time of maturity was from 02.08. to 30.09. The average fruit yield in this trial for Empress and President Stanley cultivars was 88.4- 98.1 kg per tree. The weight of fruit ranged from 58.4 g to 26.2 g. The cultivars Tophit, Empresss and President contain the highest contents for soluble solid substance – respectively 14.23%, 12.81%, 12.64%. According to the obtained results, the following cultivars of plum can be chosen for further cultivation which can improve the local assortment of plum like Tophit and President (fresh production), Empress and Stanley (fresh/dry production). They are characterized by early starting production, high-productivity and high quality of fruits.
Azhar Hussain; Muhammad Ashraf Sumrah; Attiq Akhtar; Syed Hamza Mahfooz; Muhammad Azeem Tariq
Abstract
This is the first-ever study conducted to standardize the maturity stage of olive fruit for development of olive murabba. Olive fruit was harvested at three different maturity stages including lemon green, semi-ripened and fully ripened stages for postharvest processing. Most prominent quality parameters ...
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This is the first-ever study conducted to standardize the maturity stage of olive fruit for development of olive murabba. Olive fruit was harvested at three different maturity stages including lemon green, semi-ripened and fully ripened stages for postharvest processing. Most prominent quality parameters of the product were studied for all maturity stages. Olive productprepared from semi-ripened fruit gave the best score for the olive appearance (7.00) followed by that from lemon green stage (4.64). Semi-ripened stage also scored top in terms of flavor (6.53) and taste (6.58), followed by lemon green stage with non-significant differences. Highest firmness (14.91N) and shelf-life (372.66 days) were detected in products prepared from the lemon green stage; followed by semi-ripened stage (12.19 N firmness and 263days shelf life). Fruits harvested at fully ripened stage remained at the bottom in terms of all the parameters studied. The product prepared from fruits at semi-ripened stage gained the best acceptability due to having of the best appearance, flavor and taste, which are the main quality attributes in consumer viewpoint. In conclusion, harvesting olive fruit at semi-ripened stage resulted in the best quality of olive for processing to murabba.
Hui-jun Yan; Hao Zhang; Hong-ying Jian; Xian-qin Qiu; De-dang Feng; Qi-gang Wang; Kai-xue Tang
Abstract
Roses are cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens, cut flowers and potted flowers, but also serviced in the perfume industry. Rose flowers product different volatile compounds including eugenol, being floral attractant for pollinators and used as an important composition of essential oil. Here, the ...
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Roses are cultivated as ornamental plants in gardens, cut flowers and potted flowers, but also serviced in the perfume industry. Rose flowers product different volatile compounds including eugenol, being floral attractant for pollinators and used as an important composition of essential oil. Here, the eugenol synthase gene (RcEGS1) promoter was cloned from R. chinensis 'Old Blush'. The sequences of RcEGS1 promoter were 1776bp, contained the conserved elements, and predicted to be with several cis-regulatory elements involved in secondary metabolism of plants. Yeast one-hybrid library of R. chinensis 'Old Blush' at flower opening was constructed with the three-frame reading. The library capacity was more than 1.12×107CFU. The length of fragments inserted was 1 Kb to 3 Kb, which is fully meeting the demand of selecting the yeast library. The bait yeast vectors with cis-transcription elements MBS-box, G-box and one fragment bait yeast vectors were constructed, respectively. Furthermore, the transcript factors R2R3-type MYB and bHLH3 were screened using the yeast one-hybrid system. The results suggested the two TFs might play an important role in the pathway of volatile biosynthesis in roses.
Zahra Heidari; Mohammad Javad Nazarideljou; Younes Rezaie Danesh; Nabi Khezrinejad
Abstract
Water deficit conditions, in addition to reduced water uptake, result in a reduction in nutrient uptake, and consequently, a substantial reduction in growth parameters, yield and quality. Substrate inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as an environmentally friendly biofertilizer is an ...
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Water deficit conditions, in addition to reduced water uptake, result in a reduction in nutrient uptake, and consequently, a substantial reduction in growth parameters, yield and quality. Substrate inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) as an environmentally friendly biofertilizer is an important strategy to improve the growth parameters and quality of products in such conditions. Therefore, an experiment was conducted on zinnia, under different irrigation regimes (40, 70 and 100% of field capacity; FC) and different substrate inoculation levels with Glomus mosseae (0, 2.5 and 5%), in order to examine their possible symbiosis and root colonization on morphophysiological and biochemical parameters in a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications. The results showed the positive and significant effects of AMF on morphophysiological traits under all irrigation regimes compared to the control treatment (without AMF) such as flower longevity and antiradical properties. With increased drought stress, root:shoot ratio, flower diameter, flower longevity, water use efficiency (WUE), the chlorophyll content and nutrient uptake were significantly decreased, while the decreasing trends of these parameters were much lower in pots treated with AMF. The lowest cell membrane stability and highest free radicals were observed in 40% FC without AMF. The maximum antiradical and antioxidant properties occurred at the lowest irrigation level with the highest AMF inoculation level. The results indicated a significant increase in flower diameter and longevity, in 70% FC with 5% AMF inoculation treatment compared to the control. Compared with the control, WUE was significantly increased at a 5% AMF inoculation level.
Hamid Alipour
Abstract
Understanding mechanisms of salt tolerance, physiological responses to salt stress, and screening genotypes for breeding programs are important scientific issues remained to be investigated in pistachio. Therefore, current study was carried out to investigate response of different pistachio cultivars ...
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Understanding mechanisms of salt tolerance, physiological responses to salt stress, and screening genotypes for breeding programs are important scientific issues remained to be investigated in pistachio. Therefore, current study was carried out to investigate response of different pistachio cultivars (G1, G2, Kaleghochi and UCB1) to salinity treatments (0.6 as control, 10, 20 dS m-1 using saline underground water) as a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications in greenhouse of Iranian Pistachio Research Institute (Rafsanjan) in 2014-2015. Some physiological and nutrition properties of the pistachio cultivars measured in this study. Results showed decreased stomatal conductance, photosynthesis rate, chlorophyll content, and Fv/Fm in response to salinity treatments. The main cause of these changes was related to the altered ion contents along with the competition among ions for being absorbed by plant. Despite of sufficient amount of potassium in the soil, high concentrations of sodium and other associated elements such as calcium and magnesium decreased the ability of pistachio plants to absorb adequate amount of vital ions such as potassium. As a result of sodium accumulation and deficiency of potassium, K+/Na+ ratio was decreased in pistachio leaves. Consequently, toxicity of sodium ions in the plant cells reduced stomatal conductance and the rate of photosynthesis. Comparison between cultivars showed that for the most of the traits the difference between control and moderate salinity (10 ds m-1) in all cultivars was not significant. However, G2 cultivar showed higher ability to accumulate potassium and absorbed lower concentration of sodium, calcium, and magnesium under sever salinity treatment (20 ds m-1). These result suggested that G2 could be considered as a potential tolerant cultivar for cultivation in saline area.
Mahmood Izadi; Elham Aslmoshtaghi
Abstract
The date palm bunch fading disorder/disease is one of the greatest challenges faced by date palm growers. In the present study, the effect of appropriate orchard management on some qualitative and quantitative features of date palm bunch was studied. For this purpose, two orchards of cv ‘Kabkab’ ...
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The date palm bunch fading disorder/disease is one of the greatest challenges faced by date palm growers. In the present study, the effect of appropriate orchard management on some qualitative and quantitative features of date palm bunch was studied. For this purpose, two orchards of cv ‘Kabkab’ with a history of previous incidence were selected in two districts of Bushehr province; Tangestan and Dashtestan. The orchards were divided into two parts; one as control and another as treated plants. On the treated part, some management practices such as plowing, leaf pruning, proper nutrition, regular irrigation, pollination, regulation of leaf-bunch ratio, thinning in pollination stage, control of weeds, pests and diseases were conducted scientifically while the control part was maintained with conventional local practices. During the treatment phase, all bunches in the Khalal stage were covered with a white cloth bag. The results from both treatment plots showed that proper orchard management can improve fruit yield (Dashtestan 52.2 kg tree-1, Tangestan 88.1 kg tree-1) and reduce the severity of symptoms and therefore reduce date palm bunch fading disorder.
Maryam Abdipour; Mehdi Hosseinifarahi; Sharareh Najafian
Abstract
In sustainable agriculture, protection of the ecosystem and reduce chemical fertilizers are the main goals. Nowadays, sweet basil, one of the best general fragrant foliage, is considered as an industrial plant. In present study to compare different levels of cow manure biochar (CMB) and humic acid (HA) ...
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In sustainable agriculture, protection of the ecosystem and reduce chemical fertilizers are the main goals. Nowadays, sweet basil, one of the best general fragrant foliage, is considered as an industrial plant. In present study to compare different levels of cow manure biochar (CMB) and humic acid (HA) on vegetative traits and mineral absorption rate of green basil plants, an experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized block design with four replications in 2015. The treatments included different levels of CMB (0, 1%, 2%, and 3%) and HA (2.5, 5 and 7.5 g/L) in the culture medium. The traits that were analyzed were included: plant height, leaf number, leaf area, stem diameter, leaf chlorophyll concentration (LCC), fresh and dry weights of aerial part and root, concentration of potassium, nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus. Results showed that fresh and dry weights of shoot and root were increased by application of 3% CMB and 7.5 g/L HA in the culture medium. Theuse of CMB and HA significantly affected most of the studied traits except LCC, stem diameter, and leaf area. Concentration of N, P, K and Ca was considerably increased by application of 3% CMB and 7.5 g/L HA in the culture medium. The highest concentration of nutrients was detected in the plants treated with 3% CMB. In conclusion, the use of 3% CMB and HA at 7.5 g/L in the culture medium can be recommended to improve the qualitative and quantitative traits of basil plants.
Masoumeh Pourghorban; Pejman Azadi; Shahab Khaghani; Abbas Mirzakhani; Mahdi Changizi; Behzad Edrisi
Abstract
In the commercial production of roses, introducing a method to reduce the time of propagation with maximum success is crucial. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different concentrations (0, 1500, 3000, 4500 mg/L) of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on propagation of three cultivars of ...
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In the commercial production of roses, introducing a method to reduce the time of propagation with maximum success is crucial. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different concentrations (0, 1500, 3000, 4500 mg/L) of Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) on propagation of three cultivars of Rosa hybrid L. ('Dolce Vita', 'Samurai' and 'Utopia') by stenting (simultaneous cutting and grafting) method under greenhouse conditions. The cultivars were grafted onto Rosa hybrida L. 'Natal Briar' rootstock. The factorial experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with three replications. The stentings were cultured in coco peat and perlite medium at 1:2 ratio in a greenhouse under mist system. After 60 days, the percentage of grafting, rooting percentage, root number, longest root length and fresh and dry weights of roots and shoot traits (including leaf number, shoot number, and longest shoot length) were determined on the stentings. The highest rate of rooting in Dolce Vita cultivar was obtained at 1500 mg/L IBA and in Samurai and Utopia cultivars at 4500 mg/L IBA. Among the three cultivars of roses, highest percentage of rooting (93.75%), healing percentage (93.75%), root length (12.47 cm), fresh weight (0.84 g) and dry weight (0.07 g) of roots were observed in stentings treated with 4500 mg/L of IBA in Rosa hybrida L. cv. Samurai. Interaction between IBA concentrations and cultivars on chlorophyll (a, b and total) and carotenoid contents were significant in all the three cultivars of roses.
Nasser Abbaspour; Lavin Babaee
Abstract
Adaptation and defense responses are the consequences of exposure to drought stress in plants. Salicylic acid (SA) as a natural signaling molecule poses a significant impacts on various aspects of plant growth and development. This study investigates the effects of SA on carotenoids content, lipid peroxidation ...
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Adaptation and defense responses are the consequences of exposure to drought stress in plants. Salicylic acid (SA) as a natural signaling molecule poses a significant impacts on various aspects of plant growth and development. This study investigates the effects of SA on carotenoids content, lipid peroxidation rate and antioxidant enzymes activities. A pot experiment was conducted using a factorial pattern based on a randomized complete block design with three replications under greenhouse conditions. The variables in the experiment included grapevine cultivars (‘Rasheh’ and ‘Bidane Sefid’), irrigation periods (5, 10 and 15 day intervals) and SA concentrations (0, 1 and 2 mM). Results showed that with increasing the drought stress levels, increase in carotenoids, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) enzymes activities were detected. Carotenoids content, catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) enzymes activities were higher in the Rasheh cultivar compared with the ‘Bidane Sefid’ cultivar. Carotenoids content, CAT, APX and GPX enzymes activities increased by application of salicylic acid. . According to the obtained results, the Rasha cultivar showed a greater tolerance to water stress in comparison with Bidane Sefid cultivar, suggesting that SA is capable of inducing drought stress tolerance in plants.
Babak Valizadeh Kaji; Ahmad Ershadi; Masoud Tohidfar
Abstract
In this study, an efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method was developed forpomegranate (Punica granatum L.), a difficult-to-transform plant. In vitro shoot segments wereinoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 harboring the binary vectorpBI121 carrying the neomycin phosphotransferase ...
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In this study, an efficient Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method was developed forpomegranate (Punica granatum L.), a difficult-to-transform plant. In vitro shoot segments wereinoculated with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404 harboring the binary vectorpBI121 carrying the neomycin phosphotransferase (nptII) gene as a selectable marker and β-glucuronidase (gus) gene as a reporter. After 28 d in WPM selection medium containing 50 mgL-1 kanamycin, 59 new shoots proliferated. gus analysis was performed on these putativetransgenic shoots, of which 32 stained positive. Positive staining shoots were cut and culturedin selection medium for 2 subsequent subcultures until final gus analysis. After three months ofthe selection period, 6 putative transgenic shoots were obtained. Presence of the gus and nptIIgenes was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. Southern blot analysis confirmed that TDNAwas stably integrated into the genome of three out of six PCR-positive plants. Thetransgenic plants were rooted and successfully acclimatized.
Shima Alaei; Nasser Mahna
Abstract
Glycine betaine (GB) plays a crucial role in plants and in their response to abiotic stress. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the application of glycine betaine (GB) and its ability to alleviate the effects of salinity stress (SS) on fruit yield and ion accumulation in strawberry (Fragaria × ...
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Glycine betaine (GB) plays a crucial role in plants and in their response to abiotic stress. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the application of glycine betaine (GB) and its ability to alleviate the effects of salinity stress (SS) on fruit yield and ion accumulation in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch cv. Paros). Three levels of SS (0, 20, and 40 mM NaCl) and GB (0, 5, 10 mM) were used on the plants in a greenhouse experiment. The results indicated that increasing the salinity level reduced the yield and altered the dynamism of ion accumulation. Leaf area, relative water content (RWC), leaf fresh weight, and yield decreased under salinity stress (36.7%, 9.2%, 28%, and 41%, respectively), especially at 40 mM NaCl. Under SS, there was an increase in Na content of the roots, fruits, and leaves (78%, 54%, and 78%, respectively) as well as in K content of the fruits (50%), but with a decrease in the K content of the leaves (29%) and the roots (25%), and P content of the leaves (55%). Overall, salinity increased the Na content, but reduced the K/Na ratio. Salinity and glycine betaine interactions had a significant effect on the Na content of the roots and leaves, the K content in the leaves, and K/Na ratio in the leaves and roots. At 40 mM NaCl, using 10 mM GB reduced the leaf and root Na content by 22% and 30%, respectively. Although the application of exogenous GB on strawberry changed the pattern of ion accumulation, it was not effective in diminishing the adverse effects of salinity stress on strawberry plants cv. ‘Paros’.
Amin Hassankhah; Kourosh Vahdati; Mahmoud Lotfi; Masoud Mirmasoumi; John Preece; Mohammad Hassan Assareh
Abstract
Plantlets grown in conventional tissue culture systems usually encounter physiological and anatomical abnormalities including inability to photosynthesize, low chlorophyll content, open stomata, lack of a cuticle layer in the leaf, abnormal xylem parenchyma etc. Photoautotrophic and photomixotrophic ...
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Plantlets grown in conventional tissue culture systems usually encounter physiological and anatomical abnormalities including inability to photosynthesize, low chlorophyll content, open stomata, lack of a cuticle layer in the leaf, abnormal xylem parenchyma etc. Photoautotrophic and photomixotrophic systems could diminish these problems. The purpose of this study was to increase the chlorophyll content and photosynthetic ability of shoots grown in vitro and to improve the adaptation of walnut plantlets. Walnut apical leaf buds were cultured in vessels containing DKW medium supplemented with 0, 15, 30 and 45 g L-1of sucrose. The vessels were closed with a clear polypropylene lid with two syringe filters on the lid (V1) or with a 50 mm microporous polypropylene membrane (V2). Natural ventilation had a significant effect on most of the growth indices. Furthermore, different levels of sucrose had significant effects on growth characteristics. Natural ventilation increased chlorophyll content significantly. By using ventilated vessels containing 15 g L-1 sucrose, the total chlorophyll was significantly increased. Stomata under non-ventilated conditions were spherical with wide openings, whereas those in ventilated vessels were elliptical with narrow openings. As a result, ventilated vessels with 15 g L-1of sucrose produced healthy plantlets.
Ali Hatami; Abdolhossein Abootalebi Jahromi; Abdolkarim Ejraei; Abdol Hossein Mohammadi Jahromi; Hamed Hassanzadeh Khankahdani
Abstract
Due to the calcareous nature of most soils in areas under date cultivation, this study was conducted to improve the quality and quantity of date fruits in Zahidi cultivar using the foliar applications of organic matters and micronutrients at two stages of date growth. For this purpose, an experiment ...
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Due to the calcareous nature of most soils in areas under date cultivation, this study was conducted to improve the quality and quantity of date fruits in Zahidi cultivar using the foliar applications of organic matters and micronutrients at two stages of date growth. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of foliar applications of organic matters and micronutrients on contents and properties of biochemical compounds and minerals in Zahidi date fruit. The study was performed as a randomized complete block design with 11 treatments in three replications on 33 date palms for two consecutive years. The treatments were applied in two stages (at the beginning and end of the Kimri stage) on fruits and upper leaves. Treatments included amino acids, Aminabon 50 (0.5 and 0.1 g L-1), seaweed (0.25 and 0.5 g L-1), micronutrients (0.1 and 1.5 g L-1), and four combined treatments obtained from different concentrations of amino acids, seaweed, and micronutrients. Spraying with distilled water served as the control treatment. The results showed that the treatments had a significant effect on all studied traits. The highest content of copper was observed in response to amino acid + micronutrients (1.63 mg kg-1). The effects of amino acid + seaweed + micronutrients on the other traits were observed in the highest statistical class. In general, the latter combined treatment was the most efficient with the lowest content of soluble tannin (26.46 mg g-1) compared to the control (32.12 mg g-1) and to the other treatments.
Dennis Maina Gatahi; Harrison Njuma Wanyika; Agnes Kavoo; Agnes Kihurani; Elijah Miinda Ateka
Abstract
Biological control agents are useful components in the enhancement of plant disease resistance and improvement of soil properties. Effect of biological control agents (BCAs) as a disease control method in plants is hampered by their vulnerability to environmental and edaphic conditions. This study entailed ...
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Biological control agents are useful components in the enhancement of plant disease resistance and improvement of soil properties. Effect of biological control agents (BCAs) as a disease control method in plants is hampered by their vulnerability to environmental and edaphic conditions. This study entailed the use of chitosan-silica nanocomposites for delivery of BCAs. Effect of BCAs-nanocomposite complexes (bionanocomposites) on resistance of tomato plants to bacterial wilt, mycorrhizal root colonization and rhizosphere soil properties were investigated. Replacement of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) in the nanocomposite with nano synthesized clay was also assessed on disease resistance. Tomato seeds and seedlings were pre-treated using bionanocomposites and then inoculated by Ralstonia solanacearum isolated from infected tomato plants in a greenhouse. Bionanocomposites treatment of tomato plants caused a significant increase (P≤0.05) in the level of pathogenesis-related biochemicals such as chitinase and glucanase. Furthermore, beneficial microbial colonization was significantly (P≤0.05) induced in roots treated with the bionanocomposites. Wilting incidence and symptoms were reduced by over 50% when bionanocomposites were used. There was no significant effect (P≤0.05) on induced host plant resistance when mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) were substituted with nanoclay particles. Therefore, due to ease of availability with no significant (P≤0.05) difference in efficacy between the nanoparticles, replacement of MSN with nanoclay in synthesis of the bionanocomposites is recommended. We argue that substitution of nanoclay with MSN makes the process of synthesizing the bionanocomposites sustainable.
Mohammad Akbari; Noorali Sajedi; Masoud Gomarian; Mohsen Akbari
Abstract
In order to determine aqueous extract effects of cool-season turfgrass mixture clipping on germination and seedling growth of four weed species, laboratory and outdoor pot experiments were done at the experimental laboratory and greenhouse of the Doroud Parks and Landscape Organization, located in Doroud, ...
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In order to determine aqueous extract effects of cool-season turfgrass mixture clipping on germination and seedling growth of four weed species, laboratory and outdoor pot experiments were done at the experimental laboratory and greenhouse of the Doroud Parks and Landscape Organization, located in Doroud, Lorestan, Iran. The first factor was the concentration of sport turfgrass clipping extract (5, 10, 15, 20, 25% and 10, 25, 50, 75% (w/v) at laboratory and outdoor pot experiments, respectively) and the second factor was the type of weeds [dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), plantain (Plantago major), prostrate pigweed (Amaranthus blitoides) and common bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon)]. A. blitoides was the most sensitive in both experiments. In both of the experiments, roots were more susceptible than shoots. For identifying phenolic acids, gas chromatography mass analysis displayed that this extract contained trans-cinnamic acid, 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, gentisic acid, protocatechuic acid and ferulic acid. The results demonstrated that sport turfgrass clipping extracts have an inhibitory property on germination and initial seedling growth of noxious weed species and could be potentially used as preemergence bioherbicide.
Yanbin Hua; Jiangang Yang; Xin-Gen Zhou; Chew Tin Lee; Nairu Zhang; Zhongquan Bai; Xin Yuan; Hongbo Zhao; Lichun Quan
Abstract
At present, the fruit picking in most countries still largely relies on manual operation. Manual fruit picking can protect the fruits from damage during the operation process. However, it is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and poses a potential safety risk to the workers while working at heights ...
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At present, the fruit picking in most countries still largely relies on manual operation. Manual fruit picking can protect the fruits from damage during the operation process. However, it is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and poses a potential safety risk to the workers while working at heights not reachable. Therefore, a variety of fruit picking machines and platforms have been developed and incorporated into fruit production to improve the fruit picking efficiency. However, they are very costly in manufacturing and frequently cause damages to fruit during the fruit picking process. Recently various relatively simple mechanical fruit picking devices have been designed and developed as an alternative for these automatic fruit-picking systems to reduce the manufacturing costs. These devices have been used in fruit production. However, they still have some shortcomings such as poor portability and complex operation. They also lack mechanisms sufficient to avoid damages to fruit to ensure fruit appearance and quality.This study was to invent a portable and convenient mechanical tool that could be used in combination with manual operation for fruit picking. A portable scissors-type fruit picking device has been developed, which has two hinged levers designed to drive the closure of the shear blades at the top of fruit picking bowl to cut the fruit pedicel, achieving rapid and safe fruit picking. The portable scissors-type fruit picking device invented here is an innovation, with a purely mechanical design that has the advantages of ingenious design, simple structure, good portability, ease of operation, and low costs of use. This device is suitable for large-scale application in the field of fruit picking in many countries.
Ali Pourkhaloee; Morteza Khosh-Khui; Paul Arens; Hassan Salehi; Hooman Razi; Ali Niazi; Alireza Afsharifar; Jaap Van Tuyl
Abstract
The genus Tulipa L. (Liliaceae) comprises about 100 species and Iran is considered as one of the main origins of tulips. In this research, genetic diversity and population structure of 27 wild populations of tulips collected from Iran were studied by 15 highly polymorphic and reproducible expressed sequenced ...
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The genus Tulipa L. (Liliaceae) comprises about 100 species and Iran is considered as one of the main origins of tulips. In this research, genetic diversity and population structure of 27 wild populations of tulips collected from Iran were studied by 15 highly polymorphic and reproducible expressed sequenced tag-simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR) markers and 8 nucleotide binding site (NBS)-enzyme combinations. According to EST-SSR genotyping, the average of gene diversity (GD) and polymorphism information content (PIC) were 0.66 and 0.62, respectively. However, the values of GD and PIC were equal for each NBS primer–enzyme combination which ranged between 0.85-0.95 with a mean value of 0.91. The mean value of resolving power (EST-SSR = 1.93; NBS-LRR = 17.39) indicated that the NBS markers had higher discriminatory power compared to the EST-SSR markers. UPGMA clustering confirmed the results of PCA which was further confirmed by Bayesian model-based STRUCTURE analysis. Population structure analysis detected 3 and 4 gene pools for 27 wild tulip germplasms with EST-SSR genotyping and NBS-LRR profiling, respectively. The AMOVA results indicated that molecular variation among populations (ΦPT = inter-population variation) was 82% and 93% of the total variation for EST-SSR and NBS-LRR markers, respectively. The results of this study will help the conservation and phylogenetic studies of tulips.
Shima Alaei
Abstract
Dracocephalum moldavica L. is an annual species of Lamiacea family whose essential oil is widely used in medicinal, food, cosmetic and health industries. Drought stress is a major factor limiting plants growth and yield. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of irrigation regime ...
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Dracocephalum moldavica L. is an annual species of Lamiacea family whose essential oil is widely used in medicinal, food, cosmetic and health industries. Drought stress is a major factor limiting plants growth and yield. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of irrigation regime on essential oil content and composition of D. moldavica L. The Irrigation regimes were 100%, 85%, 75% and 55% of field capacity (FC). The results showed that 53 essential oil components were identified in different irrigation regimes. Thirty-six, twenty-two, twenty and thirty components were identified at 100%, 85%, 75% and 55% of FC, respectively. The amounts of identified components were 99.4%, 96.6%, 97.8% and 99.9% at 100%, 85%, 75% and 55% of FC, respectively. The highest of main components were geranyl acetate, geraniol and geranial in all the irrigation regimes. The amount of oxygen-containing monoterpenes of essential oil were 81.6%, 94.5%, 91.8% and 92.0% at 100%, 85%, 75% and 55% of FC, respectively. Our results showed that essential oil content increased significantly by 3.4%, 13.8% and 27.6% at 85%, 75% and 55% of FC, respectively. Furthermore, the amount of oxygen-containing monoterpenes of D. moldavicum increased by 15.8%, 12.5% and 12.7% at 85%, 75% and 55% of FC, respectively, but oxygen-containing sesquiterpenes decreased by increasing the level of drought. In conclusion, our results indicated the advantage of drought for increasing essential oil content and oxygen-containing monoterpenes (OM), especially geranyl acetate, geraniol and geranial in D. moldavica.
Alisher Botirov; Osamu Arakawa
Abstract
Time of planting is a normal part of any agricultural operation. It has a particularly importance in water-challenged areas where soil moisture is an issue. During the winter months in these areas, there is usually sufficient precipitation to maintain adequate water content levels in freshly planted ...
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Time of planting is a normal part of any agricultural operation. It has a particularly importance in water-challenged areas where soil moisture is an issue. During the winter months in these areas, there is usually sufficient precipitation to maintain adequate water content levels in freshly planted trees. However, during the summer and early autumn, there is very little precipitation. This can adversely affect young trees. In this study, measurements were taken to determine root growth and variations in the upper parts of apple trees that were planted in the winter, compared to those planted in the spring when planting usually takes place. To do so, one-year-old 'Miyabi Fuji', grafted onto Marubakaido (Ma) (Malus prunifolia 'Ringo') and M.9 rootstocks, were examined from January through May. The results showed dramatic changes in root growth from March (average root length less than two cm before March) to May (average root length longer than 10 cm) for both rootstocks. Furthermore, trunk moisture content increased over time (51.8% in January and 56.1% in May on M.9). Although root growth in the young apple trees occurred, it is unknown if root water absorption began before or at the same time of the root growth. Root growth developed favorably because of the soil moisture generated by the winter precipitation. We found satisfactory root growth and tree moisture content changes in the trees used in the study, leading us to recommend winter planting in areas where water resources are limited in the non-winter months.
Safoora Dehghanipoodeh; Mohammad Ali Askari; Ali Reza Talaei; Mesbah Babalar
Abstract
Apple is one of the most important fruits in temperate zones with a long post-harvest life during cold storage. A factorial experiment, in a randomized completely block design was used to investigate the preharvest application of Iron (0, 500 and 1000 mg Fe-EDDHA per tree) and nitrogen (0, 48 and 96 ...
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Apple is one of the most important fruits in temperate zones with a long post-harvest life during cold storage. A factorial experiment, in a randomized completely block design was used to investigate the preharvest application of Iron (0, 500 and 1000 mg Fe-EDDHA per tree) and nitrogen (0, 48 and 96 g ammonium nitrate per tree( on some postharvest qualitative characteristics in "Red spur" and "Granny smith" apple cultivars. Iron and nitrogen treatments in all 72 trees were applied in three stages (full bloom, 30 and 60 days after full bloom). Fruit quality parameters including colorskin color parameters (L*, a*, b*), flesh firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), Titratable acidity (TA), flavor index (TSS/TA) and total antioxidant activity were measured. According to the results, a decrease in fruit firmness, TA and increase in TSS/TA in both cultivars were observed during cold storage irrespective of treatments. The results showed that in “Red spur” cultivar, Fe application decreased fruit firmness, TSS, b* parameter values and increased TSS/TA, a* parameter values, while, N application increased TSS. Fruit firmness was decreased and TSS, TSS/TA, b* parameter values were increased by Fe application in “Granny smith” cultivar. Fruit firmness, TSS and L* parameter values were decreased and TA was increased by N application on this cultivar. In conclusion, Fe and N application in proper levels improved some postharvest qualitative characteristics in "Red spur" and "Granny smith" apple cultivars during cold storage.
Mohsen Ashrfai; Mohammad Farsi; Amin Mirshamsi; Mozhgan Parvandi
Abstract
Many recent studies have shown that glycosylation patterns of Agaricus bisporus are similar to those of mammalians, so that this organism is a good candidate for the expression of glycosylated pharmaceutical protein. To achieve constant interested gene expression in all cells of the organism, proper ...
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Many recent studies have shown that glycosylation patterns of Agaricus bisporus are similar to those of mammalians, so that this organism is a good candidate for the expression of glycosylated pharmaceutical protein. To achieve constant interested gene expression in all cells of the organism, proper promoter isolation is necessary. To isolate this promoter, PCR with specific primers was performed on extracted DNA of the white button mushroom strains Holland737 and IM008. The PCR amplified 290 bp fragments of gpdII promoters. IM008 gpdII promoter was used to construct pCAMBIAH8 plasmid. Comparison of isolated promoters among sequence records at NCBI demonstrated high similarity between IM008 gpdII promoter and previously reported gpdII promoter. Sequence analysis of isolated promoters revealed several point mutations on this promoter. TACAAA promoter sequence in −65 site acts as TATA box. Among the three CAAT candidate sequences, one is functional, which is located at position −108. Transformation of the white button mushroom with constructed pCAMBIAH8 plasmid was successfully performed.
