Atefeh Safaei Far; Abdolhossein Rezaei Nejad; Feizollah Shahbazi; Sadegh Mousavi-Fard
Abstract
Non-chemical control of plant growth is an important goal for the production of ornamental pot plants. In the present study the effects of simulated vibration on plant height and some physical and mechanical properties of Coleus stem were investigated. The study was conducted as a factorial experiment ...
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Non-chemical control of plant growth is an important goal for the production of ornamental pot plants. In the present study the effects of simulated vibration on plant height and some physical and mechanical properties of Coleus stem were investigated. The study was conducted as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications. Vibration stresses were performed using a laboratory vibration simulator and the effects of vibration parameters such as frequency and duration on the stem characteristics of Coleus plants were examined. Vibration frequency included three levels of 7.5, 10 and 12.5 Hz and vibration duration included three levels of 0 (control), 5 and 10 min. Based on the obtained results, vibration stress caused significant decrease in the height and surface area of the stems. Vibration frequency of 12.5 Hz with 10 min duration caused 31% decrease in plant height in comparing to the control samples. Mechanical properties of stems including modulus of elasticity, bending force, and bending stress were reduced by increasing vibration frequency and duration when compared to the control samples. In conclusion, the results of the current study indicated that vibration stress on Coleus decreased plant height while increased the elasticity and resistance to the fracture caused by mechanical forces of the stem.
Sasan Aliniaeifard; Mehdi Seif; Mostafa Arab; Mahboobeh Zare Mehrjerdi; Tao Li; Oksana Lastochkina
Abstract
Light is the driving force for plant photosynthesis. Different attributes of light (e.g. intensity, spectrum and duration) can influence plant growth and development. We studied growth and photosystem II performance ofEnglish marigold cut flowers under red (635-665 nm) and white (420-700 nm) LEDs. Although ...
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Light is the driving force for plant photosynthesis. Different attributes of light (e.g. intensity, spectrum and duration) can influence plant growth and development. We studied growth and photosystem II performance ofEnglish marigold cut flowers under red (635-665 nm) and white (420-700 nm) LEDs. Although growing plants under red light resulted in morphological deformation such as leaf epinasty, it led to an early flowering and improved growth compared with white light-grown plants. In plants that were grown under red light, flowers were emerged 45 days after germination. In the time of flowering, there were 30 leaves (sum of rosette and lateral leaves) on the red light-grown plants, while 20 leaves were observed on white light-grown plants without flowering on day 45. Fast induction of chlorophyll fluorescence showed that fluorescence intensities of O-J-I-P phases in a typical fluorescence transient exhibited after a 20 min dark-adapted leaves were increased in red light-grown plants. Maximum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) and performance index per absorbed light were decreased by red light, while quantum yield of energy dissipation was increased by red light. Most of the energy absorbed by the photosystems in red light-grown plants was dissipated as heat. In conclusion, although red light improved growth and induced early flowering in Calendula officinalis, full light spectrum is required to prevent leaf deformation and electron transport disruption under monochromatic red light.
Fereshteh Kamiab; Sadegh Shahmoradzadeh Fahreji; Elahe Zamani Bahramabadi
Abstract
Increasing quality and vase life of cut flowers play vital role in flower production industry. . Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflora cv. Echo) has short vase life and it has been revealed that ethylene directly affect the initiation and process of senescence of petals. In this study, the effects of ...
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Increasing quality and vase life of cut flowers play vital role in flower production industry. . Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflora cv. Echo) has short vase life and it has been revealed that ethylene directly affect the initiation and process of senescence of petals. In this study, the effects of Silver and silicon nanoparticles with four concentrations of 0, 10, 20 and 40 mg L-1 with 4% sucrose as a support solution were evaluated on post-harvest life of ‘Cinderella Lime’ Lisianthus. The morphological and physiological parameters such as microbial population, flower vase life, relative fresh weight, solution uptake, total chlorophyll, ethylene and total dissolved solids were measured. Results revealed that all treatments extended the flower vase life when compared to control. The most effective treatment was the Highest concentration of nanoparticles (40 mg L-1). The average vase life of flowers was about 5 days in control (without any nano particle treatments) however; it reached to 17 days in flowers treated by 40 mg L-1 of both nanoparticles. Relative fresh weight, solution uptake, total chlorophyll, and total dissolved solids were also increased in the treated flowers, especially at higher concentrations. Microbial proliferations were not observed by application of both nanoparticles (Silver or Silicon) at 40 mg L-1 therefore this concentration was considered as the most effective level for both nanoparticles. Nano silver were more effective than silicon for reducing ethylene content. Overall the results suggest that silicon nanoparticle (40 mg L-1) is applicable as antimicrobial compound in combination with silver nanoparticles (40 mg L-1) as ethylene signaling inhibitor to increase the vase life of Lisianthus flowers commercially.
Akram Ansari; Ali Gharaghani
Abstract
By applying multivariate statistical analysis, this research aimed to estimate the heritability and find relationships between the vegetative and reproductive characteristics of Prunus scoparia and Prunus elaeagnifolia. Twenty genotypes of each species were selected randomly from cultivated populations ...
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By applying multivariate statistical analysis, this research aimed to estimate the heritability and find relationships between the vegetative and reproductive characteristics of Prunus scoparia and Prunus elaeagnifolia. Twenty genotypes of each species were selected randomly from cultivated populations and twenty-two traits including the tree, leaf, flower, nut and kernel attributes were measured. Results showed that there were high levels of genotypic and phenotypic variations among the genotypes of both species. Many of the measurements pertaining to the leaf, flower, nut and kernel, showed very high heritability (H2 >90%) in both species, whilst some traits such as shoot diameter in P. scoparia and kernel moisture in both species had very lower heritability (H2 <50%). Generally, the heritability of measured traits in P. elaeagnifolia were higher than those of P. scoparia, especially foreconomically important traits including yield (H2 = 94 and H2 = 54.61, respectively in P. elaeagnifolia and P. scoparia), nut weight (H2 = 97.83 and H2 = 85.39.61, respectively in P. elaeagnifolia and P. scoparia) and oil percentage (H2 = 75.55 and H2 = 61.43, respectively in P. elaeagnifolia and P. scoparia). Stepwise regression analysis revealed that the most influential factors on yield of P. scoparia, were the fruit set, flower diameter and leaf length, whilst for the P. elaeagnifolia, the yield was mostly determined by fruit set and leaf area. The high genetic diversity and heritability of the studied traits, indicates high genetic potential of this germplasm to be utilized in future breeding programs.
Mahmood Izadi; Ali Reza Shahsavar; Abbas Mirsoleimani
Abstract
The relationships between rooting potential with endogenous phenolic compounds, nitrogen and soluble carbohydrates of cuttings for five olive cultivars (‘Rowghani’, ‘Dusti’, ‘Tokhmekabki’, ‘Konservalia’ and ‘Amigdalolia’) were investigated. ...
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The relationships between rooting potential with endogenous phenolic compounds, nitrogen and soluble carbohydrates of cuttings for five olive cultivars (‘Rowghani’, ‘Dusti’, ‘Tokhmekabki’, ‘Konservalia’ and ‘Amigdalolia’) were investigated. Extracts of the leaves and the base of the cuttings were used for analysis of biochemical compounds. Results showed that there were significant differences in rooting potential among olive cultivars. There was no correlation between leaves and stems nitrogen contents and rooting ability of the cuttings. Moreover, leaf and stem soluble sugars, leaf total phenolics, stem caffeic acid, narengin and chlorogenic acid contents of the leaf and stem, did not affect the rooting potential of the cuttings. However, leaf catechin, stem total phenolics and vanillic acid had positive effects on rooting potential of the cuttings. There was a negative correlation between rooting percentage of the cuttings and leaf gallic acid and narengine contents.
Reza Partiya; Reza Fotouhi Ghazvini; Reza Fifaei; Mahmood Ghasemnezhad
Abstract
Hypoxia is a potential threat to various horticultural cropsin lands prone to flooding. Citrus is mostly known as a sub-tropical crop that is often exposed to environmental stresses. In order to evaluate response of six different citrus genotypes, including sour orange, rough lemon, Trifoliate orange, ...
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Hypoxia is a potential threat to various horticultural cropsin lands prone to flooding. Citrus is mostly known as a sub-tropical crop that is often exposed to environmental stresses. In order to evaluate response of six different citrus genotypes, including sour orange, rough lemon, Trifoliate orange, Troyer citrange and two local genotypes labeled; CRC1 and CRC2 to flooding conditions, an experiment was carried out in factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with two treatments including flooded and control plants and three replications. Flooding stress significantly decreased leaf chlorophyll content, and plant total fresh and dry weights (P≤ 0.05). Flooding caused a significant increase in foliar concentration of proline in CRC1 and CRC2 (P≤ 0.05). Guaiacol peroxidase activity was significantly increased in Trifoliate orange. CRC2 and sour orange showed a significant increase in superoxide dismutase activity (P≤ 0.05). The longest survival period in continuous flooding condition was observed in Troyer citrange and Trifoliate orange (more than 60 days); while sour orange was the most sensitive genotype (less than 30 days). The best thriving genotype at the end of recovery period was Troyer citrange, while sour orange showed the least ability to re-establish. The results suggest that among the studied genotypes, Troyer citrange and Trifoliate orange are able to resist for longer periods of flooding exposure. Troyer citrange had the highest capacity to re-establish after being flooded to their critical surviving point. Furthermore, CRC2 tolerated anoxic condition and recovered more successfully than the other sensitive genotypes.
Mohammad Reza Naderi; Mohammad Bannayan; Morteza Goldani; Amin Alizadeh
Abstract
Simulation models can be used for predicting crop behavior under various environmental conditions and management practices. By prediction of crop behavior, it may be possible to adopt management practices which can maximize crop growth and yield. In this study, the VegSyst model which was introduced ...
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Simulation models can be used for predicting crop behavior under various environmental conditions and management practices. By prediction of crop behavior, it may be possible to adopt management practices which can maximize crop growth and yield. In this study, the VegSyst model which was introduced for simulation of daily crop dry weight (DW), fraction of intercepted PAR (fi-PAR), crop N uptake and crop evapotranspiration (ETc) of vegetables grown under intensively managed greenhouse conditions, was modified by attaching a component for simulation of the daily radiation use efficiency (RUE) and by introducing corrective factors for non-optimum growth conditions in order to apply it under field conditions and various management practices. The modified VegSyst model was calibrated and validated for pumpkin using growth data obtained from four years field experiments (2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014). This model very accurately simulated dry weight, fraction of intercepted PAR, radiation use efficiency, crop N uptake and crop evapotranspiration under optimum conditions for pumpkin growth (i.e. nitrogen rate of 250 kg ha-1, plant density of 2.5 plant m-2 and sowing date between 1-11 May). Under non-optimum growth conditions, model performance for simulating growth parameters of pumpkin was mostly very good or good. Suitable performance of the modified VegSyst model in simulation of DW, fi-PAR, RUE, N uptake and ETc of pumpkin under optimum and non-optimum growth conditions indicated that this model can be effectively used for studying growth of this important medicinal and forgotten crop under different management practices including nitrogen regimes, plant densities and sowing dates.
Zahra Shahbazi; Amin Salehi; Saeid Hazrati; Mohsen Movahedi Dehnavi
Abstract
The application of organic fertilizers alone or in combination with bio-fertilizers is important for sustainable agriculture, healthy agricultural production and restoring soil quality. Compost, vermicompost and mycorrhiza amendments could improve soil quality and plant yield. However, little is known ...
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The application of organic fertilizers alone or in combination with bio-fertilizers is important for sustainable agriculture, healthy agricultural production and restoring soil quality. Compost, vermicompost and mycorrhiza amendments could improve soil quality and plant yield. However, little is known about their impact on yield and quality of European borage (Borago officinalis L.). To evaluate the effects of vermicompost, granulated compost, and mycorrhiza on qualitative and quantitative traits of B. officinalis an experiment was carried out based on a randomized complete block design arranged in a factorial experiment with three replications. Organic fertilizers in five levels (0, 5 and 10 t/ha vermicompost and 3 and 6 t/ha granulated compost) and mycorrhiza (Glomus mosseae) in two levels (with and without) were considered. It was shown that the effects of organic fertilizer and mycorrhiza application on nitrogen content were significant in such a way that the maximum nitrogen content was obtained by 10 t/ha vermicompost and mycorrhiza inoculation treatment. The main effects of organic fertilizer and mycorrhiza on phosphorus and potassium contents were also significant. The maximum values were obtained when 10 t/ha vermicompost and mycorrhiza were applied together. Total chlorophyll content, flower-bearing branches, mucilage, and phenol were measured in all three harvests. The results indicated that the interaction effect of harvesting time, organic fertilizer, and mycorrhiza was only significant on chlorophyll content. The maximum chlorophyll content (0.958 mg g-1 freshweight) was detected in the third harvest when 10 t/ha vermicompost and mycorrhiza were applied. Maximum mucilage content (4.23%), phenol content (5.07%) and flower-bearing branches (57.45 g m-2) were obtained by 10 t/ha vermicompost treatment. The results suggested that chemical fertilizers could be replaced by organic fertilizer and mycorrhiza to reduce soil and water contamination in the agroecosystems.
Somaye Amini; Majid Azizi; Mohammad Reza Joharchi; Farid Moradinezhad
Abstract
This experiment was conducted in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, in 2011 to investigate the allelopathic potential of 68 medicinal and wild plant species belong to 19 plant families grown in Iran. Results showed that among examined plants, stigma and style of Crocus sativus,leaves of Artemisia kopetdaghensis, ...
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This experiment was conducted in Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, in 2011 to investigate the allelopathic potential of 68 medicinal and wild plant species belong to 19 plant families grown in Iran. Results showed that among examined plants, stigma and style of Crocus sativus,leaves of Artemisia kopetdaghensis, Mentha piperita, Zhumeria majdae, Frulago subvelutina, flowers bud of Eugenia caryophyllata, flower of Perovskia abrotanoides, fruits of Melia azedarach and Ruta graveolenhad the strongest inhibitory effects on lettuce seedling growth. Interestingly by using of very low amount of plant samples (10 mg)growth inhibitory effects of these plants were observed by more than 70%. Additionally, the leaf of Atriplex canescens and the flower of Achillea millefolium had the strongest inhibitory effect on radicle growth (more than 75%) compare to the growth of hypocotyl (less than 20%). Here we can suggest that plants with inhibitory effects on growth and development of other plants have the potential to be applied as biological herbicides; this finding can be highlighted as new sustainable herbicides for biological control of weeds.
Mehdi Hadadinejad; Kamran Ghasemi; Amir Ali Mohammadi
Abstract
Blackberry is a highly perishable fruit and its quality decreases very quickly during postharvest period. In this research, two types of container including: oriented poly styrene (OPS), a petroleum-based material, and oriented poly corn starch (OPCS), a bio-based material, was analyzed over 14 days ...
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Blackberry is a highly perishable fruit and its quality decreases very quickly during postharvest period. In this research, two types of container including: oriented poly styrene (OPS), a petroleum-based material, and oriented poly corn starch (OPCS), a bio-based material, was analyzed over 14 days to determine their effects on shelf life of thornless blackberry. Packages were placed in freezer (0˚C), refrigerator (4˚C) and room (25˚C) temperatures in a factorial format based on completely randomized design. Results showed a strong positive correlation between fruit weight and marketability (R2 = 0.726). It was confirm that fruit weight loss and shriveling can be an important reason for marketability reduction in blackberry. Blackberries were survived for 14 days at 0˚C, 8 days at 4˚C and only 3 days at room temperature. A downward trend was observed for pH, TA and TSS during the storage as well as for fruit taste and visual color. Fruits TSS was decreased regardless of the packaging materials and storage. Blackberries that were kept in OPS had significantly higher marketability and lower weight loss in comparison with OPCS that caused a reduction in fruit visual color and marketability. Results indicated that OPCS permeability caused higher fruit weight loss in comparison with other treatments. Blackberries in OPCS container had the highest amount of phenolic components following 14 days at 0˚C, which was significantly more than amount of phenolic components of fruits in OPS container. Compared to OPS, OPCS container did not make any improving in its characteristics to reduce fruit water loss that can be possible by using Nano clay particles.
Abdolhossein Abootalebi Jahromi; Hamed Hassanzadeh Khankahdani
Abstract
Effects of humic acid on some vegetative characteristics and mineral concentrations of Mexican lime were investigated under different salinity concentrations. Four doses of humic acid (0, 1500, 3000 and 4000 mg/kg soil) and four salinity levels (1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500 µmos) were applied on Mexican ...
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Effects of humic acid on some vegetative characteristics and mineral concentrations of Mexican lime were investigated under different salinity concentrations. Four doses of humic acid (0, 1500, 3000 and 4000 mg/kg soil) and four salinity levels (1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500 µmos) were applied on Mexican lime seedlings. Experiment was conducted as a factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized design. The results showed that humic acid had a positive influence on plant height under salinity stress. Shoot number was significantly increased by application of humic acid under salinity stress conditions. In 4500 µmos salinity, application of 4500 mg/kg humic acid caused an increase in shoot fresh and dry weights, root dry weight and shoot potassium concentration. Percentage of sodium was decreased by application of 3000 mg/kg humic acid in the shoot of plants that were exposed to 4500 µmos salinity level. humic acid at 1500 mg/kg caused a reduction in shoot sodium percentage under 3500 µmos salinity level. When compared to the non-treated plants, application of humic acid led to a decline in chloride percentage in Mexican lime seedlings. In conclusion, 3000 and 4000 mg/kg humic acid can be used to reduce the toxic effects of salinity and also to decrease the uptake of toxic elements such as sodium and chloride in Mexican lime seedlings.
Volume 3, Issue 2 , December 2016, , Pages 1-14
Tareque Aziz; Md. Kamrul Hassan; Fakhar Uddin Talukder; Md. Sohanur Rahman
Abstract
The experiment was aimed to investigate the effect of different concentrations of chitosan on shelf life and quality of banana fruit. The single factor experiments were laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. Experimental treatments included Control, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, ...
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The experiment was aimed to investigate the effect of different concentrations of chitosan on shelf life and quality of banana fruit. The single factor experiments were laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. Experimental treatments included Control, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0% chitosan. Sabri Banana cultivar is one of the most popular commercial cultivars of banana in Bangladesh. Chitosan treatment caused highly significant variation in respect of the physico-chemical parameters such as color changes, firmness, weight loss, disease severity and shelf life of banana during storage. Considering the effects of different concentrations of chitosan, 0.75% and 2.0% chitosan were found to be the best in respect of all the parameters investigated. Fruits treated with the above concentrations of chitosan, had the longest shelf life (9 days), whereas fruits under control had the shortest shelf life (8 days). The application of chitosan treatment in fresh crops is safe for consumers and for the environment. It can be used to improve postharvest quality and to extend shelf life of banana.
Yasar Akca; Umut Sahin
Abstract
To investigate effects of salinity stress on growth, nutrient status, chlorophyll and water consumption, four different saline irrigation waters (S0= 0.3 dS/m-1 control, S1=1.5 dS/m-1, S2=3 dS/m-1, S3=5 dS/m-1) were applied to two-year Chandler saplings which were grafted on Juglans nigra L. (JN), Paradox ...
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To investigate effects of salinity stress on growth, nutrient status, chlorophyll and water consumption, four different saline irrigation waters (S0= 0.3 dS/m-1 control, S1=1.5 dS/m-1, S2=3 dS/m-1, S3=5 dS/m-1) were applied to two-year Chandler saplings which were grafted on Juglans nigra L. (JN), Paradox (PR) and Juglans sieoboldiana L. (JS) walnut rootstocks. Three different salts including NaCl, MgSO4, and CaCl2 were used to prepare saline irrigations. Shoot length change rate (%) was varied between 77.57 (JN) to 81.83 (PR) for S0 salinity treatments and between 55.60 (JS) to 56.84 (PR) for S3 treatments. The plant diameter change rate (%) varied between 75.10 (JN) to 99.22 (PR) for S0 treatments and 60.63 (JN) to 80.97 (PR) for S3 treatments. Average of root length (cm) was between 30.75 cm (JN) to 37.50 cm (PR) for S0 treatments, and 8.91 cm (JN) to 21.50 cm (PR) for S3. Number of roots changed between 19.00 (JS) to 22.16 (PR) for S0 treatments and between 6.41 (JN) and 8.08 (PR) for S3 treatments. Sodium (Na) content (%) in S3 was 1.41, 1.97 and 3.41 in JN, PR, and JS, respectively. Chloride (Cl-) content (ppm) for S3 was 0.88, 0.99 and 0.91 in JN, PR, and JS, respectively. Ca/Na ratios of 0.43, 0.27 and 0.14 and K/Na ratios of 0.24, 0.12 and 0.10 were detected in JN, PR, and JS, respectively. Depending on leaf Na+, Cl- and K contents, K/Na and Ca/Na ratios, the ranking of salinity tolerance of rootstocks were determined as JN˃ PR ˃ JS.
Yoko Miyama
Abstract
Intumescence is a physiological disorder in which cell walls are disrupted. Intumescence causes leaf deformation, browning and defoliation, and commonly affects tomato plants. This is a limitation in seedling production. The causes of intumescence are not known; however, ultraviolet (UV) deficiency is ...
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Intumescence is a physiological disorder in which cell walls are disrupted. Intumescence causes leaf deformation, browning and defoliation, and commonly affects tomato plants. This is a limitation in seedling production. The causes of intumescence are not known; however, ultraviolet (UV) deficiency is considered as one of the causes of intumescence. Other possible causes include high humidity and rapid changes in the water environment. In this study, tomato seedlings were grown in a commercially-available closed seedling production system under either newly installed LEDs with a low UV light intensity or conventional fluorescent lamps sources. The relationship between the shoot/root (S/R) ratio and incidence of intumescence was evaluated. In addition, the effects of different light sources were evaluated on the xylem pressure potential in the seedlings under rapidly fluctuating water conditions. As a result, the S/R ratio of seedlings grown under LEDs, with low UV intensity, was greater than that of seedlings grown under fluorescent lamps. There was a positive correlation between the S/R ratio and the incidence of intumescence of four types of seedlings with different combinations of light sources and varieties. Xylem pressure potential decreased more in seedlings grown under LEDs, compared to seedlings grown under fluorescent lamps and dry conditions, but increased significantly when irrigated. These results suggest that reducing the occurrence of intumescence in seedling production systems can be possible by a light source that can help seedlings grow with small S/R ratios and reduce fluctuations in the water condition.
Leila Baghazadeh Daryaii; Davoud Samsampour; Abdoolnabi Bagheri; Jelveh Sohrabipour
Abstract
Bacterial endophytes grow symbiotically inside plants and improve the growth of their hosts. We evaluated the effects of inoculating macroalgae bacterial endophytes, introduced formerly by our group, Bacillus aquimaris strain OD14, B. megaterium strain AM25, B. zhangzhouensis strain Tv91C, individually ...
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Bacterial endophytes grow symbiotically inside plants and improve the growth of their hosts. We evaluated the effects of inoculating macroalgae bacterial endophytes, introduced formerly by our group, Bacillus aquimaris strain OD14, B. megaterium strain AM25, B. zhangzhouensis strain Tv91C, individually and in combination with each other on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) of scavenging and antioxidant functions, as well as growth characteristics of Mexican lime seedlings under salinity stress. Accordingly, Mexican lime (Citrus aurant-ifolia Swingle.) seedlings were subjected to four salinity levels, i.e. 0, 2000, 4000 and 6000 µs cm-1 in the presence or absence of bacterial endophytes. The results indicated that salinity stress significantly reduced growth, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content of plants lacking endophytes. Combinatory applications with bacterial endophytes significantly improved the above-mentioned parameters under salinity stress. Lipid peroxidation levels were significantly reduced in plants inoculated with bacterial endophytes. Salinity stress significantly increased the activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) in salinity conditions. Overall, the inoculation with bacterial endophytes improved salinity tolerance and reduced the accumulation of ROS by increasing their scavenging via an enhanced redox state of glutathione and more effective antioxidant enzyme activities.
Jacinta W Muiruri; Agnes M Kavoo; Mwashasha Rashid Mwajita; Fredah K. Wanzala; Tofick Wekesa
Abstract
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are associated with plant roots and exhibit beneficial impacts such as stress tolerance and nutrient and water absorption. These functions opened the door to studying other fungi associated with AMF on the root’s rhizosphere. This study aimed to characterize fungal ...
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Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are associated with plant roots and exhibit beneficial impacts such as stress tolerance and nutrient and water absorption. These functions opened the door to studying other fungi associated with AMF on the root’s rhizosphere. This study aimed to characterize fungal isolates associated with rhizospheric indigenous AMF from different plant species (banana, grass and papaya) and agroecologies (Mwea, Mitunguu and Juja) in Central Kenya. A total of 30 fungal isolates were isolated from the soil samples through the pour plate technique. The isolates had diverse microscopic morphological characteristics ranging from form, margin, color, size, and surface. Physiochemical characteristics showed varied growth at different pH, temperature, and salinity with optimum growth was recorded at pH 7.0, 30oC-35℃ temperature, and salinity of 0-0.5M NaCl. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and AMF subunits sequences showed diversity similar to Aspergillus spp. Ajellomyces spp., Fusarium spp., Trichoderma spp., Penicillium spp., Glomus spp. and Diversispora spp. In conclusion, there is a symbiotic relationship between AMF and other fungal.
Morteza Mofid Bojnoordi; Rezvan Ramezannezhad; Mahnaz Aghdasi; Mohammad Fatemi
Abstract
As a valuable industrial compound, cichoric acid has antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effectively used in obesity prevention and for neuroprotective purposes. Here, we aimed to compare the effects of plant growth regulators and UV-B radiation on the induction of cichoric ...
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As a valuable industrial compound, cichoric acid has antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effectively used in obesity prevention and for neuroprotective purposes. Here, we aimed to compare the effects of plant growth regulators and UV-B radiation on the induction of cichoric acid production under tissue culture conditions. For this purpose, Lactuca undulata, an herbaceous medicinal plant, was used as a new source of cichoric acid. Leaf explants were initially cultured on ½ MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium containing 0.1, 1 mg/L Kinetin (Kin) and 2,4 Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). The callus was then exposed to different UV-B exposure times (0, 20, 40, and 60 min) and was harvested after 5, 10, and 15 days. The highest amounts of total phenol, cichoric acid, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid were achieved in callus samples that were treated with 20 and 40 minutes of UV-B radiation for 10 days. Cichoric acid content reached an amount of 6.15±0.292 mg/g DW after 20 min of radiation. Pearson’s correlation coefficient analysis (PCC) showed that Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase (PAL) activity did not correlate with the production of caffeic acid derivatives. These results suggested that UVB irradiation can be used as an elicitor to induce the production of cichoric acid in Lactuca undulata callus cultures.
Mohammad Hossein Azimi
Abstract
Freesia belongs to the family Iridaceae and is one of the most popular bulbous species that can be used both as a cut flower and as a pot flower, depending on the situation. This study was carried out to produce new, high-quality offspring by intervarietal hybridization between five commercial cultivars ...
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Freesia belongs to the family Iridaceae and is one of the most popular bulbous species that can be used both as a cut flower and as a pot flower, depending on the situation. This study was carried out to produce new, high-quality offspring by intervarietal hybridization between five commercial cultivars of freesia hybrids. Eighteen morphometric traits, which were mostly related to flower organs, were evaluated on twelve progenies and five parental plants in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replications (2014-2018). The assessments were based on instructions of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). The highest heritability of broad-sense traits was related to the outer segmental width of the perianth and the inner segmental width and length of the perianth. The lowest heritability was related to the length of stem between the first and second flowers. The number of flowers and buds had the most significant, positive correlation with spike length (r=+0.75). Likewise, the strongest positive, significant correlation was observed between the length of the inner and outer segments of the perianth (r=+0.79). Superior progenies consisted of the 20A hybrid, with a white color, which originated from the parental cross P1×P5. The 3A hybrid, with a yellow color, was obtained from the parental cross P2×P5, and the 28P hybrid, with a reddish brown color, was obtained from the parental cross P4×P5. These progenies were superior in terms of important traits such as plant height, branch number of the peduncle, spike length, number of buds and florets, compared to the parents. Thus, intervarietal hybridization in this research was proved as an effective way to generate new phenotypic variations of freesia hybrids, thereby providing opportunities to produce new plant materials for breeding purposes and release new cultivars.
Saadat Sarikhani; Kourosh Vahdati; Wilco Ligterink
Abstract
Evaluation of genetic diversity and identification of superior genotypes is a fundamental stepin walnut breeding programs. In addition, information on biochemical properties of superiorgenotypes can help walnut breeders to release commercial varieties with high kernel quality.To gain more information ...
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Evaluation of genetic diversity and identification of superior genotypes is a fundamental stepin walnut breeding programs. In addition, information on biochemical properties of superiorgenotypes can help walnut breeders to release commercial varieties with high kernel quality.To gain more information on superior genotypes, a walnut population located in southwest ofIran was morphologically evaluated from 2010 to 2016. Based on important walnut breedingtraits, nine superior walnut genotypes were selected from a total of 612 tested genotypes.These genotypes were characterized by high yield, moderate to late-leafing, lateral bearing,thin shell and large nuts with light and extra-light kernel color. Biochemical traits of theselected superior genotypes were evaluated for two consecutive years (2017 and 2018) and ahigh variation was observed among genotypes in respect of oil, protein and total phenolcontents. Oil, protein and phenol contents of walnut kernels ranged between 57.9 to 69.6%,13.0 to18.1% and 46.6 to 61.5 mg GAE g-1, respectively. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA),monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and saturated fatty acids (SFA) constituted on average63.8%, 26.7% and 9.7% of fatty acid content, respectively. There was a negative correlationbetween some phenological traits and oil and protein contents. Lateral bearing genotypes haddarker kernels with higher amounts of saturated fatty acids. In general, the selected walnutgenotypes not only are superior in various aspects of phenotypic characteristics, but also havehigh kernel quality and nutritional value which can be used as a source of desirable genes forfuture walnut breeding programs.
Vida Fozi; Mehdi Hosseinifarahi; Foroud Bagheri; Azam Amiri
Abstract
Currently, the use of chemicals is reduced due to environmental problems and their negative impacts on human health. Besides, their use has been prohibited in some cases. Postharvest decay caused by fungal pathogens is one of the most important challenges facing the fresh citrus industry. So, the use ...
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Currently, the use of chemicals is reduced due to environmental problems and their negative impacts on human health. Besides, their use has been prohibited in some cases. Postharvest decay caused by fungal pathogens is one of the most important challenges facing the fresh citrus industry. So, the use of pomegranate peel extract (PPE) at the concentrations of 0, 33, 50, and 100% were used to reduce decay and maintain the postharvest qualitative characteristics of mandarin fruit. After treatment with PPE, the fruits were stored for 20 days. Traits such as weight loss, decay percentage, total soluble solids, total acidity, fruit firmness, color index, and sensory evaluation were investigated every five days. The lowest weight-loss percentage (14.71 %) was obtained for the fruits treated with 100% PPE as compared with the untreated fruits (42.28%). The fruits treated with PPE maintained firmness compared with the untreated fruits. The fruits treated with PPE showed the lowest acidity reduction at the end of the storage period. At the end of the storage period, the fruits treated with 100% PPE and the untreated fruits showed the lowest and highest fruit decay (16.3% and 39.6%), respectively. The results showed that the application of PPE increased the overall acceptance of panelists from the treated samples. By increasing the concentrations of PPE to 100%, all sensory parameters were improved and could gain a better acceptance by panelists. The highest level of utility and final acceptance in pomegranate peel-treated fruits were obtained at 100%. The untreated fruits showed a lower overall acceptance rate. The findings showed that the postharvest application of PPE improved the qualitative characteristics and sensory properties, so it is recommended to use 100% PPE to reduce the decay and extend the postharvest storage of mandarin.
Mohammad Fazli; Nima Ahmadi
Abstract
Adverse conditions during pre- and postharvest stages affect the longevity and quality of horticultural crops. Thus, storage conditions should be considered in marketing management, especially for cut flowers. Methyl jasmonate is a well-known signaling molecule involved in plant defense responses. Applying ...
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Adverse conditions during pre- and postharvest stages affect the longevity and quality of horticultural crops. Thus, storage conditions should be considered in marketing management, especially for cut flowers. Methyl jasmonate is a well-known signaling molecule involved in plant defense responses. Applying it as a treatment can effectively prolong the vase life of horticultural crops. The expression of Laccase gene, acting downstream of the ethylene signal transduction, can be induced by exogenous ethylene. The PIP2 gene is a major group of plasma membrane proteins that are linked to aquaporin channels. This study explored the effect of methyl jasmonate on postharvest quality and expression LAC and PIP2 genes of cut rose, cv. ‘Red alert’. The results showed that methyl jasmonate improved the vase life of cut roses, although it was most effective at 0.2 µl L-1. An analysis of antioxidant enzymes indicated that the highest catalase activity and peroxidase activity occurred in response to 0.2 µl L-1 and 0.2-0.3 µl L-1 methyl jasmonate, respectively, although both enzymes showed a decreasing trend during the vase life period. Proline levels increased significantly in response to 0.2 and 0.3 μl L-1 methyl jasmonate concentr-ations. Quantitative PCR analysis showed that all concentrations of methyl jasmonate significantly reduced the expression of PIP2 and LAC genes. The lowest expression level of PIP2 and LAC genes occurred in response to 0.2 and 0.3 µl L-1 methyl jasmonate, respectively. Based on our findings, the expression pattern of the Laccase gene may be regarded as a marker in evaluating postharvest characteristics of cut roses.
Vences C Valleser; Glenn Dayondon; Andrew Melencion
Abstract
The massive establishment of new plantations supported by the basic needs of a crop are technical approaches for an increased crop productivity. Water and decreased light levels by shade (i.e. intercropping) are considered basic needs of cacao plants, especially during the early vegetative growth stage. ...
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The massive establishment of new plantations supported by the basic needs of a crop are technical approaches for an increased crop productivity. Water and decreased light levels by shade (i.e. intercropping) are considered basic needs of cacao plants, especially during the early vegetative growth stage. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the influences of irrigation, intercropping, and intercrops on the performance of 39 cacao plantations at the establishment phase. The performance of each cacao plantation, after establishment, was evaluated and rated from 1 to 7 (1- poor; 3- satisfactory; 5- very good; and 7- outstanding) as a rating scale. In general, the results revealed that cacao plantations supplied with irrigation or under decreased light levels by intercrops (regardless of their nature), as well as a combination of these, made the plants perform better than those in plantations without irrigation and when plants were highly exposed to sunlight. The results suggested the importance of irrigation and decreased light levels by intercropping as prerequisites for a successful establishment of cacao plantations.
Malek Ghasemi; Mohammad Ali Shiri
Abstract
Different four methods of supplementary pollination included as open pollination, hand pollination from male flowers of cv. Tomori, spray pollination with pure pollen and spray pollination with impure pollen (collected from the entrance of bees' nests at the time of opening kiwifruit male flowers) was ...
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Different four methods of supplementary pollination included as open pollination, hand pollination from male flowers of cv. Tomori, spray pollination with pure pollen and spray pollination with impure pollen (collected from the entrance of bees' nests at the time of opening kiwifruit male flowers) was conducted in three replications in 2021. When the fruit reached the maturity stage (6.2 °Brix), it was harvested and stored for 90 days at 0 °C. The results showed that kiwifruit decay (1.70%), weight loss (3.14%), total soluble solids (TSS) (149.62%) and TSS to titratable acidity (TA) ratio (TSS/TA) (333.04%) significantly (P ≤ 0.01) increased during 90 days of cold storage, whereas, fruit firmness (38.24%), TA (42.10%), total chlorophyll (53.72%), carotenoid (18.65%), vitamin C (10.34%), flavonoid (12.87%) and antioxidant activity (13.29%) significantly decreased through storage time. Furthermore, total phenolic content (TPC) significantly increased at the 30 days of cold storage and then significantly reduced. Generally, fruits produced from vine sprayed with impure pollen had higher firmness, bioactive compounds, and sensory attributes, as well as lower decay and weight loss after 90 days of cold storage. Overall, spraying kiwifruit vines with impure pollen could be recommended as a practical supplementary pollination in kiwifruit cv. Hayward regarding maintaining postharvest quality.
Danial Shokouhi; Abdolreza Bagheri; َAlireza Seifi
Abstract
To establish a dynamic and fine suspension culture, four different methods of tomato cell suspension culture were compared. Hypocotyl explants of the tomato cultivar Jina were used for callus induction on Murashige and Skoog (MS) Medium supplemented with three different phytohormone combinations. Then, ...
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To establish a dynamic and fine suspension culture, four different methods of tomato cell suspension culture were compared. Hypocotyl explants of the tomato cultivar Jina were used for callus induction on Murashige and Skoog (MS) Medium supplemented with three different phytohormone combinations. Then, one gram of each type of calli was transferred to 50 mL of liquid MS medium with four combinations of auxins and cytokinins to produce cell suspensions. The growth rate, judged by cell turbidity, cell fresh weight, and cell viability was evaluated. The best suspension culture was obtained by using friable calli formed on MS medium containing 1 mg L-1 NAA and 0.1 mg L-1 kinetin, transferred to the liquid MS supplemented with 2 mg L-1 NAA, 0.2 mg L-1 2, 4-D and 0.2 mg L-1 zeatin.
