Hamed Hassanzadeh Khankahdani; Mahmoud Bagheri; Sibgol Khoshkam
Abstract
Eggplant has high variation in the world and there are many landraces of the eggplant in Iran. In the previous studies, five landraces of Minab’s eggplant have been collected from the main production regions with the aim to select the pure lines, consequently 15 superior genotypes were selected ...
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Eggplant has high variation in the world and there are many landraces of the eggplant in Iran. In the previous studies, five landraces of Minab’s eggplant have been collected from the main production regions with the aim to select the pure lines, consequently 15 superior genotypes were selected from these landraces and their stability and compatibility were analyzed. In the present study, 15 eggplant genotypes together with two superior mother landraces were studied for the two successive years in the three regions of Iran including Minab, Karaj, and Jiroft. Based on the results of the means comparison of yield in the studied lines in each region from average of two years, GHE12 line in Minab region, SA13 line in Jiroft region, and AM4, SA15, and SA5 lines in Karaj region had acceptable yield than the other studied lines. According to the results of general compatibility and stability analysis, the three genotypes of Y7, AM7 and SA15 were recognized as the most stable genotypes with having the least interaction; therefore, they categorized as the first ranking of stability. According to the results of special compatibility and stability analysis, AM7, Y7 and GHE12 lines for Minab region; AM5 and SA5 lines for Jiroft region and SA5 and AM4 lines for the Karaj region can be recommended.
Vahideh Narjesi; Javad Fatahi Moghadam; Ali Akbar Ghasemi-Soloklui
Abstract
A prevalent problem in pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum L.) is sun damage that decreases the quantity and quality of fruit. The objective of the current research was to evaluate the effects of different photoselective shade net colors and shading percentages on growth traits and pomegranate fruit quality ...
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A prevalent problem in pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum L.) is sun damage that decreases the quantity and quality of fruit. The objective of the current research was to evaluate the effects of different photoselective shade net colors and shading percentages on growth traits and pomegranate fruit quality for two years (2019 and 2020). Plots of pomegranate trees (cv. Malase Saveh) were covered to full canopy with two colors of photo-selective shade nets (white and green) and with two shading percentages (30 and 50%), compared to uncovered plots (control). The experiment was carried out in the Saveh region in the same orchard at the time of fruit set (10 June) and the shading treatments were maintained on the trees for four months. The findings showed that shade nets increased relative leaf water content while decreasing temperature and light intensity in the canopy, compared to the control. Pomegranates under nets had a much higher fruit weight and yield than those on uncovered trees. The percentage of sunburn on fruits was dramatically reduced when a shade net was used. In uncovered trees, the percentage of sunburn was 27.85%, whereas in shade treatments, the percentage of sunburn was 0 - 4.5%. The white shade net allowed 50% PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) and caused the highest fruit weight, juice percentage, aril weight and yield, maximum color of fruits and arils, as well as the lowest level of proline content among the shading treatments. The highest values of total anthocyanin (55.13 mg/100 mL), total phenolics (34 mg GAE/100 mL) and vitamin C (21.32 mg/100 mL) were observed after using the white shade net of 50% PAR. As a result, this type of net is recommended for pomegranate orchards because of its efficiency in improving yield and marketable fruits.
Ali Salehi Sardoei; Mehdi Sharifani; Mostafa Khoshhal Sarmast; Mahmoud Ghasemnejad
Abstract
Citrus species are comprised of susceptible plants that can barely tolerate freezing temperatures. To determine the relationship between cold stress tolerance (LT50) and some important physiological traits, four commercial citrus cultivars of citrus species were studied. These were Citrus unshiu, Citrus ...
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Citrus species are comprised of susceptible plants that can barely tolerate freezing temperatures. To determine the relationship between cold stress tolerance (LT50) and some important physiological traits, four commercial citrus cultivars of citrus species were studied. These were Citrus unshiu, Citrus sinensis var. ‘Thomson navel’, Citrus paradisi var. ‘Star Ru by’ and Citrus limon var. ‘Lisbon’. Assessments of cold-stress tolerance were carried out at 4, -4 and -8 °C. Ultimately, the results showed that the Japanese mandarin and ‘Thomson navel’ had the highest stress tolerance (LT50). Citrus unshiu tolerated cold stress up to -8.4 LT50. The correlation coefficient demonstrated that significant, positive correlations were observed between several pairs of attributes, i.e. LT50 and total flavonoids, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, carotenoids and chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll, relative moisture content and malondialdehyde, as well as glycine betaine and catalase. According to the regression coefficient, a change of one unit in lipid peroxidation caused a decrease of 1.9238 units and 5.9615 units in LT50 at +4 and -4 °C, respectively. While commercial citrus cultivars were selected for cold-tolerance and other traits, the efficiency of cold-tolerance correlated more with carotenoid content, chlorophyll content and lipid peroxidation, considering the assessments at particular temperatures.
Mousa Arshad; Masoud Haghshenas
Abstract
Fruit ripening involves marked physiological and biochemical changes that affect fruit color, taste, aroma, texture, and nutritional value. A significant amount of research has shown that chitosan interacts with other postharvest treatments, which can enhance the impact of the chitosan coating. This ...
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Fruit ripening involves marked physiological and biochemical changes that affect fruit color, taste, aroma, texture, and nutritional value. A significant amount of research has shown that chitosan interacts with other postharvest treatments, which can enhance the impact of the chitosan coating. This study considered the effects of chitosan coating and melatonin on banana shelf-life and fruit quality at the green mature stage. The studied variables had three levels of melatonin 0, 75, and 150 mg L-1, two levels of chitosan coating 0, 0.25, and 0.5%, and three storage durations 3, 6, and 9 days. Fruits were harvested at the green mature stage and stored at 25 °C and 80% RH for 9 days. The results showed that melatonin and chitosan coating interacted and significantly affected green mature banana quality and shelf-life during the storage time. Chitosan and melatonin interaction delayed the decrease in chlorophyll and the increase in carotenoids, fruit maturity, and color change. Our results showed that on the ninth day of storage under chitosan (0.5%) treatment along with melatonin at a concentration of 150 mg L-1, the total chlorophyll content became 3.89% lower than that under control conditions. The level of antioxidant enzyme activity in the treated samples after 3, 6, and 9 days of storage was more than in the control sample. The results showed that chitosan (0.5%) and melatonin (150 mg L-1) successfully increased the shelf life of banana fruits.
Md. Serazul Islam
Abstract
During the dry season (November to April), a field experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Field Research Center of the Bangladesh Open University, Gazipur. The effects of different levels of irrigation with various mulches were evaluated on the growth and yield of tomatoes. The trial comprised ...
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During the dry season (November to April), a field experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Field Research Center of the Bangladesh Open University, Gazipur. The effects of different levels of irrigation with various mulches were evaluated on the growth and yield of tomatoes. The trial comprised raised-bed furrow irrigation methods with three mulching treatments (i.e. without mulch, black polyethylene mulch and grass straw mulch) and two irrigation plans (6-day and 3-day intervals). The 6 treatments were designed in a randomized complete block (RCB) design in three replicates. In response to the 6-day and 3-day irrigation intervals, raised-bed furrow irrigation, with black polyethylene mulch, resulted in a significantly higher yield (96.46 t/ha and 102.19 t/ha) compared to the effect of no mulch on the yield (77.70 t/ha and 82.04 t/ha), respectively. The use of grass straw mulch (87.15 t/ha and 91.76 t/ha) also resulted in a significant yield, compared to no mulch. All three factors significantly influenced unit crop weight, fruit size at the age of 16, 18 and 20 weeks after transplanting, marketable fruit yield, plant water consumption and water use efficiency. The interaction between raised-bed furrow irrigation, mulching and irrigation schedule had a significant influence on the water use efficiency (WUE) of tomato production. The raised-bed furrow irrigation method in a two-row crop cultivation pattern was statistically equivalent in terms of WUE if it was mulched by black polyethylene and irrigated every 3 days.
Babak ValizadehKaji; Saied Maleki; Ahmadreza Abbasifar
Abstract
Table grape is a non-climacteric fruit with a short shelf-life. The current study aimed at applying specific treatments to prolong its shelf-life and maintain qualitative characteristics during storage. In a factorial arrangement and a completely randomized design, the first factor was the storage period ...
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Table grape is a non-climacteric fruit with a short shelf-life. The current study aimed at applying specific treatments to prolong its shelf-life and maintain qualitative characteristics during storage. In a factorial arrangement and a completely randomized design, the first factor was the storage period and the second factor was the combination of warm water treatments and gum arabic (GA). The fruits were stored at 5 °C and 80% relative humidity in permanent darkness. On days 0, 20, 40, and 60 of the storage period, seven berries from each replicate were randomly sampled and analyzed for physicochemical and qualitative parameters. The storage time negatively affected the qualities of ‘Bidane-h Ghermez’ table grape fruits. This deterioration in quality was countered by the application of warm water treatments and GA coating, especially by the 45 °C+GA 5% treatment. Compared to the uncoated control group, the application of 45 °C+GA 5% caused a better maintenance of vitamin C (30.43–160.00%), TSS/TA (19.76–21.57%), anthocyanin (37.40–57.75%), antioxidant activity (7.35–36.40%), total phenol (12.01–24.49%), and sensory attributes (66.66–248.50%) in the fruits during storage. Also, this treatment caused lower levels of weight loss (53.27–45.48%), H2O2 (9.90–26.55%), and malondialdehyde (8.84–27.92%). Therefore, the application of warm water treatments and GA coating, particularly at 45 °C+GA 5%, had a remarkable role in extending the shelf-life of table grape fruits. In addition to their effective role in storage, warm water and GA are especially recommended because of their low costs.
Hossein Naderi Boldaji; Shirin Dianati Daylami; Sasan Aliniaeifard; Maryam Norouzi
Abstract
Light spectrum is one of the environmental cues that influence plant growth and development. Light is a stimulating factor for induction of somatic embryos during tissue culture practices. To accelerate the direct embryogenesis, six different light spectra including: white (W), red (R), blue (B), green ...
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Light spectrum is one of the environmental cues that influence plant growth and development. Light is a stimulating factor for induction of somatic embryos during tissue culture practices. To accelerate the direct embryogenesis, six different light spectra including: white (W), red (R), blue (B), green (G), red + blue (R+B) and red + far red (R+FR) together with dark condition (D), in combination with thidiazuron (TDZ) in four concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.5 and 3 mg L-1) were used. Inter-simple sequence repeat was used for identification and genetic stability analysis of somatic regenerated plantlets. Intact protocorm explants showed higher potential for direct somatic embryogenesis (DSE) than the other explants. The rate of DSE was highly dependent on the concentration of TDZ and its interaction with light spectra. R and R + FR spectra with 3 mg L-1 TDZ on intact protocorms and R+FR with 3 mg L-1 TDZ were efficient treatments to induce DSE without somaclonal variation. G light spectrum has also significant effects on DSE of protocorm explants. The amplified products showed 26 scorable bands and regenerates were completely identical to the mother plant. In conclusion, this protocol provides way to regenerate plants through embryogenesis, and is a reliable protocol to obtain proper development and genetic stable Phalaenopsis embryos.
Aida Shomali; Oksana Vladimirovna Lastochkina; Mohammad Mohammadian; Anshu Rastogi; Massimo Bosacchi; Tao li; Sasan Aliniaeifard
Abstract
Acclimation to the privileged lighting environment is an important step for the survival of newly developed horticultural plants such as transplants, tissue culture-generated plants, and mature plants when a change occurs in light intensity during the growth period or even during one full day. Capturing ...
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Acclimation to the privileged lighting environment is an important step for the survival of newly developed horticultural plants such as transplants, tissue culture-generated plants, and mature plants when a change occurs in light intensity during the growth period or even during one full day. Capturing excess light energy without an antecedent to acclimation imposes photooxidative cellular damage and photoinhibition in plants. Since carbon utilization may not keep pace with reductive energy production, it renders electron acceptors in the electron transfer chain oversaturated. However, plants are usually equipped with photoprotective mechanisms to attenuate the detrimental effects of excess light energy on the photosynthesis apparatus. In this review, we discussed how different controlled environment horticulture (CEH) systems are embedded with immense opportunities for improving yield and quality. Current understandings of the direct and indirect functional roles of light spectra are discussed in the context of photoinhibition, photoprotection, and their regulatory mechanisms.
Najmeh Hosseini; Farkhondeh Rezanejad; Elaheh ZamaniBahramabadi
Abstract
Fruit blankness is an important problem of pistachio cultivation, which results from many reasons. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of soil texture, irrigation interval, and cultivar on nut quality and blankness of pistachio. The treatments included soil texture (light and heavy), irrigation ...
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Fruit blankness is an important problem of pistachio cultivation, which results from many reasons. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of soil texture, irrigation interval, and cultivar on nut quality and blankness of pistachio. The treatments included soil texture (light and heavy), irrigation intervals (24 and 48 days), cultivar (Kaleghoochi and Ahmadaghaei), and their interactions were studied. Measured traits were flower and small fruit abscission rate, nut weight, blank and semi-blank fruit percentage, splitting percentage, and ounce. Symptoms of fruit blankness were determined by anatomical study of blank fruits. Results showed that a 48-day irrigation interval produced nuts with higher quality, lower blankness percentage, higher weight and size, and higher number of split ones than the other treatments. It is assumed that plants produce more fruits by sufficient water supply, thus the competition for photosynthetic products results in smaller, lower-weight seeds. Light soil was more suitable regarding nut qualities, but flower and small fruit abscission rates were higher in light soil probably because of temperature fluctuations in this soil. Anatomical studies showed that blankness could result from a lack of fertilization (parthenocarpy) or embryo abortion (stenospermocarpy). Parthenocarpy mostly occurred in the more sensitive cultivar, Kaleghoochi, while the more tolerant cultivar, Ahmadaghaei, mostly had stenospermocarpic blank fruits. It was also determined that embryo abortion could occur at different stages of development.
Nibras Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar; Azizolah Khandan-Mirkohi; Seyed Alireza salami; Hossein saremi; Samira Shahbazi
Abstract
The biocontrol ability of two strains of Trichoderma fungi on infected Freesia corm by Fusarium disease and eventually growth and performance enhancement of this plant was investigated as laboratory and greenhouse experiment. Laboratory experiment includes five Trichoderma strains as T1, T20, Th4 related ...
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The biocontrol ability of two strains of Trichoderma fungi on infected Freesia corm by Fusarium disease and eventually growth and performance enhancement of this plant was investigated as laboratory and greenhouse experiment. Laboratory experiment includes five Trichoderma strains as T1, T20, Th4 related to T.harzianum species, T2 related to T.artoviride species, and Tvi related to T.virens species. Dual culture test and investigation of the inhibition and colonization rate were carried out with 11 treatments in three replications. Results revealed that strains T1 and T2 have completely covered the pathogen in 96-hours of culture by 70.07% and 68.98% and successfully inhibited the colonization of the disease agent by 84.53% and 80.72%, respectively compared to the other strains. Then, a greenhouse experiment was performed with 8 treatments with suspension of Trichoderma strains separately alone or combined in the presence of Fusarium fungus isolate on the Freesia cultivation based on RCBD design. Results showed that the strains with different levels were able to increase the growth and yield of Freesia plant and control Fusarium disease. In general, T2 strain were more effective in increasing plant growth and height of flower stem of Freesia, while T1 strain specifically improved the diameter of corm. Both T1 and T2 strains demonstrated effectiveness in controlling and reducing the severity of Fusarium disease and enhancing the growth quality of Freesia.Keywords: Biocontrol, Isolates, Ornamental plants, Pathogen, Probiotic, Strains.
Hassan Sarikhani; Hassan Sarikhani-Khorami
Abstract
Cadaman Avimag rootstock is widely used for almonds and peaches. The purpose of this studywas to investigate the effect of light quality on micropropagation, and some morphological andphysiological properties of this rootstock. Single node explants were cultured on WPM and MSmedia containing three levels ...
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Cadaman Avimag rootstock is widely used for almonds and peaches. The purpose of this studywas to investigate the effect of light quality on micropropagation, and some morphological andphysiological properties of this rootstock. Single node explants were cultured on WPM and MSmedia containing three levels of BA (0, 1 and 2 mg L-1) and three levels of NAA (0, 0.05 and0.1 mg L-1). WPM medium containing 2 mg L-1 BA and 0.1 mg L-1 NAA was selected fordifferent light quality treatments including fluorescent, red, and red+blue lights. Results showedthat light quality had a significant effect on shoot proliferation, length and diameter, nodenumber, shoot fresh and dry weights, leaf thickness, stomata number, and chlorophyllconcentration. Red light resulted in higher shoot diameter, but crunchiness and lack of propershoot growth. Moreover, red light produced the lowest amount of chlorophyll in the explants.Leaf thickness and its structural layers under the red light were the lowest among differenttreatments. Combined red+blue light in many factors resembled fluorescent light but inducedmore chlorophyll and a larger stomata size. The quality of light influenced the growth of thisrootstock in vitro, and affected the stem and leaf vegetative traits.
Mohammad Adibian; Yosef Hamidoghli; Sasan Aliniaeifard
Abstract
In the past decade, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been increasingly regarded as a suitable replacement for many other types of light source. They have attracted lots of attention. Supplemental lighting improves growth and yield of greenhouse vegetables such as sweet pepper, cucumber and tomato all-year ...
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In the past decade, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been increasingly regarded as a suitable replacement for many other types of light source. They have attracted lots of attention. Supplemental lighting improves growth and yield of greenhouse vegetables such as sweet pepper, cucumber and tomato all-year round. In the present study, the growth and photosynthetic functionality of two greenhouse sweet pepper cultivars, i.e. ‘Padra’ and ‘Shadleen’, were evaluated in response to the quality of LED lighting on sweet pepper seedlings. For this purpose, three combinations of red (R) and blue (B) LEDs (R90B10, R80B20, and R70B30 were used, with a light intensity of 200 μmol m-2 s-1 in all LED light treatments. Evaluations were done in two growing seasons, winter and summer, in Rasht, Iran. Seedlings exposed to supplemental light had thicker stems, wider leaf area, higher biomass, and greater photosynthetic functionality. We observed an increase in the ratio of B-light LED to the positive effects on the growth and photosynthesis functionality of the seedlings. However, no significant difference was observed between the cultivars. The effect of supplemental light was more emphasized in the winter. Thus, the control seedlings were weak and pale, while strong seedlings with dark green leaves were produced under the supplemental light. In conclusion, supplemental LED lighting appeared as a practical tool for the commercial production of greenhouse seedlings.
Kobra Mahdavian
Abstract
Soil salinity is one of the critical challenges for development of culture area of agricultural crops. In the present study a pot experiment was conducted in factorial based on completely randomized design aimed to investigate the impact of exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA 0, 0.75 and 1.5 ...
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Soil salinity is one of the critical challenges for development of culture area of agricultural crops. In the present study a pot experiment was conducted in factorial based on completely randomized design aimed to investigate the impact of exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA 0, 0.75 and 1.5 mM) and calcium chloride (CaCl2 0, 50 and 100 mM), solely or in combination, on plant growth, photosynthetic pigments (total chlorophyll (Chl), carotenoids, anthocyanin), and some metabolic parameters (reducing sugars, proline, lipid peroxidation and scavenging ability on DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical) of red bean exposed to salt stress (0, 25 and 75 mM NaCl). Results showed that exogenous application of SA or calcium (Ca) alone improved plant performance under NaCl stress. Growth slowed down under salinity. Malondialdehyde (MDA), DPPH radical, anthocyanin, and proline content were increased under salinity stress. However, application of SA and Ca enhanced the growth parameters, improved the Chl, carotenoids, and reducing sugars content, and significantly reduced MDA and DPPH radical in plants. Therefore, induced tolerance to salinity as the result of SA and Ca application may be related to the regulation of antioxidative responses. Furthermore, the beneficial effect of SA and Ca were achieved by applications of 0.75 mM SA and 50 mM CaCl2, which are recommended to improve red bean performance under saline conditions. In conclusion, exogenous application of SA and Ca improved salinity stress tolerance through the regulation of antioxidant system.
Seyed Mohammad Mahdi Mortazavian; Mahdieh Arshadi Bidgoli
Abstract
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is an annual, outcross plant with medicinal properties. It is adapted to arid and semi-arid regions of the world. This research aimed to evaluate genetic parameters such as GCA and genetic distance based on molecular markers and important traits for parent selection among diverse ...
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Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is an annual, outcross plant with medicinal properties. It is adapted to arid and semi-arid regions of the world. This research aimed to evaluate genetic parameters such as GCA and genetic distance based on molecular markers and important traits for parent selection among diverse genotypes of cumin. For this purpose, ISSR markers and a polycross assay were conducted. Forty-nine half-sib families were obtained from the polycross test and were evaluated for two years under normal and drought stress conditions. The measurements were aimed at 1000-seed weight, mechanized harvest height, and seed yield. The statistical analysis guided a selection of elite parents due to the high genetic diversity among half-sib families. An estimation of narrow sense heritability and general combining ability of the studied traits revealed the contribution of both additive and non-additive effects in genetically controlling the evaluated traits. According to the general combining ability, drought tolerance indices and genetic distance of 49 genotypes, the top 10 candidates were selected for the production of drought-tolerant seeds. From a molecular perspective, the banding patterns obtained from ISSR markers showed significant genetic diversity among all genotypes and indicated a proper distance among ten selected parents. The findings of this experiment provided a starting point for cumin breeding. It is likely that a breeding program would proceed with random pollinations among the ten select genotypes under controlled conditions to produce high-yield drought-tolerant varieties.
Vences Cuyno Valleser; Jean L Valleser
Abstract
Ethrel®, which contains ethylene, is used as a ripening treatment for fruits. However, there is no available information on its application as an artificial ripening agent for cacao pods. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of the varying ethephon concentrations (0, 1000, 2500, and 5000 ...
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Ethrel®, which contains ethylene, is used as a ripening treatment for fruits. However, there is no available information on its application as an artificial ripening agent for cacao pods. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of the varying ethephon concentrations (0, 1000, 2500, and 5000 ppm) on cacao ripening in a completely randomized design with three replications. Unripe cacao pods containing fully developed embryos were utilized in this study. Cacao pods treated with 5000 ppm ethephon ripened five days earlier than untreated samples. For 1000 to 2500 ppm ethephon treatments, days to ripening were achieved at 3 days after treatment (DAT). Furthermore, by 7 DAT, 100% of cacao pods treated with 2500 to 5000 ppm ethephon had ripened. The control treatment had the lowest percentage of ripened pods (50%) at 7 DAT. Total soluble solids (TSS) and titratable acidity (TA) of ripened cacao pods at 7 DAT were not altered substantially in response to ethephon concentrations. The highest TSS/TA ratio (29.13) was recorded from cacao treated with 2500 ppm ethephon. In contrast, untreated cacao pods had the lowest TSS/TA ratio (23.49). Our findings suggest that ethephon can be used as a plant growth regulator (PGR) for cacao growers to accelerate the ripening of cacao pods.
Fahimeh Aghakarim; Hassan Sarikhani; Ali Azizi
Abstract
Increasing day length during the short photoperiod in fall and winter is a beneficial method of increasing biomass production and altering plant morphology and phytochemistry. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of light quality at the end of the day (EoD) on the growth and phytochemical ...
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Increasing day length during the short photoperiod in fall and winter is a beneficial method of increasing biomass production and altering plant morphology and phytochemistry. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of light quality at the end of the day (EoD) on the growth and phytochemical characteristics of lemon balm. During shortday photoperiods in autumn, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) seedlings were exposed to red, blue, and combined red/blue light using light-emitting diodes for 2 hours at the EoD. The results showed that exposure to red light significantly increased biomass. Plants grown under blue light yielded the highest percentage of dry matter and their leaves had the highest chlorophyll content and flavonoids. The highest carotenoid content was found in plants irradiated with blue light and later with red+blue light. The highest levels of total phenols, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity were found in plants grown under red light. In addition, light quality had a significant effect on essential oil content. The highest essential oil content was obtained in the red and red+blue light treatments. The light quality at the EoD significantly changed the essential oil composition. The blue light significantly increased the citronellal content but decreased the geranial and linalool content. This study provided insights into the effects of EoD light quality on plant growth and metabolite accumulation in lemon balm with a short photoperiod. In conclusion, supplemental light at the EoD can effectively improve plant growth and secondary metabolite quality in medicinal plants.
Gholamreza Malekshahi; Babak ValizadehKaji
Abstract
Regardless of the low respiration rate in pomegranate fruits, it is a greatly perishable product. An alternative to maintain quality and prolong the shelf life of pomegranate fruits could be edible coatings. In the present study, three different edible coatings including: 1% chitosan, 1000 mg L-1 thymol, ...
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Regardless of the low respiration rate in pomegranate fruits, it is a greatly perishable product. An alternative to maintain quality and prolong the shelf life of pomegranate fruits could be edible coatings. In the present study, three different edible coatings including: 1% chitosan, 1000 mg L-1 thymol, and their combined were investigated on the postharvest quality of pomegranate fruits. Changes in weight loss, fruit firmness, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), juice pH, anthocyanin, total phenolic, and flavonoids content, sensory characteristics and fungal decay incidence of fruits were evaluated during 30, 60, 90 and 120 days storage at 6 °C. The results showed that coated fruits with 1% chitosan + 1000 mg L-1 thymol significantly decreased weight loss and firmness than uncoated fruits. Furthermore, the coated fruits with 1% chitosan + 1000 mg L-1 thymol exhibited significantly higher anthocyanin, total phenolic, flavonoids content, and sensory characteristics than the control treatment. The minimum shelf-life (83.33 days) was observed in uncoated fruits, while the maximum shelf-life (108.33 days) was recorded in fruits coated with 1 % chitosan + 1000 mg L-1 thymol. Duration of storage had a significant effect on weight loss, firmness, juice pH, anthocyanin content, total phenolic content, flavonoids content, sensory characteristics, and decay, whereas there was no significant effect on TSS, TA, and TSS/TA. In conclusion, the combined application of chitosan and thymol can provide a useful alternative for shelf life extension of pomegranate fruits.
Bahman Panahi; Bahareh Damankeshan; Mohammad Asaadi
Abstract
Bunch fading disorder in date palm is a serious problem in date fruit production around the world. During their growth and development, bunches of date fruit were treated with amino chelates of Mn (2 or 4 ppm), Cu (2 or 4 ppm), Zn (2 or 4 ppm), Ca (4 or 6 ppm), K (5 or 7 ppm). The effects were evaluated ...
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Bunch fading disorder in date palm is a serious problem in date fruit production around the world. During their growth and development, bunches of date fruit were treated with amino chelates of Mn (2 or 4 ppm), Cu (2 or 4 ppm), Zn (2 or 4 ppm), Ca (4 or 6 ppm), K (5 or 7 ppm). The effects were evaluated on bunch fading disorder, as well as on qualitative features and quantitative traits of date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.). This research was conducted on 15-year-old date palm trees (cv. ʻMazafatiʼ) in a randomized complete block design with 11 treatments in three replications. Fruit bunches were sprayed with amino chelates twice during fruit development, i.e. in the Hababook and Khalal stages. The results showed that all amino chelates reduced the percentage of damage caused by the fading disorder. The highest percentage of damage (36.67%) was recorded in the control group because it had received no spraying treatment. In treatment groups, however, the amino chelates had significant effects on fruit yield, seed weight, seed length, pH, TSS, and fruit moisture. The lowest amount of fruit yield was observed in the control group (44.5 kg), whereas all treatment groups staged a significant increase in yield. Specifically, high amounts of fruit yield were caused by Mn-2ppm (65.83 kg), Cu-2ppm (64.33 kg), Ca-4ppm (62.17 kg) and Cu-4ppm (60.83 kg). All treatments increased the fruit moisture content, compared to the control, and had significant effects on some chemical traits of date leaves and fruits. A significant increase in pigments occurred as a result of amino chelate spraying. In sum, amino chelates were significantly effective in reducing the bunch fading disorder.
Hamidreza Roosta; Fatemeh Nili; Ali Pourkhaloee; Naser Askari
Abstract
Photosynthetic parameters and stem strength of Gerbera jamesonii ‘Bayadere’ plants were studied after foliar application with calcium chloride (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g L-1) under natural light (NL), red light LEDs (R), blue light LEDs (B) and red + blue light LEDs (RB). Chlorophyll content increased ...
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Photosynthetic parameters and stem strength of Gerbera jamesonii ‘Bayadere’ plants were studied after foliar application with calcium chloride (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 g L-1) under natural light (NL), red light LEDs (R), blue light LEDs (B) and red + blue light LEDs (RB). Chlorophyll content increased under LED lights and foliar application with calcium chloride. The maximal quantum yield of PSII efficiency (Fv/Fm) and performance index (PI) reached the lowest value under NL conditions. The highest values of photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate (E) were achieved by RB lighting. Under the RB light and calcium chloride spraying, the plants showed the lowest leaf nitrate content, compared to NL conditions. This resulted in the highest leaf nitrate content. The higher the nitrate content, the lower the stem strength. However, the leaf calcium content showed an opposite trend. Sprays of 1.5 g L-1 calcium chloride in combination with RB lighting significantly in creased the flower stem strength and reduced stem bending, compared to non-treated plants. In summary, the RB lighting and foliar application with calcium chloride enhanced the growth and flower stem firmness of cut gerbera.
Borzou Yousefi; Roya Karamian
Abstract
White savory (Satureja mutica Fisch.) is an oil-bearing plant, with applications in traditional medicine, pharmaceutical industries, and food additives in home-made dishes. The current research comprised a greenhouse experiment in factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized design (CRD). It ...
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White savory (Satureja mutica Fisch.) is an oil-bearing plant, with applications in traditional medicine, pharmaceutical industries, and food additives in home-made dishes. The current research comprised a greenhouse experiment in factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized design (CRD). It included four salinity levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl), two salicylic acid (SA) levels (0 and 2 mM), and three replicates. By increasing of NaCl concentration, the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid significantly were declined. Increasing NaCl up to 100 mM caused a significant increase in proline and soluble protein content. The amount of proline at 150 mM NaCl showed no significant change compared to 100 mM NaCl, but the soluble protein sharply decreased at 150 mM NaCl. The enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase significantly were enhanced by increasing NaCl concentrations. Saturated water deficiency was augmented significantly, and Leaf fresh and dry weights were decreased significantly at 100 and 150 mM NaCL. SA enhanced chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid content, and leaf fresh and dry weight, depending on the NaCl treatments. SA applications considerably boosted peroxidase and catalase activity at all NaCl treatments. Also, SA significantly improved superoxide dismutase activity at 50 and 100 mM NaCl, but decreased it at 150 mM NaCl. SA significantly reduced saturated water deficiency and proline content despite all NaCl treatments. SA mitigated the adverse effects of NaCl on S. mutica by improvement of antioxidant activity, photosynthetic pigments, and physiological characteristics.
Chrispo Makheti Mutebi
Abstract
Global warming and the COVID 19 pandemic have imposed a devastating effect on life all over the world. Agriculture faces daunting challenges in the coming decades due to these two issues. The aim of this review paper is to provide pertinent information on mulberry to justify its use in building the resilience ...
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Global warming and the COVID 19 pandemic have imposed a devastating effect on life all over the world. Agriculture faces daunting challenges in the coming decades due to these two issues. The aim of this review paper is to provide pertinent information on mulberry to justify its use in building the resilience of smallholder farmers in the phase of climate change and COVID 19 pandemic. Agricultural production has been constrained by lack of sensitization about crops that could be incorporated for the dual purpose of mitigating the effects of both climate change and COVID 19. Although mulberry has a multiplicity of uses, information on its suitability for climate change mitigation and its nutraceutical potential especially during the times of COVID 19 has not been documented. In this paper the suitability of mulberry in climate change mitigation is also discussed. The paper concludes' that the resilience of mulberry against drought, its multipurpose nature as food, its medicinal properties and the extent of its effect on the environment gives it priority as a plant that could be incorporated into the farming system as a cushion against the effects of climate change on the conventional crops. Mulberry is therefore a plant that is suitable for building the resilience of smallholder farmers against climate change and COVID 19 pandemic.
Vences C Valleser
Abstract
Phytohormones are naturally-occurring substances produced by plants which promote vegetative and reproductive development and senescence. Similar to other crops, phytohormones affect the flowering and fruit development of pineapple. This writing provides an overview on the association and effects of ...
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Phytohormones are naturally-occurring substances produced by plants which promote vegetative and reproductive development and senescence. Similar to other crops, phytohormones affect the flowering and fruit development of pineapple. This writing provides an overview on the association and effects of phytohormones in pineapple flowering and fruit development. The effects of phytohormones are integrated and discussed in three sections: 1) flower induction in pineapple, 2) flower initiation and flowering in pineapple, and 3) pineapple fruit development. Based on the findings of multiple research, phytohormones involved in pineapple inflorescence initiation and inflorescence development include auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, ethylene, and abscisic acid (ABA). Auxin, gibberellin and cytokinin are known as phytohormones that improve the fruit size and quality of pineapple. These sets of information can serve as a guide to commercial pineapple growers in formulating a low-cost input of technology for pineapple production.
Mehdi Mohebodini; Karim Farmanpour-Kalalagh
Abstract
Anethum graveolens L. is a vegetable-aromatic medicinal herb of Apiaceae family and cultivated in different parts of the world including Iran. The aim of this study was to study the chemical composition of essential oils in four Iranian dill ecotypes. The extracted essential oils compositions were different ...
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Anethum graveolens L. is a vegetable-aromatic medicinal herb of Apiaceae family and cultivated in different parts of the world including Iran. The aim of this study was to study the chemical composition of essential oils in four Iranian dill ecotypes. The extracted essential oils compositions were different in the ecotypes so that 38, 27, 25, and 24 volatile constituents were identified in Ardabil, Isfahan, Mashhad, and Kerman ecotypes, respectively. Eighteen compounds such as Toluene, α-thujene, camphene, sabinene, β-pinene, β-myrcene, α-phellandrene, α-terpinene, β-phellandrene, undecane, sabinol, dill ether, carvacrol, germacrene D, dill apiole, neophytadiene, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, and phytol were recognized in all ecotypes but in different amounts. Analysis of variance showed the significancy of α-thujene, β-pinene, β-myrcene, α-phellandrene, β-phellandrene, undecane, dill ether, sabinol, germacrene D, dill apiole, neophytadiene, and hexahydrofarnesyl acetone at 0.001 probability levels. Means comparison of significant compounds showed highest mean values for β-pinene, undecane, germacrene D, neophytadiene, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, and phytol in Ardabil ecotype; α-thujene, β-myrcene, β-phellandrene, and dill ether in Mashhad ecotype; and α-phellandrene, sabinol, and dill apiole in Kerman ecotype. Factor analysis indicated that three main and independent factors accounted for 100% of the total variance. The first, second, and third factors with 47.5, 31.9, and 20.63 % of variance included 9, 6, and 4 compounds, respectively. The knowledge of essential oil compositions of the studied ecotypes could be useful to choose the appropriate for breeding purposes based on phytochemical diversity or for use in pharmaceutical and food industries for extraction of special compounds.
Bahman Jafari; Mojtaba Kordrostami; Ali Akbar Ghasemi-Soloklui
Abstract
Seed germination is a crucial stage in the life cycle of plants. It determines their growth and reproduction success. Temperature is one of the most important environmental factors that affect seed germination. This research aimed to estimate the cardinal temperatures and the thermal time requirement ...
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Seed germination is a crucial stage in the life cycle of plants. It determines their growth and reproduction success. Temperature is one of the most important environmental factors that affect seed germination. This research aimed to estimate the cardinal temperatures and the thermal time requirement for seed germination. The effects of different temperature levels were evaluated on the germination characteristics of tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. ‘Early CH’). An experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with four replications and seven temperature levels, i.e. 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 ° C. The relationship between germination rate and temperature was described and the cardinal temperatures for the seed germination of tomato (cv. ‘Early CH’) were calculated. Four regression models were used: segmented, dent-like, original beta, and modified beta. The highest germination percentage (81-86%) and vigor index (4.04-5.47 cm) were similarly obtained in the 20-30 °C range. The highest germination rate (5/7 seeds per day) was observed at 25 °C. The lowest mean germination time (4.5-4.84 days) occurred in the 20-25 °C range. Germination characteristics were significantly different when the temperature increased above 30 °C. While measuring the regression models, the segmented model was best for estimating the cardinal temperature of this cultivar. In general, cardinal temperatures for seed germination were estimated using a superior regression model for minimum (0.5-3 °C), optimal (25-26 °C), and maximum (35.4-40 °C) temperatures. Additionally, the thermal time model accurately predicted the seed germination process (R2 = 0.90). The amount of thermal time to achieve 50% germination in this cultivar was estimated at 1848.29 degree-hours.
Omid Sohrabi; Abdollah Hatamzadeh; Azim Ghasemnezhad; Habibollah Samizadeh; Vahid Erfani-moghadam
Abstract
Medicinal plants have been used historically for various treatments and in human nutrition. Due to their natural occurrence and biodegradability, medicinal plants can be an eco-friendly alternative to toxic chemicals such as pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides. An in-vitro experiment was conducted ...
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Medicinal plants have been used historically for various treatments and in human nutrition. Due to their natural occurrence and biodegradability, medicinal plants can be an eco-friendly alternative to toxic chemicals such as pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides. An in-vitro experiment was conducted to test the impact of six medicinal plant extracts on tomato growth and callus induction. Two concentrations of each extract (50 and 100 mg L-1) were added to the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium culture. Results showed that Juniperus sabina extract (50 mg L-1) accelerated tomato seed germination by 100% in vitro, compared to the control group in MS basal medium. Callus growth (CG) and callus weight (CW) increased by 50% and by more than 200% when using Taraxacum officinale (100 mg L-1) and Conocarpus erectus (50 mg L-1) extracts, respectively. Biochemical analysis revealed that the extracts were rich in phenolic compounds (348 mg g-1 of total phenol), flavonoids (162 mg g-1), antioxidants (61%), and auxin. Antioxidant activity, plant growth regulators (PGR), and plant defense elicitation probably contributed to these outcomes. Plant extracts also affected the biochemical content of calluses, except total phenol. We recommend using these plant extracts to increase growth, accelerate seed germination, and promote callus induction. Optimal concentrations and combinations of medicinal plant extracts for maximum benefit to different plant species and their growth-related values require further research.