Journal of Water and Soil Science
Year:2007 | Volume:11 | Issue:41 (B)|Papers Count:28

Six Iranian rice cultivars (Binam, Domsiyah, Shahpasand, Sepidrud, Khazar and Valed 46) were crossed in 1989 in the Iranian Rice Research Institute in Rasht, Iran in a full-diallel design. The F1 progenies together with parents were transplanted in a CRBD in the 5 x 0.75 m plots at plant density of 25 x 25 cm (60 plantlets per plot) in 3 replications. Part of this research was published in 1994 as a half-diallel design and the data of full-diallel, using Griffing approach, is subject of this paper. The analysis of variance showed significant differences among genotypes. The mean of six parents, 15 crosses and 15 reciprocal crosses were analyzed using the four diallel crossing systems of the Griffing approach. The SS of genotypes were separated into GCA for each parent and SCA for each cross using corresponding formula. The additive variance (VA) and dominance variance (VD) values were estimated using the table of variance analysis. The heritability (h2ns) was also estimated from VA and VD variances. The simple variance analysis of “grain yield per plant” and other agronomic traits using each of the 4 diallel crossing methods of Griffing showed significant differences (P < 1%) among genotypes, indicating a sufficient genetic potential of the investigated genotypes. The GCA variance analysis of the lines was significant for all the characteristics, indicating the importance of additive variance (VA) by inheritance of these traits. Using Griffing’s diallel methods 1 and 3, SCA variances for all investigated traits showed significance, whereas in the methods 2 and 4, traits “1000 grain weight” and “tiller per plant” were not significant according to SCA. This also indicates the importance of dominant variance (VD) in most of the traits, except for “1000 grain weight” and “tiller per plant”. The differences among the reciprocal crosses in diallel methods 1 and 3 were also examined; where for all the characteristics (except for “deaf grains per panicle” and “length to breadth ratio of brown rice grain”) significant differences were observed, suggesting the possibility of cytoplasmic effect of mother line on the reciprocal crosses. The heritability (h2ns), which indicates the ratio of additive variance (VA) to phenotypic variance (VP), was estimated to be equal to zero due to the absence of additive variance for grain per panicle and the number of days from transplanting to full maturity of grain. The heritability for other characteristics was estimated high or low according to additive variance. For example in all 4 diallel methods the heritability estimation for length to breadth ratio of brown rice grain was relatively high (65 – 71%) whereas for “panicle length” and “grain yield per plant” was relatively low (13 – 48%). The correlation among genetic parameters (VA, VD, D, h2ns) were generally high and significant.

Defining interrelationship of growth analysis factors and yield of crop plants is important in the field crop production practices. This research was aimed at studying growth factors and grain yield of five maize hybrids, consisting of S.C.704, S.C.700, S.C.647, S.C.604, and S.C.301, using two 4-replicate RCBD experiments in Isfahan, in Summer 2004. While one experiment was irrigated normally, the other one was conducted under delayed irrigation conditions. Maize plants were seeded at 95000 plants/ha in 8-row plots, with rows spaced 0.70m apart and 0.15m distance between plants on each row. Delayed irrigation led to a significant decrease in LAImax, LAD, LADLinear and LADs-m, but a significant increase in days to silking. While CGRLinear significantly correlated with LAImax, LAD, LADLinear and LADs-m, a significant correlation was observed between total biomass and grain yield. CGRLinear, LAImax, and LADs-m significantly correlated with total biomass, and grain yield significantly correlated with yield components, harvest index, CGRLinear and LAImax. In conclusion, an increase in LAImax resulted in a higher CGRLinear and in turn a greater total biomass. But, considering no significant correlation between total biomass and harvest index, it appears that with the genotypes and under conditions of the present study, allocation of dry matter to grain production did not correlate with the leaf area attributes of corn.

This study included two experiments conducted in 2000-2001 for surveying the effects of saline water irrigation on yield and yield components in corn varieties. Experiments were conducted in a silty-clay soil in Ahwaz Agricultural Research Center. First experiment was conducted as a split plots and randomized complete blocks design in three replications. Main plots included salinity levels 2, 4, 6 and 8dS/m and subplots included three single cross hybrids of corn 704, 711 and 647. In the other experiment the effects of saline water 8dS/m at different growth stages including the stage of planting to plant establishment. (G1), flowering and pollination (G2) and grain filling (G3), were evaluated. The results of the first experiment showed that there was very significant difference among water salinity levels for yield, thousand kernel weight, percentage of corn fertility and percentage of plants containing corn. The highest and lowest grain yield was obtained for salinity levels 2 and 8dS/m treatments respectively. Differences among varieties and interaction of treatments were significant for grain yield, and highest grain yield was obtained for 704 and 711 varieties on saline water 2dS/m. The results of the other experiment showed that highest and lowest tolerance to irrigation with saline water on corn were G3 and G1 growth stages respectively. Consequently, hybrids 704 and 711 were more sensitive than the 647, but the obtained yield, suggests that 704 and 711 hybrids can be cultivated under these conditions.

Azotobacter chroococcum is an important PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) producing compounds needed for plant growth. The aim of this research was to study the effects of different native strains of Azotobacter chroococcum on growth and yield of wheat under greenhouse counditions. Seeds of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L. var. Pishtaz) were inoculated with some Azotobacter chroococcum strains capable of producing IAA, HCN, sidrophore and fixing molecular nitrogen. The inoculation of wheat with those strains had a positive, significant effect on biological yield, seed protein percentage, thousand seed weight, leaf area, N, P, Fe and Zn uptake, in particular, by wheat. The increased growth of wheat was most likely due to the production of IAA and enhanced nitrogen fixation by inoculated strains. Some strains of Azotobacter chroococcum native to Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari are established as PGPR. Results also support the efficiency of Azotobacter chroococcum as an important biofertilizer in wheat cropping systems. The selected strains had a significant effect on wheat growth and yield, including biological yield and seed quality under greenhouse counditions. This beneficial effect of Azotobacter chroococcum on wheat is attributed mainly to IAA production and, to some extent to non symbiotic nitrogen fixation in the rhizosphere. So, these strains can potentially be used to improve wheat nutrition of micronutrients such as Fe and Zn, in particular.

One of the properties of systemically acquired resistance in plants is their concomitance with the biochemical changes including enhancement of activities of defense-related enzymes. The leaf extract of Reynoutria sachalinensis (F. Schmidt) Nakai is known to be an effective compound for the control of a few plant diseases particularly powdery mildew of cucurbits (caused by fungal pathogen Podosphaera fusca), by inducing host defense responses. In the present investigation, the effects of this extract on some defense responses of cucumber plants were studied via in vivo tests. Changes of defense responses in the extract treated-cucumber plants, with or without pathogen inoculation, were studied and compared with those of non-treated control plants. Results indicated that specific activity of peroxidase increased significantly in treated tissues. Enhancement of enzyme activity showed the same patterns in both the pathogen inoculated- and non-inoculated-plants; thus the pathogen attack did not affect the enzyme activity. Specific activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in the non-inoculated extract treated-plants showed a transient fast increase during 24 hours after the treatment, whereas in the inoculated ones, it showed a permanent slow increase probably due to the interaction between extract treatment and pathogen attack. Phenolic content of extract treated-plant tissues, despite small fluctuations, did not show any definite pattern of changes.

In order to study the biological control of carnation vascular wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. dianthi, 141 bacterial strains were isolated from carnation rhizosphere, and their antagonistic activity was evaluated against fungal pathogen in dual culture method. Among the tested strains, 16 strains showed antagonistic activity; seven of them with more activity were selected for further investigation. Based on phenotypic features, strains E31 and E57 were identified as Bacillus cereus; E76, E93, E102 and E121 as Bacillus subtilis; and E130 as Pseudomonas fluorescens bv. III. All bacterial strains inhibited mycelial growth of F. o. f. sp. dianthi by production of non-volatile and volatile metabolites under laboratory condition. Microscopical analysis showed that all strains caused deformation of pathogen mycelium, and metabolites of these strains reduced conidia production rate and as well as the ability of conidia germination. In the in vivo tests, in sterilized and nonsterilized soils, the effect of bacterial strains was studied on disease severity, percentage of healthy plants and the growth rate of plants using soil inoculating and root-dipping into bacteria-methyl cellulose mixture methods. The E57 and E121 strains, in both methods, and E130 in root-dipping method showed highest effect on decreasing of disease severity and increasing of healthy plants percentage. Strains E57, E121 and E130 significantly increased total dry weight of carnation. Maximum dry weight was obtained by E57 and E130 in soil inoculating and root –dipping methods respectively.

During the honeybee breeding project in central Iran, sex alleles homozygoty and sex alleles number in the third generation of 364 colonies were studied in 2003. Sex alleles homozygoty was measured based on Ruttner (1988) and Tarpy and Page (2002) methods. The total area of worker brood area, stored pollen, and drone brood area were measured on the combs. The whole extracted honey weight and remaining honey in the combs were evaluated as honey production of colonies. Adult population was evaluated based on the number of full combs of adult honeybees. The results showed that sex alleles, average homozygoty and number in the colonies were 18.83% and 5.32 respectively. The results showed no significant correlation between homozygoty of sex alleles or sex alleles number and stored pollen (P > 0.05), but significant negative correlation between sex alleles homozygoty and colony population, total brood area and honey yield (P < 0.01) was observed. So introduction of new sire colonies in the mating isolated area is essential to prevent sex alleles homozygoty and also performance of honeybee colonies from decreasing.

Sarta longhorned beetle, Aeolesthes sarta, is one of the most destructive wood borer pests of fruit and shade trees in Iran. In this research, the reproductive parameters were studied under laboratory conditions. Fifteen pairs of newly developed adults (1-2 days after emergence from overwintering sites) were caged separately on 15 logs of Ulmus carpinifolia and fertility table was made using this data. The results showed those 3.9±0.2 days after emergence, females began to oviposit for 16.6±0.6 days, as oviposition period. Mean number of laid eggs was 122.6±17.5 per female. The mean longevity of male and female was 26±0.6 and 29.4±0.4 days, respectively. Females had no mortality during oviposition period, so gross reproductive rate (GRR) and net reproductive rate (R0) (famale/female/generation) were equal (61.6±8.7). Intrinsic rate of increase (rm), mean generation time (T) and doubling time of the population (t) were 0.0067±0.24-5 famale/female/day, 612.5±0.4 and 102.7±3.6 days, respectively. The finite rate of increase (l) (female/female/day) was 1.006±0.24-5. Intrinsic rate of increase (rm) was very low (0.00672), because of longer lifetime of females (mean 602 days), low longevity during reproductive period (maximum 22 days) and long mean generation time (612.5 days).

Plant pathogenic microorganisms produce a variety of enzymes capable of degrading different polysaccharides of the plant cell walls. Pathogens use these enzymes to penetrate and colonize host cells. Polygalacturonases are thought to be the first cell wall-degrading enzymes secreted by pathogens when they grow on plant cell walls. Oligogalacturonic acids with the polymerization degrees of 10 to 13 are intermediate products of pectin degradation by the action of polygalacturonases and are known to activate plant defense responses. PG- inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) present in the cell wall of many plants increase the stability of oligogalacturonic acids in the tissues by modulating fungal PG activities. These glycoproteins of the plant cell extracellular matrix retard the advancement of fungal hyphae, reduce tissue maceration, and prevent colonization of pathogen. In this study, Phaseolus vulgaris PGIPs were extracted from hypocotyle of Derakhshan and Naz bean cultivars. PvPGIPs were purified by afinity chromatography and analyzed by SDS-PAGE. Three major bands in the range of 47-55 kDa were detected. Average yield of The affinity-purified PGIPs was 1.68 mg per 100 gram of fresh bean hypocotyle. The inhibitory effect of PGIP was assayed on the PG activities of highly virulent isolates of Fusarium oxysporum (F15) and Ascochyta rabiei (IK04). The inhibitory activity of crude PGIP from Naz and Derakhshan cultivars on polygalacturonase activity of F. oxysporum was 18 and 28 units, respectively. These inhibitory activities increased to 40 units after purification. The inhibitory effect of crude PGIPs from both these two cultivars on PG activity of A. rabiei was 9 units, while purified PGIPs inhibited this PG activity to 18 and 29 units, respectively.

Homogenized milks at 0.5 and 2.5% fat content were each fortified with three levels of Vitamin A palmitate at 3000, 4000 and 5000 IU/L. Vitamin was added just before homogenization and then pasteurized milks were packed in polymeric pouches and glass bottles. All samples were refrigerated at 4-5oC for 48 hours. Any reduction in vitamin A level was monitored using HPLC, while sensory evaluation was conducted in order to rank the samples. ANOVA and Friedman analyses indicated that fat content along with package type had a significant effect on the residue of vitamin A. The loss of vitamin A was significantly higher in 0.5% milk either packed in polymeric pouch or glass bottle. However, besides fat concentration, more vitamin A was lost in glass bottles rather than polymeric pouches. Sensory evaluation showed that milk fortification had no adverse effects on color and flavor of the product.

Salab gum is a hydrocolloidal compound which can be extracted from detached roots, tubers as well as rhizomes of Orchidaceae family. Apart from its applications in pharmaceuticals it has many potential usages in foodstuffs particularly ice cream and local soft drinks. However, there is little evidence about its rheological properties in the literature. Therefore, in the present study, the influence of variables such as; concentration (2–7 g 1-1), temperature (5–55oC), pH (2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 11) as well as rotational speed (up to 200 rpm) were examined on the apparent viscosity and flow behavior of the gum solution. Regarding the effect of the abovementioned parameters, our findings revealed that increasing rotational speed or shear rate at low concentrations (3 and 4 g 1-1) had no effect on the apparent viscosity and those samples behaved like Newtonian fluids whereas, at slightly higher concentrations (5–7 g 1-1), with increasing the rotational speed, the apparent viscosity diminished and the solution consequently showed a Pseudo plastic behavior. In all these experiments, the apparent viscosity was enhanced with increasing the concentration and diminished with increasing the temperature. In addition, changing the pH showed no significant effect on the apparent viscosity in the majority of samples. Furthermore, using mathematical equations, experimental findings (namely rotational speed and torque) were converted to their fundamental counterparts (shear rate and shear stress) and discussed.

In order to identify polymorphic microsatellite markers and evaluae genetic variation within Baluchi sheep population, nineteen microsatellite loci were studied. Whole Blood samples were collected from 156 sheep at north eastern animal breeding station of Iran (Abbasabad-Mashhad). DNA was extracted by salting-out procedure with some modifications. Polymerase chain reactions were successfully done except for UNC5C locus. PCR products were electrophoresed on 8% denaturing polyacrylamide gels stained according to rapid silver staining procedure. The genotype and allelic frequencies were calculated by direct counting and used for estimating of different polymorphism and genetic variation criteria. This population wasn't at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium except for OarAE101 locus (P<0.005). Heterozygosity (gene variation) ranged from 0.1 to 0.93. BULGE5E and BM1329 loci were monomorphic. In conclusion, this investigation showed high polymorphism at the studied loci, so they could be used in future studies.

In this study 5025 records from the Lori-Bakhtiari sheep stud were used to predict phenotypic, genetic and environmental change in ewe traits from 1989 to 2004. Best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) of breeding values was estimated by Drivative Free Restricted Maximum Likelihood (DFREML) procedure using single and multi-trait animal model. Phenotypic, genetic and environmental trends were calculated by regressing of the average phenotypic values, predicted breeding values and environmental values in the year of ewe birth respectively. The estimated phenotypic trends were –0.1223 kg for ewe body weight, -0.0415 kg for greasy fleece weight, 0.6639% for conception rate, 0.0003 for number of lambs born per ewe lambing, 0.0094 for number of lambs weaned per ewe lambing, 0.0380 kg for total birth weight per ewe exposed and 0.4227 kg for total weaning weight per ewe exposed. The estimated genetic trends were 0.0603 kg, -0.0004 kg, 0.0183%, -0.0012, -0.0007, 0.0030 kg and 0.0211 kg from single trait analysis and 0.0549 kg, -0.0006 kg, 0.0089%, -0.0008, -0.0008, 0.0030 kg and 0.0230 kg respectively from multi-trait analysis. The estimated phenotypic and environmental trends were significant but genetic trends were not significant (P<0.05) for often traits.

The nutritive value of the annual alfalfa (Medicago rigidulla, Medicago polymorpha and Medicago scutellata) species harvested at flowering stage was assessed by chemical composition, in vitro dry matter and nitrogen digestibility, in sacco dry matter and nitrogen degradation (0, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h) and palatability (short-term intake rate, STIR) methods. Mean values of the chemical analysis results (%) for M. rigidulla, M. polymorpha and M. scutellata respectively were as follows: OM 85.1, 86.1 and 86.9; CP 25.1, 23.8 and 15.6; NDF 23.2, 24.8 and 30.0; ADF 18.3, 19.9 and 24.0; ADIN 0.36, 0.11 and 0.22; calcium 1.4, 1.3 and 1.2; phosphorus 0.23, 0.28 and 0.24; potassium 1.5, 1.5 and 1.4. The digestibilities of the DM and OM for M. rigidulla were 0.82 and 0.79; M. polymorpha 0.83.5 and 0.80; M. scutellata 0.75 and 0.69, respectively. The degradabilities of DM and CP at outflow rate of 0.05 for M. rigidulla were 0.72 and 0.55; M. polymorpha 0.71 and 0.57; M. scutellata 0.63 and 0.58, respectively. Finally, the palatabilities (using short-term intake rate method) for M. rigidulla, M. polymorpha and M. scutellata species were 13.6, 12.8 and 11.3 (g DM/min) respectively. According to the methods used, the descending ranking order (high to low) of these species on the basis of their nutritional value was M.rigidulla, M.polymorpha and M.scutellata.

This study was conducted to determine chemical composition and evaluated apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and true metabolisable energy (TME) values of five Iranian barley cultivars. Basal diet contained corn soybean and in each of the test diets barley was substituted for 30% of corn and soybean fractions. The study was carried out in 3 experiments. In experiment 1, metabolisable energy (ME) values were measured by both total collection and markers (chromic oxide) in excreta of 35-d-old chicks. In experiment 2, ME values of the barley cultivars were determined by ileal digesta procedure. In experiment 3, 36 48-d-old broiler chicks (used in experiment 1 and 2) were used to determine TME and the nitrogen corrected TME (TMEn) of the barley cultivars. Highly significant differences (P<0.05) between bioassay methods were observed on average barley ME values. The average barley AMEn value measured by ileal digesta method was significantly (P<0.05) higher than excreta (total collection and markers in excreta) (2716 Vs. 2318 and 2124 kcal/kg, respectively). Barley ME values were influenced by cultivar (P<0.05) and the hullless cultivar showed greater AME value than the hulled cultivars (2695 vs. 2407.5 kcal/kg AME; 2630 vs. 2324.7 kcal/kg AMEn). Cultivar had no significant effect on barley TME value. It was concluded that there is high variation between energy contents of Iranian barley cultivars. In addition, ileal digesta was found not to be an accurate bioassay for determination of barley AME value in broiler chicks.

The purpose of this study was to assess characteristics of and reasons for farmers’ disagreement on implementation of land consolidation projects. Part of needed information was collected through questionnaire and interviewing 75 farmers in 6 unsuccessful villages in Kermanshah and Lenjanat region and also visiting some performed and ongoing projects. Other part of information was obtained by questionnaire and interviewing 44 experts involved with performing the project in Jahad Agricultural offices. Fragmentation of properties was measured by Januszewski fragmentation coefficient. Correlation coefficient and comparison of mean were used to analyze the information. The results showed that disagreement of farmers is the most important obstacle for progress on land consolidatin projects, which accounted for farmers. In Lanjanat, these farmers have a better land structures in respect to size and fragmentation of parcels. In both rejoin reasons for farmer’s disagreement are divided in three groups: logical-justified reasons, logical-unjustified and illogical. Mediation, preference and legislative force are the three interactive methods to satisfy these farmers. To decrease disagreements and promote land consolidation in the two regions, following suggestions are offered: education and extension, correcting the technical and adminestrative methods of land consolidation and legal and judicial supports to implement the projects.

Sustainability of livestock production systems (LPSs) is of prime importance to the needs of human beings. From a sustainability point of view, an LPS is sustainable when it is environmentally nondestructive, economically viable and socially provides appropriate quality of life for producer and the whole community. Iran LPS is primarily based on traditional production systems. Therefore, an important issue for animal production in this country is the question of sustainability of traditional LPSs. The aim of this paper was to investigate and compare the sustainability of traditional LPSs in Firouzabad County. Three dimensions of sustainability were considered. Survey research was used to reach this purpose. Therefore, 300 livestock producers in “Nomadic”, “Semi-nomadic” and “Village- based” system were interviewed. Respondents were selected by a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. Face validity was confirmed by experts and the questionnaires were subjected to reliability testing using data collected in the pilot study. Findings showed that all three LPSs were unsustainable with regard to social, economical, and technico-environmental dimensions. Comparison of LPSs showed that Village-based LPS was from social dimension relatively sustainable and technically and environmentally unsustainable. While nomadic LPS was from social dimension relatively unsustainable and technically and environmentally sustainable.

The present research was conducted to find the influence of some topographic factors on distribution of large-leaved lime (Tilia platyphyllos Scop.) and its natural regeneration characteristics in "Vaz" forest (northern Iran). After identification of site and preparation of topography map, selective sampling method was carried out for tree inventory in plots. The sample plots were circular in 1000-m2 areas with at least 2-3 dominant lime trees in each. In the plots, altitude, slope gradient, direction, forest storey, tree type and natural regeneration were investigated. Results indicate that in this habitat the average diameter at breast height and height of Tilia platyphyllos is 36.9 cm and 23 m, respectively. Tilia platyphyllos prefers 1200-1400 m altitude, 75-100% slope gradient and northeastern to eastern directions and benefits from denser trees in these environments. It consists of some tree types together with Fagus orientalis, Carpinus betulus and Parrotia persica, whereas the dominant type is Tilia platyphyllos-Fagus orientalis. In most of tree types, lime occurs in the upperstorey. Natural regeneration of lime is often observed as sprout (coppice shoot).

To investigate the degree of forest degradation and the effect of land use change on selected soil quality attributes in loess-derived landforms, samples were taken from different land uses including forest, rangeland, degradated rangeland and farmland in Pasang watershed located in the Galikesh area of Golestan province (37o16'N, 55o30'E). The annual average temperature and mean precipitation of study area were 15oC and 730 mm respectively. Organic matter, pH, EC, CaCO3 and nutrients (N, P, K) as chemical indicators, hydraulic conductivity, bulk density and porosity as physical indicators and soil respiration as biological indicator were measured. The results showed that the amount of organic matter decreased three percent when it was turned from forest to farmland, and increased two percent from farmland to rangeland. The amount of CaCO3 in surface layer of deforested area was more than in the forest soils. The amount of soil N in forest and soil P and K in rangeland were higher than in other land uses. Bulk density and porosity in forest and MWD in rangeland were higher than in other land uses because of the decrease in organic matter due to farming activities. Soil respiration in forest was highest as compared to in other land uses. Difference of enzymes activities (L-asparaginase and Dehydrogenase) compared to microbial respiration indicates that enzymes activity is related to specific biological processes while soil microbial respiration basically depends on the general activity of soil microbial population. It could be concluded that amount of organic matter, soil N, bulk density, porosity, MWD, soil respiration and enzymes activities are suitable indicators for soil quality evaluation in this area.

In order to investigate the success of natural regeneration and to determine the best area for regeneration settlement, 12 gaps with the areas ranging from 50-100, 150-300, and 400-600 m2 and 4 replicates equal elevation level were selected. For measuring frequency, height, and collar diameter of regenerated seedlings, a certain number of 2 m2 subplots were carried out inside the gaps, along the bigger diameter, and related to each gap’s area. Results showed that the number of seedling varies from 5 (in big gaps) up to 28 (in small and moderate gaps) per square meter. Furthermore, there was not a significant difference between the number of seedlings in small and moderate gaps. In contrast, the number of seedlings in small and moderate gaps was significantly different from those in large gaps (at 1% Probability). This finding demonstrates that natural regeneration would be limited in large gaps (400-600 m2) but it shows a better result in smaller gaps, associated with single- tree harvests. The final result of this study shows that the most appropriate area for selective cutting in such an area is up to at most 300 m2.