SEED AND PLANT PRODUCTION JOURNAL
Year:2010 | Volume:26-2 | Issue:3|Papers Count:9

To evaluate the impacts of different skip-row planting patterns on yield, yield components, lint quality and infection to Verticillium wilt, Boll rot and Alternaria leaf spot diseases in non-irrigated cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) a field experiment was conducted in Karkandeh Experimental Field Station, Gorgan, Iran, in 2007 growing season. The experiment was carried out in split-plot arrangements using randomized complete block design with three replications. Two cotton genotypes; Tabladila and N200 were assigned to main plots and 80-cm row spacing in solid (80-cm conventional rows), 1´1 skip-row planted and one left unplanted) and 2´1 skip-row (two rows planted and one left unplanted with 16 cm skip) pattern were randomized in sub-plots. Results showed that the two genotypes with different growth habit differed in their response to planting row patterns. The lint quality and infection severity of some diseases were not affected by skip-row pattern. The lint yield (3027-3070 kg/ha) and earliness (78.0-81.7%) were higher in skip-row pattern as compared with solid pattern. Fiber length 2.5% and micronair of lint were in the range of 29.5-30.5 and 3.3-3.9 in skip-row, respectively. The genotype ´ skip-row interaction indicated that N200 ´ (2´1 skip-row), and 80-cm solid rows had more Verticillium wilt disease index, however, Alternaria infection was lower in Tabladia´ (2 ´ 1 skip-row). Skip-row planting pattern reduced boll rot disease infection as compared to solid planting pattern as boll rot (%) was lower (1.3%) in (2 ´ 1 skip-row) ´ Tabladila. These results showed that planting row pattern could reduce boll rot and increased quantity and quality of yield and earliness in cotton.

Twenty Iranian and exotic maize hybrids in five different maturity groups were studied in Kermanshah in 2007 and 2008 growing seasons. Four planting dates (20 April, 30 April, 14 May and 01 June) and hybrids were arranged as split plot in randomized complete block design with three replications. The planting dates were assisgned to main plots and hybrids were randomized in sub-plots. Results indicated that early May is the most suitable planting date for late maturing hybrids in temperate region of Kermanshah. Mid-May planting as well as late-May and early-June can cause harvesting with high grain moisture in late maturing hybrids, and delay planting of the following crops in autum. Commercial maize hybrid, KSC 704, was ready for harvest with proper moisture in 10-15 Sep., 23-30 Sep., mid-Oct. and late Oct., in planting dates of 20 April, 30 April, 14 May and 01 June, respectively. Late plantings limits the time for land preparation, therefore, delays planting of wheat as following crop. Mid-season hybrids with shorter crop life cycle become ready for harvest about 2-3 weeks earlier from 14 May and 01 June planting dates. These hybrids are identified as suitable for replacement of KSC 704, without significant reduction in grain yield.

Twenty Iranian and exotic maize hybrids in five different maturity groups were studied in Kermanshah in 2007-2008 growing seasons. Temperature variations were created by four planting dates (20 April, 30 April, 14 May and 01 June). Estimated heat units from planting to flowering, using both thermal indices, GDD and CHU, were reliable in different maturing maize hybrids and nearly created similar grouping for maize hybrids. Both indices, changed hybrids NS 540 and OSSK 552 from former FAO 500 maturity group to later maturing group, FAO 600. BC404 and OSSK499 hybrids were also changed from ealier maturity group FAO 400 to later maturity group FAO 500. However, BC 504 hybrid changed from FAO 500 to earlier maturity group, FAO 400. Although GDD and CHU were reliable for estimating planting to silking (flowering), CHU did not provide reliable thermal units for estimating planting to maturity. Based on GDD for planting to maturity, all hybrids grouped in five maturity groups, which was similar to groups based on estimated GDD for planting to flowering.

Iran is one of the most important centers of diversity for Medicago species. Annual medics collected from different provinces were evaluated and the relationship between their eco-geographical distribution, geographical and ecological characteristics was analysed. Results showed that annual medics were distributed mostly in the North-West, West and South of Iran. Altitude and average annual precipitation were the two important factors in distribution of annual medics in Iran. Most of the species were distributed from 0-2750 meter above sea level, in areas with 100-400mm of average annual precipitation and Mediteranean climates. Annual medics grow well in soils with pH=7.0-8.0. Soil texture analysis showed that the suitable soil for annual medics was Loam or Clay soils. Nevertheless, some species could grow in different ecological areas. Among these species M. rigidula and M. rigiduloides were adapted to cold zones, while M. laciniata and M. sauvagei were found in southern parts of Iran with 20°C average temperatures. M. littoralis is a littoral plant and grows near the Caspian Sea in the North and Persian Gulf in the South. M. noeana was also found only in North-west and West of Iran.

The effect of environmental factors as temperature, photothermal quotient and rainfall during seed filling period (SFP) on seed weight of different species of Brassica was studied in Gonbad during 2003–2006 growing seasons. Twenty genotypes from different species of Brassica including: five genotypes of spring B. napus, five genotypes of winter B. napus, five genotypes of B. rapa, and five genotypes of B. juncea were sown at optimum sowing date recommended for the area. In all species, there was a linear relationship between 1000- seed weight and mean air temperature, photothermal quotient and rainfall during SFP. Increase in radiation accompanied with relatively moderate temperatures during SFP, hence, increased seed weight. Each millimeter increase in rainfall during SFP increased the rate of 1000-seed weight of spring and winter rapeseeds, mustard and turnip genotypes by 0.0094, 0.0247, 0.0105 and 0.0132 g, respectively. In addition, with an each day increase in duration of SFP, 1000-seed weight of spring and winter rapeseeds, mustard and turnip genotypes increased by 0.0533, 0.1682, 0.0456 and 0.0529 g, respectively. These relationships showed that winter rapeseeds genotypes had more response to favorable environmental factors during SFP. The non-significant relationship between seed number per unit area and seed weight in different species of Brassica showed that under conditions of this study sink size did not affect seed weight, but it was affected by environmental factors during seed filling period.

To evaluate quantitative and quality charecteristics in eight hazelnut varieties; Fertile, Pashmineh, Rasmi, Gorjeh, Round, Negret and Gerdouee, morphological and chemical characteristics were used. This experiment was conducted using randomized complete block design with three replications in Horticultural Research Field Station, Kamal-Shahr, Karaj, Iran, in 2007 and 2008 growing seasons. Twenty one characteristics including: vegetative growth, trunk diameter, number of suckers, canopy diameter, length and width of leaf, length of internode, weight, length and breadth of fruit, fruit (%), kernel (%), fat (%), protein (%), total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and chlorophull a/b were measured and recorded. Analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences among hazelnut varieties for all measured traits. Fertile was superior for quantative and quality characteristics as compared with other varieties. Cluster analysis grouped the hazelnut varieties into three groups and one single variety, i.e., Fertile. Results of this research indicated that morphological characteristics are suitable for identification and evaluation of genotypes/varieties of hazelnut.

To study effects of different times of collection, IBA and NAA concentrations on rooting and related characteristics of hard wood and semi-hard wood cuttings in Gisela6 root stocks two experiments were conducted in green house-using factorial arrangements in completely randomized design with three replications. First experiment included: Two times of cutting collection (January and February), two types of cuttings (basal and terminal) and four concentrations of IBA and NAA (0, 1000 and 2000 and 3000 ppm). The second experiment included: two times of cutting collection (June and July), two types of cuttings (basal and terminal) and three concentrations of IBA and NAA (0, 1000, 1500 ppm). Results showed that times of cutting and hormones significantly (p<0.01) affected rooting (%) in hard wood and semi-hard wood cuttings in Gisela6 cherry rootstock. In semi-hard wood cuttings, the highest rooting (70%) was obtained in terminal type of cutting collected in July and treated by 1000 ppm IBA. However, in hard wood cuttings, the highest rooting (46.6%) was observed in basal type of cuttings collected in January and treated by 3000 ppm IBA. As auxin concentration increased, the number of primary and secondary roots as well as the length of rooting section increased. However, the average length of primary and secondary roots decreased.

To study the effect of sucrose and calcium chloride on the quality and longevity of cut flower of rose cv. Varlon, this experiment was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture, Zanjan University, Zanjan, Iran, in 2007. Cut flowers were received from Mahallat Ornamental Plants and Flowers Research Station. Experimental factors included: Sucrose at four levels (0, 40, 80 and 100 mg/l) and Calcium chloride at four levels (0, 300, 600, 900 mg/l). The experiment was carried out using factorial arrangement in completely randomized design with three replications. Results showed that sucrose significantly (p<0.01) affected longevity (senescence %), relative water content, solution uptake and electrolyte leakage in cut flowers of rose cv. Varlon. Calcium chloride also significantly (p<0.01) improved relative water content and solution uptake, as well as longevity and electrolyte leakage but to lesser extent (p<0.05). Results indicated that 100mg/l sucrose per se significantly improved longevity and relative water content. However, 40 mg/l sucrose with 90 mg/l calcium chloride significantly increased electrolyte leakage.