Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science
Year:2014 | Volume:44 | Issue:4|Papers Count:11

Quality and flesh colour characteristics of blood oranges following harvest is related to and dependent upon temperature and storage conditions. To investigate the effects of different temperatures (8, 15 and 22oC) and different storage period (0, 25, 50 and 75 days) on total soluble solids, titrable acidity, pH, ascorbic acid, total phenolic contents, antioxidant capacity, anthocyanin level, activity of L-phenylalanin ammonia-lyase, and as well on total protein content in ripe Moro blood orange, a factorial experiment, based upon a completely randomized design of 3 replications was performed. The results revealed that at 8oC and after 75 days past, phenylalanin ammonia-lyase activity and total protein increased concomitantly with total anthocyanin, but antioxidant capacity and total phenols decreased. Besides, in other temperatures this process has been on the decrease. The highest vitamin C content, titrable acidity as well as total soluble solids were evaluated in control fruits before storage and were shown to decrease after 75 days of storage. As a final result, all the evaluated characteristics of Moro blood orange decreased considerably by increase in temperature and in storage period.

Lily (Lilium L.) is a perennial plant of Liliaceae family ranking as one of the three top bulbaceous flowers of floriculture industry due to its large and attractive flowers. Susan-e-Chelcheragh (Lilium ledebourii (Baker) Boiss.) is the rarest species of the genus naturally occuring only in some limited parts of Iran including Damash, Kalardasht, Asalem, Kojur, Dorfak, Ardebil and in one part of Azerbaijan Republic, namely Lankaran. Kojur region was first recognized throughout this research with no report having previously proved the existence of this plant in this region. This species, which benefits from a great potential of development as an ornamental plant, is presently and unfortunately faced with the risk of species loss. Agro-morphological evaluation of wild relatives of crop plants as valuable genetic pools, beside an accurate estimate of the level and distribution pattern of their genetic diversity, provide information useful not only for the establishment of effective conservation strategies, but also for future breeding programs. Therefore, the present study was aimed at evaluating different populations of L. ledebourii, employing agro-morphological characteristics and multivariate analyses. The results indicated that there existed considerable variations among the studied characteristics which can be taken into account for the selection of plants of desirable traits. In addition, high and significant correlation coefficients were observed between most of the assessed characters with the highest value (r=0.930) recorded between plant height and stem diameter. Factor analysis led to an identification of characters with high degrees of discrimination, in which the most effective ones were gathered in some five major factors that explained 81.13% of the total variance. On the other hand, cluster analysis led to classification of genotypes in question into different groups which corresponded mainly to their geographical origins. Plotting of the studied genotypes in three dimensions by use of three main factors resulted in formation of two main groups and five sub-groups in agreement with the results of cluster analysis in most cases. Finally, the eight different populations were grouped into two main clusters including cultivated Dorfak, Ardebil and Damash plants as well as wild growing plants of Kojur, as against the wild populations of Ardebil, Damash, Kalardasht and Asalem as judged through the results obtained from cluster analysis.

Siahe-e-Samarghandi is one of the most important cultivars of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) in Fars Province. Some problems of this cultivar are its sparse clusters with small berries and berries that are in different stages of growth. Foliar application of urea, zinc sulfate, boric acid 4, 3 and 1gL-1, respectively as well as sodium molybdate at the concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 gL-1 were applied at the start of shoot growth (pre-bloom) and at the middle of blooming. The study was carried out as a factorial experiment in a Completely Randomized Block Design. Yield and shot berry, percent vitamin C, total acid and total soluble solids, chlorophyll content, shoot length, and leaf surface were investigated. Results showed that yield increased through an application of fertilizer composition and by an increase in molybdenum concentration sprayed at the middle of blooming. The highest shot berry was observed in control (with on Mo and fertilizer application). The lowest concentration of Mo rendered on increase in vitamin C. In conclusion, fertilizer composition spray along with Mo application at the middle stage of blooming proved to have positive effects on growth and yield, significantly reducing shot berry disorder.

‘Zaferani’ peach, an important native Iranian fruit, is a highly perishable fruit of limited shelf life. In the present research, effects of modified atmosphere packaging with three gas combinations (5% CO2 + 2% O2, 10% CO2 + 2% O2 and Air) and two packaging films (Polypropylene and Low Density PolyEthylene (LDPE)) on physicochemical characteristics and shelf life of 'Zaferani' peach were evaluated for a duration of 9 weeks. Fruits were placed in cold storage of 1oC and 90% Relative Humidity (RH). Packaged fruits were weekly removed from storage and left at room temperature for 24hr, after which such different quality parameters as weight loss, firmness, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, vitamin C, ethylene production and TSS/TA ratio were assessed. Results indicated that such parameters as firmness, TA and vitamin C decreased while others increased during storage. LDPE film maintained the pH, TA and vitamin C at a higher level as compared with polypropylene film. Polypropylene film proved more effective in preservation of fruit firmness and TSS. Gas combination of 10% CO2 + 2% O2 more effectively maintained the parameters of firmness, pH, TA and TSS/TA ratio than the other gas combination of 5% CO2 + 2% CO2. There was no significant difference among treatments in vitamin C content. Ethylene production in the gas combination of 10% CO2 + 2% O2 was less than those in other treatments. Thus it can be concluded that packaging of ‘Zaferani’ peach in LDPE bags along with a gas combination treatment of 10% CO2 + 2% O2 maintains such quality parameters as pH, TA, vitamin C and TSS/TA ratio at their desirable states.

Ruffling is a Practice through which the mycelia containing casing soil will be thoroughly mixed. To evaluate the effects of ruffling of different casing soils in button mushroom production, an experiment was conducted comprised of three levels of ruffling; no ruffling, deep ruffling vs. superficial scratch and eight different types of casing soils, namely: Holland peat (c1), north peat (c2), south peat (c3), spent mushroom compost (c4), a mixture of clay and sand (65% & 35%) (c5), tea waste and loam soil (50 %& 50%) (c6), decomposed manure (c7) and finally a mixture of clay and north peat (65% & 35%) (c8). The research was conducted in 2010, in a commercial button mushroom production unit in Shahriar located in Tehran Province. The experiment was a factorial one based on a completely randomized design of three replications. Results indicated that the effects of ruffling were significant on most of the characteristics determined (with 1% level of probability). A comparison of means through Duncan,s New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) indicated that depth ruffling increased total yield in Holland peat (16.65%) and as well in north peat (14.11%), significantly. The results also indicated that ruffling significantly increased the number of large size (Cap greater than 4cm (harvested mushrooms. In the treatment of casing soil through ruffling, the primordial formation (pin heads) occurred in a longer lapse of time.

This research was carried out to investigate the effect of different levels of potassium (in nutrient solution), harvest season and plant density on yield and quality of strawberry cv. Selvain hydroponic system conditions. The tests were done in the greenhouse, and laboratories of horticultural science department of the university colleg of agriculture and natural Resources of Tehran University. Throghout the research, there were evaluated the effects of four levels of potassium at concentrations of 1.5, 2.6, 3 and 4.5 meq/L. The control consisted of half strength Quick nutrient solution (2.6 meq/L potassium). Three plant densities (12, 16 and 20 plants/m2) and two harvest seasons (winter and autumn) were considered in a completely randomized block design of three replications as regarded yield and fruit quality of strawberry cv 'Selva'. The main difference among solutions was observed in their potassium concentrations. Results revealed that, increasing potassium level in nutrient solution up to 3 meq/L caused an increase in TSS, TA, Vitamin C content and fruit potassium content, i.e. level of fruit potassium increased with increase nutrient in solution of potassium from 2.6 to 4.5meq/L. Planting densities of 12, 16 and 20 plants/m2 did not affect yield and fruit quality. The effect of harvest season (autumn as compared with winter) was more pronounced on some fruit characteristics such as TSS/TA. However yield, TSS and TA were low in autumn harvest. According to the obtained results, modified Quick nutrient solution with 3meq/L of potassium became known as the most proper solution, but different plant densities did not exhibit any significant differences.

Leaf analysis is a general method of estimating the fertilizer needs in fruit trees, but there exists a limited correlation between it and fruit quality. Throughout the present study, fruits were harvested 10 weeks following full bloom and at the commercial maturity (6.2 brix) stages from thirteen different commercial kiwifruit orchards that had been fertilized with different fertilizers, the experiment being carried out in the east of Guilan province. Following harvest, such mineral elements as nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, dry matter and as well fruit tissue firmness(just in second harvest) were assessed. For an evaluation of the storage life, mature fruits were transferred to cold storage of 0 ºC temperature and 90-95% relative humidity, with fruit tissue firmness being evaluated after 105 days past of storage. Results showed significant correlations between fruit tissue firmness (at harvest) and potassium content in fruitlets and between fruit firmness and calcium, nitrogen, as well as dry matter content in mature fruits. There was a significant correlation observed between fruit firmness at the end of storage time and potassium as well as nitrogen content in fruitlets, and also between calcium, nitrogen contents and dry matter in mature fruits. Fruits with higher firmness at harvest time had maintained a higher firmness at the end of their storage period. Also, according to cluster analysis, the kiwifruit orchards were divided into two main groups. It could finally be concluded that the postharvest behavior of kiwifruits can be evaluated through a determination of the mineral compositions of fruitlets and of the mature fruits.

Light is one of the important environmental factors seriously affecting plant growth. Given the availability of roots in aeroponic system, the influence of various light rays emitted towards the root zone of Anthurium was studied. Foliar spray of calcium nitrate in concentration of 10 mM was tried because of the high importance of calcium element in enhancement of vase life and strength of cut flowers taking into account the Anthurium,s sensitivity to calcium deficiency and fading of spath colors. The experiment was carried out as a factorial one of a randomized complete block design in the greenhouse gardens of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran-Karaj during the years 2010-2011. To study the influence of various light rays within the root zone, different planting container colors (black, blue and red) were made use of. Results revealed that the effect of various light rays in the root zone on the leaf number, shoots, dry and fresh weight, blade width and length traits was significant at the 1% probability level. As on root dry and fresh weight the effect was significant at a 5% probability level. The root zone black color with increasing shoots dry and fresh weight as well as root dry and fresh weight and leaf number was the most suitable treatment regarding light rays in the root zone. Foliar spray application of calcium nitrate did not significantly affect the traits assessed. The effect only upon leaf number was significant at 1% probability level leading to their reduction. It seems that a black root zone accompanied by foliar spray of distilled water exerted the most effect on Anthutium growth traits within the scope of the treatments studied.

Such aabiotic stresses like water stress are some of the most important threats to the production of agricultural crops. It is almost very rare to find a place with no stress where plants can reach their potential yield. A water stress of 17 percent decrease yield, due to its effect upon fruit setting is notable. Therefore, a study was conducted in Bushehr Agricultural Research Center (located in Borazjan) to determine the effect of irrigation timing and regime (in vegetative and reproductive stages) on yield and the quality of tomato. The experiment was carried out based upon a completely randomized block design of three replications during 2005-2006. The treatments of the study adopted were as follow: 1- complete irrigation during vegetative and reproductive stages (when soil moisture is depleted by 50% of the available water), 2- complete irrigation during vegetative stage and then water stress (when soil moisture is depleted by 65% of the AW) to the end of the reproductive stage, 3- complete irrigation during vegetative stage followed by water stress (when soil moisture is depleted by 80% of the AW) to the end of reproductive stage, 4- stressed irrigation during vegetative stage (when soil moisture is depleted by 65% of the AW), then complete irrigation to the end of reproductive stage, 5- stressed irrigation during vegetative stage (when soil moisture is depleted by 80% of the AW) followed by complete irrigation to the end of reproductive stage. Such plant and fruit characteristics as yield, mean fruit weight, water use efficiency, pH, vitamin C content, dominant organic acidity (ascorbic acid) and TSS were assessed. Results indicated that the effect of irrigation treatments was significant on yield and water use efficiency (at 1% level), on total soluble solids and pH (at 5%), was not significant on vitamin C, mean fruit weight and active organic acidity. The treatment I4 with a quaintly of 6336 m3 of irrigation water per ha per year was shown to be the most appropriate among all the treatments.

This experiment was carried out in 2003-2004 to determine fruit set patterns in four pistachio cultivars (Akbari, Ahmad Aghaie, Kalle Ghouchi and Ohadi) to find out the correlation between final fruit set and embryonic sac development, and as well between primary fertility and final fruit set. In a field experiment, inflorescence schematic shape and position of flowers (on inflorescence on the basis of ovary developmental size) were precisely monitored. In addition, the position of fruits, and final fruit set were recorded at the end of the season again. For an inspection of embryonic sac, ovules from different size ovaries were excised followed by fixation, sectioned, stained and then were investigated. The results indicated that flowers located at the end of cluster or on bunchlets had higher fruit set (20.5% and 27.44%, respectively). Most of the large flowers positioned at the top of bunch and bunchlets, although few in number (11%), developed into fruits (by 45%). Eighty nine percent of flowers were of the lateral type, but their only 8℅ developed into fruits. Fruit set in type one flowers was maximum (32%). There were no significant differences observed among cultivars for fruit set, and no significant differences as regards fruit set between on and off-years either. Ahmad Aghaie cultivar had the highest embryo sac fertilization. However, the overall embryo sac development and fertility were not significantly affected by cultivar. Flowers type one had the highest rate of developed embryo sac and fertilization (87.5% and 37.5℅, respectively). Fertilization for the second and third types of flowers were recorded as 18.75% and 12.5℅, respectively, about equal to their fruit set.

Identification and regulation of distribution of mineral nutrients between source and sink members is beneficial in improvement of growth and development of fruit trees. The aim followed in this study was an evaluation of the effects of urea and ZnSO4 on storage and translocation of nitrogen and zink in the leaf and fruits of pomegranate cv ‘Rabab-e-Neyriz’. In 2009, ZnSO4 (0.0, 0.3%, 0.6%) was sprayed on young fully expanded leaves (<20 days) while urea (0.0, 1.5%, 3%) sprayed two weeks following full bloom. A factorial experiment based on RCBD of three replications was employed and comparison of means done through Duncan Multiple Range Test at P<0.05 and P<0.01. Results revealed that urea treatments significantly decreased N content in leaf, while 3% urea increased N content in fruit peel. Both concentrations of ZnSO4 significantly increased Zn in the leaf and fruit. The higher concentration of ZnSO4, caused increased translocation of Zn between leaf (sprayed) and fruit (non-sprayed).