Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science
Year:2019 | Volume:49 | Issue:4 |Papers Count:20

In order to study of the genetic variation among some olive cultivars and of identification the best ones, 30 cultivars of Iranian and foreign olive genotypes that cultivated in olive research station of Tarom, Zanjan were evaluated and 36 quantitative and qualitative characters were assessed in this procedure. Variance analysis results illustrated that there was significant difference among examined cultivars for all characters and showed high genetic variation in all the studied cultivars. Results of simple correlation analysis showed the existence of significant positive and negative correlation among some important characters. Stepwise regression showed that yield more than other traits, depended on flower properties, percentage of complete flower and amount of oil in wet matter, while the percent of oil in wet matter depended on fruit phenological variables like the time of fruit color change and fruit maturity. Factors analysis represented that 10 component accounted over 90% of total variances. Pomologic and phenologic characteristics of fruit, characteristics of flower, yield, fruit moisture, amount of oil in dry matter, amount of oil in wet matter and leaf morphologic properties were constituted as main factors. Cluster analyses in the distance of 13 were divided cultivars into 11 clusters. According to high genetic variation among the cultivars, hybridization can be effective to improve yield, amount of oil in wet matter and production of new varieties.

In order to investigate effects of plant regulators on callus and embryo induction in cucumber anther culture, 25 media for callus induction and 4 methods for embryo induction were tested. The experimental layout was conducted in factorial arrangement in randomized completely design with four and three replications for callus and embryo induction, respectively. Factors for callus induction were two cucumber genotypes (Esfahani and Beta Alfa) and different concentrations of BAP (0, 0. 225, 0. 45, 0. 68 and 0. 91 mg/l) and 2, 4-D (0, 0. 25, 0. 5, 0. 75 and 1 mg/l). Also factors for embryo induction were different concentration of BAP (2, 3 and 4 mg/l) and NAA (0. 05 and 0. 1 mg/l) and different solid and liquid media. Results indicated that there are statistical significant effect at 1% among PGR concentrations and 5% among interaction between genotype and PGR concentrations. The anthers, which were cultured on basal MS medium and media supplemented with individual concentration of plant regulators did not show any response and they became necrotic after 4 weeks of culture, but combination of plant regulators had different effect on callus induction. According to results of means comparison M24, M22 and M15 media with average of 98, 97. 75 and 96. 75 percent and M10 medium with average of 77. 5 percent had highest and lowest callus induction for Esfahani genotype, respectively. The highest and lowest callus induction for Beta Alfa cultivar obtained in M13 (98. 45%) and M1 (59. 7%) media, respectively. There was no response for embryo induction in Solid-Solid, Solid-Liquid and Liquid-Liquid methods, but high rate of embryo induction obtained in Liquid-Solid method. Results indicated that there was statistical significant effect at 5% among media. Means comparison for tested media showed that M6 (60. 58%) and M4 (20%) medium had highest and lowest embryo induction, respectively.

Substrate is one of the most important factors in soilless cultures. Growers of horticultural crops usually select substrates based on physical and chemical characteristics. In order to evaluate the effects of some of the most important physical properties of media, on growth and irrigation water use efficiency of greenhouse tomato transplant, physical properties (water holding capacity, effective air filled pore space and effective pore space) of 50 mixed media were measured. Media which had the same physical properties among the mixed media were selected as experimental treatments to grow greenhouse tomato transplants. Randomized complete block design with 3 replications and 12 observations in each experimental unit was used for the experiment. Results showed that maximum and minimum plant total dry weight, leaf area and leaf number was recorded in sand-cocopeat and perlitevermiculite media, respectively. Sand-cocopeat and perlite-cocopeat media had the same values of stem diameter, plant height and height of the first node especially during first 2 weeks. Maximum and minimum irrigation water use efficiency (1. 17 g/l and 0. 34 g/l) occurred in sand-cocopeat and perlite-vermiculite media, respectively. Results indicated that although studied media had the same water holding capacity, but the best growth and irrigation water use efficiency was obtained on sand-cocopeat medium which had a higher amount of easily available water. According to results, it can be concluded that the same water holding capacity of two media doesn’ t necessarily guarantee similar results from them and other properties must be taken in account.

An experimental was conducted in order to investigate the effect of different levels of salicylic acid (0, 0. 5, 1 and 2 mM) and three levels of irrigation [100, 66 and 33 percent evapotranspiration] on some morphological and physiological characteristics of olive cv. ‘ Konsevalia as factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in greenhouse of Agricultural Faculty of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz in 2015-2016. Results of ANOVA table showed that interaction of salicylic acid and irrigation had significan effect on fresh and dry root weight, stem and leaf, leaf area and plant height at P<0. 01. So that, in the three levels irrigation (100% ETc, 66% ETc and 33% ETc), value of fresh and dry weight of root, stem and leaf, leaf area and plant height were higher in plants treated with salicylic acid compared with plants untreated with salicylic acid. Plants irrigated with 33%ETc had lowest amount of leaf relative water content, stem water potential and had highest stomatal resistance whiles highest amount of leaf relative water content, stem water potential and lowest stomatal resistance were in Plants irrigated with 100% ETc. Also, it was known that spraying with 2 mM salicylic acid increased leaf relative water content, stem water potential, but stomatal resistance was declined in water deficit stress conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to apply 2 mM salicylic acid to modify drought stress in young olive saplings.

Fritillaria raddeana is one of the most fascinating flowers, belonging to Lilliaceae family, native to Iran, Turkmenistan, rarely found in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It is an important ornamental-medical bulbous plant, tolerant to arid conditions and stony slopes but facing extinction, so in vitro propagation of this plant will have a great importance for introduction and domestication of this wild and endangered plant. The present study was carried out to find an efficient system for in vitro callus induction and regeneration of F. raddeana via culturing of seeds and bulb scales. These explants were sterilized first and then cultured on media containing various concentrations of plant growth regulators. Different proportions of Auxins (6-indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), α-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D)) and Cytokinins (Benzylaminopurine (BAP), Thidiazuron (TDZ), Kinetin (KIN)), and different MS basal media were tested. More survival percentage, less contamination and higher percentage of callus formation were the advantages of seed explants and heavier callus with higher regeneration percentage during the same period of time were the positive points of bulb scales explants. The best callus formation and regeneration medium was MS medium supplemented with 2 mgl-1 TDZ + 0. 5 mgl-1 IBA.

A major problem associated with cut Gerbera flowers is short postharvest life that resulted in rapid stem bending. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of lignin biosynthesis inhibitors as vase solutions on the vase life of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii cv. Danish). Gerbera cut flowers were treated with chemical inhibitors include EDTA (5, 10 and 15mM), NaF (0. 06, 0. 08 and 0. 1mM) and NaN3 (0. 05, 0. 1 and 0. 2mM). Cut stems were placed in these solutions for 20 h at 20° C (Pulse treatment). Results showed that sodium fluoride at 0. 06 mM and sodium azide at 0. 2mM were more effective in increasing vase life of cut flowers (14 days) than other treatments. Tip burning in ray florets was found at the highest concentration tested of sodium fluoride (0. 1mM). Also, sodium azide at 0. 2mM showed significant (P<0. 01) positive effects on maintenance of fresh weight (51. 8%), water uptake (49. 81%), flower diameter (44. 94%) and anthocyanin content (61. 8%) compared to control. In contrast, longevity of cut gerbera was not increased with EDTA treatment. The data showed that EDTA caused high toxicity and hastened the time to bending of stem. Therefore, lignin biosynthesis inhibitors such as sodium azide and sodium fluoride probably extended vase life by controlling wound healing and delaying occlusions at the cut stem ends. Thereby, they facilitate the absorption of solution and reduce the rate of decline in relative fresh weight in the Gerbera cut flowers.

Effects of salicylic acid and methyl Jasmonate on Hypericin production in callus culture of Hypericum perforatum L. cv Topas were investigated. This factorial experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with two factors including the four levels of salicylic acid (225, 150, 75, 0 μ M) and methyl Jasmonate in three levels (150, 75, 0 μ M) with three replications at the research lab Group of Sari University of Agricultural Sciences and natural resources, deprtment of Horticultural Science. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among treatments. Effect of treatments on total flavonoid Methyl Jasmonate effect was significant. Interaction effect was significant for Hypericin, flavonoids and anthocyanins. According to the results of this study in cell cultures of H. perforatum, low concentration (100 micromolar and lower) of both salicylic acid and methyl Jasmonate elicitors were effective for production of Hypericin. The results of this experiment showed that the highest amount of Hypericin produced from 150 μ M salicylic acid (SA) and 225 μ M salicylic acid in combination with 75 μ M methyl Jasmonate (MJ) after 21 days.

Olive oil is one of the oldest known vegetable oils and ranking sixth source in the world production. Many factors, particularly the cultivar and climate affect olive oil quality. Therefore, present study was conducted to evaluate the oil qulity of five olive cultivars in Tarom olive research station of Zanjan based on completely randomized design with three replications in 2016. Fruits of Zard, Kalamata, Kayssi, Koroneiki and Arbequina cultivars were harvested at 3-4 maturity index and immediately after harvest oil extraction was performed and some qualitative characteristics of olive oil were evaluated. Results showed that among the studied cultivars, Kayssi had the lowest iodine and peroxide value, and at the same time had the highest K232, total carotenoid, total phenol, oleic acid and also oleic to linoleic acid ratio of olive oil. Moreover, in the evaluation of the fatty acid composition of olive oil, it was revealed that Koroneiki had the highest eicosenoic acid, arachidic acid and Linoleic acid. The highest amount of cholesterol and Δ 7-avenasterol was observed in Zard cultivar, while Kalamata had the highest stigmasterol, β-sitosterol and Δ 5-24-stigmastadienol. According to the obtained results, among the studied cultivars according to quality of olive oil Kayssi cultivar can introduce as a suitable cultivar for Tarom weather conditions.

This research was carried out with the aim of investigating the effect of different levels of chemical fertilizers on vegetative and ornamental characteristics of wild species of colchicum (Colchicum kotschyi Boiss). For this purpose, a pot factorial experiment was conducted based on completely randomized design with three replications including three levels of nitrogen (N= 0, 60, 120 kg ha-1) three levels of phosphorus (P= 0, 30 and 60 kg ha-1) and three levels of potassium (K= 0, 40 and 80 kg ha-1) at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad during 2015-2016. Studied traits was included leaf number and area, leaf fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids, number of flowers and flower diameter, and length, diameter and fresh and dry weights of the corms. Results of interaction effects of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels showed that the highest number of flowers, leaf number, fresh and dry weights and corrn diameter was obtained in 60: 60: 40 kg ha-1 of N×P×K, respectively. The highest flower diameter, chlorophylls and carotenoids were obtained in treatments of 60: 60: 80 kg ha-1 from N×P×K, respectively. Overall, results indicated that the application of moderate levels of N, K and P improved most vegetative and ornamental traits in C. kotschyi Boiss. More research on ornamental aspects and efforts to preserve, domestication and propagation of native species of colchicum, can lead to the sustainable use of this ornamental plant in landspace.

Water is a main factor in agriculture activities and almost 70 percent of world water resources are consumed in agriculture. The present research has been done to investige response of Citrus rootstocks to drought as factorial test based on randomized completely design with three replications. Factors included rootstocks in 10 levels [Poncirus (PT), Troyer citrange (TC), Citrumello (CR), Sour orange (SO), Cleopatra mandarin (CM), Rough Lemon (RF), Bakraii (B), Chang-sha (CH), Machrophylla (M) and Mexican Lime (ML)] and irrigation in two levels [optimum irrigation (fixed in field capacity) and withholding irrigation]. Results showed that drought induced increament of ion leackage percentage in all of the rootstocks and the root to shoot dry weight ratio in PT, M and B and decrease of leaf water relative content in all of the rootstocks, leaf fresh weight in SO, stem fresh weight in CR, root fresh weight in TC, SO, CR and M, shoot fresh weight in SO and CR, total fresh weight in SO, CR and M, root to shoot fresh weight ratio in TC, CR, M and CM. Therefore, TC, CH and PT had good tolerance to drought because of lower ion leackage in TC, higher water storage in CH leaves and the higher root to shoot dry weight ratio in PT.

Stability of yield and other important characters of eight short day onion genotypes (Behbahan, Padook, Ramhormoz, Iranshahr and Brazjan landraces, Primavera and Texas Early Grano cultivars and Behbahan bred onion) were studied using a randomized complete block design with four replications at Behbahan, Minab and Iranshahr Agriculture Research Stations for two years (2012-14). Genotype × environment interaction (GEI) was evaluated through GGE biplot. Using polygones for grouping of environments based on total yield showed that each location was considered as a mega environment. In Behbahan, Minab and Iranshahr locations, Texas Early Grano, Brazjan landrace and Primavera cultivar produced the highest total yield respectively. In regard to marketable yield two mega environments were identified. The first mega environment contains Minab and Iranshahr, the second megaenvironment only contained Behbahan. According to the GGE biplot analysis of the ideal environment, it was concluded that Iranshahr and Minab were closest to the ideal environment for bolting and bulb doubling, respectively. For total and marketable yield Behbahan was closest to the ideal environment. Iranshahr and Behbahan was nearest to ideal environment for bulb dry matter percentage. Evaluation of genotypes through average environment coordinate indicated that Texas Early Grano was the best genotype in term of total yield and performance stability. Based on marketable yield, bulb doubling and bolting and performance stability, Primavera was the best genotype.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of calcium lactate and putrescine on postharvest quality of Capsicum annuum as randomized complete design with three replications in postharvest laboratory of Shahid Bahonar university of Kerman, Iran. Treatments consisted of fruits immersion in putrescine solutions (1 and 2 mM) and spraying with calcium lactate solutions (2 and 3 mg/L) and distilled water was applied as control for five minutes. Then, Fruit samples were transferred to cold storage with temperature of 8± 1° C and RH 90± 5%. The weight loss percentage, decay content, total chlorophyll content, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities, ascorbic acid content and ion leakage were measured at the end of 33th days of storage. Results showed that treated fruit with putrescine 2mM had the lowest weight loss, decay content and percent ion leakage and the most total chlorophyll content, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities and ascorbic acid content. According to results the use of this edible coating is recommended to increase the shelf life of pepper fruits.

In order to estimate heritability, heterosis, general and specific combinability for traits of leaves number per plant, number of days to first flowering, plant fresh weight, stem fresh weight and the length of the flowering stalk, seven local populations of Iranian lettuce (‘ Siahe Dezful’ , ‘ Gorgan’ , ‘ Varamin’ , Jahrom and ‘ 18’ , ‘ 21’ , ‘ 27 Mazandaran’ ) were crossed using a complete diallel crosses design. (These lines were obtained during several generations of selfing in their province). Overall, 49 genotypes including Parents and all possible hybrids were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first method of Griffing’ s, Model I was used to estimate the combinability. Analysis of variance revealed high significant differences among F1 hybrids and their parentes for all the studied traits. Therefore analysis of combinabilities showed that general combining ability (GCA) in all the studied traits were greater than specific combining ability (SCA), indicating the importance of additive genes action in controlling these characters than non-additive effects. High narrow sense heritability (h2ns) for the traits including the length of the flowering stalk and plant fresh weight (0. 89 and 0. 74, respectively) indicated low effects of environment on the expression of those traits and increased role of additive gene effects. High heterosis effect over the better parent was found for plant fresh weight (11. 9 percent) and leaves number per plant (12. 42). Results of this research can help to implement more effective and efficient activities in lettuce.

In order to evaluate quantitative and qualitative yield of some flax cultivars and accessions (Linum usitatissimum L. ), an experiment was conducted at research farm of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz based on randomized complete block design with 12 treatments and 3 replications. Treatments were six cultivars (Golda, Oliozon, RH2, Lirina, Livia and Uanda) and six accessions (Ardebil1, Ardebil2, Ardebil3, Ardebil4, Karaj and Hamedan). The measured traits were plant height, branch number, leaf area, capsul number, seed number per capsul, seed yield, oil content and composition. There were significant differences between cultivars and accessions for all measured traits. Ardebil4 and Ardebil3 had the highest capsul number and the minimum value was recorded in Golda and Livia. The highest and the lowest seed yield were observed in Ardebil4 and Livia, respectively. The highest oil percent was recorded in Hamedan, Ardebil4 and Ardebil3 while the lowest amount was obtained in Golda. Lirina and RH2 had the highest and the lowest amounts of alpha-linolenic acid, respectively. The highest and the lowest amount of linoleic acid were recorded in RH2 and Karaj, respectively. Overall, Ardebil3 and Ardebil4 with higher seed yields, oil percentage and rich source of alpha-linolenic acid may be the best accessions for cultivation in Ahwaz conditions. However, more investigation is needed.

In order to study the nutritional status of orange orchards, Thompson navel sweet orange in north of Iran (east of Mazandaran province) through CND method, 133 orchards were studied in summer (August). After selecting and as signing 30 trees in each orchard, plant samples were taken from the trees in a proper time to determine concentration of the elements and their average yield was measured in the harvest season. By using the cumulative distribution function (CDF) of nutrients variance ratio model in this work, 27 orchards were considered as the high yielding group and 106 orchards were considered as the low yielding group. By solving the third-degree cumulative function equations related to the elements, the related yields were calculated and the cut-off yield was determined 58 ton ha-1. The norms were calculated for 10 elements from average concentrations of high yield groups: N 2. 32± 0. 24%; P 0. 17± 0. 01%; K 1. 74± 0. 24%; Ca 3. 38± 0. 94%; Mg 0. 41± 0. 08%; Mn 40± 18 mg kg-1; Zn 45. 8± 25 mg kg-1; Fe 199. 4± 78 mg kg-1; Cu 14± 6. 7 mg kg-1; B 80± 36 mg kg-1. Measured norms showed that K, P and Mn showed more deficiency in the orchards, respectively.

In order to evaluate the drought tolerance of some hybrid apple rootstocks, an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with 11 genotypes from apple rootstock breeding program, AR1 to AR11, with MM111, as tolerant control, under two irrigation treatments of 40 and 80% field capacity. In this experiment, physiological parameters including photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, sub-stomatal CO2, water use efficiency, mesophyll conductance, leaf relative water content (RWC), leaf surface temperature, and internal temperature of the crown were measured. Generally, the studied genotypes showed significant differences in physiological characteristics at 1% level. Drought stress reduced the physiological parameters and its reduction varied among different genotypes. Genotypes AR3, AR4, AR5 and AR7 had the highest stomatal conductance and photosynthesis rate under normal irrigation (control), however, AR1, AR4, AR8, AR11 showed the least and AR3, AR6, AR7, AR9 revealed the most decrease in stomatal conductance and photosynthesis rate under drought stress which may be considered as drought tolerant and drought suceptible groups of genotypes for further studies. Despite higher transpiration of drought tolerant genotypes, they maintained their leaf relative water content under drought stress which, in turn resulted in retaining their leaf turgor pressure and photosynthesis parameters. These genotypes had more ability to absorb or keep water probably due to their special root system or higher osmolites accumulation in their cells.

In this study the effect of nano-ZnO (at 0, 0. 01 and 0. 03%) and carboxymethyl cellulose (at 0, 0. 5 and 1%) were studied on the quality and shelf life of "Red Gold" nectarine fruit during storage (0-1, 90 to 95% relative humidity) for 40 days. A factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four replications. After treatment weight loss, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, the content of vitamin C and browning index were evaluated during storage. Nano-ZnO and carboxymethyl cellulose treatments significantly reduced browning index in comparison with untreated control. 0. 01% nano-ZnO and 1% carboxymethyl cellulose treatments significantly delayed weight loss. Nano-ZnO and carboxymethyl cellulose treatments also maintained total acidity and total soluble solids in comparison with control. Results revealed that the use of nano-ZnO and carboxymethyl cellulose treatments can maintain quality of "Red Gold" nectarine fruit.

Proper packaging and appropriate storage period are important factors affecting safety and quality, reducing waste, saving costs and overall marketing of products such as button mushrooms. This research was conducted to evaluate the effect of packaging film (uncoated, poly vinyl chloride (cellophane), polyethylene 14, 20, 27 and 38 microns, ethylene-absorbing plastic and conventional plastic) and storage time (0, 7, 14 and 21 days) on the storability and qualitative properties of button mushrooms, in Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, during 2015. The obtained results showed that the effect of packaging film, storage time and the interaction of film and time were significant at 1%. Generally, polyethylene 20 microns due to moisture protection of mushrooms (minimum weight loss), high total soluble solids, low titratable acidity, high flavor index and antioxidant capacity, good appearance and marketable quality, acceptable amount of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and vitamin C, was effective packaging technique. According to the obtained results, conventional coating film, polyvinyl chloride did not provide acceptable results. By considering the important qualitative parameters this product can be stored with good quality for 7 to 14 days after harvesting. Generally, regarding to the positive and efficient effects of polyethylene films, this type of coverage can be a great alternative for polyvinyl chloride film.

Lime fruit has significance important because of its economic value and beneficial nutritional composition. Fresh lime consumption compared to other processing methods is reduced for the lack of storage facilities and suitable packaging. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of salicylic acid concentrations of 0, 1, 2 and 3 mM on the lime fruit shelf life (0, 20, 40 and 60 days) in a factorial arrangement based on a completely randomized design. According to the findings of this study, the index of chroma (5. 5%), weight loss (9%) and vitamin C (66%) during storage were higher than harvest time, but pulp firmness (62%), total acidity (24%) and peel freshness (37%) decreased. Salicylic acid treatments were unable to maintain fruit weight, but salicylic acid 1 mM was effective in maintaining the antioxidant properties, and salicylic acid at 1 and 2 mM maintained peel firmness compared to control. At the end of the storage period, the highest pulp firmness and vitamin C related to application of salicylic acid at 2 mM. However, salicylic acid at 1 mM resulted in the highest soluble solids and acid contents. It seems that packaging lime with 1 and 2 mM salicylic acid was able to maintain the lime fruit quality up to 60 days.

To evaluate the effects of superabsorbent polymer and manure on dry flower yield, absorption of sodium and potassium, as well as chlorophyll a, b and total under drought stress conditions in German chamomile, split-factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with four replications was conducted in 2016. Drought stress treatment in three levels of 95, 65 and 45% of field capacity as the main factor and manure in two levels of use and non-use and superabsorbent at three levels of 0, 0. 1 and 0. 2 percent of soil weight were considered as sub plots. Results showed that in treatment of 45% compared to the 95%, the number of flowers per plant and dry flower yield decreased by 27. 65 and 36. 9 percentages. Also, with increasing drought stress the amount of leaf and flowers potassium decreased, but leaf and flowers sodium were increased. Maximum and minimum amounts of chlorophyll a, b and total, were observed in 95 and 45% field capacity, respectively. The use of manure compared with the nonapplication increased increases the number of flowers per plant and dry flower yield by 13 and 10 percentage. The level of 0. 2% weight superabsorbent compared with non-use increased number of flowers per plant and dry flower yield by 6% and 4%, respectively. In total, results showed that application of manure and superabsorbent reduced effects of drought stress and improved growth traits.