Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science
Year:2019 | Volume:50 | Issue:1 |Papers Count:21

This study was conducted to test the effect of essential oils of savory (Satureja hortensis), clove (Zyzigium aromaticum) at concentrations of 0, 250 or 500 mgL-1 with sucrose treatments at 0 or 2% on vase life of cut rose cv. “ Velvet” . The experiment was conducted at 20± 2oC, RH: 60-70% and 12μ molm-2s-1 light intensity with white fluorescent tubes under daily light period of 12h. This experiment was performed in a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design comprising eighteen treatments, three replications and 3 cut flowers in each vase for measuring vase life, relative fresh weight, solution uptake, chlorophyll contents. Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were measured in each replicate. Results showed that 500mgL-1 of essential oils caused maintaining the vase life of cut flowers better than the rest of treatments. 250mgL-1 of essential oils increased chlorophyll index and solution uptake in comparison with other concentrations. Treatment of sucrose 2% could cause significantly more vase life, chlorophyll fluorescence and chlorophyll index compared to 0% sucrose treatment. Savory and clove essential oils at 500 and 250 mgL-1 concentrations caused a significantly higher relative fresh weight and a reduction in stomatal conductance.

Limes have been consumed as fresh fruits and processing products, due to high quality and acidity in fruit juice. In recent years, the incidence of Witches Broom disease resulted in destroy of thousands Limes trees in the south of Iran. The best method for controlling this disease is planting tolerant genotypes. Therefore, in this study, genetic diversity of 33 different lime genotypes which didn’ t showed Witches Broom disease in the field and preliminary test, with 10 commercial citrus cultivars as a control was evaluated by 17 pair primers of SSR and 11 primers of ISSR. According to results with Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers, the highest Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) were observed in TAA1 and TC26 with 0. 72 and 0. 68, respectively and by using ISSR markers were in ISSR1, 809 and 810 with 0. 49 which was identified as a the most appropriate distinguishing markers. Results showed that there were differences between Limes and other types of citrus based on kind of studied markers. On the other hand, all of Lime genotypes had high affinity with Mexican Lime and Persian Lime and grouped in a cluster. Therefore, most of acid limes in south of Iran belonged to Limes group.

Thymus daenensis Celak subsp. daenensis, an endemic medicinal plant in Iran, belongs to Lamiaceae family that has a high essential oil content and high Thymol in essential oil. Evaluations of different ecotypes of this species in order to identify the paramount ecotype with the highest essential oil percentage and Thymol content and also correlations of edaphic and climate conditions with essential oil quantity and quality in order to identify the best conditions for domestication of this species were the aims of this study. In this study, essential oils of plants referred to eight natural habitat (Malayer 1, Malayer 2, Jovzan, Arak, Khane miran e bala, Khane miran e paien, Shazand and Zaghe) of this species extracted and measured (v/w%) and then compositions of essential oils were determined by GG and GC/MS instruments. Soil and climatic characteristics were identified and their correlations to essential oil content and compositions were calculated. Results showed that the ecotypes had significant difference in essential oil percentage. The highest and the lowest essential oil percentage were obtained in Arak (5%) and Malayer 2 (2. 5%) ecotypes, respectively. Thymol was dominant component of essential oils of all ecotypes. The highest (78. 88%) and the lowest (67. 16%) amounts of Thymol were observed in ecotypes of Jovzan and Malayer 1, respectively. Positive correlations between the essential oil percentage with mean daily temperature, clay, silt and soil lime were found. These correlations explained that edaphic and climatic conditions had a significant effect on the quantity and quality of essential oil and could help us to identify the second culture conditions for domestication of this plant.

In order to achieve maximum proliferation in culture media, different amounts of salts and growth regulators could be used regarding to plant species. Sometimes, interaction effects of these materials could results in different results on explant’ s proliferation in vitro condition. In the present study the effect of two basic culture media including MS and QL on Micro propagation of Pyrus betulifolia (pear vigorous rootstock) were studied. The highest amount of proliferation was achieved in QL culture medium and highest amount leaf expansion was in MS culture medium. In order to produce more leaf expansion in QL culture medium and as for existence of difference in ions pure amount including NO3-, NH4 +, Cl-and Ca2+ in two culture media, NH4NO3 in three concentrations including 6. 25, 12. 5 and 18. 75 mM and CaCl2 in two concentrations including 0. 9 and 1. 8 mM were added to QL culture medium. As for the result, increasing NH4NO3 and CaCl2 amounts had no effect on proliferation of explants but by increasing NH4NO3 and CaCl2 leaf expansion increased in QL culture medium. In the other experiment for increasing of proliferation rate in MS culture medium, by increasing BAP amount, from 0. 5 to 2 mg/l in MS culture medium, proliferation in this medium was increased. Apparently in MS culture medium with more concentration of macro elements compared to QL culture medium, it needs to use more growth regulators for achieving suitable proliferation. Totally, Results of this study showed that to succeed micro propagation of Pyrus betulifolia in both two basic culture media requires suitable concentrations of BAP, NH4NO3 and CaCl2.

Human was and is discoverer of nature and agent of continuance installing and survival stability. This pointer can be found from poem and literature and Iranian decorative arts in different periods of history, which is marker of respect and interest of Iranians to nature. Contrary to current imagination in opinions, based on similarity of identity and structure of paradise in passing history can be said that gardening in different periods of history (pre-Islam either or post-Islam) had been including changes and differences that it seems it is follower of change in religious and cultural manners in each period. In this study, it has been tried to evaluate a generalities of paradise structure in pre-Islam period (Achaemenid and Sassanid periods), which with patterning from remainder effects and gardens of both periods, it is designed the parts (2410 m2) of civil model garden for university of Tehran and in a land with 40 hectare extent and hereby it is helped to correct concept of the subject for users (mainly students).

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of four types of nutrient solutions on growth, quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Lilium cut flower (Lilium LA Hybrid Fangio) in soilless culture in a completely randomized design with four treatments, four replications with 10 pots per replicate in the research greenhouse of the University of Guilan. Plants with four treatments of macro elements (S1, S2, S3 and S4 highest to lowest macro elements, respectivly) were arranged on the base of modified Quick nutrient solution with different salts including potassium nitrate, di potassium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, calcium chloride and Magnesium sulfate mg/L. All macro elements contained similar amounts of micro-elements. Results showed that there were significant difference between different treatments of macro elements for length of bud, leaf length and width, number of leaves, daughter bulb weight, total chlorophyll content of leaf, anthocyanin and petal protein, leaf nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. Also, significant difference was not observed for traits such as plant height, number of flowers, number of days to flowering, number of daughter bulb, proline content, ion leakage, leaf relative water content and lipid peroxidation in leaf. Results of mean comparison of data showed that S1 treatment, had the highest concentrations of macro elements, had a positive effect on vegetative characteristics such as length of largest flower bud, leaf length and width, leaf number and weight of daughter bulb as well as biochemical parameters like anthocyanin and protein in petal, chlorophyll in leaf, and concentration of mineral elements of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium in the leaf of lily cut flower in soilless culture conditions.

To evaluate dry matter yield and phytochemical properties of two years old purple coneflower [Echinacea purpurea (L. ) Moench] flower in intercropping with green beans and different summer time planting dates, a randomized complete block design in split plot arrangement with three replications was conducted in Research Farm of Genetics and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute of Tabarestan in 2012-2013. Treatments included planting arrangements [coneflower and green bean monoculture, replacement intercropping planting with patterns of 1: 1 and 2: 2 ratio of coneflower: green beans], planting dates (June 30, July 30 and August 29), and cultivation of green beans in the spring of 2012 coincided with the emergence of coneflower. Results of the experiment showed that planting date of June 30 increased dry matter, caffeic acid derivates, total phenol and flavonoid contents of flower. Among the intercropping planting arrangements, patterns of 2: 2 ratio of coneflower: green beans, increased flower dry matter. While the highest amount of cichoric acid, chlorogenic acid and echinacoside (29. 3, 2. 4 and 2. 3 mg/g dry matter, respectively) were obtained in coneflower plants cultivated as sole crop. The maximum amount of total phenol and flavonoid contents of flower were detected in coneflower plants cultivated in June 30 and sole cropping pattern. Overall, it can be concluded that if the aim of cultivation of this plant is increasing production of caffeic acid derivatives, sole cropping is better than mixed cropping. However, for dry matter improvement, mixed cropping has more advantages. In addition, early cultivation of the crop is more suitable for caffeic acid derivatives and dry matter production than delayed planting.

The quality and vase-life of cut flowers are highly dependent on stability of stems and antioxidant potential. This experiment was conducted as two factorial experiments in a randomized complete block design to study the effect of silicon fertilization and salicylic acid on quality of the gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus. ) cut flowers in soilless culture and postharvest activity of antioxidant enzymes. First experiment was foliar application of 0, 10 and 20 mM of silicon as potassium silicate and 0, 100 and 200 mM of salicylic acid (SA) before harvest. In the second experiment pre-harvest silicon supplementations were similar to the first experiment and post-harvest treatments with 0, 200, 400 μ M of salicylic acid were done. Flower stems length in winter and spring seasons, decreased by silicon nutrition (P≤ 0. 05), but number of flowers increased by silicon supplementation (p≤ 0. 001) and salicylic acid foliar application (p≤ 0. 05). SA treatments increased lignin biosynthesis (p≤ 0. 001). Silicon supplementation increased the vase life of cut flowers (p≤ 0. 001), but activity of catalase and peroxidase were increased as affected by postharvest SA treatments (p≤ 0. 001). These results suggest that silicon and salicylic acid applications could improve the quality and vase life of cut flowers in gerbera.

In order to evaluate the effects of salicylic acid, methyljasmonate and their interactions on some features of Echinacea purpurea L., a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replicates in Zanjan climate conditions. Treatments included three levels of salicylic acid (0, 1 and 2 mM) as first factor and methyl jasmonate at three levels (0, 0. 5 and 1 mM) as second factor. Traits which were studied were as follow: plant height, leaf area, number of flowers and percentage of plant dry weight as morphological traits, total chlorophyll, carotenoids and flavonoids as physiological traits, activity of antioxidant enzymes such as peroxidase and catalase and essential oil percentage. Results showed that the interaction of 1 mM salicylic acid and 0. 5 mM methyl jasmonate had the highest effect on the activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes activity. Foliar application of salicylic acid at the 1 mM increased the height, leaf area and number of flowers. Among the different concentrations of methyl jasmonate, the concentration of 1 mM had the highest effect on total chlorophyll, carotenoids and flavonoids compared to salicylic acid treatments and the concentration of 2 mM salicylic acid which had the highest effect on essential oil percentage compared to methyl jasmonate treatments. In conclusion, the simple effect of 2 mM salicylic acid and 1 mM methyl jasmonate foliar application significantly improved most of the traits measured in this study compared to control treatment.

Valak is a native vegetable of Iran that includes several species of melanocrommyum subgenus belong to the Allium genus. The study was carried out to evaluate nutrition and antioxidant capacity of different organs of eight wild populations of two Iranian Valaks (Allium akaka S. G. Gmelin and Allium elburzense W. ) in different environmental conditions. Results showed that amount of K and Ca in origin habitat was ranged from 182 to 432 and 159 to 252 mg/100g, and in field were 311 to 533 and 193 to 243 mg/100g were obtained, respectively. The total phenol in range of 1. 73 to 2. 57 g AGE/kgFW, acid ascorbic in range of 6. 08 to 8. 11 mg/100g FW and antioxidant capacity in range of 2. 13 to 3. 02 g AAE/kgFW were obtained in the field, while amounts of the compositions in origin habitat were calculated 1. 95 to 2. 52 g AGE/kgFW, 6. 15 to 8. 94 mg/100g FW and 1. 85 to 3. 07 g AAE/kgFW, respectively. The canonical correlation coefficients showed increasing of altitude and soil pH and decreasing of average temperature led to increasing of zinc, iron and potassium values; this has caused increase in plant defense compounds, including phenols. Results showed that calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc had the greatest influence on the synthesis of ascorbic acid, phenols and antioxidant capacity than other elements. Based on canonical eigenvalues, all of environmental parameters studied were effective on nutrition value and antioxidant capacity of Valak, which study of each alone, or some of them, cannot be lead to the desired result, and all of these factors together justify the plant growing conditions.

Nanotechnology has been able to pave the way for new methods in plant sciences and agricultural research. This research was carried out to investigate effects of Nano silver in 4 concentrations (0 (control), 100, 150 and 200 mg L-1) at 8 replications in a complete randomized block design, on viability, bacterial contamination and some morphological and biochemical indices of GN15 explants at Urmia University. Shoot tip of cultivated GN15 rootstock were placed in MS medium containing 3% sucrose and 0. 8% agar and different concentrations of Nano silver and 1 mg L-1 BAP. Samples were recultured and were grown in growth chamber. By increasing Nano silver concentration, the plants survival increased and the percentage of bacterial and fungal contamination decreased. Nano silver increased the root length, leaf number, chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, carotenoids and soluble carbohydrates at concentrations from 0 to 100 mg L-1. At higher concentrations, these factors were decreased. Increasing the concentration of Nano silver decreased the shoot number and lateral branches number of explants, but did not have a significant effect on root number. Despite the effect of increasing the concentration of Nano silver on reducing bacterial contamination, up to 200 mg L-1, even to less than 10%, the best level, improving the biotic properties of GN15 explants was 100 mg L-1.

In order to investigate the genetic diversity of 65 lines of pepper, collected from different regions of the country and also from China and the International Research Center for Vegetables (AVRDC), a randomized complete block design with 3 replications was done. Results of analysis of variance showed a significant difference among genotypes at 1% probability level for all traits. Based on the mean comparison of different traits using Tukey's method at 5% probability level, genotypes 3095, 0013 and 26-6 were better in terms of yield and characteristics associated with marketable products. To determine the genetic distance and grouping of genotypes, factor and cluster analysis performed. To understand the internal relations of traits and to determine the group of variables with the highest correlation, factor analysis performed using principal component analysis were through varimax rotation. In these analysis, four independent factors justified 74. 7% of the variation. Cluster analysis done using Ward method, and the lines were gathered into six different groups. So that, this grouping was associated with geographic distribution of lines and some of morphological traits that associated with marketability. Results of stepwise regression showed that three traits of stem diameter, stem length and number of fruits per plant had the greatest effect on fruit yield. To evaluate the direct and indirect effects of these traits on fruit yield, Path analysis performed. Results showed that the three mentioned traits had direct effect and indirect effect of these traits was very low. Given that in this experiment lines under study showed significant differences in terms of genetic variability for traits under evaluation. It was concluded in order to benefit from heterosis, selection of superior genotypes with greater genetic distance from each other can be useful in pepper hybrid variety production.

This experiment was conducted because of soil elimination as an important source of silicon (Si) (as a quasi-essential element) in soilless cultivation systems and also low information about Si effects on lilium cut flower. Accordingly, after transferring the Lilium longiflorum 'Casa Blanca' bulbs to pots containing coco-fiber media, plants were fed with a nutrient solution containing different silicic acid concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg/L Si). Physiological characteristics and postharvest quality of harvested flowers were evaluated based on a completely randomized design with 3 replications. Based on the results, compared with control, Si application significantly increased water uptake, flower longevity, total chlorophyll, solution uptake, relative water content and mineral uptake (K, Ca and Si) and reduced the ion leakage. Accordingly, the maximum water uptake (0. 6 ml/g FW/day), vase life (11. 11 days), total chlorophyll content (0. 97 mg/g FW), leaf calcium (2. 9 %) and silicon content (3. 1 %) were observed in 150 ppm Si concentration. Based on results of the present study, addition of silicon to the lilium nutrient solution led to the improvement of plant water relations, postharvest quality indices, mineral absorption and, consequently, increasing the flower longevity of lilium 'Casa Blanca’ cultivar.

Recognition and evaluation of qualitative traits of peach fruit is an important step in breeding programs and preservation of germplasm. For this purpose, the qualitative and biochemical properties of 18 peach cultivars and genotypes in East Azarbayjan province were investigated in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Some pomological traits like firmness, TSS, pH, TA, vitamin C, total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, total flavonoid and total anthocyanin of peel and flesh were evaluated. In order to determine the relationship between traits, a Pearson correlation between traits was calculated. Results showed that the effect of cultivar and genotype on the traits was significant at P<0. 01. In general, peel extracts showed higher phytochemicals indices than the flesh. Results showed that Hamedi peach cultivar had the highest amount of total anthocyanin and total flavonoid. Peach cultivar such as Anjiri Mori, Anjiri Zaferani Khalili had the highest amount of vitamin C and also had high antioxidant capacity and phenolic contents. No correlation was found for vitamin C versus any other phytochemical traits. High correlation was observed between total phenolic and antioxidant capacity. In general, according to results, genotypes with high biochemical and antioxidant content can be used in breeding programs.

Ripening of fruit includes major physiological and biochemical changes that change the color, taste, fruit aroma, texture and nutritional value of fruits. During storage and after the full ripening of fruits, if the fruit is not consumed or processed, overripe, and their quality is decaying rapidly. Since the harvest at the right time can improve the shelf life of fruits, therefore, the effect of harvesting stage and chitosan coating were studied on shelf-life and quality of physalis fruit. The experiment was conducted in factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications. Treatments consisted of harvesting stage (green mature, yellowish green and yellow) and chitosan coating (0, 0. 5 and 1 percent). Fruits were stored at 15 ° C for 30 days. Results showed that the harvesting stage and different levels of chitosan coating had significant effects on quality and shelf-life of fruits during storage time. With fruit maturity, weight loss, vitamin C, carotenoid contents and flavor index significantly increased, and chlorophyll content, Total phenol and TA decreased. Chitosan coating treatment delayed decreasing of chlorophyll content, water loss, total phenol, TA, fruit maturity and color change. During storage time, the highest weight loss, flavor index and vitamin C, was observed in control fruits. Also, mature green fruit treated with 0. 5 percent chitosan had the highest quality during storage time.

CAB-6P is used as a semi dwarf rootstock for sweet and sour cherries. The purpose of this study was to determine the best media culture and plant growth regulators on micropropagation of CAB-6P rootstock. Shoot-tips were cultured on three culture media (MS, DKW and WPM) containing different concentrations of BAP (0. 5, 1 and 2 mg/L) in combination with Kin (0 and 0. 5 mg/L) for proliferation. Multiplied shoots were rooted on MS or WPM media supplemented with IBA (0, 0. 5, 1 and 2 mg/L). Results showed that the most suitable multiplication medium was WPM+0. 5 mg/L BA with 8. 1 shoots per explant. The highest rooting percentage (69%) was obtained with MS+2 mg/L IBA. Well rooted plantlets were transferred to peat moss: cocopeate: perlite (2: 2: 1 v/v) substrate and successfully hardened (88%).

Grape (Vitis vinifera L. ) is an important fruit crop and widely cultivated because of its nutritional and economical values. For getting new cultivars with higher yield and better quality, it is essential to characterize the cultivars. Some wild species faced to genetic erosion, so determination of genetic diversity of grape cultivars and genotypes is an important task for improving breeding programs in the future. In this research genetic diversity among 75 cultivars and wild genotypes (Vitis vinifera L. ) of grape with 17 ISSR primers was investigated. 132 bands were produced by 17 primer pairs, out of which 75 bands (57/58%) were polymorphic. The polymorphic bands ranged from 2 in locus UBC873 to 7 in locus UBC836. Effective number of allele (Ne), varied from 1. 72 in locus UBC880 to 1. 18 in UBC873. To identify the high informative retrotransposon primer combination, the amount of PIC were estimated for each primer which ranged from 0. 14 for locus UBC873 to 0. 42 for locus UBC880 with an average value of 0. 32. Cluster analysis using Dice similarity coefficients and complete algorithm put the 75 studied genotypes in four different groups. The most genetic similarity (0. 73) was observed between Jig Jiga and Black Seedless and also between Alphonse Lavallee and Black Seedless and the least genetic similarity (0. 11) observed between Dastarchin and Lal Seyah. The maximum Nei genetic distance was belong to Foreign and Wild populations. The AMOVA result indicated that the within and among population diversity were 61% and 39% respectively.

To study the effect of foliar application of proline and salicylic acid on growth, morphological and phytochemical traits of Stevia, an experiment based on completely randomized block design in a factorial arrangement was conducted with three replications in the University of Zanjan. Foliar applications of proline in three levels (0, 1, 2 mM) as well as salicylic acid (0, 0. 3, 0. 6 mM) were applied after establishment of transplants in the field three times with 10 days intervals. Factors including leaf area, leaf fresh and dry weight, total fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll, carotenoid, total phenol, total flavonoid and antioxidant activity were studied. Results showed that salicylic acid and proline applications significantly influenced above mentioned traits. The highest average leaf area/ plant (5949. 39 cm2), leaf fresh (787. 17 g/m2) and dry leaf weight (228. 5 g/m2), total fresh (1339. 23 g/m2) and total dry weight (327. 52 g/m2) were recorded in 1 mM proline in combination with 0. 3 mM salicylic acid. Solely applications of proline at 2 mM and salicylic acid at 0. 6 mM enhanced chlorophyll a, b, carotenoid and total flavonoid contents. The highest average total chlorophyll (5. 23 mg/g fw) observed in 2 mM proline in combination with 0. 3 mM salicylic acid and highest phenol (19. 94 mg/g dw) recorded in 1 mM proline in combination with 0. 6 mM salicylic acid. Collectively, results showed that application of proline and salicylic acid significantly improved vegetative growth and production of active substances in Stevia rebaudiana.

Nitrogen plays an important role in managing the nutrition of the citrus. An experiment was set as factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications to investigate the effect of different levels of urea (0, 0. 75%, 1. 5%), and different times of urea foliar application (Dec 22, Jan 5, Jan 20) on nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium contents to evaluate flower characteristics and yield in Kinnow mandarin plant. Samples were taken from leaves and nodes at 1, 3 and 5 wks after spraying. Results showed that, 3 wks after foliar application, the plants which receiving 1. 5% urea had the high leaves nitrogen content (2. 5%) on Dec 22., whereas the highest nitrogen content (1. 73%) of the nodes was obtained in plants treated with 1. 5% urea concentration on Dec 22. The highest amounts of potassium and phosphorus of leaves were reported under 1. 5% urea concentration on the 30th of January. It also indicated that different concentrations of urea are capable of enhancing the number of flowers, promoting ovarian growth and boosting yield of the crop. The most effective promotion on plant characters had been appeared on the rate of 1. 5% urea concentrations.

In this study, the natural habitats of Stachys pilifera L. were identified in different regions of Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province. 10 complete plants were collected from localities in order to study and evaluate morphological traits. Flowering stems were used to investigate essential oil quantitatively. Data of locations and vegetative and reproductive characters of each population were recorded. Results were analyzed using a cluster analysis method with SAS software and the correlation between evaluated traits and essential oil productivity was determined. Results showed that the maximum percentage of essential oil (0. 8%), nitrogen (1. 15%), phosphorus (0. 233%), potassium (1. 46%) related to plant of Loudab while the minimum percentage of essential oil, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were obtained from plant of Sepidar. It was shown that all attributes measured at habitats except the number of branching stems, decreased with increasing height. Finally the best vegetative and also reproductive characters such as flowering stem length, leaf length and width, and also the highest essential oil production of Stachys pilifera L. were recorded for lowest habitats; therefore, it is recommended for breeding programs or domestication.