Iranian Journal of Horticultural Science
Year:2010 | Volume:41 | Issue:3|Papers Count:10

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) is an ancient vegetable originated from Europe, Asia and Africa. The germplasm of A. officinalis in Iran is limited, with only some individual plants have been found in Taleghan Mountains. In order to evaluate the morphological characteristics of this valuable vegetable, 58 individual plants from Taleghan population were studied and compared with Mary Washington cultivar. Results showed that the means obtained from some evaluated traits as plant height, number of first rate branches, main stem diameter, length of first rate branches and number of scales under the first panicle branches were 133.81 cm, 38.38, 5.3 mm, 39.6 cm and 14.78 respectively. The evaluated genotypes were composed of 68.97% male and 31.03% female. The means of spear length (6.3%), spear diameter (30.4%) and fresh weight of spears (52.2%) in wild asparagus genotypes were less than those in Mary Washington cultivar. In the studied plants, flowers appeared from early May to early June with green fruits being formed about early July. The number of seeds per red mature berry fruit, collected around early September, varied from 4 to 6 among the evaluated plants. The simple correlation coefficient among the measured characteristics showed that the spear diameter with the length of spear scales had the highest positive correlation at a 99% level. In factor analysis, the characteristics were divided into four main factors, the two first of which verified 44.74% of the total variance and included 9 characteristics. Also, the evaluated genotypes were divided into five groups in cluster analysis with the means of all evaluated characteristics of the third group, completely consisting of male genotypes, higher than those of the total means. Results finally showed that the wild asparagus genotypes possessed a relatively high diversity, so that this local could be considered as a natural origin of A. officinalis and the only genetic resource of this valuable plant which should be dearly preserved.

In line with an investigation regarding to evaluation of the compatibility of the Asian Pear cultivars with Iran climatic conditions –currently being carried out at the Horticultural Department of Tarbiyat Modares University (TMU)– the present preliminary study was performed in two regions in Isfahan. Asian pear (Pyrus serotina Rehd.) cultivars (grafted on European pear seedling rootstocks) were evaluated at three main vegetative growth stages for leaf N, P and K and total soluble carbohydrates during 2008 growing season under Pirbakran, Isfahan environmental conditions. In addition, the same assessments were carried out destructively on harvested samples of roots and aerial parts of budded trees (shoots and leaves) during 2009 growing season under Kabootarabad of Isfahan climatic conditions. Results revealed significant differences among the studied Asian pear cultivars in which they also showed a better performance in comparison with local Shahmiveh and Sebri pears. Significant differences were also observed among the studied cultivars as regards leaf mineral analysis of N, P and K and soluble carbohydrate during both seasons and under both experimental sites. From the beginning to the end of the growing season, N and P of leaf were decreased while K concentration being significantly increased. Leaf soluble carbohydrates showed significant differences for the three sampling stages. On the other hand, leaf soluble carbohydrate in the first season (2008) from the beginning to mid-season increased while starting to decrease until the end of the season, although, the level of leaf carbohydrates decreased until the mid-season during the second growing season (2009), then started to increase until the end of the season. It seems that roots were the major storage organ for carbohydrates, in which soluble carbohydrate of shoots, roots as well as P and K in the roots showed a reduction during the growing season. The level of shoot N and K decreased, while the content of shoot P decreased first and then increased during the growing season. In addition, there was an increase observed in root N during the growing season.

Genetic resources constitute the building blocks of crop improvement programs. These provide the basic raw material as well as reservoir of genes for breeding high-quality cultivars. Characterization of germplasm is the prerequisite for subsequent utilization of the resources. In this study, suckers of twenty six Damask rose genotypes (Rosa damascena Mill.) were collected from some of the most important cultivation regions of Iran (Fars, Isfahan, Kerman and Azarbiejan provinces). These genotypes were planted at the Horticultural Research Center, University of Tehran based upon a complete randomized block design. For 2 years, 50 quantitative and qualitative morphological traits were evaluated to characterize the phenotypic variability. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences of characters accounting to the genetic variation in this species. Cluster analysis, using Ward's Method separated genotypes into 7 groups according to Squared Euclidian Distances. Fourteen genotypes stood in the first group indicating the high similarity of the most studied genotypes. These genotypes were mainly from Kerman, Fars and Isfahan provinces. However genotypes from East Azarbiejan formed a distinct and separate group. Within other genotypes, one with unique bushy growth habit (G3 from Tehran) and one with few prickles (G24 from Khorasan Razavi) were identified. Comparing mean deviation of quantitative traits of recognized groups in cluster analysis and regions’ comparison results revealed the weight of some distinct genotypes in making some provinces distinguishable for some traits. This study provided new insight into the germplasm of Damask roses in Iran being valuable for the design of constructive breeding programs.

Onion is one of the important strategic crop plants of a highly valuable nutritional food source, consumed almost around the whole world. Thus, the genetically oriented studies around the plant are valuable and inevitable. For a following of these studies, some onion masses from various regions throughout Iran, including: Kashan-White, Azarshahr-Red, Isfahan-Dorcheh, Ghom-White, Zanjan-Gholigheseh, Yasouj-Local, Herssin, Nishabour-Ishaghabad, Yazd-Abarkoh, Ramhormoz against two important commercial varieties, Texas-Early-Grano, and Yellow-Sweet-Spanish were taken into consideration. The obtained results were Arc Signed and, then subjected to DMRT-analysis and as well to cluster analysis according to Ward’s Minimum Variance Method, using the cluster procedure of SAS computer software. The base chromosome numbers were=8 for the studied masses in which number of chromosomes, Length of the longest chromosome, length of the shortest chromosome, longest/shortest length ratio, average of long arm/short arm ratio, as well as the average of chromosome ratios were recorded. The types of chromosomes were found to be Meta-Centric, Sub-Meta-Centric and sub-Telo-Centric. A comparison of the relative length of the shortest chromosome (S%) showed that whereas Kashan-White and Ramhormoz masses, had the more symmetric karyotype respectively, Azarshahr-Red and Herssin were respectively of the lesser symmetric karyotype. A comparison of Differences in Relative Length (DRL) revealed that, Kashan-White and Herssin masses are of the more symmetric karyotype respectively, while Ramhormoz and Texase-Erly-Grano are respectively of a lesser symmetric karyotype. Also, in this study it was shown that Isfahan-Dorcheh, Kashan-White, Zanjan-Gholigheseh, Yasouj-Local, Ramhormoz and Nishabour-Ishaghabad masses carry, Micro Satellites that are similar to those in Texas-Early-Grano masses’ and Yazd-Abarkoh, Ghom-White, Herssin and Azarshahr-Red masses possess, Macro Satellites similar to those in Yellow-Sweet-Spanish masses. According to the dispersion diagram, based on A1 (Intra Asymmetry Chromosomal Index) and A2 (Inter Asymmetry Chromosomal Index), the masses were grouped into two distinct classes, as in confirmation with the results of Cluster Analysis.

Almond, Prunus dulcis Miller [D.A. Webb], is gametophytically self-incompatible. Therefor establishment of commercial orchards, it is needed to select and grow at least two of its cultivars that are compatible with each other. Determination of self-incompatibility in almond can be accomplished in several ways, the most recent method being by the use of specific primers in PCR. In this work, a pair of primers, AS1II and AmyC5R were employed, to determine incompatibility in some Iranian cultivars and genotypes available in the Horticultural Experimental Center of the University of Tehran along with some foreign cultivars used as control. This primer pair employed to determine s-alleles such as S1, S2, S3, S5, S7, S9, S10, S11, S12 and S13. In this experiment, the foreign cultivars showed the same size of S-allels as stated in the previous reports, so the known foreign alleles were taken as basis of the assessment of Iranian cultivars and genotypes. The Iranian cultivars and genotypes showed alleles as follows: "Yalda" with 1100 and 2000 bp belonging to S1 and S7; "Shahroodi", "Azar" and "Shokoofeh" with a size of 1200 bp belonging to S3 or Sf; "Talkh-13" with 2000 and 1300 bp which belonged to S7 and S12. Genotype number (5) with 1200 and 1400, the first one belonging to S1 and the second one to S13 Genotype number (11) with 1400 bp which belonged to S13.

Hydroponics technique accompanied by adjustment of nutrient solution seems to optimize crop production and help in establishing sustainable agriculture. In recent years, the greenhouse production of cucumber has been increased in Iran, however there are just a few proper nutrient solutions employed in growing the crop. In line with this, an experiment was conducted to find the effect of various important nutrient solutions including, NSUT, NSKnop, NSSt, NSUK, NSNeth, and NSUT on the growth, yield and quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L cvs Negeen and Katrina) grown in hydroponics. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design of three replicates. The seeds of cucumber were sown in the media containing perlite and vermiculite (3:1 V:V) and then were irrigated with different nutrient solutions. The fruits were harvested during the growing period and the final yield calculated over six months. The vegetative and physiological characteristics were studied during the experimental period as well as at the end of the period. The results showed that the yield of the cucumber crop was significantly affected by various nutrient solutions, so that the highest yield was obtained in either of NSHog and NSUK while, the lowest yield observed in NSKnop. The yield in cv Negeen was 30% higher than that in cv Katrina. Various nutrient solutions changed the leaf area, with the leaf area in the NSUK, NSKnop and NSHog being higher than those in other nutrient solutions. Leaf area in Negeen cv was higher than that in cv. Katrina. A positive correlation (r2=0.76) was found to exist between leaf area and the yield. SPAD value decreased in both NSSt and NSNeth. Total soluble solids (TSSs) in fruits was significantly affected by either of nutrient solution and cultivars with the maximum TSS being observed in NSHog while the minimum in either of NSNeth and NSUT. In petiole, maximum TSS was found in NSNeth treatment. The concentrations of N and K were significantly affected by the type of nutrient solutions. Leaf potassium content was the highest in treatment NSU.K, while there was no difference observed in K concentration between the cultivars. Nutrient solution had no effect on P concentration. Maximum titratable acidity of the fruits (TA) was observed in NSU.K treatment. It can be concluded that since NSU.K and NSHog improved the yield in cucumber crop, they can be recommended for use in the greenhouse cucumber production, however need arises for an evaluation of the other economical aspects of the use of these nutrient solutions.

To evaluate the effect of shoot girdling, fruit thinning, urea, sucrose and zinc on inflorescence bud retention in pistachio, an experiment comprised of 12 treatments including girdling, fruit thinning, application of urea (0.5%), and sucrose (3 and 5%) and their combination of the first two with urea plus zinc sulfate (0.05 and 0.1% of pure zinc) as well as a combination of the two with urea, in 3 replications and during 2 stages, was conducted in 2007 and 2008. The treatments were applied in two different stages of fruit growth and development namely: 1. Initiation of rapid growth of seed endosperm, and 2. Endosperm completion and initiation of rapid seed embryo growth. According to the results, all treatments decreased the inflorescence bud abscission while increasing inflorescence bud dry weight. The lowest inflorescence bud abscission and the highest bud dry weight were obtained through girdling. With the exception of 0.05% zinc and 3% sucrose, all the other treatments decreased inflorescence bud abscission significantly, also, significantly increased inflorescence bud dry weight. A study of the inflorescence bud retention at different times during the summer showed that the highest rate and quantity of bud abscission occurred between 6th July and 6th August, while the role of the treatments was a reduction of flower bud abscission rate and quantity during this period. There was no significant difference observed among treatments in different stages of fruit growth and development.

To find the effects of spring foliar application of Volck® mineral oil and its combination with fertilizer on the physiological, yield and quality characteristics of pistachio fruit, this research was done in the form of a randomized complete block design (RCBD) of 12 treatments and 3 replications on Ohadi pistachio cultivar in Chatrud of Kerman in 2006 and 2007 for a duration of two years. The applied treatments included: T1 (Volck® mineral oil: 0.2%), T2 (Volck® mineral oil: 0.5%), T3 (Volck® mineral oil: 0.3 + fertilizer A: 0.2%), T4 (Volck® mineral oil: 0.5% + fertilizer A: 0.2%), T5 (Volck® mineral oil: 0.3% + fertilizer c: 0.4%), T6 (Volck® mineral oil: 0.3% + fertilizer D :0.4%), T7 (Volck® mineral oil: 0.3% + fertilizer B: 0.2%), T8 (fertilizer A:, 0.2%), T9 (fertilizer C: 0.4%), T10 (fertilizer D: 0.4%), T11 (fertilizer D: 0.2% on the 30th of April), T12 (fertilizer D: 0.2% on the 20th of May) and T13 (control). The foliar application in each treatment was done within two times (the 30th of April and 20th of May of 2006 and 2007) with the recommended concentration for each fertilizer on a number of 5 pistachio trees for every treatment. Following the second foliar application, some echophysiological characteristics were assessed. These characteristics included the photosynthetic rate, leaf transpiration temperature, chlorophyll fluorescence, amount of chlorophyll (a, b), leaf length, and width, number of leaflets, ounce, percent blankness, early splitting as well as cracked nut percentage, weight of 100 nuts, whole product yield, leaf copper, iron, manganese, potassium, zinc and phosphorus contents. The results revealed significant differences among the treatments in most of the measured characteristics at a 5% level of confidence. Also results revealed that application of the applied fertilizer alone improve the qualitative and quantitative trails of the product. Using Volck® mineral oil in 0.3 and 0.5% concentration decreased the photosynthesis rate and quality of the product.

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of bulb harvesting time and Indole butyric acid as well as changes of endogenous growth regulators, Indole acetic acid and Abscisic acid during scale propagation of Lilium ledebourii (Baker) Boiss. Treatments consisted of bulb harvesting time (0, 50, 100 and 150 days after flowering) in the natural habitat of Damash, and IBA concentrations of 0, 300 and 600 ppm. Outer scales were detached from basal plate, treated with IBA, and then placed in medium consisting of sand and peat (50:50) for bulblet formation. Results showed that the highest number as well as weight of bulblets were obtained from scales of bulbs harvested in 100 DAF and from 300 ppm IBA treatments. Effects of scale position and bulb harvesting times on IAA and ABA levels were significant. Results showed that, at flowering stage, the level of ABA in mother scales was greater than in the daughter scales and was gradually reduced until 100 DAF. IAA levels in mother and daughter scales increased until 100 DAF and were then reduced at 150 DAF.

The effect of grafting on yield and some other quantitative and qualitative characteristics of two green¬house cucumber cultivars, namely Roberto and Danito grafted on five rootstocks of Shintoza, Kiroshintoza (Cucurbita maxima × C. moschata), Cucurbita maxima (C. maxima cv. Goriki), Fig leaf gourd (C. ficifolia cv. Korodome), and Bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria) was investigated in this study. The experiment was carried out as a factorial one in a greenhouse in Amzajerd of Hamedan in 2007. A completely randomized design of four replications was employed in the study. The results of the study indicated that, type of rootstock did have a significant effect on yield and growth parameters. Cucumber grafted on rootstock var. Goriki yielded the highest (8.5 kg/plant), with no significant difference with Shintoza (8.13 kg/plant). Cucumber grafted on rootstock Bottle gourd along with the control had the lowest yields of 6.6 and 6.8 kg/plant. Cucumber grafted on rootstock Goriki compared to other rootstocks, was precocious, whereas non grafted cucumber was late mature. Such growth parameters as height of plant, number of nodes, number of secondary branches, number of fruits, shoot, root and plant wet and dry weighs were higher in Fig leaf gourd compared to others. These traits were low in the non-grafted cucumber (control) and in Bottle gourd compared to others. The cucumber cultivar type showed no significant effect on any of the vegetative characters.