Iranian Journal of Field Crop Science
Year:2017 | Volume:48 | Issue:1 |Papers Count:28

To investigate the effect of vetch as a first season crop and green manure with different levels of nitrogen fertilizer on forage maize yield (as a second crop) a research was conducted at research farm of agricultural and natural resources, the University of Tehran in the year 2012-2013. Experiment arranged as a double split-plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications with double crop cultivar (Vicia pannonica) and forage maize (Zea mays L. ). The main plots consisted of pre-sowing treatments of a fallow plot, vetch as a forage as well as a green manure, and nitrogen fertilizer as a subplot at three levels (zero, 50% and 100 standard limits), the sub-sub plots included two vetch cultivars (i. e. Simon and ZP677). The results indicated that the forage maize dry weight in pre-sowing treatments of forage and green manure produced 26. 6% and 22. 8% than the fallow treatment, respectively. Likewise, the cob dry weight in pre-sowing treatments of forage and green manure provided 45. 6% and 48. 7% than the fallow treatment, respectively. The maize leaf dry weight was higher of about 15. 8% and 20. 9%, respectively in forage and green manure treatments in comparison to the fallow treatment. Overall, it can be inferred that with the increase of nitrogen in forage maize cultivation some of the characteristics of the forage are directly affected and cause significant changes in forage yield.

There are different methods for crop fertilizing nowadays. This study was conducted to assess effects of soil nitrogen on sugar beet traits such as chlorophyll content (SPAD) and also possibility of use of SPAD for sugar beet varieties differentiation as well as a distinguishing lack of nitrogen. A factorial experiment based on completely randomized blocks design with four replications was conducted. The first factor was domestic (Zarghan) and foreign (Flores) sugar beet cultivars and second factor was four nitrogen levels (control, 70, 100 and 130 kg N ha from urea). Sugar content, root and white sugar yields, SPAD and application of nitrogen fertilizer of Flores were more and its petiole total nitrogen was less than Zarghan. The most percentage of root yield increase in both varieties was observed in application of 100 kg/ha in comparison with control treatment. There were positive and significant correlation between sugar beet root yield with blade and petiole total nitrogenand radiation absorption during harvest time and also between root and white sugar yield with SPAD at 8-12 leaf growth stage (June) and also SPAD with blade total nitrogen at the same time. So SPAD could be used in sugar beet establishment growth stage for evaluation of nitrogen status and also for sooner line and hybrid selection. If the value of chlorophyll meter in the bottom of fifth leaf was lower than 45 at establishment, root yield would be increased by nitrogen fertilizer application. Also sugar beet selection would be faster by calibration of this method.

The first step in determining the optimal cropping pattern for crops and increase the yield in unit area is land use ability and production potential evaluation. Hashtgerd study area with an area of about 1170 square km because of the proximity to the metropolis of Tehran and focus a large number of agricultural, industrial and service units has an important economic and political position. According to importance of land capability studies at sustainable use of land and lack of sufficient information about potential Hashtgerd area for cultivation of crops, the purpose of this research is determination Hashtgerd area land capability and estimated four major crops yield by World Food Organization (FAO) method and the calculation of net income for per cubic meter of water used at per crops. The results showed area soil downstream for irrigated cropping has salinity and alkalinity restrictions. Production potential for wheat, barley, forage maize and alfalfa by FAO method at Hashtgerd area are in order as follows 12. 3, 8. 3, 75 and 26. 8 ton/ha and given the small difference to field operation by favorite farmers it shows this method has High Performance in crops yield estimate. In Hashtgerd area for per cubic meter of used water produce 1. 25 kg wheat, 1. 1kg barley, 6. 6 kg forage maize and 1. 2 kg alfalfa. Also check of NBPD index it shows the most valuable environmental resource (water in area) is waste.

In order to examine the impact of drought stress and re-irrigation on chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and physiological traits of three wheat cultivars at five levels of irrigation, an experiment was performed in a factorial arrangement with complete randomized design in three replications. The traits comprised of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (F0, Fm, Fv and Fv/Fm) and physiological characteristics included relative water content, leaf temperature and relative content of chlorophyll were measured. The results showed that the relative water content and chlorophyll relative content were decreased but leaf temperature was increased under drought stress. Similarly, the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters Fm, Fv and Fv/Fm increased but F0 decreased under drought stress and these changes in tolerant cultivars were less severe than susceptible cultivar. The re-irrigation treatment caused these traits in the stressed plants to be similar to normal conditions, where it was lower for susceptible cultivars than the resistant cultivar. The results of correlation among all traits showed significant positive and negative relations, that the highest indices was recorded between Fm and Fv parameters (r=0. 991**) and between Fv/Fm. and F0 (r=0. 926**).

In order to moving from the conventional to sustainable systems, a framework must be defined that transfer process in this framework happen step by step. Use of the inputs with high efficiency is one of these steps. To reach these goals, an experiment in a strip plot design based on Randomized Complete Block trial with three replications was conducted in the Research Station of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran in 2013-2014. Treatments consist of Cropping Systems as vertical factor (low, medium, and high input) and Irrigation Systems (100, 80, and 60% Anise crop water requirement) as horizontal factor. The results showed that nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was not affected by the cropping systems, but the amount of water consumption had positive effects on the NUE of Anise. The Low-input system had the lowest water use efficiency (WUE). The highest WUE (0. 12 kg. m-3) and NUE (34. 22 kg. kg-1) were observed in the 80% water requirement treatment. Interaction between water and cropping system showed that WUE (0. 17 kg. m-3) in the high input system with 80% of water need was higher than other treatments. With due attention to all of the studied factors in the medium input system and 80% water requirement, it seems that this treatment compared to the other ones is the most appropriate one for Anise in regards to water and nutrients requirements.

In order to investigate the effect of mycorrhiza and foliar application of zinc sulfate on yield, yield components and water use efficiency of a corn hybrid (cv NS640) under water deficit stress conditions, an experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design as split plot factorial with three replications at research station of Bu Ali Sina University of Hamedan in 2014. The main plots consisted of four irrigation levels (irrigation after 60, 90, 120 and 150 mm cumulative evaporation from pan A) and subplots were consisted of two factors including zinc sulfate (non and foliar application with 0. 5 percent zinc sulfate concentration) and Glomus mosseae mycorrhizae (non and mycorrhizae inoculum) in factorial. The results showed that all traits were affected by water stress. The effect of mycorrhiza and zinc sulfate foliar application on all traits except for number of ears per plant were significant. The simultaneous use of mycorrhiza and foliar zinc sulfate increased the 100 kernel weight by 30. 39%. Mycorrhiza increased grain and biological yields in all four levels of water deficit stress but foliar application of zinc sulfate increased only grain yield by irrigation after 60 and 90 mm cumulative evaporation. Also compared with non foliar zinc sulfate application biological yield increased to 11%. The highest water use efficiency (1. 8 kg grains per cubic meter of water) obtained from using mycorrhiza and irrigation after 90 mm cumulative evaporation.

Reactive oxygen species in the cell are rapidly removed by antioxidant molecules. Peroxidases are one of the important antioxidant enzymes that can oxidize many organic and inorganic substrates using hydrogen peroxide. In this study, peroxidase enzyme activities of canola extracts were evaluated in different guaiacol concentrations. Simultaneous sampling of rape seedling under non-stress and osmotic stress condition was conducted in 4-6 leaf stage at 4, 8, 12 and 24 hours after osmotic stress. The results showed that the GPX activity in non-stress condition was different in both Hyola308 (susceptible to drought) and SLM046 (tolerant to drought) varieties at different times of exposure to stress, and the highest activity of enzyme in SLM046 were observed at 12 hours after stress. Comparison of the two genotypes under stress condition showed that GPX activity in SLM046 at 4, 8 and 12 hours after osmotic treatment were higher than Hyola308. The highest rate of activity at 8 hours after stress was observed in SLM046 and the lowest activity was seen in Hyola308. At 24 hours after osmotic treatment, Hyola308 showed the highest activity at 60 mM concentration of substrate, and lowest rate was seen in SLM046. The results indicated that the high level of proxidase activity in SLN046 genotype in stress condition, led to the lower accumulation of H2O2 in comparison with Hoyla308.

The ability of hoary cress to absorb water and nutrients, due to creeping and extensive root system, indicates that this weed is importunate competitor for crop plants. To determine intra-and inter-specific competition between wheat and hoary cress by reciprocal yield model and other competition indices under different nitrogen levels, a factorial experiment based on RCBD was conducted with three replications in Research Greenhouse of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand during 2013. Factors considered included pure nitrogen in three levels (0. 05, 0. 1 and 0. 2 gr/kg soil), wheat density in four levels (0, 4, 8 and 12 plants per pot) and hoary cress density in four levels (0, 2, 4 and 6 plants per pot). The result of reciprocal yield model showed that in wheat intera-specific competition was higher than inter-specific competition, but in hoary cress, intera-specific was higher. Relative competitiveness assessment showed that the effect of a wheat plant at three levels, 0. 05, 0. 1 and 0. 2 grN/kg soil was equal to 5. 1, 4. 45 and 4. 42 hoary cress plant respectively, and the effect of a wheat plant at the same fertilizer, was equivalent whit 94, 84 and 88% of the wheat plant respectively.

In order to evaluate the effect of different storage conditions on seed germination and some biochemical characteristics of castor bean (Ricinus communis), a factorial experiments on the bases of completely randomized design with three factors included of storage temperature, seed moisture content (SMC) and storage duration in four replications was done in the seed laboratory of Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Iran in 2014. Experimental factors were including five storage temperatures (5, 15, 25, 35 and 40oC), five SMC levels (3. 53, 6, 9, 12 and 15%) and six storage duration (30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days). The results showed that in all storage temperatures germination percentage trend was descending with increasing storage temperature and duration. In all studied storage temperature, the seeds stored in SMCs of 3. 53 and 15% showed the highest and lowest germination, respectively. However, the change in seed electrolyte leakage index was ascending by increasing the temperature and SMC. Also, with increasing storage duration, temperature and SMC, seed total protein content, enzymes activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase decreased and malondialdehyde content (MDA) increased. Therefore, decrease in germination index and increase in electrical conductivity could be due to decline in antioxidant activities and increase in MDA content.

To evaluate the effects of drought stress on seed characteristics, seeds of the tolerant and sensitive genotyps of common bean were placed in petri dishes containing polyethylene glycol 6000 with concentration equal to-4,-8 and-12 bar, according to CRD Design with three replication using factorial arrengment, Nine day later, radicle and caulicle length were measured. The result showed that drought stress decreased germination speed and percentage, radicle and caulicle length, radicle fresh and dry weight, caulicle fresh and dry weight. To study the physiological processes, three genotypes including K-S-31167, GE-288 and Naz witch were respectivly tolerant, relatively tolerant and sensitive to drought stress were selected from first expriment and were subjected to 4 level of drought stress based on 25, 50, 75 and 100 percent of field capacity using CRD design with three replication using factorial arrengment, Droght stress was applied five weeks after planting and lasted for 10 days. Second terifoliate were used for sampling. The results indicated significant changes in the photosynthetic pigments content (PPC) and relative water content (RWC). Tolerant genotype (K-S-31167) had greater PPC and RWC compare to relatively tolerant genotype (GE-288) and sensitive genotype (Naz). This indicates that resistant genotype had higher membrane stability during stress.

In order to study the effects of vermicompost and biological nitrogen fertilizer on growth characteristics and yield of summer savory, an experiment was conducted at Firouzkuh, Iran in 2015. The factors were nitrogen biofertilizer (Control, Nitroxine and Supernitroplus) and vermicompost (0, 5, 10 and 15 t ha-1). The experimental design was factorial experiment based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Measured traits were consisted of plant height, number of lateral branches per plant, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry matter and flowering shoot dry matter. Results showed that all measured traits were affected by treatments, significantly. The highest number of branches per plant (15. 4) and shoot fresh weight (11890. 75 kg ha-1) was obtained by using 10 ton vermicompost per hectare. Applying 15 ton vermicompost per hectare caused maximum plant height (35. 9 cm), dry matter yield (3484. 19 kg ha-1), flowering shoot dry matter (1722. 19 kg ha-1). Nitrogen biofertilizer had significant effects on all traits. But, there were not significant differences between Nitroxine and Supernitroplus application. Mean comparison of interaction effects showed that using supernitroplus and 10 ton vermicompost per hectare caused maximum fresh (13722. 32 kg ha-1) and dry shoot yield (4064. 23 kg ha-1).

To determine effect of biofertilizer and nitrogen on the amount of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, dry matter yield and essential oil content of dragonhead, a field experiment was conducted as factorial in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications at two locations in Research Field at Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University (location 1), and Research Center in West Azarbaijan province (location 2) in 2009-2010. The treatments were consisted of genotypes (landrace and SZK-1 cultivars), seed inoculation treatments (either (B1) with or without (B2) bacterial inoculation) and fertilization regimes (100% urea, 75% urea + 25% azocompost, 50% urea + 50% azocompost, 25% urea + 75% azocompost and 100% azocompost). Results showed that nitrogen accumulation in genotypes was different. The maximum amount of P and K produced by using the F5 treatment in both locations. In the first location, the F3 treatment produced the greatest percentage of essential oil (0. 46-0. 53%) both with and without bacterial inoculation. The F3 treatment with bacterial inoculation produced 4781. 1 kg Dry matter yield per ha which had not significant difference with the chemical control treatment. In general, results showed that application of F3 treatment can be a suitable alternative for chemical fertilizers.

In order to evaluate effects of methanol spraying on quantitative traits and osmatic adjustments in Dracocephlum moldavica L. under low irrigation conditions, an experiment was conducted as split plots based on randomized complete block design with three replications at the research farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Zabol University, Iran in 2013. Treatments included three levels of water low stress include: 100 (control), 80 and 60 percentage of field capacity as main plots, and four levels including 0 (control), 15, 30 and 45 volumetric percentage of methanol spraying as sub plots. The results showed that the plant height, number of lateral branch, dry matter, oil percentage, chlorophyll, carotenoid, proline contents, potassium and sodium was significantly affected by drought stress. With increasing of drought stress, proline content and oil percentage increased, but plant height, number of lateral branch, dry matter, chlorophyll, carotenoid, potassium and sodium were decreased. Methanol foliar application on plant height, number of lateral branch, dry matter, oil percentage, chlorophyll, carotenoid, proline contents, potassium and sodium had a significant effect. The maximum amounts of plant height, number of lateral branch, dry matter, oil percentage oil, chlorophyll, carotenoid, proline contents, potassium and sodium obtained by 30 volumetric percentage of methanol spraying, and the dry matter was 59. 73 percentages more than by 45 volumetric percentage of methanol spraying. Based on the results of methanol spraying 30 percentages and provide water at field capacity for production Moldavian is suitable.

In order to study the effect of biologic and chemical phosphorous fertilizer on the yield and physiological characteristics of a safflower cultivar (IL111) under water deficit conditions, an experiment was conducted in 2012 at the Research Field of the Faculty of Agriculture, Shahed University. The experimental design was split-factorial arrangement in randomized complete block design with three replicates. The main factors tested were the three levels of water stress: full irrigation or non-stress (irrigation up to 50% soil moisture depletion relative to field capacity), water stress during the vegetative and flowering stages (irrigation up to 75% soil moisture depletion relative to field capacity). There were six sub-factor treatments created using three concentrations of phosphate chemical fertilizer (0, 50, and 100 kg ha-1Triple Super Phosphate) and two concentrations of Barvar-2 bio-fertilizer (with and without inoculation with Barvar-2). The results indicated that all traits were significantly affected by water stress condition in this experiment. The use of biological fertilizer and chemical phosphorus fertilizer at a concentration of 50 kg ha-1Triple Super Phosphate during water stress at the flowering stage increased the seed yield and harvest index by 1761. 67 kg ha-1 and %12. 53, respectively in comparison with control treatment (non-stress). Applying drought conditions during the flowering stage also significantly increased the fatty acid content (oleic, linoleic), oil content and oil yield when the plants were treated with biofertilizer and chemical fertilizer. Therefore, the characteristics of safflower cultivars under water stress conditions can be improved by applying both biological fertilizer and chemical fertilizer.

Developing a deep root system is an important strategy for avoiding of drought stress in rice. In order to improve rice root system, at the first stage, must be detected genomic regions controlling important root traits. In order to achieve this aim, a study was conducted using 192 rice genotypes under drought stress and hydroponic culture. Manitol with-5 bar concertration was used to apply osmotic stress in seedling stage. In addition of shoot mass, root mass, plant mass and root thickness, length of shoot and root were recorded on 7th, 14th, 21th, 28th and 35th days after transferring to hydroponic culture. Genotyping of population was performed using primer combinations of restriction enzymes of EcoRI and MseI. To identify genomic regions associated with controlling loci of the traits, were used five statistical models with two GLM and MLM procedures in TASSEL software. The markers of E100-M140-3, E100-M160-7, E110-M140-9, E100-M140-3, E100-M150-19, E100-M160-7, E100-M160-11, E110-M140-1 and E110-M140-9 were detected as the most important markers. Since these markers explained significant percentage of the phenotype variations, can be used as candidate markers in further studies such as conversion to SCAR markers marker assisted selection for drought stress tolerance after validation.

In order to study the effects of planting date on growth characteristics of barley cultivars, a field experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Research Station of Islamic Azad University-Isfahan branch (2011-2012) as a split plot experiment in randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Various planting dates (October 23rd, November 6th, and November 24th) were main plots whereas three cultivars (Nosrat, No. 4, Shooriand Fajr 30) were subplots. To evaluate the growth process, samplings were done every two weeks. According to results, total dry matter and leaf area index were decreased by late planting. Second planting date had the highest crop growth rate and net assimilation rate. Maximums of total dry weight, leaf area index and crop growth rate were belonging to Nosrat cultivar. Fajr 30 had less final decrease in leaf area index, total dry matter and crop growth rate than other cultivars for the first and second planting dates. Nosrat and Fajr 30 cultivars had the highest net assimilation rate. The highest amount of stem lodging was observed in first sowing date and Nosrat cultivar. The highest grain yield was obtained from second planting date and Fajr30 cultivar. On the whole, planting Fajr30 cultivar at November 6th can be recommended for seed production in regions similar to this study.

The aim of this study was to quantify the response of germination rate to temperature and determining cardinal temperatures for different germination percentiles in Abelmoschus esculentus. Three models of non-linear regression [Quadratic, segmented and beta] were investigated to describe the temperature response of germination rate of A. esculentus over seven constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 ˚ C). Different statistical indices [Root Mean of Squares of Error (RMSE) and coefficient of determination (R2)] were used to compare models. The estimated model parameters using by beta models were more confidence than others (RMSE=0. 0019, R2=0. 90). The base, the optimum and the ceiling temperatures for the germination of A. esculentus were estimated to be 9. 84, 30. 31 and 40. 63˚ C, respectively. The cardinal temperatures depended on the model used for their estimation. Overall, the beta model was better suited than the other models to estimate the cardinal temperatures for the germination of A. esculentus. The greatest germination percentage (98. 7) and germination rate (0. 0207) was observed in 25 and 30 ˚ C, respectively.

The objective of this study was to investigate the stability of rapeseed genotypes using GTBiplot and GGEBiplot in two normal and stress conditions. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications and ten treatments in the research field of Birjand University in 2012-2013. The GTBiplot explained %59. 31, %62. 33 and %62. 01 of total variation of the standard data in normal, stress, and both, respectively. The most of variation was explained by GTBiplot caused by seed and biological yield, number of seeds per pod and number of pods per main branch in normal environment. The most of variation was explained by GTBiplot caused by seed yield, harvest index, pod length, number of auxiliary branches and number of pods per plant in stress condition. The most of variation was explained by GTBiplot caused by seed yield, pod length, number of pods per auxiliary branch and the total of pods per plant in normal and stress conditions. According to GTBiplot polygon it was revealed that the Hay-308 genotype in view of day to 50% flowering, biological yield, number of auxiliary branches, number of pods per auxiliary branch and number of pods per plant was the best genotypes in normal and stress conditions. Licord and Zarfam genotypes had the most of 1000-seed weight. Hay-401 genotype had the most of pod length. Genotypes comparison using Biplot cleared that the Hay-308 had the highest yield. The Hay-401, SLM046, Sarigol and opera genotypes had the lowest yield. The other genotypes had high yield.

In order to evaluate yield and seed protein of some determinate and indeterminate bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. ) cultivars response to different sowing dates, a field experiment was performed in 2014 cropping season as split plot arrangement based on complete block design with three replications in Talesh, Iran. Five sowing dates including of 5 May, 15 May, 25 May, 4 June, 14 June and five bean varieties including of Sadri (indeterminate), Goli (indeterminate), Akhtar (determinate), Pak (semideterminate), Dorsa (indeterminate) and along with local Pach bean colony (determinate) as check were randomized in main plots and sub plots, respectively. In this experiment, semideterminate Pak variety had the highest seed yield at the first sowing date (5 May). But, there was not significant difference between seed yield of semideterminate Pak variety and determinate local Pach bean colony. The highest pod number per plant obtained in semideterminate Pak variety under the first sowing date (5 May). The highest biological yield belonged to semideterminate Pak variety at the fifth sowing date (14 June). In addition, seed protein content increased in delayed sowing date. So that, there was inverse relationship between seed yied and seed protein content. Under Talesh climatic condition, important indices for seed yield enhancing in studied local bean colony and varieties were comprised pod number per plant, seed number per pod, 100 seed weight and harvest index. In general, the first sowing date (5 May) caused to enhance seed yield in semideterminate Pak variety and determinate local Pach bean colony under region climatic condition, respectively.

To evaluate the effect of maternal growth environment on the establishment and seed vigor of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. ), after warehouse storage, a field experimental was conducted as spilit plot arrangement in complete randomized block design with three replications. The Irrigation treatments, included full irrigation, moderate stress (irrigation flowering stage) and severe stress (irrigation from flowering to harvest), and fertilizer treatments included control (without fertilizer), bio-fertilizer, organic fertilizer, chemical fertilizer, integrated of manure bio-fertilizer with the chemical fertilizer and combination of manure organic fertilizer with chemical fertilizers. Seed vigor and survival after five years of natural storage were measured via vigor test and lipid peroxidation test and finally the grain yield and other plant characteristics were evaluated. The results showed that the moderate drought stress imposed on the mother plant reduced the germination percentage, while the plants which received the integrated bio-fertilizer with chemical fertilizer, had the highest percentage of germination. In this treatment plant height and grain yield increased whereas reduced EC and Lipid peroxidation, while the treatments in which recieved chemical fertilizerand had been under mild water stress, after the storage period, germination and yield component were more vulnerable. The results of seed vigor, establishment and peroxidation of membrane indicated that among of fertilizers treatment imposed on the maternal, the integrated bio-fertilizer with chemical fertilizer under different water stress conditions had the same result and showed more sustainability in seed vigor, yield and storability potential.

Drought is one of the most challenging issues in agriculture which jeopardizes the production of agricultural products, including wheat. Breeding plans to improve performance and increase drought tolerance is a major issue. Mahdavi and Roushan cultivars were crossed to increase grain yield under drought stress condition. Genetic diversity and genetic control of grain yield, yield components and drought related traits were evaluated using North Carolina Design III (NCD III). Considerable genetic variation in population was existed. Epistasis had significant role in genetic control of days to maturity, plant height, tiller number, 1000-grain weight and spike length. Meanwhile, dominance variance was greater than additive for flag leaf length and area. Bulk method is suitable for breeding this trait. For other traits epistasis was not significant and additive variance was greater than dominance in genetic control of these traits. These results showed that selection in the segregate generations of these traits could be effective and pedigree method or back cross is recommended for future breeding program of these traits. Path analysis showed that number of seeds per plant had the highest direct and indirect effect on grain yield.

Cadmium is one of the heavy metals and the important environmental pollutants that inhibits seed germination and plant growth and development. So, in these conditions, the use of methods for stimulation of seed germination is necessary. In this research, the effects of hydropriming on germination and growth indice of borage seedlings under cadmium stress were investigated in a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with three replications at the University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2015. The Experimental treatments were cadmium stress with four levels (S1, S2, S3 and S4; zero (control), 10, 50 and 100 mg. lit-1) and hydropriming with four levels (12, 24 and 48 hours). The results showed that the percentage and rate of germination, length and seedling dry weight, vigor indice and catalase and peroxidase enzymes activity were decreased with increasing stress level. In non stress condition, the percentage and rate of seed germination and seedlings dry weight of seedling derive from primed seeds were significantly higher than those of control seeds. Hydropriming significantly increased the seed germination and seedling growth indices of borage under cadmium stress conditions. 48 hours hydropriming under cadmium stress conditions, caused significant and 2-fold increase in the germination rate, 4. 5-fold in the seedling weight index, 3. 5 and 2. 5-fold in the activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes, respectively, as compared to control. In total, . 48 hours hydropriming was the most positive effects on seed germination and growth of borage seedling.

In order to study growing medium to replace peat in float system for improving germination and seedling production, an experiment was conducted in tobacco nursery field. The treatments were peat, vermiculite, field soil, manure, sand, tree cortex compost and tea residue. There were significant differences between growing mediums in terms of germination percentage, germination rate, germination vigor, seedling length vigor, seedling weight vigor, collar diameter, radicle dry weight and seedling dry weight. The highest germination percentage, germination rate, germination vigor and seedling length vigor were observed in treatment of peat 50%+vermiculite 25%+field soil 25%. The highest collar diameter, radicle dry weight, seedling dry weight and seedling weight vigor were found in treatment of tree cortex compost 50%+ field soil 25%+ manure 25%.

Increased drought is one of the consequences of global climate change in regions, arid and semi-arid areas particular in. Sesame is adaptable to drought condition which could produce a proper amount of good quality oil. This research, investigated reaction to drought of eight genotypes of sesame collection of National Plant Gene Bank of Iran, along with cultivars Oltan and Darab1 in two experiments in a randomized complete block design with three replications, under normal irrigation and restriction of irrigation since beginning of flowering as stress condition. Based on results, accession KC50662 and cultivar Oltan were placed in the top group in terms of yield and yield components, under both conditions. Based on tolerance and susceptibility indices and components analysis, genotypes indicated susceptible to tolerant reactions that showing enough diversity in the collections in order to select genotypes under normal and drought stress conditions. Accessions KC50658 and KC50321, were the most tolerant and susceptible respectively, and genotype KC50662 and cultivar Oltan with high potential in normal and more yield in stress conditions. These two accessions having high STI index, according to Fernandez classification, having the most yield in two conditions. The principal component analysis identified the variation explaining traits and indicated that accession KC50662 and cultivar Oltan were suitable for breeding objectives in varying humidity conditions. The regression results for STI, showed that accessions with higher index (STI) had more grain weight per capsule, higher capsules number per plant, and longer petiole in lower leaf that measured in normal condition.

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of seedlings age and date of transplanting on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of sugar beet at Jovein Barkat Company (60 km northeastern of Sabzevar, Razavi Khorasn) in 2011-2012. The experiment was carried out as a split plot design in a completely randomized blocks design with three replications. Factors were: seedling transplanting date (21 May, 4 June and 21 June) as main plot and seedling age (30, 40, 50, 60 and direct sowing) as sub plot. The results indicated that delayed in seedling transfer date decreased root yield by 16. 45%, sugar yield by 21. 77% and increased Na+ by 9. 55%. Other beet quality did not affected by seedling transfer date. Increasing seedling age increased root yield and sugar content and sugar yield in comparison with direct sowing whereas seedling age did not have significant effect on sugar content, K+ content and α-amino N. overall, result suggested that transplanting on 21 June was more sensitive to seedling age. The highest root yield was observed on 60 days seedling age and transplanting on 21 May. Delay in planting date for direct sowing of sugar beet considerably reduced root and sugar yield. Overall, in a similar situation in all planting dates 60 days seedling age could be suggested for the maximum root and sugar yield but in late planting date use of 30 days seedling age is not recommended.