IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PULSES RESEARCH
Year:2010 | Volume:1 | Issue:2|Papers Count:13

In order to evaluate nitrogen fixation ability and nutrients uptake in three cultivars of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) inoculating with some types of inoculants containing different strains of Rhizobium leguminosarum; bv. phaseoli an experimental design was conducted in Khoramdarah region in 2006 and 2007. In this investigation three types of biological fertilizers including Rb117, Rb123, Rb136 and a commercial inoculants (Rhizobean super plus) with two treatment N100 (use of 100 Kg nitrogen/ha) and control (without seeds inoculated and fertilizer) and three common bean cultivars including COS16, Derakhshan and Akhtar (red skin) were used. The experiment was factorial in a randomized complete block design. The strains were provided by Soil and Water Research Institute Laboratory. Rb117 strain showed 58 percent increase in seed yield compared to non inoculants treatment. Among inoculants, the effect of Rb123 strain was 32% compared to others. The highest rate of nitrate reductase enzyme activity was at fertilizer treatment (100 Kg net N per ha) as 1099.18 n mol/g FW/h and the lowest enzyme activity was observed at control (720.3 n mol /g FW/h). Influence of inoculants on potassium and phosphorus absorption by plant, was significant. The highest means were obtained in inoculants treatments. The strain of Rb117 was more effective on common bean compared to other strains. In three cultivars, the COS16 was successful compared to other cultivars. High seed yield and many evaluated traits achieved by COS16 (spotted bean), second year of experiment and Rb117 strain.

Plant population density (PPD) and nitrogen (N) have large effects on chickpea growth and yield. To study these effects on chickpea (var. Kourosh) a factorial experiment (4×3) in randomized complete block design with four replications was carried out at research farm of college of Agriculture & Natural Science, Karaj (Iran) in 2006. Four PPD treatments were 16, 32, 48 and 64 plant m-2 and N amount were 0.0, 25 and 50 Kg per ha. Morphological and agronomic traits such as plant height, first node distance from ground level, number of primary and secondary branches, pods per plant, seed yield per plant and per unit area, biological yield, harvest index, 1000 seed weight were all recorded. The results indicated that density of 48 plants m-2 (with 50 cm between and 4.2 cm within the rows) and starter nitrogen rate of 50 kg ha-1 were the best treatments which produced an average seed yield of 1727 and 1588 kg ha-1, respectively. Increase in chickpea density caused a significant rise in plant height, first node distance from ground level and biological yield. However, certain traits such as the number of primary and secondary branches, seeds per pod, pods per plant, seed yield/plant decreased significantly with plant density. The starter N fertilizer also increased some agronomic traits of chickpea such as seed and biological yield, harvest index, seeds per pod, and pods per plant, significantly. On the whole, the highest chickpea seed yield (in cv. Kourosh) was obtained from the combination of 48 plant m-2 and starter nitrogen amount of 25 to 50 kg ha-1 at Karaj conditions.

In order to study the morphological, phenological and yield characteristics of 70 Desi chickpea genotypes, a trial was conducted on 2007 in Research Farm of Agriculture Faculty of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. In this study, 70 Desi chickpea genotypes from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Seed Bank, were planted in plots without replication including one to Four planting rows at maximum length of 2.5 m and row space of 50 cm. Some characteristics were measured for each accession based on chickpea descriptors, including the days from emerging to flowering, flowering to pod setting, flowering to maturity, plant height, leaflet length and width, number of leaflet per leaf, leaf length, leaf area, number of node per main stem, number of primary, secondary and tertiary branches, flower length, pod length, number of pod per plant, number of seeds per pod, seed color and shape, 1000 seed weight, and seed yield. The results showed that rang of days from flowering to maturity were 32 to 44 days. Highest (47%) and lowest (20%) number of genotypes for days from flowering to maturity had ranges from 37 till 39 days and less than 37 days, respectively. The range of plant height among genotypes was 53 cm and MCC708 with 63 cm had the highest plant height. The height of the first pod from soil surface of 13% of genotypes was more than 15 cm. Seed yield in 64% of genotypes, those had the highest seed yield, was more than 400 gm-2 and MCC608 with 745 gm-2 had the most seed yield. In general, there was considerable diversity among chickpea genotypes for assessed characteristics. So it is possible to exploit this variation in breeding programs for improving yield of chickpea.

In order to evaluate the effects of foliar application of methanol and irrigation intervals on yield and yield components of chickpea cultivars a factorial experiment as split plots based on randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in spring 2008 at the Agricultural Research Station of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The treatments were 10 and 20 irrigation intervals as main plots and factorial combination of cultivars, ILC482 (Kabuli type) and Piroz (Desi type) with concentration of methanol 0, 10, 20 and 30 volume percent as subplots. Methanol sprayed on chickpea shoots after podding with 10 days interval. The results showed the effects of foliar application of methanol on yield and yield components were significant. Spray of 30 percent concentration affected yield and yield components more than other treatments. So that it increased number of pods, 100 seed weight, seed weight, seed number per plant and harvest index. Biological yield was the highest (2198 kg/ha) for 30 percent methanol and the lowest for zero percent (1823 kg/ha). In addition, 30 percent methanol had the highest grain yield (1243 kg/ha) and the lowest (904 kg/ha) was related to zero percent methanol. According to the results, foliar application of 30 percent methanol could be recommended for increasing the yield of chickpea.

In order to evaluate phenological characteristics, yield and yield components of 18 cold tolerant lentil genotypes in fall planting under supplementary irrigation, an experiment was carried out based on randomized complete block design in 2006-2007 at Research farm of college of agriculture, Ferdowsi university of Mashhad. Irrigation was performed three times: immediately after sowing, 20 days after that and at flowering stage. Based on results, the differences among genotypes for all traits were significant (p≤0.05). The range of vegetative period (emergence to flowering) among genotypes varied from 102 to 150 days. Numbers of branches per plant were different from 5 to 24. In addition, seed yield was observed to change from 76 g. m-2 in MLC13 to 379 g. m-2 in MLC20. Correlation between seed yield and vegetative growth period (r=0.79**), reproductive growth period (r=0.83**), plant height (r=0.62**), number of branches per plant (r=0.68**), length of branches per plant (r=0.56**) and numbers of pod per plant (r=0.80**) were positive and significant. Regarding to four times increase in seed yield in this experiment compared to average lentil seed yield in Iran, we predict an outstanding increase in producing of lentil in fall planting of cold tolerant lentil genotypes under supplementary irrigation.

In order to evaluate a better sowing date of chickpea cultivars in dry land conditions, a factorial experiment in randomized complete block design with four replications was carried out at research station of Bahar (Hamadan province) during 2005-2006 cropping season. Two planting time included winter and spring and four chickpea cultivars (cvs.) including one local (check) and three improved cvs. (i. e. Arman, Hashem and ILC482) were used. Plant characteristics such as seedling establishment percentage, plant height, first node height, number of primary branches, pods per plant, seeds per pod, 100 seed weight, biological yield, seed yield and harvest index were recorded. The results showed significant differences among sowing dates and chickpea cvs. The interaction effects was significant for all traits except for plant height, first node height, primary branches, seeds per pod and 100 seed weight. Mean seed and biological yield of cv. ILC482 were higher compared to other cultivars and were 1045 and 2385 kg. ha-1, respectively. The correlation coefficient between seed yield and total dry matter accumulation (r=0.57**) and harvest index (r=0.74**) was significant. The relationships between seedling establishment percentage and dry matter accumulation (r=0.67**) revealed that the lower seed yield of winter dry land chickpea in this region was due to lower seedling establishment (emergence). Therefore, the winter dry land chickpea that produced higher seed and dry matter accumulation as compared to spring planting in Bahar region of Hamadan province was most likely due to accessibility of cold tolerance cvs. (ILC482).

In order to evaluate the effects of drought stress at different phenological stages on growth indices of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivar Jam, an experiment was carried out at the Research Greenhouse of Faculty of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, using a completely randomized design with four replications. Drought stress was applied by preventing irrigation until the soil moisture reached to 20 percent of field capacity at stages of seedling, rapid growth, flowering, podding and seed filling. In this experiment, traits such as yield (seed yield/plant) and growth indices including plant leaf area (PLA), total dry weight (TDW), relative growth rate (RGR), plant growth rate (PGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), leaf area ratio (LAR) and specific leaf area (SLA) were measured. Results showed that the flowering stage in chickpea plant is more sensitive to drought stress because drought stress in flowering stage decreased yield per plant, TDW, RGR, PGR, NAR, but LAR and SLA increased. Seed filling stage showed less sensitivity to drought stress. Drought stress in seedling and rapid growth stages increased PGR and RGR.

Manipulating of planting pattern is a method to increase the crop yield per unit of area which should be considered in different regions. In order to evaluate the effects of between and within row distances on growth indices of Gahar Mung bean, an experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Center of Ilam in 2004. The experiment was a split-plot arranged in an RCB design. Three between row distances i. e. 50, 65 and 80 cm and three within row distances i. e. 5, 7.5 and 10 cm were levels of main and sub plots, respectively. In order to determine growth trend, sampling was conducted every week starting at seven days after emergence. Study of variation in DM, LAI, NAR and LWR of main plots revealed that 50cm between rows was better than 60 and 80 cm. Decreasing the distances between rows resulted in increasing of CGR. Decreasing the within rows distances had the same results. 50 cm between rows distances had the least RGR. Decreasing within rows distances decreased RGR, too in a way that 10 cm within row had the greatest RGR. Between rows 50cm had the greatest LAR especially in first half of growth duration. LAR in within rows followed the same trend as between rows. Based on these results obtained, in order to improve Mungobean yield it could be suggested to apply planting pattern of 50×5 cm.

In dry region, root systems play a major roll in controlling plant growth and yield due to their importance in absorbtion of water and nutrients. In order to evaluate the morphological characteristics of root chickpea and obtaining proper morphological makers for screening drought resistant genotypes, four experiments were conducted in different phenological stages of growth including, seedling, flowering, podding and seed filling stages. Ten conventional Iranian genotypes of chickpea with different geographical regions were selected from Mashhad Chickpea Collection. Except in seedling stage, genotypes were grown in drought stress (25% field capacity) and control (field capacity) conditions. Experiments were arranged in a factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications. In seedling stage, significant differences were found among genotypes for root traits. The value of RA, RV, RDW and TRL was highest in MCC358 genotype, however R/S ratio was highest in MCC30 genotype. Despite that drought and genotype intraction had not significant effects on tap root length in flowering and podding stages but in seed filling stage, drought stress decreased tap root length significantly compared to control. R/S ratio increased up to flowering stage in response to drought stress. This result was related to decrease in shoot growth compared to the root. We didn’t find uniform changes for root traits at different growth stages among the genotypes for introducing high performance genotypes throughout the growing season. So, in order to screen, selection must be done at the phenology of growth, which is most effective.

Field experiments were conducted in Zanjan, Markazi, Esfahan, and Chaharmahal va Bakhtiari provinces to evaluate Imazetapyr herbicide efficiency for weed control in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in 2006. There were four replications at each site and treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design. In Zanjan, maximum weed biomass reduction by 91 and 88 percent were achieved for pre emergence application of imazethapyr (0.5 l/ha) plus postemergence application of imazethapyr (0.5 l/ha), and pre emergence application of imazethapyr (1 l/ha), respectively. Imazethapyr in all manner of application (preplant incorporation, pre emergence, and postemergence) did not have unacceptable phytotoxic effects on common bean. Post emergence application of Imazethapyr did not have excellent potential as weed control tool in common bean. Although Imazethapyr did not provide the best weed control, by regarding to the restriction of herbicides available for broadleaf weed control in common bean, it is essential to consider registration of this herbicide. However, to be identified as having utility for adequately weed control, more investigation about the effects of Imazethapyr on prevalent weed species is a necessity.

In order to investigate the effect of chemical herbicides on control of broad leaf weeds of common bean, an experiment was conducted in 2007 at Yasouj with 12 treatments in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Treatments consisted of preplant application of Trifluralin herbicide at 960 g ai ha-1; postemergence application of Bentazon at 1200 g ai ha-1; Imaztapir at 50, 75 and 100 g ai ha-1; Fomesafen herbicide at 426, 639 and 852 g ai ha-1; Storm herbicide at 426, 639 and 1065 g ai ha-1; control weed free treatment by hand weeding and non-treated control were maintained weed free during the growing season. Results showed that the most effective treatment for increasing yield was Trifluralin which was similar to control and then followed by Bentazon and Fomesafen herbicides in all 3 doses. Maximum and minimum reduction of shoot dry weight of weeds was observed with Trifluralin and Bentazon application. Generally, concerning the problems of Trifluralin application that may affect next crop, post emergence application of Fomesafen is recommended. This herbicide, in addition to low impact on crop, has high potential for weed control.

A field experiment was conducted in Khorramabad to evaluate the efficacy of 12 herbicides [ethalfloralin (3 L. ha-1), trifloralin (2 L. ha-1), pendimethalin (1.5-2.5 L. ha-1), imazethapyr (0.5-0.7 L.ha-1), isoxaflotole (80 g. ha-1), pyridate (2.5 L. ha-1), bentazon (2 L. ha-1), metribuzine (0.7 kg. ha-1), fomesafen (1L. ha-1), simazine (80 g. ha-1), prometrine (830 g. ha-1), haloxyfop-R-methyl (1 L. ha-1)] applied alone or in combination for weed control, in chickpea in 2006-2007. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The least annual weed density among chemical treatments belonged to fomesafen and isoxaflotole applied post, mixture of simazine+prometrine applied pre, and metribuzine applied pre. Fomesafen and isoxaflotole applied post, and mixture of simazine+prometrine applied pre caused at least 87% reduction of weed density. Pyridate applied post, reduced weed population by 85%. In the basis of visual injury, 2 and 15 days after post emergence application, bentazon applied early post, fomesafen applied post, and imazethapyr in all manure of application caused serious crop injury. Isoxaflotole and fomesafen applied post, gave approximately complete control of weeds (96.5-99%). Mixture of simazine+prometrine applied pre provided near complete control of wild mustard. Weed dry weight for fomesafen applied post, was only 1.1% of unweeded control. Fomesafen applied pre and post, pyridate and isoxaflotole applied post, imazethapyr applied pre plant and post, imazethapyr applied pre+pendimethalin applied post, bentazon applied early post, and simazine+prometrine applied pre gave very good weed control (>90% reduction in weed dry weight). At 15 days after post treatment, bentazon applied early post, caused significant reduction of stem and leaf dry weight of chickpea by 81.6 and 82.9%, respectively. Isoxaflotole, fomesafen, and imazethapyr applied post, and metribuzine applied pre also caused significant crop injury. Fomesafen applied pre, was safe for chickpea. Maximum chickpea grain yield was recorded in hand weeding twice (1029 kg/ha) and once (984.5 kg/ha), however pyridate applied post, simazine+prometrine applied pre, pendimethalin applied pre plant incorporate, isoxaflotole applied post, metribuzine, pendimethalin, and fomesafen applied pre, pendimethalin applied post, imazethapyr, ethalfloralin and trifloralin applied pre plant incorporate, did not had significant difference with hand weeding treatments.

In order to study the effects of quantitative and qualitative traits on cooking characteristics and protein percentage of 15 Red bean genotypes, a Randomized Complete Block Design was conducted with three replications in normal irrigation and drought stress. These traits were measured in farm and nutrition laboratory employing international standard of CIAT. Analyses of variance showed that genotype were significantly different at some quantitative and qualitative traits under two independent conditions. Some of quantitative traits consisted of plant height, number of node per main shoot, days to 50% flowering, seed filling duration, seed size, 100 seed weight and protein percentage. The qualitative traits also consisted of hydration capacity, swelling capacity and seed appearance. Results of mean comparisons showed that the protein percentage increased under drought stress. Maturing and cooking time increased with drought stress. In factor analysis, 70% of total variation was explained by four hidden factors. These factors in normal condition were growth type, cooking characteristics and protein quality. In drought stress four factors in factor analysis was included plant physiological, seed yield related, seed quantitative, cooking ability and cooking time characteristics, respectively.