Year:2009 | Volume:21 | Issue:IN NATURAL RESOURCES (SPECIAL ISSUE)|Papers Count:33

Effect of water deficioncy on yield and some morphological Dracocephalum moldavica L. characteristics, this research was analysed during 2004-2005 at a greenhouse in Research Institute of Forestry and Rangelands. Three Dracocephalum moldavica L. populations collected from Tehran, Isfehan and Fars provinces were evaluated under three levels of moisture contents including 100, 60 and 40% FC using a split plot with randomize complete block design with 4 replications. Based on the results, effect of water deficit on yield and various plant characteristics was significant in both years. Mean comprison of moisture treatments in first year showed that the highest stem diameter (0.9383 mm) related to 40% FC ,highest flower shoot (3859 kg/ha) related to 60%FC, highest biological yield (4536kg/ha), stem yield (2322kg/ha), leaf yield (961.6 kg/ha), seed yield (970 kg/ha), plant high (52.25 cm), leaf width (3.042 cm), lateral stem (19.25 n/p), Highest internode (2.828 cm) and root yield (311.1g/ m2) related to 100% FC treatments. Comparison of mean showed in second year mean showed that the treatment of 40%FC had highest root diameter (0.9642 mm), 100% FC, had highest leaf length 4.4117 cm), width leaf (3.092 cm), plan high (42.33 cm), lateral stem (17.83 n/p), highest internode (3.298 cm), leaf surface (1655 cm2), flower shoot (4239 kg/ha), biological yield (3483 kg/ha), stem yield (1701), leaf yield (711.4 kg/ha), and thousand grain weight (1.918 g) had significant differences with other treatments. It could be included from this investigation that Dracocephalum moldavica L. is semiresistant plant to water deficit.

Molybdenum is a heavy metal that its high concentration is toxic in plants. In this study, toxic effect of Na2MoO4.2H2O on licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) var. glabra and var. glandulifera callus was investigated. Calli cultivated on the MS medium containing 0, 250, 500, 1000mM sodium molybdate for two weeks. Then calluses were used for biochemical analysis. In molybdenum treatments significantly increased content of anthocyanin. Peroxidase activity significantly increased in var. glandulifera in molybdenum treatments, but in var. glabra increase of activity only was observed in 250, 1000 mM molybdenum. In var. glabra, molybdenum treatments increased protein content and 500 mM molybdenum caused the highest protein content whereas in var. glandulifera the quantitive of protein wasn’t change. Malondealdehyde content increased in high level of molybdenum. Therefore, molybdenum stress increased anthocyanin content and peroxidase activity in this plant as well as toxicity symptoms appeared as peroxidation lipid in high concentration of molybdenum.

Rosa damascena Mill. is one of the important rose species for production of aromatic compounds. The oil and distilled water of Rose are used vastly in medicinal, hygienic-cosmetic and food industries. One of the main aromatic compounds of rose is phenyl ethyl alcohol. Because of the high solubility of this compound in water, the most content of it is solved in distilled rose water, so it is not present in rose oil or it’s percentage is very low. The aim of this study was extraction of the soluble compounds from distilled water by organic solvent and adding them to rose oil for improving it. For this purpose, three Rosa damascena samples were examined. The first oils were obtained by hydro distillation. The aromatic compounds of distilled water extracted by liquid-liquid extraction method with hexane, petroleum ether and dichloromethane. The first oils (main oils obtained by hydrodistillation), the second oils (aromatic compounds extracted by solvent from distilled water) and the mixture of them were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The results showed the best solvent for extraction of phenyl ethyl alcohol from distilled water was dichloromethane. Adding the second oil extracted with dichloromethane to the first oil, not only increased the percentage of phenyl ethyl alcohol but also increased the relative content of citronellol and geraniol in the mixed oil. Addition of second oil, obtained by petroleum ether to the first oil, increased the percentage of citronellol, while increasing of phenyl ethyl alcohol was not remarkable. The percentage of phenyl ethyl alcohol in the mixed oil (the second oil extracted with dichloromethane + the first oil) was more than 20%.

Because Hypericum perforatum L. distributes in altitude 0 – 2000 m from sea level in Golestan province, this project was performed to introduce the suitable cultivar with the highest amount of effective material. This study was conducted on the cultivars yield of Hypericum perforatum L. at the Chalki Research Station from 1380-1384. Experiment was carried out as split plot based on Randomized Complete Block design with three replications. Treatments included: Furrow–irrigatation as main plot from April to September based on 0, -0.3, -5 and -15 Mpa. Based on Wilting point that was determinated by means of TDR, and Cultivars: two improved (NLC and TOPAZ) and two ecotypes collected from Golestan province as sub plots. The timing of irrigation was determined by TDR apparatus. The aerial parts of plants (20-25 cm from the top) were harvested during the flowering stage for determining of dry matter yield. Dry matter yield was significant different between cultivars (p<0.01) and in irrigation levels (p<0.01). Hypericin amount was not significant different between cultivars but was significant different in irrigation levels (p<0.05). Dry matter yield were higher in Topaz, and local Narrow leaf and Broad leaf Cultivars than NLC, 64.6%, 49.4% and 37.1%, respectively.

The pistachio tree (Pistacia vera. L) a member of the family Anacardiaceae is one of the eleven species of the genus pistacia. P. vera is the only species in this genus, successfully grown in orchards. Wild trees of this species have been growing in Khajeh forest in North East of Iran. Which produces edible nuts large enough to be commercially acceptable. The aims of this study were learn about effective factors on regeneration of this species in natural habitats in Khojeh forest. In this study we investigated the effects of deferent topographic factors such as aspect, slope, elevation and livestock grazing on reproduction of, P. vera species considering, vitality and seedling number. 48 plots in random design using of complex maps (aspect, slope, elevation) created with GIS soft ware determined and in every plot sampling of this factors were done. Results showed that slope aspect had a significant effect on seedling number (higher at north and east aspects respectively with means 129.15 & 127 seedlings per hec). But management, Elevation & slope had not significant Effects on seedling number. Results of investigations also showed that grazing and slope had a significant effect on seedling survival, but. Slope aspect and elevation had not significant Effects on seedling survival. In total the most number of seedling and their survival showed that preserving have positive effects in this region.

In this investigation, the influence of steaming time on MDF properties made from Eucalyptus wood (Eucalyptus microtheca sp.) have been studied. Variable factors were steaming time in two levels (7.5 and 15 minutes), press temprature in two levels (165 and 175oc) and press time in three levels (3, 4 and 5 minutes).The results of this study indicated that, the highest and lowest MOR and MOE, were observed on MDF boards that produced in 15 and 7.5 minutes steaming time respectively. The results also showed that MOR and MOE of boards produced with 165 press temprature were higher than boards that produced with 175oc, significantly. However, the effect of press time on MOR was not significant, with increasing of press time, MOE of boards decreased, significantly. The results showed that steaming time on IB had significantly effect and the highest IB related to boards produced under 7.5 minutes steaming time condition. Also press temprature had significant effect on IB, and the highest of IB observed in boards produced in 165oc.The combined effect of steaming time and press temprature on IB was significant and the lowest of IB observed in the 15 minutes of steaming time and 175oc press temprature. The effect of steaming time on thickness swelling was significantand the lowest and highest of thickness swelling of boards revealed in 7.5 and 15 minutes of steaming time.

Land use change is one of the most accelerated factors of surface and subsurface hydrological processes, soil erosion and sediment yield. The purpose of this study is distributed-probabilistic modeling of land use change from forest land to arable land using development of scenarios. At first, Land use map of three dates 1967, 1994 and 2004 were prepared using digital topographic maps and ETM+ satellite images. By means of comparison and using change detection extension of Arc/View software, change detection of these periods was obtained. Change detection analysis has shown forest and dry farming area was decreased by 375 and 1154 hectare and released and irrigated farming area was increased by 1240 and 202 hectare respectively, between 1967 to 2004. The results of T-student and Chi-square statistical analysis showed that slope angle, elevation above sea level, distance from roads and residential areas have effect on forest-dry farming transformation, significantly. The results of statistical analysis have shown that some environmental and anthropogenic factors are the effective factors of these changes. Then using Bayesian Theorem, distributed-probabilistic model of these changes was developed and overall probability of each factor was derived from single probability. Also, this model was developed in GIS using stochastic distribution in whole of Farim Drainage Basin and predicting maps of land use change from forest land to arable land were generated. The results have shown 88 hectare forest lands will be converted to dry land farming into lower slope and close to roads and residential areas.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the farmers, knowledge about soil conservation practices. The study was descriptive-correlation survey research. The statistical population includes all farmers (N=394) living in 14 villages, which locate in the Karkheh and Dez Watershed in Khusestan Province of Iran. A sample of 82 farmers was selected by the use of “proportionate stratified random sampling” method. A questionnaire was designed and employed to gather the required data. A panel of experts verified its content validity. A pilot study was initially conducted to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. The data were analyzed by the use of descriptive and inferential statistics such as extent of mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, correlation analysis and regression analysis. The findings revealed that majority of the farmers were on medium level of knowledge of soil conservation practices. The results showed that there was a significant and positive correlation between farmers’ knowledge about soil conservation practices and level of using information sources and communication channels for acquisition of information about soil conservation practices, level of Cosmo politeness, land size and level of income from agriculture. The result of multiple regression showed that variables consisting level of Cosmo politeness, level of income from agriculture and level of access to infrastructure could explain 26% of the variation in the level of knowledge about soil conservation practices among farmers living in the Karkheh and Dez Watershed in Khusestan Province of Iran.

This study was performed on determination of the best cutting age of Populus deltoids trees (clone 77.51) based on wood fundamental properties. Three normal trees were randomly cut down in different cutting ages with 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 12-years age from Shastkolateh Experimental Forest located in Gorgan. Anatomical, Physical and Chemical properties of each tree was recorded. The results indicated that, the effects of different cutting ages of Populus deltoids trees on wood fiber dimensions (fiber length, fiber diameter and cell wall thickness), wood physical properties (dry density, critical density and volumetric shrinkage) and wood chemical components (cellulose, lignin, extractives soluble in alchoal-aceton,hot water soluble extractives, sodium hydroxide soluble extractives and ash) were significantly different in 95% confident levels. Also, the results releved that, there are no significant differences in anatomical characteristics, physical properties and chemical components of Populus deltoids trees at 12-years age. Since wood juvenile of the species Populus deltoids trees have finished, therefore, based on fundamental properties of wood, the best cutting age of populus deltoids spp trees(clone 77.51) from Shastkolateh zone in Golestan Provience is 12 years-old.

Rosemary is a perennial succulent plant that culture of this plant for pharmacy and cosmetic industries is most important in Iran and scientific name of rosemary is Rosmarinus officinalis. A major product of Rosemary is cultured in Tehran province. Major pathogen of this plant is Rhizoctonia solani Kuehn. Plant disease samples were taken from Karaj (Institute of Medicinal Plants, Iranian Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research). Symptoms on original plant included root and crown rot, canker and vascular tissue darkening and pith and root hallow and eventual darkening in order to isolate disease agent (s), symptomatic root and crown tissues after surface sterilization with sodium hypochlorite (1%), were cultured on PDA medium in petri dishes. Fungal colonies grew from tissue segments and were subsequently culture. Hyphal tip was removed from colony of rhizoctonia margin placed on PDA medium and incubated in dark stained hyphal diameter of about one hundred hyphae measured. After nuclear staining of rhizoctonia single hyphae contained several nuclei. The fungal isolate identified as Rhizoctonia solani based on the following test. From the results of this study it is concluded that Rhizoctonia solani is the causal agent of root and crown rot disease of Rosmarinus officinalis in Karaj.

Rosa damascena Mill belongs to the family of Rosaceae. It can grow in some vegetative methods such as tiller, hard wood cutting, semi hard wood cutting, grafting, and cografting. These methods were not adequet for some of hybridation investigation and genetic investigations, and it is necessary to recognize the flowers structure and seed germination. In this research, the effect of different mechanical and chemical treatments on seed dormancy and its germination in Rosa damascena Mill. is studied in terms of factorial design and based on completely randomized design with 24 treatments is used. Treatments consisted of the use of control, 96% and 50% sulfuric acid for 10, 20 and 30 minutes, 50 mgl-1 citric acid, 0.05 M and 0.01 M giberellic acid, 0.05 M calcium nitrat, 50 mgl-1 citric acid and 0.05 M giberellic acid mixed, 50 mgl-1 citric acid and 0.05 M giberellic acid mixed for 45 minutes, in durations of 24 and 48 hours. This treatment was done in three periods of 3, 6 and 9 months with the temperature of 2-4°c. Results show that the best treatment in a three month period would be the combination of 50 mgl-1 citric acid and 0.05 M giberellic acid and 50 mg/lit citric acid with 45 minutes scarification will result in 29.16% and 20.83% respectively. In six months stratification 50 mgl-1 citric acid and 0.05 M giberellic acid combined with 24 hours scarification and 0.05 M calcium nitrat with 48 hours scarification will result in 87.5%, 83.33% respectively. In nine months stratification 0.05 M calcium nitrat with 24, 48 hours scarification, and 0.01 M giberellic acid with 48 hours scarification, will result in 95.33%, 79.16% and 79.16% respectively. The last treatment resulted in the best germination perecentage. But in three, six and nine months stratification do not have any affects on the seed germination Rosa damascena Mill. Treatments of 96% sulfuric acid with the duration of 10, 30 minutes, scarification and 50% sulfuric acid with 30 minutes, scarification and 50 mgl-1 citric acid, 0.01 M giberellic acid combined with 24 hours scarification. 0.05 M giberellic acid with the duration of 45 minutes and 24 hours scarification, did not have any effects on the germination of Rosa damascena Mill.

Irrigation with effluent maybe increases concentration of heavy metals in soil and plant. Hence, a case study was undertaken to assess the long-term effect of effluent irrigation on heavy metals content in soil and plant. In this study, two sites under afforestation of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) trees irrigated by municipal effluent and well water in south of Tehran for at least 15 years were selected. For this purpose, four sample plots (30 m × 30 m) were randomly chosen in either of both areas. In each plot four trees were selected to collect the leaf samples. Under each selected tree a soil profile was dug to take the samples in depths of 0-15, 15-30, 30-60. In laboratory, the concentration of Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb of water (effluent and well water), soil and leaf samples were determined. Results indicated that municipal effluent had higher amount of Zn, Cu, Ni and Pb compared to well water. The concentrations of Zn, Ni and Pb of municipal effluent and Ni and Pb of well water were greater from those of the normal ranges (WHO). The heavy metals accumulations of soil were significantly greater in area irrigated with municipal effluent than in well water and also in depth of 0-15 compared to lower layers. Pb concentration of soil irrigated by municipal effluent and well water, and Ni concentration of soil irrigated by municipal effluent were greater than those of the normal ranges (EPA). The results did not show any accumulation of Ni and Pb in leaf samples but Zn and Cu concentrations in leaf of trees irrigated by municipal effluent were significantly greater than those irrigated by well water but were not dangerous for the tree.

This study was conducted to assess the haplotype diversity and genetic relationship between wild and cultivated of Iranian grapevines bye using 10 chloroplast microsatalite primers. Results showed that among analyzed cpssr loci only ccmp3 and ccmp10 were polymorphic within cultivars and only ccmp3 was polymorphic in wild grape individuals. The size variants of both loci combine in a total of 4 different haplotypes. All the 4 haplotypes are displayed in the cultivars while only 2 are presented in wild grapes. Sultani or Keshmeshi Bidaneh cultivar has the haplotype III that there is not this haplotype among the wild grapes of studied regions. Concerning to existence of both haplotypes I and II in the number of Iranian cultivated and wild grapes, it is possible to consider that wild grape are ancestor of some of our native cultivars.

In global view, soil is the most important part of environment. One of the results of sewerage and industrial wastes discharge to soil and groundwater is the accumulation of pollutant and toxic compounds in environment, whereas one of the best known of these pollutants are the hydrocarbon compounds. Bioremediation, in other hand biological removal of such compounds appears to be most reliable and confident technology among other remediation technologies. Therefore the aim of this work is to evaluate the ability of two isolates of indigenous bacteria which were isolated from oil contaminated soils, in cleaning and remediation of hydrocarbon compounds and investigating of their biological removal efficiency in optimal condition. This work was carried out through several steps including; 1- isolating and purification of indigenous bacteria for treatment of hydrocarbon contaminated soils. 2- Soil sampling and preparation for experiments. 3- Determination of biological removal rate for two bacteria in soil. Results showed that regarding to environmental conditions (temperature, 27±2; moisture, 60% FC and aeration) bacterial isolates could degrade and remove approximately 93% of gasoil after 45 days. It seems to be promising results, regarding to the time of experiment.

Natural regeneration subject is the most important factors for survival and sustainability of natural forest ecosystems. Understanding of regeneration condition establishment of dominant species such as oak (Quercus castaneifolia) would be helpful to find out succession stages stands. For this purpose a study has been done in district No3 of loveh forest management plan. Condition of regeneration investigated in 3 elevation ranges (600, 1100 and 1600 m) in natural and non-disturbed sites. Random systematic method was applied, 27 plots in area of 2500m2 were established, then 5 square microplot in dimension of 5×5m (135 altogether) were considered for measurement of all seedling and sapling updown and above 1.30 meters. Regeneration data was analysis in different elevation aspect and slop. Result showed that regeneration frequency change is not depended to increasing of elevation uniformly. Higher number of regeneration is located in lower and higher elevation but it decreases in middle altitude. the most of number of regeneration observed to southern- west and northern-east and in slop of lower than 10%, for establishment regeneration, optimum crown 75- 90% and it was best depth humus and litter 3-4cm. according to the result the least number regeneration usually appear in lower altitude, lower slop and southern geographical. This subject is very helpful to make decision for silviculture systems application and plantation this species.

In this paper, attitudes and views of Iranian Agricultural Researchers on creating an eprint archive for the era have been reviewed. To do this, a sample society comprising 350 researchers, who had published at least one paper in an Iranian agricultural peer-reviewed journals between 2002 – 2005, was chosen and through questionnaire, it was attempted to specify firstly do the researchers believe to use unpublished and non-peer reviewed papers, secondly, do they have enough motivation and readiness to share their unpublished papers in such an archive, and finally is such an archive effective enough in the country agricultural scientific process? The results show that more than 50 percent of respondents will benefit from unpublished or preprint papers that are related to their research projects in some way. The rate of researchers participation in the potential eprint archive to much extent depends on fulfilling some requirements such as accrediting the archive by competent/official authorities, copyright protections, and doing necessary activities to prevent plagiarism. The results of this research also show that about 33% of respondents do not believe that such an archive can be so effects on scientific research process of the country, at the same time about 33% of respondents have a completely opposite view as well. The present research finally suggests setting up an experimental eprint archive to show the potential roles that they can play in scientific process and get agricultural researchers familiar with such capabilities.

Moringa peregrina is a valuable tree with economical and medicinal values as well as environmental importance. Due to several reasons such as seed harvesting, the species lacks enough regeneration in its habitats in the country. There are several restrictions on seedling production of the species for which optimizing seedling production is of great importance. Seed germination and seedling production of two species of moringa named M. oleifera and M. peregrina were investigated on three different media, MS without sucrose, sterile mixture of pit and vermiculite and normal mixture of pit and vermiculite based on completely randomized design. Characteristics such as main root and hypocotyls length were recorded and analyzed after seed germination and seedling growth. In spite of a long period of seed sowing, the seeds sown in pots and magentas did not germinate enough but sowing the uncoated seeds on MS medium resulted in a good seed germination and seedling growth. In other words, this method may be easily used for old seed reclamation and seedling production on the two species. There were significant differences on early vegetative growth and growth speed of the two species based on the plantlets grown on the MS medium, which are discussed in the text.

Aflatoxin B1 produced by Aspergillus parasiticus is highly toxic and carcinogenic. The present study was planned to study antifungal effects of some Iranian plants such as Mentha piperita L. and Eucalyptus camaldulensis var. obtuse on the growth and inhibition or control of aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus. The plants were dried and hydrodistilled. The chemical constituents of the essential oils thus obtained were identified by GC/MS. Employing disc diffusion and tube dilution methods antifungal effects of the oils on were studied on Aspergillus parasiticus NRRL2999 in-vitro. Zones of microbial growth inhibition and Minimum Inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MIC & MFC) of the microorganism exposed to various dilutions of the oils were determined. Quantitative and qualitative production of aflatoxin in control and the test samples exposed to the essential oils, were studied. The oils from M. piperita and E. camaldulensis were inhibitory to the fungal growth and toxin production. Both oils were sporicidal at 500ppm and at lower concentrations the oils had static effect. GC/MS analysis of the oils revealed to identification of the chemical constituents with Isomenthone (10.3%), Trans carveol (14.5%), Piperitenone oxide (19.3%) and α-Terpinene (19.7%) as the major compounds of M. piperita oil. The main compounds in Eucalyptus camaldulensis var. obtuse oil were identified as γ-terpinene (7%), Myrcenol (7.4%), a-pinene (9.6%) and 1, 8-Cineole (64%). The results indicate feasibility of application of natural sources in the control of growth and aflatoxin production by Aspergillus parasiticus.

Assessment and comparison of conventional logging methods in Hyrcanian Forest such as large and small Cut-to-length considering their impact on forest ecosystem and costs of production in different operating stage can inform us to the advantages and disadvantages of these methods, for suggesting an optimal logging method with low costs. This study was carried out in 213 and 227 compartment of Namkhaneh district, in Kheyrud Forest. In this study, the elemental times and effective factors on turn time were identified with 31 and 34 turns were studied with large and small cut-to-length method, respectively. Regression models were developed for these methods using SPSS 11.0 statistical program. The hourly production with or without delays in skidding with Caterpillar skidder in large CTL were 11.65 and 16.68 Cubic meters per hour, respectively. However, for small CTL method, they were 8.78 and 12.95 Cubic meters per hour, respectively. In order to determine the skidding cost, we used proposed model by Forest and Range Organization. The results indicated that on both logging methods, the increasing of skidding distance led to increase time and skidding cost linearly.

This study was performed with the aim of investigation on soda – AQ pulping of wheat straw for making fluting paper. Chemical composition of wheat straw involving of cellulose, lignin, exteractives and ash were assessed as 49.67, 21.24, 5.41 and 76.9 %. Wheat straw was delignified by soda – AQ pulping under varying conditions of alkali and cooking time. In addition, Treatment temperature, AQ charge and liquor to feedstocks ratio were kept constant. The effects of cooking parameters (alkali and cooking time) on pulp properties (screened yield, total yield and kappa number) were investigated. The results indicated that alkali and cooking time no significant effect on screened yield and total yield but the significant effect had on kappa number. Optimum pulp was selected and because of the it's freeness had in the acceptable level for making of 120 gr/m2 handsheet papers, wasn’t refined. The resistances of handsheet papers were measured according to TAPPI standards and compared with papers made from occ pulp. The results indicated that fluting papers of wheat straw pulp had superior strength properties as compared with fluting papers of OCC pulp.

The Genu Protected Area encompasses Kuh–e–Genu, a single and isolated mountain rising above the Persian Gulf coastal plain. The Genu Protected Area is located in Hormozgan province, 30 km north west of Bandar Abbas between latitudes (27o18′50″-27o29′16″ N) and longitudes (55o 57′30″-56o18′4″E), at about 70 to 2347m above sea level. It covers an area of about 43000 hectares. The species composition in the soil seed bank of the study area was assessed using the seedling emergence method compared with the standing vegetation. Data on species composition of the standing vegetation was acquired from the releves of phytosociological study area. The soil seed bank is important because of the impact of the seed reserve of the soil on current and future vegetation. The surface soil was collected at 10-cm intervals among the horizontal scale and was divided to a 0-5-cm deep upper layer and a 5-10- cm deep lower layer, from 135 plots of 20 associations. Soils were spread on sterile sand in a glasshouse and watered regularly. Emerging of the seedlings was recorded for more than one year. A total of 3934 seedlings belonging to 163 species germinated. Among the germinated species 47 were found to be absent in the standing vegetation. However correspondence between species number and composition of the seed banks and the standing vegetation was poor. In other words, the species in the soil seed bank were not representatives of the standing vegetation. The species composition in the seed bank was dominated by therophytes but trees and shrubs were rare. It is concluded that Phanerophytes and Chamaephytes are vulnerable to destruction. Meanwhile similarity indices of the standing vegetation and soil seed bank in different associations were 11- 43 percent. It seems that different factors may be responsible for low similarity index, i.e. differences in vegetation type regarding to life forms, list of floristics in different associations, site conditions and drought.

The main purpose of this investigation was to determine and recognize the plant structure and also flora study of Ferdows area in Southern Khorasan. The results showed that there are 164 species belonging to 114 genus and 31 families. The families of Asteraceae (Compositae) with 18 genus and 29 species, Poaceae (Graminae) with 15 genus and 16 species and families and Labiateae with 8 genus and 14 species are the most important elements of plant structure of the area. Based on Raunkier method, therophytes and hemicryptophytes were among the most important life forms comparing with the other ones. The most common Chorotypes was mostly Irano-Turanian type. In relation with endemism, only three species are endemic to area. Based on physiognomic method 11 plant communities were observed.

Climatic changes as one of the major global challenges has made interested in itself researchers, scientists, planners and politicians. Since the climate is one of the important parts of ecosystem, a little change on it, can affect other parts of the ecosystem in different severity. So the survey of climate changes, reasons and the effects of it on ecosystems and the human life are the cases that have special priority in natural recourse and land unit management such as ecosystem, field or watershed. To survey climatic changes in Iran, monthly and yearly changes trend of five parameters (minimum temperature, maximum temperature, mean temperature, relative humidity and the precipitation) at 26 synoptic stations (Babolsar, Bam, Bandaranzali, Esfahan, Kerman, Kermanshah, Khorram Abad, Mashhad, Ramsar, Rasht, Shahrood, Shiraz, Tabriz, Tehran Mehra bad, Yazd, Zahedan, Iranshahr, Khoy, Zanjan, Shahrekord, Sanandaj, Oroomieh, Hamedan, Birjand, Gorgan and Sabzevar) at 55 years duration have been surveyed by using y=a+bx function and t Kendall test. The results show the changes in temperature at the most stations which are in central, east and north of the country. Most of stations at Zagros have no significant changes at temperature. Precipitation parameter in the summer has significant descendant at most stations. Most stations at center and east of Iran have descendant relative humidity trend, while this condition isn’t spreading in Zagros and north part of country. Also, results showed that the steepness and effect of minimum temperature in increasing in mean temperature, at stations that have temperature ascending trend, is more than maximum temperature. This subject can be the result of increasing in green house gases and reflection of received thermal energies from land at night. Temperature ascendant and relative humidity descendent can increase evaporation of received precipitation. At whole according to the surveyed station, climate changes trend at central and east and to some extent north part of country is observed.

In the last decade wind energy has been exensinly used over the world. It is necessary to have long period wind speed data and their statistical characteristics for determined wind energy generated, using of Wind Energy Eonversion Systems and decreasing the damage of wind erosion. In this study, Weibull distribution, Markov chain and time series methods were used to generate hundred 100 years tree hourly wind speed values at Zabol and Yazd stations. In Markov chain first, transition probability matrix were developed from the real wind data, cumulative probability matrix were determined and then wind speed generated. For time series method one model was developed for each month and in most months AR2 and AR5 were used. Result showed that time series and Weibull distribution have better performance in average and standard deviation criteria and for Autocorrelation and Skewness parameter time series and Markov chain had better application. Regarding to serial correlation in wind speed series time series model had better application and suggested for wind speed generation.

In order to investigation effect of mother trees as a nurse plant and slope aspect the study in systematic random designs in Hezar Masjed forests was carried out. Treatments was slope aspect (north, east, south, west) and planting location (under mother trees as a nurse plant, planting in open area) with three replications and 30 seedlings in every replication (in total 720 seedling). In order to investigation effect of these factors annually twice (initial May and October) measurement of survival, height, height growth and collar diameter was carried out. According to results of this research can cited that planting under associated plant species deducted mortality of seedlings in Summer and Winter period, also seedlings height growth planted under nurse plant and open area had no significant with each other. In total due to increase seedlings survival we can plant seedling under associated plant species.