Year:2008 | Volume:21 | Issue:1 (78 IN AGRONOMY AND HORTICULTURE)|Papers Count:31

Almond with 146055 hectares cultivated area is one of the important horticulture products in Iran,. In addition to domestic consumption, annually many quantity of almond is exported to other countries.Existing data is indicating the fluctuation in prices and quantity of almond export. This situation shows the low influence and weakness bargaining power in the world market of almond. Market structure is an effective factor on bargaining power, increasing the diversity of target markets has increased the market power of exporters. In addition the knowledge of fluctuation in market structure is a suitable indicator for policy maker of almond export market. In this research the Herfindal index has been used to investigate the structure of export markets of almond and their changes during 1993-2003 in Iran. Needed data was gathered from formal sources. Results showed USA with over 40% production and 70% export, have the most role in world market of almond. The share of Iran in world market has been 2% and shows decreasing trend in 1999-2003. In this period the market structure of almond export for Iran and world market has been semi monopoly and completely monopoly, respectively.

The role of cortex and pith parenchyma cells in the invitro growth of microtubers was studied within the period of 10 weeks. In microtuberization induction, the cell divisions started in apical and subapical parts of the induced buds.The formed microtubers grew in length and diameter (radially). The growth of microtubers decreased within 45 day until the tenth week. The changes in length and width of microtubers were a result from the increase of cell numbers and cell divisions alongaxes. The cells produced from the activation of the microtuber apical meristem were more than those along the transverse axis. The increases of pith parenchyma cells had a more significant role than cortex parenchyma cells in microtuber diameter growth. The number of pith parenchyma cells increased faster than that of cortex parenchyma cells. The diameter growth of pith parenchyma cells started sooner than that of cortex parenchyma cells. The change of the growth trend from longitudinal to transverse at cortex and pith parenchyma cells were played an important role in microtuber expansion. These changes in cell parenchyma cells started sooner than pith parenchyma cells. The growth in length and width of microtubers were decreased together by the decrease of the division of the apical meristem and cortex and pith parenchyma cells.

Bibliographic network is necessary to exchange the bibliographic scientific information in university and research libraries. Through resource sharing and network based inter library loan services may be acquired some parts of information needs of researchers and faculty staff. The purpose of this research is to deliver a practical model for build a bibliographic network, to establish a cooperative information storage and retrieval system, for access the mass scientific information in the network, information dissemination easily and simply, to define a joint research projects among the libraries. The most important duties of the network are as follows: bibliographic control services, document delivery and recourse sharing, current awareness services, scientific information acquisition, to define standards, to train the library staff.

Castor bean (Ricinus communis) is a toxic plant and its natural toxin can be used in herbicides and or surface antiseptics.In this study, first aquatic extracts effect of castor bean leaf and fruit with 0, 2.5, 5, and 10 percent concentrations on germination and seedling growth of wheat and mung bean was examined. Then effect of 100% concentration of aquatic extract on four bacteria and two fungi was studied. Experiment statistical design was factorial in randomized complete block format with three replicates and means comparisons by Duncan's method at p<0.05. Results show that extracts of castor bean leaf and fruit with 2.5 percent of concentration have reduced wheat and mung bean germination significantly. Extract of castor bean leaf and fruit reduced radicle and coleoptile length of wheat and also hypocotyls and epicotyl of mung bean length and theirs dry weight but always the effect of leaf juice was more than fruit juice.The effect of leaf extract on wheat seedling as monocotyledon plant was more than mung bean as dicotyledon plant.So, maybe optimum concentrations of leaf extract can be used in herbicides. Results show that extract of castor bean leaf and fruit has no significant inhibitory effect on the growth of four bacteria species which was examined. From two species of examined fungi, castor bean fruit can inhibit the growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae significantly.

Rose cultivated in 1317.4 hectares in Iran and is one of the most important flowers in landscapes and parks. powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosae) as a disease and two spotted spider mites Tetranychus urticae Koch and T.cinnabarinus (Biosduval) as a pest were identified regular source of rose plant damages in greenhouses and landscapes.To control the injurious agents must be use compounds not only prevent both damages but also reduce biorational injuries. Thus an investigation carried out with different pesticides properties to control both kinds of injuries on rose. So Factorial method in completely randomized design in four replication were chosen for experiment. Selected treatments contain: Neem (Azadirachta indica Adr. Juss) seed oil (8.3 ml/lit+ 0.5 ml nit Citowett L 100%), Kumlus S-Uniflow-Thiovit WP 80% (2 ml/lit), dinocap (Karathane) WP 18.25% (1.5 ml/lit), and water as control, used for three times at 10 days intervals. Mean percentage control recorded for mite mortality and powdery mildew and was significant at 5% level. Applications of neem oil (two times), Kumlus S-Uniflow-Thiovit (two times) and Karathane (three times) could control mite population and powder mildew at 89.85%, 83.63% and 78.80% and 81.25%, 66.66% and 60.40% respectively. No observing side effects on rose plants in treated plots emphasized that, alternate application of treatments will control successfully mite and powdery mildew on rose plants in glasshouses, landscapes and parks.

To evaluate the effect of between row, spacing and head pruning on seed yield and yield component of pumpkin a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block with three replication carried out in Agricultural Research Station of Ardabil at 2005. Treatments include three between row spacing (0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 m) and head pruning (no head pruning and head pruning after 12 and 16node formation). Result indicated that the in row spacing of plants had significant effect on number of sub brunches, leaf, situation of first fruit on stem, fruit diameter, weight of 1000 seeds, fruit and seed yield per hectare. Also result showed that the head pruning had significant effects on all traits except mean fresh weight of each fruit, fruit diameter, seed number per fruit, weight of 1000 seeds. The favorable results obtained from 0.3 m in-row spacing and head pruning after 12 node formation.

Mycorrhizal fungi (Vesicular arbuscular, VAM) are able to make symbiotic relationships with the plants and cause optimum plant growth by increasing absorbtion of some nutritional elements. This research was done to determine efficiency of four different species of VAM fungi Glomus intradices (M1), Glomus etunication (M2), Glomus microaggregatum (M3), Glomus mosseae (M4) in different levels of phosphorus (0, 18.6, 27.8 and 37 mg P2O2/kg soil, as triple super phosphate source) on vegetative growth, root colonization and uptake of P, Zn, Ca, Mg, and K elements in pistachio seedlings (Pistacia vera L.cv. Ravar). It showed that increasing in phosphorus level, will increase the height of seedlings as well as dry and wet weight of aerial organs. The increasing trend continues in mycorrhizal treatment up to 27.8 mg P2O2/kgS and up to the 37.8 mg P2O2/kg soil in non mycorrhizal plants.Comparison between mycorrhizal and non - mycorrhizal seedlings showed the inoculation cause a decrease in dry and wet weight of the roots, compare with non-mycorrhizal roots. The ability of the species colonization root seedlings decreased in the order m1> M3> M2> M4, respectively. 27.8 mg P2O2/kg S was the best level of phosphorus. Mycorrhizal fungi increase Ca, P, K, Mg and Zn, concentrations in root dry matter and also a translocation of P, K and Zn from roots to above ground organs, with respect to uninfected treatment. The results of this study suggest that M1 (Glomus intraradices), and 27.8 mg/kg of phosphorus level had the most efficiency in related to establish symbiotic relationship with the pistachio seedlings and absorption of nutritional elements.

Safflower flies Acanthiophilus helianthi Rossi. is one of the most important pests of the safflower over the cropping areas of the Iran. In order to determine the seasonal abundance, and loss assessment of the pest on safflower, this study was carried out during 2002-2003 under field conditions of Ghom region. Adult fluctuation was monitored using yellow sticky traps. Eggs, larvae, pupae and amount of infestation of A. helianthi were monitored weekly with taking of 30 capsules in each field. Samples were collected and transported to the laboratory. Parasitoids that emerged were identified and their density was recorded. Adult of A. helianthi commenced appearing on safflower crop in Ghom between the 1st week of April up to 4th week of June and infestation of capsules to A. helianthi larvae was observed from 1st of April to the end of June. Thereafter it declined, certainly, due to maturity of crop. Its maximum population in 1st and 2nd generation was seen at the last of May and 1st week of June, respectively. This fly produced 2 generations in Ghom on fall safflower and the remaining 3rd generation was formed on the spring crop and weeds. Loss assessment of fly showed that 10-33% of capsule was damaged because of feeding of these flies. Parasitic wasp, Antistrophoplex conthurnatus Masi (Torymidae) was observed as parasitoid of puparia, although its parasitism rate was very low.

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of deficit irrigation and growth stages on yield and yield components sugar beet and water use efficiency. A field experiment was conducted in sharekord Agricultural Research Station in two years cropping seasons, using a randomized complete block design with 3 replications. This study were assigned to 5 Levels of deficit Irrigation treatments, E0 (Full Irrigation), E1 (85%), E2 (70%), E3 (55%) and E4 (30%) of actual evapotranspiration plant sugar beet. and were assigned to three growth stages, T1, T2 and T3 Results of combined analysis of variance showed, biological yield, tuber yield, yield components, water use efficiency and other traits in the growth stages, were significantly affected by deficit irrigation treatments. Results showed, susceptibility of developmental stages of sugar beet to deficit Irrigation were different. Exposing to deficit irrigation in each developmental stages, Lead to decrease in yield, T2 stage were the most critical stages under water stress conditions. Results showed treatment E2 (70%) evapotranspiration plant sugar beet was increase, yield components and water use efficiency. Results showed water use decreased compared to E2 by 30 all Stages increase, yield components and water use efficiency.

Flesh firmness is one of the most important quality characteristics in apple. In order to study on the changes of post harvest apple flesh firmness in relation with rootstock, cultivar and calcium chloride treatments. This experiment was conducted in 2004 in completely randomize design with factorial arrangement and three replication. Treatments was in cloud rootstock in two levels (seedling, Mailing merton 106) cultivar in two levels (red and golden delicious) calcium chloride in five levels (0, 1, 1.5, 5, 7.5 %) and storage period in three levels (50, 100, 150 day). Results showed that rootstock had significantly effect on flesh firmness, however highest firmness was on seedling rootstock. Cu1tivartype showed significantly effect on flesh firmness.Red delicious showed higher firmness than golden delicious. Dipping in calcium chloride solution increased flesh firmness very significant rate compared to control highest Ca concentration was in fruits, treated with calcium chloride 7.5% solution.

In order to investigate the effect of water deficit on yield and plant type characteristics of safflower an experiment was conducted at research station of Agriculture Faculty University of Tabriz. Withhelding irrigation on three phonological stages (I2=irrigation up to R3 (flowering), I3=irrigation up to R2 (secondary branches appear on leaf axils) and I4= irrigation up to R1 (terminal bud forms about 0.25 inches in diameter)) along with control (I1) was constituted the main factor and three Safflower cultivars (V1=L.R.V51/51, V2=Zarghan 279 and V3=Varamin 295) with two densities (D1=20 and D2=40 plants.m-2) were considered as sub factor in a split - plot factorial arranged in RCBD with 3 replications.Results showed that Zarghan with 4201.4 and 3767 kg/ha produced the highest grain yield under II and I2 irrigation treatments. D2 with 2806.4 kg/ha produced the highest grain yield. Number of branches on 2nd group, plant height and stem diameter was not affected by treatments. Varamin, and LRV produced the highest number of branches, 13 and 11 respectively, on group one under I1, irrigation level. D1 produced the highest number of branches, of equal to 10, in group one number of leaf and capitul per plant. The angle between 2nd, 3rd, and 4th branches of group one with main stem from top of the plants was measured. Cultivar x density interaction for 3rd branch angle was significant in which Zarghan in 40 and LRV in 20 plants/m2 with 43o were shown the highest 3rd branch angles. Furthermore, the highest fourth branch angle was shown by L.R.V and Zarghan with 40o in I1, followed by Vararnin with 31o. Under 12 treatments, L.R.V with 43o displayed the highest fourth branch angle.

To reduce postharvest chilling injury and histological evaluation of chilling and resistance, Lisbon lemons were treated with CaCl2 solutions up to 7.5% (W/V) by dipping (15 oc, 25 min.) or vacuum infiltration (15 oc, -33 kPa, 10 min.) before storage at 1.5 oc and 85-90 % RH for 6 and 12 weeks and 1 additional week at 20 oc. After 12 weeks storage, dipping in 3% CaCl2 and vacuum infiltration with 1.5% CaCl2 were the most effective treatments and reduced the severity of pitting by 58.9 and 53.2 %, respectively. Pitting was manifested by parenchyma flattening and collapse of epidermal and a variable number of sub-epidermal cell layers extending between oil glands. The first signs of cellular damage were associated with collapsed cells immediately above oil glands, and lateral release of oil gland contents possibly indicating that the injured cell layers originated from oil gland disruption. Epidermal, sub-epidermal and parenchyma cell walls of Ca-treated fruits stained strongly following cold temperature storage, possibly an evidence for Ca entry into fruit. These results were consistent with the role of calcium in cell-to-cell adhesion and tissue coherence properties in plants.

This experiment was conducted in research station of Yasouj Azad University in a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with four replications. Each replication consisted of 12 treatments in four fertilizer levels including 2.5 per thousand of Fe-sulfate solution, 2.5 per thousand of Cu-sulfate solution in three stages of growth (4, 8 & 12 leaves). During the experiment, the height of plant, leaf area index, time of tassel appearance, number of rows in cob, number of grains in row, weight of thousand grains, yields in area unit, harvest index and the rate of grain protein were assessed. This study showed that using spraying had significant differences in different growth stages except in the factors like plant height, time of tassel appearance and weight of thousands grain. Also using all microelement treatments had significant effects to the level of 1%. The most grain yield was in eight- leaf-stage with 11.05 ton/ha and after that four- and twelve-leaf- stages were in the second level. In case of using spraying treatments, the best results were related to 2.5 per thousand of Fe-sulfate solution and the least were related to control and 2.5 per thousand of Cu-sulfate solution.In evaluating the interaction between treatments, the best yield was related to 2.5 per thousand of Fe-sulfate solution in eight-leaf- stage and the least related to 2.5 per thousand of Cu-sulfate solution and control. In the end, spraying of 2.5 per thousand of Fe-sulfate solution in eight- leaf- stage without using Cu-sulfate, in many cases dedicated the best results to itself. This formulation can be used for increasing yield, enhancing the products and removing food deficiencies.

Osmotic dehydration, the process for partial water elimination from food stuffs, that is called partial drying, involves product immersion in a hypertonic aqueous solution. The process has been used mostly as a pretreatment before different drying methods Such as: Hot air-drying, Vacuum drying, Freeze drying, Microwave drying, therefore. Osmotic dehydration process was used as a pretreatment before air drying of carrot. For identification of optimum operating conditions, several factors such as solution concentration, its temperature, contact time and the rate of salt and glucose gains in carrot texture were investigated. Temperature treatments including: 25, 40, 55oc and time treatments were 15, 30, 60, 120, 240 and 360 minutes. Three levels of glucose syrup (30, 40 and 50%) and three levels of sodium chloride (5, 10 and 15%) were used to provide nine different solutions. The optimum operating conditions in view of water loss and solid gain were at 40oc for 240 minute. The results showed that the glucose and salt solution of the concentration 50% + 5%, respectively, that was the best concentration has a smaller solid gain (SG) and large water loss (WL).

Characterization of genetic diversity and germplasm classification for parental selection in breeding purposes is of great importance. Forty nine Iranian and foreign rice entries were investigated using a simple lattice square design at 2001 in Tonekabon agricultural college. In this investigation, morphological traits were used for evaluation of genetic variability and classification of a collected Iranian and foreign rice varieties. Statistical analysis of morphological data showed that there was significant difference between genotypes for all studied traits. The estimated broad sense heritability of traits ranged from 88% for total tiller and flag leaf width, to 99% for number of days to 50% flowering and day to maturity. Cluster analysis by Ward method for agronomic traits divided genotypes into four groups. In conclusion, replication of such trials with more varieties for more accurate results is commended.

Because of high labor cost and thus increasing of production cost, one of important ways for decreasing of the mentioned costs in rice production is transplanting with machine. Rice cultivars show different responses to planting direction in interception of indirect light. In order to study the effect of planting directions with transplanter machine on yield and yield components of different rice cultivars, an experiment was conducted at Rice Research Institute of Iran (Deputy of Mazandaran-Amol) during 2000-2001. The experiment was arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications in which planting directions (north-south and east-west) and cultivars (Tarom, Fajr and Sahel) were the treatment. Results showed that the effect of planting directions on plant height, tiller number, number of grains per panicle, panicle length, filled grains, unfilled grains and yield was not significant at 0.05 probability levels, but among the cultivars, Fajr and Sahel in contrast to Tarom had greater grain yield in east-west than north-south planting direction.Among the genotypes Sahel and Tarom had greatest and lowest grain yield, respectively. The interaction between year and cultivar showed that cultivars had different grain yield in two years in which, in the second year grain yield was 29.5 % greater than the first year. Results showed that rice cultivars had different response to planting directions, in which east-west and north-south is recommended for low yielding and high yielding cultivars respectively.

Reaction of almond seedlings to Verticillium dahliae to one-year-old plants of 24 genotypes of Prunus dulcis and two genotype of Amygdalus orientalis and Amygdalus scoparia from Chahar Mahal va Bakhtiari province were investigated under greenhouse conditions. Seventeen-month after inoculation plants were removed from the pots and certain characters such as plant height reduction, rate of plant mortality, disease severity index, plant weight reduction, browning index and stem colonization were recorded. The results indicated that on the basis of these characters genotypes of almond were divided in to three groups; tolerant, susceptible and very susceptible. Shahrood 13, Shahrood 12, Sangi Shorab, Sangi Overgan, Talkheh Emamea, Talkheh Joneghan, Sangi Gahroo and Talkheh Sadeghabad were tolerant genotypes. Genotypes of Mamaee Emamea, Azar, Talkheh Ardal, Talkheh Horeh, Sangi Emamea, Sefid, Rabi, Shahrood 15, Shahrood 17, Amygdalus orientalis and Amygdalus scoparia were very susceptible.Other genotypes such as Mamaee, Sangi Joneghan, Talkheh Gahroo, Sangi Ahmadabad, Non-pareil, Shahrood 21 and Sangi Karimabad were susceptible.

A field experiment was conducted during 2005 - 2006 in Agriculture Research Centre of Jiroft and Kahnouj to determine the effect of water stress on water use efficiency (WUE) alfalfa cultivars. Using a split plot design based on Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The three levels of water stress (a1=severely stressed, a2=moderately stressed and a3=least stressed) was main the plot factor and five cultivars of alfalfa (b1=Yazdi, b2=Nicshahri, b3= Rangar, b4=Bami and b5=Baghdadi) were collected in the subplots factor. The results showed that decreased water use efficiency, alfalfa hay forage by increasing water stress.Comparison of correlation coefficients showed that there were significant positive correlation between alfalfa hay, forage and water use efficiency. Alfalfa water use efficiency averaged (6 cuttings) 1.14 kgm-3ha-1 alfalfa hay in the most stressed and 1.64 kgm-3 alfalfa hay in the least stressed treatment. Water use efficiency was highest (1.87 kgm-3) in Nicshahri cultivar. There were no significant differences between Bami (1.84 kgm-3) and Nicshahri. Alfalfa water use efficiency was highest at the Spring 2.0 kgm-3ha-1 and lowest at the summer (1018 kgm-3ha-1) alfalfa hay.

b-glucosidase, is one of the cellulase enzymes system, hydrolyses cellobiose or cellooligoschrides to glucose.In this research for production of b-glucosidase enzyme, b-glucosidase activity was measured in the optimum conditions in 30 isolates of Trichoderma sp. In order to obtain the optimum conditions: an isolate of Trichoderma (T.reesei PTCC 5142) was grown in Mandels media containing CMC, Avicel and filter paper as carbon source at pH 4,5, 6 and 7. Lactose and cellubiose were added to media as inducer agents. Media were incubated at 25, 29 and 32 oC for 14 days. Samples were collected in 24h intervals, and enzyme activity was measured. Results showed that the optimum conditions for hyperproduction of b-glucosidase were pH=5, CMC as carbon source, lactose as inducer on seventh day at 29 oC. After screening the -glucosidase activity of all 30 isolates in the optimized conditions, it was shown that T.reesei PTCC 5142 had the highest level of -glucosidase specific activity (0.45 U/mg). For characterization and study of b-Glucosidase gene, CTAB method used for genomic DNA extraction.The expected PCR product with 566 bp was amplified with two specific primers (CP11 & CP12). The amplified fragment was confirmed by restriction pattern.

The present study was carried out in Rafsanjan’s suburb pistachio orchards (on ouhadi cultivar) during 2002-2005 growing season for 10 treatments including two irrigation intervals (25days, 45days) and five irrigation skippings in each irrigation interval. During the growing season, amount of ES, irregular cracked, blank and shell split pistachios was evaluated in experimental plots. Our results indicated that long irrigation intervals and deficit irrigation of pistachio trees in late April until early June increased substantially ES formation, twice compared to regular irrigation plots, at harvest stage. The most of ES pistachios observed in treatments that affected by drought stress in early June (T4, T8) amount of 7.7% and 9.6% respectively. There was no special trend in related to created pistachios, but deficit irrigation in July increased the amont of irregular cracked pistachios. Average percentage of ES, cracked and b lank pistachio was increased 2.03%, 2.91% and 4.37% in 45 days irrigation interval in compare to 25 days respectively, however, about shrank and shell split pistachios between irrigation interval treatments difference was no significant. For aflatoxin measuring, 120 samples were collected, and pistachio fruits were classified to 3 groups, according to their appearance characteristics, including ES, fruits having cracking hull, and fruits with intact hull. Amount of B1 and B2 aflatoxin in ES pistachios were 223.4 ppb and 25.47 ppb (on average) respectively. In cracked hull fruits aflatoxin B1 and B2 were 111.06 ppb and 9.71 ppb (on average) respectively. Although, the toxin was observed in none of intact hull pistachio fruits. with attention to high level of aflatoxin in ES pistachios, and that the suitable irrigation plays an important role in producing healthy pistachio nuts, we found that proper irrigation management prevents producing ES pistachios and is assumed as an important step for decreasing of aflatoxin contamination in pistachios at orchard conditions.

In order to study of low irrigation on seven grain sorghum yield in sistan region one experiment carried out as split plot in base design of randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Cultivars inserted in sub plot and 2 levels irrigation (normal and low irrigation) inserted in main plot as in normal condition irrigation continued to harvest stage but in low irrigation condition in panicle appearance irrigation interrupted to harvest stage. Analysis of variance showed there are significant differences among cultivars for grain yield in 1% level. Comparison means showed cultivars kimia, KGS3 and KGS4 with 2638.8, 2665.6 and 2771.3 kg/ha had the most yields respectively. In order to study of drought stress indices, cultivars were studied by these indices. MP indice showed the high positive and significant correlation in 1% level with grain yield in drought condition (0.939) and 5% level (0.793) in normal condition and was selected the best indice for selection of tolerance cultivars, and on base of amount this indice (658.95) KGS3 cultivar was known as tolerate cultivar.

Salinity stress is of important limiting factor among abiotic stresses in cotton production. This investigation was conducted to evaluate the effect of triadimenol fungicide (triazole drivative) on reduction of deleterious effects of salinity on seed germination, early growth stage of cotton. In laboratory, the 13 genotypes of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), NaCL solutions (5-20 ds/m) and triadimenol (7.5 D.s) concentrations 0.5-4:1000 (w/v) were used and experiments were done by seed soaking and rolling towel methods. The results showed that, there were significant differences (a=1%) among test genotypes in response to salinity stress. The genotypes Sea-land, Sindos-80, 43228, Shirpan 539 and Siokra-324 had the most tolerant. The increase of triadimenoI dose to 1:1000 (w/v) resulted in increase of percentage and rate of germination, radicle length, stem length and weight of seedlings by 12.5, 2.9, 20.9, 53 and 7.4%, respectively. In field, the triadimenol seed treatment 1:1000 (gr./kg.seed) increased % emergence and seedling weight (mg) by 1.3 and 14.8%, respectively in comparison with check.

To study of genetic variation of some morphologic and phenologic traits in lentil genotypes of warm and dry regions national plant gene bank of Iran 153 lentil genotypes, each accession sown in three rows with 2m length in Agriculture Research Station Zahak-Zabol in year 2004-2005.Traits height, number seed per pod, 100 seed weight, pod length, seed yield , number of days from sowing to flowering, number of days from flowering to harvest and number of days from sowing to harvest have evaluated. Descriptive analysis showed the highest coefficient variation belongs to seed yield. Correlation analysis indicates to highest correlation between seed yield and height. Factor analysis with varimax rotation extraction 4 factors which described almost 80 percent from total variance. Cluster analysis by method Ward established all genotypes in six groups.

In this research, 15 Elite wheat lines of cold area were evaluated to yellow rust in Ardabil in order to determine their resistance level. Each genotype was planted in two 1 m long rows spacing 30 cm apart and under mist irrigation with artificial inoculation. The experiment was conducted in 2002 -2004 cropping years, based on complete block design with three replications. To increase disease development, a susceptible cultivar (Bolani) was sowed among lines (5 entry intervals) and also as borders of nursery. Besides, artificial inoculation of the nursery was carried out using a mixture of spores and talcum powder at sun set and Gs36 stage by means of a duster. The disease severity and infection type were recorded respectively based on the modified Cobb's scale and Roelfs et al. Method. Then, coefficients of infection (CI) were calculated by combination of disease severity and infection type. Results of simple and combined variance analysis showed significant differences among lines and line x year at %1 probability level. Mean comparison of CI for two years (separately and combined) and of rAUDPC (relative Area under Disease Progress Curve) for 2004 indicated that the lines; C-81-15 (check) and C-81-2 had the highest CI and rAUDPC. The lines C-81-1 and C-81-12 had the moderate level of CI and rAUDPC, therefore they were selected as moderately susceptible lines. The rest of lines had not any infection or were at low level of infection. Thus, they were selected as resistant or moderately resistant lines.

In order to detennine phenotypic diversity among them 116 recombinant inbred lines of tomato derived from a cross between L. esculentum and L. pimpinellifolium were evaluated in alpha-lattice design with 2 replications for two years. For each replicate, dry weight (g), fresh weight (g), fruit length (mm), fruit width (mm), height (cm), pH, acidity and soluble solids (g per 100 g) were measured and the mean of data used for analyses. High coefficients of variation (CVs) were recorded in dry weight, fresh weight, fruit length and fruit width. Correlation coefficients showed that dry weight, fresh weight, fruit length and fruit width positively correlated to each other while the correlations among these traits with height, pH, acidity and soluble solids were negative. Due to of high heritability obtained for height, soluble solids and fruit width, selection based on these characters is recommended. The results showed a good level of diversity among recombinant inbred lines that can be used in breeding programs.

Photoblasticity of weeds seeds is a trait that can be explored to propose new control methods. Conducting tillage at night, thus preventing the photo induction of weed seed germination can be used as a means to reduce weed emergence.This study was conducted to assess the effects of day and night tillage at different dates during the growth season on weed emergence experimental design was randomized complete block with four replication. Tillage treatments consisted of day tillage-day disk, day tillage- night disk, night tillage- night disk and night tillage- day disk. Time of tillage was (6 February, 6 March, 6 April). Four fixed quadrates were established in each plot where weed seedlings were counted at different times after field tillage. The night tillage reduced emergences of all weed species expect fox tail. The emergence of common lambsquarter (Chenopodium albom), redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus), tutnsole (Chrozophora tinctoria) in night tillage treatment was 54%, 63%, 50% lower than that of day tillage, respectively. Tillage treatment had no significant effect on foxtail (Setaria species) emergence. Tillage treatment on February sixth significant increased weed emergence comparable to other two date of tillage. This could be a result of higher soil moisture content during February compare to March and April.