Year:2009 | Volume:21 | Issue:IN AGRONOMY AND HORTICULTURE (SPECIAL ISSUE)|Papers Count:31

Potato leafroll, the disease caused by potato leafroll virus (PLRV), is one of most important diseases of potato. Yield of infected plants may be reduced by as much as 90 %. Since the disease is important at potato seed production program and its symptoms (such as inward curling of the upper and lower leaves) were observed in Khorasan, the virus was detected by DAS-ELISA test and its distribution was determined during the course of the investgation. To determine the distribution of the virus in khorasan, from 86 fields of Bojnoord, Chenaran, Torbat jaam, Fariman, Torbat-e-Heidarieh (Jolgeh Rokh) and Torogh (Khorasan Agricultural and Natural Resources Researche Center), 2298 plants were randomly samples and DAS-ELISA test was used for detection 8.1, 16, 5.2, 8.6, 6.1 and 5.5 respectively. Also the geographical distribution of Myzus persicae (the vector of the virus) was surveyed. According the result of the survey, the population of the aphid is very low. Also, according the survey it seems that the aphid has very low role in the virus transmission and the most important manner of PLRV transmission in Khorasan is potato tubers.

Biotechnology is an important innovation in agricultural development strategy. Transgenic plants are progenies of this innovation in agriculture. The experts make transgenic plants (sample rice and cotton) in Iran, but some researchers of environmental centers reject these plants because they believe that these plants are dangerous for farmers and the environmental. Therefore research aim is to study and find out subjects that cause researchers be pros and cons with the use transgenic plants in Iran. The method of this investigation is survey and we use questionnaire. Reliability and validity of the instrument were determined with the distribution of questionnaire among 30 experts and analyze Cranach’s alpha with using the SPSS software analyze the data. The findings show that attitude of researchers about use of transgenic plants are positive. But they have not positive attitude about the import of transgenic plants in Iran and have positive attitude about producing transgenic plants by government and none government organizations. They say that organizations must indemnify if these plants hurt people. We find that there is a significant difference among attitude of exports in science groups.

Jiroft and Kahnouj areas have the first grade of cultivation and production of Autumn onion in Iran. In recent years, some leader farmers accepted onion set in Jiroft. Dry rot is the most important disease of onion set in the storage in Jiroft. Samples of the infected onion sets collected and surface sterilized with 1% Sodium hypochlorite cultured on PDA. Isolated fungi purified by single spore method on 2% WA. Pathogenicity test was carried out on onion sets by use of mycelial disc and suspension of the spores (inoculation and soaked) of two cultivars. Based on cultural and microscopic characteristic, causal agent identified as Fusarium proliferatum. This is the first report of Fusarium dry rot of onion set in Iran. Tolerance ratio of 15 commercial onion varieties evaluated in CRD by 5 replicates. Onion sets inoculated by mycelial disks of the pathogen on PDA. Reaction of the varieties evaluated by disease severity (DS) and weight reduction percent (WR) after 14 days of inoculation. The results showed that Pegasus, Nun 1404, White havack and White sun had lowest DS and WR and rated as tolerant, and the other varieties rated as susceptible.

In this research an almond orchard with 20 hectare area was selected according to frost damages data. The main factors for selecting this orchard were: at first its sufficient area and using modern agricultural systems such as sprinkle irrigation, Fogger and … secondly high frost damages on crop yield according to available frost data. In the second stage we selected 7 plots in 50×50 m dimensions where distance between two plots was 50 m. We installed a meteorological screen, in which was a thermograph with minimum and maximum thermometers, in every plots for analyzing efficiency of Sink Inversed System (SIS) in frost protection. To determine efficiency and usefulness of SIS we selected another experimental plot that was sufficiency far from effectiveness domain of SIS as Control plot. After installing meteorological stations in orchard we signed some available almond trees in every plots. In each tree we selected two branches and every day total number of flower buds were counted, these data can be used for determining occurred frost damage percent in every plots. Finally we used Multi domain duncane test for comparing the effect of SIS in every plot with compare to the Control plot temperature data. The results showed that SIS can be used for increasing orchard air temperature and frost protection. The increasing in minimum air temperature can be 2.8 degree centigrade in the best situation and vary from 0.5 to 2.8 degree centigrade.

To assess the genetic diversity and relationships of 61 Iranian cultivated grapevine ampelography along with molecular analyses with AFLP markers were used. A total of 459 scorable fragments across all the accessions analyzed were detected. Among these 185 (40.3%) were polymorphic. Values of genetic diversity calculated by the Nei and Li index, ranged from 0-0.3. Cluster analysis classified all tested cultivars into four groups. Based on AFLP analysis, high genetic similarity was found in several genotypes such as ‘Keshmeshi Sefid’ and ‘Bidane Qermez’, Tabarze Sefid’ and ‘Tabarze Qermez’, ‘Qara Melhi’ and ‘Qara Shira’. Also Occurrence of synonyms was proved in ‘Fakhri’, ‘Dizmari’, ‘Moseli’ and ‘Saghal Solian’. Results of AFLP analysis showed the misnaming of ‘Alhaghi’ and ‘Shahroudi’ as well as ‘Khalili Sefid’ and ‘Khalili Qermez’ that confirmed by morphological data. In this research, AFLP analysis revealed differences in clone level in ‘Keshmeshi Sefid’, ‘Bidane Qermez’, ‘Tabarze Sefid’ and ‘Tabarze Qermez’ but couldn’t detect any polymorphism between ‘Rasha’ and ‘Khoshnav’.

Effects of different levels of irrigation on qualitative and quantitative traits of some commerecial grape cultivars were investigated in west Azarbaijan province. The research was carried out using strip-block design on the base of RCBD with six cultivares (‘Keshmeshe Sefid’, ‘Keshmeshe Qermez’, ‘Rishbaba Qermez’, ‘Siyah Sardasht’, ‘Hossaini’ and ‘Ghezel Ouzum’) and three levels of irrigation treatments (100%, 75% and 50% water requirment) in 3 replications. The irrigation treatments were done from the forth year and then in the years of 2004-2005 at fruit ripenning stage, different traits as weight, length and width of bunch and the qualitative traits including TSS, TA, pH and the voulume of the juice were recorded. Results of pooled analysis indicated that the different levels of irrigation had significant effect on juice volume, berry weight, bunch length, width, weight, annual vegetetive growth and yield. The most and the least yield were obtained by 100% and 50% irrigation, respectivly but the effects of 75% irrigation on yield was not significant. Defficit irrigation reduced the juice voulume, length and width of berry and berry size. Water consumption in 100, 75 and 50% of water requirment supply treatments were 4086, 3064 and 2043 m3 per hectare. To increase the water productivity in west Azarbaijan vineyards, applying of 25% deficiet irrigation is recommended. By decreseing the 25% water use the water productivity will increase to 30.7% without significant reduction in yieald.

Increasing productivity, reducing costs and suitable application of agricultural machines can be achieved by using uniform methods and application of social, economical and technical indices that is adaptable to agricultural conditions of different areas. There is no detail information for many parts of the country, hence providing and presenting development patterns will not have scientific credit and applicability without these fundamental data. In this study, tillage indices and coefficients as a agricultural main operation was determined by sampling from conventional tractors (MF285, U650 and John Deer 3140) in Tehran, Fars, Isfahan, Khoozestan, Darab, Hamedan, Moghan, Semnan, Khorasan, Shahrekord and Markazi areas during tillage. Results showed that average tillage mechanization degree was 98.6%. So, these areas were full mechanized in aspect of tillage. Mechanization level was 0.96 hp/ha (upper than average of the country). Mechanization capacity and hectare per tractor were 55 kW.h/ha and 50.45 respectively that is showed the power consumption per hectare during one hour is 55 kW and there was one tractor for each 50ha of field. The maximum and minimum application power coefficient was for Moghan and Fars areas respectively. Effective field capacity and theoretical capacity were 0.31 ha/h and 0.45 ha/h respectively. Field efficiency was 68.85 % that was less than world standards.

This research was conducted in Khorasan Agriculture and Natural Resources Research center in 2002 with the main purpose of study the effect of fungicide (Thiabendazole) and packaging on storage life of quince fruits cv. “Gorton”. The fruits after picking and grading, were dipped in fungicide solutions with different concentrations (0, 1000 and 3000 ppm) and different temperatures (25, 40 and 45 centigrade degrees). Then the treatments were dried in room temperatures and packed in two packaging type (polyethylene bag with hole, polyethylene bag without hole) and transferred to cold storage (temperature 1 centigrade degrees, relative humidity 85%). Sampling were done after harvest and after 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 days keeping of fruits in cold storage and qualitative atributes consisting (flesh firmness, water soluble solids, acidity, pH, weight loss, decay) were registered. The statistical design was 4 factors factorial adopted completely randomized design with 3 replicate. The results showed that fungicide (Thiabendazole) (1000 ppm, 40 centigrade degrees) and packaging in bags without holes reduced decay and maintained qualitative characteristics of quince in cold storage.

Modern fertilization recommendation must optimize crop yield and quality and minimize chance of negative environmental effects due to over fertilization. In this research, Romaine lettuce type (Lactuca sativa L.) was used as a case study vegetable crop to determination of nutrient requirements to nitrogen and phosphorus in Varamin. Soil texture was loamy and soil family was fine, mixed, active, thermic, typic haplocambids. Experiment conduct to split plot sign in blocks of randomize sign with three times in level five 0, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg.Nha-1 and five level 0, 37.5, 50, 62.5 and 75 kg P2O5.ha-1. Fresh head yield and nitrate of leaf measured. Based on results recommended 250 kgNha-1 and 50 kg P2O5 ha-1 for maximum yield and legal level of nitrate in lettuce.

In order to study the effects of rootstocks and storage period on qualitative properties of Red and Golden Delicious apple cultivars, a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with four replications was carried out. Two rootstock (Malling Merton 106 and seedling), two cultivars (Red and Golden Delicious), and three storage life (50, 100, 150 days) were applied as treatments. Different properties including fruit firmness, total Soluble Solid (TSS), titrabale acidity (TA), fruit Juice pH and Dry Matter was measured. The results showed that the effect of rootstock on the fruit firmness, TSS, and pH was significant. Also the effect of cultivars (scion) on pH, fruit firmness, were significant and the highest fruit firmness was related to the Red Delicious cultivar grafted on clonal rootstock (MM106).The effect of storage period on fruit firmness, TSS, TA and pH was significant, and the highest fruit firmness obtained at 50 to 100 days storage period.

Internal and external accumulation of ethylene is considered as one of the principle causes of post-harvest losses in several fruits including apricots. Ethylene is an important factor in the ripening of fruits and its production and accumulation during the storage can cause serious damage to the stored apricot. Furthermore, spoilage due to indigenous bacteria in presense of ethylene can also be augmented. Reduced quality characters of the fruit, results in the reduced export of apricots and causes seasonal fluctuation of the price and availability. Ethylen can be removed from the environment in the storage in different ways. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of ethylene absorption through nanoparticles coated by potassium permanganate. Potassium permanganate and Zeolite based Nano-Molecular Filters were used in two forms; a) small 5 grams sachets that were put directly on the fruits in each container and b) ETH 1500 machine (Bioconversion). The experimental design was factorial in Complete Block Design (CBD) with four replications. The two factors were the presence or absence of the sachets and the machine. Commercial traits affecting the marketing quality and the shelf life of the fruit i.e. total soluble solids concentration (TSS), pH, titrable acidity (TA), texture (firmness) and the reduction in fresh weight were measured at the beginning of the experiment (day 0) and 10, 20 and 30 days after the storage. Significant differences were observed in all the measured traits for different treatments and sampling times. The maximum TA, and firmness values (0.21 and 32.71 N, respectively) and minimum pH (5.49), TSS (11.5%) and weight reduction (5.59%) were obtained for treatments that included the machine after 30 days of storage. In contrast, the lowest TA and firmness values (0.15 and 2.61 N, respectively) and highest pH (5.80), weight reduction (14.30%) and TSS (14.88%) were obtained from control treatments where the ethylen was not removed from the surrounding atmosphere in the storage (absence of ETH Machine and sachets). We therefore conclude that the use of Potassium Permanganate and Zeolite based Nano-Molecular Filters increased the shelf life, and marketing value of apricot and is advisable for fruit storage facilities.

This study analyzes the need of sustainability mechanisms in agricultural development in Hamedan province by recognizing, formulating and ranking of need to appropriate mechanisms. This study was an applied and descriptive research with survey research design. The statistical population of the study includes; academician, researcher and experts that involved in relevant agricultural development organizations of Hamedan province. The all of statistical population were selected and studied. Data were collected using interview method and a questionnaire which was validated by a jury and its reliability was confirmed through pre-test of data tool and Cronbach Alpha, and Its value was found equal to 87 percent which is acceptable. The descriptive analysis show that in the economic mechanisms, income insurance of farmers with 0.170 coefficient of variance, activating sustainable supply networks with 0.217 coefficient of variance, and subsidy allocation to conservationism technologies and methods with 0.232 coefficient of variance laid in the first to third rank of mechanism needs; In the control mechanisms, mechanisms of controlling of product standards stand in the first priority with 0.213 coefficient of variance, also chemical usage rules and regulations of control, and controlling of technology product and usage standards stand in the second and third position; In the social aspect, mechanisms of education and promoting public knowledge about unsustainable activities with 0.181 coefficient of variance, improvement of organizations and institute functions with 0.224 coefficient of variance, and organizing farmers for the propose on affecting to agricultural policies with 0.246 coefficient of variance, were stand in the first to third priorities. The results of factor analysis recognized four main factors such as Monitoring, Economic, Social and institutional and Supportive mechanisms with 59.549 explained variance. The findings could be used by national and provincial agricultural development planner and policy maker in decision making process. Also, these results could contribute to agricultural related organizations and institutions as well as interested researchers and practitioners.

Citrus production is very important at the peresent. It, s production (77.4 million ton) is one of important sources for commercial exchanges and occupation of world rich citrus countries residents. Boron high concentration in soil and water is one of principle difficulties in facing production of this crop particularly in south of country. Application of nitrogen fertilizers is one of confrontation remedies with this problem. Researches have indicated consumption nitrogen decrease boron concentration in different plants. Therefore present research design arranged in a factorial manner in a randomized complete blocks design with six nitrogen levels (0.50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 kg nitrogen in hectare) as ammonium solphate and four boron levels (0, 30, 60 and 90 kg boron in hectare) as boric acid with plantation two root stocks Bacraei and Suor orange (C. aurantium) as source plants. This experiment was done in three replicates (two trees in each replication). Measured plant responses sach as nitrogen and boron concentration in leaf after the end of the experiment. The results obtained in the study indicated that application of B in soil increased boron concentration in leaves of Bacraei and Suor orange. Furthermore, consumption of N decreased B concentration in plant such that application 100 and 150 kg nitrogen in hectare decreased significantly amount of B in Bacraei and Suor orange, respectively. In the same boron levels, B concentration in Suor orange root stocks were lower then leaves of Bacraei. Therefore Suor orange resistance to B high concentration in soil and water is higher then Bacraei because the lower amount of B absorbed in toxicity conditions. So the better making use of Suor orange as root stock when B amount was high in soil and water and as far as possible not used of Bacraei because it, s sensitivity to boron toxicity.

A field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect different levels of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on nitrate accumulation in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) at research site of Varamin Agricultural Research Center, Varamin, Iran. The experimental was comprised of five nitrogen fertilizer levels 0, 150, 200, 250, 300 kg N ha-1 and five phosphorus fertilizer levels 0, 37.5, 50, 62.5, 75 kg P2O5 ha-1. Layout design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD). With split plot arrangement with three replications. Head fresh weight and leafy nitrate were determined at crop harvest. Based on the statistical results, nitrate level of all treatments was in accordance with European standards. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between nitrogen fertilizer content and nitrate accumulation. But there was no correlation between phosphorus fertilizer content and nitrate accumulation. The statistical results of the study also indicated that in order to predict nitrate accumulation based on nitrogen fertilizer content the regression model Y=0.0312x2-4.0931x+85.138 with R2=0.98 can be recommended.

Crop management plays a significant role in the crop yield of pistachio orchards. Sand, gypsum and manure separately or together have been applied by farmers in Kerman Province to pistachio orchards. In this study the micromorphological properties of soils in two pistachio orchards were compared with a non cultivated soil in Zeidabad area, Sirjan. Besides, one pistachio orchard in Chah Ghale area was also compared with a non gypsum-treated profile in the same orchard. Five pedons in Chah Ghale and Zeidabad areas of Sirjan were investigated and sampled. Routine physico-chemical and micromorphological analyses were performed. Non- treated soil in Zeidabad area showed a massive microstructure with a few channel pore spaces (channel microstructure). Gypsum interlocked plates increased with depth in this soil. Four hundred and 550 ton/ha gypsum and sand were added to the first orchard in Zeidabad area respectively. Besides, 45 ton/ha manure were also added every two years and the treated soil was mixed to a depth of one meter. A massive microstructure was observed in the surface soil, but vughs and channels increased with depth. Gypsum interlocked plates and lenticular gypsum crystals were found as infilling in this soil. The second orchard has been treated by 330 and 150 ton/ha gypsum and manure, respectively. Besides, 600 ton/ha sand was also added one year before sampling. All treatments were added to the surface and were mixed to a depth of 30 cm. This orchard showed much less pore space as compared with the first orchard. Subhedral crystals were the dominant form of gypsum in the second orchard and crystal (gypsum) pedofeature was found in this soil. The results showed that micromorphological properties of soils were highly affected by different crop management activities. Gypsum treatment in Chah Ghale area caused gypsum infilling compared to non-treated profile. Although gypsum highly changed the micromorphological properties of the treated soil, pistachio yield did not change significantly.

Samples of grapeseed were collected from different parts of the country. The samples were subjected to oil extraction using solvent. For comperation, two samples Importing grapeseed oil were prepared. Chemical tests for evalution consisting fat, nonsaponifiable matters content, content and them evalution. It was concluded that Iranian Red grapeseed had highest amounts of fat and nonsaponifiable matter contents. The non saponifiable matters were fractionated into a number of chemical classes consisting of sterols, 4-methyl sterols, triterpenealchols, tocopherols and hydrcocarbons. Eech fraction was isolated and quntified and chemical components present in each fraction were identified by TLC and GC Methods. sitosterol was the predominant sterol present with smaller quantities of campesterol, stigmasterol, -5 avenasterol.

As far as using special species of Epigeic worms in vermicomposting technology, so it is necessary to compare the worms in different places of Iran from the point of their growth and breeding ablility. For this purpose, some species of Epigeic worms were collected from Gilan provience and they were cultured in greenhouse conditions to get enough numbers of the same species. Then the worms equally were inoculated in the boxes (pits) which had the same material (bed) and they were kept under greenhouse conditions with optimum wetness and temperature of 15-20oC. for demonstration the best vermicompost in vermiculture technology and also the superior treatment, all of the collected specimens were assessed, so a signifant difference was observed for all of the traits, as: available elements of micronutrient and macronutrient, in RCD with Duncan, comparation between 45 treatments with 3 replicat. the 42th, 7th, 11th, 25th and 26th, respectively (From Sofla Sabz, Heshmat abad, Olasofla, Delaman and Liea in Gilan) were found as the superior treatment in vermicomposting technology. By using the key, Eisenia fetida species was found as the most species (» 92%) in those places.

Laboratory studies assessed the binding of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and its adsorption by many strains of lactic acid bacteria which werw used in foods. In this study the binding ability of AFB1? a main endoded Lactobacillus plantarum (PTCC 1058) was studied. The 0.5 ppm AFB1 solution was inoculated at 37oC for 1, 24, 48, 90 hours and the AFB1 residues were quantitively in supernatant by HPLC. Results showed this strain removed 45% of AFB1 from solution within 1h and 100% of it in 90h. In death phase, this bacteria removed only 31% of AFB1 from solutions after 1 and 24h, but this value reduced to 15% after 48 and 90h incubation periods (P0.05). The stabilities of the amount of AFB1 to bacterium cell wall were evaluated by usign organic solvent (chloroform) and the result indicates no AFB1 extraction by solvent. The low amount aflatoxin production by three different methods represented high level of fungus growth suppression by lactobacillus.

In order to do this research, the seeds of two varieties (Ahmad aghaee and Kale ghochi) of Pisticia vera were sown in six different type of soil textures with 56 replicates in complete-block design. The results indicated that Ahmad aghaee variety had highest germination in sandy, sandy-fertilizer and silty-loam mixed with fertilizer and lowest germination in sandy and siltyloam, respectively, but Kale ghochi variety did not show any difference in different soil textures. Germination comparison of two varieties also showed the Ahmad aghaee had higher germination in sandy mixed with fertilizer and silty-loam with fertilizer traits in comparison with Kaleh ghochi. Inversely, in loam-silt and silt and silty-fertilizer texture, Kaleh ghochi variety had higher germination in comparison with Ahmad aghae variety. In addition, growth rate of two varieties did not different with others. With regarding the results of this research, we can suggest seedling production of Pisticia vera in nursery, using the sandy texture without fertilizer because of lower costs and higher sucsees in comparison other soil textures under this study. Since, there is not significant difference between varieties regarding germination and growth, we can prefer one variety to the other.

This research carried out on 30-years-old Ohadi cultivar in Kerman research station from 2002-2005. The soil texture was sandy loam and electrical conductivity (EC) of irrigation water was 3 dS/m. This study was based on randomized complete block design in split plot layout, with three replications and three irrigation methods including of border irrigation with border width one and two meters (M1 and M2 treatments) and flood irrigation (M3 treatment). Experimental treatments were irrigated with 30 and 60 days irrigation intervals (F1 and F2 treatments). Irrigation water amount was calculated based on the modified penman by FAO. In the end of each season some factors was measured including of nut fresh and dry weight, percentage of blank and unsplit pistachios, and number of nuts in ounce. MSTATC package be used for statistical analysis. For evaluation of salinity distribution in root zoon, EC measured in different distance from trees and depth of soil and salinity curve draw with Winsurf software. The results indicated M2F1 traement with 8.44Kg/tree and 2.41Kg/tree fresh and dry yield respectively, was the best treatment. Three-years average of fresh and dry yield for the irrigation at 30 days interval was more than 60 days interval. The M1F1 and M1F2 treatments had the minimum of yield. Our data related to amount of water saving in different treatment showed that with decreasing in width of irrigation border to 1m and 2m, 30% and 60% water saving happen in compare to flood irrigation, respectively. The most and least water use efficiency was for M1F1, 0.266Kg/m3 and M3F2, 0.119Kg/m3. However between irrigation border of 1m and 2m there was no significant difference. Salinity accumulation in middle of tree row and in below of mounds in irrigation border of 1m was more severity, however, in irrigation border of 2m not only there was not any salinity accumulation but also because of suitable irrigation and in base of water requirement and leaching requirement had a better condition in soil and root zoon of trees in compare to condition of before treating in control. Therefore with regard of all evaluated factor in this research irrigation border of 1m, although was significant some factors such as percentage of blank pistachio, nut indehiscence percentage, number of nut per ounce and more water saving in compare to control but because of salt accumulation in close to trees and below of mounds, it is not recommended. Regarding to the treatment of irrigation border of 2m not only about all of evaluated factors in compare to the control have not significant difference but also in some factors such as fresh and dry yield and salt accumulation have a better conditions and in point of view of water saving had 30% economy so was the best treatment and recommended to all of growers.

The cabbage aphid, Brevicoryne brassicae L. is the most important pest of canola in Iran and causing serious damage to canola crop. Field experiments were conducted at randomized completely block design with 10 treatment and 3 replications in Save hregion during 2004 and2005 to test the efficacy of conventional insecticides against cabbage aphid, B. brassicae (L.). The data of aphid population were recorded from randomly plants from each plots, taking the 10 cm twigs of plant at bud initiation during one day before and 1, 3, 7 and 15 days after spraying. Oxydemeton-methyl 25EC@1500ml/ha and imidacloprid 35SC@1000ml/ha were equally effective among the Primicarb, Thiometon, Chlorpyrifos-methyl, Pymetrozin and Trichlorophon sprays. The maximum yield was obtained in plots treat with Oxydemeton-methyl 25EC@1500ml/ha and imidacloprid 35SC@1000ml/ha.

In this survey interaction effects between iron and nitrogen on growth and photosynthesis characteristics of Pistachio seedling (Pistachia vera) were studied in sand culture. The experiment was performed in Iran Pistachio Research Institue. The following treatments were employed: 1-Complete Hoagland’s nutrient solution, 2- Hoagland solution lacking N, 3-distilled water, 4- Hoagland solution lacking Fe, 5- Hoagland solution lacking Fe- N,. The experimental design used in this study was complete randomized block design with three replications. Deficiency symptoms mainly included leaf discoloration, necrosis, scorching, defoliation and growth stunting. Seedlings that received complete nutrient solution were healthy with dark green foliage. Factors experimental in this survey consisted of leaf number, height of stem, internodes and dry and fresh weight (leaf, root and stem). Seven months after planting, top and root analysis were performed to determine nutrient elements content. The results showed that growth and physiological factors were significant statistically. Reductions in height, leaf area and leaf number were noticed in the deficiencies of nutrient elements (in compared to complete Hoagland’s nutrient solution). In the treatment lacking Fe, the absorbtin of N increased significantly. Absorbtion of Fe and N in root and leaf were also affected. Antagonistic effects of the elements were also evident in the present study because of differential metabolism in plants.

This work as a factorial based on randomized complete block design was carried out with three replications in Mohaghegh Ardabili University’s research Field in 2006.First factor was nitrogen fertilizer (0, 80, 160 and 200 kg/ha net Nitrogen) and second was tuber size (<40, 40-80 and >80 gr). Results showed that incrimination of tuber size accelerated complete germination and onset of appearance of tubers and incrimination of nitrogen application led to delay in time of complete germination, appearance of stolons and onset of tubering in field. The most tuber yield, number of tuber, mean tuber weight and tuber dry weight were achieved in medium tuber size, Also, the most tuber yield, mean tuber weight and tuber dry weight were gained at 160 kgha-1net nitrogen. So, utilization of 160 kgha-1 nitrogen with medium tuber size in order to achieving most yields and planting usages is recommended.

Heavy metals- rich areas have a characteristic flora. Some phytosociological studies were carried out in these areas in the world, but such investigations are rare in Iran. In the present research, vegetation of these areas were studied by phytosociological approach. Phytosociological studies data could provide information on potential mining sites as well as on floristic differences due to a given metal elements present in the soils. Plant associations of some heavy metals-rich soils in NW Iran, including Tikmedash, Choghanlu and Khorasanak (Mn-rich), Ghebchagh (Zn-rich), Ali Alamdar, Mazraeh and Hiagh (Cu-rich), Kalejar (Fe, S and Se -rich), Mahbub Abad and Gheshlagh of Khoy (Ni-rich) were studied on the base of Braun-Blanquet method. In vicinity of each studied mine, the area with the same climatic and topographical characteristics but without high concentration of metals in soils, were studied as control site. Forty two sample plots were located at each individual associations. Analysis of phytosociological data were carried, using AFC and CAH methods by Anaphyto software. In this study, seven plant associations were identified in both of heavy metal-rich soils and their control areas, as follows: Prangetum ulopteri, Astragaletum vegeti, Tannacetietum chilliophylli, Astragaletum hirticalycis, Astragaletum microcephali, Astragaletum caspici and Astragalo veri- Acantholimonetum blukelokii. The results showed that the plant associations distrubtion pattern was mainly related to climatic, soil saturated percentage, K concentration, sand%, Na concentration and altitude. Because, induction of same plant associations in mineral sites and their control sites, metal elements have not effected in induction of associations. These elements induce presence or absence some of these species in mineral sites. Among characteristic species of identified associations, there were also species which were grown exclusively on heavy metal- rich soils. These species were identified as indicators. Thus, Onobrychis buhseana, Leutea petiolaris, Astragalus cancelatus and Lamium amplexicaule were identified as Mn- indicators, Prangus uloptra, Rheum ribes and Scrophularia variegata as Ni-indicators, Astragalus recognitus and Gnaphalium supinum as Cu-indicators and Astragalus hohenackeri and Polygonum paronychioides as Zn-indicators from NW. Iran for the first time.

Punica granatum cv. Malas Saveh is one of the most desirable marketing cultivars in Iran. In order to introduce the best hormonal treatments for micropropagation of this cultivar via single node culture some experiments were conducted. The best medium was MS and among the hormonal compositions, 7 mg/l BA with 0.1 mg/l GA3 were the best treatments. Average of shoot number in this treatment was 4.8 although shoot length was not desirable. Medium containing 1 mg/l BA with 0.1 mg/l GA3 produce the best length (2.45 cm). The highest rooting was obtained in half-strength MS containing 2 mg/l IBA with 4.8 root per explant. Rooted plantlets were transferred to Jiffy and acclimatized after 35 days successfully.

The purpose of the study reported here was designing Information Dissemination System (IDS) based Information Technology (IT) in agricultural of Iran. A questionnarie was developed to designing Information Dissemination System. The questionnarie was distributed to7S extensiion agents who work for Management of Extension and Farming System of Khuzestan province of Iran. Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Appropriate statistical procedures for description (frequencies, percent, means and standard deviations) were used. According to extension agents five factors were ranked respectively as five top essential items to designing Information Dissemination System (IDS) based Information Technology (IT)in agricultural of Iran. These factors inculde: 1) Establish communication between fanners, coordinators (extension agents), agricultural experts, research centers, and community by information technology: 2) The communication between all should be mutual: 3) The information must be based farmers need: 4) Internet used as a facility to transfer the advanced agricultural information to the farming community: 5) Farmers can be illiterate and speak to conducting research, desire to scientific practices, participation to research attitude regarding Information Technology.