Agricultural Sciences and Technology
Year:2006 | Volume:20 | Issue:7|Papers Count:24

In this investigation, five wheat cultivars (Ostad, Karbalaheidari, Zagros, Omind and Kavir) and three triticale lines (Artclyt-33, Artclyt-35 and Artclyt-37) were studied under saline condition.Plants were planted in 6-Kg pots that were salinized at tillering stage with NaCI and different level of salt (So' Sl and S2) which contained 0, 3000, 6000 mg NaCI per Kilogram soil, respectively. Five plants were remained in each pot.A factorial experiment was conducted in complete randomized design with three replications.Na+ and K+ were measured at stem elongation stage. Wheat cultivars and triticale lines had shown significant differences in Na+ and K+ contents and K+/Na+ ratio. Triticale lines had low Na+ in their leaves in comparison to wheat cultivars, but they had relatively high K+ and K+ /Na+ because of their tolerance to salinity. K+ /Na+ ratio is an important criterion for salt \ tolerance. In tolerant cultivars the ratio is higher than non-tolerant ones. Triticale lines and two wheat cultivars (Kavir and Zagros) also showed relatively high value for K+/ Na+ while that was low in Oastad, Omid and Karbalaheidari. According to cluster analysis, Kavir, Zagros and triticale lines are classified in tolerant group, while Oastad, Omid and Karbalaheidari, were classified in non-tolerant group.

Two cultivars of kiwi fruit, Hayward and Abbot, with desirable quality were harvested on time from Valiabad, a region in Tonekabon (Mazanddaran Provicnce). Fruits were graded and packed in wooden boxes, cartons and low density polyethylene (LDPE) films, and stored in a proper and constant conditions (T=- 0.5±0.5oc & RH=90-95% ) for a period of 6 months. Samples were taken from each package in random for intervals of 30±3 days and during storage (6 months). The sugars, sucrose, glucose, fructose and organic acids, citric, L - malic were quantitatively determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).Statistical analysis was performed with factorial expriment in unequal completely randomized and average comparison design by multiple range test. HPLC analysis showed that the amount of glucose, fructose and sucrose of Hayward cultivar was more than Abbot during storage.Glucose and fructose contents in each three kinds of packaging and each two kinds of cultivars increased and sucrose in each cultivar increased during the first month storage and then decreased, although, in Abbot cv. showed a quick decrease. Citric acid was dominated in both cultivars. It decreased in all packaging for both cultivars, although, that was quicker for Abbot.The amount of L-malic in each three kinds of pachaging gradually decreased for both cultivars.

This experiment was carried out in order to investigate the effects of various levels and methods of feed restriction on compensatory growth, performance and carcass characteristics of broilers. In a 3x3 factorial experiment, the effects of three methods of feed restriction: 1) Restriction by hull rice (20, 30, 40%), 2) Protein restriction (15, 25, 35% less than control), and 3) Physical restriction (10, 20, 30% less than control) in 4 replicates and 7 male birds (103-104g) in each replicate from 7th to 14th days of age on their subsequent performances were determined. After the termination of feed restriction period until slaughter time (49 days of age) all the treatments including control treatment were fed ad libitum. One bird from each replicate of experimental groups was slaughtered at the end of experiment. Restriction method did not have a significant effect on total feed intake (p>0.05) but levels' effect were significant (p<0.05). Neither methods nor levels had any significant effects on weight gain (p>0.05). Also, significant differences were not observed in methods and levels in comparison with control treatment at 7th weeks of age. Total feed conversion and relative growth rate were affected by levels. (p<0.05). Methods and levels showed significant effect on carcass composition (Protein, fat and ash percent). Methods and levels did not significantly affected drumstick and breast percent, and the amount of abdominal fat (due to carcass weight).

To evaluate the effects of N fertilizer rates and application time on yield components of rapeseed a study was conducted in a factorial base randomized complete block design with three replications during growing season of 2003 at research station of Gilan University. Four N fertilizer rates (0, 75, 150, 225 kg N/ha) in the form of urea and four split application times (1- 100% basal, 2-1/3 at sowing, 1/3 at 4 leaf stage, 1/3at stem elongation, 3-1/2 at 4 leaf stage and 1/2 at stem elongation, 4- 1/3 at 4 leaf stage, 2/3 at stem elongation) considered as experimental treatments. Result showed that N fertilizer increment, increased plant height, number of pod/plant, number of branches, number of grain/pod, dry matter production, harvest index, grain yield and oil production yield significantly (p<0/05), but had no effect on 1000-grain weight and pod length. N fertilizer increment reduced oil percent (p>0/05). N application time (1/3-1/3- 1/3) increased plant height, number of branches, and of pod/plant, pod length, number of grains/pod, grain yield and dray matter production significantly (p<0/05). N split application had no distinct effects on 1000 grain weight and oil percent. The effects of N application on harvest index and oil production yield was not significant (p>0/05). It is concluded that the maximum grain yield (1941 kg/ha) was achieved by using 225 kgN/ha and1/3-1/3-1/3 on application schedule.

In order to evaluate the effect of genetic improvement of different traits on vegetative characters, phenology stages and grain yield of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) in rain fed condition and to use in the future breeding programs, a simulation experiment was evaluated by Cyrus model. Decrease or increase of 4 effective parameters on chickpea (Hashem cultivar) was evaluated using 88 year weather data in rain fed conditions of Gonbad and Gorgan. Areduction of 20% in the length between emergence and start of flowering was the best suitable time to increase grain yield while decreasing vegetative growth period and maint caning grain filling period. In fact the optimum distribution of water existence between productive and reproductive stages can increase grain yield of chickpea significantly. Having early maturity for increasing grain yield in rainfed conditiens of Gonbod area was higher than Gorgan. Reducing 20% in the length between emergence and beginnig of flowering showed the highest grain yield. This 20% reduction increased grain yield up to 1769 kglha (49% more them hashem ciltivar) in Gonbad and 2265 kg/ha (25% more than hashem cultiuar) in Gorgan area.Also the possibility of having a higher grain yield than Hashem cultivar with reducing 20%from emergence to beginning of flowering period in Gonbad and Gorgan was 100 and 94.34%, respectively.

Field crop landraces are valuable sources of genetic variations. Knowledge and implication of these variations are critical in the plant breeding programs.Legume forage clover due to high forage yield, quality, nitrogen fixation and improvement of soil textures is cultivated worldwide. Persian clover (Trifolium resupinatum L.), with Iranian origin, is one of the prevalent clover species grown worldwide. Molecular markers are used efficiently for assessment of genetic diversity in crop plants.In this study 20 Persian clover populations collected from different areas were used. DNA extractions were carried out using mini preparation method with equal amount of leaves from 30 plants of each population. DNA samples from 20 populations of clover were evaluated using RAPD markers.Eight primers out of 30 used primers produced repeatable bands.Cluster analysis was conducted using NTSYS software and UPGMA method based on Jaccard's similarity matrix. Primers totally produce 75 bands, of which 66 bands (88%) were polymorphic among clover genotypes. The greatest and least amplification fragments belonged to OPHl2 and OPG06 primers, respectively and average band number of primers was estimated as 9.37 bands. According to cluster analysis and cutting dendrogram in 0.7 similarity coefficients, clover populations divided into seven groups in which Kazerun, Kermanshahi (2) and Haftun Isfahan individually formed a separate clusters. According to similarity matrix, the least similarity (36%) belonged to Haftchin Brujerd and Kazerun and the highest similarity belonged to Chegeni and Haftchin Hamedan. Clustering based on RAPD method almost substantiated the grouping based on geographical origin. Considering the results, it is concluded that RAPD technique can be used for genetic diversity study of Persian clover as well as discrimination of it's cultivars.

Evidence indicated that climate change in arid and semi-arid areas through reduction of rainfall and an increase in temperature and also potential evapotranspiration, reduces growth and hence yield of wheat. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effects of temperature and rainfall changes on growth rate and yield of rainfed wheat (Sardari cultivar) under future climatic condition of Iran. For this purpose WOFOST model for the the present climatic conditions and the years 2025 and 2050, on the basis of UKMO General Circulation Model was used and changes on growth and yield were compared. Results of growth simulation showed that growth rate of rainfed wheat will be reduced by 20-30% for the years 2025 and 2050, respectively. Furthermore despite and increase in CO2 concentration, yield of wheat will not increase in the eastern parts of the country compared to the Western parts. Average reduction in yield will be 20.6% for the year 2025 and 28.8% for the year 2050.

Agroclimatic indices are based on climatic factors effective on crop growth and development. Under climate change, these indices are also changed, therefore the pattern of these changes could be associated with crop growth and yield. The purpose of the present investigation was to calculate agroclimatic indices under climate change and compare the changes with the indices of the present climatic conditions and hence prediction changes on crop productivity that may occur. For this purpose 14 hey variables were disaggregated to 55 new variables which were indictors of agroclimatic seasonal changes. These indices were calculated for the present and the year 2025 and 2050. Results showed that the first occurrence of autumn freezing day will be delayed by 5-9 to 8-15 days for 2025 and 2050, respectively and the magnitude of these changes will be higher from the North to South and from West to East of the country. However, occurrence of last spring freezing day will be earlier by 4-8 and 7-12 days for these target years. However, again the spatial trend will increase from the West to the East and from the North to the South. Based on these two events, length of growth period will increase by 5-23 to 16-42 days for years 2025 and 2050, respectively.

In orther to investigate the effect of stubble mulch in tillage systems under limited irrigation methods of applied on sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in rotation after wheat, an experiment was conducted in experimental farm of Azad University Fasa branch during 2004. The experiment was designed in a split plot with four replications. The main plots were control, alternate irrigation, and sub plots included complete tillage without stubble, complete and minimum tillage with stubble. The results showed that grain number per head in alternate irrigation was less than control, but there was no significant differences in this irrigation method. The grain number per head was maximum in minimum tillage with stubble, but The weight of 100 grain was not significantly different compare to control treatment. Furrow irrigation without stubble increased grain yield and water use efficiency.However, in Alternate irrigation system, grain yield and water use efficiency in minimum tillage with using stubble were higher than without using stubble mulch.

Effect of 305 days milk yield corrected for 3.5 fat percentage on fertility traits including age at first calving, interval among first and second, second and third, average of first to third lactation, average of total calving intervals and days from calving to first insemination and herd life as economic traits by the target of breeding and estimation of the best level of performance, 55596 records of Holstein cattle of Iran at first lactations have presented. In this research after evaluation of herd life predicted equation as the independent variable and modeling of continuous variable with all of its significant effects (P<0.01), all of the possible probabilities for simulating rank of records of milk yield, age at first calving and first lactation days open and predicted herd life were ordered. Increasing in milk yield at first lactation significant (P<0.01) caused to increase the cattle herd life. First and second calving interval had negative and significant phenotype correlations with the milk yield and herd life. but this correlation was positive for next parities. It seems that milk yield between 9377 to 9705.5 kg, age at first calving between 740 to 796 days and first lactation days open between 126 to 142 days are disirable to prepare for cattle herd life between 1981 to 2073 days.

In this research, the stability of six frying oil samples produced in Iran (A to F oils) compared to an imported frying oil sample and a sunflower oil sample was investigated during the frying process. It was characterized that the peroxide value cannot show the actual amount of the oil deterioration during the frying process, and it is not considered to be a suitable criterion in this regard. Prior to the frying process, Carbonyl value of the frying oil samples ranged from 7.76 mmol/g (Boil) to 18.50 mmol/g (imported oil). In terms of the critical content of carbonyl value (CT.Cv), F and D oils recognized to be the best and the worst frying oil samples, respectively. Prior to the frying process, total polar compounds content was between 3.35 and 10.99%. In terms of the critical content of total polar compounds (CT.pc), D and F oils were the best ones, respectively. and then the others with the same statistical value.Simultaneous calculations based on the two mentioned critical quantities showed that only F oil had the necessary quality for frying ojl samples relative to the sunflower oil sample. Although there was a relatively good status for the other frying oil samples only in terms of one of the two criteria mentioned above, simultaneous investigation of the frying oil samples based on CT.cv and CT.pc showed that there is unfortunately no statistically significant difference between them and the sunflower oil.

The effect of dietary level of vitamin E (VE) on performance and immune response of broilers was studied. Immunity was assessed as antibody production to Infectious Bronchitis virus (IBV) and Newcastle Disease virus (NDV), mitogenic response to phytohemagglutinin A (PHA) and concanavalin A (conA), cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity (CBH) to PHA. A range of vitamin E (0.25, 50, 75, and 100 IU/kg) were supplemented to a basal diet (corn-soy) containing NRC (1994) recommendation of vitamin E per kg of diet. Maximum body weight gain, daily weight gain (22-42d) and efficiency of feed utilization were obtained in chicks fed diets with supplemented 50Iu/kg vitamin E. Lymphoid organ weights and daily weight gain (0-21) were not influenced by VE. Hum oral immunologic response showed that antibody titer to Newcastle disease vaccines were highest (P<0.05) in groups receiving 50 IU/kg diet VE. Adding 50 and 75 IU/kg VE to the diets significantly increased (P<0.05) antibody responses to IBY. CBH to PHA was significantly increased (P<0.05) in chicken fed 50, 75 and 100 IU vitamin E. Mitogenic responses were improved (P<0.05) by supplemented 75 IU vitamin E for PHA. Overall, the results of this experiment showed that 50 and 75 IU/kg VE, improved some of performance parameters and immune response in broiler chicks, respectively.

Hyoscyamus plants are important sources of tropane alkaloids which are produced in roots and transferred to aerial parts of the plants. Agrobacterium rhizogenes causes hairy root disease in host plants such as solanaceae. Hairy roots which are induced on inoculated explants by A. rhizogenes, grow faster than normal roots and they are genetically stable.Furtheremore they can regenerate whole transgenic plants.Therefore, there is a possibility that transgenic H. muticus plants produce more alkaloid compared with normal ones. This research was conducted with the aim of studying genetic stability in transgenic plants and their progenies and compairing morphological traits in transgenic plants with normal counterparts. Leaf and nodal segments of Hyoscyamus plants were inoculated by A. rhizogenes strain LBA9402. When hairy roots symptoms appeared, liquid cultures were established in B5 medium without growth regulators. For plant regeneration, calli derived from hairy roots were transferred to free hormone MS and B5 medium and also to MS medium contaning different levels of auxins and cytokinins. Considerable differences in morphological traits were observed among regenerated plants as well as between transgenic plants with control ones.Transgenic plants were considerably diverse in leaf size, leaf shape, flower shape and seed capability to produce flower and seed. Transgenic nature of regenerated plants and their progenies were confirmed through PCR by amplifying a specific fragment for roLAB genes of bacterial T-DNA.

The calpain polymorphisms and its relation to average daily gain were studied in 201 male and female Iranian Baluchi sheep. DNA samples were extracted from whole blood and the polymorphism was detected by the SSCP method at a 190 bp fragment. Acrylamide gel and silver nitrate were used for the fragment observations. Data were analyzed by Chi-square test. A and B alleles with the respect frequency of 0.56 and 0.44 were obtained. Three genotypes of AA, AB and BB were distinguished with the frequencies of 0.30, 0.53 and 0.17, respectively. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium existed between the genotypes (P£0.05). Relationship between data and genotypes were investigated using the mixed models. The average daily gain from birth to three months of age was (P<0.93) similar among the groups. The effects of dam, billhtype, sex, interaction of birth type and sex, birth weight and square of birth weight on the average daily gain were significant (p<0.05).It was concluded that calpain polymorphism may not be a suitable single marker in selection programs for improving average daily gain in Baluchi breed of sheep.

To study the effects of irrigation regimes on canopy temperature and leaf water potential, a field experiment was conducted at research station, college of agriculture, ferdowsi university of mashhad , during two years of 2001 and 2002. A split plot design based on Completely Randomized Block Design with four replication was used. The treatments comprised four irrigation regimes, 7, 14, 21 and 28 interval days allocated in the main plots and four plant species, corn, sunflower, cotton and bean, allocated in sub plots. Results showed that the irrigation regimes in each of two years had significant effect on leaf water potential. The lowest and highest leaf water potential were observed in the 7 and 28 interval days respectively. The effects of irrigation regimes on canopy temperature indicate that with increasing irrigation interval days, canopy temperature was increased on all species. Correlation coefficient between canopy temperature and leaf water potential in both years showed that there was significant correlation between these characteristics.

Fungal diseases are the most important biotic stresses in plant production.Identification of proteins that are synthesized in response to the disease and also identification of the coding genes of these proteins is an important task. In this study, proteome variation in response to the ascochyta blight diseases was investigated before and after disease indvetion in sensitive and resistant genotypes of chickpea.Protein profiles of the lines were obtained using SDS-PAGE electrophoresis.Difference was observed in proteins with molecular weight 8.6, 19, 24 and 26 kDa. The expression of the first protein decreased and the other proteins increased in comparison with control. In resistant geno; ypes, higher expression was observed in 19, 24 and 26, kDa proteins in comparison with sensitive genotypes.Higher expression of these proteins has been observed in resistant genotypes especially in high resistant genotype MCC496. Non expression or low expression is observed in sensitive genotypes especially MCC506. According to the results, it seems that expression of the identified proteins is related to pathogen attacks. Also the higher expression level of these proteins in resistant genotypes in comparison with susceptible genotypes could indicate the role of these proteins to establish resistance.

Grape is one of the main horticultural products in Khorasan province which processing of it to different products such as grape syrup, decrease the fruit wastage and increase the income of farmers and producers. The main objective of this research was to study a suitable procedure for grape syrup making from 3 cultivars (Keshmeshi, Askari, local seeding cultivar) growing in north of Khorasan province. The measurement parameters were amount of consumption of special filter soil (0.5, 1, 3 kg per 100 kggrape juice) and effect of using of Blank it sugar. In present research the effects of two factors including different levels of amount of soil and presence or absence of Blankit were evaluated in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replication. Experimental characteristics were measured included brix of final products, ph, colour and organoleptic properties. Results indicated Blankit sugar didn't have significant effect on quality of grape syrup but increasing the amount of filter soil to 3% improved colour of product. According to the results of organoleptic properties and experimental characteristics, the grape syrup was produced by Keshmeshi cultivar had the best quality.

According to the international standards, presence of the antibiotics in the milk and milk products is not tolerated because it may initiate allergic reactions and other problems in the alimentary tract.On the other hand, presence of the antibiotics in milk interferes with the fermentation activities of the starter bacteria necessary in cheese, butter and other dairy products production. Presence of antibiotics in the raw milk should be checked thoroughly in the pasteurization plants.Aminoglycosides, including gentamicin, are a group of antibiotics that are used in the treatment of mastitis in the milking and dry dairy cows in the form of systemic and/or local preparations. After using antibiotics, until the end of withdrawal time, almost all of them appear in the raw milk. One of the best methods to determine presence of Gentamicin in the milk is ELISA which has high sensitivity and specificity. In the present study, 68 milk samples including 40 bulk tank raw milk samples and 28 pasteurized milk samples have been tested by ELISA. Results of the test showed that total1y, 11.76% of both raw and pasteurized milk samples were contaminated and 88.24% contained no gentamicin residue. In the contaminated milk samples, the highest concentration of the antibiotic was in the range of 0.63-1.25ng/ml of milk and the least concentration was in the range of 0.3- 0.625ng/ml. Antibiotic concentrations in the raw and pasteurized milk were not significantly different (p>0.05). In order to have a more precise assessment of the results, supplemental lab tests were required (i.e. by use of HPLC) for reconfirmation of the results. Results of the experiment showed the necessity of the routine monitoring of milk and milk products for the detection of antibiotic residues.

Relative surface area of sugerbeet is an important criteria in respiration rate and hence sugar loss in silo. Measuring relative surface of sugarbeet is very difficult in practic, therefore it is very important to have a rapid and precise method for estimating the sugarbeet relative surface. In this research, correlation between relative surface area and weight of sugarbeet was investigated. Results showed that there is a high correlation between these two criteria (R2=0/96) and therefore by the used model sugarbeet relative surface area can be estimated. On the other hand by disregarding the sugarbeets with relative surface area greater than 1cm2/g from the sugarbeet lots in silo enhancement of sugar yield was achieved. Mean values of sugar yield for Jowein, Ghahestan and Torbat Heidarieh were 12.6, 6/0 and 6.15% respectively.

Wet tomato pulp samples were collected from 5 large agro - industries located in Mashhad during the summer of 2005 and dried under sunlight. Physical characteristics, chemical composition and degradability parameters of the whole pulp and its components were determined. Amount and rate of gas production for all samples were carried out by in vitro technique. The proportion of seed and peel components were 42.5 and 57.5%, respectively. The weight of 1000 seeds of the pulp was 3.2±0.05 g. The percentage of CP, EE and NDF for peel were 17.3, 3.3 and 56.4, for seed 31.4, 15.6 and 50.5 and for whole dried pulp 22.9, 9.7 and 54.4, respectively. The degradability data for whole pulp and its components following 0, 24, 48 and 72 h incubation showed that the most parts of DM, CP and NDF contents of the samples degraded after 24 h, although it was increased up to 48 h but with the much lower rate. The grinding process was highly effective for improving the degradability of all samples mainly seeds. More than 85% of the seeds CP and 83% of the peels CP were in the form of rumen degradable protein. The results of in vitro gas production were similar to the in sacco findings. No seed was germinated following the germination test, possibly due to applying high temperature during paste production. It was concluded that the feeding value of this medium -quality feed source can be improved by applying the appropriate processing methods such as grinding.