Journal of Plant Production Research
Year:2021 | Volume:27 | Issue:4|Papers Count:15

Background and Objectives: Temperature based agro-meteorological indices such as growing degree-days and helio thermal unit have been reported quite useful to predict the growth and yield of crops. The efficiency of converting heat and radiation energy to dry matter depends on the genetic factors, sowing date and crop type. Hence, the knowledge of calculation heat thermal summation unit, mostly called the growing degree days and its further mathematical derivations like helio thermal unit and heat and radiation use efficiency will be the basic prerequisite of phenology periods and optimum planting date for different crop varieties. In spite of much researches have been done about onion in country, no paper have already published related to study the agro-meteorological indices at phonological stages of this crop. This experiment was conducted to study the effect of planting date on agro-meteorological indices at phenological stages and yield of Behbahan bred onion. Materials and Methods: This research was conducted in randomized complete blocks deign including four planting dates from 6 September to 21 Octobers with 15 days interval contain four replications at Behbahan Agriculture Research Station for two years (2014-16). In this experiment, studied genotype was Behbahan bred onion. Seedlings were transplanted (at two or three leaf stage). Fertilizers were applied based on soil analysis results according the recommendation of Soil and Water Research Institute. Time of bulbing was estimated based on bulbing ratio and cumulative sums. Agro-meteorological indices including growth degree days, helio thermal unit and photo thermal index were calculated at seed germinations, vegetative growth and bulbing and bulb development stages. Bulbs were harvested when 50-80% of foliage top had fallen and collapse. Statistical analysis was performed using MSTATC software and mean comparisons were also performed using Duncan’ s multiple range test at P≤ 0. 05. Results: The lowest duration between plant to seedling emergence and minimum growth degree days at seed germination stage were appointed to planting date at 6 September. The maximum photo thermal index during seed germination stage belonged to 21 September and sixth Octeber planting dates in the first and second year of experiment, respectively. The maximum growth degree-days and helio thermal unit during transplant production belonged to 21 September planting date as well as with delaying planting date these indices decreased. The differences of obtained growth degree-day in all studied planting dates were not considerable in plant growth period (Except of sowing date at 6th October in the first year) during two years. The highest yield, thermal use efficiency and helio thermal unit were recorded for sixth and 21 September planting dates in the first and second year, respectively. Reduction of growth and development of bulb in sowing date at 21st October and being exposed to high temperature at the late of this stage led to produce the lowest yield at this planting date. Conclusion: According to the results, the best planting date for Behbahan bred onion sowing was 21 September and delaying sowing date caused in yield reduction.

Background and Objectives: Black berries (Rubus fruticosis aggr. ) with more than 700 species are from worldwide and Iran as small fruits. In addition of its wild relatives in nature, there are some breeded thorny and thornless cultivars which are under cultivation in the south region of Caspian Sea. Using chemical fertilizers is the fastest method to compensate plants requirement to nutritional elements. Based on literature review, application of NPK will change the length of primocane, number and length of auxillary buds and flower number of inflorescence in blackberry, its yield component and antioxidant chracteristics, positively. The goal of this research was to evaluate the effect of different levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium on three thorny blackberry cultivars. Materials and Methods: This research was performed in pots at Quancet greenhouse as completely random design in factorial experiment with three replications. First factor included cultivar with three levels (Slivan, Marion and Tupy as early, mid and late ripening, respectively) and second factor was fertilization in six rates (N0P0K0, N50P0K0, N50P0K25, N50P0K50, N50P25K50 & N50P12. 5K25). The measured traits included fruit quantitative characteristics such as weight, length and diameter (size), and fruit qualitative traits like Brix and titrable acidity, druplet traits as weight and percent of druplet material, number and weight of seed and antioxidant traits of juice (antioxidant activity from diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method, phenol, flavenoiid and vitamin C). Results: Results showed that the highest fruit weight, TSS and seed dry weight of 5 fruits (7. 8g, 12. 9% and 0. 598g, respectively) were related to early ripen cultivar in N50P0K25 factor. Also, the highest fresh and dry weight in seeds of fruits (2. 528g & 0. 607g, respectively) were obtained on late ripening cultivar. The most titrable acidity observed in late ripen cultivar and N50P0K0 treatment. The maximum weight of druplet, highest druplet matter percent achieved in early and mid ripening cultivars in N50P0K25 treatment which resulted the highest anthocyanin rate in mid and late ripen cultivars. In this research, amounts of oxidant stop percent and phenol rate were higher in late ripen cultivar than other cultivars. The most vitamin C was observed in N50P25K50 treatment and after this level, it had the negative effects on this parameter and other phytochemical traits like as anthocyanin. Conclusion: In the traits which related to reproductive growth and fruit, early ripen cultivar showed significantly effectiveness than other cultivars. However, thenutritional value (antioxidant traits) of late ripen cultivar was better. In general, treatment with N50P0K25 in early ripen cultivar could improve the TSS, druplet weight, druplet matter and taste in compare to other treatments, significantly.

Background and Objectives: Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. ) as the king of flowers is one of the most important cut flowers, pot and medicinal plants in the world. Plant genetic resources, in addition to the infrastructure for agricultural development, it serves as a source of genetic adaptation and as a protection against environmental changes. Therefore, evaluation of genetic diversity and adaptation of cultivars in Iran with water deficit conditions (moderate and severe stress) is necessary for further identification of germplasm and success of breeding programs of this plant. This research was carried out to investigate the compatibility of 30 cultivars of chrysanthemum, by studying the morphology of flower and leaves and flower yield in two regions (Khorramabad and Beiran-Shahr) in Lorestan province. Material and Methods: This experiment as the first study that was conducted to investigate the compatibility and stability flower yield and other important traits of flowers and shrubs of 30 cultivars of chrysanthemum in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications in Khorramabad and Beiran-Shahr regions in Lorestan province. Experimental errors were homogeneous in two locations, therefore; composite variance analysis was performed in two regions. Also, non-parametric ranking, AMMI and GGE biplot multivariate methods were used to evaluate stable cultivars to select the best cultivars in two regions. Results: The results of composite variance analysis showed significant effect of cultivars that indicating the genetic difference among the studied cultivars. For most important morphological traits, cultivar × location interaction effects were statistically significant at 1% level. The interaction effects of cultivar × location on flower yield were significant, so the stability of the cultivars were analyzed. According to the results, flower yield per plant of Elmira2 and Shekarnaz cultivars with 918 and 828 gr per plant, respectively, and in terms of early flowering and plant height, they were superior to other cultivars. According to this method, Tanaaz, Andia, Fariborz, Darya 2 and Farahnaz cultivars with higher average yield rating and standard deviation, had the lower stability ither cultivars. Results of GGE biplot showed that Elmira2, Mani 2, Paridokht, Farahnaz, Golnar, Taban3, Oran and Fariba cultivars in Beiran-Shahr and Elmira2, Tanaz, Farahnaz, Nadia2, Golgis, Oran, Taban3, Nastaran and Kimia 3 cultivars in Khorramabad regionwere recognized as superior cultivars for important ornamental traits. Cluster analysis of cultivars at Euclidean distance of 17. 71, were categorized into three main groups. Conclusion: Finally, based on results of stability of flower yield in plant and interaction of genotype in environment based on non-parametric AMMI and SHMM methods, Elmira2 and Shekarnaz cultivars were identified as stable cultivars in two regions. GGE biplot results showed that cultivars Elmira 2, Oran, Taban 3 and Farahnaz were the best cultivars in the two regions. Understanding the nature of genotype × environment interaction effects will help breeders to evaluate the cultivars more accurately and select superior cultivars in terms of stability, flower yield and important morphological traits in breeding programs.

Background and Objectives: Seed germination and establishment of Kochia prostrata L. as an important plant of rangelands in Iran has become problematic and the population of this species is declining in their habitats. In this research, seed harvest date, maternal age of shrubs and different priming techniques as factors affecting germination traits of K. prostrata were studied. Materials and Methods: Shrubs divided to three different age classes and their seeds of K. prostrata shrubs were collected separately at two different dates (late November and late December). Five priming treatments consist of Hydropriming 4 hours, Halopriming with potassium nitrate 7. 5 mM/L, gibberellic acid 750 ppm, wet chilling +5 ° C and dry chilling-2 ° C were treatments that were applied on seeds. Results: R Results showed all seed traits were significantly different among different age classes at 1% significant level. Also, the effect of seed harvest date on all seed traits except seed germination rate and seed vigor was significant at 1% significant level. Normal seedlings were different between the seeds of different shrubs. It believed that seed dormancy is related to normal seedlings in K. prostrata. In this research, gibberellic acid of 750 ppm and dry chilling treatments of-2 ° C had the highest effect on germination, normal seedlings, seedling weight and vigor of seeds of 5-6 year olds and 7 years old class ages and harvest date in late November. The highest rate of germination was in potassium nitrate of 7. 5 mM/L. The maximum root length was 4-hour hydropriming treatment on seeds of 5-6 year old class and harvest date in late November. Conclusion: According to the results, seeds of 5-6 year old shrubs have higher seed quality than other two age classes due to having more 1000-seed weight (more than two times) and higher average seed yield (more than 3 times). It seems that seeds of the mature and old shrubs have dormancy more than the seeds of young shrubs. Collection of seeds of the mature class is recommended for the production of seedlings or for use in rangeland improvement and rehabilitation programs. Due to the variability of the maturity time of seeds, it is recommended that the immature seeds are collected in late November to early December before being dispersed. Seed dormancy (immature embryo) is then removed with dry chilling (-2 ° C) or gibberellic acid (750 ppm) treatments. The 4-hour Hydropriming can be used in order to increase the root length and seedlings length, and potassium nitrate of 7. 5 mM / L for improving the germination rate.

Background and Objectives: There are very little information about the effect of Ni nutrition on nitrogen metabolism in plants in the presence and absence of urea and various amino acids. Consumption of high amounts of urea in rapeseed fields shows the necessity of study the effect of nickel on improving the efficiency of nitrogen metabolism in this condition. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effect of nickel in the presence and absence of urea and three types of amino acids including histidine (His), arginine (Arg), and tryptophan (Tri) on growth and metabolism of nitrogen in rapeseed. Materials and Methods: This greenhouse experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in factorial arrangement of split plots and three replications in solution culture on rapeseed (Hyola-401 variety). The main plots of the experiment consisted of nutrient solution with urea and urea-free nutrient solution, and subplots consisting of nickel at three levels of zero, 5 and 10 micromoles of nickel sulfate and amino acid at four levels including non-use of amino acid and the use of tryptophan, arginine and histidine amino acids at a concentration of 100 μ M. In final of the experiment, dry weight of the shoots and roots, the concentration and uptake of nickel and some nitrogen compounds such as nitrogen, nitrate, ammonium, urea and amino acids of the shoots and roots as well as the activity of the urease enzyme in these two parts, was measured. Results: Regardless of Ni concentration and amino acid treatment, shoot dry weight of plants in the urea-based nutrition solution was significantly lower than those in the urea-free nutrient solution. In the urea-based nutrient solution, application of 5 μ M Ni in combination with histidine significantly increased the shoot dry weight. Similar results were observed in the urea-free nutrient solution. In the urea-based nutrient solution, the positive effect of Ni on the shoot growth of the plant increased in the presence of amino acids. The presence of Ni in combination with amino acids increased the leaf activity of urease; although the urease activity in the plants grown in the urea-based nutrient solution was the higher than those grown in the non-urea solution. Conclusion: The effect of Ni application on nitrogen metabolism and plant growth was dependent on the applied level of Ni and the presence or absence of urea and amino acids. Nickel at the 5 μ M level positively affected nitrogen metabolism and growth of plants supplied with urea while it had no effect on the plants unsupplied with urea. In the urea-based nutrient solution, the presence of amino acids particularly, His had the positive effect on the plant root growth. Regardless of urea treatment, Ni at the 10 μ M Ni level was toxic for rapeseed; although the presence of amino acids led to significant decrease of Ni toxicity effect.

Background and Objectives: Aloe vera is considered as one of the most important and economical medicinal plants in various countries of the world as well as Iran. Due to extensive utilization of medicinal plants in the world and also environmental problems associated with the use of chemical inputs, organic resources have increasingly attracted many researchers as better fertilizers to address plant nutrients' requirements. Thus, the main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of broiler litter compared to urea fertilizers on the growth and gel production of Aloe vera. Materials and Methods: This research was carried out at the greenhouse conditions and to do that, a randomized complete blocks design with four replications was implemented. The experiments consisted of four levels of nitrogen (50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha-1) in the form of broiler litter, four levels of nitrogen (50, 100, 150 and 200 kg N ha-1) in the form of chemical fertilizer and also the control treatment (without fertilizer). The studied traits were plant height, the number of leaf per plant, leaf length, leaf width, leaf thickness, total leaf weight, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, gel percentage, gel weight and gel viscosity. Results: The results revealed that the plant height, the number of leaf per plant, leaf length, leaf width, leaf thickness, and leaf weight in the broiler litter treatment were significantly higher than these traits in the control treatment. In more detail, the highest plant height (42. 62 cm) was obtained in 100 mg kg-1; while, the highest leaf length (29. 57 cm) and the highest leaf width (5. 85 cm) were achieved in 200 mg kg-1. Moreover, the highest leaf thickness (1. 37 cm) was identified in 100 mg kg-1 and the maximum leaf weight (1190 g) belonged to 150 mg kg-1 in which they were all in the form of broiler litter. On average, the broiler litter was able to produce 4. 8% more leaf than the chemical fertilizer. Among various treatments, the highest gel percentage and weight were obtained in 100 and 150 mg kg-1 of the broiler litter, respectively. Also, the highest chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b were observed at 200 mg kg-1 in the broiler litter and chemical fertilizer forms, respectively. On average, the broiler litter increased carotenoids up to 2. 15 percent more than chemical fertilizers. Eventually, the viscosity of the broiler litter treatments was considerably lower than chemical fertilizer. Conclusion: It is generally concluded that the broiler litter more remarkably enhances the leaf and gel weight and better improves the quality of Aloe vera gel in comparison with chemical fertilizer. Therefore, the application of broiler litter is highly recommended in order to achieve optimal leaf and gel production of Aloe vera in the greenhouse conditions.

Background and Objectives: Medicinal plants are the suitable subject in transition from conventional agriculture to sustainable agriculture. Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo var. Styriaca) is one of the most important medicinal plants. Seed oil of this plant used to prevent and treat prostate cancer. Sowing date is one of the effective parameters on the yield and quality of medicinal plants. Also, mulch application is one of the effective parameters to achieve ecological goals of sustainable agriculture. Therefore, purpose of this study is evaluation of mulch and sowing date on agronomical traits and yield of pumpkin. Materials and Methods: Factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete blocks design with two factors and three replications at research station of Kurdistan University during 2015 growing season. First factor was two sowing dates (20 May and 05 June) and second factor was five mulch types (transparent plastic mulch, black plastic mulch, straw mulch, live clover mulch and control treatment). In this research, measured traits were number of grain per fruit, number of fruit per plant, fruit diameter, fruit yield, 1000 seed weight, grain yield, biological yield and qualitative characteristics consisted of seed oil percentage and oil yield. Results: The results of analysis of variance showed that different treatments of mulch had significant effect on grain per fruit, number of fruit per plant, fruit diameter, fruit yield, grain yield, biological yield and qualitative characteristics consisted of seed oil percentage and oil yield of pumpkin. Sowing date significantly increased number of fruit per plant, grain yield, seed oil percentage and seed oil yield. also, mulch and sowing date interaction effects was significant for fruit number per plant, grain yield, seed oil percentage and oil yield, so that the highest values of these parameters (1. 82 number, 112. 2 g/m2, 40. 02 percentage and 44. 2 g/m2) were obtained in the June sowing date and the black plastic mulch and the least of them was belonged to the control treatment and June sowing date. The factors had no significant effect on 1000 seed weight. Also, the highest number of grain per fruit, fruit yield and biological yield related to black plastic mulch, which was in a statistical group with transparent plastic. Conclusion: Results of this research revealed that sowing date and mulch application were effective on quantitative characteristics including fruit yield, seed yield and oil yield of pumpkin. In general, the date of May sowing date and black plastic mulch increased yield, yield components and qualitative traits of pumpkin.

Background and Objectives: Organic fertilizers are one of the requirements for sustainable agricultural development in order to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers and their environmental hazards. In this regard, vermicompost has an important role in improving the growth and quality of agricultural products and organic production. Numerous studies have been investigated the positive effect of vermicompost on enhancing the quantitative and qualitative yield of medicinal plants. But there is no comprehensive study concerning the impact of vermicompost or combined nutrition on quantity and quality of savory yield. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the influence of vermicompost and integrated nutrition on growth, nutrient uptake and quantity and quality of Savory essential oil. Materials and Methods: This experiment carried out using a randomized complete blocks design with 12 treatments and three replications. The treatments were included: control (without treatment), chemical fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) (80: 50: 50 kg/ha), different levels of vermicompost (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 ton/ha) and combined treatments (50% of each level of vermicompost + 50% NPK). Evaluated traits were included: plant height, number of lateral branches per plant, aboveground dry weight, percentage and yield of essential oil, essential oil components, chlorophyll a and b and total chlorophyll and the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Data were analyzed using SAS software and means were compared using the LSD test (P≤ 0. 05). Results: The results showed that all of the studied traits except the chlorophyll b and essential oil percentage were significantly affected by treatments. NPK treatment dramatically increased the number of branches per plant, aboveground dry weight, nitrogen and potassium uptake and chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll compared with control. Vermicompost alone or in combination with NPK fertilizer (50% vermicompost with half dos of NPK) had a significant effect on increasing of all traits (except chlorophyll b and essential oil percentage) depending on the dose applied. Maximum phosphorus uptake was obtained by application of 10 ton/ha vermicompost; While in other traits the highest value was obtained by the 5 ton/ha vermicompost + 50 % NPK. The lowest value of the all evaluated traits was related to control treatment. The results also showed that the lowest percentage of γ-terpinene, p-cymene and myrcene were observed in control plants; whereas, the percentage of carvacrol were significantly increased in control when compared with fertilizer treatments (except 2 and 4 ton / ha vermicompost). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggested that the application of vermicompost alone (6 ton/ha or more) or in combination with chemical fertilizer (especially at 5 ton/ha vermicompost + 50% NPK) has a good potential in improving dry matter and essential oil yield of S. hortensis. Hence, it is concluded that NPK fertilizers can be eliminated or reduced by using vermicompost in savory agriculture. It can also be concluded that the untreated plants are the most suitable for obtaining the highest percentage of carvacrol; whereas, application of vermicompost alone or in combination with chemical fertilizer is preferable for attaining hydrocarbon monoterpenes such as γ-terpinene, p-cymene and myrcene.

Background and Objectives: Seedling disease collection is one of the most serious diseases of cotton in most cotton-growing areas. The soilborne fungi, Rhizoctonia solani is a prevalent and important pathogen in the incidence of the disease associated with reduced plant vigour. The treatment of seeds or roots with fluorescent Pseudomonas to increase plant vigour and growth has been a worldwide studied practice. This study focused on the Pseudomonas fluorescens strains, for inhibition capacity of fungal growth in vitro and their useful for the suppression of R. solani in the cotton rhizosphere. Materials and Methods: To find suitable approach to control of damping-off caused by Rhizoctonia solani, the effects of seed priming with four isolates of P. fluorescens on some physiological characteristics of three cotton cultivars (Sahel, Golestan and Varamin) as well as infection rate were investigated. The cotton seeds were coated with P. fluorescens by soaking them in bacterial suspensions of 108 cfu bacteria for 15 min, plated in petri dishes and germinated at 25 ° C. The effect of soil treatment method with P. fluorescens on plant growth and infection rate was studied in pot experiments using infected soils. The bacterial isolates evaluated for volatile and non-volatile metabolites, sidrophore, hydrogen cyanide and IAA production. Results: The results showed the production of indole acetic acid (IAA), sidrophoreand hydrogen cyanide contents were significantly different in 4 bacterial isolates. Analysis of variance also revealed the significant improved of seed germination, root and stem growth and plant dry weight and decrease of disease index by bacteria. The total pheniolic content and proxidase activity also significantly increased in roots after P. fluorescens treatments and the inverse relationship with disease index. The effects of bacterial isolates on studied characteristics were different and significant correlated with IAA and non-volatile metabolites production by bacteria (Pearson coefficient 52-82). In this study, the effect of bacterial isolates on cotton cultivars were not significant. Conclusion: These results indicate that certain members of the P. fluorescens strains may be useful as an antagonist to R. solani and may facilitate establishment of stands of healthy cotton seedlings. Seedling growth improvement and induced resistance against R. solani disease of cotton is possibly the result of the production of the antifungal antibiotic and growth hormones. These results suggest the role of bacteria in germination. . Hence, using of bacteria as a biotechnological approach be suggested for improve plant to damping-off resistance.

Background and Objectives: The use of local dwarf rootstocks is important due to adaptation with region climate, and prevents entrance of the pests and diseases into the country and economizes procurement and production costs. Hence, in most of the countries, various apple rootstocks have been improved and introduced based on the demand of apple producers and climate conditions. Gami Almasi apple is native of West Azerbaijan province of Iran and adapted to the climatic and soil conditions of this region and it has desired traits such as precocious, good compatibility with apple commercial varieties, cold and calcareous soils tolerant and easy reproduction. But due to some of the unpleasant traits; this apple cultivar cannot be used as a rootstock. Therefore, to identify suitable rootstocks for apple, the progenies resulting from hybridization of Gami Almasi apple were evaluated for some morphological traits in this investigation. Materials and Methods: In order to assess morphological diversity in progenies resulting from free pollination of Gami Almasi apple (59 genotypes) and controlled pollination with MM109 apple as male parent (24 genotypes), variables were included of leaf area, chlorophyll index, internode length of shoots, tree height, annual vegetative growth, suckers production, iron chlorosis, Burr knots, angel of branches, infection with wooly apple aphids, infection with powdery mildew, infection with pear lace bug and flexibility of branches were investigated. From 89 genotypes evaluated, 24 genotypes were obtained from controlled pollination between Gami Almasi and MM109, and 59 genotypes were obtained from free pollination of Gami Almasi. in order to evaluation of diversity, correlations between traits was determined andcluster was drawn by Ward’ s Method. Discriminant and multivariate tests were used to determine the appropriate grouping. Results: Based on the results of correlation analysis, a positive and significant correlation was found between vegetative traits such as height, annual vegetative growth rate, chlorophyll index, internodes length, with branch flexibility. Also, a significant positive correlation between rate of suckers production and burrknots, and between rate of burrknots and infection with wooly apple aphids was detected. Cluster analysis using Ward method classified the 89 genotypes into three groups. Groups included: trees with high height, tolerant to diseases and pests, the lowest burrknots and suckers in group I; trees with medium height, sensitive to diseases and pests, the most Burr knots and suckers in group II; trees with the lowest height, iron chlorosis, burrknots and suckers, and semi tolerant to diseases and pests in group III. Conclusion: Trees in group II were not suitable rootstocks for apples, because of undesirable traits such as: production of suckers, highly infected with wooly apple aphids, having burrknots, iron chlorosis and fragile branches. If the purpose is selecting the rootstocks for resistant to pests and diseases, and needless for scaffolding, trees in group I are appropriate. If the purpose is selecting the dwarfing rootstocks with the lowest suckers and iron chlorosis, semi tolerant to wooly apple aphids and medium flexibility of branches, trees in group III are appropriate.

Background and Objectives: Chloroplastic matk gene is one of the best genes for a plant barcode and study of phylogenic/evolutionary relationships between plant species and families, possesses a high evolutionary rate at a nucleotide/amino acid level. Lilium ledebourii is a valuable species endemic to Iran, but it is seriously endangered. Notwithstanding its valuable characteristics, Lilium ledebourii has never been phylogenetically studied together with the other members of the Liliaceae. Using matk sequence, we studied the taxonomic position and evolutionary relationships of Lilium ledebourii and 41 other Lilium species. Materials and Methods: First, DNA was extracted by using Qiagen DNEasy. After verifying DNA quality and quantity, real-time sequencing (SMRT) was performed using the next generation PacBio platform and a complete matk sequence was obtained using bioinformatics tools. Finally, it was registered in NCBI (ID: MN557236-Pending publishing). For the study of the phylogenetic relationships, matk sequences of the 41 species were downloaded from NCBI. The sequences were aligned by Mega7 software, following the ClustalW method. Phylogenetic tree was drawn according to the maximum likelihood method. Genetic distance was calculated by the K2P method. The maximum composite likelihood of the nucleotide substitution pattern was estimated using the substitution matrix. By using FFPred, InterProScan, TargetP and Phyre2, secondary structures such as Alpha helix, Beta turn and random coil, as well as the tertiary structure of the protein, were studied. Results: According to the phylogenetic tree, the Lilium species were classified into 4 clusters: A, B, C and D. The Iranian species was placed in cluster B. According to phylogenic topology as well as to the study of genetic distance, Lilium ledebourii had the highest similarities to L. pyrenaicum, L. ciliatum and L. candidum with 97% bootstrap. In bioinformatic analysis, a high level of conservation was observed in the alignment of this protein. Lilium ledebourii contained arginine at position #271, which was similar only to L. pyrenaicum, L. ciliatum and L. candidum. The other species had lysine at this position. The species displayed many differences in the positions of amino acids, such as at #317, #346, #363 and #417. The study of the similarities of the secondary structure of matk in L. ledebourii showed this protein have 233 amino acids at α helix (45. 51%), 24 amino acids at β turn (4. 69%) and 156 amino acids at random coil (30. 74%). Conclusion: The present study analyzed matk in Lilium ledebourii for the first time, revealing its secondary structure, the position of α-helix and β-turn. Additionally, the tertiary structure of this protein was proposed for the first time. According to phylogenic topology as well as to the study of genetic distance, Lilium ledebourii had the highest similarities to L. pyrenaicum, L. ciliatum and L. candidum. Overall, the molecular relationship (phylogenetics and protein structure) of Lilium ledebourii was studied with other Lilium species.

Background and Objectives: Water stress causes too effects on the yield and the quality of agronomy crops. On the other hand, increasing the world population and global climate changing, has increased the importance of this matter. Sesame (Sesamum indicum L. ), is one of the most important oil crops that is planting producing in many parts of the world. There is no detailed study about sesame interaction against drought. In this study, the shoot and root morphological traits of two sesame genotypes, which were sensitive and tolerant against drought stress, was investigated in different humidity conditions. Material and Methods: Two sesame genotypes Darab1 (tolerant to drought) and Moghan (sensitive to drought), were planted in PVC tubes with the height of 100 cm and diameter of 30 cm and after perfect establishment (35 days after planting) of plants up to maturation, humidity treatments were carried out as the amount of 100, 50 and 25 percent of the field capacity. The factorial experiments on the base of complete randomized design were carried out. with three replications and three plant per replication in Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Recourses University (SANRU) Traits under investigating were contain: plant height, capsule number, stem diameter, length and diameter of capsules biomass of the shoot, 100 seeds weight as well as root traits such as root length and diameter under the crown, root volume, fresh and dry weight of the root were measured. Results: Interaction effect of irrigation and genotype, was significant for all traits related to the both of shoot and root. Also, drought stress caused decrease in the value of traits plant height, capsule diameter, capsule length and number, fresh weight of the stem and also, fresh weight and dry weight of the root. In genotype of Darab1, root volume and diameter indicated no significant decrease compared with the control at irrigation treatment of the amount of 50 percent of the FC and in irrigation treatment as the amount of 25 percent of the FC, Darab1 showed the higher values of the volume and diameter of the root compared with Moghan. Root length, had its maximum value at irrigation regimes as the amount of 50 and 25 percent of FC and in trait of root area at irrigation treatment of 50 percent, this genotype had the maximum value. Results showed that genotype Darab1, with compatibility of root system against drought stress, was able to tolerance unfavorable condition. Conclusion: Considering the result of this study and the previous ones about the role of the root system in plant tolerance against water stress, root characteristics are good criterion in selecting plant genotypes suitable for planting in water deficit condition and using in breeding programs of the sesame. Genotype of Darab1 with favorable root system was able to tolerance unfavorable humidity condition and preserving the yield in stress condition.

Background and Objectives: Vasha is a monocarpic plant endemic to central Iran. The sesquiterpens in the oleo gum resins of vasha display important defense role against fungi and pathogenic bacteria. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of essential oil as well as ethyl acetate, chloroform, hexane and methanolic extracts from the gum-resin of Dorema ammoniacum and investigating its essential oil constituents. As the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites is affected by the prevailing environmental conditions, in this study, the extracted gum of Dorema ammoniacum from Shahrood region was phytochemically characterized. Materials and Methods: Oleo gum resin of vasha was collected from Shahroud (Torud village) and essential oils were analyzed using GC and GC/MS and extraction was done using Soxhlet extractor with organic solvents of different polarity including hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Evaluation of the antioxidant activities of essential oil as well as ethyl acetate, chloroform, hexane and methanolic extracts from gum-resin of Dorema ammoniacum were done using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and for the antibacterial screening disk diffusion and broth micro dilution methods were employed. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were measured against a number of bacteria. Results: The ethyl acetate extract with IC50=69. 0 μ g/mL showed highest antioxidant activity and essential oil with IC50=166. 0 μ g/ml displayed a moderate antioxidant activity. The methanolic (31. 25 μ g/mL) and chloroformic (62. 50 μ g/mL) extracts exhibited high antibacterial activities. Analysis of essential oil of oleo-gum resin by GC-MS led to the identification of 51 compounds. In this research, Methyl oleate (20. 2%), Methyl palmitoleate (15. 9%), Fenchyl acetate (7. 25%), Methyl linoleate (6. 87%), Methyl stearate (6. 64%), Oleic acid, trimethylsilyl ester (4. 97%), Pentadecane (3. 14%), alpha.-Gurjunene (2. 66%), beta.-Bisabolene (2. 6%) were identified as the dominant compounds. Conclusion: D. ammoniacum is one of the most important species of Dorema. The established phenolic and polyphenolic compounds in the extracts or essential oil as well as the presence of sesquiterpens coumarines/phenols in the oleo gum resin extract with biological activities such as antioxidant and antimicrobial and even anti-Alzheimer's makes D. ammoniacum plant as a suitable candidate for medicinal uses. These results showed that some extrinsic factors such as climate, soil properties, insect and microorganisms stress, harvest time, plant preparation procedure and the method of essential oil extraction in D. ammoniacum may affect chemical composition of the extracts and essential oils.

Background and Objectives: There are some reports on seed development in medicinal plants, but no information has been reported about seed development of Nigella sativa. The purpose of this study was to investigate seed quality traits including time to maturity and physiological maturity, germination and dormancy changes in 14 different ecotypes of black cumin. Materials and Methods: A randomized complete blocks design was conducted at the Aburaihan Campus of University of Tehran in 3 replications and 7 harvest times during two years of 2018 and 2019. Treatments were 14 native black cumin ecotypes (across Iran), germination temperature and post-flowering time during seed development on the mother plants. The studied traits included seed weight and moisture content and seed germination percentage during seed development. For germination test, a factorial experiment was conducted based on completely randomized design in three replications which treatments consisted of different incubation temperatures and 14 ecotypes of N. sativa. Results: The results showed that the moisture content during development on the mother plants had a decreasing trend. In the first sampling, the highest percentage of moisture was observed in Arak ecotype and had a decreasing trend until harvest. At full maturity, seed moisture content in all ecotypes was less than 18%. Ecotypes of Zabol1, Bajestan, Sarayan and Ashkedaz required the lowest time after flowering to reach their maximum seed weight, thus there was recommended for regions with short growing season. The Khaf ecotype with 2. 3 mg seed weight had the highest weight and the Hamadan ecotype with 0. 072 mg/day had the highest seed filling rate. In the ecotypes of Tafresh, Zabol2, Eghlid, Semirom, Arak, Hamadan, Razan, and Gerdmiran germination started 20 days after flowering and had an increasing trend until physiological maturity. In ecotypes such as Isfahan, Eshkezar, Zabol1, Sarayan, and Khaf germination started from 20 days after flowering and up to 30 days after flowering there was an increase in germination percentage, but after this time the percentage of germination decreased and reached zero until the full maturity, which in fact primary dormancy induced to the seeds. Conclusion: Therefore, if the planting of seeds is done immediately after harvest, ecotypes of Tafresh, Zabol2, Eghlid, Semirom, Arak, Hamadan, Razan, Gerdmiran are suitable. Incubation temperature also showed that the highest germination percentage for all ecotypes was observed at 10 ° C and decreased with increasing temperature and reached zero at 30 ° C. Ecotypes of Hamadan, Semirom, Zabol1, Tafresh and Gerdmiran had the highest germination percentage at 10 ° C among the studied ecotypes. Therefore, dormancy in black cumin is probably Type 1 of non-deep physiological dormancy.

Background and Objectives: Medicinal plants have wide diversity and the amounts of active compounds of them are highly variable in different areas of Iran. These changes can be depending on the plant species and environmental conditions such as temperature, precipitation and elevation or soil conditions. Therefore, evaluation the medicinal plants of an area can play an important role in understanding the potential of medicinal plants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate environmental parameters effect on the antioxidant activity of medicinal plants in Paveh and Ormanat regions. Materials and Methods: In this experiment, 348 plant samples were collected from 116 medicinal plants in Paveh and Ormanat. The samples were tested after identification in herbarium laboratory of Razi University of Kermanshah and were transferred to the laboratory of department of horticultural sciences of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources for antioxidant potency analysis. After preparation the herbarium samples, the plants were dried in shade as thin layer. The dried samples were employed to measure total antioxidant potential (TAOC) via TAOC method. Furthermore, climate data and soil chemical parameters were collected. To prepare the TAOC reagent, 0. 6 mM sulfuric acid (H2SO4), 28 mM sodium phosphate (Na3PO4) and 4 mM ammonium molibdat (N6H24Mo7O24) were used. Finally, the relationship between them and TAOC was evaluated using regression models by data mining. Results: In order to assess the effect of environmental parameters on the total antioxidant content of medicinal plants in this study, the correlation between data was evaluated. The results showed that there is no correlation between environmental parameters and TAOC. In data analysis, the twovariable regression equations did not show satisfactory results, as in the stepwise method, a maximum of 31% correlation was observed, but the M5 tree regression model by dividing the data into 29 spaces provided the TAOC values which showed 91% correlation and RMSE = 16. 6%. Conclusion: The results of our study showed that, the amount of antioxidant capacity of plant based on total antioxidant had no significant correlation with environmental and soil conditions. Moreover, its multivariate relationship did not show a significant correlation, which could be due to the high diversity in the studied species. It concluded that in addition to genetic potential, total antioxidant activity of medicinal plants depends on the environmental and climatic conditions. However, understanding the potential of medicinal plants with multiple environmental and genetic parameters using data mining techniques is an important trait. Overall, the results of this study showed that, in present study the M5 decision tree method was an efficient method in evaluation of antioxidant capacity of plant.