JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION
Year:2004 | Volume:14 | Issue:4|Papers Count:15

During study of syrphid flies in the Fars province of Iran, from 1997 to 1999, 22 species belonging to four tribes and 11 genera of subfamily syrphinae were collected and identified. Adults of the subfamily are important tree and crop pollinators and their larvae are important natural enemies of aphids, scale insects and other small soft-bodied insects. Specimens were collected by sweeping net or rearing immature stages to adults and identified using morphological characters and male genitalia. Species collected were the followings: Melanostoma millennium (L., 1758), Chrysotoxum bacterianum Viol., 1973 Ch.parmense Rond., 1845, Eupeodes corollae (F., 1794), E.nuba Wied., 1830 E.luniger (Mg., 1822), Paragus tibialis (Fall., 1817), P.bicolor (Fab., 1794) P.compeditus Wied., 1830, P.quadrifasciatus Mg., 1822, Scaeva dignata Rond., 1857 S.albomaculata Macq., 1842, S.latimaculata Brun., 1923, Sphaerophoria scripta (L., 1758), Sph. turkmenica Bank., Sph. rueppeli (Wied., 1830), Syrphus vitripennis Mg., 1822, Eplsyrphus balteatus (De Geer, 1776), Ischiodon scutellaris (F., 1805) laegypticus (Wied., 1830), Xanthogramma maculipenne Mik., 1887, Dasysyrphus eggeri Sch., 1862. Distribution of species and also a key for identification of genera in Fars province was prepared. According to available literature Ch.bacterianum Viol., 1973 is reported for the first time from Iran.

The Brachial artery is main blood supply of forelimb. This artery originates from axillary artery and sends several branches into brachial region. There are several methods for studying of arteries, including injection contrast media in arteries, in both a live and dead cases, that is called angiography. In the present study, lead oxide and barium sulphate used in dead cases and angiographs were obtained. In order to detect the arteries in the body and to confirm the angiographs, the samples were prepared with latex, gelatin and silicon injection into the brachial artery. Results indicated that: brachial artery branches in the arm region and the most important branches of this artery are: cranial circumflex humeral artery, deep brachial artery (that arise from caudal aspect of brachial artery within the arm), then, it branches collaterally to make radial artery. Except in one case, in all the other samples, superficial radial artery arose from the collateral radial atary. Brachial artery also branches into collateral ulnar artery which joins in dorsal carpal rete with dorsal carpal rete. In all samples, bicipital artery arose from cranial aspect of the brachial artery with in distal collateral ulnar artery. Transvers cubital artery separates distally from bicipital artery. This artery supplies muscles in cranial region of the forearm and ends in the dorsal carpal rete as it anastomoses with them. The last branch arising from brachial artery is called common interosseous artery which is 2-3 cm long. This artery divided into three smaller branches, namely, cranial, caudal and recurrent interosseous artery. Branchial artery continues as median artery in forearm. Then it is divided into muscular branches and radial artery. Radial artery arises from median artery within half distal part of forearm in deep flexur carpi unlaris. Median artery continues distally within mediopalmar aspect of superficial palmer arch and ends into palmar digital artery III. Based on the results of this study in buffalo, dorsal carpal rete is supplied by dorsal branch of cranial interosseous aretery, dorsal carpal branch of radial artery and anastomoses branchs of collateral ulnar artery. Deep palmar arch is supplied with deep palmer branch of radial artery, deep palmar branch of cranial interosseous artery and anastomoses branches of caudal interosseous artery. The superficial palmer arch is supplied with superficial branch of radial artery, superficial branch of cranial interosseous artery and median artery.

Many researchers have been working on various models and equations to predict the severity of erosion. The universal soil loss equation (USLE) is one of them. Parameters used in this equation can be calculated or obtained for a particular area from the tables or charts that have been recorded in many scientific sources or handbooks by considering the regional conditions of that area. Rainfall erosion index (REI), one of the parameters of USLE, however, depends on rainfall nature and conditions; it must be calculated by analyzing the storm events of the area using longtime rainfall records. Efforts have been done and are being done all over the world to analyze storm events and to produce tabulated REI. Unfortunately, such information is not readily available for many watersheds in Iran. In this investigation the rainfall events from 19 continuous recording rainfall stations around the Orumeie lake, north-west of Iran, operated under Regional Water Organization of East and West Azarbaijan were analyzed. IS-minute rainfall intensities and energy, max. 30minute intensities, and total energy for every event was tabulated and REI were computed. Finally Cooly’s model, based on rain depth and duration of storm, for estimating of rainfall erosion index of single storm was evaluated. This model has good adaptation to the statistical condition of Orumeie lake’s watershed. Therefore, the coefficient. Of model was determined and tabulated for the region. The average of determination coefficient (R2), for all of the recording rainfall stations, were 0.99 and this model was significant at one- percent level of probability for stations. Cooly’s model showed good conformity with storm specification of the area, comparing to the other regions where already the model employed. The computed average for coefficients of a, B and r of the model were 0.15, 2.31 and 0.83, respectively. Thus, improved equation was presented by computing the applied coefficient of Cooly’s model by using rainfall depth (mm), and duration (hr) for computing single storm erosion index (Mj.mm.ha-1hr-1) in Urmieh lake basin.

An experiment was conducted in order to evaluate five synthesized vitamin premixes including: 1 NRC’s(1994) recommended requirements, 2- Department of Crop Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz one half of NRC’s recommended requirements, 3- 1.5 times of NRC’s recommended requirements, 4- two- fold of NRC’s recommended requirements, 5poshtibani Co. recommended levels and three commercial vitamin premixes in feeding Arian broiler. This experiment was carried out using completely randomized design (CRD) with 480 sexually mixed broiler chickens including 3 replicates in 24 pens. Different vitamin premixes had no significant effects on feed consumption and weight gain in various experimental periods and total experimental period. The feed efficiency was significantly affected (P<0.05) with vitamin premixes in starter period. One-half NRC’s recommended requirements had the lowest feeding efficiency as compared to other premixes (1.79), but there were not significant differences between the other vitamin premixes. Various vitamin premixes had no significant effects on the carcass characteristics and mortality rate. The results of this experiment indicated that the NRC’s recommended requirements have the best performance and the lowest feed cost per kilogram weight gain than other vitamin premixes.

The larval feeding behaviors, sexual dimorphism in 5th instar larvae and pupae, different developmental stages and head capsule width were studied during 1998-1999, by rearing the larvae of Anagasta kuehniella moth on four food regimes (wheat flour and wheat flour + bran in proportions of 75%: 25%, 50%:50% and 25%:75%) with two moisture contents of 13.9% and 8.7% under laboratory conditions. The Mediterranean flour moth larvae gave high infestations to food substrates by spinning silky fibers, depositing molting skins and their feces. Larvae have cannibalistic behavior and in the absence of food materials, stronger larvae eat other larvae and pupae. Male 5th instar larvae bear a red dot on dorsal surface of their 5th abdominal segment, but females do not bear that dot. The sex of pupae could be easily distinguished by considering morphological characteristics. 26% of pupae, when taken out of their concoons and exposed to smooth surfaces had difficulties in normal adult emergence. In all treatments, embryonic development lasted 4-5 days. The shortest larval stage duration (31-32 days) was observed on moistened regime of wheat flour. An increase in bran content caused elongation of larval stages which were 40-41, 41-42, 49-51 and 56-63 days in rearings on dry foods and 31-32, 33-34, 43-45 and 56-60 days in rearings on moistend foods, with 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% bran contents, respectively. 4th and 5th instar larvae showed significantly different head capsule width. An increase in bran content caused reduction of head capsule width. The means of head capsule width was less on dry foods. It was also found that the head capsules of the 5th instar of female larvae were somewhat larger than that of males.

In the present research work, land suitability evaluation (qualitative classification) was carried out for wheat, barley, alfalfa, onion, sugarbeet and maize in an area of 400 ha in Khusheh-Mehr region of Bonab in East Azarbaijan, located between 37° 20´ north latitude and 46° 04´ east longitude. In order to have confident information, 8 soil profiles in different land unites of 1.1, 1.2, 2.1 and 2.2 studied and finally Entisols and Inceptisols orders were identified. Climatic data from Maragheh meteorological station near to study area was used. Also for the purpose of land suitability evaluation, simple limitation method, limitation method regarding number and intensity and parametric methods (Storie and square root) were selected and land suitability classes were determined. Regarding simple limitation method and limitation method based on number and intensity almost 60% of area (240 ha) are moderately suitable (S2) and 40% (160 ha) are marginally suitable (S3) for wheat, barley, alfalfa, onion, sugarbeet and maize, but in consideving parametric method (Storie), almost 60% of land are marginally suitable (S3) and 40% are actually unsuitable and potentially suitable (N1) for wheat, barley and sugar beet. For alfalfa, 25% of area is moderately suitable (S2), 35% is marginally suitable (S3) and the other 40% is actually unsuitable and potentially suitable (N1). Also 60% of area is S3, 21% N1 and remaining 19% of the area is unsuitable (N2) for onion and maize. But using parametric method based on square root, 60% of area is moderately suitable (S2) and 40% is marginally suitable (S3) for wheat, barley, alfalfa and sugar beet, 60% of area is S2, 21% S3 and 19% N1 for onion and 25% of area is S2 and 75% S3 for maize. Therefore, based on results obtained, cultivation of wheat, barley, alfalfa and sugar beet in the first place and onion cultivation in the second place can be recommended. Comparison of the methods indicates that the parametric method based on square root is more realistic then others.

Germination of seed is an effective factor in the establishment of final plant population. Optimal plant population per unit area could be achived when seeds germinate adequately. Tolerance to salinity during germination and early seedling stage is an important factor for establishment and survival of plants in saline soils or in areas that are irrigated with saline water. To identify salt tolerant genotypes of bread wheat at, germination stage, 38 genotypes (32 advanced lines, 3 landraces and 3 commercial cultivars) were evaluated in different salt concentrations of 0 (control), 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mM NaCl with 7 mM CaCl2, using factorial experiment based on CRD with three replications. Seeds were treated and incubated for seven days in 250c. Results showed that salinity reduced the rate of germination, length of root and shoot, dry weight of root and shoot about 18%, 49%, 70%, 77%, 56% and 68%, respectively. However, concentration of sodium was increased in both root, and shoot, by 13.1 and 10.6 times, and concentration of potassium in both root and shoot by 3.6 and 1.13 times as compared with the control treatment, respectively. Tolerant genotypes had greater length of shoot, root and shoot dry weight as compared with those of sensitive genotypes. However, sodium transported to shoot was not substantial. When salinity increased, sensitive genotypes had greater concentration of potassium in both root and shoot, as compared with that of tolerant genotypes.

Effects of different application methods (surface application, incorporation and deep placement) of urea and sulfur coated urea (SCU) fertilizers on the grain yield of rice were studied in a clay soil at Rice Research Institute of Iran (Rasht). The experiment was performed in post using a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications. After puddling the soil inside the container, 3 seedlings of Nemat Variety were transplanted in the center of each pot. Ninty kg/ha of nitrogen (in the forms of urea and SCU) and 54 kg/ha of phosphorus (tripple supper phosphate) were applied based on soil test results. Traits such as of percentage empty spike lets, harvest index, grain yield, plant height, efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer and nitrogen recovery were measured in each pot. The results showed that SCU application, as compared to urea, significantly increased efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer, nitrogen recovery and grain yield of rice. Incorporation of SCU into the surface layer, and its deep placement (8-10cm) both significantly increased the nitrogen efficiency, nitrogen recovery and grain yield compared to surface application of urea. Deep placement of urea resulted in higher efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer, nitrogen recovery and grain yield as compared to its surface application.

Poplar stem borer beetle Melanophila picta pall. (Col.: Buprestidae) is one of the important pests of the poplars in West Azarbaidjan. The initiation and termination of the activity of the pest is from June to August under Urumia climatic conditions. The peak emergence of the adults takes place in August. This pest has a clumped distribution. It was revealed that the adults were attracted to the rectangular sticky trap from 300 m. distance. The highest activity of M. picta, was noticed to be during sunny and warm conditions. It prefers the host trees located at the south and west corner edges of the poplar plantations. The visited places on the tree often are located 1.5 m. above ground level. It was revealed that M. picta, is attracted to the poplar extract more than other attractants tested and the same trend was observed in preferring the ordinary light against yellow light. The efficacy of silver colour trap with aluminium foil was more than other color traps. The sex ratio of female to male was 1.1. This pest is thermo tactic and the. Female probes the stalk of the host trees for detection of favorite places for oviposition. Therefore, the trees with small cracks on their barks are more sensitive to M picta, than others.

This investigation was Saducted to study genetic diversity of salt tolerance in 20 common wheat genotypes, recommending tolerant cultivars to farmers and to use them in the future breeding programs, Length of coleoptile and radicle, coleoptile/ radicle ratio, germination speed, mean germination time, fresh and dry weight of coleoptile and radicle, and germination percentage were measured. Germination response of these genotypes to salinity were evaluated by using 5 levels of salinity (control and four levels with electrical conductivity of 4,8,12 and 16 ds/m) in a randomized complete block design with three replications in petri dishes, based on 1ST A principles. Results showed that salinity stress had negative and significant effects on all traits studied. Based on cluster and environmental sensitivity analysis it was, also revealed that Cross-e-Roshan, Tajan, Atrak, Shirodi and Falat were the most tolerant to salinity as compared to the other cultivars.

In order to investigate the effect of varieties and plant densities on dry matter accumulation (DMA), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), and grain yield, an experiment was conducted in 1999 at the Agricultural Research Station, Tabriz University .In this study, six spring wheat varieties (Falat, Gods, Chamran, Darab-2, Tajan and Backcross Roshan) and four planting densities (400,450,500 and 550 plant m-2) were evaluated, using a randomized complete block design with split- plot layout and three replications. Varieties were assigned to the main plots and planting densities to sub plots. Analysis of variance of data showed that varieties and densities had significant effect on biomass yield at 1% and 5% levels of probability respectively. The effect of densities on grain yield and also the effect of variety x density interaction, on both biomass and grain yield, were not significant. Plant growth analysis, based on growing degree day (GDD), also showed that there were significant differences between varieties for DMA, CGR and grain yield. DMA and CGR increased when growing degree days increased using highest seeding densities. The effect of plant densities on DMA, CGR, RGR, and growth and developmental stages of cultivars, were not significant. The highest values for DMA, CGR and RGR in all varieties were obtained at 550 plant /m2. "Gods" produced highest DMA, CGR, RGR, biomass and grain yield at this plant density than other varieties.

In order to study the salt affected soils of the two regions around Tabriz and to quantify salinity degree and type, and also to present appropriate methods for their reclamation, soil samples from Khajeh and Sattielli (northeast and southwest of Tabriz, respectively) areas were collected. The samples taken: from different horizons, were analysed for physical, chemical and some fertility aspects. Physical characters included soil texture, soil moisture contents at different pF, infiltration rate, bulk and particle densities, and the porosity percentage. Chemical tests consisted the measurements of anions, cations, pH, EC, cation exchange capacity, neutral materials, gypsum, and also computation of some ionic relations. N P K and organic carbon content were also analyzed Soils from Khajeh region were saline (EC≥8 ds/m) and the neutral salts such as NaCl and Na2SO4 dominated the other solutes with Ca and Mg being in minor quantities. pH of the soil varied in the range of 7.5-7.8 and EC between 8- 24 ds/m. In the surface horizon, variation was more pronounced. The depth of groundwater in Khajeh region is low, so that soil salinity has been less influenced by its flactuation. Reclamation of the soil is possible by excluding the excess salts through leaching. In addition to salinity in Sattelli area, sodicity also exists, which contributes to unfavorable physical conditions such as dispersion, low infiltration rate and aeration problems. In this region, EC of the soil ranged from 37 to 52 dS/m and pH from 9 to 9.5. In contrast to Khajeh region, in Satelli soil salinity considerably increases with depth and ESP was more than 15, reaching up to 57.4 in some samples. Carbonate and sodium bicarbonate have been built up and constitute the dominant type of the soil salts which has led to considerable increase in pH (9-9.5). Reclamation of these soils may be feasible not only by excluding the salts through leaching but also employing suitable amendment, in order to substitute Na by Ca for improving soil physical conditions. Addition of sulfur or its derivatives to lower pH, is also recommended.