Plant Productions
Year:2019 | Volume:42 | Issue:3|Papers Count:11

Background and Objectives Olive tree (Olea europaea L. ) is one of the most ancient tree crops which has been domesticated in the Middle East for about 6000 years. The romans enlarged its cultivation from the Greek islands throughout the Mediterranean basin, mainly along the African and European coasts as well as in the areas where large volumes of water have improved the climate. In the past, cultivar distinguishing approaches were based on morphological characteristics of leaf, fruit and stone. Recently, morphological traits with isozyme and DNA-based markers have been applied to the classification of cultivars. The aim of this study was the evaluation of morphological and molecular similarities between the new and the known cultivars of olive trees in the Fadak garden in Qom province in Iran. Materials and Methods In order to analyze genetic variations of olive tree genotypes in Qom province, the olive genotypes (Manzanilla, Sevilana, Mahzam, Arbequina, and Conservalia) and two superior cold resistant genotypes (Fadak and Tooba) were studied using morphological traits based on distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) guideline in the Fadak garden (Qom province, Iran) in 2013. In addition, a total genomic DNA was extracted from the leaves, and the PCR was carried out by a set of six inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers for amplification. Then, amplification products from ISSR primer tests were characterized on 2% agarose gels immersed in 1X TBE buffer. The gels were stained with ethidium bromide. The PCR fragments were scored for the presence or absence as 1 and 0, respectively. Results In this study, analysis of variance was performed on 12 quantitative traits. Results showed there were significant differences (p < 0. 01, p < 0. 001) between all the traits and Fadak and Tooba separated from other genotypes by comparing the means of the tests (Duncan multiple range method). According to the biplot graph (the first two components) in the PCA method by quantitative traits, Arbequina, Manzanilla and Tooba were included in one group, and Fadak and Tooba were distinctly separated from other genotypes. Also, according to the biplot graph (the first two components) in the PCA method by qualitative traits, the distance between Fadak and Tooba was low. In the molecular analysis, all ISSR markers (six primers) showed polymorphism. The total band range was 8-21 (with 14. 66 as the average) and the PIC varied from 0. 231 to 0. 447 (0. 309 average). Based on the PCA method, Tooba was utterly separated from other genotypes. Discussion In this study, Fadak and Tooba were completely different from other varieties using morphological traits and ISSR molecular markers. Fadak was found to be similar to Sevilana and Conservalia. There was a high similarity between Fadak and Tooba. Also, no similarity was observed between the results of morphological and molecular traits.

Background and Objectives Antioxidants can harness the oxidative stress caused by free radicals by releasing single electrons and hydrogen ions. Myriad plants including vegetables and fruits express enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant properties which are used by humans to maintain health. . In this study we aim to compare the level of antioxidants and the amount of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds at three different stages of fruit ripening including immature, semi-ripen and fully matured fruits in two species of raspberry after a period of storage at freezer. Materials and Methods Fruits of Rubus persicus and R. caesius were collected at different maturity stages including immature, semi-ripen and fully matured stages from natural habitats. The extracts of fruits were stored at-20 ° C for 6 months. The antioxidant activities of extracts were determined using DPPH free radical purification and ferric iron regeneration ability (FRAP) methods in June, 2013 in Research Laboratory of Science and Technology Park of East Azerbaijan province. The content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds was also quantified according to Folin– Ciocalteu’ s phenol and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. The antioxidant activity and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were compared between species at three maturity stages in a completely randomized factorial design with three replicates. Results Both methods applied to examine the antioxidant activity revealed a high mean value in extracts from fully matured fruits compared with immature and semi-ripen fruits. The magnitude of antioxidant activity was significantly higher in R. caesius than R. persicus except that the amount measured by DPPH free radical purification level was similar between species at only fully matured stage. A significant difference was observed in both total phenolic and flavonoid contents between immature, semi-ripen and fully matured stages in both species (P < 0. 05) except that the total flavonoid content was similar between semi-ripen and fully matured fruits in R. caesius. Discussion Results showed that the highest antioxidant capacity was found in the fully matured stage of fruits in both species and thus the fully matured fruits might be capable of counteracting and even neutralizing free radicals. The results also showed that different species had different level of antioxidant activity. The level of total phenolic and flavonoid content at fully matured fruits was also higher than immature fruits in both species. Our results suggest that the antioxidant potential of raspberry can have several medicinal applications and play an important role by reducing the oxidative stress.

Background and Objectives To achieve optimal fruit set, economic productivity and targeted crossings in seedlings and grafted walnut orchards, the flowering time of both male and female flowers and their overlapping is important. Since the walnut ovule longevity is limited, fertilization should occur at the shortest possible periods to lead to fruit set. Therefore, the evaluation of effective pollination periods and the needed time for the growth of pollen tube and ovule fertilization are important for successful fertilization. The aim of this study was to investigate the compatibility and the effect of pollen on some selected genotypes of walnut as pollinizers on the fruit set, fruit composition and the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the progeny derived from MSG15, MKG23 and MKG24 genotypes as maternal parents. Materials and Methods This research was conducted in 2016-2017 in the research garden of Malayer University in Hamedan province. In this study, female parents including MSG15, MKG23 and MKG24 were pollinated with pollinizers of MKG4, MKG5, MKG10, MKG13, MKG14, MSG15, MKG23 and MKG24. Some of the characteristics of the fruit and the kernel were also evaluated in the offspring resulting from controlled pollination. Results Based on the results, the cross between female parent genotype of MSG15 with pollinizers of MKG4 (%79. 33), MKG5 (%81. 67) and MSG15 (%79. 67), female parent genotype of MKG23 with pollinizers genotypes of MKG5 (%83. 67) and MKG10 (%62. 67), female parent of MKG24 with pollinizer genotypes of MKG5 (%81. 67) and MKG14 (%81. 33) showed the highest fruit set. Also, female parent of MKG15 with pollinizers of MKG13 (%38. 33), MKG23 (%37. 33) and MKG24 (%38. 33), female parent of MKG23 with pollinizer MKG24 (%40. 00), female parent of MKG24 with pollinizers MKG10 (%42. 33) and MKG23 (%42. 33) showed the maximum flower abscission. Moreover, the highest percentage of kernel (%61. 9) was found in combination cross of female parent of MSG15 with MKG5 pollinizers. The lowest of ten fruit weight with husk (250 gr) and kernel fresh weight (50. 5 gr) was found in combination cross of female parent MKG23 with pollinizer of MKG24. In addition, the lowest percentage of kernel (%28. 98) was totally obtained in combination cross of female parent MSG15 with pollinizer of MKG24. Discussion The highest percentage of fruit was obtained in hybridization of maternal parent MSG15 with pollinizers MK4, MKG5, MSG15, and MKG23 as seed parents with pollinizers MKG5, MKG10, and MKG23 mother's parents with paternal parents MKG5 and MKG10. According to the results of this research, it is possible to use compatible and suitable genotypes introduced in this study in other walnut breeding programs.

Background and Objectives Grape is one of the fruit trees which require good management for economical production. Farmers often do not properly prune vine grape. Grape cultivars show different responses to pruning severity. Perlette cultivar is among the new cultivars whose cultivation has recently been on the rise in Iran. The main objective of this research was to determine the effect of severity and the number of buds per shoot on yield and productivity coefficients of perlette grape cultivar. Materials and Methods A factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted to evaluate the pruning effect on yield and yield components. Treatments included 42, 60 and 72 buds per vine and 6, 5 and 4 buds per cane during 2012 in Garaban agro industrial complex. Some different traits on fruit quantity and quality were measured. Results Results showed that the number of buds per vine and cane had a significant effect on the number of clusters, cluster weights, and yield and productivity coefficients. Vine yield was significantly different under various treatments: whereas the highest yield (about 12 kg/vine) was obtained by 60 buds/vine and long pruning with 6 buds/cane, the lowest yield (about 5. 6 kg/vine) was recorded in 42 buds/vine with 4 buds/ cane. The highest cluster weight (of about 250 g) was obtained in 60 buds/vine with 4 buds/ cane and the lowest cluster weight (182 g) was found in 72 buds/vine and 4 buds/ cane. The productivity coefficient was significantly different among the treatments at 1% statistical level. The highest productivity coefficient (0. 98) was found in the case with 42 buds/vine and 5 buds/ cane and the lowest was in 60 buds/vine with 4 buds/cane. Generally 60 buds/vine was recommended for this cultivar as a mixed pruning with two replacing buds and a cane with 6 bearing buds. Discussion The number of clusters was increased by increasing the number of vine buds and cane buds. Cluster number is possibly dependent on the number of vine buds, which is one of the factors to increase the yield. The weight of cluster is affected by several factors such as productivity, the cultivar and so on. The highest yield was recorded in 60 buds/vine and 6 buds/cane. This phenomenon is related to a balance of vegetative and reproductive characters in this cultivar. Yield reduction occurred in 42 and 72 buds/vine. The decrease in the yield was due to a decrease in the weight of the clusters in 72 buds/vine. This is possibly due to the lack of adequate nutrition by the vine for cluster growth. Yield reduction was due to a decrease in the cluster production number in 42 buds/vine. Yield was increased with a decrease in pruning intensity. This phenomenon represents an increase in the number of buds on the fruiting canes. The long pruning with 6 buds/ cane and 60 buds/vine was superior to the others. This pruning severity was determined based on fruit yield and quality. Proper pruning leads to a balance between vegetative and reproductive growth and the quantitative and qualitative yields will be increased.

Background and Objectives Khuzestan Province is one of the most important areas that provide vegetables throughout winter and spring in Iran. The vegetables are mainly picked up in the afternoon, so it cannot be supplied to the market. In this time of the day, the minimum amount of nitrate is accumulated in leafy vegetables, with a gradual increase throughout the night. On the other hand, its highest level is in the early hours in the morning. The purpose of this study is to evaluate nitrate and nitrite accumulation in vegetables produced in different areas of Ahwaz during winter and spring. Materials and Methods This experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design arranged in a split-split-plot design with three replications in the Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. In the treatments viz. first to third harvest dates (1): February 6, 2016, (2): March 4, 2016 and (3): April 7, 2016 respectively were the main factors and nine vegetable species (including coriander, parsley, mint, fenugreek, chard, spinach, leeks, dill and watercress) kept in sub plot, three vegetable production areas in Ahvaz were arranged in sub plot in sub plots and three fields were selected in each of these areas. Before and after cultivation, all planting, harvesting and harvesting operations were carried out on the same field in the selected fields. The concentration of nitrate was measured by the method introduced by Cataldo et al. (1975) and the nitrite concentation was measured via the method of Abu-Dayeh (2009). The data were analyzed using SAS software and the mean comparison was calculated using Duncan's multiple range tests at a probability level of 5%. Results Nitrate and nitrite contents of the produced vegetables were different depending on various regions, harvesting time and vegetable species. The highest nitrate content was observed in parsley fromthe first harvest in the southern region of Ahwaz (4. 4 mg/kg-1 dry matter) and the lowest amount of nitrate was recorded in watercress from the third harvest in the northern region of Ahvaz (1. 4 mg/kg-1 dry matter). Also, the highest nitrite content was observed at the first harvest in the westhern region of Ahwaz in mint and the lowest amount of nitrate was recorded in the second harvest in the northern region of Ahvaz in chard. In winter, the environmental conditions in Ahwaz are suitable for the growth and development of leafy vegetables (Boroujerdnia et al., 2007); however, soil conditions provide manganese uptake by plants. Moreover, high light intensity is another factor which can decrease nitrate in leafy vegetables. The number of cloudy days in Ahwaz is very low; therefore, the number of sunny days with high radiation intensity is high in winter. This phenomenon greatly reduces the content of nitrate in leafy vegetables. Discussion The amounts of nitrate and nitrite content in various species of vegetables produced in three regions of Ahvaz during the cold season were much lower than the standard figures. Therefore, we can conclude that the quality of vegetables produced in Ahvaz is very high in terms of nitrite and nitrate contents.

Background and Objectives Mineral nutrition and post-harvest handling are the major factors affecting secondary metabolites content and composition of plants. Berberis integerrima is one of the most important medicinal plants listed in all pharmacopeias. The bark, fruits and roots of this plant are commonly being used by traditional and modern medicine disciplines. They are well documented for their antidiabetic, anti-cancer, and antimicrobial activities with berberine as the main active constituent. Also, the shrub has ornamental uses in the landscape and the fruit is used as a food additive. In addition, anthocyanin of the fruit is useful as a natural coloring agent in food industries. There are few studies on the agronomic demands and post-harvest handling of this plant. The experiment was conducted to assay the effects of nano-zinc foliar application and postharvest plant drying temperature on some phytochemical traits of this highly valuable plant. Materials and Methods The treatments were applied to assay the phytochemicals content variations in roots, fruits and aerial parts of the plant (2 years old) by two separate experiments as factorial based on RBCD. In the first experiment, the effects of nano-zinc foliar spray on the yield, anthocyanin content, Zinc content and TSS at the different mentioned organs were studied. In the second experiment, the effects of diverse post drying temperatures (25, 50 and 75 0 C) on total phenolics content, flanonoids content, hydrolysable tannin and berberin content in Berberis integerrima were assayed. Results Zn content, TSS content and anthocyanins were affected by the independent effects of foliar spray and plant part. Plant dry weight was impacted by the organ type. Phenolics, flavonoids and alkaloids contents were affected by the interactional effects of the foliar spray, the organ type, and the drying temperature. The highest figure for the contents of alkaloids (30 mg g-1 DWt) and flavonoids (26. 9 mg g-1 DWt) were from the root × foliar spray by 6 mgL-1 Nano-Zinc at 25 0 C drying regime. The maximum amount of total phenolics was attained by the aerial parts × foliar spray by 6 mgL-1 Nano-Zinc at 25 0 C and fruits × 3 and 6 mgL-1 foliar spray at 25 0 C. For hydrolysable tannins (1. 9%), the root and the aerial parts × 25 0 C showed the largest figure. Discussion The overall results revealed the positive effects of nano-zinc foliar application on the studied gross secondary metabolites content in Berberis integerrima. The post-harvest drying temperature influenced the metabolites content as well, and the optimized temperature in the experiments was 25 0 C.

Background and Objectives Apple is one of the most important common fruit trees in temperate regions of the world with a lot of phenotypes and genotypes. Fruit surface color is one of the important factors in evaluating the qualities and appearance of fruits. This is the first component of acceptance by the customer, which indicates anomalies in agricultural products. Materials and Methods For this purpose, a study was conducted in 2016 in a completely randomized design with 12 varieties of native and imported apples in three replications. In this research, qualitative characteristics including anthocyanins for skin and flesh fruit, total sugar, flavor index, pH and EC and color indexes including brightness index (L), redness index (a), yellowness index (b), Hue (H), and Chroma (C) were measured for each apple cultivar. Results The results showed the highest indexes of a and C of skin. Moreover, the index of a related to the flesh of fruit in Mazand 2 had the highest levels of Hue skin, brightness and Hue flesh in Gala cultivar. The highest amount of brightness and yellowneass of fruit skin and flesh was observed in Golden delicious cultivar. While the highest amount of anthocyanin in skin was found in Red delicious cultivar. the highest amount of anthocyanin in flesh was found in Mazand 2. Furthermore, the highest level of flavor index was found in Shahrod 10 and the maximum amount of total sugar was detected in Red delicious cultivar. The utmost EC juice and the highest juice pH were observed in Gol Ghermez and Golab Kohanz cultivars, respectively. The highest positive correlation was found between anthocyanin of skin and anthocyanin of fruit pulp in the red flesh apple (0. 99). Based on the results of this research, the red index and the fruit flavor index correlated with skin Hue, brightness of skin correlated with yellow color of skin, and fruit EC correlated with sugar content of the fruit. Discussion Finally, the highest correlation was found between anthocyanin in skin and the red flesh apple. In other apple cultivars, a significant correlation was found between index (a) and the yellowness of the apples (0. 92). Further positive correlation was set between index C and anthocyanin content and flavor index. A positive correlation was observed between H and L indexes and the yellow color of the apple. Index b indicated a significant negative correlation with anthocyanin of skin and flesh of apple. The highest red content in red flesh apples indicated positive correlation with a and c indices, which has already been confirmed by the results of other researchers.

Background and Objectives Plant cells often increase cold tolerance by reprogramming their genes expression, which results in adjusted metabolic alternations, a process enhanced under cold acclimation (CA). In this study, responses of Carbohydrate alteration and delta12 and delta15 genes expression to cold stress (CS) phases were comparatively studied in three genotypes of bread and durum wheat differing in sensitivity. Two of them (Norstar, bread wheat and Gerdish, durum wheat) were tolerant to CS and the other one, SRN (durum wheat) was sensitive to CS. Materials and Methods Seeds of Norstar (hexaploid, bread wheat) and the two genotypes of Gerdish and SRN (tetraploid, durum wheat) provided by Dryland Agriculture Research Institute (DARI) of Iran were soaked in distilled water and then germinated in Petri dishes on filter paper for 72 h at 25 C in a thermostat. Subsequently, the seedlings were planted in pots. The cooling regime adopted in our experiments allowed us to differentiate the examined genotypes in terms of their tolerance to CS. In our experiment, the plants were moved from control conditions immediately into the acclimated temperature of 4– 5 º C for 14 days with the same photoperiod and irradiance. Leaf samples of genotypes were harvested and analyzed after 14 days under these conditions. After 14 days of CA, the plants were placed into a climatic chamber chilled preliminary to 0 º C. During further treatments, the temperature was lowered gradually to-5 C (at the rate of 0. 5 º C min-1 ), and the plants were incubated at this temperature for 12 and 24 h. Total cellular RNA was extracted by Biozol method (Fersion Pooyesh, Tehran, Iran) using 80 mg FM leaflets. Applying fermentase reverse transcriptase enzyme instruction, the first strand of cDNA was produced after DNase treatment. Primers were designed using primer 3 to obtain 18– 21 bp length. Carbohydrate extraction and determining the carbohydrate concentration were done by 80% ethanol and the AOAC method, respectively. Results These responses confirmed the existence of a wide range of genetic capacity in durum wheat to increase cold tolerance particularly in Gerdish. The findings of the present study showed that under experimental treatments, the carbohydrate content significantly changed so that cold stress in acclimated plants increased sucrose, glucose and fructose contents particularly in Norstar and Gerdish as compared to the SRN plants. Increasing expression of delta12 and delta15 genes under cold stress in Norstar and SRN genotypes in comparison with SRN indicates the capacity of cells in increasing cold stress. Discussion The results may be a sign for associating other metabolite or enzyme activities to create relative tolerance against cold-induced oxidative stress. Also, these responses showed high genetic diversity for cold tolerance in durum. Eventually, assessing the dynamics of cell responses after CS without CA phases could profitably be a novel path in plant stress response investigations in the short run.

Background and Objectives International forces and public pressure to prevent environmental pollution have changed burntsugarcane harvesting to green sugarcane harvesting in most important sugarcane-producingregions of the world. In the major countries that produce sugarcane, sufficient research has beendone on green sugarcane harvesting. Due to climate difference between Iran and other countries, it is essential to investigate all the aspects of green cane harvesting such as the quality indices ofextracts in Khuzestan, Iran. Materials and Methods To compare extract quality in burnt and green sugarcane harvesting, a test was performed in 2015-2016 at Emam Khomeini Agro industry company (latitude 31, 44 o N, longitude 48, 44 o E and 24 m asl). A spilet plot design was used. Three sugarcane varieties with different ripeness durations were considered as the main plot and five harvesting methods and ratooning includingburnt harvesting, green cane harvesting without rationing, green cane harvesting with rationing, green cane harvesting with one reshape replication and green cane harvesting with two reshapereplications with four replications were considered as the sub plot. Trash percent, extractionpercent (Ex), total solid material solute in extract (Brix), sugar percent in extract (Pol), extractpurity degree (Pty), recovery sugar percent in factory (R. S) and the yield were studied. Results Results showed the varieties had a significant difference regarding all the parameters except Ex. Maximum Ex (%41. 863), and the yield (93 t/ha) belonging to Cp69-1062 varieties. Cp73-21 had the maximum Brix (%20. 35) and Pol (%18. 16). Methods of harvesting and ratooning caused a significant difference as to the trash percent, R. S, the yield and Brix. The mean of trash in greenharvesting was 7 %but it was 4% in burnt harvesting. Maximum Brix belonged to the burnt buthad no significant difference with that of the green harvesting. Pol percent in the burnt was not significantly different from the two green harvesting methods. The average yields of burnt and green harvestings were 83 t/ha and 74 t/ha respectively. Finally, green harvesting increased Pty. Discussion The results of this study show that in green cane harvesting, as compared with burnt cane harvesting, the trash is increased and the yield is decrease. Because the trash prevents the recovery sugar, we expected that quality indices in green cane harvesting to be worse than burnt cane harvesting. However, due to having fresh cane in green cane harvesting, the parameters of quality, especially the purity, were higher than those in burnt cane harvesting. In the executive phase, the difference between the green and burnt harvesting is more than this experiment because a cane field that has been burnt for harvesting is usually detained for more than 12 hours for transporting the cane to the factory, resulting in much lower quality. The benefits of green cane harvesting will better be understood now if the trash is decreased in green cane harvesting by setting and changing the harvesters.

Background and Objectives This study aimed at determining growth indices and temperature requirements at different stages of plant growth in order to optimize the ecology of plants to increase yield due to the availability of appropriate access to many agro technological issues, including appropriate planting dates, timely irrigation, appropriate time of harvesting, proper time to control the pests and diseases, the selection the appropriate cultivars, and achieving the highest yield of crops. The study also aimed at determining the growth indices and the growth rate of oat based on the BBCH scale. Materials and Methods This experiment was conducted in the experimental field of Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz during 2013-2014 growing season. Five oat genotypes (V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5) were grown under three different planting densities (including 300, 400, and 500 plants. m-2 ) using factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replicates. Growing Degree Days (GDD) of the different growing stages, according to the BBCH scale, and the daily temperature were calculated. Several physiological traits such as CGR, relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), SPAD value and total dry matter yield were evaluated. Results The treatments had different effects on growth indices and physiological traits such as plant growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilasion rate (NAR), leaf chlorophyll content, chlorophyll meter number, and dry matter yield. The results of the mean comparison showed that V2 had the highest level of NAR, RGR, CGR and TDW among oat genotypes, with an average of 1. 40 g. m-2-1. day-1, 0. 0015 g. g-2. da, 6. 34 g. m. day and 39. 87 g. m-2. day respectively, at a density of 300 plants / m2. In contrast, V1 had the lowest total dry matter yield with an average of 22. 95 g. m-2 day. Among the genotypes, V2 had the lowest growth period with a density of 300 plants. m-2 with an average of 162 days of planting and 1899 days of growth (GDD in degrees C) and V4 had the highest growth period among the studied genotypes at a density of 500 plants. m-2 with the average of 175 days of sowing and 2178 days of growth. Discussion Reducing CGR at high densities can result in reduced photosynthetic energy in the growth of organs, or increased respiration or poor nutritional transmission of the growth of leaves from the root (Moradpour et al. 2013). Because of the decreasing RGR trend and the increasing density, dry matter accumulation was mainly attributed to undifferentiated tissues, as well as the shading of leaves on each other. Moreover, the increase in the age of the leaves can be considered effective in this decrease. Reductions in NAR during the increase in density can be attributed to the rapid addition of assimilates to seeds and the aging of the leaves. Considering the results of this research, it is suggested that using a GDD scale can lead to better at the growing season by estimating the time table as well as the time of phenological stages of oat in order to manage agricultural production, and therefore to determine the necessary conditions for plant growth.