Journal of Plant Research
Year:2019 | Volume:31 | Issue:4|Papers Count:20

Medicinal plants are the most exclusive source of life saving drugs for majority of the world’ s population. Plant tissue cultures can be established routinely under sterile conditions from explants, such as plant leaves, stems, roots, etc. Both for multiplication and extraction of secondary metabolites. Solanaceous plants, such as genus Hyoscyamus, are regarded as rich sources of tropane alkaloids. Present study, H. arachnoideus Pojark, were investigated. Three types of explants (leaf, root) derived from seedlings, were cultured on Murashige and Skoog’ s medium supplemented with 3% sucrose, 0. 75% (w/v) agar. We investigated the effect of different concentrations of Ca2+, NO-3 on Murashige and Skoog’ s medium supplemented with 3% sucrose and 0. 75% (w/v) agar in two explant types (leaf and root) of H. arachnoideus with four concentration levels of auxin naphthalene acetic acid(0, 0. 5, 1, 2 mg/l), in compare with Murashige and Skoog’ s medium supplemented with 3% sucrose, 0. 75% (w/v) agar as control, In order to determine callus biomass and total alkaloid content. Our findings showed that, increased concentrations of Ca2+ was found to have positive effect on callus biomass and total alkaloid content. NO-3 had different effects on callus biomass and alkaloid production, but increased concentrations of NO-3 could enhance callus biomass and decrease alkaloid content, in some cases.

Cadmium is one of the most toxic heavy metal that has harmful effects on ecosystems and the sustainability of imports. This metal enters into the plant through the soil causing a wide variety of changes at the macro to cellular level. Sugarcane plantlets were cultured from in vitro cultures for 14 days on a 16/8 hour light /dark cycle and at a temperature of 25 ° C. Plants were cultured in the presence of cadmium at concentrations of 0, 100, 250 and 50 μ M/L. After sampling, morphometric features and the amount of pigmentation was evaluated. After manually preparing root and leaf cuttings, they were dyed with carmine and methylene blue. The prepared slides were observed with a light microscope. Morphometric data showed that the average amount of green leaves, wet weight, root length and height of plant was reduced. Measurement of chlorophyll showed that with increasing cadmium concentration there was a decrease in chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll, while the amount of carotenoids increased significantly. Cadmium-treatment increased the size of xylem and the thickness of the bundle sheath cells in leaves as well as increased the level of vascular cells, endoderm, exoderm, exodermis layer, as well as the root cortex and pith cells. Cadmium by changing plant water relationship can affect photosynthesis, transpiration and respiration also impacting on morphological characteristics and the amount of pigment in the plant. The metal also induces premature differentiation of plant cells, especially the root. Cadmium can cause anatomical changes in the sugarcane.

In this present study the effects of different concentrations and combinations of indole butyric acid (IBA: 0, 2000 and 4000 mg L-1) and paclobutrazol (PBZ: 0, 250 and 500 mg L-1) alone and in combination on rooting and shoot growth of F. elastic soft wood cuttings were investigated. The results showed that the application of IBA alone in both concentrations 2000 and 4000 mg L-1 increased rooting percentage, but the use of PBZ alone there was no significant difference in it compared to control treatment. The highest number, length, volume, fresh and dry weights of root and shoot as well as main stem length were obtained in treatment of 2000 mg L-1 IBA. The highest number of lateral shoots, principal stem diameter and leaf chlorophyll content were observed in treatment with 500 mg L-1 PBZ. In general, the effect of 2000 mg L-1 IBA on rooting indices and the treatment of 4000 mg L-1 IBA + 500 mg L-1 PBZ on shoot growth was more effective.

The beneficial root endophytes play a crucial impact in improving plant performance, and participate in enhancing phytoremediation efficiency of host in metal-polluted sites. This experiment investigated the influence of root endophyte fungus Serendipita indica on lead (Pb) accumulation and translocation, some physiological attributes, and antioxidant system of leaf in Carthamus tinctorius L. (safflower) cv. Sina in soil contaminated with different levels Pb (0, 400, 800 and 1200 mg Pb/kg soil). By increasing Pb levels in soil, Pb uptake by root, and Pb accumulation in root and shoot were significantly elevated. A significant increase on Pb accumulation in root and a significant reduction on shoot Pb amount were observed under fungal symbiosis. Also, S. indica-inoculated plants had lower translocation factor (TF) and bioaccumulation factor of Pb in shoot (BFS), whereas higher bioaccumulation factor of Pb in root (BFR), in compare to non-inoculated ones. Presence of S. indica yielded in greater growth parameters, photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and antioxidant enzymes activities of CAT, APX and SOD, under all levels Pb in soil. We suggest the consideration of this endophyte for fungus-assisted phyto-stabilization/immobilization of Pb in host roots. Also, we concluded that S. indica mediated different tolerance strategies to mitigate Pb toxicity and higher performance of safflower.

Drought is one of the major environmental stresses decreasing plant photosynthesis, growth and production. Deficit irrigation, where less than 100% crop evapotranspiration is replaced by irrigation, can also be used to reduce the demand for irrigation water. The objectives of this study were to characterize the impact of three irrigation treatments (full irrigation, mild deficit irrigation and severe deficit irrigation) on three different strawberry cultivars (namely Darselect, Elsanta and Sonata). A factorial experiment was performed based on completely randomized design with 10 replications. Results showed Elsanta and Sonata developed more and less leaf area and mass, respectively. Elsanta showed more transpiration efficiency and the least water use efficiency. Sonata had less transpiration efficiency and more water use efficiency. Elsanta and Sonata had the lowest and highest yield, respectively. Elsanta fruits had the most flavor index. There was a negative significant correlation between leaf fresh mass and fruit yield. Also water use efficiency was negatively correlated with leaf area and fresh mass and total dry mass at the end of experiment. Water use efficiency was correlated positively with yield. According to the results, stress had negative effects on leaf area, total dry mass and yield and generally, Sonata for more yields was better than the other two cultivars.

Urban pollutions have adverse effects on plants, which results in changing the anatomical properties of leaves. The present study aimed at studying the cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) accumulation in plane (Platanus orientalis) leaves and its anatomical response to urban pollutions in the center of Tehran (the most polluted area) as compare to Chitgar forest park (the lowest polluted area). For this purpose, 20 healthy trees, each location 10, were selected to investigate the stomatal density, width and length of stomata, mesophyll parenchyma as well as epidermis and cuticle thickness in summer of 2014. The results showed that the concentration of Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cu in Tehran was more than those in Chitgar forest park. Stomatal density in the urban area and Chitgar forest park were measured 211. 9 and 224. 7 per mm2, respectively, and the length and width of stomata in urban area was significantly less than those in Chitgar forest park. The thickness of upper and lower epidermis in urban area was less than that in Chitgar forest park. The changes observed in anatomical properties are the strategies to resist the stress induced by urban pollution. Plane trees are an appropriate sink for heavy metals, but they rapidly respond to the commutation of heavy metals by changing their anatomical properties. Hence, plane trees are considered as an appropriate plant species to such value of pollution.

Awareness of ecological characteristics and geographical distribution of medicinal plants will help to the activities of a regional management, conservation and sustainable utilization of the potential. This study was done in April untill June 2013, within the Tange Balangestan Watershed of Behhahan in Khuzestan province with 1767 hectares. Based on the results 65 species were identified that belonging to 27 families that, respectively Gramineae with 10 species, Compositae with 9 species, Papilionaceae with 8 species and Brassicaceae with 6 species were the greatest number of species. Among the species identified seven endemic species and three rare species. Therophytes life forms With 49. 23 percent and Hemicryptophytes withe 29. 23 percent were the most important structural groups in the Raunkiaer method. In examining the geographical distribution of plant elements based on Zohary, Thakghtaja and Leonard also found that 47. 69 percent of species (31 species) belong to Iran-Turan and other species of the Iran-Turan grow in other regions in addition to the Iran-Turan. The most widely used local plants to treat the common cold.

Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Cercis siliquastrum L. are appropriate species for plantation and development programs in urban green spaces. This study was done to investigate the physiological response of potted seedling belongs to these species under salinity stress. The experiment was as completely randomized design with four replications (Per repetition 4 pots). For this purpose, in a research greenhouse, seedlings of both species (Black locust and Judas tree) were irrigated with sodium chloride solution in four levels of salinity (0, 5, 10 and 20 ds\m) for a period of 90 days. The results indicated that all physiological factors of both species have been reduced with increasing salinity stress, respectively. The lowest values of stomatal conductance, photosynthesis, transpiration and stem water potential were belonged to seedlings irrigated in high levels of salinity. Also, suitable responses of studied parameters up to 10 ds\m of salinity were obtained by both species. According to results, It is recommended to use these two species in plantation, afforestation and urban green space development programs, where the density of salinity is lower than10 ds\m in soil and water resources (arid and semi-arid regions).

Triticale is a human-made crop, being a hybrid formed by cross-fertilization of wheat and rye. In recent years, Interest in triticale has developed because potential use for the grain and its use as forage crop. In order to study the alleviation of salt stress effects in triticale with bio fertilizers and zinc application, a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications in research greenhouse of Faculty of Agriculture Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili in 2014. Experiment factors were included soil salinity in four levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 mM NaCl; equal of 1. 85, 3. 7 and 5. 55 dS m− 1 respectively), biofertilizers in four levels (no bio fertilizers, application of mycorrhiza, application of Azotobacter chrocoocoum strain 5 + Psedomunas putida strain 186, both application PGPR + mycorrhiza) and nano zinc oxide in three levels (0, 0. 4 and 0. 8 g L-1). Results showed that salinity stress decreased photochemical efficiency of photosystem II ( ), chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, relative water content and grain yield. Whereas, electrical conductivity and grain protein were increased. Means comparison showed that the highest of grain yield, photochemical efficiency of photosystem II, stomatal conductance, relative water content and chlorophyll content were obtained at application of PGPR+mycorrhiza, foliar application of 0. 8 g L-1 nano zinc oxide and nosalinity. The highest electrical conductivity amount was belonged to treatment 60 mM NaCl, no bio fertilizers and without nano zinc oxide. Grain yield decreased 8. 9%, 22. 11% and 32. 34% under salinity treatments of 20, 40 and 60 mM NaCl, respectively. Application of biofertilizers and nano zinc oxide compensated yield reduction 40. 17%, 49. 74% and 40% respectively. Based on the results, application of biofertilizers and nano zinc oxide can be recommended for profitable triticale production under soil salinity condition.

Plant tissue culture techniques are a useful tool to increase the genetic diversity, crop production and production of plants virus free. The purpose of this study was reached to a useful method for callus induction and regeneration in potato plant. The experiment was set up based on factorial experiment and completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 replications. In this study, in order to induce callus, different explants (stem, leaf and tuber) of three potato (Sante, Agria and Marfona) were placed on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium containing various concentrations of 2, 4-D (2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), NAA (Naphthaleneacetic acid), IAA (Indole-3-acetic acid) and pikloram alone or combined with kinetin and BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine). MS medium containing 2 mg L-1 2, 4-D with different concentrations of kinetin was selected as the best callus-inducing medium. Response of three cultivars potato to medium callus induction was different so that the Marfona highest and Sante lowest callus induction were in all callus induction media. The calluses were regenerated in media containing 3 mg L-1 BAP combined with 0. 5 mg L-1 GA3. Regenerated shoot were transferred to root-inducing media containing 2 mg L-1 IBA (Indole-3-butyricacid) and, plantlets with roots were transferred to pots containing sterilized soil four weeks after culture.

Plant communities' organization is influenced by deterministic and stochastic processes so that, importance of them depends on various factors, such as type of ecosystem. Desert ecosystems are very fragile and delicate. Aim of this study is investigation on some ecological factors that affect on plant communities' mixture and determination of flora in saline mountain desert area in Qom. In this research 47 transects with 100 meters long were landed at a randomly systematic inventory method, in 1500 hectares ambit of area studied. Afterwards, plant species were collected and identified in order to determination of floristic situation, species ratio, number of individuals, vegetative coverage. Statistics parameters and sampling error percentage were presented using appropriate statistical formulas and tables. Results of gathering data are followings: 2. 7 mean of species ratio in transect on region with less of 5% error, floristic study revealed 28 species belonging to 11 families. Family Chenopodiaceae showed the most number of species than others. According to area geomorphology and geology, low precipitation, soil factors, our results revealed low-rich plant communities in the area studied. The most prevalent vegetative life-forms were pertaining to Chamaephytes and Therophytes.

Salinity is one of the main obstacles to the successful growth and production of plants. Hormonal factors such as gibberellin as plant growth regulators can have different physiological and biochemical effects in plants under salt stress. In present research, the effects of different concentrations of sodium chloride (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 mM NaCl) and gibberellin (0 and 100 μ g L-1) on photosynthetic pigments, proline, malondialdehyde, phenol and flavonoid contents were studied. Results showed that with addition levels of salinity and application of gibberellin, rate of chlorophylls a and b also decreased. In the other hand, different concentrations of NaCl caused significant increase in contents of proline, phenol and flavonoid in comparison with control. In interaction of salinity and gibberellin also contents of these compounds increased significantly in comparison with control and individual treatments of NaCl. The accumulation of malondialdehyde that shows the rate of degradation and peroxidation of membrane lipids were significantly increased by salt treatments, while combined application of GA3 and NaCl caused reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) content. These results showed that gibberellin can reduce negative effects on lipids peroxidation and thus increases the resistance of plants to salt stress conditions.

Urtica L. (Urticaceae) including U. dioica L., U. urens L. and U. pilulifera L. in Iran. The present study has been conducted for morphological investigations in Urtica populations concerning intra and inter-specific variation in Iran by using numerical taxonomy method. 13 populations from three species scrutinized based on 60 quantitative and qualitative morphological characters of vegetative and reproductive characteristics. The obtained data from morphometric characteristics table were statistically analyzed in terms of numerical taxonomy using software SPSS-VER. 16. Based on the obtained results, evaluation of phenetic relationships from the clustering, showed distinctness of the Urtica species. New key and new descriptions for species were prepared for Urtica L. in Iran, that in addition to completing the morphological characteristics mentioned in previous flora, the characteristics related to the nut and the pollen grain features have been also used as well for the first time. Based on this study U. cannabina L. species unaccepted for flora of Iran as previous recent study.

The saffron as a well-known genus of tribe Crocoideae Burnett. belonging to large family of Iridaceae including about 100 taxa in the world. Mentioned genus comprised of 8 species belonging to 2 sections as follow Crocus and Nudiscapus in Iran. The taxonomic value of palynology is well known in Iridaceae. Because of importance of these evidence as well lack of palynological studies on saffron, a detailed study on pollen grains seems to be necessary. Samples were photographed by SEM. Besides, pollen grains are classified in medium to large categories. Moreover shed in monad. Besides including continuous spiral apertures as well non continuous apertures. Moreover pollen grains showing shallow and deep furrows. Pollen wall is classified in intectate class and showing microechinate sculpturing. Our results showing that palynological characteristics are efficient in differentiation of sections. Regardless, recent evidence dominantly, accompanied with other characters can be useful in delimitation of taxa.

In this study, quantitative and composition status of trees regeneration in natural forest stands of Astara region (watershed 1) were evaluated. The study area was a less disturbed habitat. After selecting the study area and placing it on the map, sampling was done by systematic random method. The sample plots were circular having an area of 0. 01 ha. Pierson's correlation coefficient was used to analyze the data. The results demonstrated that sapling density of total species and the number of tree regeneration per hectare were increased with increasing of altitude from sea level. The results also showed that there are significant correlation between the numbers of beech, hornbeam and mean total tree regeneration with altitude from sea level. The maximum and minimum number of regeneration were observed at the classes of "tree height<1. 30 m" and "2. 5-5. 5 cm", respectively. At the altitude of 600 m above sea level, the maximum number of regeneration at the diameter classes of "0-2. 5 cm" and "tree height < 1. 30 m" were related to "hornbeam" and "Cappadocian maple", respectively. At the altitude of 1000 m above sea level, the highest number of regeneration at class of "tree height < 1. 30 m" was belonging to the hornbeam. In other cases, beech had the highest number of regeneration. As a result, more than 75% and 10% of regeneration was belonging to beech and hornbeam, respectively. Overall, more than 90% tree regeneration was belonging to species of beech, hornbeam and alder.

Compost produced from municipal waste and has suitable chemical and physical properties, which plays an important role in reducing the negative effects of environmental stress in plants. In order to evaluate the effects of compost fertilizer on photosynthetic parameters of phonological stages of lentil under drought stress, a factorial experiment in completely randomized design was conducted with three replications (p≤ 0. 05). Experiment were carried out with five ratios of compost to soil, i. e., 0: 100, 5: 95, 15: 85, 25: 75 and 35: 65, and three levels of drought stress including non-stress, moderate and severe drought stress (100, 75, and 25% of field capacity, respectively). Results showed that, adding 25 and 35% compost to the soil at seedling stage under moderate stress, led to significant increase of total chlorophyll content (12 and 15%), intercellular CO2 (8 and 8%), net-photosynthesis (16 and 17%) and efficiency of PSII (4 and 4%), compared with the control. However, under severe stress, it was effective levels of 35% compared with other levels. At flowering stage, 25 and 35% compost levels under moderate and severe stress led to significant increase in all parameters compared with control group. According to the results, this study suggests that compost plays an important role in reducing the negative effects of stress on photosynthetic performance of lentil, especially in the early stages of growth.

Gall is a type of plant tissue deformation induced by some insects that often use it as feeding or as a shelter. One of the most important hosts for Gall inducing factors is Persian Quercus persica tree. In this research, the effect of Gall inducing factors on some biochemical compounds was studied. Antioxidant activity, the contents of condensed tannin, total tannin, total protein, flavonoid compounds, total phenol, nonsoluble sugar and soluble sugar in a leaf that were randomly sampled from healthy twigs and with Gall of oak trees in Iran in Blouran area, Khorramabad city. The results showed that the amount of total phenol, total tannins, condensed tannin, insoluble and soluble sugar in twigs with Gall had significant increase than twigs with no Gall. Also, there was no significant difference in flavonoids compound, antioxidants and protein even though in twigs with Gall it more than twigs without Gall. The results indicate the effectiveness of secondary compounds change in oak leaves due to Galls. Therefore, this change of secondary compounds in the leaves of oak trees with the presence of galls is considered as the disease to tree and insects creating this gall had no symbiosis and consider as a pest that should be considered by experts in the field of conservation and forest protection.

Salinity stress is one of the most important factors in yield loss and production of field crops, horticulture and herbs in the world. Humic acid as an organic acid and ascorbate as a powerful antioxidant can be effective to improve the yield in saline conditions. In order to evaluate adjusting salinity by using humic acid and ascorbic acid in Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica L. ), factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications was conducted. Experimental treatments included salinity at four levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM), humic acid and ascorbic acid in three levels (0, 100 and 200 mg/l). Growth characteristics of plant such as subshrub length, inflorence length and root traits showed a significant decrease compared to control by increasing salinity stress and application of humic acid and ascorbic acid at both levels (mainly levels of 200 mg/l) have been improved these characteristics in comparison with control plants. Relative water content also decreased by salinity stress and the application of 100 and 200 mg/l of humic acid and ascorbic acid (to some extent) could compensation this damage. Also Electrical conductivity increased significantly under salinity stress and the usages of humic acid improve this trait. Antioxidant activity and total phenol decreased in 50 mM stress and by increasing salinity levels to 100 and 150 mM increased them. Prolin in different stress levels (50, 100 and 150 mM) was more than control (no salinity) and application of humic acid and high levels of ascorbic acid (200 mg/l) was reduced proline. This result could indicate moderating effect of the mitigation on physiological processes and growth characteristics of Moldavian balm plant under salinity stress, especially in high levels of their usage (200 mg/l).

Due to the sensitivity and specialty of the species presence of Juniper (Juniperus foetidissima Willd. ) in Arasbaran forest site, the study of the structure of Juniper stands using structural indicators can help to better management of this species. The main objective of this research is to investigate the spatial structure of this species in order to investigate the quantitative status of the Arasbaran region. Eight samples of one hectare were inventoried with two methods; full callipering and the nearest neighbors. Some characteristics were computed such as diameter at breast height (dbh), height, distance and angle of trees from each other and reference tree. The Structural indices were computed such as uniform angle index, distance to neighbor (Di), diameter (TDi) and height differentiation (HDi). The results showed that the juniper species has formed a pure stand. The mean values of the uniform angle index and Di were 0. 24 and 4. 6 meters, respectively. Also, the mean TDi and HDi indices were estimated 0. 01 and 0. 07, respectively. At the sample plots, about 53% of the trees had an average tree distance of less than four meters. In two indices of TDi and HDi, about 90% of the trees in the study area had a difference of less than 0. 3 relative to neighbor trees. It can be concluded that the studied stands are pure, homogeneous and relatively young. Such information can be used as a prerequisite for better ecosystem management and conservation activities.

Hazelnut is one of the most important and economical nut fruits. Evaluation of genetic diversity is necessary for selection of superior genotypes and using them in breeding programs. In this study, genotype diversity of 28 selected from the Fandoglu region of Ahar were evaluated by using 34 qualitative and 22 quantitative traits, . Results showed that some traits had high coefficient of variation, such as total chlorophyll, catkin length, husk weight, shell weight and 100 fruit weight. There was a significant difference between correlation coefficient of some measured traits like leaf, fruit size and weight and kernel weight. Cluster analysis and dendrogram with genetic distance of 4-25, divided all genotypes in two main groups. The factor analysis reduced the assessed traits into six main factors and justifying 85. 65 percent of total variation. Fruits of the genotypes divided to three forms, round, spindle and flattened, that most of the them had round fruits. Fruit ripenning ranged from first of August to the first of September and there was a significat difference among genotypes. All of the genotypes were protanderous. Male flower opening and beganing of pollination occurred from first to late of february and stigma were shown from late of february to Middle of March. Resultes showed that there was a considerable variation in all traits, but fruit weight and size had a great important role in identification of genotypes. This studies showed that morphlogical traites can be a powerful tool for identification and evaluation of hazelnut genotypes.