Plant Productions
Year:2018 | Volume:41 | Issue:3|Papers Count:10

Background and Objectives Grain legumes, as a protein-rich food, play an important role in human nutrition, especially in developing countries. Common bean, being a leguminous and short duration crop, may be used as a soil improving crop in rotation and in cropping system. Among the various factors that contribute to the attainment of potential yield of common bean, optimum plant spacing or plant population is one of the important factors. Optimization of plant density for highly new yielding lines by following suitable inter as well as intra row spacing is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of plant density on yield and agronomic traits of some Guilan local bean lines. Materials and Methods This field experiment was carried out in split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications in 2014-2015 growing season at Guilan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center. The main factor was plant density at three levels (33, 16 and 11 plants per m 2 ) and the split factor was five Guilan local bean lines (Gd91-7, Gd91-8, Gc91-9, Gd91-15 and Gd91-18). Results Analysis of variance showed that the effect of plant density was significant on dry seed yield, dry seed yield to pod yield ratio and biological yield per unit area. The effect of line was significant on plant height, pod length, seed length, pod yield per unit area, dry seed yield per plant, dry seed yield to pod yield ratio, harvest index and 100-seed weight. The interaction effect of the two factors was significant on the pod lenght, pod yield per unit area, dry seed yield per plant and 100-seed weight. The highest value of seed yield (11. 44 g plant-1 ) was obtained in Gd91-8 at the density of 33 plants per m 2. The highest (316. 5 g m-2 ) and lowest (67. 42 g m-2 ) values of dry seed yield was obtained at the density of 33 plants per m 2 and 11 plants per m 2, respectively. The highest values of green pods yield (1101. 84 g m-2 ) was obtained in Gd91-15 at a density of 33 2 plants per m. Discussion The reduction of dry seed yield per plant in 33 plants per m 2 density in comparison to 16 plants 2 per m for Gd91-18 and Gc91-9 and in 11 plants per m 2 for Gd91-7 seems to be due to restricted access to the sun radiation or dietary lemitations and genotypic characteristics. Other reasons for the decrease of grain yield per plant at high densities can be the reduction of the number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, pod length and 100 seed weight. Gd91-8 as a superior line according to triats such as plant height, number of pods per plant, pod length, dry seed yield and green pod yield and can be used for breeding programes as a suitable line.

Background and Objectives Chickpea(Cicer arietinum) is one of the most important Pulses in arid and semi arid regions. This plant needs a lot of nutrition such as phosphorous and Zinc elements. Most of the soil of arid and semi arid regions does not have phosphorous and Zinc nutrition sufficiently. These elements are effective for growth and yield of two chickpea cultivars. On the other hand, increasing one of them decreases the other one in plant; therefore, it is necessity to determine the amount of phosphorous and Zinc fertilizers. Materials and Methods The trail was conducted based on factorial split plot in randomization block design with three replications. We considered the two chickpea cultivars(Arman and ILC482) as the main plot and sub plot including phosphorous (P2O5) from super phosphate triple source in three levels (P1=32, P2=46 and P3=60 Kg. ha-1 ) and different amounts Zn from Zinc solphate source in three levels (Zn1=0, Zn2=2. 5 and Zn3= 5Kg. ha-1 ) in Borujerd Agriculture research station where there are cold winters and humid summers. This experiment was performed in 2004. Results The result indicated a significant difference between Arman cultivar with seed yield and biological yield 2606 and 4341 Kg. ha-1 respectively and ILC482 cultivar with seed yield and biological yield 1662 and 2779 Kg. ha-1 respectively. Effect of phosphorous fertilizer on seed yield, biological yield, number of seed per pod and number of main branch was significant and the most difference was obtained with 60 Kg. ha-1 P2O5. Effect of Zinc fertilizer on seed yield, biological yield, number of seed per pod, number of pod per plant, and number of main branch was significant and the most was obtained with 5 Kg. ha-1 Zn. The most amount of protein in seed was obtained with 60 Kg. ha-1 P2O5 and 5 Kg. ha-1 Zn (P3Zn3 treatments). There are a negative correlation between amount of phosphorous consumption and Zn concentration in seed and amount of Zn consumption and P concentration in seed. Discussion Phosphorous and Zinc fertilizers are effective in root extention and decrease of pH in arid regions soils respectively. Therefore these fertilizers increase water absorption and nutrition elements including Phosphorous and Zinc in soil. In this experiment, Chickpea have positive response to application of phosphorous and Zinc fertilizers and consumption of these fertilizers, increase quantitative and qualitative characteristics of Chickpea. Therefore using 60 Kg. ha-1 P2O5 and 5 -1 Kg. ha Zn for Chickpea crop in similar regions this in expriment is recommended.

Background and Objectives South Khorasan province is the most important area of jujube fruit production in Iran. Fresh jujube fruit destroys in a short time at ambient temperature. Normally about one week after harvesting, a considerable loss occurs in picked fruits. Plant nutrition, during growth and developmental stages influence the quality of many fruits. Calcium is one of the most important elements that can affect quantity, quality, storability and market of many horticultural crops. Although South Khorasan province is located in arid areas, it has lime soils with enough calcium for plant growth and development. However, due to low mobility of calcium from soil to plant, calcium deficiency is common in horticultural plants. Thus, pre-harvest spray with minerals like calcium salts can be useful for reducing postharvest losses during handling and storage. Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of different calcium salts spray on physicochemical properties and quality of fresh jujube fruit. Materials and Methods Twenty jujube trees, eight years old, were sprayed with calcium salts twice, mid of June and early in July 2016 in a commercial orchard in Birjand, South Khorasan province. Experimental treatments were distilled water (control), calcium chloride (0. 5 and 1%) and calcium nitrate (0. 5 and 1%). Sprays were done at two stages of fruit growth and development, cell division (3 mm fruit diameter), and 20 days later in full cell enlargement stage. Fresh fruit was harvested at a crisp mature (white-red) stage early in August. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomised block design with four replications, and each replicate included 500 g of fresh fruit. Data were analysed using SAS program (ver. 8) and comparison of means was made with LSD test at 1 and 5% probability. Results Physiochemical properties of harvested fruit including fresh fruit weight, dry matter, fruit length and diameter, firmness, total soluble solids, pH, carotenoids, total phenol, and calcium content were evaluated. The results showed that calcium nitrate application at 0. 5% significantly increased fruit fresh weight, dry matter and fruit length and diameter compared to control. Also, fruits that were sprayed with calcium chloride at 0. 5% concentration had higher firmness, carotenoids and total phenol. The highest total soluble solids and calcium content values were obtained in treated fruit with calcium chloride (1%). Although different calcium salts spray had no significant effect on juice pH. Discussion In general, it can be concluded that physical fruit parameters were affected by calcium nitrate, while calcium chloride spray had a greater impact on chemical and nutritional quality aspects of fruit. Although calcium chloride at 0. 5% was more effective on chemical factors, however, it was not significantly different with calcium chloride 1% treatment. Among different treatments, calcium nitrate at 0. 5% had the highest effect on physical properties of jujube fruit. Therefore, it can be concluded that spraying of jujube fruit trees during fruit growth and developmental stages with both calcium salts at 0. 5% concentration have beneficial effects as they improve the most important physical and chemical parameters of fresh jujube fruit.

Background and Objectives Drought stress is one of the main limiting factors in plant production in semiarid regions; this is due to its oxidative stress. Materials and Methods For evaluation of drought stress after pollination on some agronomic physiological factors in flag leaf and spikes of different wheat genotypes this study was designed as Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates in Maragheh dryland research center in 2016. The first factor contains two levels of irrigation, control and drought stress (irrigation cut after pollination until the end of growth period) and the second factor contains different wheat genotypes (PTZ and TRK: tolerant, Manning and Sabalan: semi tolerant, Saratoves and RINA-11: sensitive). Results Drought stress decreased grain yield. Manning semi tolerant and Saratoves sensitive genotypes showed the highest and lowest grain yield. The activities of enzymatic (ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase) and non-enzymatic (glutathione and ascorbate) antioxidants increased under drought stress. The highest and lowest ascorbate peroxidase enzyme activity was observed in flag leaf of TRK and Saratoves genotypes and in spikes of Manning and Saratoves genotypes. Also flag leaf and spikes of Manning and Saratoves genotypes showed the highest and lowest glutathione reductase enzyme activity. The highest glutathione and ascorbate content in flag leaf and spikes was related to TRK and Manning genotypes; the lowest content was observed in Saratoves. Discussion It seems that in spikes of Manning genotype, activation of enzymatic (ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase) and non-enzymatic (glutathione and ascorbate) antioxidants had a key role in increase of tolerance to drought stress.

Background and Objectives Sprouting is one of the main reasons of wasting about one half of potatoes during the storage. The existing methods to control sprouting in long term storage (for example postharvest applications of chlorpropham) can do the job as well, but the incidence of quality problems and undesirable side effects in such potatoes, and more importantly, the growing interest in organic food products, have challenged the application of these methods. Materials and Methods The peppermint extracts used in the experiment were obtained from dried peppermint leaves in 48 hours, at room temperature using 1: 1 distilled water-alcohol solution, and with the normal air pressure. The peppermint extracts were dried for 10 days and then transferred to a dark glass bottle by means of petroleum ether (as solvent) and were kept at 2° C until being used for later use. Herbal extracts of peppermint were used at concentrations of 0, 0. 5, 1, 2 and 4 g/l, with regular intervals of 2, 4 or 6 weeks during the 5 months of potato (Agria cultivar) storage while sprouting was monitored. Direct contact between tubers and the peppermint extracts was not allowed. To provide the needed oxygen for the tubers respiration, the containers apertures were opened for 15-20 minutes every four weeks and were sealed again. A group of tubers was only treated by 37g chlorpropham (5% purity). To do this, the powder was poured into the container, completely sealed and slowly shaken for 10 minutes. The sealed container was kept at room temperature for 48 hours. All experiments were repeated 3 times. Data was analyzed by a completely randomized design (CRD) with a factorial experiment. Results According to the results, by increasing the concentration of mint from 0. 5 to 2 g/l, sprouting potato was controlled more effectively and meaningfully. More concentration in the control of potato sprouting was not significant. Use of this extract at a concentration of 0. 5 g/l stimulates the germination of tubers compared to the control. Extensive sprouting of tubers was delayed for up to 4 months compared to the control treatment too. Application of peppermint extract caused %92 and %96 decrease in potato germination and total weight sprouting respectively. Organoleptic evaluation of the boiled and fried potato samples, treated with the mint extract and chlorpropham, did not show significant differences. Discussion Use of 2 g/l mint extract will be able to decrease waste potato tubers in storage up to 6 percent. Replication of every 4 weeks extracts application is absolutely essential for the best result. Organoleptic evaluation of the boiled and fried potato samples, treated with the mint extract and chlorpropham, received more points compared to control.

Background and Objectives Measuring of chlorophyll fluorescence is a nondestructive and sensitive way to give important information about photosynthesis apparatus. Fluorescence spectrum is different from the absorbed one by chlorophyll and it has higher wave length so the fluorescence yield could be measured by exposing a leaf with a defined wave length of light and then quantifying the higher reflected wave. The purpose of this experiment was to make comparison among chlorophyll fluorescence important parameters for early prediction of destructive effects of mesosulfuron methyl + iodosulfuron methyl before revealing the symptoms of Phalaris minor. Materials and Methods A greenhouse experiment with five replications and six treatment based on completely randomized design was conducted to evaluate the chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of Phalaris minor sprayed by mesosulfuron methyl + iodosulfuron methyl up to seven days after spraying. Herbicide doses were 18, 12, 8, 5. 3 and 3. 5 g a. i. /ha with an untreated treatment as control. Herbicide was applied at three leaf stage of Phalaris minor with MATABI elegance plus sprayer equipped by tee-jet 8001 nozzle at 300 kpa pressure. Fluorescence measurements were conducted by Handy PEA fluorimeter that flashes a wave length of 650 nm at 300 μ mol/m 2. s intensity during 10 seconds on dark adapted leaf one day after spraying at 10 a. m. every day until seven days after spraying. Results The results indicated that Fv/Fm and Area parameters showed slow response to mesosulfuron methyl + iodosulfuron methyl application whereas Fvj and PI showed a fast reaction. Approximately from the first day after spraying the two mentioned parameters drastic reduction happened which was more intense but with bigger standard errors in PI compared to Fvj. with an increase in mesosulfuron methyl + iodosulfuron methyl dose both PI and Fvj parameters were decreased. Discussion It could be concluded that these two parameters show special sensitivity to the mesosulfuron methyl + iodosulfuron methyl application and before the symptoms of the herbicide appears, they give a picture of physiological destructive effects of the herbicide. Whereas the Fvj parameters during all seven days after spraying shows a steady reduction with low standard errors, PI index shows reduction with higher standard errors which make the Fvj parameters more reliable. The two Fv/Fm and Area which were repeatedly reported as a sensitive factor to the stresses at this experiment were not appropriate indices. The common dose response methods of herbicide can be replaced by chlorophyll fluorescence measurements and it can offer fast, accurate, and an important information about herbicide efficiency very fast and accurate.

Background and Objectives Olive (Olea europaea L. ) belongs to Oleaceae family. Olive fruit has been used for oil and table olive. Olive is one of the most important fruit trees around the world. Iran is one of the regions of the world with different wild olive genotypes distributed in different provinces. Olive genotypes are important genetic resources for Iran. These genotypes can be selected as promising genotypes and used in breeding programs. The objective of this study was to evaluate adaptability of 8 olive genotypes from Gorgan and Taroum. Materials and Methods This experiment was conducted to evaluate adaptation ability of 8 olive genotypes in Tarrom olive research station during 2007-2011. Trees were planted under a complete randomized block design with a 6 × 6 distance. Vegetative and reproductive characters of olive trees were measured. The collected data were analyzed with MSTATC and the means were compared with Duncan's multiple test. Results Vegetative results showed that tree height, wide, shoot season growth and trunk cross sectional areas were significantly different at 1% between olive genotypes in Tarrom olive station. Inflorescence number per shoot, flower number per inflorescence, perfect flower percent, and final fruit set were significantly different at 1% statistical level. Fruit weight was significant between olive genotypes and it varied between 2. 3 and 9. 8g. G4 genotype had the biggest fruit and flesh weight. Fruit yields were significant between genotypes so that T2 and B1 had the highest and lowest yields respectively. The oil percent in dry matter was significantly different between genotypes. All genotypes had higher than 40% oil in dry matter. The highest oil percentage (52%) was recorded in G4 genotype. Generally, G4 olive genotype could be a promising genotype due to the large fruit (more than 9 grams), relatively high yield (about one ton) and high oil content (more than 52% of the dry matter). Discussion Wild olive genotypes are very important gene pole for any purposes in each county. Iran has different wild olive genotypes in different regions like Golestan, Gilan, Kerman, Kermanshah, Ilam and so on. Identification and evaluation of adaptability of local olive genotypes are very important for new olive cultivar selection and breeding programs. As mentioned above, the evaluated olive genotypes show different responses in Taroum olive research station. Different vegetative and reproductive characteristics were recorded on evaluated olive genotypes. Generally, results showed that G4 olive genotype was superior based on fruit traits, oil and yield.

Background and Objectives Management of organic fertilizers utilization is of the main components of organic crops production which can greatly affect the yield and quality of plants. Due to the short time course of leafy vegetables production, farmers commonly use nitrogenous chemical fertilizers for the nourishment of plants. The results are huge nitrate accumulation on the edible parts of the vegetables and hence the deteriorating health side effects. So, owing to the necessity of vegetables in the daily diet, resorting to the production methods to reduce the nitrate accumulation and even preserve and add up the nutritious quality of vegetables is of great interest. Materials and Methods This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of deferent levels of cow, vermicompost and poultry organic fertilizers (0, 10, 20 and 30% in volume) and urea (102, 204 and 306 g Kg/ha) on nitrate accumulation (morning and evening sampling time) and Fe 2+ 2+, Zn and potassium concentration and total phenolic content as well as on some growth characteristics of spinach as RBCD design with three replications in Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University during 2016. Results The results revealed that the highest morning nitrate accumulation (2435 mg Kg-1 Fwt) and that of evening (2052 mg Kg-1 Fwt) belonged to 306 kg/ha urea treatment. Leaf length was effected by 20% (3. 6 cm) and 30% (8. 8 cm) of poultry manure. The highest data for TSS and root fresh and dry weight were attained by 10 and 20% of cow manure. The treatments, 20 and 30% of vermicompost, cow manure and 30% poultry manure increased the leaves fresh and dry weight. All levels of poultry and vermicompost manure had positive effects on potassium content. The highest amounts of Fe 2+ 2+, Zn and total phenolic content were recorded in 10, 20 and 30% cow manure and vermicompost manure Discussion Nitrate accumulation in vegetables is dependent upon several intrinsic and extrinsic factors of which, mineral nutrition is of crucial importance. Considering the positive response of spinach to the application of organic fertilizers, it seems that using these organic fertilizers would greatly decline the chemical fertilizers input as well as reduces the environmental side effects of chemicals and virtually goes to the production of safe organic products under sustainable production systems.

Background and Objectives Taxanes are a family of diterpene alkaloids which is currently known as the most important anticancer compounds to suppress and inhibit cell growth, differentiation and proliferation in indefinitely known cancer cell lines. The most well recognized member of the taxane family is taxol (paclitaxel), a minor cytotoxic component derived originally from yew bark (Taxus brevifolia). 10-Deacetylbaccatin III (10-DAB), which is a homolog of taxol, can be extracted at high yields from the needles of Taxus baccata and is currently considered the most appropriate precursor for semi-synthesizing taxol and its analogue, taxotere (docetaxel). The natural source of both compounds is the inner bark and needles of several Taxus species, especially T. baccata and T. brevifolia. Plant cell culture is an environmentally sustainable source of taxol and offers several advantages as it is not subjected to weather, season or contamination. The aim of the present study was to evaluate taxol and 10-DAB content of two Taxus species and their ability in production of both taxanes through cell culture. Materials and Methods The plant materials of T. baccata and T. berevifolia were collected from Shahid Beheshti University (35° 48' N, 51° 23' E at an altitude of 1785 m) and botanical garden of Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Karaj (35° 48' N, 50° 59' E at an altitude of 1238 m), respectively. Callus culture of both species was initiated from internodal segments on B5 medium supplemented with plant growth reaulators. Cell suspension culture was established on the medium supplemented with 2. 0 mg L − 1 naphtalene acetic acid (NAA) and 0. 1 mg L − 1 benzyl amino purine (BAP). Cell viability was determined by Evan’ s blue staining test. After 21 days, the amount of taxol and 10-DAB was analysed by HPLC. Results The results showed that mother stocks of T. baccata and T. brevifolia contain 45 and 27 µ g/g DW of taxol and 40 and 4 µ g/g DW of 10-DAB, respectively. Cell growth was estimated by measuring fresh weight (FW) and dry weight (DW). Results showed that the maximum growth was reached after 21 days of cultivation. Cell cultures of T. baccata and T. brevifolia produced 540 and 20 µ g/l taxol and 1 and 110 µ g/l of 10-DAB, respectively. Taxol production in T. baccata cell culture was 26-fold higher than in T. berevifolia cell culture. Discussion As far as our literature survey could ascertain, growth and taxol production in T. baccata cell cultures have previously been reported. Although, T. baccata cells are more potent for the production of taxol, T. brevifolia cell culture can be considered for the production of 10-DAB, a homolog of taxol, as an appropriate precursor for semi-synthesizing taxol and its analogue, taxotere (docetaxel). However, it is essential to study and quantify the effect of selected key medium components on growth as well as product accumulation and strike a balance between the two to enhance the yield and productivity.

Background and Objectives Iris spuria subsp. Musulmanica is a rhizomatous herb growing as wild in Iran, Turkey and, Caucasia. This species is important from ornamental and medicinal perspective and could be used as flowering pot plant, cut flower and landscape plant. A few of Iris seeds germinate under natural conditions. Therefore, an experiment was designed to improve germination of Iris seeds using different treatments that could be accessible for floriculture purpose. Materials and Methods This experiment was carried out based on completely randomized design with 10 treatments and 4 replications (each replication contains 25 seeds). Treatments were control without treatment, priming in hydroxide sodium 20M for 10 minutes, priming in sodium hydroxide 15M for 20 minutes, W100-10: in water 100° C for 10 minutes, W80-15: in water 80° C for 15 minutes, priming in sulfuric acid 98% for 10 minutes, priming in sulfuric acid 98% for 15 minutes, stratification for 30 days, stratification for 60 days, and stratification for 90 days. For all treatments, germination variables including germination, germination rate, mean germination time, seed vigor index, mean germination daily, shoot length, root length, shoot fresh weight, root fresh weight, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight were measured. Results Treatment effect on germination variables was significant (p<0. 05). The results improvement of that treating seeds with 20 mM of hydroxide sodium solution for 10 minutes led to improve the seed germination parameters like germination percentage, germination rate, seed vigor index, shoot and root length, fresh and dry weight of root and shoot compared to control. In three levels of stratification treatments, germination percentages were less than control treatment. Also, the results showed that treating seeds with sulfuric acid for 10 minutes improved as partially seed germination and other germination variables in comparison with control treatment. Discussion Previous studies revealed that the seed coating played an important role in seed dormancy of Iris species. In this study, scarification treatment with hydroxide sodium resulted in increased germination which may correspond to the reduced seed mechanical inhibitory and the improvement in gas and water exchange. Moreover, sodium hydroxide solution facilitated the seed germination via the elimination of seed coat and increasing the seed capsule Intercellular space which finally promoted the exchange of materials between seed and its surrounded environment. Like too many Iris species, a non-deep morphophysiological mechanism may play the most important role in dormancy of I. spuria subsp. Musulmanica.