Journal of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
Year:2009 | Volume:16 | Issue:(SPECIAL ISSUE 2)|Papers Count:46

This study investigates interaction among agriculture, industry and services sectors in Iran’s economy from 1959 to 2007. For this objective, co-integration technique and vector error correction model (VECM) was applied. Data set were obtained from Iran’s central bank time series database and statistic center of Iran database. The results of this study showed that there is long-run bidirectional causality among services, agriculture and industry in Iran’s economy. Also there is short-run unidirectional causality from services to agriculture (0.29), from services to industry (0.59) and labor of services to value-added of services. The results provide an appropriate framework to inter-sectoral policy making and sectors simultaneous developing.

The main purpose of this research was to Analysis of Effective components on Agricultural Water Management in Zarindasht County, Fars Province from Farmers viewpoint. A survey was conducted among farmers in Zarindasht County, Fars province. To collect data, a questionnaire was designed.Questionnaire's reliability was confirmed through computing Cronbach's Alpha coefficient which was 0.87 and Face validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by three groups included Tehran university agricultural extension and education department scientific board members, Zarindasht County's Agricultural Jihad Experts, and Darab County Water Organization Experts. The Study's statistical population was included 4648 farmers of Zarindasht County. Using Cochran's formula, 150 farmers was selected as statistical sampling. Also sampling was carried out through proportional stratified sampling method. The findings revealed that support policies of governmental, restriction of over digging of new wells by government and skills of extension experts, were indicated as the priorities of effective factors of agricultural water management. Also factor analysis revealed six factors, including (Institutional & Legislation, Educational & Extensional, Economic, Social, Exploitation System, and Administrative-Organizational) that totally explained the 71.19 of total variance.

Forest ground vegetation is considered to be an important part of forest ecosystems. The aim of this study was mainly to quantify the relationships between the distribution and abundance of fern species with the abundance of dominant trees and also with some abiotic factors of habitats (including physiography, light, and soil) in the series number one of the Shastkalateh experimental forest. As a sample size, a number of 172 plots with dimension of 20*20 m2 across six elevation classes (including 350-450, 450-550, 550-650, 650-750, 750-850, and 850-950 meters above the see level) were used.For each plot, altitude, slope, light intensity, thickness of litter layer, biomass of fern species, and tree canopy cover were measured. At the center of each plot, a soil sample with the depth of 20 cm of topsoil was taken. Soil samples were then analysed to determine moisture content, texture, pH, and, organic C. The biomass of fern species was compared among forest types, elevation classes, and soil moisture using ANOVA and Duncans's multiple range tests at 0.05 level. The relationships between fern species abundances and some abiotic factors of the stand were established using Pearson correlation coefficient. Ecological similarity between the fern species were investigated using cluster analysis. Results of this study show that ecological impact of Dryopteris filix-mass (L.) Schott and Pteris creticaL. are more significant in comparison to other species of ferns. The dominant tree species significantly influence on the abundance of fern species. With the exception of Asplenium adiantum-nigrumL., the abundance of fern species is not the same at the different types of forest stands. In this study, fern species are classified into three groups based on their specific ecological requirements. Elevation, soil moisture content and dominant tree species (Oriental beech, Hornbeam, and Ironwood) are among the most important factors influencing on abundance and spatial distribution of fern species in the Shastkalateh experimental forest.

To study the stability of grain yield in lentil genotypes in spring planting under rainfed condition, 11 genotypes were evaluated in randomized complete block design with four replications at Kermanshah, Maragheh, Zanjan and Ardebil Research Stations during three years (2001-04). The results of combined analysis showed that interaction effects of year x location, and year x location x genotypes were significant. A significant difference was also found among the genotypes at 5% level of probability. Results of stability analysis on grain yield using environmental coefficient variation method indicated that genotypes number 2, 1 and 3 with high yielding and less variation were identified as stable genotypes. Rank Sum of Method (RSM) found genotypes number 3, 5 and 2 were the most stable genotypes. Also results of stability analysis on grain yield using simultaneous selection for yield and stability showed that number 2, 5, 3 were the most stable genotypes. Stability analysis by non-parametric method of rank showed that genotype number 5 was the most stable genotype. Overall based on different stability analysis methods genotypes number 2 (FLIP 82-1L), 5 (FLIP 92-12L) and 3 (FLIP 92-15L) were the most stable genotypes. FLIP 92-12L due to the highest yield is superior to the other genotypes.

Yield development is one of the main objective in cotton breeding program. Planning of a breeding program for the Improvement of yield, requires information of the nature and the association between the different influencing characters on yield. Path analysis provides determination of the direct and indirect effects of the traits on yield. In order to assesment of phenotypic and genotypic correlation and determination of the direct and indirect effects of some important agronomical traits on seed cotton yield, the experiments were laid out on 10 cotton genotypes in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in Karkandeh cotton research station during 2005-2006. Significant genotypic differences existed among the genotypes at 1% level for seed cotton yield (first picking and total yield), plant height, number of boll per plant, monopodial branches number and also at 5% level for second picking and the longest monopodial branches length. Phenotypic and genotypic correlation of traits analysis showed positive and significant correlation between seed cotton yield with first picking, second picking, plant number per row and plant height. Path analysis results indicated that first picking, boll weight and boll number had positive direct effect and sympodial branch numbers had negative direct effect on seed cotton yield. Base on correlation and path analysis results, some traits including first picking, boll weight, number of bolls per plant and earliness were distinguished as the main determining factors for seed cotton yield. Also, the result of present study indicated that the correlation analysis and direct and indirect effect estimation would provide useful information for planning a successful breeding program.

In this study effects of broodstock spawning migration time of Mahisefid (Rutilus frisii kutum) to Shiroud river on spermatological (sperm movement duration, sperm motility, spermatocrit, spermatozoa concentration and sperm volume) and biochemical (Na+, k+, Ca2+, Mg2+, pH, total protein, glucose and cholesterol) parameters of semen were investigated. For this goal the broodstock migration times were divided to 3 term and Samples was taked from 30 males. Sprem movement duration and spermatozoa motility (%) were was recorded by stero-microscope with camera connected to computer. The spermatocrit was measured by micro-hematocrit centrifuged. The sperm density was calculated with hemacytometer standard method (x109 per ml semen). pH was measured with pH meter. Na+and K+ ions were measured by flame photometer, and Ca2+, Mg2+, glucose, cholesterol, total protein were measured by spectrophotometer. The result showed that sprem movement duration, spermatozoa motility (%) and K+were significant (P<0.01) also spermatocrit, spermatozoa concentration, pH and Ca2+concentration at the spawning migration times were significant (P<0.05). But sperm volume, Na+, Mg2+, glucose, cholesterol, total protein were not significant (P>0.05).

In this research that was carried out for 8 months in Dikjeh area of Gonbad, the effects of carass and pikeperch on survival and growth indices of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in carp polyculture (300 carps, 44.15 gr) were studied. Therefore, 8 ponds were chosen, each of them 3/h, and they were divided to four treatments: A- obliterating carass without stocking (introducing) pikeperch Bobliterating carass alongwith stocking (introducing) pikeperch (200 perchs, 2 gr) C- without obliterating carass and without stocking (introducing) pikeperch D- without obliterating carass and alongwith stocking (introducing) pikeperch. Preparation process of ponds (to empty of water, to dry, to spray lime and to fertilize) were performed in all treatments. To make sure of obliterating carasses in treatments A and B, the ponds were sprayed with poison (Andosulfan with 0.2 ppm) and the water entrances were fixed with net. Physicochemical factors of water were measured twice a month, and sampling of natural food, and also sampling of fish in order to biometery and determining growth indices were performed once a month. At the end of period, individual average weight, specific growth rate and final biomass of common carp in treatment B were more than the other groups and statistically there was significant difference (P<0.01) among them. But condition factor and survival percent had no significant difference. Regarding the results mentioned, Obliterating carass with introducing pikeperch is suggested to increase production output of common carp.

Capoeta capoeta gracillisis a herbivorous fish that has not any food competition with other fishes due to its particular habits in many rivers and lakes. This study was conducted in October 2007 in Zarrin-Gol Stream, a branch of the Gorgan-rood River. A hundred fish were captured by electro shockers (1.7 kw, 150-200v). In study of food habits of fishes, main food item were prephytons specially Chrysophyta phylum with 97%. The rest of them were Chlorophyta, Cyanophyta and Euglenophyta. In study of Fp (possibility percent) of prey with Castello method, Diptera was main prey. It seems, that this fish has mostly herbivorous regime in Zarrin-Gol Stream, but it feed sometimes of macro benthoses and aquatic larvae.

Mullets are one of the dominant fishes in the catch composition in the Southern coasts of the Caspian Sea and after Kutum have a worthy roll in production of marine proteins and incomings in three Northern provinces of Iran. Golden grey mullet constitute about 95% of the species composition of mullet in the catch in the last decade. In order to determine the reproduction period, the peak time of spawning and LM50% this study was carried out from January 2007 to December 2007 randomly from 53 beach seines in the coastal waters of the Caspian Sea (Mazandaran province). The mesh size used in this study was 30, 33 mm in the fishing season and 8 mm in the cod end from March to October. Mean fork length, total weight and age of grey golden mullet were estimated respectively 32.8±5.71 Cm, 402.8±322.4 g and 4.3±1.42 year. Maturity age of the male and female were identified respectively 3.7 and 4.8 years. On the base of GSI and apparent observation of sex organs, the spawning period was begun from the beginning of Mehr to Azar and the peak of spawning activity was determine in first half of Aban. Absolute fecundity was calculated 740259.4±75426.1 and it was increased by length, weight and age growth. LM50% (length of maturity) was calculated 26.6 Cm (fork length). The results showed overlap between the peak of spawning activity and the beginning time of fishing season. Also, the length of maturity decreased about 1.4 Cm and they were matured sooner than past in the Caspian Sea.

In this experiment for study of growth performance of rainbow trout in two kinds of waters, two groups of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykis) with the mean weight of 29.1±3.37 g were cultured in brackish water treatment with salinity of 2.950 PPt. and fresh water with 0.57 PPt. for 40 days respectively. Each treatment was conducted in triplicates (245 rainbow Trout fish). At the termination of experiment, the obtained data were analyzed in t-test experiment. The results showed that growth and feeding performance of Raibow trout in brackish water was increased and had significant difference (P<0.05) in comparison with fresh water. The final body weight and final body length of Raibow trout fish (82.69±5.3 g, 19.1±2.6 cm) in brakish water treatment had significant difference (P<0.05) in comparison with fresh water treatment (69.2±7.5 g and 17.6±3.1 cm) (P<0.05).Also in brackish water treatment, the parameters of daily growth coefficient, specific growth rate of length, velocity of length and velocity of weight in comparison with fresh water treatment was significantly increased (P<0.05). The lowest food conversion ratio (1.6), highest protein efficiency ratio (1.8) and lipid efficiency ratio (7.7) were obtained in brackish water treatment and showed significant difference (P<0.05) with fresh water. The present study showed that rainbow trout had a good ability of growth in brackish water in comparison with fresh water and growth performance of this fish in brakish water is higher.

Benthic macroinvertebrates were investigated to assessment water quality in Gheshlagh River.Samples were collected from three stations by surber sampler in May, June and July 2007. Benthic macroinvertebrates were identified in the family level and then water quality was determined by using of Hilsenhoff method and FBI table. In this study, 12 families were observed: 8 families of Arthropoda Phylum, 3 families of Annelida phylum, 1 family of Platyhelminthes phylum. Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Amphiopda (Insects) dominated in stations 1 and 2 that these orders are indices for high quality waters, While in station 3 with fairly significant and significant organic pollutions, Platycnemidae family of Odonta order and Glossiphonidae family of Hirudinea order were identified as index families of polluted waters with high tolerance. On the basis of FBI index, organic pollution grade and water quality was very good at station 2 for all sampling months as well as station 1 except June (good), but it was good in May, fair in June and fairly poor grades in July at station 3.

Gorgan area has special climate that makes it suitable for many greenhouse products. Moreover, similar to Mazandaran province which has been pioneer in floriculture industry of Iran, Gorgan benefits from its special climate. Current research was an investigation on active greenhouses of the area. Research was focused on greenhouses internal systems, greenhouse structures and problems farmers facing. So a qualitative methodology based on a face to face interview with owners and gardeners of the greenhouses and horticultural experts of Jahade-keshaverzy of Gorgan area were taken place. Moreover accurate observation and photography of all cases were taken place to be used as complementary source of data. Results showed that most of the Greenhouses are poor form the point of installed technological equipments and the educational level of farmers are not at the same level of first world countries and they do not use equal standards. Of the most popular problems which farmer of Gorgan area were facing were lack of enough economical support to complete internal equipments of their glasshouses and lack of enough investment in floriculture industry of the area.Moreover lack of enough support by the governmental institutions and export problems were other main difficulties.

Drought stress is a major environmental constraint which inhibits the growth of plants and limits crop production. Nitric oxide (NO) is a relatively stable free radical gas which may act as a key signaling molecule in plants and mediates various physiological, pathophysiological and developmental processes and recently it has been suggested that it is involved in plant response to environmental stress. In this research sodium nitroprusside (SNP) was used as NO donor and 4, 4, 5, 5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxy 1-3-oxide (PTIO) was used as a NO scavenger for 2 days in control and drought stressed plants, and the role of NO on some biochemical responses of Lycopersicun seedlings to drought stress was investigated.Data in this study showed that, SNP pretreatment decreased lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide content in drought stressed plants. Drought stress and SNP pretreatment had no effects on photosynthetic pigments. Drought caused increase in carbonyl groups content and decrease in protein and non-protein thiol groups, an indicator of protein oxidation. However, SNP pretreatment reduced carbonyl content and increased thiol groups and alleviated the protein oxidation under drought stress. The amounts of proline, total free amino acids and soluble sugars increased significantly under drought stress. Treatment of plants with SNP only increased the proline content and had no effects on other osmolytes. Soluble phenols content as non-enzymatic antioxidant, increased under drought stress and SNP treatment increased the amount of these compounds. Pretreatment of plants with SNP and phenyl 4, 4, 5, 5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (PTIO) (a NO scavenger) reduced the protective effects of SNP in our research, which suggests that the protective effect of SNP is exerted through NO release. The protective effects of NO in drought stress may be due to its ability to counteract reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduce the oxidative damages.

The objective of this study was to determine the long-term nutritional effects on ovarian follicular function during the pre- and postpubertal period in Brahman heifers. Twenty-two growing heifers were randomly assigned into two equal groups based on their age and initial body weight. Group 1, heifers that fed on pasture with good condition and group 2, heifers that fed on pasture with bad condition. Ovarian follicular function for both groups was observed bi-weekly using ultrasound. The mean number of follicles with 0-2 mm was greater in heifers of group 1 compared to heifers of group 2 (P<0.05). The mean number of small-sized follicles (3-5 mm) fluctuated during the experiment.However, the mean number of small-sized follicles in heifers of group 1 was significantly greater (P<0.05). Growth pattern of medium-sized follicles (6-9 mm) was similar for both groups during the experimental period (P>0.05). The size of large-sized follicles increased during the two first months of experiment (P<0.05), thereafter it was constant. The mean number of large follicles did not differ between experimental groups (P>0.05). Although the percentage of small-, medium- and large-sized follicles did not differ between experimental groups, the percentage of primordial follicle was significantly greater for heifers fed on good pasture (P<0.05). The size of the pre-ovulatory follicle was greater for heifers in group 1 than heifers in group 2 (P<0.05). The percentage of ovulation for treatments 1 and 2 was 100 and 10, respectively (P<0.05). These results show that nutrition may through stimulating of smaller-sized follicles (0-2 mm) and also increasing of the size of ovulatory follicle increase the proportion of ovulation.

A study was conducted to evaluate efficiency of antibiotic growth promoters' alternatives on immune response and on concentrations of some blood parameters using 360, 1-d-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) in a randomized complete block design. Six experimental groups were: 1- Control (basal diet without antibiotic or antibiotic alternatives), 2- Antibiotic (Virginamycin, 15 PPM), 3- Probiotic (Protexin, 0.1 g/kg), 4- Prebiotic (mannan-oligosaccharide, Immnowall- 0.1 g/kg), 5- Medicinal Plants (Digestarom, 0.45 g/kg) and 6- Organic acids (Formycine Gold PX, 0.4 g/kg). Antibody production against sheep red blood cells was increased by diet supplementation of growth promoter antibiotic alternatives in diets (P<0.05). Antibiotic alternatives applied in present study significantly reduced the cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL concentrations of blood serum (P<0.05), while serum HDL levels remained unaffected (P>0.05). Concentration of hepatic enzymes in blood serum of chickens fed diets containing growth promoter antibiotic alternatives, reduced compared to control and antibiotic groups.Antibiotic growth promoter's alternatives used in this study improved the immune system and liver performances in broiler chickens, as these additives can reduce cholesterol levels of blood serum.

Co-culture systems have been used to increase the quality of in vitro-produced mammalian embryos, to simulate the in vivo conditions, to support in vitro culture media, and to decrease the level of environmental and metabolic stresses on the in vitro-cultured embryos. The specific objectives of this research were to evaluate the effects of bovine oviduct epithelial cell (BOEC) co-culture on the in vitro fertilization and in vitro development of bovine preimplantation embryos. First, in vitro matured oocytes were fertilized and cultured in different media in the presence and the absence of BOEC cells.Development of these embryos were evaluated and compared at 4-cell, 8-cell, and blastocyst stages.The medium TCM-199 plus BOEC co-culture had the best performance in supporting the development of 4-cell, 8-cell, and blastocyst embryos. Co-culture with BOEC cells during in vitro fertilization, also resulted in an increase in the rate of 2-cell embryo production. The percentage of 2-cell embryos produced in TCM-199+BOEC cells was significantly higher (72.17%) than that in TCM (53.6%), SOF (61.5%), and KSOM media (42%) without BOEC co-culture. To evaluate the net effects of SOF and TCM-199 media apart from the effects of co-cultured cells, the presumably fertilized oocytes were cultured in two groups; SOF and TCM-199, and their development to the blastocyst stage was recorded at different hours post fertilization. Although, TCM-199 medium supported the development of early stages slightly better than SOF, the situation reversed after 16-cell stage and the number of morula and blastocyst stage embryos was significantly higher in SOF medium. Results of this research show that co-culture with BOEC cells increases the efficiency of in vitro fertilization and the number of embryos produced at different stages of preimplantation. In the absence of co-culture conditions, SOF medium overall is a better medium than TCM-199 for the in vitro culture of preimplantation bovine embryo.

To investigate effect of permanent hypoinsulinemia induction on feed intake, growth parameters, carcass composition and blood metabolites' levels in Zel sheep, 4 intravenous injections of doses 0, 25, 50 and 75 mg streptozotocin /kg BW were used as control, low-dose, middle-dose and high-dose, respectively. Twenty male sheep weighing 19.4±1 kg divided into four groups as a completely randomized design. The duration of the experiment was 8 consecutive weeks, and injections were performed at the end of third week. Animals in high-dose group omitted from the experiment because of abnormalities. Feed and water intakes and animal weight were measured weekly. Blood samples were collected weekly at fasting via venipuncture. Blood metabolites and hormones were measured via spectrophotometery and radioimmunoassay, respectively. Data were analyzed as repeated measures design. Results showed that a marked hypoinsulinemia in middle-dose group occurred with a significant decrease in insulin concentrations. Leptin concentrations in middle-dose group were lower than control group (P<0.05). Middle-dose injection caused significant increases in blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, blood urea nitrogen and keton body levels versus control group (P<0.05). Middle-dose group showed hyperphagia and enhanced water intake (P<0.05), but instead of increased feed intake, it was enabled to gain more weight than control group (P<0.05), and feed conversion ratio increased. Protein and fat percentages of meat and liver did not have any significant differences among groups (P>0.05). In conclusions, results showed that decreased insulin and leptin levels can enhance feed intake in sheep without improving growth parameters. Furthermore, decrease in insulin level can decrease blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, blood urea nitrogen and keton body levels with no effect on meat composition.

In order to investigate the effect of various parameters on quality and quantity of olive oil and to obtain pure oil, the Ratios for mixing water and olive paste at the rate of 15, 30 and 45% and mixing temperature in three levels 30, 45 and 600C for mixing unit in oil extraction were first chosen.Velocity revolution of crushing unit was 12Hz and mixing temperature was 100C to remain constant.In this experiment, data were compared and analyzed in a factorial experiment based on complete random block design. The means were compared using Duncan's multiple range test and showed that oil acidity and peroxide increasing at higher mixing temperatures, this means that with increasing temperature the oil quality were decreasing. With increasing mixing temperature the humidity of pumice were increasing, this means that the quantity of olive oil decreasing. But with Increasing the mixing temperature pumice fat was decreasing, this means that the quantity of olive oil increasing. To increasing the mixing water and olive paste to cause that humidity and fat of pumice decreasing, this means that the quantity of olive oil was increasing. Therefore the best treatment on quality and quantity of olive oil extraction is 300C for temperature and 45% for mixing water respectively.

Malt is germinated cereal grain being rich in carbohydrates, proteins and B group vitamins and minerals. Malting is complex biotechnological process that includes steeping; germination and kilning of cereal grains under controlled conditions of temperature and humidity. In this study, two Wheat varieties (Kohdasht, Zagros) were obtained from Jahad-e-Agricultural organization of Golestan province. The preliminary assessment of samples such as viability and physico chemical properties were determined after two months storage. Malts were made from them in laboratory scale, mashed and then physicochemical properties of wort such as hot water extract, color, pH, Brix, reduced sugar, total solid nitrogen and freeα-amino nitrogen were measured. Analysis of variance was performed with SAS and the differences among means were evaluated using the Duncan's multiple range tests.The results showed that during malting diastatic power and cold water extract improved and thousand kernel weight and protein content were decreased (P<0.05). The results also confirmed that there were linear relationship between nitrogen content (wheat), diastatic power, cold and hot water extract.Thousand kernel weight (40.78 gr) and cold water extract (20.77%) of malted wheat (Kohdast) was more than Zagros but ash (1.3%), diastatic power (179.91°L) and total nitrogen (2.18%) of it was less (P<0.05). The results of physico-chemical properties of malted wheat showed that kohdasht variety had more hot water extract (67.154%), reduced sugars (64.192 g/L) and brix (8.25% w/w) but lower total soluble nitrogen (0.742%) and free amino nitrogen (98.585 mg/L) compared to Zagros (P<0.05).

Boyerahmad and Dena are two cold areas of Kohghilooye and Boyerahmad province where bread wheat is cultivated as main crop. Based on investigations, yellow rust is one of the most important diseases of wheat in these areas, which appeares as epidemic in some regions. In order to determination of disease incidence, several fields were randomly selected and number of healthy and infected plants were countered in twenty areas of each field. Infection type and disease severity were also recorded at flag leaf stage using modified cobb’s scale. First symptoms of yellow rust was observed in Dashteroom in 22 April 2005. Yellow rust disease was existed in all surveyed regions and 81.6 persent of wheat irrigated fields were contaminated with average of disease incidence 12.54±15.98 peresent. Sever epidemy was observed in Dashteroom region where 100 percent of fields were infected with average of disease incidence 37.5±18.3 persent and 80-100 S infection type and disease severity. In field triales that were done in natural infection condition and by use of mist irrigation and also furrow irrigation, all of wheat cultivated varieties including Alamot, Alvand, Dena, Omid and Shahriar showed susceptibility to yellow rust.

Three species of Fusarium verticillioides, F. fujikuroi and F. proliferatum, have been considered as the causal agents of rice bakanae disease and foot rot in different regions. To detect resistance to new fungicide in fungal isolates of disease causal agent, identification of baseline sensitivity is necessary before its application in field level. Genetic variation has been identified as one of the major factors differing baseline sensitivity to fungicides. In this study, baseline sensitivity of 46 isolates to triflumizole was investigated in PSA medium amended with different concentrations of fungicide active ingredient, and EC50 and MIC of this fungicide were calculated for each isolate. Also 21 isolates, belong to 3 mating populations were selected for molecular studies using RAPD markers. The results showed that different isolates placed on 4 groups on the basis of overlapping 95% confidence limits for EC50 and only two isolates had less sensitivity to triflumizole. In constructed dendrogram by RAPD markers, isolates with higher EC50, the most and the least sensitive isolates showed more difference with others. AlsoF. fujikuroi isolates showed markedly difference based on MIC value.The observed differences among isolates using RAPD markers confirmed that differences in baseline sensitivity to triflumizole rooted in genetic variation.

Solid Waste is one of the unavoidable products of every society that necessitates the establishment of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) system. Because of variability in quantity and composition of municipal solid wastes, the management methods are varied in terms of costs and environmental effects. Choice of the appropriate methods is largely facilitated through a decision support tool (DST). Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with cradle to grave approach is one such tool that has been introduced in the last decade. In this study, we used this method to study the municipal solid waste management system of Mashad city. We developed three scenarios consisting of direct transport, composting and establishment of transfer stations. Inventory data for life cycle assessment were gathered from relevant literature, completed projects and through questionnaires and field works.The life cycle inventory (LCI) was accomplished using IWM-1 model and the results of the model were allocated to five categories consisting of energy consumption, greenhouse gases, acid gases, photochemical gases and toxic emissions. In every category, the ecological index as a quantitative measure to compare scenarios was calculated. From an environmental view, the results of this study showed that the composting alternative for managing wastes in Mashad city has lower environmental loads. Also, in the case that landfills and processing facilities are far apart, establishment of transfer stations may have important role in decreasing the energy consumption and environmental emissions.

In design of intakes, it is important that we choose conditions that maximum water and minimum sediment is diverted. Locating intakes in outer bank of bends and using submerged vanes are some of methods for reducing sediment entry into the lateral intake. Submerged vanes are small flow training structures, designed to modify the near bed flow pattern and redistribution of flow and sediment transport within the channel cross section. The vanes are generating secondary circulation in the flow.The flow field around lateral intakes located in the outer bank of channel bends and the interaction between this flow field and secondary flow due to submerged vanes is completely three dimensional and complex. The study of this flow field is useful for the engineers engaged in designing such structures. In this paper, measurement of three-dimensional turbulent flow field around a two array submerged vanes at a lateral intake in a U shape channel bend, was taken using an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter (ADV). The results show that the submerged vanes generate a secondary flow that is unidirectional with secondary flow in the bend. Also with the installation of submerged vanes at lateral intakes, the width of dividing stream line in lower layers of flow is reduces. The strength of secondary flow in various sections of the bend was also calculated using vortex strength criteria. It was found that the maximum strength of secondary flow occurs at section 45 degree of the bend. However there is another local peak value around section 135 degree. The installation of vanes, causes increasing of strength of secondary flow around the intakes. The bed shear stresses in the vicinity of the intake are determined by Reynolds shear stresses. The results presented in this paper would be useful for the development and validation of numerical models, for studying the flow field around the submerged vanes at lateral intake in U shape bends.

Due to high performance, stability and economics, gabion structures are widely used for protecting the hydraulic structures. Gabion stepped weirs are usually used in river beds and catchments. These structures are attractive for designers because they can be used for dissipating of energy. In these weirs, there are two types of flow, inflow and over flow. The previous studies show that over flow is more effective than inflow for dissipating the energy. In this study, three sizes of plates have been used inside of gabion stepped weirs for assessing the energy dissipation. In the experiments, upstream slope is 1: 1, downstream slope is 1: 1, 1: 2, 1: 3, the height of the weir is 30 cm, height of the plates is 10, 20, 30 cm and the discharge differs from 10 to 40 liter per second. The width, height and length of the flume are 60 cm, 60 cm, and 11.5 m respectively. The results show that the optimum height of plate for getting maximum energy dissipation (82.5%) is 10 cm, which is occurred in discharge 13.5 liter per second.

Population increase and its effects on natural lands by mismanagement have been caused land use and ecosystem degradation. By the detection of land use/ cover change, it would be created the possibility of the planning and land management for reducing the magnitude of land degradation factors. In this regard, science and technologies of remote sensing and satellite imagery can help to detect correctly the land use/ cover change in short period with the low cost. In this research, land use maps of Tang-Sorkh watershed in Fars province using Landsat 4 (TM) and SPOT 5 (High Resolution Geometry) images by considering geometric and radiometric corrections, image acquisition times and band combinations using Optimum Index Factor were produced. Land use maps using supervised classification (Maximum Likelihood) for 1988 and 2005 for change detection (between 18 years) were produced. The accuracy of the produced maps using overall accuracy and Kappa statistic were calculated and results show that, barrier lands has increased from 4.2 to 11.5 percent, and dry farming lands has also increased from 12.8 to 17.1 percent. On the other hand, forest lands have decreased from 29.8 to 28.3 percent and rangelands have also reduced from 36.9 to 26.8 percent. Statistical analyses in the level of 1 and 5 percent showed that the irrigated farming lands on the 1988 land use map were 0.73 and 0.77 percent, and garden 0.53 and 0.57 percent as the lowest and highest significance. Results for the land use map of 2005 were 0.79 and 0.82 percent for rangelands, and 0.66 and 0.70 for residential areas as the lowest and highest significance. By considering accuracy assessment and the significance of the results for produced maps, the results were acceptable.

Application of sediment delivery ratio in watershed level in order to convert measured or estimated amounts of sediment into soil erosion values is necessary for water and soil conservationists.However, the performance of all available models and relying on their results is questionable because of differences in soil erosion and sediment generation process in the watersheds where those models originally developed. Therefore, the present study attempted to correlate the exact values of sediment delivery ratios obtained through measuring soil erosion and sediment generation amounts to climatic and hydrologic characteristics of 11 storm events in Chehelgazi Watershed of Gheshlagh Dam. The results obtained from modeling process indicated that the sediment delivery ratio could be predicted reliably with respective determination coefficient and relative error of about 98 and 33% using peak discharge, runoff volume and erosivity factor variables. The results of t-test analysis also verified nonsignificant difference between observed and estimated sediment delivery ration obtained through applying developed model.

Erosion and sediment transportation are phenomenons that are occurred in the courses of rainfall conversion to runoff and in the flow of water in stream. Parts of the transporting material settled down in dam reservoirs which have not only some technical trouble, but also economic and even social disasters. So it is important to estimate the amount of sedimentation accurately, before and during of reservoir operation. On the other hand, determination of the actual amount of erosion or sedimentation is too difficult, but different methods of estimation have been suggested. To estimate the amount of input and output sediments discharge from these dams, we have used monthly sediment rating curves (SRC) which are established in up and down streams stations. Then by using the equations and based on the daily flow discharge, the daily input and output sediment discharges were estimated during hydrographic surveying period. Besides the estimation method mentioned above, to estimate the input and output sediment discharge, the artificial neural network (ANN) was used and the best arrays of network and model were founded. For both methods the volumes of sediments were estimated base of specific density of sediments. Besides the estimation methods (SRC & ANN), the volumes of sediments in each of reservoirs are also determined based of hydrographic surveying and compared with the results of different estimations. The results indicated that the sediment rating curves (SRC) were estimated the amount of sediment as 70 percent and %97 of the actual volume in Dez and Karaj dams respectively. By using the artificial neural network (ANN), these estimations were %115 for Dez and %94 for Karaj. To find the efficiency of these methods, we suggest that these methods will be applied to some other reservoirs with different climatic and hydrological regimes.

The most applicable method for determination of flow discharge in rivers is measurement of lateral distribution of velocity in hydrometric stations. This task should be done regularly and many times in natural flow conditions and specially during floods. Costs, time and dangers of this task during high floods are very considerable. For optimizing this process, application of recent digital devices and also two dimensional and quasi-two dimensional mathematical models are unavoidable. In this paper, a quasi-two dimensional numerical model suitable for flood hydraulic theory of floodplains is presented to make possible the prediction of velocity lateral distribution in both inbank and overbank flow conditions. This numerical model has been tested in Karoun rivet at Molasani hydrometric station. The model result’s analysis show that the mean error in prediction of inbank and flood discharges in this station is nearly 9 percent.

Evaporation from water storages cause the loss of water, and increased salt concentration, decrease water quality also. Heavy alcohols application might cause rate of evaporation reduction and decrease salt concentration water. In this study, Class A pans were treated with octadecanol and hegzadecanol alcohols (C18H33OH and C16H37OH respectively) equivalent to 20 and 40 gr per hectare during tow days. These alcohols were dissolved in ethanol prior to application. The water level was measured in 2 stages within 38 days. Then the daily evaporation was measured and the statistical results were obtained using MINITAB software. The results show that the separately use of any two type alcohols, be effective on evaporation reduction. The mixing of two type alcohols together is more effective then using each alcohol separately. The octadecanol is also much more effective than hegzadecanol.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different nutrient density on performance of Hy-line (W-36) laying hens in late phase of laying. This experiment was conducted with two hundred and fifty six laying hens from 73 to 83 weeks in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replicates with 16 birds in each replicate. Experimental diets were isocaloric and included: diet with nutrients recommended by Hy-line company for commercial production of laying hens in late phase of laying (control), diet with 5 percent lower level of nutrients than nutrients recommended, diet with 10 percent lower level of nutrients than nutrients recommended and diet with 15 percent lower level of nutrients than recommended for 10 weeks. The results of this experiment showed that the performance and egg quality in laying hens did not affected by different experimental diets (P>0.05).The comparison of performance and egg quality among treatments showed that 15 percent reduction of nutrient level than recommended by Hy-line company levels for commercial production of laying hens in late laying period not only had not any adverse effect on performance and egg quality of laying hens but also in more circumstance have positive effects on performance and egg quality and can reduce the price of feed production per kg of egg. Based on the results of this experiment reduction of 15 percent nutrient level than nutrients recommended by Hy-line Company for laying hens in late laying period (73 to 83 weeks) had not any adverse effect on performance and egg quality.

In this experiment, effect of different dosage of eCG on reproductive parameters such as, response to estrus, estrous duration, interval to estrus after CIDRs removal, conception percent, parturition percent, conception duration and litter size of Rayini goat in nonbreeding season were investigated.Administration of dosages 0, 200, 300, 400, 500 IU resulting to 100% response to estrus in all of groups and interval to estrus after CIDRs removal were 20.11, 19.30, 22.30, 21.98, 21.33 hours respectively. Estrous Duration were 19.11, 20.43, 18.80, 18.02, 18.64 hour respectively. Conception percent 60, 68, 74, 83, 87 and parturition percent 93, 93, 88, 85, 86 were observed. None of above parameters had significant difference (P>0.05). Conception duration was 149.38, 149.13, 149.52, 148.31, 147.64 and litter size was 1.31, 1.35, 1.29, 1.91, 2.09 respectively. Conception duration and litter size were similar between 400 IU group with 500 IU group and control group with 200, 300 IU received groups, but conception duration of 500 IU received group with control, 200 and 300 IU groups indicated significant difference (P<0.05). Litter size of 400 IU received group and 500 IU were statistically different from control, and 200, 300 IU received groups (P<0.05). This experiment showed that, increase in litter size by administration 500 IU eCG and below this dose would be able to improve reproductive parameters of Rayini goat.

Landslide is one of natural hazards that makes numerous financial and life damages each year.Therefor we must detect susceptible areas, and with prioritizing of them, policies and programs of landslide hazard management will be offered in order to reduce landslid occurance hazard and damages. In this study, landslide hazard is zoned using multivariate regression model at a part of Alamout watershed in general level (1/50000 scale). Then, by two parameter including landslide hazard and installation existence, watershed was prioritized for use of management programs. So first landslide distribution map of area was prepared using study of air photos and field visitations. After reviewing available resources along with reviewing the benefit of experts, eight parameters including (lithology, slope, aspect, height, distance to foult, land use, rain and earthquake acceleration) were selected as landslide effective factors. AHP and pair comparing technique was used for quantitating of qualitative catagouries of land use, aspect, and lithology parameters. Results of stepwise method shows that there is high correlation bettwen five parameters including lithology, slope, height, distanceto foult, land use, and occurred landslides. Determination coefficient between these parameters as constant variable and logharithm of landslide area as dependent variable was 60.7. Potential landslide hazard map was provided with this equation using geographic information system (GIS) and crossing layers in Arc gis software. Chi square test was used for comparing of difference between hazard classes of models. Results shows that measured chi square rate is meaningful at 99% of confidence interval, and there is suitable dissociation among landslide hazard classes.42 percent of watershed area is located in hazard classes of I & II and dosnt need to any specific management program. About 47 percent of area is located in hazard classes of III & IV that maintain of existent condition is the policy of management in these areas. About 10 percent of area is located in hazard classes of V & VI that considering installation existence or not two policies including hazard control and avoiding of hazard must be used respectively.

In order to determine the effect of different dosages of gamma ray radiation (500, 700, 900, 1100, 1300 gry) on germination and morphological characters of two rapeseed cultivars (PF, RGS003) a field experiment was conducted at Sari Agricultural Research Station of University of Mazandaran, for two consecutive years of 2006-2007. The seeds were irradiated with gamma rays in Nuclear Research Center for Agriculture and Medicine Karaj, Iran. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design. The traits of study were number of secondary branches, plant height, number of pod in primary branches, number of pod in secondary branches, pod length and 1000 grain weight.Statistical analysis showed a significant difference among the traits of study. The maximum relative coefficient of variation, the most expansive amplitude of variation and heighest variance were obtained among plants derived from Pf cultivar. These results showed that there have been more interaction between Pf cultivar and gamma rays. In the most cases, plant height was reduced as compared with the control. Pod length and 1000 grain weight of both cultivars were increased as a result of gamma ray irradiation. Among the all studied traits, number of pod in secondary branches of both cultivars exhibited maximum coefficient of variation. So, these traits should be utilized in canola breeding program.

To understand the aquatics and fishery products consumption behavior in Gorgan city, in the year of 1386, an investigation was conducted using questionnaire, 343 families were selected using independent random method. Collected information were analyzed using SPSS program. Result showed that per capita consumption of each person in this city is 9.12 Kg and the tendensity of Gorgani families is, respectively, fishes of Caspian Sea, warm and cold water. Factors such as quality and freshness, price, and healthy point of the place of disturbtion have the most important role in the decision of buying. About 39.5% Gorgani families prefer to buy the packed aquatics. The Lack of confidence on freshness and health of aquatics, having enough time, and their higher prices are the main reasons for the use of packed production.58.4% consumers prefer to buy from fishery agencies that represent the necessity of creation and control of this shopping in Gorgan.

Effects of five level of osmotic potential and three levels of pH on the growth of three species of Fusarium including Fusarium semitectum, F. moniliform and F. solani, isolated from potato and wheat fields in Golestan province were studied. The experiment was conducted on potato dextrose agar (PDA) media in six replicates. Results showed that the most favorable potential for all species was-1MPa and the most favorable pH was 5.6, 5.6 and 6.5 for F. semitectum, F. solani, and F. moniliforme respectively, While the most unfavorable potential was 0, 0 and -2MPa for F. semitectum, F. solani and F. moniliforme, respectively. The most unfavorable pH was 4.5 for F. semitectum and F. solani and 5.6 for F. moniliforme.

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of urea-molasses treating on wheat straw quality and utilization of different percents of ammoniated wheat straw on Dalagh male lambs.Different levels of ammoniated straw were replaced in rations by 0, 9, 18 and 27 percent. Twenty four Dalagh male lambs were used in a completely randomized design and divided in to 4 treatments. Each treatment consisted of 6 lambs during 84 days. Crud protein and fiber of feed stuff were measured.Blood was collected from jugular vein in first and end of experiment. Due to urea ammunition, the CP content of wheat straw increased from 3.4 to 7.5 percent, and NDF, ADF decreased from 70.02, 47.4 to 61.2, and 41.3 percent, respectively. The results of current study showed that, serum glucose was not affected by treatments significantly (P>0.05). Serum urea at the beginning of the experiment for each treatment was 18.9, 28.8, 23.07 and 26.1 respectively. This results showed a significant increase in each treatment compare to control (P<0.05). The mean values of urea were not affected significantly (P>0.05) at the end of the experiment. It could be concluded that ammoniated wheat straw treated with molasses had not adverse effect on blood biochemical parameters and it could provide more nitrogen for lambs.