The question is how the complementary and alternative methods can be used while preserving the capabilities and benefits of the survey and polling research, given the relatively limited range of these methods. To find the right answer to this question, and after reviewing methodological explanations and reviews, as well as the various experiences gained, a more efficient model has been suggested for applying this type of research by comparing the features of other methods and taking advantage of the possibilities of other methods to compensate for deficiencies that may arise in information gathering, information analysis, interpretations and final conclusions. As a complementary approach, it is recommended to use a focused group discussion in each of the stages of the survey research. As alternative approaches, it has been attempted to show that by excluding any of the features of survey research, which of the proposed alternative methods, namely ethnography, participatory practical research, case study, and content analysis, can be used.

Ticks are important ectoparasites in equids which causes economic losses in animal husbandry of Iran and worldwide. This study was aimed to determine frequency and species diversity of hard ticks in equids in Turkman sahra, Iran. 240 equids were randomly selected and examined from 2018-2019. Ixodid ticks were collected from body surface of examined animals and identified. Of all examined equids, 37.91% horses, and 4.16% donkeys were infested with a total number of 357 ixodid ticks. Tick indices (tick number per animal) were 3.53.  The highest prevalence of hard ticks was found in ≥3 years-old equids in the region. There was significant difference between prevalence and different age groups of infested animals. Of all examined ticks (357), three genera including Hyalomma spp., Rhipicephalus spp. and Dermacentor spp. with four species. i.e. Hyalomma anatolicum (65.26%), H. marginatum (10.64%), Rhipicephalus bursa (22.12%) and Dermacentor marginatus (1.96%) were identified. Ixodid ticks’ infestations occured throughout the year with the highest prevalence in spring. There was significant difference between prevalence of hard ticks and seasons in this study. The results revealed that species diversity and ixodid ticks’ infestations were prevalent in the equids of Turkman sahra, Iran.

Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of different methods of complementary pollination on the qualitative characteristics of kiwifruit cv. Hayward in order to introduce the most effective and practical complementary pollination method. Methods: The present study evaluated the effect of different methods of complementary pollination [open pollination, hand pollination from male flowers of the tumor cultivar, spray pollination with pure pollen and spray pollination with impure pollen (collected from the entrance of bees' nests at the time of opening kiwifruit male flowers) on the qualitative characteristics of kiwifruit cv. Hayward in the Citrus and Subtropical Fruits Research Institute (Ramsar city) in 2021 based on the randomized complete block design in three replications. Results: The results showed that the amount of titratable acids, maturity index, chlorophyll b, carotenoid, total flavonoid and antioxidant activity were not affected by different methods of complementary pollination. Fruits obtained from spray pollination with impure pollen had the highest single tree yield (98.32 kg per tree), hectare yield (40.39 tons per hectare), number of seeds (1038), amount of soluble solids (7.07 °Brix), chlorophyll a (1.71 mg100 g-1 FW), total chlorophyll (3.11 mg100 g-1 FW), vitamin C (60.27 mg100 g-1 FW), and total fruit phenol (79.62 mg100 g-1 FW). Moreover, these fruits were in more favorable conditions regarding sensory and taste evaluations. Conclusion: Overall, it is possible to recommend complementary pollination according to spray pollination with impure pollen as the most effective and practical method to increase fruit quality for kiwifruit growers.