The effects of mandarin scions on peel components and juice quality parameters were investigated in this study. Peel flavor components were extracted by using cold-press and eluted by using n-hexane. Then all analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS. Total soluble solids, total acids, pH value, ascorbic acid as well as density and ash were determined in juice obtained from mandarin scions. Twenty-seven, Twenty-seven, thirty-five and forty peel components in Unshiu, Clementine, Minneola tangelo and Lee varieties respectively including: aldehydes, alcohols, esters, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and other components were identified and quantified. The major flavor components were linalool, limonene, g-terpinene, (E) b-ocimene, b-myrcene,  a-pinene. Among the four scions examined, Lee showed the highest content of aldehydes and Clementine showed the highest content of TSS/TA. Since the aldehyde and TSS/TA content of citrus are considered as two of the more important indicators of high quality, variety apparently has a profound influence on citrus quality.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of mandarin scions on total flavonoids and individual flavanones as well as antioxidant capacity in peel and pulp of fruits. Total flavonoids and total phenols content was measured using aluminum chloride colorimetric and Folin-Ciocalteau colorimetric method respectively. Assay of DPPH radical scavenging was used to evaluate antioxidant activities. Individual flavanones (narirutin, naringin and hesperidin) detected and analyzed using HPLC-PDA. Among the flavonones, hesperidin was determined in the highest concentration in all investigated samples. Level of flavanones (25.05 mg/g DW) and total flavonoids (10 mg/g DW) in peel of Satsuma mandarin and the amount of phenolic acids (1.17 mg/g DW) in peel of Younesi tangerine was higher than other scions. The results of correlation showed that there was a high positive correlation between the amount of total flavonoids and hesperidin. The results of this study showed useful information on functional and phytochemical compounds in mandarin cultivars that can be used in pharmaceutical industry and provide valuable genetic resources for breeding programs.

Iron chlorosis is considered to be one of the most important nutritional disorders in citrus trees, particularly in calcareous soils that seriously reduce yield and fruit quality. Selection of Fe-efficient rootstocks is one of the important approaches to prevent this nutritional problem. A field experiment was carried out at Jahrom Agricultural Research Station, Iran, to study 4 resistant rootstocks including: Macrophylla (Citrus macrophylla wester), Volkamer lemon (Citrus volkameriana), and Sour orange (Citrus autantium) and Sour lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swing) and scions including: Valencia orange, Washington navel orange, Jahrom local orange and red pulp orange (Moro). Also the effects of Sequestrene 138 Fe in three levels 0(control), 5 and 10 g/tree were compared. The Macrophylla and Sour orange rootstocks had the best positive and significant effects in increasing the scions, leaf chlorophyll index at 1% statistical level. Macrophylla also had the highest iron absorption. The interaction between rootstocks and Sequestrene 138 Fe showed that the application of Sequestrene 138 Fe levels on Macrophylla rootstock did not have a significant effect on leaf chlorophyll index at 1% statistical level. Therefore, Macrophylla had high potential in increasing scions leaf chlorophyll index without any use of Sequestrene 138 Fe as fertilizer. Sour orange had lower iron absorption than other rootstocks, but significantly increased scions leaf chlorophyll index. In contrast, sour lime with high potential for iron absorption had little effect on scions leaf chlorophyll index. This not only clearly showed the effect of rootstocks on scions leaf iron chlorosis Paradox, but also indicated that the effectiveness of rootstock in resisting iron chlorosis is related to mechanisms other than the extent of iron absorption by the roots. Macrophylla significantly increased iron, zinc, manganese and copper absorption in comparison with other rootstocks at 1% statistical level. Moreover, it absorbed the highest rates of phosphorus and potassium and a favorable rate of nitrogen. This high absorption potential of Macrophylla put it in the group of effective rootstocks for Jahrom. The results of the experiment also demonstrated the significant difference between graft varieties on resistance against iron chlorosis, i.e., the navel and local oranges had high chlorophyll index irrespective of the rootstock varieties. In contrast, the scions like red pulp and Valencia orange had lower chlorophyll index and were affected by the rootstock varieties more than others. For example, in comparison with sour lime, the Macrophylla rootstock increased red pulps orange (Moro) leaf chlorophyll index by about 21 percent.

Pistachio yield are often negatively affected by some physiological problems such as abscission of inflorescence buds and fruits, deformed or blank nuts, and non-split shells. In the present study the effect of exogenous application of arginine (Arg) (a substrate for nitric oxide (NO) synthase) and sodium nitroproside (SNP), as a NO-donor was investigated on yield production, fruit and inflorescence buds abscission, and physiological parameters of Pistacia vera. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design with factorial structure in a commercial pistachio orchard. Factors were included two levels of Arg (0. 5 and 1 mM), two levels of SNP (50 and 100 μ M) and their combination applied at two distinct time; one week before full bloom (first stage) and five weeks after full bloom (second stage). Comparing to SNP-treated trees, Arg was more effective on growth and physiological parameters of shoots and on fruit and inflorescence buds abscission, and on fruit parameters such as split and non-split shells, blank nuts, number of nuts per ounce. Effects of these treatments were considerably depending on the time of application and the concentrations of applied compounds. It is proposed that the effects of Arg and SNP may be related to the NO signaling and polyamines production.

Growth indices of pistachio seedlings were studied in three pot experiments. The pot experiments were carried out in the form of RCBD. In the first and second experiments, growth indices of seedlings of seven cultivars of Pistacia vera, and P. mutica, and in the third experiment growth indices of seedlings of three P. vera cultivars were determined. In orchard experiment, growth of four cultivars of P. vera and also their reproductive traits were evaluated during 1990-1999 . For statistical analysis of data, the unbalanced CRD was used. In another orchard experiment, the reproductive traits of cultivars Badami- sefid and Owhadi were determined during 1998-2002. This experiment was done in the form of RCBD. In the third pot experiment, as the source of seeds was changed, the results were different, considerably. The growth variations in seedings of wild pistachios (Sarakhs and Baneh) was minimum.The seedlings of domesticated cultivars especially Owhadi and Kale-ghoochi and also semi-wild cv. badami-riz were more vigorous than wild cultivars of Sarakhs and Baneh. Considerable differences in growth indices of cv. Akbari compared to other cultivars, indicated presence of probably more different genes in this cultivar. In the first orchard experiment, quantitative yield of cv. Owhadi was considerable whereas in the second orchard experiment quantitative yield of cv. Badami-sefid was significantly higher than cv. Owhadi. In pot experiments, genetical diversity in seedlings of a definite cv. And among cvs. caused to change growth indices differently. In regard to vegetative and reproductive traits, there was a considerable genetical diversity among cvs. as well as different sources of a given cv. (grafts). For establishment of new pistachio orchards, these genetical diversities should be considered.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of scion properties (number of buds on scion, presence of terminal bud on scion, and scion diameter and length) on success of epicotyl grafting and early growth of grafted walnut ‘Chandler’ at the college of Aburaihan of University of Tehran, during 2013-14. Grafting success, survival of the grafted trees, callus quality, shoot length and leaf number per tree were measured 150 days after grafting. No significant differences were found between scions containing terminal bud or lateral buds. The highest callus quality, grafting success (83.4 percent) and survival rate (72.8 percent) were obtained by using double bud scions. Using scions with 3-6 mm diameter significantly increased grafting success (73.4 percent) and survival rate (61.1 percent) of the grafted trees. The highest survival rate (56.1 percent) was found in trees grafted with 7-12 cm scions. The highest leaf numbers were found in the trees grafted with double bud scions, and 7-12 cm scions (9.1 and 8.6 leaves, respectively). The longest shoots were observed in trees grafted with scions containing two bud, and 3-6 mm diameter and 7-12 cm length (9.1, 12.7 and 12.2 cm, respectively). In conclusion, using scions containing two buds, with 3-6 mm diameter and 7-12 cm length were suggested to improve success of epicotyl grafting and quality of the grafted walnut ‘Chandler’ trees.

Micrografting technique has been used on woody species to produce viruses-free plants, rejuvenation, reinvigoration, analysis of grafting compatibility and incompatibility and clone's propagation. Several experiments have been carried out in order to investigate the most suitable culture media after micrografting, effect of types of rootstocks and scions, effect of time after subculture of scions, and comparison of in vitro and in vivo micrografting techniques for some Iranian pistachio (Pistacia vera L. ) varieties. For in vitro micrografting, rootstocks and scions (Badami-Zarand, Owhadi, Akbari, and Ahmadaghaii) were propagated using micropropagtion. For in vivo micrografting experiments, dry nuts of Pistacia vera L. var. Badami-Zarand were used. Percentages of regenerated micro-shoots (Micrografting success percentage), callus production on grafted area and leaf numbers were evaluated after one month. Results showed that types of rootstocks and scions had significant effect on micrografting success percentage. The best culture medium for rootstocks was MS supplemented with 2 mg. L-1 after micrografting in which decreased callus production in grafted area and growth of nodal meristems of rootstocks. The time after subculture of scions had no significant effect on microgftaing success rate. In vitro and in vivo scions had no considerable differences; therefore it is possible to use the in vitro scions on the in vivo rootstocks.

This research was conducted to investigate the distinction of early incompatibility, and to detect a polypeptide as a marker that would be associated with pear/quince compatibility/incompatibility.Bark samples were collected from 3 year-old pear scions grafted on QA and pear seedling rootstocks (PS). For determination of total soluble protein contents the Bradford assay was used. Profile protein of bark tissues of 4 pear scions, Pass a Crassana (PC), Beurre Hardy (BH), Dargazi (D) and Bartlett (BT), were determined by using SDS-PAGE. The result showed that, the scions grafted on QA had greater total protein content than those on PS rootstock. The highest protein content was determined in BH/QA combination. However, no linear correlation was detected between total protein content and graft compatibility. In SDS-PAGE, the protein profiles of the scions were similar. However, a 63 KDa protein band determined in compatible pear scions (PC and BH) was faintly observed in an intermediate compatible scion CD), but was not detected in the incompatible scion (BT). In general the results indicated that this polypeptide could be used as a marker in determination of compatibility and the early distinction of incompatibility between pear cultivars on QA rootstock.

Iron deficiency that usually appears as chlorosis in young leaves, is considered to be one of the most important nutritional disorders in citrus trees, particularly in calcareous soils, that seriously reduces yield and fruits quality. Selecting the resistant rootstocks to iron chlorosis is one of the most important approaches to prevent this nutritional problem. Therefore, an experiment was carried out at Jahrom Agricultural Research Station, the effects of resistant rootstocks like Macrophylla (Citrus macrophylla Wester), Volkamer lemon (Citrus volkameriana), and Sour orange (Citrus autantium) in comparison with prevailing Sour lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swing) rootstock and also their interactions with scions like ‘Valencia’ orange, ‘Washington Navel’ orange, Jahrom local orange and red pulp orange (Moro) were investigated. Also the effects of sequestrene 138 Fe in three levels 0 (control), 5 and 10 gram per tree were compared. The Macrophylla and Sour orange rootstocks had the best positive and significant effects in increasing the scions leaf chlorophyll index at 1% statistical level. Mocrophylla also had the highest iron absorption. The interaction between rootstocks and sequestrene 138 Fe showed that the application of sequestrene 138 Fe levels on Macrophylla rootstock did not have a significant effect on leaf chlorophyll index at 1% statistical level, therefore Macrophylla had high potential in increasing scions leaf chlorophyll index without any use of sequestrene 138 Fe as fertilizer. Sour orange had lower iron absorption than other rootstocks, but significantly increased scions leaf chlorophyll index. In contrast, Sour lime with high potential for iron absorption had little effect on scion leaf chlorophyll index. This, did not only clearly showed the effect of  rootstocks on scions leaf iron chlorosis Paradox, but also indicated that the effectiveness of rootstock in resisting iron chlorosis is related to mechanisms other than the extent of iron absorption by the roots. Macrophylla significantly increased iron, zinc, manganese and copper absorption comoared to other rootstocks at 1% statistical level; moreover, it absorbed the highest rates of phosphorus and potassium and a consideralde rate of nitrogen. This high absorption potential of Macrophylla put it in the group of effective rootstocks for Jahrom. The results of the experiment also demonstrated the significant difference between scions on resistance against iron chlorosis, i.e., the navel and local orange had high chlorophyll index irrespective of the rootstock used. In contrast, the scions like red pulp and ‘Valencia’ orange had lower chlorophyll index and were affected by the rootstock more than others. For example in comparison with Sour lime, the Macrophylla rootstock increased red pulp orange (Moro) leaf chlorophyll index about 18 percent.

A field-based experiment was carried out in Rukum (East), Nepal, from February to June 2020, to assess the effect of different methods and dates of grafting on the graft take rate of Persian walnut (Juglans regia L. ) in field condition. The experiment comprised ten treatments with combination of two factors. The two factors included the grafting dates including: 13th, 19th, and 26th of February, 4th and 11th of March and grafting methods including: outdoor grafting and bench grafting (tongue grafting in both). The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The findings revealed that bench grafting resulted in significantly better outputs than outdoor method for length of scion (at 30 and 60 days after grafting) and graft take rates. Bench grafting showed 44% graft take followed by outdoor grafting (38% graft take). Plants grafted on 13th and 19th of February showed statistically better results for growth performance over the other dates. Plants grafted on 19th of February showed 67% graft take with 53% saleable plants, but statistically similar to the plants grafted on 13th and 26th of February. The earliest bud burst was observed in plants grafted on 13th and 19th of February in 31 and 33 days, respectively. Bench grafting on 19th February showed significantly higher length of scion (16. 4 cm) at 60 days after grafting. However, non-significant results were seen for other parameters due to the interaction. Therefore, bench grafting on 13th, 19th and 26th of February led to the best graft take in Persian Walnut. Abbreviations: CV: Coefficient of Variation, LSD: Least Significant Difference, ha: hectare, mt: Metric tons, PMAMP: Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project, RCBD: Randomized Complete Block Design, SEm: Standard Error of Mean.