H. Jahantighi; M. Moghaddam; M. Valizadeh
Abstract
The prominent influence of medicinal plants in the prevention and treatment of different diseases has led to an increasing trend of human societies towards them. In addition to numerous ornamental, industrial and agroforestry applications, Rohida (Tecomella undulate (Roxb.) seem.) from Bignoniaceae family ...
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The prominent influence of medicinal plants in the prevention and treatment of different diseases has led to an increasing trend of human societies towards them. In addition to numerous ornamental, industrial and agroforestry applications, Rohida (Tecomella undulate (Roxb.) seem.) from Bignoniaceae family is considered as one of the most valuable medicinal species in arid region due to the presence of efficient active ingredients such as lapachol with proven effects in the treatment of major diseases including cancer, aids, malaria and so forth. In this research, firstly the habitats of Rohida were identified in the province and then their climate characteristics, soil physical and chemical properties, phenology, some of morphological traits and companion plants were investigated. The evaluations showed that this plant had six small habitats with a low population of two yellow and orange morphotypes in the Balouchestan region, growing at altitudes ranging from 480 to 830 m above sea level, often in the direction of the waterways and the margin of the seasonal rivers with different aspects and low slopes. The climate of the habitats studied was warm desert and the soil texture was light to medium with an alkaline reaction. In addition to the phenological differences, a significant difference between the habitats in terms of their morphological traits and growth indices was observed that could be due to genetic and environmental factors, or both. The results of this study, regarding the decreasing population of this plant affected by various factors, especially the continuous drought caused by climate change, indicate that the Rohida in this province is exposed to extinction and urgent measures have to be taken toward its conservation, rehabilitation, and domestication.
H. Keneshloo; M.Y. Achak; Gh. Damizadeh
Abstract
Phenological stages of Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori. was studied in the southeast of Iran during 2008 to 2011. This study was carried out in six regions of Hormozgan and Balochestan provinces. Three trees were marked in each site and monitored every 15 days. Phenological stages included the time ...
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Phenological stages of Moringa peregrina (Forssk.) Fiori. was studied in the southeast of Iran during 2008 to 2011. This study was carried out in six regions of Hormozgan and Balochestan provinces. Three trees were marked in each site and monitored every 15 days. Phenological stages included the time of bud break, flowering, fruiting, ripening, fruit and leaf shedding, and several other characteristics. The results of phenological and meteorological data indicated that the growth patterns of M. peregrina might alter with annual temperatur, fluctuations of drought and precipitation. M. peregrina is an evergreen plant and its growth is started when proper temperature and enough humidity are available. Leaf buds begin to sprout and primary leaves appear in January. These leaves are short-lived and start to fall in May when the temperature gets warm. White and pink flowers appear in February and March. Pod-like and green fruits appear on young branches in April and May. Fruit ripening starts simultaneously with maturity stage in July and seeds begin to fall out in August. Petiole falling starts simultaneously with fruit development and drought occurance from late May to late June. Dormancy period is followed by August and continues until November. Rainfall during the flowering stage induces the flowers not to inoculate, and other phonological phases are affected. Results from different sites showed that the phenological stages of Moringa peregrina might be altered with aspect, altitude and latitude, but in all conditions, the minimum growth degree days (G.D.D) required for ripening seed should not be less than 2470°C.
M. Fattahi; V. Nazeri; F. Sefidkon; Z. Zamani
Abstract
Study on relationships between a species with its surrounding biotic and abiotic environment provides valuable information in terms of propagation, domestication and breeding. For this purpose, the autecology studies of Dradocephalum kotschyi Bioss was studied in 12 natural habitats. Natural habitats ...
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Study on relationships between a species with its surrounding biotic and abiotic environment provides valuable information in terms of propagation, domestication and breeding. For this purpose, the autecology studies of Dradocephalum kotschyi Bioss was studied in 12 natural habitats. Natural habitats were determined with using Flora Iranica and with the assistance of local people. Also, topography and climate conditions were determined for each natural habitat. In addition, phenology and dominant companion species were recorded in all growing regions. Other studied traits were mostly growth and reproductive ones including height, basal diameter and canopy cover which were evaluated in situ. Plant fitness was evaluated based on the number of produced seeds, flowering stems, observed expected and produced seeds. Results of topography and climate data showed that natural habitats were mostly in rocky highlands with a high relative humidity and cool weather in summer. Plant fitness and growth condition were significantly different in different regions which could be due to ecological and/ or genetic variations. According to the results, domestication and breeding programs are urgently required for the conservation of this valuable but endangered species.
R. Omidbaigi; A. Alirezalu
Volume 26, Issue 4 , February 2011, , Pages 521-530
Abstract
Castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) is one of the most important medicinal plants used in pharmaceutical, cosmetics and hygienic industries in many developed countries. Oil obtained from plant's seeds is of the most valuable aperients in medicine. The purpose of this research was determining the effects ...
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Castor bean (Ricinus communis L.) is one of the most important medicinal plants used in pharmaceutical, cosmetics and hygienic industries in many developed countries. Oil obtained from plant's seeds is of the most valuable aperients in medicine. The purpose of this research was determining the effects of climatic factors (seven different locations) on oil content and fatty acids composition of castor bean plant and increasing quantity and quality of oil. The results showed that climatic factors had significant effects on oil content and fatty acids composition and there were significant differences among the different climates (P<0.01). The highest oil content was reported from West of Tehran (52%) and Marand (51%) regions. Based on the results of fatty acid analysis by Gas Chromatography (GC), eight major fatty acids were observed in castor oil. Ricinoleic acid (18:1 Δ9c-12OH) was known as the major oil fatty acid in Castor bean. The highest Ricinoleic acid was reported from Urmia region (88.94 percent) and the lowest Ricinoleic acid was recorded from Shabestar region (85.72 percent). Other fatty acids identified from various regions including linoleic acid (2.25 to 4.73 percent), palmitic acid (0.9 to 2.13 percent), oleic acid (3.05 to 4.22 percent), stearic acid (0.55 to 1.54 percent), linolenic acid (1.35 to 2.88 percent), dihydroxystearic acid (0.51 to 0.85 percent) and eicosanoic acid (0.86 percent).
