Agriculture and horticulture
leili safaei; Fatemeh Sefidkon; saeed- davazdahemami-; Davood Aminazarm
Abstract
In order to study different methods of soil fertilization in Satureja .khuzistanica a research carried out in Fozveh station of Agricultural and Natural Resource Research Center of Isfahan, during 2016- 2020. The treatments were different levels of chemical fertilizers (N50P25K25), different levels of ...
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In order to study different methods of soil fertilization in Satureja .khuzistanica a research carried out in Fozveh station of Agricultural and Natural Resource Research Center of Isfahan, during 2016- 2020. The treatments were different levels of chemical fertilizers (N50P25K25), different levels of organic fertilizers (Cow Manure30, Cow Manure60 and 5 ton/ha Vermi-compost) and combination of chemical and organic fertilizers (N50P25K25+ Cow Manure30, N50P25K25+ Cow Manure60, N50P25K25+ 5 ton/ha Vermi-compost). These treatments were compared with the control. The project had 3 replications, according to a randomized complete block design. The percentage of essential oil was measured by water distillation (Clevenger) at 50% flowering stage. The amount of essential oil compounds was evaluated by gas chromatography (GC) and the qualification of essential oil was measured by Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). According to the results, the maximum essential oil percentage and oil yeild in S. khuzistanica was 3.7% (in the third year) and 132.6 kg/ha (in the second year). Based on the results of the experimental years, the highest oil yield was observed in the combined treatment of 50 kg/ha nitrogen, 25 kg/ha of phosphorus and 25 kg/ha of potas plus 5 tons per hectare of vermicompost, in the third year. During the experimental years, 14 compounds were identified in S. khuzistanica essential oil that major compound was carvacrol (86.4-95.3%). According to the results, the qualitative yield of essential oil of this species was less affected by soil fertility treatments, but the quantitative yield of essential oil had a significant increase that indirectly increases the qualitative yield of essential oil. Finally, it was concluded that intermediate method was the superior treatment in order to improving quantitative yield and can lead to sustainable agriculture.
Agriculture and horticulture
Fatemeh Borna; Mostafa Rahmati-Joneidabad; Sadegh Abdrahmani
Abstract
Background and objectives: The use of chemical fertilizers to produce high-yield crops in the shortest possible time has raised public concern about the sustainability, safety, and security of food. Therefore, alternatives such as biofertilizers are needed to ensure food safety and security. Biofertilizers ...
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Background and objectives: The use of chemical fertilizers to produce high-yield crops in the shortest possible time has raised public concern about the sustainability, safety, and security of food. Therefore, alternatives such as biofertilizers are needed to ensure food safety and security. Biofertilizers are important tools in sustainable agriculture and can help plants cope with environmental stresses. The application of these fertilizers in the cultivation of medicinal plants, which are inherently aimed at ensuring public health, is on the rise. The medicinal plant dragonhead, scientifically known as Dracocephalum moldavica L., belongs to the mint family and contains essential oils throughout the plant. In traditional medicine, it is used to treat mental weakness, migraines, cardiovascular problems, congestion, headaches, stomach pain, liver disorders, and as a sedative. This study aims to investigate the effect of biofertilizers on the medicinal plant dragonhead under the climatic conditions of Khuzestan.
Methodology: The effect of biofertilizers on the growth, yield, and quantity and quality of the essential oil of dragonhead was examined using a randomized complete block design with seven treatments and three replications at the Department of Horticultural Science, Khuzestan Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University in 2022. After soil analysis and land preparation, the seedlings were transplanted to the main field in March. All planting and maintenance operations, including irrigation and weed control, were uniformly applied to all treatments. The experimental treatments included: control (without fertilizer - C), inoculation with bio-potassium (K), inoculation with bio-nitrogen (N), inoculation with bio-phosphate (P), inoculation with bio-nitrogen + bio-phosphate (NP), inoculation with bio-nitrogen + bio-potassium (NK), and inoculation with bio-nitrogen + bio-phosphate + bio-potassium (NPK). The aerial parts of dragonhead were harvested at the flowering stage. The evaluated traits included plant height, number of inflorescences, length of the main inflorescence, fresh weight, dry weight, essential oil content, dry weight yield, and essential oil yield. Essential oil extraction was performed by water distillation using a Clevenger apparatus, and the essential oil components were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The data were analyzed using SAS statistical software (version 9.1) and means were compared using Duncan's multiple range test at a 5% probability level. Charts were drawn using EXCEL software.
Results: Analysis of variance results showed that biofertilizers had a significant effect on all evaluated traits of dragonhead. Subsequent mean comparison results indicated that the highest plant height (90.08 cm) was observed in the P treatment, the highest number of inflorescences (11.91), length of the main inflorescence (31.10 cm), fresh weight (50.31 g), dry weight (11.31 g), essential oil percentage (2%), dry weight yield (3393.5 Kg/ha), and essential oil yield (69.19 Kg/ha) were observed in the treatment inoculated with bio-nitrogen + bio-phosphate + bio-potassium (NPK). The lowest plant height (71.50 cm), number of inflorescences (4.12), length of the main inflorescence (17.75 cm), aerial fresh weight (15.68 g), dry weight (3.98 g), dry weight yield (1194.75 Kg/ha), and essential oil yield (4.98 Kg/ha) were observed in the bio-potassium (K) treatment, and the lowest essential oil percentage (0.44%) was observed in the bio-nitrogen (N) treatment. GC-MS analysis of the essential oil revealed differences in the essential oil components among the treatments. The highest amounts of neral (17.53%) were found in the P treatment, geraniol (7.91%) in the NPK treatment, geranial (32.12%) in the K treatment, neryl acetate (2.49%) in the NPK treatment, and geranyl acetate (73.18%) in the NK treatment.
Conclusion: Based on the results, the combined use of biofertilizers, especially NPK, is recommended for maximum yield and essential oil production of dragonhead under similar ecological conditions. It is predicted that under these conditions and without the use of chemical fertilizers, the cultivation of this medicinal plant in a sustainable agricultural system will lead to healthy, sustainable, and high-quality essential oil production.
Agriculture and horticulture
Zeinab Sharifi; Hamid Reza Eisvand; Naser Akbari; Omid Ali Akbarpour
Abstract
Background and objectives: Allium jesdianum is a valuable medicinal and edible plant belonging to the Alliaceae family and is native to Iran. However, due to excessive harvesting in its natural habitat, it is currently endangered. This study aimed to promote the cultivation, conservation, and habitat ...
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Background and objectives: Allium jesdianum is a valuable medicinal and edible plant belonging to the Alliaceae family and is native to Iran. However, due to excessive harvesting in its natural habitat, it is currently endangered. This study aimed to promote the cultivation, conservation, and habitat restoration of this endangered species. To ensure its sustainability, wild ecotypes were cultivated in controlled agricultural environments, and the effects of plant nutrition and gibberellic acid on reproductive success and overall yield were evaluated.Methodology: A randomized complete block experiment with three replications was conducted during the 2021–2022 growing season at the research farm of Lorestan University. The experimental treatments included cow manure at two levels (0 and 40 t/ha), NPK biofertilizer (Azotobarvar-1, Potabarvar-2, and Phosphatebarvar-2) at two levels (0 and 100 g/ha), and gibberellic acid (GA₃) at two levels (0 and 250 ppm). Bulbs were collected from their natural highland habitat near the research site and cultivated in the field after being inoculated with NPK biofertilizer and gibberellic acid. Various morphological and yield-related traits were measured, including plant height, fresh and dry leaf weight, weight and diameter of mother and daughter bulbs, daughter bulb production, economic yield, and biological yield. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.4 software, and treatment means were compared using the LSD test at a 5% significance level.Results: Applying cow manure, NPK biofertilizer, and gibberellic acid individually or in combination significantly influenced most vegetative and yield-related traits. However, the number of leaves per plant showed no significant variation. The highest plant height (26.53 cm), fresh leaf weight (8.24 g per plant), and dry leaf weight (2.84 g per plant) were recorded in the treatment combining cow manure, NPK biofertilizer, and gibberellic acid. Fertilizer and gibberellic acid application led to an approximately 2.5-fold increase in fresh leaf yield and an 18% improvement in biological yield compared to the control. The combination of cow manure and biological fertilizer had the most substantial impact on plant growth parameters. The weight and diameter of the mother bulb were significantly influenced by both the main effects and their interactions, with the highest values (3.58 g per plant and 22.52 mm) observed under the combined application of cow manure, biological fertilizer, and gibberellic acid. Similarly, the weight and diameter of daughter bulbs followed the same pattern. Reproductive success in A. jesdianum was significantly improved with the combined application of cow manure, biological fertilizer, and gibberellic acid. This treatment resulted in the highest bulb yield, averaging 13.33 bulbs per unit area.Conclusion: The results indicate that the integrated application of cow manure, NPK biofertilizer, and gibberellic acid significantly enhances plant yield and daughter bulb production. Therefore, this approach is recommended for farmers seeking to improve A. jesdianum cultivation while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.
Improvement and breeding
Hoshang Rahmati
Abstract
Background and objectives: Oenothera biennis L., known as evening primrose, has a unique place in medical science and nutrition science due to the particular arrangement of fatty acids in the glycerol molecule and rare gamma-linolenic fatty acid. Soil and water salinity is one of the main obstacles to ...
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Background and objectives: Oenothera biennis L., known as evening primrose, has a unique place in medical science and nutrition science due to the particular arrangement of fatty acids in the glycerol molecule and rare gamma-linolenic fatty acid. Soil and water salinity is one of the main obstacles to producing agricultural and horticultural products in arid and semi-arid areas. Salicylic acid plays an active role in the plant's response to various abiotic stresses, including salinity, and research on this plant hormone is important in the production of agricultural products.Methodology: This research was conducted as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with two factors and three replications in greenhouse conditions during the crop year 2021-2022. The first factor included four levels of sodium chloride salt at zero, 50, 100, and 150 mM, and the second factor included two levels of zero and 2 mM salicylic acid. For each experimental unit, 5 plants (five pots) were randomly selected and the number of branches, plant height, wet weight of aerial parts, wet weight of roots, dry weight of aerial parts, and leaf area were measured. Also, the traits of proline amount, total protein, relative water content of leaves, and pigments of chlorophyll and carotenoid were measured for each experimental unit.Results: Variance analysis showed that the application of salinity stress treatments had a significant effect on all traits at the 1% level; on the other hand, the application of the salicylic acid treatment on plant wet weight and chlorophyll b had a significant effect at the 1% level, and for the trait of chlorophyll a did not have a significant effect, but in other traits, it had a significant effect at the level of 5%. It was also observed that there was no significant interaction effect only in the trait of carotenoid amount, and for the traits of proline and chlorophyll a, this effect was significant at the 1% level, as well as for the traits of plant height, plant wet and dry weight, root wet weight, leaf area, number of branches, relative water content, protein, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll, the interaction effect of salicylic acid and salinity were significant at 5% level. The results of the mean comparison showed that the increase in salinity stress levels decreased all agricultural traits and most physiological traits, which was insignificant up to the level of 50 mM and significantly above the level of 100 mM. Also, salicylic acid caused a significant increase in most traits.Conclusion: The evening primrose plant had moderate resistance to salinity and the application of salicylic acid treatment improved the agronomic and physiological characteristics of evening primrose up to the stress level of 50 mM (6.5 dS/m) and at the stress level of 100 mM (1.9 dS/m), the application of 2 mM salicylic acid moderated the effects of salinity stress in the plant, but at a stress level of 150 mM (13 dS/m), the agronomic and physiological characteristics of the plant decreased significantly, and the application of salicylic acid treatment caused a more decrease. Based on this, 2 mM salicylic acid is recommended to help improve the performance of the evening primrose plant up to the salinity stress level of 9 ds/m.
Agriculture and horticulture
F. Noormand Moaied; B. Abaszadeh; N. Valizadeh
Abstract
Background and objectives: Savory (Satureja spp.) has a special position among medicinal plants due to its valuable compounds, such as thymol and carvacrol. Savory is one of the genera of the Lamiaceae family, and this genus has 16 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in Iran. Due to the ...
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Background and objectives: Savory (Satureja spp.) has a special position among medicinal plants due to its valuable compounds, such as thymol and carvacrol. Savory is one of the genera of the Lamiaceae family, and this genus has 16 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants in Iran. Due to the high amount of essential oil, Satureja species are highly economically and medically important in the food, cosmetic, health, and pharmaceutical industries. This research aimed to increase the quantitative and qualitative yield of Satureja sahendica Bornm. essential oil with appropriate plant nutrition.Methodology: This research was carried out under irrigation conditions in the form of a randomized complete block design with eight fertilizer treatments (no fertilizer, N50, P25, K25(kg.ha-1), Cow Manure(30, 60 ton.ha-1), Cow Manure(30, 60 ton.ha-1)+ N50, P25, K25(kg.ha-1), Vermi-compost(5 ton.ha-1), Vermi-compost(5 ton.ha-1)+ N50, P25, K25(kg.ha-1)) in three replications over four years (2017-2020) in East Azarbaijan province. Cultivation was indirect and through grafting. Seedlings were prepared in greenhouse conditions by growing seeds in seedling trays with a mixture of peat moss, cocopeat, and perlite in a ratio 4:2:1. The treatments were applied only once, simultaneously with the plot preparation and before the planting stage. This was done by hand spraying and mixing with the soil. The plot dimensions were 4 x 3 meters, the distance between the planting lines was 50 cm, and the distance between the plants on the line was set to 30 cm. The irrigation method was drip irrigation twice a week in the early stages of growth and once a week after establishment. Weed weeding was also done during the growing season. Plant height, flowering date, crown area, and green shoot yield were measured during the cropping season. Essential oil was extracted by distillation with distilled water, and essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS).Results: Based on the results, all traits showed a significant difference between different fertilizer treatments. The highest yield of flowering branches was 1974 kg.ha-1 (6% increase compared to the control) and the yield of essential oil was 22.25 kg.ha-1 (9% increase compared to the control), and the highest quality of essential oil (sum of phenolic compounds thymol and carvacrol) is 61.89% (18% increase in comparison to the control) with treatment of Cow Manure(60 ton.ha-1)+ N50, P25, K25(kg.ha-1) were obtained. To be economical, cow manure (60 tons per hectare) can also be used alone. With regards to 50% flowering, the latest product was a control treatment (without fertilizer) with 160.25 days, while the earliest product was Cow Manure (60 tons.ha-1) +N50, P25, K25 (kg.ha-1) with 155.33 days. The main components of the essential oil were Thymol, p-cymene, and γ-terpinene, respectively. The results of the average percentage of phenolic compounds thymol and carvacrol as essential oil quality in each fertilizer treatment and each year showed that the average quality of essential oil in the first year was 53.13%, in the second and third years it was 63.98 and 63.54, respectively. The percentage decreased to 47.93% in the fourth year.Conclusion: The use of fertilizer treatments, especially animal manures, along with chemical fertilizers, in addition to increasing yield, also causes early ripening. Early harvesting of the first layer allows the second layer to use the growing season optimistically and avoid autumn cold. As the plant age increases, the yield of essential oil increases, but the product is later, and the quality also decreases. Accordingly, Cow Manure(60 ton.ha-1)+ N50, P25, K25(kg.ha-1) should be applied to S. sahendica until the fourth year to produce adequate yields.
Agriculture and horticulture
B. Yousefi; M.H. Lebaschy; F. Sefidkon; H. Safari
Abstract
To investigate the effects of planting density and organic fertilizers on the yield traits of Satureja spicigera (K.Koch) Boiss. under the Kermanshah rainfed conditions, an experiment was conducted as a split-plot based on complete randomized block design (CRBD) with three replications in Kermanshah ...
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To investigate the effects of planting density and organic fertilizers on the yield traits of Satureja spicigera (K.Koch) Boiss. under the Kermanshah rainfed conditions, an experiment was conducted as a split-plot based on complete randomized block design (CRBD) with three replications in Kermanshah Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center in 2016-2020 crop years. The main factor and sub-factor were fertilizer (rotten cow manure, enriched straw, and field soil (control)) and plant density (2.66, 4, and 8 plants.m-2), respectively. To have the desired densities, plants were grown with a distance of 50 cm between the rows and 25, 50, and 75 cm on the rows. The results showed that the traits including diameter, height, canopy area, fresh and dry weight of plant, fresh and dry yield per hectare, and essential oil yield per hectare were significantly different between the years, plant densities, and fertilizer treatments. The highest fresh yield (3639.3 kg.ha-1) was obtained in the rotten cow manure+ high plant density treatment and the highest dry yield (2105 kg.ha-1) and essential oil yield (72.59 kg.ha-1) in the enriched straw+ high plant density one. The results showed that the best fertilizer and plant density treatment for S. spicigera was straw enriched with ammonium sulfate and 8 plants.m-2.
Improvement and breeding
M. Rigi; M. Valizadeh
Abstract
Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal from solanaceae family is a multi-purpose species that is distributed in Iran only in limited areas of natural habitats in Sistan and Baluchestan province. Different organs of this plant have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-tumor biological effects. To investigate ...
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Withania coagulans (Stocks) Dunal from solanaceae family is a multi-purpose species that is distributed in Iran only in limited areas of natural habitats in Sistan and Baluchestan province. Different organs of this plant have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-tumor biological effects. To investigate the effects of humic acid and titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the amount of phytochemical compounds and some growth parameters of this species, a pot factorial experiment was performed based on a randomized complete design with three replications. Experimental factors included humic acid at four levels (H0: 0, H1: 10, and H2: 30 g.kg-1 soil) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles at three levels (T0: 0, T1: 45, and T2: 90 mg.l-1). The results showed that the H2T2 treatment increased fresh weight, dry weight, number of lateral branches, height, phosphorus, potassium, and relative water content compared to the control, significantly. Increasing humic acid up to 30 g decreased the phenols content from 48.59 in H0 to 39.88 mg.g-1 fresh weight in H2. In T2, the phenols content increased by 2.37% compared to T0, which had a significant difference with the other treatments. Also, a similar trend was observed for the parameters like total flavonoids and proline. But increasing humic acid up to 30 g increased the amount of chlorophyll fluorescence by 70.79% compared to the control. Overall, the results indicated that the interaction of humic acid and titanium dioxide nanoparticles could improve the growth and plant yield parameters.
Agriculture and horticulture
S.M. Hasani; D. azadfar; M.H. Arzanesh; Z. Saeedi; S.H. Matinkhah
Abstract
The ecological, economic, and social benefits of agroforestry operations over the integrated agriculture are well-recognized, but failure to use the fertilizers and low profitability of the agroforestry systems may be a reason for the low acceptance of these systems by farmers. In this study, a factorial ...
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The ecological, economic, and social benefits of agroforestry operations over the integrated agriculture are well-recognized, but failure to use the fertilizers and low profitability of the agroforestry systems may be a reason for the low acceptance of these systems by farmers. In this study, a factorial split-split plot experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications to investigate the effects of bio-, organic, and chemical fertilizers on the improvement of yield, qualitative traits, and the greater profitability of this system. The medicinal species at two levels, fertilizer at five levels, and tree species at two levels were considered as the main-, sub-, and sub-sub plots, respectively. The tree species including cherry (Prunus avium L.) and walnut (Juglans regia L.) were selected for the agroforestry system and the medicinal species including coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) and flixweed (Descurainia sophia (L.) Schur) were cultivated understorey of this system. Four fertilizer treatments including the organic manure (3 kg.m-2)+humic acid organic fertilizer (AgriPlus) (0.5 kg.100 l-1 of water.100 m-2), Mycomix endomycorrhizal biofertilizer (100 g.m-2), Bioazospir bacterial fertilizer (200 g.100 kg of seed), and chemical fertilizer based on the soil analysis (75 kg of urea, 150 kg of triple superphosphate, and 150 kg of potassium sulfate at the beginning of sowing+100 kg of potassium sulfate 30 days after sowing and another 100 kg two months after sowing per hectare) were examined with the control (without fertilizer). The results showed that the plant height and 1000-seed weight at the 5% probability level and the plant fresh and dry weight, number of seeds per spike, seed yield per plant and hectare, and percentage of protein, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium per seeds at the 1% probability level were significantly affected by the fertilizer treatments in flixweed. In coriander, the plant height, leaves and stems fresh yield, number of seeds per umbel and plant, biological and economic yield, and percentage and essential oil yield were significantly affected by the fertilizer treatments at the 1% probability level, too. In flixweed, the organic fertilizer, bioazospir, mycorrhiza, and chemical fertilizer caused the highest amount of studied traits, respectively and the control treatment caused the lowest one. In coriander, the mycorrhizal fertilizer, organic fertilizer, bioazospir, and chemical fertilizer resulted in the highest amount of studied traits, respectively and the control treatment caused the lowest one. Also, both medicinal plants showed much better performance in the combined cultivation with the cherry tree. Among the various combinations in the cultivation, the combined cultivation of coriander with cherry tree was selected as the best one.
Agriculture and horticulture
P. Arvin; R. Firuzeh
Abstract
Salinity is one of the most important and common environmental stresses that affects the quantitative and qualitative yield of many plants. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is one of the most well-known medicinal plants, which is used in the cure of many diseases due to its various effective ...
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Salinity is one of the most important and common environmental stresses that affects the quantitative and qualitative yield of many plants. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is one of the most well-known medicinal plants, which is used in the cure of many diseases due to its various effective compounds such as trigonelline. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of salinity stress on the yield components and some physiological and biochemical characteristics of four fenugreek populations under the greenhouse conditions. The pot factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications. The experimental factors included four populations (Neishabour, Shirvan, Shiraz, and Ardakan) and four salinity levels (0, 30, 60, and 90 mM). At the final stages of growth, the traits including the relative water content (RWC), number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 1000-seed weight, and content of soluble sugars, proline, and trigonelline were measured in the mature plants. The salinity stress decreased the yield traits such as the number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, and 1000-seed weight in the all populations studied. The results showed that the salinity stress also decreased the concentration of soluble sugars and RWC, but increased the content of proline and trigonelline in the seeds. The population Shiraz was superior to the others in terms of the traits studied and showed more efficient mechanisms to tolerate the stress conditions.
Improvement and breeding
S.G. Sajjadi; A. Tavassoli; M. Dadmehr
Abstract
To investigate the effects of hydrogel on growth, yield, and some secondary metabolites of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) under drought stress conditions, an experiment was conducted in a farm located in the south of Dalgan city, Sistan and Baluchestan province in the 2017-2018 crop year. This research ...
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To investigate the effects of hydrogel on growth, yield, and some secondary metabolites of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) under drought stress conditions, an experiment was conducted in a farm located in the south of Dalgan city, Sistan and Baluchestan province in the 2017-2018 crop year. This research was carried out as a split plot experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental treatments included drought stress as main plot at four levels (irrigation at FC (field capacity), 85% of FC, 70% of FC, and 55% of FC), and hydrogel consumption as sub plot at three levels (A200 hydrogel consumption, silicate hydrogel consumption, and no hydrogel consumption). The quantitative traits including plant height, number of sub-branches per plant, number of flower per plant, plant fresh and dry weight, sepal fresh and dry yield, and harvest index and qualitative traits including content of anthocyanin and sepal phenolic compounds were measured. The results showed that the highest amount of quantitative traits was obtained from full irrigation treatment with the consumption of A200 hydrogel. But there was no significant difference between this treatment and the treatments of full irrigation with silicate hydrogel consumption and full irrigation without hydrogel. Also, no significant difference was observed between the above three treatments and the treatments of both types of hydrogels application in 85% and 70% of FC. The qualitative traits increased with increasing the stress intensity. The hydrogel consumption in comparison with not consuming it led to a decrease in the amount of anthocyanin and sepal phenolic compounds due to the modification of stress conditions by hydrogel.
Agriculture and horticulture
B. Andalibi; M. Mohammadi Azar; B. Esmailpour; F. Shekari
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of salicylic acid (SA) and nanosilicon (n-Si) on some morphophysiological characteristics and essential oil of Lallemantia iberica under salinity stress and uncontrolled greenhouse conditions as a factorial experiment based on the randomized complete ...
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This study was conducted to investigate the effects of salicylic acid (SA) and nanosilicon (n-Si) on some morphophysiological characteristics and essential oil of Lallemantia iberica under salinity stress and uncontrolled greenhouse conditions as a factorial experiment based on the randomized complete block design in 2018. The experimental factors included sodium chloride (0, 50, and 100 mM), SA (0, 1, and 2 mM), and n-Si (0, 0.5, and 5 mM). The SA and n-Si treatments were applied at the four-leaf stage (once every seven days) and the salinity treatment was applied at the six-leaf stage of the plant (once every four days) until fully ripening seeds of the plant (yellowing 90% of the leaves and capsules). The results showed that under salinity stress, the plant traits including height, aerial parts dry weight, chlorophyll content, and seed yield decreased and proline and essential oil increased. The application of SA and n-Si improved these traits under salinity stress. The main constituents of L. iberica essential oil included linalool (25%), geraniol (16%), β-cubebene (10.6%), menthyl acetate (9.8%), valencene (3.5%), germacrene-D (2.4%), β-caryophyllene (2.3%), and limonene (1.3%), all of which increased in the salinity treatments compared to the control. The application of SA and n-Si under salinity stress conditions increased limonene, linalool, geraniol, β-cubebene, β-caryophyllene, and valencene and decreased menthyl acetate and germacrene D. In general, the results of this study showed that the application of SA and n-Si could increase the tolerance of L. iberica to salinity stress by creating the osmotic regulation, protecting the content of photosynthetic pigments, and reducing oxidant damage.
Agriculture and horticulture
M. Nikbakht; M. Solouki; M. Aran
Abstract
To study the effects of foliar application of Zn element via nano- and chemical fertilizers on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of medicinal plant bitter apple (Citrullus colocynthis L.), an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications at the Agricultural ...
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To study the effects of foliar application of Zn element via nano- and chemical fertilizers on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of medicinal plant bitter apple (Citrullus colocynthis L.), an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications at the Agricultural Research Institute of Zabol University in 2019. Experimental treatments included foliar application of zinc nano-chelate at two concentrations (1000 and 2000 mg L-1), zinc sulfate at two concentrations (1000 and 2000 mg L-1), and control (water foliar application). The results showed that foliar application of Zn had a significant effect on the yield and number of fruits per plant, and the seed phenol content with the highest amount of these traits in zinc nano-chelate treatment at the concentration of 2000 mg L-1. Also, Zn foliar application increased the seed soluble carbohydrate content with the highest amount of this index in zinc nano-chelate treatment at the concentration of 1000 mg L-1. Zinc foliar application increased the concentration of Zn element in the leaves, while it did not affect the concentrations of N, P, and K elements. Generally, the application of zinc nano-chelate was more effective on the yield and number of fruits per plant, and seed phenol content than zinc sulfate.
Y. Nasiri; F. Shekari; M. Asadi
Abstract
To study the effect of biofertilizers and zinc sulfate on some morphological and yield characteristics of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.), an experiment was conducted as a factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, ...
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To study the effect of biofertilizers and zinc sulfate on some morphological and yield characteristics of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.), an experiment was conducted as a factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Maragheh University in 2013. Treatments included biofertilizers (1: no inoculation (control), seeds inoculated with 2: Nitroxin and 3: Super Nitro Plus) and foliar spray of plants with zinc sulfate (the concentration of 0, 2.5 and 5 per thousand). The results showed that the effect of biofertilizers and zinc sulfate on the number of branches per plant, flowering shoots dry weight per plant, wet and dry weight of aerial parts at 50% flowering stage, biological yield and essential oil yield was significant. The highest values of these traits were obtained in Super Nitro Plus and Nitroxin inoculation treatments, respectively. Plant height was also increased by applying zinc sulfate at concentrations of 2.5 and 5 per thousand compared to the control. Stem diameter reached to the maximum value under Super Nitro Plus + zinc sulfate foliar spray at a concentration of 2.5 per thousand and Nitroxin + zinc sulfate foliar spray at a concentration of 5 per thousand treatments. The treatments of zinc sulfate at a concentration of 5 per thousand + Super Nitro Plus and zinc sulfate at a concentrations of 2.5 and 5 per thousand + Nitroxin with the highest percentage of essential oil, increased the amount of summer savory essential oil by 34.5% compared to the control. In summary, the results of this study showed that Super Nitro Plus, Nitroxin, and zinc sulfate can be used to promote plant growth and increase the essential oil of summer savory.
A. Javanmard; S. Saadi Moghaddam; M. M. Amani Machiani; M. Nouraein; M.R. Morshedloo
Abstract
To investigate the effect of integrative application of mycorrhizal fungus and chemical fertilizer on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of medicinal plant dragon’s head (Lallemantia iberica Benth.) under rainfed conditions, an experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block ...
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To investigate the effect of integrative application of mycorrhizal fungus and chemical fertilizer on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of medicinal plant dragon’s head (Lallemantia iberica Benth.) under rainfed conditions, an experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with seven treatments and three replications in the research farm of Maragheh University, Iran, in 2017. Treatments included 100% conventional chemical fertilizer (250 and 150 kg ha-1 urea and triple superphosphate, respectively), Glomus mosseae (GM), G. intraradices (GI), 50% chemical fertilizer+GM, 50% chemical fertilizer+GIand 50% chemical fertilizer+GI+GM. The results demonstrated that the highest (802.8 kg ha-1) and lowest (463.5 kg ha-1) seed yield and the highest (40.64%) and lowest (25.85%) harvest index were achieved in the integrative application of 50% chemical fertilizer+GI+GMand separate application of GI treatments, respectively. Besides, the highest content (9.18%) and yield (73.75 kg ha-1) of mucilage was observed in 50% chemical fertilizer+GI+GM treatment. Furthermore, the highest amount of mucilage compounds (glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, arabinose, raffinose, galactose, glucose, xylose and rhamnose) was obtained in 50% chemical fertilizer+GI+GM treatment. Based on cluster analysis, the treatments were divided into three groups. In general, the application of 50% chemical fertilizer+GI+GM while reducing the use of chemical fertilizers improved the quantitative and qualitative yield of the dragon’s head.
S. Faraji; M. Hadadinejad; V. Abdoosi; T. Basaki; S. Karami
Abstract
In order to study the effects of drought stress on polyphenolic compounds of pomegranate juice (Punica granatum L.) (total phenol, total flavonoid and cyanidin 3-glocoside content) as well as fruit yield, an experiment was carried out as split plot based on a randomized complete block design with ...
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In order to study the effects of drought stress on polyphenolic compounds of pomegranate juice (Punica granatum L.) (total phenol, total flavonoid and cyanidin 3-glocoside content) as well as fruit yield, an experiment was carried out as split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications (irrigation levels in main plots and pomegranate genotypes in subplots). Results showed that drought stress increased the content of juice polyphenolic compounds (P <0.05) and decreased fruit yield (P <0.05) in comparison with non-stress conditions (75±5% FC). However, mild stress (55±5% FC) caused a lower yield loss (P <0.05) compared to severe stress (35±5% FC). The results also showed that the genotypes studied could be considered as a rich source of phenolic compounds; however, the highest difference among the genotypes was found for cyanidin 3-glocoside content at different irrigation levels. On the other hand, based on the principal component analysis, under non-stress and mild stress conditions, genotypes Agha Mohamad Ali (AMA), Pust Sefid Torsh (PST), Malas Torshe Saveh (MTS), and Malas Shirine Saveh (MSS) could be recommended in food and pharmaceutical industries as superior and natural antioxidant-rich genotypes due to the high fruit yield and polyphenolic compounds. Generally, because of the importance of yield potential under drought stress, the mild drought stress treatment (55±5% FC) could be introduced as the optimum condition to obtain acceptable level of secondary metabolites, particularly cyanidin 3-glocoside, and fruit yield in Saveh region.
A. Hosseini; F. Moradinezhad; M. Khayyat; M.H. Aminifard
Abstract
Calcium is one of the most important minerals involved in determining the quality of the fruit. Excessive waste and quality loss of seedless barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) during harvesting, post-harvest, and storage are some of the important problems in production areas. Foliar application with minerals ...
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Calcium is one of the most important minerals involved in determining the quality of the fruit. Excessive waste and quality loss of seedless barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) during harvesting, post-harvest, and storage are some of the important problems in production areas. Foliar application with minerals can increase the quality, yield, marketability, and reduce post-harvest losses through the provision of plant nutritional needs. Therefore, in this study, the effect of foliar application of calcium chloride and calcium nitrate on the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of barberry fruit was carried out in a randomized complete block design. Treatments included control (distilled water), calcium chloride (0.5%), and calcium nitrate (0.5%). The foliar spray was performed in four stages of the growing season. The results showed that the highest mean number of panicles per branch, the number of berries per panicle, the number of berries per branch, and the fruit yield on the branches belonged to the calcium chloride treatment and the lowest amount in the control. The calcium chloride treatment increased the fresh weight diameter and length of branch compared to the control treatment. The highest amount of chlorophylls a and b and total chlorophyll was observed in the leaves of control trees. The effect of calcium chloride and calcium nitrate treatments on the appearance quality and texture of barberry fruit was significant, although it did not affect the chemical properties of the fruit. In general, the results showed that foliar application with calcium chloride and calcium nitrate salts improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the fruit compared to control.
B. Bahreininejad; B. Abaszadeh; F. Sefidkon; Z. Jaberalansar
Abstract
Two species of Nepeta assurgens Hausskn. & Bornm. and N. eremokosmos Rech., are endemic medicinal plants to Iran. This study was conducted to investigate the vegetative traits, aerial parts yield, the quantity and quality of essential oil, as well as evaluating the relationships between these traits ...
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Two species of Nepeta assurgens Hausskn. & Bornm. and N. eremokosmos Rech., are endemic medicinal plants to Iran. This study was conducted to investigate the vegetative traits, aerial parts yield, the quantity and quality of essential oil, as well as evaluating the relationships between these traits in mentioned species under field conditions in Isfahan. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications over 2017 and 2018. Results showed that the fresh and dry weight of aerial parts in N. assurgens (11353 and 2351 kg ha-1, respectively) was remarkably higher than that of N. eremokosmos (2638 and 527 kg ha-1, respectively). The average content and yield of essential oil in N. assurgens and N. eremokosmos was 1.60 and 0.64%, and 20.16 and 2.21 kg ha-1, respectively. Based on qualitative analysis of essential oil, the total amount of nepetalactone isomers (4aα, 7α, 7aα-nepetalactone, 4aα, 7α, 7aβ-nepetalactone, 4aα, 7β, 7aα-nepetalactone) in N. assurgens and N. eremokosmos was 78.6 and 62.8% on average, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that leaf dry weight, total fresh and dry weight, and large diameter of the plant had the highest correlation with essential oil yield. Stepwise regression analysis indicated that essential oil yield changes were mainly explained by leaf dry weight, essential oil content, total fresh weight, the number of stems and the amount of plant crown cover. In general, according to the results, the superiority of the N. assurgens species was significant and could be recommended as a valuable and high potential yielding plant for pharmaceutical purposes.
A. Minaei; A. Hassani; H. Nazemiyeh; S. Besharat
Abstract
To study the effect of different levels of drought stress on growth, yield and some physiological and phytochemical characteristics of oregano (Origanum vulgare L. ssp. gracile), a pot experiment, in a randomized complete design with four treatments and five replications, was conducted. Drought stress ...
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To study the effect of different levels of drought stress on growth, yield and some physiological and phytochemical characteristics of oregano (Origanum vulgare L. ssp. gracile), a pot experiment, in a randomized complete design with four treatments and five replications, was conducted. Drought stress treatments were 100% (non-stress), 80%, 60% and 40% of field capacity. The results showed that drought stress had significant effect on growth parameters, dry herb yield, leaf relative water content (RWC), total phenol and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, a, b and total chlorophyll content, essential oil content and yield. There was no significant difference between drought stress treatments for carotenoids. As the soil water content decreased, plant height, stem diameter, number and length of axillary shoots, dry herb yield, RWC, a, b and total chlorophyll content and essential oil yield decreased, but total phenol and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity and essential oil content increased. Despite the decrease in dry herb yield, the difference between 80%, 60% and 40% treatments was not significant. The highest essential oil content (1.54 ml/100 g DW) was observed in 60% of field capacity and the highest amounts of total phenol (5.21 mg gallic acid/g FW), total flavonoid (0.5 mg quercetin/g FW) and antioxidant activity (77.36%) were obtained in 40% of field capacity. The highest percentage of essential oil (54.1 mg / g dry matter) was observed in 60% of treatment capacity and the highest amount of total phenol (0.51 mg gallic acid per gram of fresh material), total flavonoid (0.5 mg Gram quercetin in grams of fresh milk) and antioxidant activity (37.36%) in 40% of treatment capacity.
P. Arvin; R. Firouzeh
Abstract
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of plant densities (20, 30, 40, and 50 plants per square meter) and foliar application of gibberellin in two levels (0 and 100 Μg L-1) on some of the physiological and morphological traits of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). The experiment, carried ...
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An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of plant densities (20, 30, 40, and 50 plants per square meter) and foliar application of gibberellin in two levels (0 and 100 Μg L-1) on some of the physiological and morphological traits of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). The experiment, carried out in the research farm of Bojnourd Payame Noor University in 2016, was based on a Randomized Complete Blocks (RCB) with three replications. The effects of 20-plant density with gibberellin spray showed the highest plant dry matter percentage as well as the highest number of lateral branches and leaves. The application of gibberellin increased the sugar content by 12.7% in comparison to the control sample; additionally, the highest sugar content (220.79 mg.g-1 F.W) was obtained in the 20-plant density. By increasing the plant density, the content of chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids decreased. The interaction effect of the 20-plant density ×gibberellin with 72.11 mg.g-1 F.W caused the highest content of chlorophyll a, while the lowest content was recorded for the 50-plant density ×control with 60.7 mg.g-1F.W. The application of gibberellin caused superiority in both seed yield (686.22 Kg.ha-1) and essential oil (0.327%) compared to the control sample. The highest number of compound umbrella and the highest number of seeds per compound umbrella were obtained in the 20 and 30- plant densities, respectively. However, the 1000-seed weight, ultimate yield, oil yield, and essential oil percentage were the highest in the 50-plant density. In general, in higher densities, the ultimate yield seems to increase due to the increased number of plant per unit area, but the yield components are reduced.
M. Rostaei; S. Fallah; A. Abbasi Sorki; A. Tadayon
Abstract
Organic manure can be used as an alternative for chemical fertilizers in sustainable agriculture. Hence, compared with sole cropping systems, intercropping is a promising approach for crop production due to the lesser reliance on chemical fertilizer. In order to evaluate the effects of intercropping ...
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Organic manure can be used as an alternative for chemical fertilizers in sustainable agriculture. Hence, compared with sole cropping systems, intercropping is a promising approach for crop production due to the lesser reliance on chemical fertilizer. In order to evaluate the effects of intercropping on yield and essential oil of dill (Anethum graveolens L.) under organic manure and chemical fertilizers, a factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications at Shahrekord University research farm in 2016. Sole cropping of soybean (S) and dill (D) accompanied by three intercropping ratios of them (S:D 2:1, S:D 1:1, and S:D 1:2) were evaluated as the first factor, and two sources of fertilizer (chemical fertilizer, and broiler litter) as the second factor. The results showed that the highest dry matter yield of dill (1001.48 kg ha-1) and essential oil yield of dill (18.47 kg ha-1) was observed in the one-row dill + two-row soybean. The maximum essential oil percentage of dill (2.64%) was achieved in sole crop under organic manure. The highest pod/ plant (47.50) and seed yield of soybean (2192 kg ha-1) were dedicated to the two-row dill+one-row soybean under organic manure. The maximum land equivalent ratio (1.19) was achieved in treatment of one-row dill + two-row soybean under organic manure. According to the results, treatment of one-row dill + two-row soybean under organic manure had the highest land equivalent ratio, and produced a large amount of dill essential oil; therefore, it was considered as the superior treatment.
A. Pasandi Pour; H. Farahbakhsh
Abstract
Higher plants are self-supporting organisms that can build their organic molecular compounds from mineral nutrients absorbed from the environment. Therefore, sufficient access to the optimum level of nutrients in the environment is very important. The main objective of this study was to determine ...
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Higher plants are self-supporting organisms that can build their organic molecular compounds from mineral nutrients absorbed from the environment. Therefore, sufficient access to the optimum level of nutrients in the environment is very important. The main objective of this study was to determine the nutritional requirements of different ecotypes of henna (Lowsonia inermis L.) as a medicinal- industrial plant (Bam, Shahdad and Roodbar) based on nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (N: K: P, 0: 0: 0, 100: 50: 50 , 200: 100: 100, 300: 200: 150 Kg ha-1) in Kerman climatological condition. The results showed that the interaction of ecotype × fertilizer was significant only for leaf and total dry yield at the probability level of 5%. Mean comparison of this interaction showed that all three examined ecotypes had the highest leaf dry yield in the fertilizer ratio of 300: 200: 150 and did not have a significant difference with each other. The effect of ecotype was significant only on net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance and the highest mean of these traits belonged to the Shahdad ecotype. In this study, the simple effect of fertilizer treatment was significant for all traits studied except for specific leaf area and specific leaf weight. The highest mean of leaf area index, net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance was recorded for the 300: 200: 150 fertilizer ratio, while in the case of transpiration rate and crop growth rate there was no significant difference between 300: 200: 150 and 200: 100: 100 combination treatments. In general, in order to achieve maximum crop growth rate and suitable leaf area index to produce the highest leaf dry yield of henna in Shahdad and Roodbar ecotypes, the fertilizer ratio of 300: 200: 150, and in the Bam ecotype, the fertilizer ratio of 200: 100: 100 under similar conditions of this study seems to be appropriate.
A. Mohammadi; M. Amini Dehaghi; M.H. Fotokian
Abstract
In order to study the application of humic acid and different irrigation regimes on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of three accession of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), an experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahed University in 2016. This ...
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In order to study the application of humic acid and different irrigation regimes on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of three accession of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.), an experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahed University in 2016. This experiment was a factorial split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Experimental factors included three irrigation regimes (full irrigation, irrigation after flowering stage and irrigation after grain filling stage), foliar application of humic acid with two levels (0 and 200 mg/lit) and three cumin accessions (Esfahan, Kashan and Sabzevar). The results of analysis of variance showed that the interaction effect of irrigation regime*humic acid*accession had significant effect on single plant dry weight, grain yield, harvest index, chlorophyll a and total. The results showed that the highest single plant dry weight and grain yield were obtained in complete irrigation and humic acid application. Kashan accession had the highest branch number per plant, dry weight per plant, number of seeds per umbrella, grain yield and biological yield. The highest percentage of essential oil yield was observed in Sabzevar accession. The highest grain yield (533.3 kg/ha) was obtained in complete irrigation with the use of humic acid in Kashan accession. The highest average dry matter yield (230 kg/ha) was obtained in complete irrigation with the use of humic acid for Sabzevar accession. The highest amount of chlorophyll a and total was observed in irrigation after flowering stage and lack of application of humic acid in Sabzevar accession. The application of humic acid was not significant on the traits evaluated. The most efficiency of humic acid was obtained in full irrigation. According to the results of this experiment, it can be stated that full irrigation and application of humic acid can increase the yield of Kashan accession in similar experimental conditions.
S. Hazrati; Z. Tahmasebi Sarvestani2; A.R. Sadeghi Bakhtoori
Abstract
Aloe barbadensis Miller. is one of the most economically important medicinal plants in many countries of the world. This investigation aimed at evaluating the effects of water stress and zeolite on growth, yield and chemical compositions of A. barbadensis. The study was conducted in the research greenhouse ...
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Aloe barbadensis Miller. is one of the most economically important medicinal plants in many countries of the world. This investigation aimed at evaluating the effects of water stress and zeolite on growth, yield and chemical compositions of A. barbadensis. The study was conducted in the research greenhouse of Faculty of Agriculture, Tarbiat Modares University. The plants were harvested 90, 180 and 270 days after imposing the treatments. Water deficit stress decreased growth, leaf fresh and gel fresh weight and increased biochemical compounds. The results showed that the greatest number of new leaves and pup were produced by the plants irrigated 20% and 40% FC with 8 g zeolite, respectively. Generally, the highest leaf fresh and gel fresh weight were observed 270 days after imposing the treatments when plants were irrigated after depleting 40% of the FC and amendment with 8 g zeolite (624.13 and 397.17 g), respectively. The water use efficiency increased with less water and more zeolite availability. The highest water use efficiency of leaf and gel was obtained from the plants irrigated after depleting 60% of field capacity and treated with 8 g zeolite. In addition, the results indicated that the maximum aloin concentration (23.48%) and proline accumulation (0.85 (mg [g FW]-1) were obtained 90 days after imposing the treatments when the plants were irrigated after depleting 80% and 60% of FC where no zeolite was applied, respectively. Irrigation after 80% depletion of FC without zeolite application resulted in the highest fructose and glucose content, respectively (234.71 and 79.83 mg g DW−1). In general, application of zeolite could alleviate water stress adverse effects, and improved plant growth and yield. Severe water stress decreased leaf yield and plant growth, while caused an increase in biochemical compounds.
M. Salek; S. Saadatmand; R.A. Khavari-Nejad; H. Zeinali
Abstract
In order to study the mineral elements of Rubia tinctorum L. under salinity conditions, four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 60, 120, 180) kg ha-1 in the form of urea, and four levels of phosphorous fertilizer (0, 60, 120, 180) kg ha-1 in the form of triple super phosphate were used. The study elements ...
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In order to study the mineral elements of Rubia tinctorum L. under salinity conditions, four levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 60, 120, 180) kg ha-1 in the form of urea, and four levels of phosphorous fertilizer (0, 60, 120, 180) kg ha-1 in the form of triple super phosphate were used. The study elements were nitrogen, phosphorus, sodium, calcium, iron, and zinc. The experiment was conducted in a research farm in Isfahan and was arranged as factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The results demonstrated that the effects of nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers on element concentration were significant. Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization could increase the content of N, P, Ca, Fe and Zn and decrease of Na and improved Rubia yield. The interaction between nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers had more positive impacts on yield and nutrient accumulation as compared with simple effects. In the use of nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers together, the maximum increase in yield of aerial parts was 0.43 kg m-2 (threefold more than that of the control) and the highest root yield was 0.78 kg m-2 (about twofold more than that of the control). The application of certain levels of fertilizers had notable effects on increasing nutrient concentration and yield under saline conditions. The optimum level of both urea and phosphate fertilizers was generally 180 kg ha-1 and if these levels of fertilizers are used together, it would give more desirable outcome.
M.T. Darzi; M.R. Haj Seyed Hadi
Abstract
In order to study the effects of organic and bio-fertilizers on some quantitative and qualitative characters of dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.), an experiment was conducted as randomized complete blocks design with eight treatments and three replications. The study was conducted in the Research ...
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In order to study the effects of organic and bio-fertilizers on some quantitative and qualitative characters of dragonhead (Dracocephalum moldavica L.), an experiment was conducted as randomized complete blocks design with eight treatments and three replications. The study was conducted in the Research Field Station of Ran Agricultural Company in Firouzkuh, 2015. The treatments were 20 t/ha manure, 10 t/ha vermicompost, biofertilizer (Nitroxin + Bio Super Phosphat), 10 t/ha manure + 5 t/ha vermicompost, 20 t/ha manure + biofertilizer, 10 t/ha vermicompost + biofertilizer, 10 t/ha manure + 5 t/ha vermicompost + biofertilizer and chemical fertilizer (NPK: 80, 70 and 80 kg/ha). The results showed that treatments had significant effects on the traits studied except plant height, so that the highest flowering shoot no./plant, flower dry weight, plant dry weight and dry flowering yield were obtained with integrated application of 10 t/ha manure and 5 t/ha vermicompost. In addition, the highest essential oil content and geraniol in the essential oil were obtained in the treatment of application of 10 t/ha vermicompost.
