Improvement and breeding
Farahnaz Houshidari; Seyed Reza Tabaei-Aghdaei; Fatemeh Sefidkon; Bayzid Yousefi
Abstract
Abstract: Savory belongs to the family Lamiaceae and genus Satureja. Among the 16 species of savory in Iran, 9 are endemic to Iran. In this study, we evaluated the adaptation of different savory accessions (Satureja spp.) in the climatic condition of Kurdistan province. For this purpose, we studied 37 ...
Read More
Abstract: Savory belongs to the family Lamiaceae and genus Satureja. Among the 16 species of savory in Iran, 9 are endemic to Iran. In this study, we evaluated the adaptation of different savory accessions (Satureja spp.) in the climatic condition of Kurdistan province. For this purpose, we studied 37 accessions belonging to 10 species of Satureja in an experiment with a randomized complete block design in three replications at the Grize Station in Sanandaj during 2009-2013. Savory species include S.sahendica Bornm, S. avromanica Maroofi, S. bachtiarica Bunge, S. spicigera (C. Koch) Boiss, S. mutica Fisch, S. macrantha CAMey, S. atropatana Bunge, S. rechingeriJamzad ,S. khuzistanica Jamzad, S.isophylla Rech. First, we collected the seeds of 37 populations from the Satureja spp. from different regions of Iran as a part of a large project executed by experts in the Iranian Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands. Then we planted the seeds using transplanting trays and finally at the stage of 8-10 leaves, the healthy plants were selected to be cultivated in special pots. Based on the results of variance analysis there was a significant difference between species and accessions at the level of (p≤0.01) in terms of essential oil yield percentage, essential oil yield per hectare (based on the dry weight of flower and leaf per hectare), total phenolic compounds of essential oil, plant’s fresh weight yield per hectare and plant’s dry weight yield per hectare, dry weight of leaf and flower yield per hectare, canopy area, the mean of the branch’s height and establishment percentage. Also, the effect of year on essential oil yield was significant.
Improvement and breeding
Shamila Yadollahizadeh; Farzin Abdollahi; Alireza Yavari; Leila Jafari
Abstract
Light is one of the environmental factors influencing the growth and development of plants. In recent years, the attention of agricultural experts has been directed to plant growth regulators in order to improve the quality and stability of the cultivation system. The current research was carried out ...
Read More
Light is one of the environmental factors influencing the growth and development of plants. In recent years, the attention of agricultural experts has been directed to plant growth regulators in order to improve the quality and stability of the cultivation system. The current research was carried out in the year 2021 in the greenhouse of Shahid Fozveh Biological Research Center in a factorial format in the form of a completely randomized design in 5 replications. For this purpose, the effect of test factors including four concentrations of abscisic acid (0, 5, 10 and 20 mg/liter) and 5 day lengths (16, 14, 12, 10 and 8 hours of light) on the growth characteristics and content of photosynthetic pigments. The cannabis plant was evaluated. The results showed that the highest plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, root length, fresh and dry weight of roots, fresh and dry weight of aerial parts and fresh and dry weight of leaves were obtained under the lighting duration of 14 hours, while the lowest amount of this the traits were observed during the lighting period of 16 hours. Also, the highest amounts of chlorophyll a, b, total and carotenoid were obtained in the treatment of 16 hours of light duration without the use of abscisic acid hormone. While the highest amount of anthocyanin was observed in the treatment of 16 hours of light duration under the treatment of abscisic acid hormone with concentrations of 10 and 20 ppm. Also, the highest amount of total phenol was obtained during the lighting period of 16 hours under the treatment of abscisic acid with a concentration of 20 ppm. Considering the importance and many uses of secondary metabolites in today's human life, investigating the existence of a relationship between environmental conditions and the production and accumulation of secondary metabolites in plants can be very useful. Therefore, it is recommended to use LED light with lighting durations of 14 and 16 hours to increase the growth characteristics and content of photosynthetic pigments of hemp plant.
Improvement and breeding
Mostafa Sarani Mallak; Maryam Allahdou; Leila Mehravaran; Halimeh Piri
Abstract
Background and objectives: Drought stress is the most critical factor limiting agricultural and medicinal plants' performance in arid and semi-arid areas. Silybum Marianum L. is a medicinal plant with antioxidant properties. In addition to the plant's genetic nature, flavonolignan ...
Read More
Background and objectives: Drought stress is the most critical factor limiting agricultural and medicinal plants' performance in arid and semi-arid areas. Silybum Marianum L. is a medicinal plant with antioxidant properties. In addition to the plant's genetic nature, flavonolignan production and accumulation are affected by various environmental conditions. The accumulation of secondary metabolites under drought stress was studied concerning the antioxidant defense system at the biochemical level. The purpose is to evaluate the secondary metabolites of milk thistle under non-stress conditions and different levels of drought stress and different growth conditions, as well as to identify the best level of moisture stress and the time of harvesting the plant to increase the effective compounds.Methodology: Milk thistle seeds were disinfected and transferred to a Petri dish containing filter paper and placed in a germinator at 25°C for germination. The germinated seeds were transferred to the pots and put under controlled temperature and humidity in the greenhouse of Hirmand city, Shandel village, located 25 km from Zabul city, Sistan, and Baluchistan province. Evaluation of the effect of drought stress at four different levels of irrigation (25, 50, 75, and 100% of water requirement respectively severe stress, moderate stress, mild stress, and non-stress) and in 3 growth stages (6, 13 and 20 weeks after planting) on biochemical traits including proline content (PC), carbohydrates content (CC), total phenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activity and activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CA), ascorbate peroxidase (AP), guaiacol peroxidase (GP), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and polyphenol oxidase (PO) was carried out. The experiment was done as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications. Data and errors were examined for normality. After confirming the normality of the data and errors, analysis of the variance of the traits and comparing the mean of the traits (LSR) was done at the 5% level.Results: The variance analysis of traits showed that the effect of different levels of irrigation, harvest time, and their interaction on all traits was significant. Comparison of the average interaction effect of irrigation treatment and harvest time of traits: proline content, carbohydrates content, phenol and flavonoid content, and antioxidant activity increased in all growth stages and the lowest and highest values were respectively observed in the growth stage 6 weeks after planting in 100 Percentage of water requirement and growth stage 20 weeks after harvesting in the condition of 25% water requirement. Therefore, the drought stress factor can be used to improve the effective substances of this plant. In addition, the final growth stage is the most appropriate time to harvest this plant due to the accumulation of secondary metabolites at this stage. The interaction effect of irrigation treatment and harvest time was not significant for the activity of guaiacol peroxidase enzyme, and for other antioxidant enzymes it showed that the highest activity of catalase enzyme was at the growth stage 6 weeks after planting in conditions of 25 and 50% water requirement, for ascorbate peroxidase enzyme, it belonged to the growth stage 6 weeks after planting in the condition of 100% water requirement, and for polyphenol oxidase and superoxide dismutase enzymes, it belonged to the growth stage 20 weeks after planting in the condition of 25% water requirement. These results indicate that antioxidant enzymes act differently at different growth stages and under various moisture stress conditions.Conclusion: The evaluation results of milk thistle in 4 irrigation regimes and three growth stages showed that most biochemical traits increased under stress conditions. This indicates that the milk thistle plant responds to drought stress through an enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense system. Milk thistle plants had the highest total phenolic and flavonoid content at the final development stage (20 weeks after planting). Therefore, the best time to harvest is at the final stage of development, which has the most polyphenolic compounds.
Improvement and breeding
- -; Masomeh Moradi; Mousa Torabi Giglou; Mahsa Ahadzadeh
Abstract
Background and objectives: Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a plant from the Mint family and the genus Ocimum, which has many species, among which O. basilicum is the most useful economic species, and like other plants of the Mint family, it is a source of cyclic compounds and ...
Read More
Background and objectives: Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a plant from the Mint family and the genus Ocimum, which has many species, among which O. basilicum is the most useful economic species, and like other plants of the Mint family, it is a source of cyclic compounds and essential oil. It is also known as a rich source of phenolic compounds (especially rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid) and flavonoids. The plant's vegetative body contains essential oils. Linalool, methyl chavicol, citral, euginol, cineol, geraniol, camphor, and methyl cinnamate are important components of basil essential oil. As the most critical abiotic stress, drought stress plays a crucial role in reducing the yield of medicinal plants. It causes numerous morpho-physiological and biochemical changes in the plant. The performance of the effective substance is influenced by the plant's economic performance and environmental conditions, including drought stress. Stress effects are different at different stages of growth and development.Methodology: To investigate the effect of ascorbic acid on native O.basilicum the native population "Shahre-ray," under drought stress conditions, a factorial experiment in the form of a randomized complete block design was performed in four replications on the research farm of Horticulture Department of Mohaghegh Ardabili University in 2017. Treatments included drought stress (complete irrigation and cessation of irrigation at the beginning of reproductive growth and cessation of irrigation at 50% flowering) and ascorbic acid foliar application at four concentrations of 0.0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mM. This experiment was field operated in May 2016. Before the experiment, the bed preparation operation included plowing, disking, and leveling the ground. The plots of one meter in length and width were created. The seeds were planted in three lines with 15 cm plant spacing. 3-4 cm of rotted manure was used to cover the seeds. After determining the soil texture by the hydrometric method, the mentioned treatments were applied to stress. On the first day, irrigation was a flood, and after germination, irrigation was reduced. All traits were measured in the Physiology Laboratory after the Horticulture Science Department of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences analyzed the data with SAS software. Also, the treatment averages were compared with Duncan's multi-range test at a probability level of 5%. Results: The results showed that with increasing drought stress intensity, total plant height, stem length, number of leaves, and plant dry weight decreased by 36.08%, 39.75%, 51.26%, and 53.80% compared to the control treatment, respectively. If ascorbic acid spraying could improve these values, the highest root length was obtained under severe stress conditions (beginning of flowering) and treatment with ascorbic acid (15.83 cm), which showed an increase of about 31.91% compared to the control treatment. Drought stress conditions increased proline and essential oil components. Chlorophyll content also decreased under severe stress. Also, by applying drought stress, in all studied traits, the highest amount of ascorbic acid treatment (concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mM) increased, and higher concentrations decreased the content of studied traits. By analyzing the essential oil of plant samples, the main compounds obtained from basil essential oil included geraniol, methyl chavicol, alphapinene, caryophyllene, citral, coupon, carvacrol, neral, linalool, and limonene. In most compounds, essential oil compounds and components were enhanced by increasing drought stress and spraying. The highest amount of essential oil in the stress condition up to the 50% flowering stage and sprayed with 2 mM ascorbic acid was obtained for methyl chavicol compound (33.76%).Conclusion: Applying ascorbic acid increased basil growth under drought stress and created resistance in the plant. Therefore, due to the lack of water resources and the great need of plants for water, it is possible to create resistance to stress in plants by spraying non-toxic and essential elements on them.
Improvement and breeding
Najmeh Hadi; Razieh Azimi; Mahdi Yahyazadeh; Maryam Mackizadeh; S. Fekri Qomi; Simin Mohit
Abstract
Background and objectives: Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a valuable medicinal plant with many applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic health industries. Chamomile's biological properties are attributed to its essential oil (EO) compounds, especially chamazulene and a-bisabolol ...
Read More
Background and objectives: Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is a valuable medicinal plant with many applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic health industries. Chamomile's biological properties are attributed to its essential oil (EO) compounds, especially chamazulene and a-bisabolol oxide A, and flavonoids, esp. apigenin and luteolin. Evaluation of wild plant populations belonging to different geographical regions in situ (study on wild samples) and ex-situ (study on wild samples under agricultural conditions) is a crucial step in plant breeding and selection of promising genotypes. On the other hand, cultivation and domestication of wild plants under agricultural conditions improve plant yield and prevent unnecessary harvesting and extinction of the plant. In the present study, the quantitative and qualitative EO diversity of some wild chamomile was investigated.Methodology: Flowers and seeds of 15 wild chamomile populations were collected from Iran's natural habitats, including 12 populations from Khuzistan province (Kh1-12), 2 populations from Fars province (F1-2), and 1 population from Bushehr province (F3) in 2021 (February-May). Flowers were used for essential oil extraction, and seeds were planted in a randomized complete block design (treatment = genotype) with three replications. The research farm located at Alborz Research Station, affiliated with the Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Alborz province, was considered a cultivation site without adding fertilizer to the soil. The seeds were sown directly in the field with a 15 cm distance between the planting lines and 15 cm between the plants on the lines (April 2021). Drip irrigation was used, and weeding was done mechanically. Flowers with less than 5 cm of peduncles were harvested manually at the 70% full bloom stage. The shade-dried flower EOs were extracted by water distillation (Clevenger) for 3 hours, and their quantitative and qualitative analysis was done using GC and GC/MS.Results: The results showed that sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, oxygenated sesquiterpenes, and diacetylenes made the highest EO compounds percentage in both wild and cultivated samples. Chamazulene (from sesquiterpene hydrocarbons) and a-bisabolol oxide A (from oxygenated sesquiterpenes), as two important chamomile EO compounds, showed an increase from wild to cultivated samples. Among the wild samples, the highest chamazulene (5.3%) and a-bisabolol oxide A (21.5%) contents were assigned to the populations Kh8 and Kh4, respectively. In the cultivated samples, the highest amount of these compounds (11.1 and 32.3%, respectively) was obtained in the populations Kh7 and F2, respectively. In general, the main EO compounds (%) in the wild and cultivated populations included α-bisabolone oxide A (wild: 31.3 (F1) to 64.5 (Kh3) and cultivated: 29.8 (F2) to 56 (Kh3)), α-bisabolol oxide A (wild: 5.8 (Kh5) to 21.5 (Kh4) and cultivated: 10.3 (Kh3) to 32.3 (F2)), E-β-farnesene (wild: 6.1 (Kh3) to 23.3 (Kh8) and cultivated: 6.9 (Kh1) to 15.6 (F3)), Z-spiroether (wild: 0 (F1) to 16.1 (Kh1) and cultivated: 9.1 (Kh7) to 15.1 (Kh13)), and chamazulene (wild: 1.6 (F1) to 5.3 (Kh8) and cultivated: 4.7 (Kh6) to 11.1 (Kh7)). Also, the EO% was obtained more in the cultivated samples (0.9 (Kh5) to 1.4% (Kh13)) than in the wild ones (0.1 (Kh6) to 0.5% (Kh10).Conclusion: The results of this research showed that by cultivating wild populations under agricultural conditions and water and crop management, it is possible to have essential oil in the desired quantity and quality compared to wild ones. It should be noted that the results of repeating population cultivation under the same conditions in the following years will be reported in proportion to the data output.
Improvement and breeding
B. Asghari; S. Mafakheri; M. M. Zarrabi
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Hibiscus sabdariffa L., commonly known as Roselle, is a plant cultivated in many regions of the world regions. Roselle has been used as a medicinal herb in traditional medicine for controlling and treating different diseases and physical ailments. These therapeutic effects ...
Read More
Background and Objectives: Hibiscus sabdariffa L., commonly known as Roselle, is a plant cultivated in many regions of the world regions. Roselle has been used as a medicinal herb in traditional medicine for controlling and treating different diseases and physical ailments. These therapeutic effects are attributed to active compounds such as carotenoids, fatty acids, and phenolic compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. One common method to stimulate plants for increased production of active compounds is subjecting them to various types of stresses, such as drought or salinity, along with plant growth regulators. This study investigated salicylic acid's effect on the phytochemical content and various biological properties of Roselle plants under water scarcity conditions.Methodology: The experiment was conducted as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design, including irrigation intervals at three levels: three days (D1), five days (D2), and seven days (D3), and foliar application of salicylic acid at three levels: 0 (SA0), 0.75 mM (SA1), and 1.25 mM (SA2), with three replicates in a research greenhouse at the International Imam Khomeini University. The required seeds for cultivation were obtained from Pakanbazr Company in Isfahan. The imposition of drought stress through irrigation intervals of 3, 5, and 7 days started at the 4-leaf stage of the plants, and the plant spraying with salicylic acid was performed at the 6-leaf stage, three days before the start of irrigation treatments. The measurement of electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content was carried out to determine membrane stability and lipid peroxidation level. Additionally, the measurement of proline content and the activity of three antioxidant enzymes, including peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase, was performed in different samples. Furthermore, the total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin contents, as the main secondary metabolites of Roselle plants, were measured. The biological and medicinal properties, including the free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, were also evaluated. The obtained data were analyzed using SAS statistical software version 9.4. Mean comparisons were conducted using Duncan's multiple range test at a significance level of 5%.Results: The results showed both electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content increased significantly with increasing levels of applied drought stress on Roselle plants. However, overall, applying salicylic acid treatments led to a decrease in both indicators. The measurement of proline content in Roselle samples showed that the highest amount of proline was observed in plants subjected to the highest drought stress and treated with the 1.5 mM salicylic acid solution. The activity of all three antioxidant enzymes increased with the intensity of the applied drought stress and the concentration of salicylic acid solutions. Roselle's highest levels of phenolic and anthocyanin content were observed in samples sprayed with 1.5 mM salicylic acid solution. The change in anthocyanin content of Roselle plants also demonstrated that increasing the severity of water scarcity resulted in higher levels of this compound. The highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity was observed in Roselle samples grown under the highest drought severity and sprayed with the highest concentration of salicylic acid (61.93%). The highest antioxidant activity was also observed in samples treated with the highest concentration of salicylic acid solution in all irrigation regimes. The highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (69.2% and 67.7%) was associated with Roselle samples grown under the highest applied drought severity, sprayed with 1.5 mM and 0.75 mM salicylic acid solutions, respectively.Conclusion: It can be concluded that the use of salicylic acid as a growth regulator can contribute to the enhancement of phytochemical content, especially secondary metabolites such as phenolic and flavonoid compounds, anthocyanins, and the elevation of defensive parameters such as the activation of antioxidant enzymes, as well as an increase in osmolyte content like proline in Roselle plants. These effects assist the plants in exhibiting greater resistance to drought stress and mitigating the negative impacts of this type of stress on the plant.
Improvement and breeding
M. Momeni; A. Ghasemi Pirbalouti; A. Mousavi; H.A. Naghdibadi
Abstract
Background and objectives: Thymbra spicata L. belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is a rich source of aromatic compounds and essential oils. This research was conducted to study the effect of salicylic acid and chitosan elicitors on the growth indicators and DXR gene expression in T. spicata L. under ...
Read More
Background and objectives: Thymbra spicata L. belongs to the Lamiaceae family and is a rich source of aromatic compounds and essential oils. This research was conducted to study the effect of salicylic acid and chitosan elicitors on the growth indicators and DXR gene expression in T. spicata L. under different levels of irrigation towards enhancing the performance of this medicinal plant in experimental pots in a greenhouse in Ilam province during 2017-18.Methodology: A factorial design was used with 15 treatments and three replications in a completely randomized study. Irrigation regimes at three levels of normal (A₁), 70% of field capacity (A₂), 40% of field capacity (A₃), and foliar spraying at five levels, including control (B₁), chitosan at concentrations of 0.5 g.l-1 (B₂) and 1 g.l-1 (B₃), salicylic acid foliar spraying at concentrations of 2.5 mM (B₄) and 5.0 mM (B₅) were used at the 10-12 leaf stage. To prepare chitosan and salicylic acid elicitors, the powders were dissolved in 5% acetic acid and then adjusted to desired concentrations with ddH2O. Irrigation regimes were applied three months after cultivation (15-20 cm seedlings). To apply the elicitors simultaneously with the water stress treatment, foliar spraying was done three times at ten-day intervals. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to investigate the expression changes of the DXR gene, which is one of the key genes in the carvacrol biosynthesis pathway. In this regard, total RNA was extracted, and cDNA was synthesized after assessment of its quantity and quality. With the aid of specific primers, the target sequence was amplified. Furthermore, using the GAPDH reference gene reported in Hyssop thyme, the gene expression level was investigated through the relative quantification method. The method of difference in cycle threshold (2-∆∆CT) and Relative Expression Software Tool (REST) were used to analyze the data.Results: The analysis of the variance table showed the effect of different levels of irrigation on all quantitative growth indices, including plant height, root length, number of main branches, root fresh and dry weight, leaf fresh weight, stem fresh and dry weight, except leaf dry weight, were significant (p<0.01). The interactive effect of low irrigation and foliar spray of salicylic acid and chitosan on root fresh weight, leaf fresh weight, and stem fresh weight was significant at 1%. Accordingly, the interaction effect of irrigation and foliar spraying on the dry weight of the stem was significant at the 5% probability level. The results showed that the interactive effect of irrigation and foliar spray on leaf dry weight, number of main branches, and root length was insignificant. In this study, DXR gene expression did not show many changes after applying two different levels of chitosan (0.5 and 1.0 g.l-1). In contrast, salicylic acid treatment with 2.5 mM was significant at 1% probability and caused an increase in gene expression. The transcript level of this gene increased 29.72 times after applying 5.0 mM of this solution, which was significant at the 1% level. The amount of low irrigation decreased this gene's expression.Conclusion: Based on the obtained data, the normal irrigation method is the most suitable for hyssop thyme plants regarding their growth indicators. Foliar spraying of chitosan at different levels did not significantly affect growth indices and DXR gene expression. At the same time, salicylic acid increased them in this species. As a result, salicylic acid elicitor can increase carvacrol yield and biosynthesis.
Improvement and breeding
M. Shafaei; M. Ebrahimi; A. Mokhtari
Abstract
Background and objective: St. John's Wort, known as Hypericum perforatum L., is a valuable medicinal plant in the Hypericaceae family. Its most common use is for its antidepressant properties. The active compounds hypericin and hyperforin in St. John's Wort and their proven therapeutic effects have made ...
Read More
Background and objective: St. John's Wort, known as Hypericum perforatum L., is a valuable medicinal plant in the Hypericaceae family. Its most common use is for its antidepressant properties. The active compounds hypericin and hyperforin in St. John's Wort and their proven therapeutic effects have made this plant one of the most valuable medicinal plants worldwide. Hypericin, a major plant metabolite, has antiviral and anticancer effects. Hypericin belongs to the naphthodianthrones family and is light-sensitive. It mainly accumulates in the dark-colored glands on the leaves and flowers of the plant, and its concentration ranges from 0.3% to 3.0% in the leaves and 1% to 14% in the flower buds, depending on the plant variety, height, light conditions, and season. Hyperforin is another important compound of the phloroglucinols group found abundantly in St. John's Wort flowers, especially in the stamens and the fruit. However, it is also present in large amounts in the leaves. Hyperforin content of 6.9% in flower buds, 8.5% in unripe fruit, and 5.1% in leaves has been reported. Unlike hypericin, hyperforin accumulates in transparent glands. Since hypericin and hyperforin depend on environmental conditions, asexual reproduction is preferred over sexual reproduction.Methodology: In this study, 20 populations from 20 different regions of Iran were collected and examined for micropropagation optimization. In addition to identifying the most suitable medium for micropropagation of these populations, the morphological, physiological, biochemical, and histological characteristics of them were also investigated. To prepare the modified culture medium, ½ MS salts, FeEDDHA, B5 vitamins, and two g.l-1 Glycine was used. The MS basal medium was used as a control after adjusting the pH to 8.5 and adding 8.6 g.l-1 Agar, the desired medium, was distributed into culture vessels and autoclaved at 121°C and 2 bar pressure for 20 minutes. Seven explants containing 1-2 buds were placed in each culture vessel. All cultures were incubated in a growth room with 8 hours of darkness and 16 hours of light at an intensity of 1500-2000 lux, a temperature of 25°C, and a relative humidity of 60-70% for four weeks. After the emergence of new shoots, data were collected on the number of branches, length of branches, fresh weight, and dry weight. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure the hypericin content in the leaves of the plantlets.Results: This study shows that changing the culture medium composition in most studied populations increases branch length and number. Reducing the amount of mineral salts in the culture medium has affected the plant's osmotic relationships to water and nutrient uptake. This and increased glycine concentration have created a better fine growth trend. This study showed that among twenty native es of Iran, the North Khorasan population had the highest morphological (shoot number, shoot length), physiological (fresh weight, dry weight), and biochemical (hypericin content) indices in the modified medium. Also, histological studies in this study showed a larger growth of dark glands in the modified medium than in the basal medium.Conclusion: Based on the findings for twenty native populations of Hypericum perforatum in Iran, the North Khorasan population had the highest morphological (shoot number, shoot length), physiological (fresh weight, dry weight), and biochemical (hypericin content) indices in the modified medium. Also, histological studies showed a larger growth of dark glands in the modified medium than in the basal medium.
Improvement and breeding
M. Salehi Vozhdehnazari; Z. Shirazi; S. Samavat
Abstract
Due to the similarity in appearance and properties of some medicinal plants, it is necessary to identify them more precisely by various methods. Accordingly, in the present study, Satureja rechingeri Jamzad and S. khuzistanica Jamzad were investigated and compared based on morphological, phytochemical, ...
Read More
Due to the similarity in appearance and properties of some medicinal plants, it is necessary to identify them more precisely by various methods. Accordingly, in the present study, Satureja rechingeri Jamzad and S. khuzistanica Jamzad were investigated and compared based on morphological, phytochemical, and molecular characteristics. S. rechingeri and S. khuzistanica seeds were collected from Ilam and Lorestan provinces, respectively, and after scientific identification, they were planted in the research greenhouse of the Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands. The seedlings were then transferred to the experimental farm of the mentioned institute based on a t-test (n=3). Several important morphological traits including inflorescence length, inflorescence stem internode length, length and calyx diameter, calyx three-large and two-short teeth length, length and corolla diameter, stamen length, stigma length, length and vegetative organ leaf width, length and leaflet width, stem diameter, plant height, number of main and sub-branches, largest and smallest canopy diameter, and length and reproductive organ leaf width were measured at full flowering stage in the third year of planting. The essential oils (EOs) were extracted from the plants floral branches in the third year of planting through water distillation. The EOs yield was calculated and their compounds were identified using ultra-fast gas chromatography (GC-FID). DNA barcoding and ITS marker were used for molecular studies on these two savory species. The results showed that these two species did not differ significantly (P<0.01) for all the morphological traits examined. 13 common compounds were identified in these two species EO. S. rechingeri and S. khuzistanica EOs contained 88.6% and 89.5% carvacrol, respectively. The EO yeild was obtained 3.3% for S. rechingeri and 3.04% for S. khuzistanica. These two species showed 100% nucleotide similarity with each other and were closely related to S. bachtiarica (98%). On this basis, it is probable that these two species are not only independent species, but can also be different accessions of the same species.
Improvement and breeding
M. Edalateyan Kharazi; A. Asgharzadeh
Abstract
To investigate the effects of drought stress, salicylic acid, and polyamines on plant growth yield and oil and seeds essential oil content in Nigella sativa L., a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications in the research greenhouse of Shirvan Azad University ...
Read More
To investigate the effects of drought stress, salicylic acid, and polyamines on plant growth yield and oil and seeds essential oil content in Nigella sativa L., a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications in the research greenhouse of Shirvan Azad University in 2020-21 cropping year. The experimental treatments included drought stress at four levels (25, 50, 75, and 100% of field capacity) as the first factor and foliar application of salicylic acid, putrescine, and spermidine each at two levels (0.5 and 1 mM) as the second factor. The results showed that the highest number of fertile capsules per plant (12.66), number of seeds per capsule (96.24), and harvest index (58.69%) were obtained in the 100% of field capacity treatment. Also, the highest seed yield per pot was obtained in the 100% of field capacity treatment (16.05 g) and 1 mM salicylic acid (11.46 g). On the other hand, the highest plant height (62.5 cm), dry weight of single plant (6.44 g), biomass in pot (32.2 g), oil content (31.21%), and oil yield (5.71 g.pot-1) were obtained in the treatment of 100% of field capacity + 1 mM salicylic acid and also, the highest essential oil content (0.09%) was obtained in the treatment of 25% of field capacity + 1 mM salicylic acid. Overall, the results showed that full irrigation (100% of field capacity) + 1 mM salicylic acid foliar application was the best treatment for N. sativa under greenhouse conditions. In general, the plant growth characteristics decreased with increasing stress severity, but the negative effects of drought stress were moderated with increasing the salicylic acid foliar application.
Improvement and breeding
A.A. Alizadeh Everi; M. Parsaeian; Z. Ghasimi Hagh
Abstract
Glycyrrhiza glabra L. is one of the valuable medicinal plants of the world, whose glycyrrhizin, the most important triterpenoid metabolite in its roots, is widely used in food and modern pharmaceutical industries. To overcome the seed germination problems, the risk of plant extinction due to the indiscriminate ...
Read More
Glycyrrhiza glabra L. is one of the valuable medicinal plants of the world, whose glycyrrhizin, the most important triterpenoid metabolite in its roots, is widely used in food and modern pharmaceutical industries. To overcome the seed germination problems, the risk of plant extinction due to the indiscriminate root harvesting, and the slow rate of natural biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, it is necessary to study on this plant root tissue culture and use elicitors to increase its glycyrrhizin biosynthesis. In the present study, the seed germination rate of two Iranian licorice ecotypes (Kashmar and Joghtai) and an Iraqi ecotype was investigated at different levels of sulfuric acid pretreatment. In addition, differences between the ecotypes in terms of morphology and root glycyrrhizin content were studied in response to IAA and NAA auxin elicitors with concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mg.l-1 in ½ MS medium using root explants. The results showed that all three ecotypes obtained the highest seed germination in the 98% sulfuric acid pretreatment for 40 minutes. The Iraqi ecotype was placed in the statistically best group in terms of all traits except glycyrrhizin content under control and some hormone levels (esp. NAA) conditions. In the Iranian ecotypes, the auxin elicitors application significantly improved the root traits and glycyrrhizin content. Kashmar ecotype produced the thickest roots using 0.5 mg.l-1 of IAA and the highest root dry weight (5.8 and 5.4 mg, respectively) using the medium and high concentrations of NAA and IAA. Joghtai ecotype also produced the heavy roots with 1.5 and 0.5 mg.l-1 of IAA and NAA (100 and 79 mg, respectively). In general, the medium and high concentrations of IAA and NAA (1 and 1.5 mg.l-1) caused the highest glycyrrhizin production (8.82 and 7.83 µg.g-1 DW, respectively) in Kashmar ecotype roots. Therefore, selection of appropriate ecotype and auxin elicitors application can increase in vitro production of biomass and root glycyrrhizin content in G. glabra.
Improvement and breeding
R. Zandi; M.H. Mirjalili; Gh. Eghlima; A. Sonboli; H. Rezadoost
Abstract
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz-Bip.) is a perennial medicinal plant from Asteraceae family and a rich source of sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasm, and especially anti-migraine properties. In this study, the aerial parts of five wild populations ...
Read More
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Schultz-Bip.) is a perennial medicinal plant from Asteraceae family and a rich source of sesquiterpene lactone parthenolide with anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasm, and especially anti-migraine properties. In this study, the aerial parts of five wild populations of this plant were harvested from Mazandaran (Marzanabad, Siah Bisheh, and Valiabad) and Tehran (Ahar and Gachsar) provinces at full flowering stage in 2020 to evaluate their morphological traits and parthenolide content. The results showed a significant difference at 1% probability level among the studied populations for all the traits. The highest plant height (130 cm), flower dry weight (8.60 g.plant-1), and parthenolide content (0.33 mg.g-1 dry weight) were observed in Gachsar, Siah Bisheh, and Marzanabad populations, respectively. Parthenolide content correlated with leaf length, number of lateral branches, and crown diameter negatively and with number of capitols positively and significantly at 5% probability level. Cluster analysis put the feverfew populations in two main groups. Principal coordinate analysis showed that the first three factors could explain 93.06% of the total variance. Overall, the results indicated the existence of high diversity in feverfew populations for use in breeding programs and cultivation and domestication of this species.
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 ...
Read More
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.
Improvement and breeding
Z. Jamshidiyan; F. Talat
Abstract
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is one of the widely used medicinal plants. Seeds of this plant are heart-strengthening, invigorating, and toothache painkiller and cure bloody diarrhea and typhoid. Due to the tiny seeds, it needs to be cultivated at low depth of soil for successful establishment. ...
Read More
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is one of the widely used medicinal plants. Seeds of this plant are heart-strengthening, invigorating, and toothache painkiller and cure bloody diarrhea and typhoid. Due to the tiny seeds, it needs to be cultivated at low depth of soil for successful establishment. Therefore, it is necessary to use the right method for its cultivation. In the present study, to improve the uniformity in seed germination and increase growth rate and coriander yield, three experiments were conducted as a randomized complete block design (field test) and a completely randomized design (laboratory and greenhouse tests). In the laboratory test, indole-3-acetic acid and humic acid and in the field test, indole-3-acetic acid, humic acid, gibberellin, and zinc improved coriander yield. Also, humic acid pretreatment reduced harmful fatty acids such as myristic acid and palmitic acid, phosphorus pretreatment increased total fat amount, and indole-3-acetic acid increased essential oil content compared to the control. In the greenhouse test, folic acid improved plant yield. Stepwise regression analysis indicated inclusion of seven properties in the predictive model with a determination coefficient of 0.97. Based on the traits correlation results, secondary vigor, root fresh or dry weight, and root diameter were consistent with total dry weight as a dependent trait (significant at the 1% probability level). Overall, coriander seed priming improved the biological functions of seeds, including germination and establishment, by affecting the metabolic, biochemical, and enzymatic status of the seeds. The present results showed that seed priming is a key technology to improve plant yield.
Improvement and breeding
S. Yadegari; H.R. Qomi Marzdashri; M. Pezhmanmehr; M. Mirmasoumi
Abstract
This experiment was conducted to investigate the plasma treatment effects on seed germination characteristics of Alyssum homalocarpum L. The initial test of plasma on seeds was by atmospheric DBD with a duration of 30 and 15 seconds and 1 to 5 minutes at voltages of 17, 18, 19 and 20 kV, and counting ...
Read More
This experiment was conducted to investigate the plasma treatment effects on seed germination characteristics of Alyssum homalocarpum L. The initial test of plasma on seeds was by atmospheric DBD with a duration of 30 and 15 seconds and 1 to 5 minutes at voltages of 17, 18, 19 and 20 kV, and counting the daily germination of seeds was repeated for 21 days. The seeds were then treated again with atmospheric DBD plasma (30 s and 1 min) at the same voltages and monitored for 21 days. In both times, the changes were observed in the first 3 days, then the seeds were treated with DBD plasma at times of 10, 30 seconds, 1 and 3 minutes. At the end of the initial tests, the seeds were treated in DBD plasma with atmospheric pressure (30 seconds and 1 minute) at voltages of 18 and 20 kV and with DBD corona plasma for 10, 30 seconds, 1 and 3 minutes. Germination rate and percentage, plumule length, radicle length, fresh and dry weight of root and seedling, leaf area and enzyme characteristics were measured. The means comparison results showed that the highest rate (2 seeds per day) and germination percentage (70%) were obtained in the combined treatment of 18 kV and 60 sec. The results showed that the effect of time on dry weight, leaf length, root length and leaf diameter was significant at 1% level. In terms of mean comparison, catalase enzyme and polyphenol oxidase enzyme had a significant difference in the treatments of the combined effect of voltage 20 kV and time 60 seconds and the mutual effect of voltage 18 kV and time 60 seconds. Overall, according to the present findings, the atmospheric DBD plasma and corona plasma pretreatments had a role in improving growth traits and enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites compared to other treatments without damaging the seeds.
Improvement and breeding
S. Jafari; S Mousavi-Fard; A. Rezaei Nejad; H. Mumivand; K. Sorkheh
Abstract
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L. Gaertn.)) is a plant with various medicinal uses which is adapted to different climates. To investigate the effects of different concentrations of chitosan (CS) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) on increasing yield and biochemical indices of milk thistle ecotypes, a farm ...
Read More
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L. Gaertn.)) is a plant with various medicinal uses which is adapted to different climates. To investigate the effects of different concentrations of chitosan (CS) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) on increasing yield and biochemical indices of milk thistle ecotypes, a farm factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications during two crop years. Experimental treatments included milk thistle ecotype at five levels (Budakalazi, Sari, Khomein, Khorramabad, and Ahvaz) and type and elicitor concentration at nine levels (foliar application of distilled water (control), bulk CS (50 and 100 mg L-1), nano CS (50 and 100 mg L-1), bulk TiO2 (50 and 100 mg L-1), and nano TiO2 (50 and 100 mg L-1)). The results showed that foliar application of CS and TiO2 (bulk and nano) effectively increased yield and defense enzymes. In all these traits, foliar application of CS and TiO2 in nano form was more effective compared to the bulk form and control. Based on the mean comparisons results, the plant yield increased with foliar application of nano CS at the concentration of 50 mg L-1. Also, foliar application of nano CS at the concentration of 100 mg L-1 increased the activity of defense enzymes. In general, foliar application of nano CS increased the yield as well as improved the biochemical traits of milk thistle ecotypes, especially the Budakalazi one, which could be considered as a suitable way to increase the yield of this plant. Considering the higher yield of Budakalazi ecotype, it could be also recommended to be used in breeding programs.
Improvement and breeding
H. Mohammadi; M.R. Pirmoradi; M. Moghaddam; M.H. Shamshiri; M.A. Mirzaabolghasemi
Abstract
Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is one of the important plants from Lamiaceae family which is used as a medicinal spicy plant and also as a fresh vegetable. Salicylic acid (SA) is one of the most important plant growth regulators that regulates growth and physiological development and metabolic processes ...
Read More
Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is one of the important plants from Lamiaceae family which is used as a medicinal spicy plant and also as a fresh vegetable. Salicylic acid (SA) is one of the most important plant growth regulators that regulates growth and physiological development and metabolic processes of the plant. Its application under salinity stress conditions decreases the effects of salinity toxicity and makes resistance in the plants. To investigate the basil (O. basilicum cv. Keshkeny luvelou) physiological and biochemical responses to salinity stress and SA, a factorial pot experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with three replications in the research greenhouse of Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan. Experimental treatments included salinity at four levels (0, 30 ,60, and 90 mM) and SA at five levels (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mM). The results showed that salinity stress reduced the amount of chlorophyll florescence, chlorophylls a and b, total chlorophyll, carotenoid, relative water content, and essential oil percentage. The SA treatment decreased the negative effects of salinity stress on the plant and improved essential oil percentage. Also, salinity stress increased the amount of proline, soluble carbohydrate, phenol, antioxidant activity, electrolyte leakage, leaf and root sodium, and chlorine, but the SA treatment at some salinity stress levels caused to decrease and/or increase these traits. Overall, SA improved the physiological and biochemical characteristics of basil under salinity stress through increasing osmolytes production and resulted in increasing nutrient uptake and essential oil percentage of the plant.
Improvement and breeding
P. Yari; R. Aminian; A.H. Keshtkar; H. Bagheri; S. Mafakheri
Abstract
Tragopogon spp. has many medicinal properties in addition to its edible consumption due to its many useful compounds. One of these identified compounds is inulin, which is present in the roots of this plant. To investigate the effects of low irrigation stress and growth-promoting rhizobacteria (Bacillus ...
Read More
Tragopogon spp. has many medicinal properties in addition to its edible consumption due to its many useful compounds. One of these identified compounds is inulin, which is present in the roots of this plant. To investigate the effects of low irrigation stress and growth-promoting rhizobacteria (Bacillus subtilis) on inulin content and root morphological traits in some genotypes of Tragopogon spp., a factorial experiment with three factors in a completely randomized design with three replications was conducted in the research greenhouse of Bu Ali Sina University in 2020. The factors included irrigation at two levels of without stress (100% of field capacity) and low irrigation stress (50% of field capacity) as the first factor, genotype at 15 levels (different genotypes of Tragopogon spp) as the second factor, and plant growth-enhancing rhizobacteria (PGPR) at two levels of inoculation with B. subtilis and without inoculation as the third factor. Length, area, volume, diameter, weight, and inulin content of the plant roots were measured. The results showed that the irrigation × genotype × bacteria interaction effect was significant on all studied traits. Low irrigation stress increased length, area, and volume of the plant roots in most genotypes, but decreased root weight and inulin content. Inoculation with B. subtilis affected genotypes differently. Iranian genotype No. 11 (Kaboudar Ahang) had the highest inulin content at different stress and B. subtilis levels, followed by Italian genotype No. 4 at both B. subtilis levels under non-stress conditions. Overall, stress reduced inulin content of the plant roots, but the effect of inoculation with B. subtilis depended on the genotype.
Improvement and breeding
M. Sarafraz; H. Dehghanzadeh; A.F. Hashemi
Abstract
To investigate the effects of biological and chemical phosphorus fertilizers, and gibberellic acid (GA3) on yield and its components, and essential oil of Salvia officinalis L., a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in Ghara Chay region, Markazi ...
Read More
To investigate the effects of biological and chemical phosphorus fertilizers, and gibberellic acid (GA3) on yield and its components, and essential oil of Salvia officinalis L., a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in Ghara Chay region, Markazi province, Iran. Experimental treatments included triple super phosphate at three levels (100, 70, and 30 % of the recommended amount), phosphorus bio-fertilizer of Barvar-2 at two levels (application and no application), and GA3 at three levels (0, 100, and 200 ppm). The results showed that Barvar-2, GA3, and triple super phosphate affected yield and its components, and essential oil significantly. The Barvar-2 application increased the yield and essential oil percentage by 7.7 and 18.2% compared to the control, respectively. It also resulted in a slight increase of the major essential oil compounds. Also, the GA3 200 ppm application increased the percentage and essential oil yield by 23.5 and 40.5% compared to the control, respectively. The highest biological yield and essential oil yield were obtained 3751 and 15.52 kg.ha-1, respectivley with the simultaneous application of 100% of the recommended triple super phosphate, Barvar-2, and GA3 200 ppm. The highest α-thujone percentage (27.91%) as the most important essential oil compound was obtained with the simultaneous application of 100% of the recommended triple super phosphate, Barvar-2, and GA3 100 ppm. The combined application of GA3 and Barvar-2 reduced the use of phosphorus chemical fertilizer to achieve better vegetative characteristics, and high yield and essential oil percentage, so that in many traits the simultaneous application of 70% of the recommended triple super phosphate, Barvar-2, and GA3 did not differ significantly from the 100% of the recommended triple super phosphate application. Therefore, with the combined use of GA3 200 ppm and Barvar-2, the amount of phosphorus fertilizer consumption could be reduced by 30% without causing a significant reduction in yield and essential oil of S. officinalis.
Improvement and breeding
M. Moghadami Rad; R.A. Khavari-Nejad; S. Saadatmand; F. Najafi
Abstract
Madder (Rubia tinctorum L.) is a herbaceous and perennial plant, which has bioactive compounds with high medicinal and pigment potency. Local farmers believe that increasing soil lime increases the color composition of this plant. To investigate the effects of calcium carbonate and phosphorus fertilizer ...
Read More
Madder (Rubia tinctorum L.) is a herbaceous and perennial plant, which has bioactive compounds with high medicinal and pigment potency. Local farmers believe that increasing soil lime increases the color composition of this plant. To investigate the effects of calcium carbonate and phosphorus fertilizer on some physiological parameters and root alizarin content in madder, a field factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Experimental treatments included calcium carbonate at five levels (0, 20, 50, 100, and 150 kg.ha-1) and triple superphosphate at four levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg.ha-1). Means comparison showed that the highest root dry weight (an increase of 75% compared to control), total plant dry weight (an increase of 58% compared to control), root alizarin content (an increase of 78% compared to control), and root catalase activity were obtained with calcium carbonate increase up to 20 kg.ha-1 and triple superphosphate increase up to 100 kg.ha-1. The highest root length (an increase of 54% compared to control) and leaf catalase activity were observed in the 50 kg.ha-1 calcium carbonate and 100 kg.ha-1 triple superphosphate treatment. The highest leaf and root peroxidase activity was obtained in the treatment of 150 kg.ha-1 calcium carbonate and 150 kg.ha-1 triple superphosphate. Simultaneous application of these two fertilizers had a complementary effect on each other, so that the 20 and 50 kg.ha-1 calcium carbonate application along with the 100 kg.ha-1 triple superphosphate had an increasing effect on the alizarin content of madder root. This method can be used for the future development of a non-destructive tolerance test that shows madder increased response to calcium carbonate and phosphorus fertilizer, to further produce madder root medicinal compounds as a targeted drug for cancer treatment.
Improvement and breeding
Z. Aslani; A. Hedayati; A. Hassani; M. Barin
Abstract
Piriformospora indica is one of the growth-promoting microorganisms that can stimulate growth and increase plant tolerance in adverse environmental conditions. To evaluate the effects of P. indica inoculation on some vegetative, physiological, biochemical, and nutrient acquisition parameters and essential ...
Read More
Piriformospora indica is one of the growth-promoting microorganisms that can stimulate growth and increase plant tolerance in adverse environmental conditions. To evaluate the effects of P. indica inoculation on some vegetative, physiological, biochemical, and nutrient acquisition parameters and essential oil content of Origanum vulgare L. ssp. vulgare, a pot experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications. Treatments included control (without inoculation) and inoculation with P. indica. The results showed that inoculation with P. indica increased growth parameters, chlorophyll index, total phenols and total flavonoids content, essential oil content, and nutrients uptake of iron, potassium, and phosphorus singnificantly. The highest and lowest amounts for aerial parts fresh yield (3.92 and 3.06 g plant-1), aerial parts dry yield (1.12 and 0.78 g plant-1), chlorophyll index (47 and 42.23), total phenol (4.88 and 2.96 mg GAE g-1 FW), total flavonoids (0.52 and 0.23 mg QE g-1 FW), essential oil content (1.43 and 1.01%), phosphorus (0.41 and 0.35%), potassium (3.8 and 2.6%), and iron (219 and 180 mg kg-1) were obtained in the plants inoculated with fungus and non-inoculated plants, respectively. Inoculation with P. indica decreased the amount of major essential oil compounds such as carvacrol and thymol and increased the amount of ρ-cymene, carvacrol methyl ether, and γ-terpinene compared to the control. Overall, the findings of this study showed that inoculation with growth-promoting microorganisms can improve the morphological and phytochemical traits of oregano by improving nutrients uptake.
Improvement and breeding
M. Rahghoshahi; Kh. Panahi Kord Laghari; M.M. Rahimi
Abstract
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is one of the valuable medicinal plants cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran, facing to drought stress. Accordingly, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of algae extract and humic acid on cumin under drought stress conditions as a factorial split ...
Read More
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is one of the valuable medicinal plants cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran, facing to drought stress. Accordingly, an experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of algae extract and humic acid on cumin under drought stress conditions as a factorial split plot in a randomized complete blocks design with three replications in a farm located in Boyer-Ahmad city, 35 km from Yasouj, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province in 2019 and 2020 years. The experimental factors included drought stress as the main factor at three levels of irrigation after consumption of 35 (control), 70, and 90% of soil moisture and humic acid at two levels of 0 and 300 mg.L-1 and algae at two levels of 0 and 2 L.ha-1 as the sub-factors. The results showed that foliar application of humic acid and algae extract had a significant effect on essential oil yield, number of branches, biological yield, grain yield, 1000-seed weight, number of seeds per umbrella, number of umbrellas per plant, plant height, and essential oil percentage and improved the negative effects of drought stress. The highest grain yield, 1000-grain weight, essential oil yield, and number of grains per umbrella were obtained by foliar application of humic acid and algae extract. The application of humic acid was more effective than algae extract on traits except yield and essential oil percentage which were more affected by algae extract. In general, the results showed that foliar application of humic acid and algae extract could moderate the adverse stress conditions and increase cumin yield by 41.4%.
Improvement and breeding
M. Naghizadeh; R. Kabiri; K. Maghsoudi
Abstract
Ascorbic acid and melatonin as the biostimulants affect the biosynthesis of phytohormones, facilitate and increase the nutrients uptake, enhance the defense mechanisms, stimulate the root growth, and finally, increase the quality and quantity of the product by affecting the plant metabolites. This study ...
Read More
Ascorbic acid and melatonin as the biostimulants affect the biosynthesis of phytohormones, facilitate and increase the nutrients uptake, enhance the defense mechanisms, stimulate the root growth, and finally, increase the quality and quantity of the product by affecting the plant metabolites. This study was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications to investigate the effects of foliar application of melatonin and ascorbic acid on the grain yield and mucilage content of Plantago ovata Forssk. in the research greenhouse of Bardsir Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman in 2020. The experimental treatments included the foliar application of distilled water (control), melatonin 100 μM, ascorbic acid 100 μM, and melatonin 100 μM + ascorbic acid 100 μM. The foliar application treatments continued from the time of complete establishment of seedlings (3-4 leaves) to the physiological maturity stage of seeds (four times every two weeks). The results showed that the foliar application of melatonin and ascorbic acid (single and combined application) enhanced the number of tillers per plant, number of spikes per plant, spike length, number of seeds per spike, and 1000-seed weight significantly. The highest grain yield was obtained from the foliar application of melatonin (59.98 g.m-2) and melatonin + ascorbic acid (61.85 g.m-2) without statistically significant differences with each other. The ascorbic acid foliar application also significantly increased the grain yield by 6.61% compared to the control. The foliar application of ascorbic acid, melatonin, and melatonin + ascorbic acid increased the mucilage content by 12.29, 19.89, and 23.80%, respectively compared to the control. The application of melatonin alone or in combination with the ascorbic acid, without statistically significant differences with each other, had the greatest positive effect on increasing the mucilage percentage. The mucilage yield was obtained 10.03, 13.47, 14.94, and 15.64 g.m-2 in the control, ascorbic acid, melatonin, and melatonin + ascorbic acid treatments, respectively. Based on the results, it can be concluded that the foliar application of melatonin and ascorbic acid could improve the quantitative and qualitative yield of P. ovata, and among the treatments their combined application was more effective.
Improvement and breeding
A. Negari; M. Jami Al-Ahmadi; G. Zamani
Abstract
Medicinal plants are a rich and valuable source of secondary metabolites that are strongly influenced by the environmental factors, especially drought stress. In this regard, a greenhouse experiment was conducted on Thymus vulgaris L. as split plots in a randomized complete block design with three replications. ...
Read More
Medicinal plants are a rich and valuable source of secondary metabolites that are strongly influenced by the environmental factors, especially drought stress. In this regard, a greenhouse experiment was conducted on Thymus vulgaris L. as split plots in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plot included three levels of moisture supply (40, 65, and 90% of potting soil field capacity (FC)) and the sub-plot was the elicitors levels including (1) control: without elicitor, (2) 150 µM cyclodextrin (CYC), (3) 75 nM coronatine (COR) + 150 µM CYC, (4) 150 nM COR + 150 µM CYC, (5) 150 µM methyl jasmonate (MJ) + 150 µM CYC, and (6) 300 µM MJ + 150 µM CYC. Except for the essential oil percentage, the other traits including the leaves proline content, electrolyte leakage, relative water content, plant height, canopy diameter, dry and fresh weight of shoots, dry weight of leaves and stems, and weight of essential oil had a very significant correlation with each other. The highest amount of leaves proline was obtained form the interaction of elicitors (levels 4 and 6) and the 40% FC level of moisture supply (3.88 and 3.94 μmol g-1 fresh leaf weight, respectively). The highest amount of plant height (28.3 cm), canopy diameter (17 cm), and relative water content (79%) was observed at the 90% FC level of moisture supply. The highest percentage of essential oil was obtained in the treatment of non-application of elicitor (2.67%) and the highest essential oil weight per plant (0.092 g plant-1) was observed in the treatment of non-application of elicitor at the 65% FC level of moisture supply. The mild stress increased the essential oil yield and the elicitor treatments decreased it.
Improvement and breeding
S. Madadkhani; A. Kheiry; M. Arghavani; M. Sanikhani; Z. Mohkami
Abstract
The use of elicitors to produce the environmentally friendly biological products and in conjunction with the modern agriculture can increase the qualitative and quantitative growth of plants and reduce the effects of environmental stresses on them. To investigate the effects of biostimulants under the ...
Read More
The use of elicitors to produce the environmentally friendly biological products and in conjunction with the modern agriculture can increase the qualitative and quantitative growth of plants and reduce the effects of environmental stresses on them. To investigate the effects of biostimulants under the low irrigation stress on the morphological and phytochemical characteristics of Dracocephalum moldavica L., a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design in the Zanjan University research farm in three replications in 2019. The main factor was the irrigation (100 and 70% of field capacity) and the sub-factor was the foliar application of elicitors including saffron extract (0.01 and 0.05%), ginseng extract (0.5 and 1%), amino acid L-cysteine (50 and 100 μM), and control treatment (no foliar application) at the four-, eight-, and twelve-leaf stages. The morphological and phytochemical traits were evaluated at the 90% flowering stage of the plants. In the present experiment, the highest amount of total chlorophyll (35.68 mg / g FW), carotenoids (9.18 mg / g FW), and relative leaf water content (83.20%) was obtained under the full irrigation conditions stimulated by the 50 μM L-cysteine treatment. While under the water stress conditions, the highest content of total phenols (33.17 mg GA / g DW), total flavonoids (1.53 mg QE / g DW), and antioxidant capacity (95.37%) was obtained in the no foliar application of elicitors treatment. The highest essential oil percentage (0.38%) was observed in the 100 μM L-cysteine treatment under the full irrigation conditions. Although the morphological parameters of D. moldavica had their highest values under the full irrigation conditions, the low irrigation stress led to the synthesis of higher amounts of phenolics and flavonoids and the stronger antioxidant capacity.
