One of the important challenges in the agricultural sector is the low use efficiency of chemical fertilizers, especially nitrogen fertilizers, as well as the competition of weeds with crops. In this regard, it is important to use management solutions to reduce the use of chemical inputs. To increase the quality level of food used by humans while reducing environmental pollution. One of the management solutions is the use of controlled-release fertilizers. Considering the desire to increase the quantity and quality of the coriander plant and also to identify the best-studied genotype, research was conducted in this field to investigate the effect of different sources of nitrogen fertilizer and the competition of weeds in the region on the agricultural and medicinal properties of different genotypes of coriander.
Introduction
The dust storm has become a regional phenomenon due to occurrence of severe droughts. Dust storms, recognized as significant atmospheric phenomena and associated with climate change, exert detrimental effects on plant growth and crop yield. This study aimed to assess the impact of soil dust on the competition between mung bean and red-root pigweed.
Materials and Methods
An experiment was carried out at the research greenhouse of Faculty of Agriculture at Ilam University during spring and summer 2022. The experiment was conducted as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with four replications. The experimental treatments were included five replacement ratios of mung bean and redroot pigweed (planting patterns 75% mung bean + 25% pigweed; 50% mung bean + 50% pigweed; 25% mung bean + 75% pigweed; monoculture of mung bean and redroot pigweed) and dust were at two levels (0 and 60 gr m-3).
Results and Discussion
The results showed that the dust causes symptoms of necrosis and leaf burn in mung bean and pigweed. The highest amount of carotenoids (3.59 mg g-1 fresh weight of leaf) was observed in the planting pattern of 75% mung bean + 25% pigweed under no dust conditions. The monoculture of pigweed under dust conditions had the lowest amount of carotenoids. Dust reduced the amount of total chlorophyll, leaf relative water content, plant height and length of inflorescence in Pigweed plant by 23.4, 12, 14.7 and 12%, respectively. Dust caused a decrease in the leaf area in pigweed in different patterns of intercropping. Photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, leaf area, plant height, number of pods per plant and number of seed per plant in mung bean were respectively decreased by 31.2, 24.9, 28.8, 17.7, 29.7 and 36.7% due to dust application. The highest photosynthesis rate in mungbean (5.28 µmol of CO2 m-2 s-1), leaf area (129.1 cm2) and the number of seeds per plant (13 seed plant-1) were obtained from monoculture of mungbean. However, they were decreased under competition with pigweed. The biological yield in mungbean and pigweed under dust condition were, respectively, 42.6 and 16.8 % lower than that of no dust condition. Under dust conditions, the grain yield of mung bean and pigweed were, respectively, 32.8% and 42.6% lower than that of no dust condition. The actual yield of mung bean under competition with pigweed was lower than the predicted yield indicating the higher competitive effects of pigweed. In all planting patterns with and without dust, the total actual yields were higher than the predicted yield indicating a negative interference effects for mung bean. The relative total yield in most of the planting patterns was greater than one, suggesting increase in the partial relative yield and reduction of intra-species competition in pigweed. The negative effects of pigweed on mungbean were more visible in high densities of pigweed, which also showed a higher positive dominance index. The competition index showed
Water is now the main limiting factor for crop production in arid and semi-arid regions. Water-cut or irrigation interruption has been suggested as one of the main strategies agro-technique to get the most benefit from limited water resource available. In this regard, plant growth stage, time of stress induction and the genotype are the main key factors to determine the degree of success. Canola is one of the most important oil crop. It can survive some degree of water stress while there is a need for research to find the most appropriate genotypes for plantations in water-limited areas.
Drought stress and consequent lack of available water for plants is one of the main causes of accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in various organs of plants, which is effective in reducing the yield of cereals such as wheat. The antioxidant system, which contains various enzymes and genes, is responsible for removing and detoxifying plants from ROS. Unfortunately, genes responding to drought stress and their enzymatic activities associated with spike and flag leaf of wheat have received less attention. Therefore, in the present study, photosynthetic parameters, key enzymes of the antioxidant system, and expression analysis of some genes involved in this system under field capacity (FC) and drought stress (DS) conditions in spike and flag leaves of wheat were investigated.
Introduction
In conventional formulations such as emulsifiable concentrates (EC), wettable powders, soluble liquids, etc., complete availability of the active agent is usually considered immediate or rapid following usage. Application rates of these formulations of pesticides are greater than the minimum threshold concentration to counter losses from sorption, volatilization, photodecomposition, microbial and chemical degradation, and leaching. Controlled-release technology for pesticides could reduce environmental damage and increase efficiency by enhancement of delivery to the site of action. This survey was conducted to determine the possibility of EPTC and trifluralin efficiency improvement by using microencapsulated formulation (MC) that were first synthesized in Iran.
Materials and Methods
Two separated greenhouse experiments were conducted in Tirtash Research and Education Center (Mazandaran–Iran) in 2014. The experiments were carried out in a factorial arrangement based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The Microencapsulated formulation of EPTC and trifluralin herbicides were compared with emulsifiable concentrate formulation (Eradicane 82% and Treflan 48%) in 0 (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100 percent of active ingredient (a.i.) (4.92 and 1.2 kg a.i./ha, recommended doses for EPTC and trifluralin, respectively). For this purpose, the soil of pots were infested with the seed of Green foxtail (Setaria viridis) and Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflaxus). The responses of weeds to treatments, specifically seedling number, were analyzed using ANOVA tests, non-linear regression, and fitting to three parameters of Weibull and log-logistic equations. This analysis was based on Akaike's Information Criterion, Residual Standard Error, and Lack-of-Fit Test indices in the R3.4.1 program. The effective dose were determined for 10, 50 and 90 percent of weed control (ED10, ED50 and ED90, respectively). Relative potency index (R) of formulation types were determined by divided ED50 of EC into MC formulations.
Results and Discussion
According to the results of the experiments, the formulation type had a significant effect on the weed numbers. The MC formulations of EPTC increased Green foxtail and Redroot pigweed control efficiencies. The ED10, ED50 and ED90 decreased from 0.72, 2.94 and 7.18 kg a.i.ha-1 in the EC to 0.41, 1.87 and 4.89 kg a.i.ha-1 in the MC formulation for Green foxtail and 1.08, 3.29 and 10.02 kg a.i.ha-1 in the EC to 0.57, 2.36 and 9.67 kg a.i.ha-1 in the MC formulation for Redroot pigweed. The R index of EPTC in Green foxtail and Redroot pigweed control were 1.57 and 1.39, respectively. Weed control increased as trifluralin dosage increased in both of the formulation types, although in higher doses of the MC, weed control efficiency increased more than the EC formulation. So the efficiency of the MC formulations depended on application dosages. The ED10, ED50 and ED90 of Green foxtail were 0.14, 0.55 an
Covering a staggering 215 million hectares, wheat stands as the world's most extensively cultivated crop plant. Just like its botanical counterparts, wheat operates as an obligate aerobic organism, implying its reliance on absorbing oxygen from the surrounding environment to facilitate growth, proliferation, and the successful completion of its life cycle. Annual instances of waterlogging stress inflict harm upon wheat crops, attributed to inadequate irrigation practices, subpar drainage systems, uneven field leveling, elevated groundwater levels, the presence of unyielding impermeable layers, and bouts of intense, abrupt rainfall. This adverse impact is progressively escalating, potentially influenced by the ongoing shifts in climate patterns. Consequently, the adoption of resilient cultivars and the genetic enhancement of bread wheat assume critical importance. These strategies are aimed at augmenting the wheat's capacity to effectively cope with waterlogging stress, aligning it with the mounting demands of a burgeoning global population.
To achieve these goals, it is necessary to understand the factors causing waterlogging stress damage in wheat and to know the mechanisms of tolerance in this plant. The survival of root terminal meristem cells under waterlogging stress conditions is very limited, and their ability to grow again after removing the stress is also restricted. Waterlogging stress leads to the death of primary roots and reduced growth of lateral roots in wheat. However, there is variation among wheat cultivars concerning these traits. Reduced access to oxygen hampers root growth and nutrient absorption, including nitrogen. Consequently, photosynthesis and carbohydrate availability decrease, further restricting root growth.
Since the development of crop cultivation and their yield depend on irrigation and since drought is one of the features of our country, one of the solutions to deal with these problems is the implementation of applied research in the field of stress-resistant plants cultivation such as quinoa. Also, considering the important role of potassium and zinc elements in the plant, providing a sufficient amount of these elements under drought stress can be effective in increasing the plant's resistance to this type of stress. Considering the genetic differences of plants and their different reactions in the face of environmental stress such as drought stress, and different fertilization of genotypes, it seems necessary to carry out this research to investigate the application of potassium and zinc chelates on the morpho-physiological and yield indicators of three quinoa genotypes under drought stress conditions in Razavi Khorasan climate.
One of the important challenges in the agricultural sector is the low use efficiency of chemical fertilizers, especially nitrogen fertilizers, as well as the competition of weeds with crops. In this regard, it is important to use management solutions to reduce the use of chemical inputs. To increase the quality level of food used by humans while reducing environmental pollution. One of the management solutions is the use of controlled-release fertilizers. Considering the desire to increase the quantity and quality of the coriander plant and also to identify the best-studied genotype, research was conducted in this field to investigate the effect of different sources of nitrogen fertilizer and the competition of weeds in the region on the agricultural and medicinal properties of different genotypes of coriander.
Introduction
The dust storm has become a regional phenomenon due to occurrence of severe droughts. Dust storms, recognized as significant atmospheric phenomena and associated with climate change, exert detrimental effects on plant growth and crop yield. This study aimed to assess the impact of soil dust on the competition between mung bean and red-root pigweed.
Materials and Methods
An experiment was carried out at the research greenhouse of Faculty of Agriculture at Ilam University during spring and summer 2022. The experiment was conducted as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with four replications. The experimental treatments were included five replacement ratios of mung bean and redroot pigweed (planting patterns 75% mung bean + 25% pigweed; 50% mung bean + 50% pigweed; 25% mung bean + 75% pigweed; monoculture of mung bean and redroot pigweed) and dust were at two levels (0 and 60 gr m-3).
Results and Discussion
The results showed that the dust causes symptoms of necrosis and leaf burn in mung bean and pigweed. The highest amount of carotenoids (3.59 mg g-1 fresh weight of leaf) was observed in the planting pattern of 75% mung bean + 25% pigweed under no dust conditions. The monoculture of pigweed under dust conditions had the lowest amount of carotenoids. Dust reduced the amount of total chlorophyll, leaf relative water content, plant height and length of inflorescence in Pigweed plant by 23.4, 12, 14.7 and 12%, respectively. Dust caused a decrease in the leaf area in pigweed in different patterns of intercropping. Photosynthesis rate, transpiration rate, leaf area, plant height, number of pods per plant and number of seed per plant in mung bean were respectively decreased by 31.2, 24.9, 28.8, 17.7, 29.7 and 36.7% due to dust application. The highest photosynthesis rate in mungbean (5.28 µmol of CO2 m-2 s-1), leaf area (129.1 cm2) and the number of seeds per plant (13 seed plant-1) were obtained from monoculture of mungbean. However, they were decreased under competition with pigweed. The biological yield in mungbean and pigweed under dust condition were, respectively, 42.6 and 16.8 % lower than that of no dust condition. Under dust conditions, the grain yield of mung bean and pigweed were, respectively, 32.8% and 42.6% lower than that of no dust condition. The actual yield of mung bean under competition with pigweed was lower than the predicted yield indicating the higher competitive effects of pigweed. In all planting patterns with and without dust, the total actual yields were higher than the predicted yield indicating a negative interference effects for mung bean. The relative total yield in most of the planting patterns was greater than one, suggesting increase in the partial relative yield and reduction of intra-species competition in pigweed. The negative effects of pigweed on mungbean were more visible in high densities of pigweed, which also showed a higher positive dominance index. The competition index showed
Water is now the main limiting factor for crop production in arid and semi-arid regions. Water-cut or irrigation interruption has been suggested as one of the main strategies agro-technique to get the most benefit from limited water resource available. In this regard, plant growth stage, time of stress induction and the genotype are the main key factors to determine the degree of success. Canola is one of the most important oil crop. It can survive some degree of water stress while there is a need for research to find the most appropriate genotypes for plantations in water-limited areas.
Drought stress and consequent lack of available water for plants is one of the main causes of accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in various organs of plants, which is effective in reducing the yield of cereals such as wheat. The antioxidant system, which contains various enzymes and genes, is responsible for removing and detoxifying plants from ROS. Unfortunately, genes responding to drought stress and their enzymatic activities associated with spike and flag leaf of wheat have received less attention. Therefore, in the present study, photosynthetic parameters, key enzymes of the antioxidant system, and expression analysis of some genes involved in this system under field capacity (FC) and drought stress (DS) conditions in spike and flag leaves of wheat were investigated.
Introduction
In conventional formulations such as emulsifiable concentrates (EC), wettable powders, soluble liquids, etc., complete availability of the active agent is usually considered immediate or rapid following usage. Application rates of these formulations of pesticides are greater than the minimum threshold concentration to counter losses from sorption, volatilization, photodecomposition, microbial and chemical degradation, and leaching. Controlled-release technology for pesticides could reduce environmental damage and increase efficiency by enhancement of delivery to the site of action. This survey was conducted to determine the possibility of EPTC and trifluralin efficiency improvement by using microencapsulated formulation (MC) that were first synthesized in Iran.
Materials and Methods
Two separated greenhouse experiments were conducted in Tirtash Research and Education Center (Mazandaran–Iran) in 2014. The experiments were carried out in a factorial arrangement based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The Microencapsulated formulation of EPTC and trifluralin herbicides were compared with emulsifiable concentrate formulation (Eradicane 82% and Treflan 48%) in 0 (control), 25, 50, 75 and 100 percent of active ingredient (a.i.) (4.92 and 1.2 kg a.i./ha, recommended doses for EPTC and trifluralin, respectively). For this purpose, the soil of pots were infested with the seed of Green foxtail (Setaria viridis) and Redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflaxus). The responses of weeds to treatments, specifically seedling number, were analyzed using ANOVA tests, non-linear regression, and fitting to three parameters of Weibull and log-logistic equations. This analysis was based on Akaike's Information Criterion, Residual Standard Error, and Lack-of-Fit Test indices in the R3.4.1 program. The effective dose were determined for 10, 50 and 90 percent of weed control (ED10, ED50 and ED90, respectively). Relative potency index (R) of formulation types were determined by divided ED50 of EC into MC formulations.
Results and Discussion
According to the results of the experiments, the formulation type had a significant effect on the weed numbers. The MC formulations of EPTC increased Green foxtail and Redroot pigweed control efficiencies. The ED10, ED50 and ED90 decreased from 0.72, 2.94 and 7.18 kg a.i.ha-1 in the EC to 0.41, 1.87 and 4.89 kg a.i.ha-1 in the MC formulation for Green foxtail and 1.08, 3.29 and 10.02 kg a.i.ha-1 in the EC to 0.57, 2.36 and 9.67 kg a.i.ha-1 in the MC formulation for Redroot pigweed. The R index of EPTC in Green foxtail and Redroot pigweed control were 1.57 and 1.39, respectively. Weed control increased as trifluralin dosage increased in both of the formulation types, although in higher doses of the MC, weed control efficiency increased more than the EC formulation. So the efficiency of the MC formulations depended on application dosages. The ED10, ED50 and ED90 of Green foxtail were 0.14, 0.55 an
Covering a staggering 215 million hectares, wheat stands as the world's most extensively cultivated crop plant. Just like its botanical counterparts, wheat operates as an obligate aerobic organism, implying its reliance on absorbing oxygen from the surrounding environment to facilitate growth, proliferation, and the successful completion of its life cycle. Annual instances of waterlogging stress inflict harm upon wheat crops, attributed to inadequate irrigation practices, subpar drainage systems, uneven field leveling, elevated groundwater levels, the presence of unyielding impermeable layers, and bouts of intense, abrupt rainfall. This adverse impact is progressively escalating, potentially influenced by the ongoing shifts in climate patterns. Consequently, the adoption of resilient cultivars and the genetic enhancement of bread wheat assume critical importance. These strategies are aimed at augmenting the wheat's capacity to effectively cope with waterlogging stress, aligning it with the mounting demands of a burgeoning global population.
To achieve these goals, it is necessary to understand the factors causing waterlogging stress damage in wheat and to know the mechanisms of tolerance in this plant. The survival of root terminal meristem cells under waterlogging stress conditions is very limited, and their ability to grow again after removing the stress is also restricted. Waterlogging stress leads to the death of primary roots and reduced growth of lateral roots in wheat. However, there is variation among wheat cultivars concerning these traits. Reduced access to oxygen hampers root growth and nutrient absorption, including nitrogen. Consequently, photosynthesis and carbohydrate availability decrease, further restricting root growth.
Since the development of crop cultivation and their yield depend on irrigation and since drought is one of the features of our country, one of the solutions to deal with these problems is the implementation of applied research in the field of stress-resistant plants cultivation such as quinoa. Also, considering the important role of potassium and zinc elements in the plant, providing a sufficient amount of these elements under drought stress can be effective in increasing the plant's resistance to this type of stress. Considering the genetic differences of plants and their different reactions in the face of environmental stress such as drought stress, and different fertilization of genotypes, it seems necessary to carry out this research to investigate the application of potassium and zinc chelates on the morpho-physiological and yield indicators of three quinoa genotypes under drought stress conditions in Razavi Khorasan climate.
South of Iran has been located in the dry belt and desert strip thus water stress has always been one of the serious problems in its agriculture (Buzarjomehri et al., 2020). Intercropping is the cultivation of two or more plant species in a specific land and growing season, which is important in agricultural systems with limited resources and low input (Brooker et al., 2015). Due to the differences in the rooting depth, lateral expansion, and root density of cereals and legumes, they have been the best candidates for intercropping traditionally for limited soil water and nutrient availability environments (Babalola, 1980; Haynes, 1980). Application of bio-fertilizers (PGPR bacteria) that have nitrogen (N) fixation and phosphorus (P) solubilizing activity (Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas fluorescence, respectively) is a promising approach for obtaining N, P, and water-restricted areas (Tien et al, 1979; Barea, 2015). Organic manures enhance soil water holding capacity and serve as excellent slow-release sources of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the soil (Risse et al., 2006). This study aimed to investigate the effect of different fertilizer systems (chemical, integrated, and bio-organic) on triticale grain yield and its components in sole and intercropped triticale in triticale/chickpea system under late season water stress in a hot and dry area of southern Iran (Fars province - Darab).
Introduction
Sunflower, one of the primary oilseed crops worldwide, is cultivated extensively due to its suitability for agricultural needs, high oil yield, and nutritional and medicinal value. However, drought remains the most critical limiting factor affecting sunflower productivity. In arid and semi-arid regions, the intensity of drought stress is predicted to increase in the future. Unfortunately, severe drought stress leads to significant reductions in both seed and oil production. While sunflower is moderately drought-tolerant, understanding the physiological and agronomic aspects of drought stress is crucial for sustainable management. Given that water, scarcity poses a significant threat to crop productivity and environmental resources are diminishing, effective irrigation management under water scarcity is becoming increasingly important.
Materials and Methods
In order to study the effects of deficit irrigation on grain yield and physiological traits of six sunflower cultivars, a field experiment was carried out in a split-plot arrangement based on randomized complete block design with three replications in 2019-2020 growing season. The experimental site was located in the research farm of the Safiabad Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center. Main plots consisted of three irrigation regimes including; control, moderate, and severe deficit irrigation (50, 70, and 90% of available moisture, respectively), and sub plots consisted of six sunflower cultivars including; Oscar, Felix, Shakira, Savana, Labad and Monaliza.
Barley is the fourth most common cereal crop in the world after wheat, maize, and rice, which is used for animal and human feed and malt production. This plant stands out among crops due to its unexpectedly wide range of adaptation and distribution compared to other cereals, earning it recognition as a model species. Determining the variation in the morphological and physiological traits of roots and shoots in the collection of barley genotypes can provide the basis for breeding new cultivars with suitable traits for better adaptation to specific environments. So in this study, some morphophysiological characteristics of roots and shoots of commercial barley cultivars were studied to identify cultivars with a higher root-to-shoot ratio as donor parents for breeding projects.
Salinity is one of the major constraints to wheat growth, which hampers production, causing yield loss in arid and semi-arid regions. Reductions in growth resulting from high salinity are because of both osmotic stress, inducing a water deficit, and the effects of excess Na+ and Cl– ions on critical biochemical processes. Salt stress induces a significant reduction in photosynthesis through the reduction of leaf area and photosynthetic pigments. Several strategies have been developed to decrease the toxic effects caused by high salinity on plant growth. Among them, the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) such as Pseudomonas and Mycorrhiza play an important role in yield improvement. Many studies have been published on the beneficial effects of bacterial inoculation on plant physiology and growth under salt stress. One of the common hypotheses employed in most of the studies conducted under salinity stress was the lowering of ethylene level by the ACC-deaminase activities of PGPR and improved plant growth and yield under salinity stress.
It was reported that the application of Pseudomonas spp. improved plant growth by decreasing the uptake of Na+ and increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes under salinity stress. The selective uptake of K+ as opposed to Na+ is considered one of the important physiological mechanisms contributing to salt tolerance in many plant species. Inoculation with PGPR significantly decreased Na+ uptake and increased K+ content and enhanced levels of K+ that could be to mitigate oxidative stress imposed by higher salinity. Some researchers have reported that PGPR species like Azotobacter and Pseudomonas increased the growth and biomass of canola (Brassica napus L.) under salinity stress.
A Better understanding of wheat physiological responses under salinity may help in programs in which the objective is to improve the grain yield under salinity stress. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the physiological, stomata conductance, along with root and shoot Na+/ K+ ratios) of wheat to cycocel and PGPR application under salinity stress.
Fennel is a cross-pollinating plant and one of the most important medicinal plants of the Apiaceae family, whose essential oil is widely used in various pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Fennel originated from the Mediterranean region and is a biennial or perennial species. Fennel essential oil has been demonstrated to have antioxidant, anti-cancer, antibacterial, antifungal, and analgesic effects. Improving yield is one of the important goals of breeding, and the use of heterosis as one of the powerful tools to improve yield has always been of interest to breeders. This study was conducted to evaluate seed yield and yield components of three synthetic cultivars of fennel and compere with eight parental populations.
Intensive agriculture, despite high production, has adverse environmental effects, mainly due to the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Therefore, we need alternative agricultural systems that are more economically and environmentally sustainable to produce crops. One of the sustainable methods in the production of agricultural products is intercropping. Intercropping of two or more species in a plot of land can increase biodiversity and resource utilization as agricultural perspective, which in turn can lead to increased yield stability. Intercropping uses resources more efficiently than monoculture, preventing the growth and spread of weeds by shading and suffocating weeds, and in some cases with allelopathic. Intercropping of cereals and legumes is recommended for the development of sustainable food production systems, especially in planting systems based on reduced consumption of foreign inputs. The importance of these systems depends on the nitrogen stabilized by the legumes. The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of row intercropping of barley and vetch and different levels of ammonium nitrate fertilizer on weed biomass, yield components and yield of two species in Karaj climatic condition.
Long-term use of chemical fertilizers can cause many adverse effects. In addition, excessive consumption of chemical fertilizers can lead to decreased food safety and low quality of vegetables, such as the accumulation of nitrates in plants. Today, using organic fertilizers is an efficient way to achieve sustainable agricultural development. The release rate of nutrients from organic fertilizers is slow and hardly exceeds the absorption capacity of plants compared to chemical fertilizers.
Cumin is one of the most important medicinal plants in Iran and is widely used in food, health and beauty industries due to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Yield of some crops are higher in autumn planting compared to spring. However, low temperature and inappropriate distribution of precipitation are of factors affecting seedling emergence and establishment. So it seems that seeds with higher germination also have better emergence and establishment producing more vigorous seedlings in further growth stages. So, to success in autumn-planting of cumin, it is necessary to have ecotypes with appropriate and even emergence in low temperature and water restricted conditions. Since water is of high paramount importance in germination and lower water potentials lead to lower accessibility of water to seeds, the aim of this experiment was to study seed germination response of different cumin ecotypes to low water potentials.
The great importance of identifying, studying, evaluating, and protecting native ecotypes of medicinal plants as human heritage, collecting agricultural medicinal plants and ecological evaluation of their native ecotypes, and introducing their compatible ecotypes is a necessity for farmers. Considering the few studies in the field of the agricultural role of non-native plants such as Dragon's head in Iran to meet the country's nutritional needs, the present research aims to study and evaluate the performance of local medicinal and multi-purpose plant stands of urban sycamore and also to obtain new scientific materials in the case of these local masses has been done in the research farm of University of Tabriz Faculty of Agriculture. It is necessary to explain that in recent years, due to the crisis of water shortage and drought, this plant is in line with changing the cultivation pattern of the region from plants with high water requirement to plants with low water requirement or dry land has been added to the official cultivation pattern of East Azerbaijan province and is being promoted among the farmers of the region.
Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is one of the most important forage crops in the world. It contains 12 to 20% protein. Silicon (Si) existing in the Earth’s crust is classified as the most abundant element after oxygen. Although silicon is not considered an essential element for plant growth, but a number of studies have reported that it as an important factor in plants that plays an important role in the resistance mechanisms of plants against environmental stress. Also, it plays a crucial physiological role in photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content. One of the most effective factors in increasing the Grasspea biomass is seed inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Some of the benefits provided by PGPR are the ability to produce gibberellic acid, cytokinins and ethylene, N2 fixation, solubilization of mineral phosphates and other nutrients. Numerous studies have shown a substantial increase in dry matter accumulation via inoculation with PGPR. Some researchers reported that seed inoculation with PGPR enhanced relative water content and photochemical efficiency of PSII lathyrus under water limitations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nano silicon and seed inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on biomass, nodulation and some physiological traits of Grasspea.
The most important problem that threatens food security of any country and the world is the lack of adequate water resources, so one of the ways to deal with this crisis is to use plants with low water requirements and high water use efficiency. Among the plants, we can name Quinoa, which is one of the plants that has been less studied and exploited in Iran. Since the planting date has the greatest impact on the physiological characteristics of the crop compared to other cropping treatments, so choosing the appropriate planting date can also create the greatest correlation between plant growth trends and climatic conditions. Undoubtedly, the use of biological fertilizers, in addition to the positive effects it has on all soil properties, is also economically, environmentally and socially fruitful and can be a suitable and desirable alternative to chemical fertilizers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the response to deficit irrigation, planting date and application of different biofertilizers in quinoa.
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereals after wheat and rice in the tropical and temperate regions of the world. Also, its mean production is 8 ton ha-1. Moreover, the total area of under cultivation is 132572 hectares in Iran. Crop simulation models can play an important role in improving agricultural production systems in many developing countries. Crop models can simulate plant growth processes and grain yield instead of conducting several years of field experiments. On the other hands, crop simulation models should be calibrated and evaluated with independent data sets under different climatic conditions. Therefore, the purpose of this research was evaluation of the APSIM model for simulation of growth, development and yield of maize hybrids in Kerman province under different amounts of nitrogen.
Quinoa is a dicotyledonous plant from the Amaranthaceae family, with favorable nutritional value and a high potential for growth and production in adverse environmental conditions. Despite being three carbon, it has high water consumption efficiency and as a new crop, due to its wide adaptation to different environment conditions such as salinity and drought, as well as being premature, it is suitable for planting in arid and desert areas and has many factors. Genetic and environmental factors such as genotype, density, arrangement and planting date, soil salinity, and drought stress affect yield. Among these, drought is one of the most important non-living stresses that cause great damage to crops and horticulture in the world every year. And especially Iran, which is considered an arid and semi-arid country. The effect of moisture stress on plants varies depending on which stage of plant growth occurs and plants can work through various mechanisms such as reducing growth parameters, closing pores, reducing photosynthesis, changing regulatory mechanisms of ion transport, and increasing activity. Antioxidant enzymes cope with drought stress to some extent, although such mechanisms are energy-intensive and cause a decline in performance.
Among abiotic stress factors, drought is one of the most detrimental factors in arid and semiarid regions, causing a significant decrease in plant growth and yield in most species, including crops. Under drought conditions, morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics are negatively affected. The detrimental impact of water scarcity may be mitigated through the utilization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and nanoparticles (NPs) like nano iron-silicon oxide. PGPR species such as Azospirillum and Pseudomonas have been found to enhance hormonal balance, maintain nutrient levels, improve plant growth characteristics, and ultimately boost yield. Additionally, the application of NPs aids in enhancing plant growth under stressful conditions by facilitating water retention, fortifying membrane integrity, and enhancing nutrient and water uptake. Consequently, it is plausible that the combined application of PGPR and NPs could enhance triticale yield even in conditions of water limitation.
The effect of salinity stress on the quantity and quality of crop production highlights the importance of managing and reducing the damage caused by this stress factor in agriculture. Increasing soil salinity and decreasing fertility of arable lands is one of the major problems in saline areas. Cultivation of salt-tolerant crops which can increase soil fertility could be effective in the sustainable production of these lands. Studying photosynthesis and its related factors could provide appropriate physiological views in understanding plant behavior against salinity stress. The present study was conducted to assess the salinity tolerance of chickpea genotypes for cultivation in saline areas.
South of Iran has been located in the dry belt and desert strip thus water stress has always been one of the serious problems in its agriculture (Buzarjomehri et al., 2020). Intercropping is the cultivation of two or more plant species in a specific land and growing season, which is important in agricultural systems with limited resources and low input (Brooker et al., 2015). Due to the differences in the rooting depth, lateral expansion, and root density of cereals and legumes, they have been the best candidates for intercropping traditionally for limited soil water and nutrient availability environments (Babalola, 1980; Haynes, 1980). Application of bio-fertilizers (PGPR bacteria) that have nitrogen (N) fixation and phosphorus (P) solubilizing activity (Azospirillum brasilense and Pseudomonas fluorescence, respectively) is a promising approach for obtaining N, P, and water-restricted areas (Tien et al, 1979; Barea, 2015). Organic manures enhance soil water holding capacity and serve as excellent slow-release sources of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the soil (Risse et al., 2006). This study aimed to investigate the effect of different fertilizer systems (chemical, integrated, and bio-organic) on triticale grain yield and its components in sole and intercropped triticale in triticale/chickpea system under late season water stress in a hot and dry area of southern Iran (Fars province - Darab).
Introduction
Sunflower, one of the primary oilseed crops worldwide, is cultivated extensively due to its suitability for agricultural needs, high oil yield, and nutritional and medicinal value. However, drought remains the most critical limiting factor affecting sunflower productivity. In arid and semi-arid regions, the intensity of drought stress is predicted to increase in the future. Unfortunately, severe drought stress leads to significant reductions in both seed and oil production. While sunflower is moderately drought-tolerant, understanding the physiological and agronomic aspects of drought stress is crucial for sustainable management. Given that water, scarcity poses a significant threat to crop productivity and environmental resources are diminishing, effective irrigation management under water scarcity is becoming increasingly important.
Materials and Methods
In order to study the effects of deficit irrigation on grain yield and physiological traits of six sunflower cultivars, a field experiment was carried out in a split-plot arrangement based on randomized complete block design with three replications in 2019-2020 growing season. The experimental site was located in the research farm of the Safiabad Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center. Main plots consisted of three irrigation regimes including; control, moderate, and severe deficit irrigation (50, 70, and 90% of available moisture, respectively), and sub plots consisted of six sunflower cultivars including; Oscar, Felix, Shakira, Savana, Labad and Monaliza.
Barley is the fourth most common cereal crop in the world after wheat, maize, and rice, which is used for animal and human feed and malt production. This plant stands out among crops due to its unexpectedly wide range of adaptation and distribution compared to other cereals, earning it recognition as a model species. Determining the variation in the morphological and physiological traits of roots and shoots in the collection of barley genotypes can provide the basis for breeding new cultivars with suitable traits for better adaptation to specific environments. So in this study, some morphophysiological characteristics of roots and shoots of commercial barley cultivars were studied to identify cultivars with a higher root-to-shoot ratio as donor parents for breeding projects.
Salinity is one of the major constraints to wheat growth, which hampers production, causing yield loss in arid and semi-arid regions. Reductions in growth resulting from high salinity are because of both osmotic stress, inducing a water deficit, and the effects of excess Na+ and Cl– ions on critical biochemical processes. Salt stress induces a significant reduction in photosynthesis through the reduction of leaf area and photosynthetic pigments. Several strategies have been developed to decrease the toxic effects caused by high salinity on plant growth. Among them, the use of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) such as Pseudomonas and Mycorrhiza play an important role in yield improvement. Many studies have been published on the beneficial effects of bacterial inoculation on plant physiology and growth under salt stress. One of the common hypotheses employed in most of the studies conducted under salinity stress was the lowering of ethylene level by the ACC-deaminase activities of PGPR and improved plant growth and yield under salinity stress.
It was reported that the application of Pseudomonas spp. improved plant growth by decreasing the uptake of Na+ and increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes under salinity stress. The selective uptake of K+ as opposed to Na+ is considered one of the important physiological mechanisms contributing to salt tolerance in many plant species. Inoculation with PGPR significantly decreased Na+ uptake and increased K+ content and enhanced levels of K+ that could be to mitigate oxidative stress imposed by higher salinity. Some researchers have reported that PGPR species like Azotobacter and Pseudomonas increased the growth and biomass of canola (Brassica napus L.) under salinity stress.
A Better understanding of wheat physiological responses under salinity may help in programs in which the objective is to improve the grain yield under salinity stress. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the physiological, stomata conductance, along with root and shoot Na+/ K+ ratios) of wheat to cycocel and PGPR application under salinity stress.
Fennel is a cross-pollinating plant and one of the most important medicinal plants of the Apiaceae family, whose essential oil is widely used in various pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Fennel originated from the Mediterranean region and is a biennial or perennial species. Fennel essential oil has been demonstrated to have antioxidant, anti-cancer, antibacterial, antifungal, and analgesic effects. Improving yield is one of the important goals of breeding, and the use of heterosis as one of the powerful tools to improve yield has always been of interest to breeders. This study was conducted to evaluate seed yield and yield components of three synthetic cultivars of fennel and compere with eight parental populations.
Intensive agriculture, despite high production, has adverse environmental effects, mainly due to the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Therefore, we need alternative agricultural systems that are more economically and environmentally sustainable to produce crops. One of the sustainable methods in the production of agricultural products is intercropping. Intercropping of two or more species in a plot of land can increase biodiversity and resource utilization as agricultural perspective, which in turn can lead to increased yield stability. Intercropping uses resources more efficiently than monoculture, preventing the growth and spread of weeds by shading and suffocating weeds, and in some cases with allelopathic. Intercropping of cereals and legumes is recommended for the development of sustainable food production systems, especially in planting systems based on reduced consumption of foreign inputs. The importance of these systems depends on the nitrogen stabilized by the legumes. The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of row intercropping of barley and vetch and different levels of ammonium nitrate fertilizer on weed biomass, yield components and yield of two species in Karaj climatic condition.
Long-term use of chemical fertilizers can cause many adverse effects. In addition, excessive consumption of chemical fertilizers can lead to decreased food safety and low quality of vegetables, such as the accumulation of nitrates in plants. Today, using organic fertilizers is an efficient way to achieve sustainable agricultural development. The release rate of nutrients from organic fertilizers is slow and hardly exceeds the absorption capacity of plants compared to chemical fertilizers.
Cumin is one of the most important medicinal plants in Iran and is widely used in food, health and beauty industries due to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Yield of some crops are higher in autumn planting compared to spring. However, low temperature and inappropriate distribution of precipitation are of factors affecting seedling emergence and establishment. So it seems that seeds with higher germination also have better emergence and establishment producing more vigorous seedlings in further growth stages. So, to success in autumn-planting of cumin, it is necessary to have ecotypes with appropriate and even emergence in low temperature and water restricted conditions. Since water is of high paramount importance in germination and lower water potentials lead to lower accessibility of water to seeds, the aim of this experiment was to study seed germination response of different cumin ecotypes to low water potentials.
The great importance of identifying, studying, evaluating, and protecting native ecotypes of medicinal plants as human heritage, collecting agricultural medicinal plants and ecological evaluation of their native ecotypes, and introducing their compatible ecotypes is a necessity for farmers. Considering the few studies in the field of the agricultural role of non-native plants such as Dragon's head in Iran to meet the country's nutritional needs, the present research aims to study and evaluate the performance of local medicinal and multi-purpose plant stands of urban sycamore and also to obtain new scientific materials in the case of these local masses has been done in the research farm of University of Tabriz Faculty of Agriculture. It is necessary to explain that in recent years, due to the crisis of water shortage and drought, this plant is in line with changing the cultivation pattern of the region from plants with high water requirement to plants with low water requirement or dry land has been added to the official cultivation pattern of East Azerbaijan province and is being promoted among the farmers of the region.
Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is one of the most important forage crops in the world. It contains 12 to 20% protein. Silicon (Si) existing in the Earth’s crust is classified as the most abundant element after oxygen. Although silicon is not considered an essential element for plant growth, but a number of studies have reported that it as an important factor in plants that plays an important role in the resistance mechanisms of plants against environmental stress. Also, it plays a crucial physiological role in photosynthetic rate and chlorophyll content. One of the most effective factors in increasing the Grasspea biomass is seed inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR). Some of the benefits provided by PGPR are the ability to produce gibberellic acid, cytokinins and ethylene, N2 fixation, solubilization of mineral phosphates and other nutrients. Numerous studies have shown a substantial increase in dry matter accumulation via inoculation with PGPR. Some researchers reported that seed inoculation with PGPR enhanced relative water content and photochemical efficiency of PSII lathyrus under water limitations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nano silicon and seed inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on biomass, nodulation and some physiological traits of Grasspea.
The most important problem that threatens food security of any country and the world is the lack of adequate water resources, so one of the ways to deal with this crisis is to use plants with low water requirements and high water use efficiency. Among the plants, we can name Quinoa, which is one of the plants that has been less studied and exploited in Iran. Since the planting date has the greatest impact on the physiological characteristics of the crop compared to other cropping treatments, so choosing the appropriate planting date can also create the greatest correlation between plant growth trends and climatic conditions. Undoubtedly, the use of biological fertilizers, in addition to the positive effects it has on all soil properties, is also economically, environmentally and socially fruitful and can be a suitable and desirable alternative to chemical fertilizers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the response to deficit irrigation, planting date and application of different biofertilizers in quinoa.
Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereals after wheat and rice in the tropical and temperate regions of the world. Also, its mean production is 8 ton ha-1. Moreover, the total area of under cultivation is 132572 hectares in Iran. Crop simulation models can play an important role in improving agricultural production systems in many developing countries. Crop models can simulate plant growth processes and grain yield instead of conducting several years of field experiments. On the other hands, crop simulation models should be calibrated and evaluated with independent data sets under different climatic conditions. Therefore, the purpose of this research was evaluation of the APSIM model for simulation of growth, development and yield of maize hybrids in Kerman province under different amounts of nitrogen.
Quinoa is a dicotyledonous plant from the Amaranthaceae family, with favorable nutritional value and a high potential for growth and production in adverse environmental conditions. Despite being three carbon, it has high water consumption efficiency and as a new crop, due to its wide adaptation to different environment conditions such as salinity and drought, as well as being premature, it is suitable for planting in arid and desert areas and has many factors. Genetic and environmental factors such as genotype, density, arrangement and planting date, soil salinity, and drought stress affect yield. Among these, drought is one of the most important non-living stresses that cause great damage to crops and horticulture in the world every year. And especially Iran, which is considered an arid and semi-arid country. The effect of moisture stress on plants varies depending on which stage of plant growth occurs and plants can work through various mechanisms such as reducing growth parameters, closing pores, reducing photosynthesis, changing regulatory mechanisms of ion transport, and increasing activity. Antioxidant enzymes cope with drought stress to some extent, although such mechanisms are energy-intensive and cause a decline in performance.
Among abiotic stress factors, drought is one of the most detrimental factors in arid and semiarid regions, causing a significant decrease in plant growth and yield in most species, including crops. Under drought conditions, morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics are negatively affected. The detrimental impact of water scarcity may be mitigated through the utilization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and nanoparticles (NPs) like nano iron-silicon oxide. PGPR species such as Azospirillum and Pseudomonas have been found to enhance hormonal balance, maintain nutrient levels, improve plant growth characteristics, and ultimately boost yield. Additionally, the application of NPs aids in enhancing plant growth under stressful conditions by facilitating water retention, fortifying membrane integrity, and enhancing nutrient and water uptake. Consequently, it is plausible that the combined application of PGPR and NPs could enhance triticale yield even in conditions of water limitation.
The effect of salinity stress on the quantity and quality of crop production highlights the importance of managing and reducing the damage caused by this stress factor in agriculture. Increasing soil salinity and decreasing fertility of arable lands is one of the major problems in saline areas. Cultivation of salt-tolerant crops which can increase soil fertility could be effective in the sustainable production of these lands. Studying photosynthesis and its related factors could provide appropriate physiological views in understanding plant behavior against salinity stress. The present study was conducted to assess the salinity tolerance of chickpea genotypes for cultivation in saline areas.