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Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most popular and widely consumed vegetable fruits all over the world. Given the vast area (about 2200 hectares) under cultivation of this crop in Golestan province (north of Iran) and the importance of replacing old open-pollinated cultivars with new high-yielding hybrid cultivars, a field study was carried out by evaluating the new determinate tomato hybrid genotypes suitable for outdoor cultivation named A-Z15 and AZ16 along with Mahdis (control) hybrid cultivar. A-Z16 consisted of two treatments of without and with treating seeds with Probio 96 bacteria named A-Z16a and A-Z16-b, respectively. This study was carried out during 2022 in two agricultural research stations of Golestan, Gorgan and Gonbad Experiments carried out as complete block designs with three replications. Characteristics such as fruit yield/hectare, average weight of fruit, number of fruit carpel, percentage of fruit size (small, medium, large), diameter and length of fruit, number of fruit cavity, fruits/plant, pH of fruit juice, amount of total soluble solids, proportion of fruits with white layer and shelf life of fruit after harvest were recorded and measured. The results of analysis of variances showed significant differences in most of the examined traits in two experimental locations. Based on mean comparisons, cultivar Mahdis (control) was superior in fruit yield and fruits/plant, but this cultivar in qualitative characteristics such as shelf life of fruit, the lower proportion of fruits with white layer and total soluble solids was ranked last. The highest average weight of fruit and shelf life of fruit belonged to A-Z16-b. After Mahdis, A-Z16-b produced highest fruit yield. In conclusion, Mahdis (control) and in a lesser extent A-Z16-b (A-Z16-a treated with Probio 96 bacteria) showed better fruit yield attributes compared to others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of heat stress on yield, yield component and some agronomic traits of barley, was evaluated during the growing season of 2022-2023 using a randomized complete block design with three replications under normal and heat stress conditions. Eight barley cultivars including Nik, Mehr, Khatam, Reyhan, Nosrat, Fajr 30, Yoosef and Afzal were grown in Abarkouh, Yazd, central Iran. The results of combined analysis of variance revealed that cultivar effect was significant in all traits except 1000 grain weight and peduncle length. Heat stress × cultivar interaction was significant for spikes/m², grains/spike, and grain yield. Heat stress led to a significant decrease in days from sowing to physiological maturity, plant height, peduncle and spike length, spikes/m2, grains/spike, and grain yield and a significant increase in days from sowing to tillering. Grain yield under both conditions had significant negative correlation with days from sowing to tillering. Grain yield had significant positive correlation with spikes/m2 under normal condition and with spikes/m², and grains/spike under heat stress condition. Stepwise regression results showed that grains/spike and plant height could be used as criteria for increaseing grain yield under heat stress condition. Mean comparison of data for studied cultivars showed that Reyhan and Nosrat genotypes could be suggested for cultivation under both conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative performance of spring bread wheat cultivars under different planting dates, an experiment was conducted in Gonbad Agricultural Research Station, Gonbad, Golestan province, Iran, during two cropping seasons (2020-2022) as split plot based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Seven planting dates (1 November, 11 November, 21 November, 1 December, 11 December, 21 December and 31 December) were placed in main plots and four bread wheat genotypes (Araz, Arman, Taktaz and N-93-9) were placed in subplots. The delayed planting led to a significant decrease in the length of the phenological stages and the grain filling period. The highest grain yield was obtained from the planting at 11 November (5813 kg ha-1 ), which was not significantly different from grain yield in 21 November (5788 kg ha-1 ) and 31 November (5641 kg ha-1 ) planting dates. In most of the agronomic traits, the delayed planting dates (21 December and 31 December) had significantly lower values than planting in 11 November, 21 November and 1 December. Mean comparison for interaction effect of planting date×cultivar showed that planting Arman cultivar in 11 November, Araz cultivar in 11 November, 21 November and 1 December, Arman cultivar in the 21 November and Taktaz cultivar in the 21 November led to the highest grain yield. In the three delayed planting dates (11 December, 21 December and 31 December), the grain yield of Taktaz and Araz cultivars was higher than other genotypes. Mean comparisons on the traits related to bread-making quality showed that the two delayed planting dates (21 December and 31 December) had higher values in terms of protein and wet gluten content, compared to the two early planting dates (1 November and 11 November). Taktaz cultivar had the highest bread-making quality, particularly because it indicated the highest protein and wet gluten content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate and compare 15 different hybrid genotypes of greenhouse tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) in Gorgan, Golestan, north of Iran, an experiment was carried out in randomized complete block design with 3 replications at two Golestan province greenhouses (greenhouse of Gorgan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center and a private greenhouse in Gorgan). Investigated traits were fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, number of fruits per cluster, average fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit height, stem length, total soluble solids, pH, pericarp thickness, total phenolics content and flavonoids content. Statistical analyses were suggestive of significant difference in all of the studied traits between different genotypes in both greenhouse experiments. In both of the greenhouse experiments, the highest fruit yield per plant was observed in 4129, Omagna, and then Izmono, 10161, Hirad and Sakhia genotypes. Dafnis and Hiva cultivars were intermediate in terms of fruit yield compared to other genotypes. In traits such as fruit number, fruit weight, fruit size, plant height, pericarp thickness, total soluble solids, pH, phenolics content and flavonoids great differences were observed between the studied genotypes. Positive correlations of fruit yield with number of fruits per plant, mean fruit weight and fruit diameter traits were observed in both greenhouse experiments. Therefore, selecting based on the latter three attributes may improve fruit yield of tomato in seed and variety breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify genotypes tolerant to drought stress in rice germplasm, a factorial pot experiment was carried out in the form of a completely randomized design with three replications and 70 rice genotypes originating from Central and West Asian countries in non-stress and drought-stress conditions at the Rice Research Institute of Iran, Rasht, north of Iran, in 2019. Based on the results of this year (i.e. 2019), 19 genotypes selected and cultivated in the form of randomized complete block design with three replications in two environments (normal and drought stress) in 2020. Based on tolerance and sensitivity indices and the results of cluster analysis, rice genotypes were divided into two groups, and based on the comparison of means and deviations from the total mean, genotypes of the second group (Shirodi and Neda (Iran), Sela-Zodras and Shisham-Bagh-2014 (Afghanistan) and Dijla (Iraq) recognized as stresstolerant genotypes. Also, six genotypes (Nada and Shiroudi (Iran), D3 (Iraq), Sela-Zodras, Jalal-Abad Indica-2014, and Shisham Bagh-2014 (Afghanistan)) were identified by biplot analysis and the ranking method of seven genotypes (Shirodi, Neda and Gilaneh (Iran) Sela-Zodras, Jalal Abad Indica-2014 and Shisham Bagh-2014 (Afghanistan) and D3 (Iraq) were recognized as drought stress tolerant genotypes. Altogether, based on the methods of cluster analysis, biplot, and ranking, the genotypes of Shiroudi and Neda (Iran), Sela-Zodras, and Shisham Bagh-2014 (Afghanistan) were recognized as drought tolerant genotypes. The mentioned selected genotypes can be used in advancing breeding programs for developing new rice genotypes with higher tolerance to drought stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the genetic parameters of ten Cucurbita pepo L. hybrid cultivars, including seven foreign hybrid cultivars (F1 Shiraz, F1 Khaleej, F1 Samar, F1 Roham, F1 Daphne, F1 Asma and F1 Oto) and three domestic hybrid cultivars (F1 Peronesh, F1 BL and F1 CL) in the form of a randomized complete block design with 3 replications at the Pest Investigation Research Station and the Shahid Fozveh Research Station of Isfahan, central Iran, in 2019. The bed preparation operation was done and the seeds were sown in the mid-June. The results showed that the highest fruits/plant was observed in CL and Shiraz genotypes and the highest yield/plant in four harvests was observed in Peronesh genotype. Roham and Otto genotypes showed the lowest total yield/plant. BL genotype showed the highest mean fruit diameter in four harvests and the highest fruit weight of the seed sample. The highest seed weight was obtained in Shiraz and Asma genotypes and the highest seed-to-fruit weight ratio was obtained in Samar genotype. BL, Asma and Shiraz genotypes showed the highest seed dry weight. The highest seed length and the highest dry weight of 100 seeds were observed in Peronesh and BL genotypes. A positive and significant correlation was also observed between some traits. Among the investigated genotypes, Peronesh and BL genotypes outranked the other genotypes in most of the traits. Also, Shiraz genotype had a significant advantage in some seed traits compared to other genotypes. According to the presented results, different genotypes of the pumpkin plant were significantly different from each other in terms of various traits, indicating that the ground is prepared to employ these resources for improving the yield of this plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilizer and plant density on the agronomic characteristics of rice cv. Tarom Hashemi, a field experiment was carried out as a randomized complete blocks design with three replications during 2018 and 2019 in a farm located in Sari, north of Iran. The present study consisted of 10 levels of plant density (hills m-2 ) and N fertilizer, named T1 (20 hills + [50 percent after transplanting + 50 percent at the beginning of tillering]), T2 (20 hills + [33.3 percent after transplanting + 33.3 percent at the beginning of tillering + 33.3 percent at panicle formation]), T3 (20 hills + [40 percent after transplanting + 40 percent at the beginning of tillering + 20 percent at the end of panicle emergence]), T4 (20 hills + [33.3 percent after transplanting + 33.3 percent at panicle formation + 33.33 percent at the end of panicle emergence]) as a control, T5 (30 hills + [33.3 percent after transplanting + 33.3 percent at the beginning of tillering + 33.3 percent at panicle formation]), T6 (30 hills + [40 percent after transplanting + 40 percent at the beginning of tillering + 20 percent at the end of panicle emergence]), T7 (30 hills + [33.3 percent after transplanting + 33.3 percent at panicle formation + 33.3 percent at the end of panicle emergence]), T8 (30 hills + [25 percent after transplanting + 25 percent at the beginning of tillering + 25 percent at panicle formation + 25 percent at the end of panicle emergence]), T9 (40 hills + [33.3 percent after transplanting + 33.3 percent at panicle formation + 33.3 percent at the end of panicle emergence]), and T10 (40 hills + [40 percent after transplanting + 40 percent at panicle formation + 20 percent at the end of panicle emergence])..The results showed that the effect of year was not significant on grain yield. But the grain nitrogen concentration was lower in the second year (with a difference of 0.185 percent). The maximum total number of tillers per hill (18.61 tillers), panicle length (25.0 cm) and harvest index (40.9 percent) were obtained under T1, T2 and T3 treatments, respectively. Grain yield was not affected by the experimental treatment, however, its maximum (6865 kg ha-1 ) was obtained under T9 treatment due to an increase in the number of panicles per square meter (510 panicles), indicating an increase of 19.0 percent compared to the control treatment (T4). A density of 40 hills per square meter with nitrogen splitting of 33.3 percent after transplanting + 33.3 percent at panicle formation + 33.3 percent at the end of panicle emergence (T9) is recommended to achieve maximum grain yield of rice under the conditions of this experiment in northern Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to determine the appropriate planting density in the conditions of using old seedlings of paddy rice. For this purpose, a field experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design at Qaemshahr, Northern Iran, in four replications and in two years, 2020 and 2021. Plant densities consisted of manual-traditional planting of up to 11 hills/m² (with unequal planting spaces and common in the region) as control and manual-equidistant planting with 25 hills/m² (with planting spaces of 20 × 20 cm and recommended by the Rice Research Institute of Iran) and machineplanting with 15.9, 20.8 and 20.8 hills/m² (with planting spaces of 30 × 21, 30 × 16 and 30 × 12 cm, respectively). The paddy rice seedlings aged 45 d in manual-planting and 35 d in machine-planting. The results showed that the number of days from transplanting to flowering and flowering to maturity for machine-planting densities were greater than those of the control and 25 hills/m² in manual-equidistant planting. The interaction effect of year × planting density was significant only for the flag leaf length and plant height. The greatest panicle length and flag leaf length were obtained when the rice plants were sown in a density of 25 hills/m² in manual-equidistant planting. The greatest panicles/m² and the percentage of grain-bearing spikelets were obtained when rice plants were sown by the machine. The maximum grain yield was obtained from planting density of 25 hills/m² in manual-equidistant planting (8022 kg/ha). The planting densities of 15.9, 20.8 and 27.8 hills/m² in machine planting with 8034, 8236 and 8168 kg/ha grain yield ranked next as they out-yielded the control by 19%, 19%, 21% and 21%, respectively. It was concluded that machine planting with planting densities of 15.9, 20.8 and 27.8 hills/m² is advantageous, at least when using old paddy rice seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the phenological stages and yield of wheat cultivars in response to the change of planting date and application of paclobutrazol, a field experiment was conducted in two years, 2020-2021 and 2021-2022, in Izeh city located in the northeast of Khuzestan, Southwest Iran. The experiment had three replications in a split factorial randomized complete block design. The main factor included planting date (November 16, December 11, and January 5) and the sub factors in the factorial form included cultivars (Karim, Mehrgan, and Chamran2) and the application of paclobutrazol (0, 60, 120 mg/L). In both years, the highest seeds/m² (18847) belonged to Chmaran2 genotype when sown on 16 November and received 60 mg/L paclobutrazol. When the genotypes were sown in the delayed planting date of January 5, application of 60 and 120 mg/L paclobutrazol led to an increase in seed yield compared to the 0 paclobutrazol. With the application of 60 mg/L paclobutrazol, the seed yield of Chamran2 genotype was higher on the planting dates of November 16 (6941 kg/ha) and December 11 (6779 kg/ha), compared to other paclobutrazol levels. Chamran2 and Karim genotypes indicated the greatest and smallest number of days and growing degree days, respectively, in different stages of growth and development. However, these genotypes did not show significant difference in terms of biological yield, grain yield, and harvest index. When plants were sown on January 5, the length of the plant growth period from the planting to physiological maturity was reduced by 34 days compared to when sown on November 16. Overall, the effect of paclobutrazol on seed yield was positive, and the consumption of 120 mg/L paclobutrazol moderated the negative effects of the delayed planting of the examined wheat genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For identification of correlations and relations among different traits in bread wheat, 30 genotypes were investigated based on a split plot experiment in the form of randomized complete block design with three replications under normal and moisture stress conditions during the 2016-2017 crop season. The results of the analysis of variance showed that the effect of genotypes was significant for most of the studied traits. The interaction effect of drought stress and genotype was significant for all examined traits except 1000-grain weight. Genotypes c-94-3 and Heidari were recognized as the best genotypes with average grain yield of 437 and 427 g/m², respectively, in normal conditions. Under drought conditions, genotypes cd-4 and cd-6 had the lowest grain yield with an average of 104 and 108 g/m², respectively. Based on the results of multiple regression in field experiment, under optimal irrigation conditions, flag leaf area, spike density, number of days to 50% flowering and spike length, (R² = 0.466) and under stress conditions, grain filling rate, grain filling period and straw yield (R² = 0.736) were considered as important traits affecting grain yield. Path analysis of grain yield under normal conditions indicated that the flag leaf area, spike density and spike length, and under stress conditions, the grain filling rate, grain filling period and straw yield, with the greatest direct positive effect were the important and effective traits in grain yield. Based on the results of the analysis of the grain yield correlation coefficients under normal condition, the number of kernels per spike, 1000-grain weight, flag leaf area, spike density and spike length, and under stress conditions, the number of kernels per spike, the grain filling rate, grain filling period and straw yield, were considered as the traits affecting grain yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effect of chemical and biological nitrogen fertilizer on canola, a field experiment was conducted as a split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the research station of the Faculty of Agriculture, Yasouj University, located in Deshtrum region, in 2019 . The main factor consisted of nitrogen fertilizer (zero, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 kg/ha of pure nitrogen from urea source) and the secondary factor consisted of nitroxin biofertilizer contained Azotobacter and Azospirillium bacteria (use and non-use). The results showed that nitrogen fertilizer and nitroxin had a significant effect on all investigated traits. Nitrogen fertilizer significantly increased plant height, number of lateral branches, chlorophyll index and oil yield. The highest grain (8790.60 kg/ha) and biological (23910.93 kg/ha) yield were obtained in 125 kg/ha of nitrogen and the use of nitroxin. With the consumption of 125 kg/ha of nitrogen and nitroxin, the lowest percentage of seed oil, and contrastingly the highest percentage of seed protein (36.65%) was obtained. In general, combined application of biofertilizer with chemical nitrogen increased grain, biological and oil yield. Nitroxin bio -fertilizer could reduce the consumption of chemical nitrogen fertilizer. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the application of 50 kg/ha of nitrogen + bacteria and the application of higher levels of nitrogen (75, 100 and 125 kg/ha) alone in most of the investigated traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate quantitative and qualitative traits as well as thrips resistance of onion genotypes, an experiment was conducted at Behbahan Agricultural Research Station, Behbahan, Khuzestan, Iran from 2013 to 2015. The experiment was a split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. Pesticide-treated and pesticidefree plots were considered as sub plots and ten onion genotypes (Behbahan, Padook, Ramhormoz, Iranshahr, Borazjan, Dorcheh Esfahan, and Kamerei Khomain landraces, Primavera and Texas early grano cultivars and improved population of Behbahan onion) were considered as main plots. The seeds were sown in nursery bed in early October and the seedlings were transplanted into the field at 2-3 leaf stage in mid-November. The bulbs were harvested when 50-80% of foliage top had fallen and collapsed. Among different thrips species the Thrips tabaci Lindeman was the predominant in the experimental field. To control the thrips, the pesticide was applied 4 and 3 times in the first and second years of experiment, respectively. Leaf length, total and marketable yield, mean bulb weight and bulb dry matter percentage were significantly higher in the pesticide-treated plots than in the pesticide-free plots. However, thrips population was significantly lower in the pesticide-treated plots than the pesticide-free ones. Also, the spraying had not significant effect on the number of leaves. Due to the lack of significant differences between total and marketable yield of Ramhormoz genotype in the pesticide-treated plots and pesticide-free plots, it can be concluded that this genotype is capable of resisting thrips, at least in part, compared to the other genotypes. While Texas early grano cultivar produced the highest yield in the pesticide-treated plots, in the pesticide-free plots the highest yield belonged to Primavera cultivar. According to the results obtained, it can be concluded that the Texas early grano and Primavera cultivars are suitable for cultivation in the presence and absence of anti-thrips pesticides, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse environmental conditions cause stress in plants, and some plant growth regulators (PGR’s) improve plant tolerance to these undesirable conditions. In order to study the effect of gibberellin, cytokinin and cycocle on some physiological traits of two wheat cultivars under different irrigation regimes, a study was conducted as a split-split plot experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Agricultural Research Station of Kurdistan University, Sanandaj, Iran in 2016. Irrigation at four levels: rainfed, irrigation at booting stage, irrigation at booting + flowering and irrigation at booting + flowering + grain filling stages as the main plots, two wheat cultivars (Sirvan and Homa) as sub-plots and levels of plant growth regulators foliar application including control (no-PGR), gibberellin (100 µm), cytokinin (100 µm) and cycocel (3 g l-1 ) at the wheat stem elongation and grain filling stages as the sub-sub plots were examined. The results showed that soluble carbohydrates concentration was higher in rainfed conditions, compared to the other levels of irrigation. Relative water content, rate of water loss and maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) increased due to irrigation, relative to the rainfed condition. A higher chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll concentration was observed with cytokinin spray in the presence of the three irrigation treatments. The results also indicate that, at the stem elongation and grain filling stages, foliar application of gibberellin reduced the rate of leaf water loss. Application of cytokinin and cycocel increased the concent of carotenoids, application of gibberellin and cycocel increased the Fv/Fm and the use of all three PGR’s increased soluble carbohydrates concentration compared to the no-PGR condition. The highest grain yield was obtained with cytokinin and cycocel spray at the wheat stem elongation and with the application of cycocel at grain filling stages under the condition of irrigation at booting + flowering + grain filling stages. Homa cultivar produced a higher grain yield compared to Sirvan. It may be concluded that the application of cytokinin and cycocel is beneficial to some physiological attributes and hence increasing the grain yield of wheat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effect of planting arrangement on growth indices and grain yield of a red bean cultivar (Sayyad cultivar), The experiment was conducted in a split-plot randomized complete block design with 4 replications in Jihad Agricultural Services Center of Al-Mahdi town, Azna. The main factor consisted three row spacings including 20, 30 and 45 cm and the sub-factor consisted three densities including 40, 50, and 60 plants m-2. The results showed that by reducing the row spacing dry matter accumulation, CGR and LAI at different periods of growth and grain yield increased. However, changing the row spacing did not have a significant effect on RGR and NAR. With increasing plant density, the dry matter accumulation, CGR and LAI over the course of plant development, RGR and NAR in reproductive stage and thus grain yield increased. Plant density had no significant effect on RGR and NAR in vegetative growth stage and maximum NAR. Considering the increase in most traits in the row spacing of 20 cm and a density of 60 plants m-2, this type of planting arrangement might be suitable for cultivation of red been under similar environmental conditions in Azna, Lorestan, Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effect of supplementary irrigation on dryland wheat cultivars, an experiment was conducted as a factorial in randomized complete block design with three replications during cropping seasons 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. The factors were drought stress levels (dryland and supplemental irrigation) and wheat cultivars (Homa, Sardari, Rijaw, Ouhadi and Azar2). Supplemental irrigation significantly increased grain yield. In both cropping seasons, drought stress increased free amino acids and glycine betaine and decreased relative water content (RWC) and rate of water loss (RWL). Negative and significant correlation of RWL with free amino acids of leaf and glycine betaine and also positive and significant correlation of RWC with glycine betaine level indicated that the higher the concentration of osmotic compounds in leaves, the lower the rate of leaf water loss and the higher the leaf water content. The results of this study confirmed that adequate water supply by using supplementary irrigation in the most sensitive stages of wheat growth is a viable strategy to improve the physiological traits of the plant and hence obtain an acceptable grain yield under dryland conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of salinity stress on grain quality traits of wheat were investigated using 180 lines of F5 generation in two environments (normal and salinity stress). A randomized complete block designs with three replications was used in each of the environments at the Research Farm of the Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Station of Isfahan in 2019-2020 cropping season. Grain yield, protein yield, grain moisture content, grain hardness, volume of Zeleny sediment, protein content, bread volume, wet gluten percentage, and gluten index were evaluated. Analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences among the lines for all traits studied in two environmental conditions. Moreover, the results showed that the quality in bread wheat was improved under salinity stress conditions due to increment in protein content and grain hardness. Grain protein yield in both environments had a significant and negative correlation with grain moisture as well as bread volume. In the other hand, grain hardness showed a significant and positive correlation with the Zeleny sedimentation and water absorption in both environmental conditions. The results showed that the identification of favorable quality characteristics in normal and stressed conditions were possible and the lines with high grain quality can be used in breeding programs for improving baking quality. Although salinity caused the decrease in grain yield, the content of protein and the Zeleny sedimentation volume increased in this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to define a suitable sowing date and effect of nitrogen fertilizer on quinoa, a randomized complete block design field experiment was conducted based on a split-plot design with three replications in 2019 at Ahar, Iran. Experimental treatments included: Five sowing dates (Feb. 24, Mar. 11, Mar. 25, Apr. 9 and Apr. 25) as main plot and five levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 90, 180, 270 and 360 kg ha-1 ) as sub plots. Results indicated that maximum 1000-seed weight (3.48 g) was obtained at sowing date of 25 Apr. under 180 kg ha-1 nitrogen and the highest grain yield and biomass were observed at sowing date of 25 Apr. with application of 270 and 360 kg ha-1 nitrogen fertilizer. The highest plant height and grain nitrogen percentage were obtained in the sowing date of 25 Apr. with application of 90, 180, 270 and 360 kg ha-1 . A significant increase in nitrogen agronomic efficiency was observed with increasing application of nitrogen from control to 90 kg ha-1 in all sowing dates. The highest growing period (with 137 days) was observed at sowing date of 24 Feb. and the lowest growing period (with 95 days) was observed at sowing date of 25 Apr. Generally, the sowing date of 25 Apr. with application of 270 kg ha-1 nitrogen fertilizer is suitable for Ahar region owing to the shortest growing period and highest grain yield and biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate the ability of wheat cultivars to accumulate reserves in the stem and remobilization of these reserves to seeds under heat stress resulting from delayed sowing and to investigate the effect of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria on this ability, this study was carried out as split factorial based on a complete randomized block design with three replications in Haftkol, Khuzestan, Iran, in the growing season of 2016-2017. The main factor consisted of sowing date in two levels (22 November as conventional and 2 January as delayed seeding dates) and a factorial of the two subfactors consisting of five bread wheat cultivars (Chamran2, Mehregan, Sirvan, Shush and Barat) and two levels of application of phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Pseudomonas putida (P13) and Pantoea agglomerans (P5), (inoculation and without inoculation). The results showed that the reduction of stem specific weight (28.5%), stem length (18.7%) and effective grain filling duration (38.3%) were the most important reasons for reducing dry matter remobilization to stem and the efficiency of this remobilization in delayed sowing. At both sowing dates under bacterial seed inoculation conditions, the dry matter remobilization efficiency was 8.5% lower than the non-inoculated conditions. In the conventional sowing date, the relationship between spike weight and dry matter remobilization was positive and significant, but at delayed sowing date, spike weight and grain yield were not significantly related to dry matter remobilization and efficiency. In general, stem specific weight was recognized as the most important factor affecting the accumulation of reserves in the stem and Mehregan cultivar, with the ability to utilize stem reserves, was introduced as a suitable cultivar for delayed cultivation in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effect of planting method and sugarcane residue compost fertilizer on morphological and physiological traits and grain yield of corn, a field experiment using a split-plot arrangement was accomplished in a randomized complete block design with four replicates in Mian-Ab, Shooshtar, south-west Iran in summer 2018. Experimental factors included four planting methods (on ridges, on watermark, in furrows, and on flat ground) as main factor in main plots and four amounts of sugarcane residues compost (0, 10, 20, and 30 t ha-1 ) in sub-plots. Results showed that the effects of planting method, sugarcane residue compost, and their interaction were significant on the leaf area index, plant height, ear height, SPAD, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, grains/ear, thousand grain weight and grain yield. Mean comparison showed that the maximum amount of the examined corn traits was obtained in furrow planting and using 30 t ha-1 of sugarcane residue compost and the lowest amounts were observed in ridge planting and absence of sugarcane residue compost. The highest grain yield (6497 kg ha-1 ) was achieved in furrow planting and presence of 30 t ha-1 of sugarcane residue compost and the lowest grain yield (3870 kg ha-1 ) was in ridge planting and absence of sugarcane residue compost. In general, it seems that furrow planting by providing better growth conditions and consumption of sugarcane residues compost fertilizer due perhaps to improvement in soil nutrient availability and moisture storage capacity increase the growth and grain yield of corn in Shooshtar region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the effect of foliar application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) (0, 50, 100, and 200 µM) and salt stress (2 (non-stress), 4 and 8 dS m-1 ) on the improvement of salinity stress tolerance in narcissus was studied in the Research Greenhouse, Islamic Azad University of Isfahan (Khorasgan) during 2019-2020. In this research, a pot experiment was conducted, as factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications. With increase in salinity, chlorophyll content, membrane stability index, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of shoots and roots and K concentration of narcissus decreased but Na and Cl concentrations increased in the leaves and bulbs. However, foliar-applied MeJA led to decreases in the concentration of Na and Cl and increase in the concentration of K in the plant tissue, resulting in improvement of the growth and plant biomass of the salt-stressed plants. Application of 50, 100 and 200 μM MeJA led to 5%, 14%, 7% reductions in leaf Na, 4%, 17%, 3% reductions in bulb Na, and 11%, 13%, 7% reductions in leaf Cl concentrations, respectively, of narcissus subjected to 8 dS m-1 salinity, compared to the absence of MeJA treatment. Moreover, application of 100 μM MeJA increased leaf K by 12%. Therefore, application of 100 μM MeJA was proven to be superior to other levels used in this study in increasing the tolerance of narcissus to saline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pod drop and seed losses in rapeseed is one of the most important problems in the cultivation of this plant and determining the most appropriate harvesting time can greatly prevent this problem and subsequently reduce the grain yield reduction. Thus, the present research was conducted as a split-plot in time in the form of a randomized complete block design with three replications during the crop year of 2019-2020 in the Research Station of the Rice Research Institute of Iran in Rasht. The main factor was rapeseed genotypes at 22 levels and the subfactor was harvesting time at three levels (including the amount of moisture between 30-40, 20-30, and 10-20% in the third grade of the lower stage of the original stem). The results of analysis of variance showed that in addition to the significance of yield-related traits in rapeseed lines, the interaction of lines in time was also significant, which shows the effect of harvesting time on rapeseed lines is different. In most of the lines, the highest and lowest grain yields were related to the first and second harvesting time, respectively. The highest grain yield was found for SRL-98-17 with a mean of 3662 kg ha-1. Number of siliques per line due to loss of pods decreased from the first to the third harvesting time. However, SRL98-9, SR-98-19, SRL-98-1 and SRL-98-11 had the lowest loss of grains. According to these results, it seems that the first harvesting time results in the highest grain yield, hastens the harvest of rapeseed by one week, and potentiates it as a suitable choice for inclusion in the rotation after a rice crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 14 advanced chickpea genotypes selected from regional experiments with Adel and Azad, as control cultivars, were cultivated in a randomized complete block design with three replications in eight environments (Gonbad, Gachsaran, Ilam and Khorramabad in three, two, two and one years, respectively) in Iran during 2017-2020 growing seasons. Combined analysis of variance showed that environment, genotype and genotype by environment interaction (GEI) explained 43.5, 19.8 and 36.7% of the total variation of grain yield, respectively. The first and second principal components accounted for 50.89% and 19.39% of variation, respectively. The polygonal view of biplot showed that genotypes G11, G14 and G9 were the most adaptable genotypes for environments E2, E3, E6, E7, E8, E4 and E5 and G8, G5 and G13 for E1. Based on average tester coordinate (ATC) view, genotypes G11, G5, G13 and G14 were the most stable and high-yielding genotypes. The GGE-biplot based on genotype-focused scaling showed that genotypes G11, G14, G8, G9 and G13, in the circles around the ideal genotype, were the most preferred genotypes. The priority index (PI) showed that in all environments and favourable environments (environments with higher than average grain yields), genotypes G11, G9, G16, G13 and G14 and in unfavourable environments (environments with lower than average grain yields), genotypes G11, G13, G14, G12 and G5 were superior genotypes. Based on different biplot views as well as priority index, genotypes G11, G14 and G5 had grain yields higher than average yield and yield of Adel and Azad cultivars. Further, given their grain yield stability in all environments they can be suitable candidates for introduction of new cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effect of seed priming on yield, yield components and some quality characteristics of rainfed wheat Azar2 cultivar, an experiment was conducted as a randomized complete blocks design with three replications in the Research Field of Kurdistan University, Sannandaj, Iran during two seasons (2018-2020). Priming treatments included control (nonprime), potassium chloride (1%), urea (2%), zinc sulfate (0.6%), calcium chloride (1.4%), vitasprin (1 g. l-1), cytokinin (50 ppm) and water (hydroprime). The results showed that in both years, priming of seeds with calcium chloride and water had positive effects on grain yield. In 2018-2019, calcium chloride priming increased the grain yield by 41% due mainly to increasing the number of spikes, biological yield and thousand kernel weight. In 2019-2020 grain yield increased by 10% due mainly to increasing thousand kernel weight. Also, in 2018-2019, seed priming with water increased grain yield by 27% due mainly to increasing the number of spikes and biological yield, and in 2019-2020 the 21% increase in grain yield was achieved by increasing biological yield and thousand kernel weight. Given the positive effects of hydropriming in both years and the high cost of using chemical compounds and nutrients for seed priming, hydropriming is proposed as a cost-effective method to increase grain yield of wheat in rainfed conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increasing need of the country to imported edible oil and rapeseed importance among oilseeds, efforts to increase its grain yield and oil content are of high importance. Therefore, recognizing the traits that increase grain yield of rapeseed has an important role in the success of breeding programs. Thus, sixteen rapeseed genotypes were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications in three regions with different climatic conditions in Iran, including Karaj, Isfahan, and Hamadan in 2016-2017. Traits such as number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, grain yield, 1000-grain weight, plant height, height of the first branch, stem diameter, oil percent, number of days to flowering, number of days to the end of flowering, duration of flowering, and number of days to maturity were measured. Stepwise regression analysis showed that number of grain/pod, number of days to maturity and number of pods/plant (R² = 97.7), number of pods/plant and number of days to maturity (R² =78.4) and number of days to maturity and number of grains/pod (R² = 45.5) accounted for total variations of grain yield in Karaj, Isfahan and Hamadan, respectively. The results showed that the number of days to maturity, number of pods/plant, number of grain/pods, stem diameter and plant height had the greatest positive effect on grain yield and oil content. Therefore, these traits can be used as suitable selection tools for increasing grain and oil yield in winter rapeseed breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effect of zeolite on growth indices, yield and grain yield components and protein of lentil in dryland and supplementary irrigation conditions, a field study was conducted in Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran. The experiment was performed as a split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main factor included three levels of irrigation (rainfed, one stage of supplementary irrigation and two stages of supplementary irrigation) and the second factor included the application of three levels of zeolite (0, 10 and 20 tons ha-¹). The results showed that supplementary irrigation increased the grain yield. Application of zeolite moderated the effect of drought stress. Zeolite improved grain yield, this improvement occurred under both supplementary irrigation and rainfed conditions. Though, the interaction of supplementary irrigation and zeolite on yield and yield components was not statistically significant. Supplementary irrigation and zeolite had a significant effect on growth indices and improved growth indices during the growing season. The highest grain yield (1741 kg ha-1) was obtained when supplementary irrigation was applied at two stages. Application of 20 tons ha-1 of zeolite increased grain yield by 50% compared to the control. Therefore, according to the findings of the present study, in conditions of water restriction, application of 20 tons ha-1 of zeolite may benefit lentil cultivation in Shahrekord, Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accumulation of nitrogen in vegetative organs and its translocation to grain of wheat are important processes that determine the yield and quality. In order to investigate the effect of supplemental irrigation nitrogen fertilizer on dry matter remobilization, yield and yield components of three wheat cultivars a split-split plot experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with 3 replications at Research Field of Kurdistan University, Sanandaj, west of Iran, during 2016-2017. Treatments were two levels of Irrigation (rainfed and irrigation at the booting stage) as main-plots, three rainfed cultivars (Sardari, Azar2, and Rejaw) as subplot and three rates of nitrogen (50 kg/ha N (N1), 100 kg/ha N (N2) and 100 kg/ha N plus 20 kg/ha N (N3) foliar application in Heading stage) as sub-subplot. The results showed that supplementary irrigation increased the concentration of leaf chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, proline, and glycine betaine and decreased the electrolyte leakage. Supplemental irrigation also increased leaf nitrogen, chaff and total nitrogen content at flowering stage. Rejaw cultivar had the highest leaf nitrogen remobilization efficiency and the lowest total nitrogen remobilization efficiency. N1 fertilizer treatment led to the lowest concentration of leaf chlorophyll a and b, proline, glycine betaine, and nitrogen, and stem, chaff and total nitrogen in both flowering and maturity stages. Nitrogen remobilization was affected by supplementary irrigation and different rates of nitrogen fertilizer. It seems that supplementary irrigation in the booting stage leads to an increase in nitrogen content in the vegetative organs, which is transferred to the grain during the seed filling stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effect of mycorrhizae and phosphate fertilizer on some physiological indices of growth and tuber yield of potato under moisture stress conditions, a field experiment was conducted in spring and summer of 2018 in Hamedan, west of Iran. This research was done as a factorial with three factors in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor was moisture stress at three levels of irrigation after 60 (control), 80 and 100 mm evaporation from class A evaporation pan, the second factor was mycorrhizae (Glomus mossea) at two levels of application and non-application and the third factor was phosphate fertilizer at two levels of application and nonapplication. The results showed that in the absence of moisture stress, the maximum leaf area index decreased by 10.5% with use of mycorrhizae, but in moderate and severe moisture stress, the use of mycorrhizae increased it by 12.3% and 18.8%, respectively. Under severe moisture stress, mycorrhizae increased net assimilation rate and crop growth rate by 43.6% and 76%, respectively. At all three levels of moisture stress, the presence of mycorrhizae increased phosphorus agronomic efficiency. The presence of mycorrhizae in no-moisture stress had no effect on tuber yield, but at moderate and severe moisture stress, mycorrhizae improved it by 16.4% and 34.7%, respectively. In severe moisture stress condition, the application of phosphate increased tuber yield by only 15.8% compared to non-application of phosphate. Therefore, for potato production in conditions of moisture stress, the use of mycorrhizae with phosphate fertilizer is suitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was conducted at the Behbahan Agriculture Research Station, Behbahan, south-west of Iran, for two years from 2016 to 2018 to study the postharvest losses of short-day onion cultivars in uncontrolled storage conditions (no heating, cooling and ventilation systems). Seeds were sown in nursery in early October and seedling transplanted at 2-3 leaf stage. Bulbs were harvested when 50-80% of foliage had dried and fallen and prepared for the experiment in both years. In the 1st year of experiment, the average of daily storage temperature and relative humidity ranged from 14.5 to 40.5°C and 27 to 60%, respectively. The average of daily storage temperature and relative humidity varied from 15 to 38 °C and 30 to 71%, respectively, in the 2nd year of experiment. This research was performed using a split plot experiment based on a randomized complete block design encompassing 80 treatments with 4 replications. Main plot consisted of 10 cultivars (‘Seba’, ‘Texas Early White’, ‘Imperateriz’, ‘Siroos’, ‘7030’, ‘X P red’, ‘Sapidan’, ‘Golden I’, ‘Texas Early Grano’ and ‘Primavera’) and bulbs evaluation in storage at eight times (one months after start of storage with one month interval) was considered as sub plot. The monthly bulb weight losses percentage decreased with time. The minimum weight loss (9.56%) was recorded in ‘Seba vultivar. The damage of black mold increased until the fourth month of storage and then decreased. ‘Sapidan’ was the most sensitive cultivar to damage of black mold (23.23%). The highest percentage of bulb rotting (29.65%) was observed in ‘Texas Early White’ cultivar. Bulb sprouting was observed from the fifth month of storage and the highest bulb sprouting (19.88%) belonged to ‘Siroos’ cultivar. Results were suggestive of difference in storability among cultivars, the maximum and minimum storability being recorded in ‘Seba’ and ‘Sapidan’, cultivars, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluation of the different genotypes under different environmental conditions helps plant breeders in detecting stable and high-yielding genotypes. In this regard, 13 winter rapeseed cultivars and lines were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications in six experimental field stations of cold and temperate regions of Iran (Isfahan, Hamedan, Karaj, Kermanshah, Khoy and Zarghan) during two cropping seasons. For analyzing genotype × environment interactions the multivariate method of additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) was used. The Results of combined analysis of variance indicated that 50.26, 4.68 and 23.49 percent of total variation were related to the environment, genotype and genotype × environment interaction effects, respectively. The results showed that the first five principal components of AMMI were significant and described 85.4% of the variance of genotype × environment interaction. Biplot graph of mean seed yield and first interaction principle revealed that genotype G13 had a higher average seed yield than the overall mean yield and lowest value for first principle component. Therefore, this genotype was selected as a high-yielding and stable genotype. Also, Zarghan and Khoy indicated the strongest interactions and, hence, were recognized as the most ideal environments for distinguishing and discriminating winter rapeseed genotypes. The cluster analysis classified the studied environments in three groups. The presence of Isfahan, Hamedan and Zarghan locations each in a group indicates that these locations had the higher predictability and repeatability power compared to other locations. Genotype G13 with mean seed yield of 4086.02 kg ha-1 and a broad adaptability could be used for cultivation in cold and temperate regions of Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most important commercial use of gibberellin in horticulture is to improve the yield and marketability of table grapes. This experiment was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of gibberellic acid on yield components of five-year-old Askariʼ seedless grapevines, based on a randomized complete block design. Gibberellic acid was sprayed on the foliage and clusters in two stages: First 10 mg/L of gibberellic acid was applied on all trees except the control, at the stage of cluster emergence (2-3 cm in length) and then, 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/L concentrations were used when the berries were at 1-2 mm diameter. Exogenous gibberellic acid application led to the significant increase in the average weight, volume, length and diameter of the berries compared to the control. Mean weight of cluster as well as vine total yield were also improved significantly by gibberellic acid treatments. The pH of fruit extract was increased by gibberellic acid treatment. Exogenous gibberellic acid decreased the soluble solids content of berries, but total acid content of berries was increased by gibberellic acid treatments. Gibberellic acid application had no significant effect on berry shape index (length/diameter ratio), berry volumetric mass (weight/volume ratio) and cluster axis length. Based on the results of this study, foliar application of 10 mg/L gibberellic acid increases the yield of Askariʼ cultivar and is potent to be used by the grape growers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of genotypes adapted to a particular region is of special interest to breeders and plant geneticists. In order to identify adapted genotypes in sesame lines based on multi-trait selection, an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with four replications at Moghan Agricultural Research Station of Ardabil Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center during the years 2017 and 2018. The genetic materials evaluated in this study were consisted of 14 superior lines from preliminary yield trails of the three different regions evaluated in 2016 (Derived from the management of segregated generations in a pedigree way) and Oltan cultivar as a check. Combined analysis of variance showed that the genotype and genotype × year interaction effects were significant for all of the studied traits. Biplot analysis of sesame genotypes showed that the first two components explained the 55.3% of the total variations of traits. Which-won-where/what polygon pattern based on different traits of sesame genotypes showed that G3 and G8 had the highest yield and yield components such as plant height, number of capsules per plant and oil content, respectively. Based on comparing of genotypes with ideal genotypes biplot, Shukla stability index, superiority index and heat map analysis, genotypes G3, G8 and G9 were better than Oltan cultivar, thus identified as the best genotypes. These genotypes have the potential to be used in research-extension trials for introduction as a new cultivar for cultivation in Moghan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is one of the most important factors limiting crop yield and foliar application of phytoprotectants is an important management strategy for increasing crop resistance to drought stress. This research was conducted at Rice Research Station of Tonekabon, Iran, in 2018 by using a split-plot based on a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. Main plots were irrigation regimes [common irrigation (control), and irrigation withold from tillering stage (45 days after transplanting)] and subplots were foliar application of phytoprotectants (control, selenium, silicon, ascorbic acid, salicylic acid). The results showed that irrigation withold from tillering stage caused a 29.3% reduction in grain yield in the absence of foliar application. Drought stress decreased plant height, tiller number and 1000-grain weight by 15.5, 14.95 and 3.34%, respectively. Drought stress increased proline content by 115%. Also, in the irrigation withold from tillering stage, foliar application with selenium, silicon, ascorbic acid, and salicylic acid led to increase in floret fertility percentage and 1000-grain weight, thereby increasing the grain yield up to 32.6, 31.9, 35.3 and 33.3%, respectively, compared to no foliar application (control). In general, the results of this study showed that foliar application of phytoprotectants can reduce the adverse effects of drought stress and improve the grain yield of rice under drought stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate drought tolerance in bread wheat, tritipyrum and triticale genotypes, 27 different genotypes were grown as a randomized complete block design under two irrigation regimes (control and drought) in two locations (Isfahan and Shiraz) during two growing seasons (2016 and 2017). Based on grain yield, several indices including stress tolerance index (STI), tolerance index (TOL), susceptibility index (SSI), mean productivity index (MP), geometric mean productivity index (GMP), drought sensitivity index (SDI), drought index (RDI), stress susceptibility percentage index (SSPI), Harmonic mean index (HARM) and Yield stability index (YSI) were calculated. According to the results of genotypes ranking in Isfahan region, triticale lines had the highest values of MP, GMP and STI indices over two years of study. In Shiraz region, triticale lines (4115 and 4116) had the highest values for drought tolerance indices. According to SSI and TOL indices, (triticale) and wheat genotypes (Bam, Omid and Alvand) were evaluated as drought tolerant genotypes in Isfahan region and Alvand and KaCr4 genotypes in Shiraz region in two years of evaluation. According to the correlation analyses, MP, GMP, HARM and STI indices had a positive and high correlation with grain yield in both stress and non-stress environments in both Isfahan and Shiraz regions. Superior-tolerant genotypes can be used in breeding programs to increase drought tolerance in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the genetic diversity of bread wheat, durum wheat and triticale using agronomic and physiological traits. Genetic diversity of 24 genotypes was evaluated in 2 locations (Research Farm of College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, located at Lavark, Najaf-Abad and Asheghabad farm), Isfahan, Iran, using a randomized complete block design with two replications in each location during 2016-217. In this study 20 bread wheat, 2 durum wheat and 2 triticale genotypes were examined. Results of analysis of variance showed that the effect of genotype for all traits, except for maximum fluorescence, was significant. In the studied traits, phenotypic and genetic variation coefficients did not considerably differ for most of the traits, indicating the prominent genetic effects on these traits. The correlation coefficients showed that there is a positive and significant correlation between grain yield with number of spike per plant, biological yield and harvest index. Factor analysis revealed four hidden factors that justified a total of 66.47 percent of the variation in the experimental materials. These factors were introduced as maturity period, grain, yield and photosynthesis, respectively. The cluster analysis of genotypes based on the studied traits divided the genotypes into four groups, some of which have desirable traits and are relevant for the breeding program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate drought tolerance of some safflower genotypes, an experiment was conducted at the Research Farm of Isfahan University of Technology in 2016 and 2017. In this study, 18 safflower genotypes selected from different local populations along with 2 exotic cultivars and one local population (21 genotypes) were separately evaluated at two normal (non-stress) and water deficit (stress) irrigation regimes, using a randomized complete block design with two replications. Drought tolerance and susceptible indices were calculated based on the seed yield. The results showed that there was significant differences among genotypes for seed yield. The genotypes M420 (4703 Kg/ha) and C116 (2723 Kg/ha) had the highest and lowest seed yield, respectively in normal irrigation condition, however, genotypes of A2 (2906 Kg/ha) and Arak2811 (1373 Kg/ha) had the highest and lowest seed yield, respectively in water deficit condition. Based on the correlation coefficients between indices and seed yield under both irrigation regimes, the indices of MP, GMP, STI, MpSTI and MsSTI were recognized as the best ones for identification of drought tolerant genotypes in safflower. The graphic biplot and cluster analysis indicated that genotypes M420, S149, K21, K12, E2428, E2417, ACStirling and A2 were more tolerant genotypes to water stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different nitrogen sources on qualitative and quantitative characters and economic benefit of potato (Sante cultvar). This experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four treatments and three replicates at Behbahan Agriculture Research Station, Behbahan, south-east Iran, in two years (2014 and 2016). Treatments were: 0 nitrogen fertilizer, 50% nitrogen from chemical fertilizer (as urea) + 50% nitrogen from vermicompost (50% M+50%V), 75% nitrogen from chemical fertilizer + 25% nitrogen from vermicompost (75% M+25%V) and 100% nitrogen from chemical fertilizer (100% M). The total and marketable tuber yield, nitrogen use efficiency and agronomic nitrogen use efficiency in 75% M+25%V were significantly higher than the other treatments. Application of vermicompost in both treatments significantly increased stem and tuber number and decreased tuber nitrate content as compared with 100% M. The effect of vermicompost on tuber dry matter percentage was not significant. Economic evaluation indicated the highest benefit may be achieved from 75% M+25%V. Supply of 75% required nitrogen fertilizer through vermicompost and 25% nitrogen from mineral fertilizer (as urea) can increase yield and qualitative characters of potato and farmers’ incomes in Behbahan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effects of supplementary irrigation and biofertilizers on grain yield, dry matter remobilization and some physiological traits of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under rainfed condition, a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications at in 2017. Factors included irrigation at three levels (no irrigation as rainfed (I1), supplementary irrigation at 50% heading (I2) and booting stages(I3) and biofertilizers application at four levels (without biofertilizers as control (Q1) , application of mycorrhiza(Q2), Azetobacter(Q3), both application of mycorrhiza and Azetobacter(Q4). The results showed that supplementary irrigation at heading stage with both application of mycorrhiza and Azetobacter increased efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), chlorophyll index and relative water content of flag leaf compared to non-application of biofertilizers under rainfed condition. Rainfed condition and no application of biofertilizers increased electrical conductivity and contribution of dry matter remobolization in grain yield. The highest and the lowest grain yields (268.2 and 206.5 g m-2 respectively) were obtained at supplementary irrigation at heading stage with both application of mycorrhiza and Azetobacter, and no application of biofertilizers under rainfed condition. In conclusion, it seems that application of biofertilizers and supplementary irrigation can increase grain yield of barley under rainfed condition due to improving some physiological traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate dry matter remobilization to seeds in the winter type rapeseed cultivars grown under drought stress conditions, an experiment was carried out using a randomized complete block design arranged in a split plot with three replicates in Shahre-Qods, Iran, in the 2011-2012 growing season. Irrigation treatments including control (irrigation after 80 mm evaporation from evaporation pan class A) and drought stress (irrigation withholding starting from stem elongation, flowering and silique formation stages) were allocated to the main plots and three winter type rapeseed cultivars (GKH2005, Opera and SLM046) were considered as the subplots. The results showed that drought stress increased dry matter remobilization and remobilization efficiency. By contrast, agronomic traits such as the number of siliques on the main stem and secondary branches, number of seeds per silique, 1000 seed weight, oil yield, harvest index and productivity effort (silique dry weight/biomass ratio) were decreased. The GKH2005 cultivar showed the maximum seed yield, which was 1058, 1409 and 2099 kg ha-1, when irrigation withholding started from stem elongation, flowering stage, and silique formation stages, respectively; this was due to the higher amount of remobilization and the efficiency of remobilization and maximum number of silique in the secondary branches. In general, the results suggest that higher remobilization and remobilization efficiency are among the most important drought stress tolerance mechanisms in the oilseed rape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate the forage quantity and quality of Sorghum in intercropping with soybean, a field experiment was carried out as a factorial based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, during the 2016 growing season. The first factor included different planting patterns with eight levels (soybean monocultures with densities of 40 and 50 plants m-2, sorghum monocultures with densities of 10 and 15 plants m-2, and intercropping of the two plant species with the mentioned densities); the second factor consisted of two levels of inoculation with nitroxin (Azotobacter chroococcum and Azospirillum brasilense) Bio-fertilizers and Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (Pseudomonas flurescence) and non-inoculation. The results showed that the highest (25.59 tons ha-1) and lowest total dry forage yield was obtained in intercropping soybean (with densities of 40 and 50 plants m-2) + sorghum (15 plants m-2) with inoculation and soybean monocultures (with densities of 40 and 50 plants m-2) without inoculation, respectively. Also, the highest and lowest values of forage ash, digestible dry matter (DDM) and net energy of lactation (NEL) were obtained in intercropping soybean (50 plants m-2) + sorghum (10 plants m-2) and monoculture of sorghum (15 plants m-2), respectively. The highest content of the acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was obtained in the monoculture of sorghum (15 plants m-2) without inoculation. In addition, application of bio-fertilizer increased the content of crude protein (CP), DDM, dry matter intake (DMI) and NEL by 6.29, 1.71, 3.29 and 2.72%, respectively, as compared to the control. Also, the highest land equivalent ratio and monetary advantage intercropping (MAI) were achieved in the intercropping of soybean (50 plants m-2) + sorghum (15 plants m-2). Generally, intercropping of soybean (50 plants m-2) + sorghum (15 plants m-2) and soybean (50 plants m-2) + sorghum (10 plants m-2) could be introduced as the best treatment in terms of forage quantity and quality, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate the forage quality in grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) intercropping with application of mycorrhiza fungus (Glomus intraradices), a field experiment was carried out as a randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with 10 treatments and 3 replications at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Iran during 2017 growing season. Treatments included planting patterns (sole planting of grass pea and barley, 75% grass pea+ 25% barley, 50% grass pea+ 50% barley, 25% grass pea+ 75% barley) with and without mycorrhiza inoculation. The highest water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and crude fiber (CF) were achieved in monoculture of inoculated and no-inoculated barley and 25% grass pea+ 75% barley planting patterns. Also, the highest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) belonged to monocultures of barley, while the lowest NDF and ADF related to grass pea sole cropping. Thus, the highest total digestible nutrients (TDN), dry matter intake (DMI), digestible dry matter (DDM) and net energy for lactation (NEL) were obtained in monoculture of inoculated grass pea. In addition, inoculation with Glomus intraradices improved the mixture forage quality by reducing the concentration of ADF and ADF, while DDM, DMI, TDN and RFV were increased. Overall, based on the examined quality indices, inoculated grass pea was found potent to produce a good-quality forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the response of morphology, yield and yield components of spring safflower (Carthamus tinctorious L.) cultivars to different sowing dates, an experiment was carried out using a split-plot design on the basis of a randomized complete block design with four replications, in Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khouzestan, south-west of Iran at 2016-2017. Experimental factors were four sowing dates (11 November, 2 December, 5 January and 3 February) in main plots and five safflower cultivars (Sina, Goldasht, Soffeh, local Esfahan (Kooseh) and Faraman) in sub plots. The analysis of variance showed that the interaction effect of sowing date and cultivar was significant on all measured traits except plant height and grain oil percent. The mean comparisons showed that the highest grain yield (3722 kg/ha) and oil yield (837 kg/ha) were produced in sowing date of 11 November by Goldasht cultivar, and the lowest grain yield (351 kg/ha) and oil yield (71 kg/ha) were observed in sowing date of 3 February by Faraman cultivar. The highest amount of measured traits were achieved in the first sowing date (November 11) and delays in sowing date and, hence, occurrence of a terminal heat stress in flowering and grain filling phase decreased the grain yield and oil yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study yield, yield components and agronomic efficiency of phosphorus in soybean affected by simultaneous placement of nitrogen with phosphorus, an experiment was carried out under moisture stress conditions, at Agricultural Research Station of Bu Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran in 2017 in a factorial split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor of moisture stress which was placed in the main plots included three levels of irrigation after 60, 90 and 120 mm evaporation, and two factors of nitrogen (in two levels of placement and no placement) and phosphorus (in two levels of placement and no-application) were appointed to sub plots. The results showed that with nitrogen placement the number of pods per plant and the number of seeds per pod were increased by 8 and 16.21%, respectively. Nitrogen placement with phosphorus increased grain yield by 11.4% compared to non-placement of nitrogen with phosphorus and yielded 3855 kg/ha. Nitrogen placement at irrigation after 60, 90 and 120 mm evaporation increased phosphorus agronomic efficiency by 14.3, 27.6 and 35.4%, respectively. Oil yield was increased by placing nitrogen with phosphorus at irrigation after 60 mm evaporation, by 19.7%, compared to phosphorus alone treatment. In general, nitrogen placing with phosphorus at all irrigation levels increased grain and oil yields and reduced the negative effect of moisture stress on soybeans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effects of sulfuric acid, humic acid and potassium nitrate foliar spraying on quantitative and qualitative of marigold a field trial was conducted in Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan, Iran in 2015-2016. This study was carried out using a split factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Treatments included potassium nitrate (N1=no application, N2=250 ppm and N3= 500 ppm) as the main factor, sulfuric acid (S1=no application and S2=5 L/ha) and humic acid (H1=no application and H2=16 kg/ha) as the second factor. Studied traits included capitol diameter, number of ray flowers in inflorescences, total number of inflorescences per m2, fresh and dry weight of inflorescences, harvest index, petal carotenoid concentrations, antioxidant activity and petal color quality (L*a*b parameters). The highest inflorescence dry weight (53 g m-2), fresh and dry weight of inflorescences (380 g m-2), total number of inflorescences per m2 (372), number of ray flowers in inflorescences (58) and harvest index (14%) were detected in N2S1, N2S2, N2S2, N2S1 and N1H2, respectively. The least antioxidant activity (0.048 mg ml-1) was obtained in S1H2. The highest a (5.23) and L (61.64) color parameters for yellow flowers and b (84.44) color parameter for orange flowers were found in N1S1H1, N3S2H2 and N2H2, respectively. In general, the best treatments for the two important traits of inflorescence dry matter yield and number of inflorescences per square meter were N2S1 and N2S2, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to investigate the effects of nitrogen fertilization and municipal waste compost on yield, yield components and some of the grain macronutrients of sweet corn. A field experiment was carried out as a split plot in randomized complete block design with three replications in 2015 at Agriculture and Natural Resources Research Center Zarghan-Fars, Iran. The main plot consisted of four levels of nitrogen (0, 75, 150, and 225 kg ha-1) and the subplot included four levels of municipal waste compost (15, 30, 45, and 60 ton ha-1). Results showed that nitrogen and compost amendments increased row number per ear, grain number per row and 1000 grain weight. The highest ear yield and grain yield (21200 and 10140 kg ha-1, respectively) were obtained with application of 150 kg N ha-1 plus 45 ton ha-1 compost. Increasing nitrogen rate led to increase in grain nitrogen content. Increasing municipal waste compost up to 60 ton ha-1 led to increase in nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content of grain. There was no significant difference between grain yield achieved in the presence of a combination of 75 kg N ha-1 plus 45 ton ha-1 compost and a combination of 150 kg N ha-1 plus 60 ton ha-1 compost. So, applying 45 ton ha-1 compost can reduce nitrogen application up to 75 kg ha-1. Our results illustrated that the combined application of nitrogen and municipal waste compost could be an alternative approach for decreasing the reliance on chemical fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of spraying of Zinc oxide nanoparticles at three concentrations (0, 1000 and 2000 ppm) on the response of Capsicum annuum L. to different levels of salinity (0, 25, 50 and 75 mM NaCl) was evaluated. The experiment was carried out as factorial based on randomized complete block design with four replications in pot culture conditions. The high concentration of salt and Zinc oxide nanoparticles reduced the amount of chlorophyll, carotenoids, total phenol, leaf dry weight, proline content, total soluble carbohydrate, plant height, stem diameter and catalase enzyme activity but increased the amount of malondealdehyde (MDA). Rising the salinity level to 50 mM, increased the soluble carbohydrates content but further increase to 75 mM salinity led to decrease in the soluble carbohydrates content. The interaction of salinity and Zinc oxide nanoparticles was significant on chlorophyll, proline, malondealdehyde (MDA), total phenol, carotenoids, and soluble carbohydrates concentrations, and leaf dry weight. The result of this experiment showed that Zinc oxide foliar application in the form of nanoparticles is potent to reduce the damages of salinity to pepper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the effect of irrigation levels and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria on yield, some physiological and biochemical indices of rapeseed, a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications in Agricultural Research Station of Ardabil, Ardabil, Iran in 2016. The factors included in the experiment were irrigation in three levels (irrigation withholding at 50% of flowering and pod formation stages, irrigation withholding at 50% of grain formation stage, full irrigation or control) and application of bio-fertilizers in four levels (no inoculation, inoculations with Nitrobacter, Psedomonas and Azospirillum). Results showed that water limitation decreased yield, quantum yield, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll index, linoleic acid, eicosenoic acid and palmitoleic acid, but increased erucic acid, arashidic acid and proline contents. Mean comparisons showed that the highest grain yield (1.62 ton ha-1), quantum yield (0.523), stomatal conductance (14.7 mmol m-2 s-1), chlorophyll content (32.9), linoleic acid (10.45%) and eicosenoic acid contents (1.34%) were obtained in inoculation with Azosprillum and full irrigation. The highest contents of erucic acid (2.89%) and arashidic acid (0.94%) were observed at no inoculation and irrigation withholding in grain formation stage. The maximum of proline content (1.52 μg g-1 FW) was obtained in inoculation with Azosprillum and irrigation withholding at flowering and pod formation stage. It seems that application of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria leads to improving of some physiological traits such as quantum yield, chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance and proline content and can be recommended for profitable canola production under water limitation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]