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The biological and organic fertilizers application under drought stress can reduce the adverse effects of this global issue and improve plant growth and development parameters. Therefore, this study was conducted in two crop years of 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 in the climatic conditions of Chalus city, Iran. The split-factorial experiment was conducted in the form of a basic randomized complete block design with 3 replications. The main factor included irrigation deficit at three levels (100, 80, and 60% of water requirement) and the secondary factors included biological fertilizer (control, mycorrhizal fungus, and Enterobacter) and organic fertilizer (no use, 16, and 24 tons per hectare) in a factorial manner. The results of the mean comparison showed that the highest seed yield was observed in the second year under 100% irrigation and application of 24 t/h of organic fertilizer and mycorrhiza at the rate of 126.1 g/m2; Subsequently, theco application of 80% water requirement and 24 t/h of organic fertilizer and Enterobacter treatments in the second year caused the highest amount of 124.3 g/m2. Generally, the 60% water requirement reduced grain yield compared to other water requirements levels. According to the results of this study, the organic and biological fertilization under drought stress conditions can significantly improve the quantitative and qualitative yield of mung bean. Therefore, it is recommended that the organic and biological fertilizers can be applied in drylands to mitigate drought stress conditions, and improve the growth, yield and quality of mung beans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the first grain in the world in terms of its importance and amount of production. The aim of this research is to find the genetic diversity among the spring wheat genotypes for use in crop breeding programs. Methods: For this purpose, the genetic diversity of 32 spring wheat genotypes cultivated in the Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in the crop year of 1221-1222 was investigated by measuring 12 kernel and flour quality traits. Results: The results of analysis of principal components illustrated that the first five components explained a total of 98.28 percent of the variation among traits. The cluster analysis divided the studied genotypes into four groups. Based on the obtained results, the cultivars in the first group, all of which were Iranian, had the highest values of grain gluten, flour gluten and flour protein. The second group, which included the genotypes of Iraq, had the highest values in terms of grain moisture and index, and the lowest values in terms of flour protein, falling number, and hectoliter. Conclusion: The studied spring wheat cultivars showed high genetic diversity in terms of traits. Therefore, suitable parents can be selected based on the desired trait, for crossing between cultivars in future breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objective: Bio fertilizers are one of the prominent components of sustainable agricultural systems to reduce the inputs of chemical fertilizers. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of biochar and foliar use of algae extract on the growth and some physiological traits of Tanacetum balsamita L. Materials and Methods: The effects of biochar (zero, 10 and 20 tons per hectare) and foliar application of Ascophyllum nodosum extract (zero, 2 and 4 ml.L-1 ) were assayed on the growth and physiological responses of Tanacetum balsamita as a factorial experiment based on the randomized complete block design with three replications during 2019-2020 under the field condition. Results: The interactions of biochar × algae foliar application influenced the dry weight, leaf area, essential oil content and also the protein, phenolics, flavonoids, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content of plants. The utmost plant dry weight, leaf area, proteins, phenolics, flavonoids, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content was recorded in 20 ton/ ha of biochar × 2 and 4 ml L-1 of algae extract and, 10 ton/he of biochar × 4 ml L-1 algae treatment. The highest chlorophyll index belonged to the application of 10 and 20 ton/ha of biochar × 4 ml L-1 of algae extract. 20 ton/ha biochar × 4 ml.L-1 of algae extract enhanced plant height up to 76 cm which was 59% higher than the control. 20 ton/ ha biochar × 4 ml.L-1 of foliar treatment increased the essential oil yield in plants. Conclusion: The overall results revealed that 20 ton/ha biochar along with foliar spraying of 4 ml L-1 algae extract had promising effects on essential oil yield of Tanacetum balsamita. The results with some more detailed studies would be advisable to the extension section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objective: The aims of study were to investigate the intercropping of barley and vetch at different levels of nitrogen fertilizer and to find the best planting arrangement. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of barley were investigated in intercropping with vetch. Materials & Methods: An experiment was carried out in the 2017-2018, in two research stations, Sisab and Shirvan, Northern Khorasan province. The type of experimental design was a split plot based on a randomized complete block design, with the main factor including nitrogen fertilizer at three levels (zero, 50 and 100 kilograms per hectare) and the sub-factor of different cultivation patterns at five levels (barley monoculture, vetch monoculture, Additive ratios: 15, 30, and 45 increased the density of vetch to barley) and the cultivation was additive mixed cropping. The studied traits included: barley plant height, barley ash content, and neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDF), number of grains per barley spike, number of spikes per square meter of barley, weight of 1000 grains, protein content and grain yield. Results: Based on the comparison of the average interaction effect of nitrogen*mixed cropping components, the highest amount of barley ash was obtained in the mixed cropping treatment of 100:45 and in the fertilizer treatment of 100 kg nitrogen, while the lowest amount of this attribute was related to the mixed cropping treatments of 100:15 and It was pure barley that was obtained in the treatment of not using nitrogen, also the highest amount of barley protein and also the weight of 1000 grains were obtained in the treatments of 100:45 and pure barley cultivation, which was obtained in the treatment of using 100 kg of nitrogen per hectare. . Based on the results of the comparison of the average of the three ways interaction, the highest grain yield was obtained in the pure cultivation of barley and in the nitrogen treatment of 100 kg (1675 kg.ha-1 ), which was related to Sisab region, and the lowest grain yield (790 kg.ha-1 ) was obtained in mixed cultivation of 100:30 and 50 kg.ha1 nitrogen treatment, which was related to Shirvan region. Land equality index in mixed cropping treatment was 100:45 and 50 kg/ha nitrogen had the highest amount (LER=1.158) which was obtained in Shirvan region. Conclusion: The results showed that the highest grain yield was obtained at the fertilizer level of 50 kg of pure nitrogen per hectare. In addition, each barley plant had the highest performance in monocropping, but by calculating LER, which directly shows the amount of increase or decrease in yield in mixed cultivation, the usefulness of mixed cultivation of barley and vetch was acceptable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the effect of nitrogen fertilizers on growth indices, chlorophyll content, protein of the aerial parts, and the amount of potassium and phosphorus in the roots and aerial parts of Euphorbia tirucali. Plants obtained from seven-month cuttings, spent four months in soil without fertilizer (control) or in twelve treatments including biofertilizer containing Azotobacter crococum, urea fertilizer and four common types of NPK fertilizer in two concentrations of 2 and 4 g / l in complete randomized blocks in the greenhouse of the Islamic Azad University of Gorgan from the beginning of March 2019.The growth indices including the dry and fresh weight of the plant, roots and shoots as well as the ratio of fresh and dry weight of the root to the plant have been studied. The results of the present study showed that, contrary to expectations, chemical fertilizers, especially urea, mostly reduced the growth indices and especially the growth of the root system. Biofertilizers also did not improve growth indices compared to the control. Also, the use of these fertilizers did not increase the protein content of the aerial parts. Despite the increase in root potassium in some treatments or the increase in phosphorus transfer from root to shoot in most treatments, the correlation study showed that changes in root potassium or shoot phosphorus content were not correlated with growth changes. However, an increase in shoot phosphorus showed a significant positive or negative correlation with shoot chlorophyll a and b content, respectively. Changes in chlorophyll content also had a negative correlation with root system development. The need to reconsider the cost of nitrogen fertilizer for this plant is a practical result of the present work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spirulina platensis on the growth performance and composition of Anodonta cygnea carcass. These mussels were caught from Selka area of Anzali lagoon and transferred to the laboratory. After acclimatization, 72 mussels (6 per replicate) with an average weight of 55.80±3.26g were distributed among twelve 3-liter plastic tanks filled with well water. Mussels, during 16 weeks, were fed with four different diets including C: control (green water produced with well water), T1: 70% green water + 30% Spirulina powder solution, T2: 40% green water + 60% Spirulina powder solution and T3: 100 mL Spirulina powder solution. During the feeding period, water temperature was recorded as 17.51±0.45°C. After 8 and 16 weeks, 3 mussels from each tank (replicate) were collected to measure carcass composition including protein, fat, moisture and ash contents. Based on the results, no significant difference was observed in growth indices. Examining the proximate composition of the carcass in week 8 showed the percentage of protein at the beginning of the experiment was significantly lower than T2 and T3 treatments (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed between the amounts of fat and ash in different treatments (P>0.05). The amount of moisture in the control treatment was significantly lower than the other treatments (P<0.05). Also, after the end of the feeding period (16 weeks), the protein, fat, dry matter and ash contents were significantly more than the beginning of experiment (P<0.05). In conclusion, according to the obtained results, it is recommended to use Spirulina in the diet of Anodonta mussel due to its effect on increasing the amount of carcass protein [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here the advantages of employing a biorefinery approach in conjunction with optimization techniques were utilized to attain high overall process efficiency. Initially, an alkaline pH-shift process assisted by ultrasonic and its subsequent optimization were employed to maximize the extraction yield and whiteness index of muscle proteins isolated from lanternfish (B. pterotum). The optimal strategy was determined as follows: 6 mL g-1, pH1 (solubilization) 11.5, 310 W, and pH2 (precipitation) 5.8 with desirability of 0.84.Collagen hydrolysate was obtained from the connective tissue-containing sediment residue emerging during pH-shift process. The optimal isolated protein (OIP) was utilized to produce heat-set gels in combination with collagen hydrolysate. Breaking force and deformation of the OIP gel were measured at 123 (g) and 10.12 (mm) respectively. Collagen hydrolysate made breaking force (up to 2% w/w) and deformation (up to 10% w/w) improved and had positive effects on color characteristics (especially whiteness index) as well as water holding capacity. Hence, it can be concluded that the integration of a novel extraction technique such as ultrasonic with pH-shift process followed by optimization, as well as concurrent utilization of muscle and connective tissue proteins through a biorefinery approach; provides a significant advancement towards scaling up the extraction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Barley grain is the main feed for cattle in many regions of the world. The digestibility of barley grain is restricted by its fibrous shell and intact pericarp. The extent and rate of digestion of ruminal carbohydrates and barley grain can be manipulated through processing. Barley processing can be a valuable tool to optimize the production of lactating dairy cows. The application of combinations of heat, moisture, time and mechanical action may influence the quality of processed barley grains. Micronization is a rapid thermal treatment (30-90s) using infrared radiation and has great application potential in the feed industry due to simple construction and operation. It has been demonstrated in a number of experiments that organic acids, including lactic acid and malic acid, alter the chemical composition and nutritional value of cereals. Essential oils are naturally occurring plant products that are rich in chemical composition and have various biological properties. The interactions between starch and phenolic compounds have attracted increasing attention in recent years. The aim of this study was developed to determine the impact of chemical processing through steam flaking or steam-infrared flaking of barley grain on physical and chemical properties, and protein and carbohydrate fractionations. Materials and Methods: The ethanolic Foeniculum vulgare (Pv) or Acanthophyllum (Ap) extract were prepared by dissolving 100 g of dried and ground Pv or Ap in 500 mL of 96% v/v ethanol/water and shaking for 72 h. Then, the extracts were filtered through a Whatman No. 1 paper (Whatman Ltd., Maidstone, England). The residual solvent from the ethanolic extract was removed using a rotary evaporator. Barley grain was then mixed thoroughly with distilled water at a ratio of 10% by weight and treated with either 1% lactic acid (La) or 1% malic acid (Ma). Subsequently, the samples were treated with a 5% solution of Ap or Pv. The processed grains were steamed for approximately 35 minutes at 96°C. The steam-cooked grains were then divided into two groups, with one group exposed to infrared radiation for 55 seconds (SIF). All cooked grains were then flaked (SF) using a designed flaker machine. Physical properties, following the Giger-Reverdin method (2000), and chemical composition, based on AOAC standards (2012), of the samples were then analyzed. Crude protein was calculated as N × 625. NDF and ADF contents were determined according to the method proposed by Van Suste et al. (1991). Starch content was evaluated using anthrone and sulfuric acid (Rose et al., 1991). Bulk density was determined by weighing 100 ml of the samples. Water holding capacity was assessed using the method described by Robertson and Eastwood (1998).The grain density was defined as the ratio of the mass of the grain to the particle volume occupied by the sample (Aghajani et al., 2012). Crude protein and carbohydrate fractionations were performed according to Higgs et al (2015). Carbohydrates were divided into five fractions based on different degradation rates in the rumen: A4 (water soluble carbohydrates or sugar), B1 (starch), B2 (soluble fiber), B3 (digestible fiber), and CC (ingestible fiber). Results and Discussion: All the physical properties of the processed barley grain were significantly affected by chemically and physically methods applied in this study (P < 0.05). The highest bulk density and water holding capacity were shown in both SF and SIF processing. The results of this study indicated that the contents of CP, ADF, NDF, EE,Ash, amylose and amylopectine were significantly affected by the chemically and physically processing (P< 0.05). The CP content of the grains treated with Ap and Ma had higher compared with that of Pv and La. In addition, NDF concentration of the grains processed by SF method was greater than that of SIF (P < 0.05). Both CP and NDF content of the processed grain were higher for (SIFBApMa) and (SIFBApLa) rather than those of the other treatments (P< 0.05). The soluble true protein, insoluble true protein and indigestible protein fractions of the processed grain were affected by both chemically and physically processing methods (P < 0.05). The soluble true protein fraction in the grain treated by Ap was greater than that of the Pv. The indigestible protein fraction increased in Pv treatments compared the Ap treatments. Significant differences were found between the processed grains regarding the total carbohydrates, non-fiber carbohydrates, soluble fiber, digestible fiber and Indigestible fiber carbohydrate fractions (P

In this research, cress seed gum in three concentrations (0.1, 0.2 and 0.3%) as a stabilizer and egg white powder in four levels (1, 2, 3 and 4%) was used to produce orange juice foam and then the optimal foam sample (minimum density, maximum stability and overrun) was selected. Next, the optimal sample for drying by foam mat drying method was dried at three different temperatures (40, 55 and 70 C) by hot air dryer. The results showed that by decreasing the concentration of cress seed gum and increasing the concentration of egg white protein, the overrun increased significantly and the density decreased (p<0.05). Also, by increasing the concentration of cress seed gum and egg white protein, the stability of the foam improved. Among all the treatments, the sample containing 4% egg white powder and 0.1% cress seed gum, in addition to low drainage (drainage volume 0.5 ml), has low density (0.321 gr/cm) and high overrun (308 percent) which was selected as the best treatment for the production of orange powder. The drying time of orange pulp at temperatures of 40, 55 and 70 degrees Celsius was 100, 150 and 280 minutes, respectively. The effective diffusion coefficient in the temperature range of 40 to 70 degrees Celsius was in the range of 1.38 x 10 -7 to 2.938 x 10 -7 m2/s. The results showed that by increasing the temperature from 40 to 70 degrees Celsius, the solubility of the powder increased, while the water activity of the powder, density and reabsorption of water decreased significantly (p˂0.05). Also, the results of color analysis showed that with increasing drying temperature, color indices (L*) and (a*) increased significantly and color index (b*) decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Barley grain is the main feed for cattle in many regions of the world. The digestibility of barley grain is restricted by its fibrous shell and intact faicarp. The extent and rate of digestion of ruminal carbohydrates and barley grain can be manipulated through processing. Barley processing can be a valuable tool to optimize the production of lactating dairy cows. The application of combinations of heat, moisture, time and mechanical action may influence the quality of processed barley grains. Micronization is a rapid thermal treatment (30-90s) using infrared radiation and has great application potential in the feed industry due to simple construction and ofaation. It has been demonstrated in a number of exfaiments that organic acids, including lactic acid and malic acid, alter the chemical composition and nutritional value of cereals. Essential oils are naturally occurring plant products that are rich in chemical composition and have various biological profaties. The interactions between starch and phenolic compounds have attracted increasing attention in recent years. The aim of this study was developed to determine the impact of chemical processing through steam flaking or steam-infrared flaking of barley grain on physical and chemical profaties, and protein and carbohydrate fractionations. Materials and Methods: The ethanolic Foeniculum vulgare (Pv) or Acanthophyllum (Ap) extract were prepared by dissolving 100 g of dried and ground Pv or Ap in 500 mL of 96% v/v ethanol/water and shaking for 72 h. Then, the extracts were filtered through a Whatman No. 1 pafa (Whatman Ltd., Maidstone, England). The residual solvent from the ethanolic extract was removed using a rotary evaporator. Barley grain was then mixed thoroughly with distilled water at a ratio of 10% by weight and treated with either 1% lactic acid (La) or 1% malic acid (Ma). Subsequently, the samples were treated with a 5% solution of Ap or Pv. The processed grains were steamed for approximately 35 minutes at 96°C. The steam-cooked grains were then divided into two groups, with one group exposed to infrared radiation for 55 seconds (SIF). All cooked grains were then flaked (SF) using a designed flaker machine. Physical profaties, following the Giger-Reverdin method (2000), and chemical composition, based on AOAC standards (2012), of the samples were then analyzed. Crude protein was calculated as N × 625. NDF and ADF contents were determined according to the method proposed by Van Suste et al. (1991). Starch content was evaluated using anthrone and sulfuric acid (Rose et al., 1991). Bulk density was determined by weighing 100 ml of the samples. Water holding capacity was assessed using the method described by Robertson and Eastwood (1998).The grain density was defined as the ratio of the mass of the grain to the particle volume occupied by the sample (Aghajani et al., 2012). Crude protein and carbohydrate fractionations were faformed according to Higgs et al (2015). Carbohydrates were divided into five fractions based on different degradation rates in the rumen: A4 (water soluble carbohydrates or sugar), B1 (starch), B2 (soluble fiber), B3 (digestible fiber), and CC (ingestible fiber). Results and Discussion: All the physical profaties of the processed barley grain were significantly affected by chemically and physically methods applied in this study (P < 0.05). The highest bulk density and water holding capacity were shown in both SF and SIF processing. The results of this study indicated that the contents of CP, ADF, NDF, EE,Ash, amylose and amylopectine were significantly affected by the chemically and physically processing (P< 0.05). The CP content of the grains treated with Ap and Ma had higher compared with that of Pv and La. In addition, NDF concentration of the grains processed by SF method was greater than that of SIF (P < 0.05). Both CP and NDF content of the processed grain were higher for (SIFBApMa) and (SIFBApLa) rather than those of the other treatments (P< 0.05). The soluble true protein, insoluble true protein and indigestible protein fractions of the processed grain were affected by both chemically and physically processing methods (P < 0.05). The soluble true protein fraction in the grain treated by Ap was greater than that of the Pv. The indigestible protein fraction increased in Pv treatments compared the Ap treatments. Significant differences were found between the processed grains regarding the total carbohydrates, non-fiber carbohydrates, soluble fiber, digestible fiber and Indigestible fiber carbohydrate fractions (P<0.05). The carbohydrates, non-fiber carbohydrates and soluble fiber carbohydrate fractions were greater (P< 0.05) in the SIF than those of SF method. Digestible fiber and Indigestible fiber fractions were lower (P< 0.05) in La than Ma treatments. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that processed barley grain with organic acids (Malic acid or Lactic acid) and using extracts of Acanthophyllum or Foeniculum vulgare accumpany through physical processing (steam flaking or steam- infrared -flaking) make an improvement in nutritional value of the grain. In this study, bulk density and water holding capacity were greater in steam flaking rather than steam-infrared-flaking method. Regarding the CP fractionations, processed barley grain with Acanthophyllum extract through steam-infrared-flaking displayed significant alter in the fractions. Lactic acid processed grain through steam-infrared-flaking showed an enhancedment in both non fiber carbohydrates and soluble fiber concentration of the grain. Present data showed a positive impact of both chemically and physically methods applied in barely grain, however, further investigation regarding protein and carbohydrate molecular responses are needed to be evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Maize cultivation is rapidly expanding in the world due to its high adaptability to different weather conditions, and it is an exceptional product that can be effectively used as feed and forage products to meet the ever-increasing needs of livestock. Low irrigation is an approach to increase water productivity with the view of increasing production per unit of water consumption. The research results show that water stress has a significant effect on the quantity and quality of forage. Lack of water is one of the important factors in reducing the level of corn, so this experiment was conducted in order to check the possibility of saving water consumption by using low irrigation method and choosing the best hybrid in low irrigation conditions. Materials and methods: In order to investigate the effects of low irrigation and different maize hybrids on the quantitative and qualitative traits of maize forage in the Gorgan region, an experiment was conducted in split plots arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the Iraqi station of the Gorgan. Low irrigation was implemented in four levels in the main plots (100, 75, 50% and 25% of water requirement) and subplots in four levels (including hybrids SC703, SC704, ZP548 and BK50). To determine the amount of water consumption three days after each irrigation, the amount of moisture was determined by sampling the soil and immediately after reaching 40 to 60% usable moisture, irrigation was done. Irrigation was done as a drip using tapes, the distance between the nozzles was 20 cm and the amount of water output per nozzle was 2 liters per hour. Harvesting was done from the two middle lines by removing half a meter at the beginning of the row and weighed separately (leaf, stem, cob) in a separate laboratory, and their fresh weight was recorded and then placed in an oven with a temperature of 65 degrees Celsius for 72 hours, Then the dry weight was calculated. The samples of dry forage were sent to the laboratory of Forests and Ranges Organization (Tehran) and the amount of protein, fiber and other quality attributes of forage were measured by infrared spectrometry with PertenInformatic 8620. The data were analyzed using SAS 9.1.3 statistical software and the means were compared with the LSD test at the 5% probability level. Results and discussion: The results of analysis of variance showed that low irrigation effect was significant on all studied traits. Also, the effect of the studied hybrids on all the traits was significant except for insoluble fibers in acidic detergent and water-soluble carbohydrates. Also, the interaction effect of hybrid × low irrigation was significant only on forage yield (Total biomass, ear fresh weight, stem and leaf fresh weight, and total dry weight). The results of means comparison showed that the highest biomass yield was observed in the 100% water demand treatment, which was 7.2, 49, and 79.7% higher than the 75, 50, and 25% irrigation treatments, respectively. However, the highest water consumption efficiency with a significant difference compared to other levels was observed in the treatment of 75% water requirement (5.99 kg m-3). Also, with the increase of irrigation levels, the amount of crude protein, crude fiber, water-soluble carbohydrates and insoluble fibers in the neutral environment increased significantly, and among the studied hybrids, the SC703 hybrid had the highest forage yield (43692.4 kg ha-1). Conclusion: Considering the shortage and high economic value of water, the reduction in rainfall and the occurrence of successive droughts in recent years, optimum use of water can allocate more land to irrigated cultivation in addition to achieving appropriate and economic performance. The results showed that the lack of water reduces all quantitative traits. Among the studied hybrids, SC703 had the highest forage yield per unit area. On the other hand, low irrigation treatment at the level of 75% of the total water requirement is recommended to achieve the highest water consumption efficiency in Gorgan region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The arid and semi-arid region occupies most of south-west Iran, and livestock farming is one of the most important activities in this region. The goals of study were to recognize the effects of different level of Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on morphological characteristics, productivity and forage quality of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller. Opuntia is cultivated in both hemispheres and all continents. Its products have always been very popular among the rural populations of arid and semi-arid areas in its native region of Mexico and in the Mediterranean basin, where it was introduced at the beginning of the 16th century. They include fruits and cladodes for human nutrition and cattle feeding. Moreover, its utilization is common in popular medicine (flowers and cladodes), and field management. Materials and Methods: Experiments were conducted in field of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan in the semi-arid of Khuzestan, Iran. The experiment was performed as a split plot in a randomized complete block design with 3 replications (plot). The objective was to study Nitrogen (0, 50, 100 and 150 kgha-1) and Phosphorus (0, 25, 50 and 100 kg ha-1) fertilizations on growth of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill. After two years of planting in the field, the plants were harvested and the characteristics of height, number of cladodes, fresh weight, phosphorus, nitrogen, amino acid, soluble carbohydrates, mucilage, fiber, chlorophyll were measured. Results and Discussion: The effect of phosphorus and nitrogen fertilization on the growth and quality of Opuntia ficus-indica was investigated in this study. Phosphorus fertilization increased the dry matter content and the amino acid composition of the cladodes, which are the flattened stems of the cactus plant. Nitrogen fertilization had a positive and linear effect on the dry matter production and the yield of the plant, measured by the fresh weight of the shoots. However, no significant response to nitrogen fertilization was observed in the carbohydrate content of the cladodes, which remained relatively constant across different levels of nitrogen application. Nitrogen fertilization also increased the nitrogen concentration in the plant tissue, indicating a higher uptake and assimilation of this nutrient. The cladode area index (CAI), which is the ratio of the total cladode area to the ground area, increased with increasing nitrogen levels, reflecting a higher biomass accumulation and canopy development. The results showed that the application of 100 kg N / ha from urea source, which was the intermediate level of nitrogen treatment, resulted in an improvement of the vegetative parts of the plant and an increase in the fresh weight of the shoots, so that it was comparable to the yield obtained from the highest level of nitrogen treatment (200 kg N / ha). The results also showed that the amount of crude protein, amino acids and mucilage in the shoots, which are important indicators of the nutritional and medicinal value of the cactus plant, showed a good response to increased nitrogen consumption. However, phosphorus fertilization was able to affect some traits, especially the amount of amino acids and protein, which are two important properties in forage plants. These results suggest that phosphorus fertilization can enhance the quality of the cactus plant as a feed source for livestock. Conclusion: In this study, it was found that Opuntia ficus-indica, which is a drought-tolerant and multipurpose cactus plant, had a significant performance even in the control treatment (without fertilization), when it was irrigated five times per year (one time in spring, three times in summer and one time in autumn). However, fertilization was necessary for optimal growth and quality of the plant. Due to the change in the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in the cactus plant and also the affected properties, it seems that nitrogen fertilization was more effective than phosphorus fertilization in enhancing the productivity and value of the plant. In summary, increasing fertilizing with nitrogen and phosphorus resulted in greater productivity of O. ficus-indica in Khuzestan, a semi-arid region in Iran. Phosphorus fertilization involved less economical risk to the farmer, as it required lower amounts and frequencies of application, but positive responses occurred only when soil phosphorus was increasing. This work stresses the importance of using replicated field trials to look for quantitative differences in yield and fruit quality from visually indistinguishable cactus fruit clones, which may have different genetic and physiological characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate magnetic and superabsorbent water on some morphophysiological traits and performance of cumin under low irrigation regime. Methods: An experiment was conducted in the agricultural year of 2020-2021 at the research fields under the supervision of the Faculty of Agriculture of Shahrood University of Technology in two districts of Rahnjan and Garman of the Shahrood city in a factorial format in the form of a randomized complete block design with three repetitions. Irrigation water type treatment at two levels (normal and magnetic) and location (Rahanjan, Garman) with different climatic conditions and altitude above sea level were considered the main factor and superabsorbent treatment at three levels (zero, 100 and 200 kg/ha) was considered the sub factor. In all treatments, irrigation was applied based on 100% of plant water needs. Results: The results showed that location, type of irrigation, and different concentrations of superabsorbent had a positive and significant effect on the growth characteristics of cumin. The highest plant height, plant fresh and dry weight, essential oil, and protein percentage were observed in the Rahanjan region, using superabsorbent concentration of 100 kg/ha. In the Rahnjan region, due to the climatic conditions and higher average annual temperature and the treatments of 100 and 200 kg/ha of superabsorbent and the use of magnetic water, the highest amount of plant height, percentage and yield of essential oil and protein, and soluble carbohydrates were observed. Conclusion: According to the results, most of the traits in the Rahnjan region had higher values than those in the German region, and plant cultivation in the Rahnjan region is economical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In order to evaluate the foliar application of Ca and Zn fertilizers on seed and fatty acids composition of peanut oil (cv. NC2 ), an experiment was conducted at the Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center of Guilan Province, Rasht, Iran, during 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. Methods: This experiment was carried out as a split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Four levels of Zn fertilizer sources, including without Zn application (as control), nano-chelated Zn fertilizer, Zn-EDTA, and Zn sulfate were considered as the main plot and four levels of Ca fertilizer sources, including nano-chelated Ca fertilizer, CaEDTA, Ca-chloride and, Ca-nitrate were considered as the sub plot. Results: Foliar application of fertilizers was done before the flowering stage and then repeated with 30-days intervals. The highest seed yield (2790 kg/ha), biological yield (9303 kg/ha), seed oil content (52.3 percent), oil yield (1625 kg/ha), protein yield (673 kg/ha), and oleic unsaturated fatty acid (57.3 percent) was obtained under simultaneous foliar application of Ca and Zn nano-fertilizers and increased the parameters by 29.8, 17.5, 13.4, 38.3, 24.4 and 19.2 percent in comparison to control treatment, respectively. Conclusion: Application of Zn and Ca nano-chelated fertilizers as foliar sprays improved seed and oil yield of peanut under the local conditions. Hence, the Zn and Ca nano-chelated fertilizers could be recommended to enhance the quantitative and qualitative yield of peanut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels have unique properties such as water retainer, softness, flexibility, and biocompatibility that cause their application in biology. Among the various hydrogel structures can be referred to intelligent hydrogels. These structures can respond to environmental stimuli. Environmental stimuli can be physical, including temperature or chemicals, such as pH. In this study, the application of smart hydrogels in the fields of medicine, protein, and gene delivery, as well as tissue engineering has been divided and the results of this study show that different types of smart hydrogels with different capabilities have been identified. The mechanical strength of hydrogels is suitable for physiological function and various purposes such as biomedical applications, tendon and ligament repair, cartilage replacement, and tissue engineering. Currently, hydrogels are used to make contact lenses, health products, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems, and wound dressing. Most studies in the field of smart drug delivery have been reported, especially in anticancer drugs, and also tissue engineering that can achieve more desirable results in the near future.

Introduction Free radicals originate from oxidation reactions decrease food quality and also promote incidence of various diseases such as cancer. In this regard, the use of natural compounds with antioxidant properties, such as bioactive peptides, is of interest to many researchers. Food-derived bioactive peptides, can play an important role in the oxidative systems. Ultrasound, as a cheap and green technology, is widely used to extract proteins and antioxidant compounds. Ultrasound pretreatment before enzymatic hydrolysis can open the protein structure and increase the intensity of proteolysis by increasing the exposure of peptide bonds prone to enzymatic hydrolysis; which increases the production efficiency of bioactive peptides. Ultrasound treatment changes the three-dimensional structure of proteins. Therefore, a combination of pretreatment with ultrasound and sequential enzymatic hydrolysis can be a promising way to modify the function of proteins. Materials and Methods In this research the effect of hydrolysis time and ultrasonic pretreatment on enzymatic hydrolysis of edible mushroom protein by pancreatic enzyme to produce peptides with high antioxidant capacity was evaluated. First edible mushroom was turned into powder and then, in order to optimize the production of hydrolyzed proteins with maximum antioxidant activity, the hydrolysis was performed 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 and 210 minutes with a ratio of enzyme to substrate of 1% (based on the result of previous research) and at 40°C in four conditions (1- without ultrasound pre-treatment, 2- with ultrasound pre-treatment with 40% power, 3- with ultrasound pre-treatment with 70% power and 4- with ultrasound pre-treatment with 100% power) by ultrasound probe in 5 minutes before adding the enzyme. In the next step, the antioxidant capacity of hydrolyzed proteins was measured at different times by DPPH free radical scavenging activity, iron ion reduction power, iron ion chelation and total antioxidant capacity. Results The results showed that the highest DPPH free radical scavenging activity in untreated and treated samples with 40, 70 and 100% ultrasound power were 69.1, 77.45, 79.07 and 80.27, respectively. In most of the hydrolysis times, DPPH free radical scavenging activity in ultrasound treatment with 100% power was higher than the samples treated with 40 and 70% power. The highest total antioxidant capacity in untreated and treated samples with 40, 70 and 100% ultrasound power were 0.871, 1.025, 1.05 and 1.2 (absorption at 695 nm), respectively. In most of the hydrolysis times, the total antioxidant capacity in the samples treated with ultrasound with 100% power was higher than the samples treated with 40 and 70% power. The results showed that the highest reducing power of Fe3+ in untreated and treated samples with 40, 70 and 100% ultrasound power were 2.03, 2.40, 2.44 and 2.51(absorption at 700 nm), respectively. The highest iron ion chelation power in untreated and treated samples with 40, 70 and 100% ultrasound power were 25.22, 30.40, 26.52 and 41.10%, respectively. By increasing the ultrasound power in most of the hydrolysis times, the chelating power of iron ions in the ultrasound treatment with 100% power was higher than the samples pretreated with 40 and 70% power. The results showed that samples pretreated with 100% power ultrasound have the highest antioxidant properties compared to samples without pretreatment and pretreated with 40% and 70% ultrasound power. Based on the results, using ultrasound treatment with 100% power and during hydrolysis time of 60 minutes, a product with high antioxidant capacity was obtained and selected as a suitable treatment. Conclusion The ultrasonic mechanism is attributed to its thermal effects, cavitation and mechanical efficiency, so that it can increase the mass transfer and increase the contact between the substrate and the enzyme or change the spatial structure of the substrate. The results showed that samples pretreated with ultrasound with 100% power have the highest antioxidant properties compared to samples without pretreatment and pretreated with 40 and 70% power. Therefore, the use of high-power ultrasonic pretreatment shortens the hydrolysis time to achieve peptides with higher antioxidant capacity and thus increases the efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis.

IntroductionSeed pretreatment is one of the simple techniques that can increase seed vigor and seedling establishment, and thus plant yield. Seed pretreatment can be done with water (hydropriming), inorganic salts such as potassium nitrate (halopriming), and growth regulators such as salicylic acid (hormone priming) and ascorbic acid (vitamin priming). Another effective factor in producing strong seeds is proper nutrition of the mother plants. Proper nutrition of the maternal plant in the form of foliar sprays with essential elements leads to the production of high-quality seeds, which affects germination and yield. Considering the positive role of seed pretreatment in improving germination rate and seedling establishment, and increasing seed yield of various plants as a result of foliar application of growth regulators and inorganic salts, this experiment was conducted to study the effect of seed pretreatment and foliar spraying with salicylic acid, ascorbic acid and potassium nitrate on improving physiological and biochemical characteristics, yield and yield components of borage.Materials and MethodsThe experiment was conducted in 2017-2018 cropping year as a randomized complete block design with three replicates at Samian Ardabil Natural Resources and Medicinal Plants Research Farm. The experimental treatments were water pretreatment for 48 hours, seed pretreatment with ascorbic acid (0.85 mM) for 48 hours, seed pretreatment combined with foliar spray with ascorbic acid (0.85 mM), seed pretreatment with salicylic acid (4 mM) for 60 hours, seed pretreatment combined with foliar spray with salicylic acid (4 mM), seed pretreatment with potassium nitrate (20 mM) for 24 hours, seed pretreatment combined with foliar spray with potassium nitrate (20 mM), and control treatment (without seed pretreatment and without foliar spray of the maternal plant). Statistical analyses were performed using SAS software (Ver 9.1) and comparison of means was performed using the Duncan multiple range test at the 1 and 5 percent probability level.Results and DiscussionThe results showed that although pretreatment of seeds by improving growth, physiological and biochemical characteristics cause increased yield and yield components of borage but, seed pretreatment combined with foliar sprays had a greater effect on increasing yield components and flower and grain yield due to synergistic effects. The use of potassium nitrate as a seed pretreatment in combination with foliar sprays had the greatest effect on increasing the amount of photosynthetic pigments, caused a 2.3-fold increase in total chlorophyll and a 1.8-fold increase in carotenoids compared to the control treatment. The use of ascorbic acid as a seed pretreatment in combination with foliar sprays increased the amount of proline a 2.3 fold, leaf protein a 2.5 fold, and flower yield a 3.8 fold compared to the control treatment. Application of salicylic acid as a seed pretreatment in combination with foliar sprays by increasing the components of seed yield had the greatest effect in increasing grain yield and caused a 3.4-fold increase in grain yield compared to the control. Seed hydropriming showed the highest seed weight among the treatments with a 28% increase in 1,000-seed weight compared to the control treatment.ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that both seed pretreatment and foliar sprays of maternal plants with growth regulators and chemical stimulants led to an increase in flower and grain yield in borage. This increase was achieved by enhancing the levels of photosynthetic pigments, the quantum efficiency of photosystem II, the accumulation of amino acids like proline, and soluble proteins in the leaves. These treatments also had a positive impact on various yield components. While seed pretreatment alone had a positive effect on borage yield and its components by improving the plant's growth, physiological, and biochemical characteristics, the combined use of ascorbic acid, salicylic acid, and potassium nitrate as seed pretreatment, along with foliar spray, had an even more pronounced positive effect. This was likely due to synergistic effects on the plant's physiological, biochemical, and yield traits.

Introduction: The transition period between pregnancy and lactation in mammals due to increase in the fetus energy and/or other nutrients requirements, and also onset of copious milk production is faced with an increase in energy demand, and in most cases according to inability to supply such requirements, animal goes down in negative energy balance (Drackley 1999; Zarrin et al. 2017; Hernández-Castellano et al. 2019). Lack of sufficient feed or balanced diet at the end of pregnancy leads to lack of growth and development of udder tissue during dry period, and consequently, decrease in milk yield and changes its composition during the next lactation period (Huang et al. 2014). Physiochemical properties and even yield of colostrum could be affected by production, nutrition, breed, dry period, seasons, litter size, parity and animal health status (Caja et al. 2006; Romero et al. 2013). However, colostrum composition and consumption during the first two days suckling lambs or goats, reduces the mortality rate as a result of antibacterial factors content. Therefore, the survival of newborns significantly depends on the 1- quality that could be measured by its immunoglobulin content, and 2- quantity of the consumed colostrum which leads to the recommendation of enough colostrum feeding; the colostrum quality might be measured by different methods (Arguello et al. 2004; Keskin et al. 2007). Recently refractometer has been used as a practical tool with easy and high accuracy, to determine colostrum quality (Murrill et al. 2015; Castro et al. 2018; Kessler et al. 2021). The present study was designed and implemented with the two objectives of investigating the effect of feed restriction around parturition on the changes in colostrum content in the first 72 hours of lactation and also studying the amount of immune transmission through colostrum using a digital refractometer device. Materials and Methods: Twenty pregnant fat-tailed ewes were allotted to two experimental groups of Control, (n=10) and feed restriction (Restriction; n=10). After adaptation, during the pre-partum period, the control group from five weeks before parturition to parturition (-5 to -1) were fed with 100% of the balanced ratio. Restriction in the same period during the first to fifth weeks of the study were fed with 100, 50, 65, 80, and 100% of the recommended ration, respectively. The same nutritional program was repeated from the first to fifth week after parturition for the both groups (1 to 5). Ewes were sampled for blood weekly. Colostrum and lamb blood were taken at zero (parturition), 1, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 hours after parturition. Brix percentage was measured in blood samples of ewes and lambs as well as colostrum from both groups using a digital refractometer. The main contents of colostrum were measured and the data were analyzed based on the Mixed model procedure of SAS. Results and discussion: Feed restriction decreased the blood Brix percentage compared to Control (P<0.05). The Brix percentage in Control did not change during the experimental weeks, except for the last week of the trial. Feed restriction, sampling time and their interaction did not have any significant effect on blood Brix percentage of lambs in the both Control and Restriction. Feed restriction affected the Brix percentage of colostrum and this value showed a tendency to increase in the restriction group compared to the control group (P=0.07). There was no significant difference between the two udder quarters in the control group and the Brix percentage was the same during the experiment in both of them. Unlike the control group, in Restriction, the percentage of Brix in the left and right quarters were different, although the right quarters showed a higher Brix percentage (P<0.05). The Brix percentage started to decrease from 12 hours after parturition in both groups and both quarters compared to the initial time, nevertheless, it had a higher value compared to the following hours (P<0.05). The decreasing trend continued until 36 hours after parturition in the Control (P<0.05). There was no significant change in Brix percentage in the Control from 36 hours of lactation until the end of the experiment. Fat changes showed same pattern in the both experimental groups. The percentages of lactose, protein, solid non-fat, and density were higher at the beginning of the parturition, and started to decrease from 12 h after parturition in the both groups. Based on the results obtained in the current study, it can be concluded that the concentration of biological molecules in colostrum is at its highest at the parturition time during the first 24 hours after parturition. Moreover, their concentrations during sampling (72 h after parturition) were higher than the milk samples at the first week after the parturition (Zarin et al. 2021). Therefore, it can be concluded that mammary secretions are considered as colostrum until the end of the first day and as transfer milk until the end of the third day (Romero et al. 2013; De la Vara et al. 2020) and from one week after parturition it turns into milk. Feed restriction decreased the Brix percentage in the blood of ewes and this led to a decrease in colostrum production in this group, but despite, the Brix percentage of colostrum production was not affected by the two groups and even in the restriction group it tended to increase. Conclusion: Based on the present results, it can be deduced that fat-tailed sheep use their energy reservoirs to produce high-quality colostrum and transfer nutrients and especially immunoglobulins to newborns in the shortest time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels have unique properties such as water retainer, softness, flexibility, and biocompatibility that cause their application in biology. Among the various hydrogel structures can be referred to intelligent hydrogels. These structures can respond to environmental stimuli. Environmental stimuli can be physical, including temperature or chemicals, such as pH. In this study, the application of smart hydrogels in the fields of medicine, protein, and gene delivery, as well as tissue engineering has been divided and the results of this study show that different types of smart hydrogels with different capabilities have been identified. The mechanical strength of hydrogels is suitable for physiological function and various purposes such as biomedical applications, tendon and ligament repair, cartilage replacement, and tissue engineering. Currently, hydrogels are used to make contact lenses, health products, tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems, and wound dressing. Most studies in the field of smart drug delivery have been reported, especially in anticancer drugs, and also tissue engineering that can achieve more desirable results in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In order to investigate the effect of irrigation intervals, fifteen selected Okra genotypes from the National Gene Bank of Iran were cultivated and evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the 2020-2021 crop year in the experimental research farm of the Seedling and Seed Breeding Research Institute in Karaj (Seed and Plant Improvement Institute). Methods: After the plants entered the three-leaf stage, irrigation was done once every 5 and 10 days. Results: The results of the analysis of variance showed that the effect of drought stress on all measured traits, including plant height, fruit yield, biological yield, number of ripe fruits, weight of ripe fruit, diameter of ripe fruit, number of seeds per ripe fruit, 1000-seed weight, sugar, and protein content, was statistically significant. Under drought-stress conditions, the mean of all evaluated traits (except soluble sugars) was reduced. The highest fruit yield (12.06 tons per hectare) belonged to genotype 10, which decreased by 37.5% compared to the non-stress conditions of this genotype. Genotypes 1 and 12 had the least change in protein content, genotypes 4 and 6 had the least change in sugar content, and genotypes 9 and 11 had the least change in biological function. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained from this experiment, the best genotype in terms of fruit yield was genotype 10, and in terms of biological function, genotypes 9 and 11 were recommended for use in areas with water shortages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effects of soil salinity, plant density, and planting date on quantitative and qualitative yield of mustard forage, an experiment was conducted in 2016 at Gorgan Nemoone Farm Research Station as a split-split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main factor of soil salinity (2 and 10 dS/m), sub-factor of planting date (6 November, 21 November, 6 December, 21 December, and 5 January), and sub sub-factor of plant density at three levels (208000, 277000, and 416000 plants per hectare) were considered. Results showed the interactions of environment × planting date on all studied traits including fresh weight, dry weight, percentage of leaf protein, percentage of stem protein, percentage of pod protein, percentage of total protein, protein yield, percentage of leaf fibers, percentage of stem fibers, percentage of pod fibers, percentage of total fibers, fiber yield, and leaf proline concentration were significant. The interaction effect of environment × planting density was also significant on all characteristics under study except for leaf protein percentage and leaf proline concentration. Moreover, the interaction effect of planting date and planting density was significant on all characteristics under study except for stem protein percentage and leaf proline concentration. Generally, it is concluded that the cultivation of forage mustard on November 6 and with planting density of 208,000 plants per hectare produces the highest fresh and dry weight of forage and protein yield, as well as the lowest amount of fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionWheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the main crops of the cereal family, which is widely cultivated in the world and brings energy and protein to human society. Drought is the most important non-living stress in crops and due to the decrease in annual rainfall and increase in temperature, production and cultivation of tolerant cultivars with high yield potential will be very important. While available water for agriculture is becoming more limited, the production of drought tolerant cultivars is very important and should be considered. The aim of this study was to analyze the stability of quantitative and qualitative yield and to analyze the stability of bread wheat genotypes in rainfed and irrigated planting conditions in the form of field farms in 3 crop years 2016-2017, 2017-1996 and 2017-17 in Sarableh Agricultural Research Station located in the province. Ilam was implemented.Materials and methodsThis research was conducted as two independent experiments, each in the form of a randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor includes planting in irrigated and rainfed conditions. The second factor also included 20 wheat genotypes. In irrigated conditions, irrigation was done according to the needs of the plant (normal) and in another experiment, only atmospheric benzoate was sufficient. In this study, yield stability was measured based on drought resistance and its effective traits in different bread wheat genotypes and quantitative and qualitative yield. Data were analyzed using SAS software version 22 for combined analysis and comparison using the least significant difference test (LSD).Results and discussionThe results showed that the highest grain yield in irrigated planting medium was related to SUP152 genotype (3245 kg ha-1) which was not statistically significant different from WHEAR genotype which was in the second category. The MILAN/SHA7 genotype was also in the third place. These three genotypes also had high values in terms of yield components. The highest grain protein in irrigated planting medium belonged to REEDLING # 1 genotype with 11.73% which was not statistically significant difference with FRNCL and SAAR genotypes which were in the second and third ranks. The lowest grain protein in aqueous medium belonged to WHEAR genotype. The highest grain protein was obtained in the dryland medium of GASPARD genotype (13.73%). ND643 genotype was also in the second category but there was no significant difference with the first category genotype. Gonbad genotype was also in the third category and was one of the top genotypes. The highest grain yield was obtained in the dryland planting medium related to PBW343 genotype at the amount of 2051 kg ha-1. The lowest grain yield in dryland environment was related to PAURAQ genotype at 1457 kg ha-1. PBW343 genotype was one of the best genotypes in terms of yield components in rainfed planting environment. Distribution of hybrids based on YS, YP and MP and GMP indices showed that WHEAR, MILAN, CHIBIA// PRLII, PBW343 and SOKOLL3 genotypes are in group A and are water resistant and have high grain yield in both environments. And were selected as superior genotypes for both rainfed and irrigated environments.

Introduction In sustainable farming systems, the use of organic fertilizers is of particular importance in increasing crop production and maintaining sustainable soil fertility. Nowadays, the consumption of organic foods is introduced to consumers as an alternative. The result of the application of chemical products is the crisis of environmental pollution, soil and water resources, and the health risk to human society. Nowadays, in order to reduce the effects of misuse of chemical inputs, chemical fertilizers can be replaced with organic biological fertilizers, including animal manure, compost, and green manure. In this regard, chicken manure has a positive effect on the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the soil, and due to its richness in uric acid, the nitrogen contained in it is used by the plant much faster than the nitrogen of other organic fertilizers. Vermicompost is considered a good source of soil fertility due to its organic materials. Organic matter in the soil improves the permeability and drainage of the soil and also prevents excessive dryness of the soil by maintaining sufficient moisture. Despite the fact that vermicompost can be used as a fertilizer in organic farming, high levels of this fertilizer may cause salinity effects in the plant, which affects the growth and development of the plant and even it can cause the death of cucumber as one of the crops sensitive to soil and water salinity. The cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is one of the important vegetables that can be produced in a greenhouse all year round. Fresh consumption of cucumber throughout the year has increased its production. The development of technology and the short growth period of this product has made it possible to grow it in most climate zones. Therefore, in this research, the effects of different levels of water deficit with the simultaneous application of vermicompost and chicken manure on cucumber plants in the Behbahan region have been investigated. Materials and Methods In this study, different levels of irrigation water, vermicompost, and poultry manure on ground cucumber were investigated. The experiment was performed in the form of split plots based on completely randomized design and the form of stacks. Treatments included three levels of poultry manure (2, 4 and 8 ton ha-1), three levels of vermicompost (3, 6 and 9 ton ha-1) and three levels of water stress (100, 75 and 50% of plant water requirement). Both vermicompost and poultry manure were applied to the soil before planting. Harvest was done every three days. Fruit weight, diameter and length, plant length, the protein of the dry matter of the fruit percentage, and leaf chlorophyll in each plot were carefully measured. Also, the yield and water productivity at the end of the season were calculated. Water productivity Referring to the yield to irrigation water ratio, is obtained by the following relation (Payero et al., 2009): WP=Y/IR (1) In this equation, WP represents water productivity (kg/m3), Y denotes the yield (kg/ha), and IR shows the amount of irrigation water (m3/ha). Statistical analysis The analysis of variance for the results obtained from different treatments was conducted using SAS software (SAS 9.1, SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). The mean values of the main factors and interactive effects were compared using the Duncan method at the 1% and 5% levels of significance. Results and Discussion The results showed that irrigation, poultry manure and vermicompost had a significant effect on the measured parameters at the level of one and five percent probability. Reduction of water consumption reduced yield and yield components, but in this regard, no significant difference was observed between 100% and 75% of water requirement. The highest yield was obtained in the treatment of 100% of plant water requirement and consumption of 4 ton ha-1 of poultry manure and 6 ton ha-1 of vermicompost, in this regard, no significant difference was observed with the treatment of 75% of water requirement. According to the results obtained from this study, it can be said that there is no significant difference in terms of yield between treatments of 75 and 100% of plant water requirement. Therefore, the amount of water given to the plant can be reduced to 75% of the plant water requirement, and with proper management, less water can be consumed without a significant reduction in crop yield. Examining the effects of irrigation water on the amount of the protein of the dry matter of the fruit showed that the highest amount of the protein of the dry matter of the fruit (56.31%) was obtained in the treatment of 75% of the water requirement and the protein of the dry matter of the fruit was less in other treatments. The interaction effect of vermicompost and poultry manure resulted in the highest percentage of cucumber protein at a treatment of 4 tons ha-1 of poultry manure and 6 tons ha-1 of vermicompost (58.42%). However, when the simultaneous use of 8 tons ha-1 of poultry manure and different levels of vermicompost was employed, the percentage of protein in the fruit's dry matter decreased. The combination of drought stress, poultry manure, and vermicompost, along with their interaction effects, significantly influenced the chlorophyll a and b values at both the 1% and 5% probability levels. As the depth of irrigation water decreased, the amounts of chlorophyll a and b also decreased. The treatment with 100% water requirement of the plant showed the highest amounts of chlorophyll a (0.63 mg/g fresh weight) and chlorophyll b (0.36 mg/g fresh weight). However, no significant difference was observed compared to the 75% treatment. Regarding the interactions between vermicompost and poultry manure, it was found that when using 6 tons ha-1 of vermicompost to reduce yield and its components, the use of poultry manure should be reduced to 4 tons ha-1. On the other hand, when higher levels of vermicompost (9 tons ha-1) are used, the application of poultry manure should be reduced to 2 tons ha-1. Result According to the results obtained from this research, it can be said that there is no significant difference in performance between the treatments of providing 75% and 100% of the water requirement of the plant, therefore, the amount of water given to the plant can be reduced to the amount of 75% of the water requirement of the plant. With proper management, less water can be consumed without significantly reducing the yield of the product.

1. Introduction: Savory plant (Satureja hortensis L.) belongs to mints family (Lamiaceae). Environmental and abiotic stresses affect the agricultural plants growth and yield in many regions of the world. Salinity is one of the most limiting factors for growth and production of crops in arid and semiarid regions. Soil salinity is a dominant issue for the sustainability of agricultural production. Reduction of vegetative growth, dry weight and cells mass are some of most common adverse effects of salinity. Salinity increases energy consumption to remove excess sodium ions accumulated in the root cells leading to significant reduction in plant growth rate. Nowadays, effective microorganisms (EM) is one of the biological fertilizers which has attracted a lot of attention as a useful tool to increase plant productivity and stress tolerance rate. The micro-organisms existed in EM improve the health and yield performance of agricultural plants by increasing photosynthesis rate, producing biologically active compounds such as hormones and enzymes, controlling soil diseases and accelerating the decomposition of organic matter in the soil. Therefore, the use of EM bio-fertilizer under conditions of environmental limiting factors such as salinity could be highly important to develop horticultural plant cultivation in regions with saline soli or saline water resources. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the morphological and biochemical responses of the savory plant to salt stress, and using EM bio-fertilizer to reduce the adverse effects of salt stress. 2. Materials and Methods: In order to investigate the effect of EM bio-fertilizer on the morphological and bio-chemical characteristics of the savory plant under salinity conditions, a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete blocks design with 4 replications at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, during 2021. In this study, Em treatments were applied at three levels including 0 (control), 1 and 2 %, and salinity was induced at three levels including 0 (control), 6 and 12 dS/m NaCl. Fresh and dry yield of plants and fresh and dry weight of the roots were measured with a digital scale. The content of chlorophyll a and b, and total chlorophyll were measured by a spectrophotometric method. Proline, soluble sugars and total protein were measured as physiological characteristics. 3. Results and Discussion: The results showed that the highest height (30.66 cm) was recorded in plants treated with EM 2 % and grown under control condition. The height of plants decreased with increasing salinity level. Also, the highest fresh and dry yield, and fresh and dry weight of root were obtained by applying EM 2 % under control level of salinity. The highest number of leaves was counted in plants treated with EM 2 %, and grown under control level of salinity. The lowest leaf number was related to non-treated plants grown under salinity level of 12 dS/m. The highest recorded contents of chlorophyll a, b and total were 3.11, 1.85 and 4.96 mg/g FW, respectively. The lowest value of these traits (1.14, 0.65, and 1.79 mg/g FW) was recorded in non-treated plants grown under highest level of salinity. Generally, the amount of chlorophyll a, b and total decreased with increasing salinity level, while EM increased the values of these traits. The results showed that the highest amount of soluble proteins was obtained at control level of salinity and application of EM 2 %, with an average of 38.03 mg/g FW, while the lowest value (15.30 mg/g FW) was obtained in non-treated plants under salinity level of 12 dS/m. The amount of soluble sugars increased with increasing stress level. The highest amount of proline (35.4 μmol/g FW) was obtained under salinity level of 12 dS/m. EM increased the content of photosynthetic pigment under salinity conditions which led to increase photosynthetic performance of treated plants. Also, accumulation of proline as osmoprotectant agent in cells of treated plant, definitely led to decrease the activity of reactive oxygen species resulting in lower damages to cells membrane. 4. Conclusion: In conclusion, results showed that savory plants fed with EM bio-fertilizer had better growth and yield under salinity conditions than the unfed plants. These plants showed more tolerance rate against salt stress due to better absorption rate and physiological responses. So that the highest values of vegetative traits were recorded in plants treated with EM 2 %. Therefore, this treatment could be recommendable to overcome adverse effects of salinity on savory plants characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction In terms of harvested land area, potato ranks fourth in the world after wheat, corn and rice. In addition to providing energy and good quality protein, it is also considered as a source of vitamin C and minerals. Despite the fact that iron is the fourth most abundant element in the earth's crust, only a small amount of iron can be used by plants in well-ventilated soils. Therefore, iron deficiency is one of the factors limiting the growth and development of plants. Materials and Methods This experiment was carried out in a factorial trial in the base of a completely randomized design in three replications in a greenhouse conditions of Agricultural Research Institute of Hamedan (Jorqan) during the crop years of 2017-2018 and 2018-2029. The experimental factors include the weight levels of microtuber at three levels of 3-1, 3-5 and 5-10 grams and different iron fertilizers at seven levels, control, iron chelate in the form of soil consumption at the rate of 20 micromolar, nano iron oxide in the form of soil consumption to The amount of 20 micromolar was 1 and 2% foliar spraying of iron chelate and 1 and 2% nano iron oxide foliar spraying. The internal temperature of the greenhouse was provided by adjusting the air conditioning system and central heating in the range of 18 to 20 °C at night and 26 to 28 degrees during the day. The humidity of the greenhouse was also 60-65%. At the end of the experiment, after processing the crop, the plants were harvested and the yield and yield components were determined. Leaf greenness index in this experiment using SPAD device (Minolta 502 model) using three fully developed terminal leaves from ten plants in the budding stage in the middle part of the leaf on one side of the main vein, at 9:30 to 10:00 in the morning. It was measured in order to minimize daily changes. To measure the percentage of dry matter, 200 grams of tubers were randomly selected from each treatment, then the tubers were chopped and placed in an oven at a temperature of 75 degrees Celsius, and after their weight was fixed, they were weighed again. Then, based on the ratio of fresh and dry weight of the tubers, the percentage of dry matter of the tubers was determined (Hagman and Martenssen, 2009). Results and Discussion The results showed that the height of the plant, the number of stems per plant, the number of tubers per plant, the weight of tubers, the weight of tubers per plant, the percentage of dry matter and the greenness index increased with the increase in the weight of microtubers, and the most improvement in the morphological and qualitative characteristics of potato in microtubers. 5-10 grams were observed. With the application of iron chelate and nano iron oxide fertilizers, potato yield and yield components increased. The maximum tuber weight in the plant was shown in the treatments of 20 micromolar nano iron oxide and 2% nano iron oxide. The highest tuber weight in the plant in the 1-3 gram microtuber is 405.23 grams related to the consumption of 20 micromolar nano iron oxide, in the 3-5 gram microtuber is 444.61 grams related to the application of 2% iron chelate solution and in the microtuber 5-10 grams in the amount of 556.92, 544.52, 482.6 and 465.82 grams corresponding to the treatments of 20 micromolar nano iron oxide, foliar spraying of 2% nano iron oxide, foliar spraying of 1% nano iron oxide and solution The application was 2% iron chelate Conclusion Microtuber 5-10 grams was able to acquire the best size of microtuber due to having suitable nutrients and accelerating the greening of plants and increasing photosynthesis and providing nutrients. The application of nano iron oxide fertilizer was more effective in improving the quantitative and qualitative yield of potatoes compared to iron chelate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Among the macro-elements for plants, potassium has a fundamental role, such as osmotic adjustment, maintaining turgor pressure, stomatal function, enzyme activity, protein synthesis, oxidant metabolism, photosynthesis and resistance to environmental stresses (humidity and heat) at the end of the dryland wheat growth period. Although about 80% of the potassium required by the plant is provided by diffusion, because the diffusion of potassium ions in dry soil is reduced 100 times compared to wet soil, therefore, with water limitation and moisture stress conditions, the absorption of this element by the plant is greatly reduced. Therefore, in order to solve the limitations of the absorption of this element through the roots in the conditions of moisture stress and heat at the end of the season, the present experiment was carried out by spraying potassium compounds on dryland wheat at different stages of growth. Materials and methods: The experiment was conducted on dryland wheat (Rijaw cultivar) as a split plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the Dryland Agricultural Research Sub-Institute during the 2021-2022 cropping seasons. The factor of the growth stage in the main plots included pregnancy (booting stage) and the beginning of flowering and the spraying factor with four levels in the sub-plots included the control treatment (without spraying), potassium sulfate solution spraying at a concentration of 1%, potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) at a concentration of 1% and potassium sulfate at a concentration of 1% + urea 1%. The volume of spraying solution for each experimental treatment in a sub-plot with an area of 100 square meters was calculated for 500 liters per hectare and it was performed after adding the spraying soap (surfactant) in cool and calm weather (wind speed less than 8 km/h) before 9 am. Results: The main effect of foliar application time on biological yield, grain yield, yield components, straw yield and percentage of protein and potassium of Rijaw wheat grain was not significant. However, the main effect of foliar spraying on biological yield, grain yield, the thousand seeds weight, the number of seeds per spike and seed protein percentage was significant. The highest biological and grain yield were obtained from foliar application of 1% potassium sulfate with values of 4495 and 1604 kg/ha, respectively, which, despite the difference of 365 and 248 kg/ha, had not significantly different from the biological and grain yield of potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar application. The lowest biological and grain yield were also related to the control treatment with values of 3588 and 1175 kg/ha, respectively. Foliar spraying of different potassium compounds could increase the thousand seeds weight and the number of seeds per spike by 4.5 grams and 6 seeds, respectively. The highest increase for thousand seeds weight with 40 grams was attributed to potassium sulfate + urea foliar spraying and the highest number of seeds per spike with 32.5 seeds was allocated to potassium sulfate foliar application, which did not show a significant difference with potassium sulfate + urea foliar application. The interaction effect of foliar application time with different foliar application treatments was also significant only on seed potassium percentage. The highest increase in seed protein percentage of 4.8 units was related to potassium sulfate treatment, which was not significantly different from the other two treatments of potassium sulfate + urea and potassium dihydrogen phosphate. Conclusion: Overall, the application of foliar application of potassium compounds increased the grain yield by 211 kg per hectare, in terms of increasing the yield and percentage of grain protein among the tested treatments, potassium sulfate foliar application is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In ornamental plants, especially geraniums, controlling vegetative growth, reducing plant height and increasing plant density is of great importance. Cycocel and paclobutrazol are chemical substances that are widely used in reducing the growth of a large number of plants. Because these compounds absorb free radicals, they delay the aging of flowers and reduce oxidative stress in the plant, thus having a positive effect on flower longevity. The effect of foliar application of cycocel and paclobutrazol on vegetative growth and flowering indicators of geranium (Pelargonium hortorum) an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications in the greenhouse. The treatments included the foliar application of cycocel (0, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg l -1 ) and paclobutrazol (50, 75, and 100 mg l -1 ), which were applied at the 6-8 leaf stage, the results showed that all treatments had a significant effect on the measured variables. The highest fresh (66.87 g) and dry weight of the aerial part (9.8 g), catalase (2.77 unit enzyme g -1 FW of petal), and peroxidase activity (14.34 unit enzyme g -1 FW of petal) in the 1500 mg l -1 foliar application of cycocel and the highest total chlorophyll content of leaf (12.71 mg g -1 FW), anthocyanin (2.91 mg l -1 ), protein (51.12 µg g -1 FW of petal), superoxide dismutase activity (2.75 unit enzyme g -1 FW of petal) and flower longevity on plant (20.92 days) in the 1000 mg l -1 foliar application of cycocel were observed. The highest index of membrane stability (78.17 %) was also in the 500 mg l -1 cycocel, and the highest root length (43.85 cm) and the lowest plant height (20.59 cm) belonged to the 100 mg l -1 paclobutrazol foliar application, while the highest plant height (26.78 cm) belonged to control. In general, foliar application with growth retarders, especially cycocel at 1000 mg l -1, is recommended to improve the growth characteristics, and flowering, and increase the marketability of Pelargonium hortorum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of gibberellic acid on vegetative and heterocyst cell size, inducing sugar and protein content was investigated in Anabaena at three durations (7, 14 and 21 days). According to the results, vegetative cell size did not show any significant differentiation under gibberellic acid treatments and time duration. Length and width of heterocyst cells showed a significantly different impact only with 10µM gibberellic acid at 7-day-old cultures. Algae treated with gibberellic acid had more fresh weight. Gibberellic acid induced heterocyst formation after 14 and 21 days. The amount of photosynthetic pigments increased in the 7 and 14-day cultures and decreased in the 21-day cultures. Application of gibberellic acid to the culture medium did not affect heterocyst percentage after 7 days, but it increased the heterocyst numbers in the 14 and 21-day cultures. Reducing sugar content changed dependence of gibberellic acid concentration and growth period. Treatment with gibberellic acid could increase protein content at different concentration and growth period. The results of this research showed notable effect of this plant growth regulator on Anabaena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peanut is one of the most important plants in the legume family and are rich in oil and protein. In order to investigate the effect of different levels of sulfur fertilizer (S) and foliar application of zinc (Zn) on the yield and concentration of oil and protein, a factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications on farms located in 3 km of Astana-Ashrafieh city, Gilan province (longitude 48˚20' and latitude of 38˚5') in two years 2020-21. To supply Zn and S required by the plant and improve the quantity and quality of the product, it was studied of the effect of applying S fertilizer (as gypsum) at four levels (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1) and foliar application of Zn fertilizer (as zinc chelate) at three levels (0, 1000 and 2000 ppm). The results showed that the interaction of S and Zn fertilizers had a significant effect on pod yield, grain yield, number of grains and pods, protein and oil concentration. Mean comparison of the studied traits also showed the highest pod yield (156.1 g plant-1) in the treatment of 40 kg S + 1000 ppm Zn, while the highest grain yield (92.3 g plant-1) in the treatment of 60 kg S + 2000 ppm Zn was obtained. The highest weight of 100 grains (1283.6 g) belonged to the treatment of nonusing of S + 1000 ppm Zn. The highest concentrations of protein (17.94%) and oil (46.09%) of grain were observed in the treatments of non-using of S + 2000 ppm Zn and 60 kg S + 1000 ppm Zn, respectively. Accordingly, to obtain the highest of yield and oil concentration, the use of 60 kg S + 1000 ppm Zn is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionDue to the increasing population and consequently the need to supply the protein needed by the country through the production of livestock and also the importance of maintaining soil structure by creating the right crop rotation in agricultural fields, research on forage plants is inevitable. One of the methods to increase soil fertility and increase crop production is to alternate the plants of legumes in the fields. Pomegranate is also used as a source of protein in livestock and poultry feed and can be used as dry fodder, green fodder and straw for cattle and sheep. Because the organic matter in kelp forage (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) can be catabolized in livestock and used as a source of energy, kelp fodder is important in providing the minerals needed by livestock. Materials and MethodsIn order to study the effects of sowing date on seed and forage yield of four local and foreign Lathyrus sativa L. ecotype a field experiment was conducted at Shahriar, Tehran in 2021 growing season. Experimental treatments were arranged in randomized complete blocks design with factorial arrangement with three replications. In this research sowing date were in three levels (including 14th March, 6th April and 29th April) and grass pea ecotype were in four levels (Syria, Ethiopia, Eshnoye and Mashhad). For field sampling and quantitative and qualitative analysis of samples, grass pea forage crop was harvested at 50% flowering and pod stage. After determining the dry forage yield, a sample of forage of each plot was prepared to determine the quality traits. At this stage, traits such as percentage of crude protein, percentage of water-soluble carbohydrates and percentage of crude fiber using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy technology (Inframatic 8620 Percor, Germany) was measured. Simultaneously, one plant was harvested from each experimental unit and the green leaf area was calculated using a Leaf Area meter (England) in the laboratory. In order to determine the grain yield, an area of one square meter per harvest plot and measurements including grain yield and grain yield components (total number of pods, number of seeds per pod, 1000-seed weight) were performed on harvested plants. Significant differences among sowing date, ecotypes and their interaction for traits were compared by LSD test (P≤0.05) using using the SAS (9.1) package. Microsoft Office Excel (2013) and Origin Pro. 9.1 were used for figures drawing. Results and DiscussionThe results of the analysis of variance revealed ecotype, planting date and interaction between them was significant for most traits. Foreign yield was significantly affected by planting date and the highest yield was from Ethiopia ecotype in first planting. The highest percentage of organic matter, soluble sugars and crude fiber was found in the third culture, whereas protein content and leaf area were higher in the second planting date. The cultivars also showed significant difference in terms of agronomic characteristics and the maximum number of pod per plant, number of seeds per pod and seed yield was achieved from Mashhad ecotype. There is a significant interaction between cultivars and planting date, indicate that various ecotypes have different reactions at different planting dates. In additional, the results of this study showed that delay in planting due to change of temperature and day length leads to faster development, lower photosynthetic area, earlier flowering and these consequently lower yield. ConclusionBased on the findings of the current experiment, it can be concluded that the timing of sowing has a substantial impact on both the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of grass pea seed yield and forage production. The results clearly demonstrated that delaying the sowing significantly reduces grain yield. Specifically, this study identified mid-March to mid-April as the most suitable planting period for the studied ecotypes. Among the ecotypes, the Mashhad ecotype outperformed others in terms of grain yield, mainly attributed to its higher number of pods and seeds per pod. Additionally, it was observed that delayed sowing, leading to the critical flowering and seed filling stages coinciding with hot weather conditions, resulted in yield losses. These findings underscore the significance of selecting optimal sowing dates to maximize yield and avoid potential yield reductions associated with unfavorable environmental conditions during critical growth stages. On the other hand, it was found that delaying sowing from the usual planting time reduces forage quality and in the climate of the region, mid-April to early May is the best time to obtain low-volume and high-quality forage.

Seed aging is a process that can lead to a complete loss of seed viability. This process occurs when seeds are exposed to long-term storage or controlled deterioration treatments such as excessive dryness, lack of oxygen, and temperature fluctuations on Earth or in outer space. Proteomic changes can occur in the dry state of seeds. Extreme temperature fluctuations in outer space, especially on the moon and Mars, are one of the most important challenges for space scientists to transfer plant seeds and grow them in outer space outside the atmosphere. The present study studied the effects of simulated space temperature fluctuations on the quantitative and qualitative content of dry tomato seed proteins. The results showed 13 protein bands in the molecular weight range of 8.89 to 91.82 kilodaltons. A double or more significant decrease in the intensity of protein bands with high molecular weight was also observed in the treated group compared to the control. Finally, the two-dimensional electrophoresis technique followed by mass spectrometry is suggested for better resolution of tomato seed proteins and their better separation, as well as identification of unknown protein bands in future studies.

IntroductionTritipyrum lines are obtained from a cross between durum wheat and Thinopyrum bessarabicum (2n=2x=EbEb) and its tolerance to salinity has been reported. Tritipyrum (2n=6x=42, AABBEbEb) is the third new man-made grain after triticale and tritordium, and needs further studies until release as a commercial cultivar. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the effect of salinity stress on the amount of sodium and potassium in roots and leaves, the ratio of potassium to sodium in roots and leaves, the amount of soluble protein, soluble sugar and proline in a number of primary and combined tritipyrum lines.Materials and MethodsIn this study, 13 promising of primary and combined tritipyrum lines were tested in a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with 3 replications. The first factor includes salinity levels (0, 80, 160 and 240 mM of sodium chloride salt) and the second factor includes 13 promising of primary and combined tritipyrum lines and 2 bread wheat varieties of Alvand and Qods (tolerant and sensitive to salinity, respectively). Measurement of sodium and potassium elements of leaves and roots was performed one month after salinity stress and the amount of proline, leaf soluble protein and leaf soluble sugars were also measured.Results and DiscussionThe results showed that with increasing salinity stress, root potassium decreased but root and leaf sodium increased. Levels of proline and soluble sugars also increased with increasing salt concentration. At 240 mM salinity stress, the highest amount of leaf potassium belonged to Ka/b and La(4B/4D)*b lines and the lowest amount of it belonged to Az/b, (Cr/b)(Ka/b)F3 lines and the Qods variety. The highest ratio of leaf potassium to sodium was belonged to (Cr/b)(Ma/b)F3, La(4B/4D)*b and St/b lines and therefore these lines are more tolerant to salinity stress. At 240 mM salinity stress, the highest leaf protein belongs to the Az/b line and the lowest value belongs to the (Cr/b)(Ma/b)F3 line. In both stress and non-stress conditions, the highest genetic variance belonged to leaf protein and the amount of this variance in stress conditions was much higher than non-stress conditions. The environmental variance of root and leaf sodium and leaf potassium traits was higher in salinity stress conditions than in non-stress conditions, which indicates that it will be more difficult to evaluate genotypes for stress traits under stress conditions. Phenotypic variance of root and leaf sodium and leaf potassium as well as leaf protein in salinity stress conditions was higher than non-stress conditions, i.e. the above traits are not suitable for selection. The highest general heritability in normal conditions belonged to proline and in stress conditions belonged to leaf soluble sugar. Under normal conditions, the most significant negative correlation was between root sodium and leaf sodium. There is also a significant positive correlation between leaf protein and soluble sugar. Under stress conditions, there is a significant correlation between leaf sodium and root sodium and also between leaf potassium and proline. There is a significant negative correlation between leaf proline and sodium and the root and leaf potassium to sodium ratio has a significant positive correlation with the amount of proline. The studied genotypes categorized in 3 groups under stress conditions and 4 groups under stress conditions using cluster analysis.ConclusionBased on the ratio of potassium to sodium in plant tissues, which is one of the important index for the identification of salinity-tolerant species, we can introduced (Cr/b)(Ma/b)F3 and La(4B/4D)*b and St/b lines as salinity tolerant lines. On the other hand, according to the results, the crossing of genotypes with maximum genetic distances can be used to hybridization and produce more tolerant hybrids in breeding programs.

Rainbow salmon is one of the species with commercial value and is one of the farmed fish belonging to cold and clear waters, and it is of great importance in terms of having optimal nutritional compounds. For this purpose, to extract protein from fish by pH -shift method, (pH = 3.5) acid treatment and (pH =10.5) alkaline treatment were used, and two groups of acid and alkaline treatments were at the levels of 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%. It was added to cow's milk and then physicochemical characteristics such as moisture percentage, pH, acidity, protein content, fat content, microbial count, textural properties (hardness, cohesiveness, stickiness, chewability and gumminess), color and sensory indicators ( (such as smell, taste, texture, consistency and overall acceptance) of the cheese samples were evaluated. The results showed that by adding different percentages of acid and alkaline treatment protein, moisture content and acidity, fat, redness index (a*) and lightness (L*) of the samples decreased and protein and pH of the cheese samples enriched significantly increased (P≤0.05). Also, the count of coliforms was less than the defined limit, and the total amount of forms in samples enriched with acid treatment was lower than alkaline treatment. In the samples of cheese enriched with acid and alkaline treatment protein, the degree of hardness, stickiness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewability of the samples increased significantly.Iranian white cheese is one of the most important and widely consumed milk dairy products, and in order to enrich and improve its physicochemical, sensory and textural characteristics, various methods are used. Among the proteins of rainbow salmon, it is more interesting due to its favorable nutritional characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) belongs to the Amaranth family and is native to the Andes. In recent decades, the cultivation of this plant has extended. One of the reasons for paying attention to this plant is its ability to adapt to harsh climatic conditions. It has a higher protein content than wheat, barley, corn and rice. On the other hand, plant seeds supply all the essential amino acids (including lysine, methionine and cysteine) needed by humans. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of salinity stress on the amount of micronutrients and protein percentage in quinoa seeds. Material and Methods: An experiment was planted as a split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications on August 7, 2017. Experimental treatments included three superior genotypes (Sadough, Titicaca and NSRCQB). Genotype in sub-plot and irrigation water salinity at 3 levels of 2, 10 and 17 dS/m were located in the main plot. Finally, grain yield, saponin content (foam height), grain size and amount of micronutrients in grain and grain protein percentage were measured after saponification. Results: The effect of salinity stress on 1000-grain weight, grain yield, grain size (1.7-2, 1.4-1.7 mm), foam height, iron, zinc, calcium content and protein yield were significant. Sadough cultivar had the highest 1000-seed weight and grain yield. Sadough and Titicaca cultivar had the highest percentage of large seeds and small seeds, respectively. With increasing salinity, seed yield of Titicaca cultivar decreased by 13% per unit increasing irrigation water salinity, while in Sadough and NSRCQB genotypes, there was no significant difference with non-saline level. With increasing salinity, the lowest foam height was related to NSRCQB genotype. The interaction effect of salinity stress and genotype on grain yield, foam height, percentage of iron, zinc, calcium, protein and protein yield was significant. With increasing salinity, iron content in Titicaca cultivar, zinc content in all three genotypes, nitrogen in Sadough and NSRCQB, calcium in Titicaca, protein percentage in Sadough and NSRCQB increased significantly compared to non-saline conditions. With increasing salinity, the highest increase slope among micronutrients was related to grain. The increase in salinity stress at the salinity level of 10 and 17 dS/m compared to non-saline conditions caused an increase of 11 and 26% of grain iron, 56 and 94% of zinc and 13 and 20% of grain protein content. Protein yield in Sadough and NSRCQB cultivars was not affected by salinity increase, while in Titicaca cultivar decreased by 13% per unit of irrigation water salinity. Conclusion: With increasing salinity up to 10 dS/m, the seed yield of three quinoa genotypes was not affected and this plant is recommended for exploitation of saline water resources. Sadough cultivar was the best among the three genotypes. The percentage of micronutrients iron, calcium, zinc and grain protein increased under saline conditions and despite the decrease in grain yield, the protein yield per square meter was not affected. The rate of increase in micronutrients and decrease in yield with increasing salinity of irrigation water is affected by genotype. Since the quantity and quality of quinoa seed production (unlike glycophyte plants such as wheat) is not affected by irrigation water salinity, it can be a promising plant in improving food security in marginal areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combining organic and chemical fertilizers is one of the most important ways to achieve sustainable agriculture. In order to investigate the effect of organic fertilizers with chemical fertilizers on yield, yield components, and quality traits of sunflower, a factorial experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications in spring 2018 at Gonbad Kavous University farm research. Cultivar factor included Haysan 25 and Oscar and combination of fertilizer factor included no fertilizer application, 100 kg N/ha, 50 kg N/ha, 50 kg N/ha + 1.5 kg humic acid/ha, 50 kg N/ha+ 0.5 kg Vita free/ha, and 50 kg N/ha+ 1.5 kg humic acid+ 0.5 kg Vita free/ha. The results showed that the effect of cultivar and fertilizer on most of the measured traits was significant. Oscar cultivar produced higher grain yield, biological yield and oil percent and oil yield than Haysan 25 cultivar. Grain yield, oil yield, biological yield and plant height in 100 kg N/ha treatment was higher than other fertilizer treatments though not significantly different from 50 kg N/ha+ 1.5 kg humic acid/ha+ 0.5 kg Vita free/ha treatment. Based on the results, in order to achieve the maximum seed and oil yield of sunflower and to prevent excessive use of chemical fertilizers, the combined use of Nitrogen fertilizer, humic acid and vita free is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Due to the increasing population and consequently the need to supply the protein needed by the country through the production of livestock and also the importance of maintaining soil structure by creating the right crop rotation in agricultural fields, research on forage plants is inevitable. One of the methods to increase soil fertility and increase crop production is to alternate the plants of legumes in the fields. Pomegranate is also used as a source of protein in livestock and poultry feed and can be used as dry fodder, green fodder and straw for cattle and sheep. Because the organic matter in kelp forage (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) can be catabolized in livestock and used as a source of energy, kelp fodder is important in providing the minerals needed by livestock. Materials and Methods In order to study the effects of sowing date on seed and forage yield of four local and foreign Lathyrus sativa L. ecotype a field experiment was conducted at Shahriar, Tehran in 2021 growing season. Experimental treatments were arranged in randomized complete blocks design with factorial arrangement with three replications. In this research sowing date were in three levels (including 14th March, 6th April and 29th April) and grass pea ecotype were in four levels (Syria, Ethiopia, Eshnoye and Mashhad). For field sampling and quantitative and qualitative analysis of samples, grass pea forage crop was harvested at 50% flowering and pod stage. After determining the dry forage yield, a sample of forage of each plot was prepared to determine the quality traits. At this stage, traits such as percentage of crude protein, percentage of water-soluble carbohydrates and percentage of crude fiber using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy technology (Inframatic 8620 Percor, Germany) was measured. Simultaneously, one plant was harvested from each experimental unit and the green leaf area was calculated using a Leaf Area meter (England) in the laboratory. In order to determine the grain yield, an area of one square meter per harvest plot and measurements including grain yield and grain yield components (total number of pods, number of seeds per pod, 1000-seed weight) were performed on harvested plants. Significant differences among sowing date, ecotypes and their interaction for traits were compared by LSD test (P≤0.05) using using the SAS (9.1) package. Microsoft Office Excel (2013) and Origin Pro. 9.1 were used for figures drawing. Results and Discussion The results of the analysis of variance revealed ecotype, planting date and interaction between them was significant for most traits. Foreign yield was significantly affected by planting date and the highest yield was from Ethiopia ecotype in first planting. The highest percentage of organic matter, soluble sugars and crude fiber was found in the third culture, whereas protein content and leaf area were higher in the second planting date. The cultivars also showed significant difference in terms of agronomic characteristics and the maximum number of pod per plant, number of seeds per pod and seed yield was achieved from Mashhad ecotype. There is a significant interaction between cultivars and planting date, indicate that various ecotypes have different reactions at different planting dates. In additional, the results of this study showed that delay in planting due to change of temperature and day length leads to faster development, lower photosynthetic area, earlier flowering and these consequently lower yield. Conclusion Based on the findings of the current experiment, it can be concluded that the timing of sowing has a substantial impact on both the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of grass pea seed yield and forage production. The results clearly demonstrated that delaying the sowing significantly reduces grain yield. Specifically, this study identified mid-March to mid-April as the most suitable planting period for the studied ecotypes. Among the ecotypes, the Mashhad ecotype outperformed others in terms of grain yield, mainly attributed to its higher number of pods and seeds per pod. Additionally, it was observed that delayed sowing, leading to the critical flowering and seed filling stages coinciding with hot weather conditions, resulted in yield losses. These findings underscore the significance of selecting optimal sowing dates to maximize yield and avoid potential yield reductions associated with unfavorable environmental conditions during critical growth stages. On the other hand, it was found that delaying sowing from the usual planting time reduces forage quality and in the climate of the region, mid-April to early May is the best time to obtain low-volume and high-quality forage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effect of cycocel and micronutrient consumption on yield, physiological traits, and antioxidant content of maize under low irrigation conditions at the end of the season, a split factorial experiment was carried out based on a randomized complete block design with four replications in Safiabad Agriculture Research Center in Dezful during two cropping years 2017-18 and 2018-19. The main treatment included water stress with three levels control (without water stress), water stress in female flower formation stage and water stress in grain swelling stage. Also, foliar application of cycocel at three levels of control (no use of cycocel), 442.5 ppm, and 885 ppm and three levels of micronutrient fertilizers, namely control (no fertilizer application), foliar application of 1000 g.ha-1, and foliar application of 1500 g.ha-1 were considered as the sub-factors. Results of the combined ANOVA showed that the interaction of the effects of year, stress, micronutrient, and cycocel on relative water content, proline and grain yield and also the interaction of the effects of stress, micronutrient, and cycocel on hydrogen peroxide, glutathione peroxidase, and soluble proteins were statistically significant (p≤0.01). The results also showed that the highest activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme was obtained under stress conditions at the grain swelling stage, which showed an increase by about 37% compared to the irrigation treatment under optimal conditions. Foliar application of 1500 g.ha-1 micronutrient and 885 ppm cycocel in non-stress conditions increased the average grain yield (11500 kg.ha-1) in the second year by about 85% compared to stressed condition at grain swelling stage and no application of micronutrient and cycocel. In general, to increase grain yield under optimal irrigation conditions and reduce the drop in stress conditions, growth regulators such as cycocel with a concentration of 885 ppm and micronutrient foliar application at 1500 g.ha-1 are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The genus Chlorophytum (also known as spider plant) which is mainly cultivated as an ornamental plant for its slash and colored leaves, specifically distributed in the pantropic regions. It is a perennial rhizomatous plant with often short and indistinct rhizomes, while with thicker or slightly fleshy roots. The roots of these species are considered as one of the important phytochemical components. the use of Chlorophytum comosum as a contaminant accumulator has already been documented in the literature.This plant is a soil conditioner and can absorb lead, cadmium, Se and As while its leaves accumulate mercury. It is also able to absorb toxic organic pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene and is also able to retain CO2. Leaf surface morphology has been shown to affect the ability of a particular plant to retain contaminants. Chlorophytum comosum introduced as a plant that requires high nitrogen. Nitrogen is an essential macro element for the growth and development of plants which involved in many physiological reactions and it is one of the elements that plants need in all their activities. The effect of N form on plant growth depends on plant species and nitrogen level of the soil. Plants absorb both ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-) from soil solution, and these two mineral forms are their most important sources of nitrogen to supply the plant demand. Absorption of ammonium by plants requires less energy than absorption of nitrate. It seems that most plants have the best performance in a certain ratio of nitrate to ammonium (NO3-/NH4+ ratio). This ratio seems to regulate the distribution of absorbed nitrogen between the branches and roots. It may also vary between species. The optimal ratio may also depend on the environmental conditions such as pH, light intensity, and root zone temperature. This study was performed to determine the effect of different levels of ammonium nitrate on growth, yield factors and ornamental aspects of the spider plant as a desired ornamental product. The use of ammonium nitrate to meet the houseplants demand considering the supply of both types of nitrogen sources, increases the yield and quality of these plant. However, despite the importance of the nitrogen in the performance of this ornamental plant (Chlorophytum comosum), the desired amount of nitrogen for its growth and quality has not yet been reported. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the effect of different levels of ammonium nitrate on the growth and physiological characteristics of spider plant to find the best level of application of ammonium nitrate fertilizer as an easily available source to increase the growth and visual quality of this plant.Materials and Methods This research was conducted based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four treatments and three replications. Treatments include four levels of ammonium nitrate of 100 (control), 200, 400, 600 mg-1 kg of soil. Treatments applied first at the substrate preparation process and then was applied in the one third depth of each pot, monthly. Desired factors such as morphological characteristics (plant height, leaf number, stolon number, fresh weight, dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, root volume, root depth, root length, pot weight, leaf area) and physiological characteristics (total chlorophyll, total protein, texture nitrate and proline) were evaluated. Also soil analysis was performed before starting of the experiment. Statistical analyses of the data for examined traits were performed using SAS software and comparisons of means using Duncan's multiple range test, at 5% probability level.Result and Discussion The results indicated that the application of ammonium nitrate fertilizer significantly improved most of the studied traits. Supplying ammonium nitrate fertilizer at desired level meet the nitrogen demand of Spider plant during the growth and improved production of biomass. The plant height, leaf number, fresh weight, dry weight, root fresh weight, root dry weight, and leaf area were increased by increasing ammonium nitrate level. Nitrogen fertilizers play an important role for increasing plant yield by expanding shoots and producing sufficient carbohydrates. In addition to plant growth, they also affect plant morphology. Maximum amount of protein, nitrate of tissue and total chlorophyll observed in 400 mg-1kg of ammonium nitrate level. Nitrogen is one of the essential elements that plays an important role in the production of chlorophyll and protein, therefore the use of nitrogen fertilizers leads to synthesis of chlorophyll and protein at higher level. The highest amount of proline (11.20 μg-1 mL) was measured at 600 mg-1kg of ammonium nitrate level and the lowest (3.57 μg-1 mL) in the control, because with high consumption of nitrate, the plant needs more water and nitrogen is a structural component of proline. Accumulation of proline helps the plant to survive and recover after drought stress.Conclusion According to the results of our experiment, application of nitrogen fertilizer had a positive effect on growth, and consequently led to increase the plant vegetative yield. Treatment of 400 mg-1kg of ammonium nitrate level increased growth and yield factors and the ornamental aspect of Spider plant as a desired ornamental crop. Application of 400 mg-1kg of ammonium nitrate level are recommended to access an acceptable quantitative and qualitative yield in this plant.

The present study investigates the effect of sulfur fertilizer on Euphorbia tirucalli L. in pot culture conditions. Plants were cultivated under 10 NPK treatments with sulfur fertilizers (granular or bentonite, with or without thiobacillus and ammonium sulfate each in two concentrations) and one NPK treatment without sulfur, compared with the control in randomized complete blocks for 4 months. Growth parameters including dry and fresh weight of plants, roots, shoots and the ratio of fresh or dry weight of roots to plants as well as protein, chlorophyll, potassium, phosphorus and sulfur content in roots or shoots were measured. NPK fertilizer did not increase phosphorus and potassium uptake but decreased root growth. Addition of sulfur fertilizers except for bentonite sulfur with a concentration of 0.8 g per 80 cm2 of soil with Thiobacillus commercial liquid fertilizer, 250 ml / l, had no effect on recovering the negative effects of NPK and even in most treatments, shoot dry weight and fresh weight decreased. Ammonium sulfate showed the most negative effect on growth parameters. Also, some sulfur treatments had a positive effect on increasing the amount of shoot protein. Chlorophyll a, b and total levels did not show a significant difference between treatments. The effect of sulfur fertilizer on soil pH was different and higher concentration of granular sulfur fertilizer containing Thiobacillus caused a more severe drop. None of the sulfur treatments increased the phosphorus of the shoot and even some treatments had a negative effect on the phosphorus content of the roots as well as the potassium content of the roots and shoots. Only in the treatment of granular sulfur fertilizer with Thiobacillus at lower concentrations, root potassium content increased. Negative effects of sulfur fertilizers were not due to increased sulfur uptake, because the sulfur content changes between treatments were not significantly different.

Background: Febrile seizures are the most common cause of seizures in children under 5 years of age. Central nervous system infections are an important differential diagnosis of febrile seizures. Apart from infections, CSF characteristics are affected by many factors including the cause, type and duration of seizures. This study was designed to determine the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) indices, including white blood cells (WBC), polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) count, and levels of protein and glucose in the CSF of children with fever-induced seizures. Methods: The present study is a descriptive study that evaluated the results of CSF analysis in 56 children with febrile seizures admitted to Imam Sajjad Hospital in Yasouj from March 2012 to 2013. In the present study, CSF analysis was performed in children with a diagnosis of febrile seizures. In order to collect information from a pre-designed form that includes demographic information (age and gender), degree of fever, and information related to CSF indices including WBC, PMN and levels of protein and glucose in CSF, which have been extracted and recorded, statistical methods are used in this study to express descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, number, percentage, etc. Results: 56 children with a diagnosis of convulsive fever with a mean age of 21.4±14 months were evaluated. 37.5% (21 individuals) of the study population were females and 62.5% (53 individuals) were males. Among them, 33 individuals had low-grade fever and 23 individuals had high-grade fever. In 10.7%, the number of WBCs was more than 5. The amount of protein obtained was in the normal range, between 20 and 50 mg/dl, in 57.1% of cases. However, a significant percentage (39.3%) of CSF liquid protein was below 20 mg/dl. CSF fluid glucose levels were within the normal range at 91.1%. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, febrile seizures may be associated with low protein levels in the CSF. However, due to the limited sample size in our study, similar studies with higher sample sizes are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Despite the essential need for T cells to eradicate infection, the protective role of the humoral response is also evident in the defense response. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunogenic and immunogenic role of rTF/Bp26/Omp31 recombinant chimeric protein in BALB/c mice as a new vaccine candidate. Methods: In this experimental study, in order to evaluate the immunogenicity of the designed recombinant protein, clone, and gene expression were performed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The protein extracted from the culture of the mentioned cells was purified by Ni-NTA column. Nisome nanocarriers were made using Tovin and Span surfactants, cholesterol, and chloroform through standard methods, and then mixed with the purified protein and prepared for injection into BALB/c laboratory mice. Results: The evaluation of the immune response indicated the production of antibodies against niosomes containing the recombinant protein, and the amount of antibody production was also different in different injection methods. The statistical data analysis showed the appropriate response of the immune system of laboratory mice. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate the better efficacy of the nanoniosomes form in the design of the Brucella vaccine and its immune function, and this immunogen structure can be suitable for the design of a vaccine against brucellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) (Hubner, 1813) is one of the most important and well-known stored-product pests in most parts of the world. The larvae of this insect are omnivorous and have the ability to grow and reproduce on a wide variety of grains, dried fruits, dried vegetables, nuts, oil seeds, chocolate, animal feed and various processed products. Therefore, it causes economic losses to various agricultural and stored products. On the other hand, this insect is used as a host in the rearing of various useful insect species. In general, the Indian moth eats carbohydrate-rich foods, and its growth and development is highly dependent on biochemical compounds and especially the quality and quantity of nutrients in its diet. The enzymes like amylase and pectinase in the digestive system of the lepidoperan larvae, which are secreted by the cells of the midgut, play an effective role in the digestion and absorption of food. Investigating some of the biological and physiological properties of this insect on various types of foods will help to optimize the rearing of this insect for management studies and also as a host for rearing of other pest insect's predators and parasitoids. Materials and Methods In this study, we investigated the effects of different diets, namely raisin, fig, pistachio, peanut, almond, and walnut, which are known to be the main hosts of the Indian meal moth, on the protein content in the last instar larval gut. We compared their protein patterns and content using SDS-PAGE. Additionally, we measured the activities of the digestive enzymes alpha-amylase and pectinase using the DNS (Dinitrosalicylic acid) assay. Alpha-amylase activity was assessed using 1% starch as a substrate, while pectinase activity was measured using pectin as the substrate. To facilitate a better comparison of the relative enzymatic activities, the activities were calculated as a percentage of the highest enzymatic activity. Furthermore, we compared several biological parameters, including the incubation period, larval period, pupal period, adult longevity, life span, and adult emergence. Results and Discussion The results of the study revealed that the Indian meal moth larvae had the lowest amounts of gut protein when fed on figs and raisins, while the highest amounts were observed in larvae fed on pistachios, peanuts, almonds, and walnuts. The determination of protein levels using the Bradford method and SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis yielded consistent results, clearly indicating the protein concentrations in the samples. The activity of the alpha-amylase enzyme in the larvae's gut was highest in those fed on pistachios and lowest in those fed on figs. Similarly, the pectinase enzyme showed the highest activity in larvae fed on pistachios and the lowest activity in those fed on raisins. The embryonic period of the Indian meal moth remained consistent across different diets. However, when comparing the duration of the larval period, pupal period, and overall growth period, the shortest duration was observed in larvae fed on pistachios, while the longest duration was seen in those fed on raisins. The length of the growth period tends to increase when the insect is fed on less desirable food sources. Regarding lifespan, the shortest duration was observed in the diets consisting of almonds and pistachios, while the longest lifespan was recorded in those fed on raisins. When examining adult emergence, the diets of almonds and figs showed the highest and lowest values, respectively. In conclusion, pistachios, almonds, and walnuts were found to be more favorable diets for the Indian meal moth larvae compared to peanuts, figs, and raisins. Conclusion This study aimed to determine the optimal diet for rearing the Indian meal moth. The investigated diets, which are major food sources for this insect, were found to have an impact on the amount and concentration of intestinal protein in the last instar larvae, as well as the activity of alpha-amylase and pectinase enzymes. Significant differences were observed in various physiological and biological components among the diets. The highest values for all these components were observed in the larvae reared on a pistachio diet, while the lowest values were found in those reared on fig and raisin diets. Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that pistachio, walnut, and almond diets are favorable and suitable for laboratory breeding of the Indian meal moth, compared to peanut, raisin, and fig diets. Among these diets, pistachio was identified as the most optimal choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella Hubner (Pyralidae) is one of the most important pests of storage products in Iran, which is controlled by chemical fumigants. The use of plant essential oils and their compounds can be a suitable alternative to conventional fumigants due to their low risks to mammals. The present study invesrigates the mortality, inhibition of alpha-amylase enzyme, and the total protein content of Indian meal moth larvae (Plodia interpunctella (Hubner)) affected by saffron petal extract with high concentration of anthocyanin under experimental conditions. The concentrations have been 500, 690, 1000, 1380, and 2000 ppm, used against the fifth-instar larvae of the pest in four replications within 24 and 48 h. The lethal concentration to kill fifty percentage of larvae (LC50) by saffron petal extract after 24 and 48 hours is estimated to be 2244.950 and 1434.828 ppm, respectively. Alpha-amylase enzyme activity in the fifth instar larvae of Indian meal moth, treated by saffron petal extract, has been significantly different from the control. The highest activity of the alpha-amylase enzyme in pest larvae treated by saffron petal extract has been recorded with 83.1%, and the inhibitory rate of this enzyme has been 21.8%, which is significantly different from control. Also, the amount of protein in the larvae affected by this extract significantly differs from the control groups. Therefore, due to its fumigant toxicity and the alpha-amylase inhibitory activity of Indian meal moth larvae, saffron petal extract can be considered for additional researches on managing this pest based on an ecological principle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate some morphological and chemical characteristics of quinoa, a split plot experiment has been conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications during 2019-2020 cropping season, at the Agricultural Research Station of University of Zabol, Iran. Vermicompost at three levels (0, 5 and 10 ton/ha) has been considered the main factor and chemical fertilizer at four levels (25, 50, 75 and 100%), the sub-factor. The main effect of vermicompost is significant on morphological traits such as plant height, 1000-seed weight, biological yield, grain yield, and harvest index. Interaction of vermicompost and chemical fertilizer is significant on chemical properties, including proteins and photosynthetic pigments. Application of 10 tons of vermicompost per hectare leads to the maximum level of plant height, 1000-seed weight, biological yield, grain yield, and harvest index. Also, the highest amount of photosynthetic proteins and pigments are achieved from combined application of 10 tons/ha of vermicompost and 50% chemical fertilizer (25 kg/ha Urea+ 50 kg/ha triple superphosphate + 50 kg/ha potassium sulfate). Totally, results show the positive effects of vermicompost on the morphological and chemical properties of quinoa. It can be concluded that the combined use of chemical fertilizers and vermicompost can increase the yield of quinoa, while reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and thus reduce the environmental impacts caused by them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate the biochemical properties of dragon's head (Lallemantia iberica L.) ecotypes' using some anti-perspirants in rainfed conditions in the crop year 2018, an experiment has been conducted in Karaj and Khorramabad regions. The experiment is based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with a factorial arrangement, consisted of three replications. The first factor involves four different ecotypes of dragon's head (Kurdistan, Takab, Nazarkahrizi, and Kalibar) and the second factor includes three anti-transpirant compounds (kaolin with a concentration of 5%, chitosan with a concentration of 1%, and Ista with a concentration of 2%) as well as no anti-transpirant (control). The results show that using anti-transpirants has increased the amount of the activity of catalase and peroxidase enzymes. Ista anti-transpirant has had a greater effect on enzyme activity than kaolin and chitosan. The highest amount of peroxidase and catalase (0.51-0.39 unit mg/protein) are obtained from the ecotypes of Kurdistan treated with Ista and Karaj cultivation, respectively. In addition, the highest grain yield and biomass yield are obtained from treatment with chitosan, which has increased by 4% to 20%, compared to the control, respectively. Based on the results, using anti-transpirants in dryland cultivation conditions improves most of the studied yield traits and biochemical traits compared to the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in the needs of the population for protein causes research on natural and plant products that can be a good substitute for animal proteins. Lentil is a rich source of protein containing 20/6 to 31/4% protein. As a result, trying to investigate the physicochemical properties of its protein and replacing animal proteins is considered important. In this research, the optimization of water and oil absorption capacity of Bilesawar green lentils was investigated using the response surface method and Design Expert 11 software. For this purpose, central composite design with three independent variables and 6 central points was used. 20 treatments resulting from the combination of three independent variables pH (8/5 -10) and centrifugation time (20 -60 minutes) and centrifugation temperature (4 -30°C) were evaluated. The results showed the decreasing effect of pH and time on the water absorption capacity, indicating that with the increase of pH and time, the water absorption capacity decreased. Temperature and pH had decreasing effect and time had an increasing effect on oil absorption capacity. Applying the optimized conditions, the oil and water absorption capacity for the optimum point were obtained 1/235 and 1/373, respectively. For validation, optimized predicted and experimented data were compared using T student test (p<0/05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionBean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the second most important legume plant after soybean, accounting for a major share of the diet of more than 300 million people worldwide. However, bean cultivation is always faced with several limitations, among these production limited factors, drought stress is the most important factor and has a considerable effect in reducing the production of this crop. One of the harmful effects of drought stress is disturbing the nutritional balance in the plant, so that due to drought stress, the mobility of nutrients in the soil is reduced and the absorption and transfer of substances to the plant is impaired. Studies show that nano-iron chelate fertilizer has a moderating effect against changes in drought, salinity, acidity and temperature and leads to improved plant growth. Hence, the present study was conducted to investigate of the role of nano fertilizer on increasing drought resistance of bean in Jiroft region. Materials and MethodsA split-plot layout based on a randomized complete block design with three replications conducted in a farm located in Tohan village of Jiroft city during 2015-2016. The main factor was the drought stress with three levels included: no stress, stress in vegetative growth stages and stress in reproductive growth stages. Sub-factor consisted of different amounts of nano-iron chelate fertilizer at three levels of 0, 5 and 10 kg.ha-1. In this study, stem height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seed per pod, 100 seeds weight, seed yield, biological yield, seed protein content and protein yield traits were measured. The obtained data were exposed to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Means comparison was done using Duncan's multiple range test using SAS software. Correlation coefficients between traits were calculated with SAS software. Results and DiscussionAccording to the results, no stress treatment and application of 10 kg.ha-1 of iron nano-chelate fertilizer led to the highest value of stem height, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, 100 seeds weight, seed yield, biological yield, seed protein content and protein yield. However, for the above traits, no statistically significant difference was observed between 10 and 5 kg.ha-1 of fertilizer in no stress condition. Also, the occurrence of stress in both stages of vegetative and reproductive growth reduced the studied traits, so that the lowest value of stem height, number of branches and number of pods per plant were obtained from the occurrence of stress in vegetative growth stage, and the lowest amounts of number of seed per pod, 100 seeds weight, seed yield, biological yield and seed protein yield were obtained from the occurrence of stress in the reproductive growth stage. Among the studied traits, only the percentage of seed protein with stress treatments showed a significant increase that this increase was greater in stress in the reproductive growth stage. It should also be noted that the application of 10 and 5 kg.ha-1 of iron nano-chelate fertilizer, respectively, in comparison with the treatment without fertilizer, in the occurrence of stress in both stages of plant growth moderates the effects of stress for all traits except seed protein percentage. ConclusionThe results of this study showed that stress occurrence at any stage of growth reduces the growth and yield of the bean plant. This reduction will be more on the seed and biological yield of the plant if occurrence of stress is in the reproductive stages of the plant. Application of nano-chelate fertilizers in each one of the conditions without stress, stress in vegetative growth stage and stress in reproductive growth stage in comparison with not using this type of fertilizer will have a positive effect on growth characteristics and plant yield. There was no statistically significant difference between the application of 10 and 5 kg.ha-1 of iron nano-chelate fertilizer for seed and biological yield of bean in each one of the no stress and stress conditions.

Background and objectives: Wheat is one of the most widely used crops in Iran and the world, which provides about 60 to 70% of human food energy. In sustainable soil management, in addition to soil fertility, it is also important to maintain the balance of its nutrients. In general, reducing the use of chemical fertilizers is necessary to maintain yield and maintain the beneficial properties of the soil, as well as to contribute to the sustainable production of wheat as a strategic product of the country. For this purpose, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of combined use of organic fertilizers and phosphorus on wheat properties and the purpose of reducing the use of chemical fertilizers in order to maintain yield and maintain useful soil properties and ultimately protect the environment. Materials and methods: This experiment was carried out in a field located in Sarbisheh city in 2020 year using Arg wheat cultivar as a split plot and based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. In this study, the application of organic fertilizer at 5 levels in the main plots before planting and the use of phosphorus based on soil test at 4 levels in the sub-plots was done simultaneously with planting with a tiller. In this experiment, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, plant dry weight, number of tillers, number of spikes per plant, grain yield and protein percentage were measured. Results: The highest plant height was related to the level of non-application of phosphorus fertilizer and the level of 20 tons per hectare of local compost with a 32.8% increase compared to the control level. It was observed that in the interaction of organic fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer, the highest leaf area of wheat was related to the level of 20 tons of local compost fertilizer combined with 100% phosphorus fertilizer. It was found that the highest plant dry weight was 20 tons per hectare of local compost, which caused a 50% increase in this trait compared to the control. Also, in the treatment of phosphorus fertilizer, it was found that the highest amount of plant dry weight at the level of 100% of the recommended amount was 4.48 g, which was 34.5% higher than the control level. The interaction of the two factors tested showed that the highest number of tillers was related to the level of 150 kg of phosphorus fertilizer and the level of 20 tons per hectare of local compost, which caused an increase of 1.3 times compared to the control level. The level of 25 tons of manure per hectare increased the number of spikes per plant by 13.7% compared to the control. Also, the level of 20 tons of local compost increased this trait by 15.6% compared to the control. The simple effect of phosphorus fertilizer was observed that the levels of 150 and 100 kg / ha had the highest number of spikes. Phosphorus fertilizer treatment showed that the highest grain yield at the level of 150 kg / ha was 6117 kg / ha, which was an increase of 39.6% compared to the control level. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the effect of different fertilizers on most of the studied traits such as plant height, leaf area, leaf and plant dry weight, grain yield and grain protein percentage were significant. The most positive effect on most of the traits due to the simple effect of treatments was local compost treatment and had better results than manure and phosphorus fertilizer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing fishmeal with fermented soybean meal on some hematological and immunological indices of Beluga, Huso huso. For this purpose, 240 Beluga (394.6 ± 4.3 g) were distributed in eight treatments (with three replications). The experimental treatments included T1: fish meal (FM), T2: (FM + methionine and lysine), T3: Fermented soybean 40% (FSBM40), T4: (FSBM60), T5: (FSBM80), T6: (FSBM40 + methionine and lysine), T7: (FSBM60 + methionine and lysine) and T8: (FSBM80 + methionine and lysine). During the 56-day feeding period, the fish were fed to apparent satiation three times daily. The results showed that there was no significant difference in hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCHC, neutrophil, monocyte and eosinophil values (p>0.05). However, the highest number of white and red blood cells was observed in the diets containing FM and FM + methionine and lysine, respectively (p<0.05). Furthermore, higher amounts of MCV and lymphocytes in T6 and higher amounts of MCH in T5, T6 and T8 were observed than in the other treatments (p<0.05). Also, the highest amounts of lysozyme were observed in T4. In addition, T4 and T7 exhibited higher amounts of IgM and total immunoglobulin than the other treatments (p<0.05). Based on the results, the best performance of hematological and immunological indices was observed in replacing 40-60% fishmeal with fermented soybean meal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, due to the increase of chronic non-communicable diseases including cardiovascular diseases and obesity, consumers have an increasing demand for dairy products with modified fat content to meet their nutritional needs and protect themselves from the dangers of cholesterol and fat. Due to the mentioned concerns by consumers, the demand for healthy and nutritionally balanced products has led to the expansion of a number of low-fat and non-fat yogurt products in the market . However, the taste and texture of these yogurts are not desirable for consumers, and a lot of research is being done to improve these problems. The aim of this study was to investigate the functional yogurt containing olive oil (0%, 3%, and 6% based on milk weight) and celery seed powder (0%, 1.5%, and 3% based on milk weight) and The effect of each experimental treatment 1, 7, and 14 days after production on physicochemical properties. According to the obtained results, the formulation of functional yogurt using different concentrations of olive oil and celery seed powder caused a significant difference (P ˂ 0.05) in physical and chemical properties (acidity, pH, SNF, Protein content, Fat content, Fatty acid content) affected by the amount of olive oil and celery seed powder over storage time. So that storage time was directly related to acidity and watering and had an inverse effect on pH . While the amount of celery seed powder was directly related to lean dry matter, protein and hydration. Also, the percentage of olive oil with fat had a direct effect and had an adverse effect on hydration and samples containing olive oil had a higher acidity index than the control sample. Regarding the analysis of fatty acids, by adding olive herbal oil to the control sample, the amount of short and medium chain fatty acids such as 14: - 0, 16:0, 12:0, 10:0, 8:0, 6:0 showed a significant decrease. But the amounts of fatty acids 18:1 and 18:2 increased significantly. The results of this study showed that by using different concentrations of olive oil and celery seed powder in the formulation of functional yogurt, physical and chemical properties with different properties can be created, each of which can be considered according to the definition of the desired product properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]