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To investigate the effect of various levels of salinity and biochar on the growth and biochemical traits of Catharanthus roseus L., a medicinal plant, a factorial experiment with three levels of biochar (0, 2, and 4%) and four levels of salinity (0, 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 mg/kg soil) was conducted in pots under greenhouse conditions, in three replications, 36 pots, and 6 plants/plot. Salinity reduced the vegetative and reproductive growth and Ca and K uptake, and chlorophyll content of the plants, and increased the Na+, Cl−, electrolyte leakage, and antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT, GPX) activities. Biochar improved all the vegetative and reproductive growth and biochemical traits of Catharanthus roseus L. and enhanced soil fertility. The application of biochar at the rate of 2% at all four levels of NaCl reduced the activity of antioxidants and decreased electrolyte leakage, reflecting the alleviation of salinity effects and the retention of cell health for survival. The application of biochar 2% was more effective than biochar 4% in alleviating salinity stress. Therefore, by using 2% biochar, it is possible to improve saline soils (soils containing 1,000 or 2,000 mg/kg NaCl) and grow periwinkle ornamental-medicinal plant in it. The plants showed acceptable performance at salinity levels of 1,000 or 2,000 mg/kg with biochar 2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying, and evaluating, the nutritional and toxic compounds in radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is important for breeding. This study investigates the quality and health indices in leaves of radish cultivars: Cherry Belle, Champion, French Breakfast, Sparkler, and a local landrace (Isfahan). Difference were observed in contents of dry matter (7.84–11.23%) and ash (1.12–2.05%) in leaves of radish cultivars. Nitrate content in leaves 1780–5234 mg·kg−1 which was 71.2–209.3% of the permissible limit. "Cherry Belle" and the local cultivar had the highest nitrate content. With increased dry matter accumulation in leaves, nitrate content decreased. Cultivars that have a higher photosynthesis capacity, represent more capability in nitrate consumption. The IC50 in leaves was 33.1%. The local landrace had the highest antioxidant capacity and "Cherry Belle" the lowest. The phenolic content and vitamin C in leaves of radish cultivars was 99.9 mg GAE/100 g and 34.25 mg/100 g, respectively. Radish leaves were rich in vitamin C. It is apparently possible to develop cultivars that have higher content of bioactive compounds and lower nitrate accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff. is an Iranian endemic plant, with use as a leafy vegetable, spice, and medicinal herb. This plant is grown in high-altitude mountains and harvested annually in the spring. Five wild populations of K. odoratissima were collected from Ardal, Chelgerd, Sar-Agha-Seyyed, Mogooei, Lordegan regions of Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran. Mineral composition of samples was analyzed. Differences were detected among populations. The Ardal population had the highest K (5.30 mg∙100 g−1) and Mn (136.60 mg∙kg−1) contents. The highest P (0.89 mg∙100 g−1), Ca (2.58 mg∙100 g−1) and Mg (0.55 mg∙100 g−1) contents were in the Sar-Agha-Seyyed population. The highest Fe (1258 mg∙kg−1) and Cu (9.81 mg∙100 g−1) contents were in the Chelgerd populations. There was a significant, negative, correlation between Zn and P. Differences in mineral composition of K. odoratissima corresponded to variation among populations. It appears wild celery is a good source of minerals compared to other common leafy vegetables in Apiaceae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breeding of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) with a focus on yield has indirectly led to reductions in flavor. Development of tomato genotypes with high quality and yield needs efficient tools to monitor trait association in breeding. The objective of the work was to combine simultaneous selection for yield and quality in elite segregating populations of tomato breeding using multivariate methods. Eighty-three tomato lines (S3) were produced, using the modified pedigree method, from crossings of commercial hybrids. Factor analysis determined five hidden factors, which justified 68.62% of variation. The first factor, with the highest percent of justified variance, was effective for fruit yield. The second factor with the most coefficients was effective for fruit quality. The third factor, with extensive, positive, coefficients for fruit length, fruit diameter, and pericarp thickness, was effective for fruit characterization. The fourth factor, with the most factorial load over number of fruit per cluster and high negative weight, was effective for durability of flowers. The fifth factor was affected by number of flowers per cluster, and vitamin C and total soluble solids content. In triplot analysis partially inbred lines 75, 76, 77, and 78 had high values of the first factor and was effective for high performance. The most important traits, based on stepwise regression, were number of fruit per line, single fruit weight, fruit diameter and pericarp thickness. Path analysis indicated number of fruit per line and single fruit weight had the highest positive direct effect on yield and direct selection for these traits is possible. Based on their high positive loading for factors 1 and 3, that had relation to fruit yield and moderate loading for factor 2, where maturity index was negative, partially inbred lines 75 and 78 can be used for subsequent tomato breeding. In tomato, important traits for yield include single fruit weight, fruit length and diameter, and pericarp thickness and titratable acidity must be considered simultaneously to maintain flavor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quince (Cydonia oblonga Miller.) belongs to the Rosaceae family and is generally used for fresh consumption and processed items. In this research, fruit characteristics of eight quince genotypes from Iran were investigated via genotype by trait interactions (GTI) biplot. Results indicated that the first two principal components analysis (PC1 and PC2) were used to create a two-dimensional GTI biplot that accounted percentages of 31% and 22%, respectively, of sums of squares of the GTI. The vertex genotypes in polygon were Svs1, Esf, Nb1, Kud2 and Et1; and Svs1 was the winning genotype for pectin, fruit length, phosphorus percent and fruit hardness while Esf was the best genotype for iron percent, fruit diameter, fruit weight and end hold. There were positive correlation among pectin, fruit length, fruit hardness and phosphorus percent as well as among zinc percent, branch length, fruit apparent specific weight, calcium percent and potassium percent. Genotype Svs1 was more desirable followed by genotypes Nb4, Esf and Et1 based on ideal entry biplot and pectin and fruit length were the best traits according to ideal tester biplot. The best genotype for obtaining of high fruit weight was Esf following to Nb4, Svs1 and Nb1 and ranking traits based on fruit weight showed that fruit diameter is more important followed by end hold and iron percent. This study showed that there was relatively high level of variation in quince genotypes grown and morphological traits used in this research indicating that they can be used for characterization and diversity analysis of quince. We concluded from this study that it is imperative for breeders to pay more attention to improve quince morphological traits coordinated to fruit yield performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dog rose (Rosa canina L.) is a wild native species in Iran, with a significant genetic diversity. This plant serves as a rich source of vitamin C, anthocyanins, phenolic contents and carotenoids. Rose hips have been used in several food products, as well as perfumery and cosmetics industries. In this research, we investigate biochemical characteristics of five dog rose ecotypes (Kopehjamshid, Zarneh, Miyankish, Aghcheh and Sadeghiyeh), that were collected from the central part of Iran (Isfahan province). Amounts of vitamin C, total carotenoids, total phenolic contents, total anthocyanins, macro and micro minerals were measured. Seed oil are extracted by soxhlet method and analysed by gas chromatography. The macro and micro minerals levels in the fruit vary significantly among these regions. The results of this study demonstrate that dog rose have great diversity and can be used in breeding programmes in order to increase nutrient values as a food resource additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persia is one of the main origin centers of pomegranate; hence, a diverse germplasm has evolved in the area over the past centuries. This study was conducted to evaluate the physico-chemical properties of fruits of ten Persian pomegranate cultivars. The plants used for this experiment had been collected from different parts of Iran and were established in a repository. Wide variations in the main properties of the ripe fruits of the cultivars were observed. The size, weight, skin thickness and weight, and juice content of the fruits were within the range of 55.14–71.76 mm, 98.55–199.40 g, 1.07–3.93 mm, 28.96–66.95 g, and 2.00–89.33 ml, respectively. Seed weight, Aril numbers, fresh and dry weight of 100 arils were 33.80–72.90 g, 170.70–570.30, 23.16–42.82 g, and 17.22–33.87%, respectively. The levels of total anthocyanin, total soluble solids (TSS), titrable acidity (TA), ascorbic acid, total phenolics, electrical conductivity, and TSS/TA ratio were ranged between 5.91–180.70 mg/100 g, 9.35–13.93 °Brix, 0.16–2.28%, 7.15–1061 mg/100 ml, 3578–5108 mg/100 g, 2.51–4.93 dS/m, and 4.09–80.34, respectively. The results emphasized on the role of plant genotype on fruit taste parameters, bioactive compounds, and yield. The variations in the fruits indicated differences in nutritive quality, which may satisfy diverse consumer acceptance in different areas. Moreover, it provides great opportunities for improving crop yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]