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The aim of the present study is to investigate and compare the physicochemical properties of the essential oil obtained from the oleo-gumresin of two Ferula gummosa populations from Isfahan and Fars habitats. For this purpose, the oleo-gum-resin of F. gummosa was collected from two areas in Maragh, Kashan and Eqlid, Fars. The essential oil was then extracted from the fresh oleo-gum-resin by water and steam distillation. The essential oil was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively using GC and GC/MS devices. The appearance and physical and chemical characteristics of the essential oil of two populations of F. gummosa including their relative density, refractive index, optical rotation, and phytochemicals were investigated and compared. According to the results, F. gummosa essential oil is a transparent and colourless liquid with a turpentine odour and a green woody scent. The essential oils of two populations of Kashan and Eqlid have relative densities of 0.874 and 0.869, refractive indices of 1.4810 and 1.4795, and optical rotations of 11.35° and 23.52°, respectively. The comparison of the average physical traits of the essential oils of two F. gummosa populations shows that there is no significant difference in the characteristics of relative density and refractive index while there is a significant difference in the amount of optical rotation, which is due to the difference in the content of optically active compounds in the profiles of the two essential oil samples. Based on the essential oil analysis, hydrocarbon monoterpenes including β-pinene (71% and 68.8%), δ-3-carne (9.4% and 5.2%), limonene (2.4% and 15.6%), myrcene (3.9% and 2.4%), and α-pinene (3.6% and 3.4%) were identified as the main compounds in two F. gummosa populations from Kashan and Eqlid, respectively. The difference between two F. gummosa populations in the amount of essential oil components is related to factors such as altitude, climate and precipitation of the two habitats. Although the physicochemical properties of the essential oil of two F. gummosa populations studied are in good agreement with the international standard (ISO), the advantage of Fars F. gummosa is the high content of limonene in the essential oil, and this indicates the ability of Iranian galbanum to compete in foreign markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to select suitable parents for breeding purposes, one must have sufficient knowledge of genetic diversity and germplasm classification. It was for this reason that a study was conducted in 2019 at the Seed and Plant Research Institute in Karaj in order to identify and classify 17 eggplant genotypes based on the randomized complete block design. This stud measured 19 morphological traits such as number of days to flowering, plant height, number of stems per plant, number of nodes, and internodes, weight, and fruit yield as well as total phenol content, total anthocyanin content and glico-aldeid solasonin. The results of the analysis of variance revealed a significant difference for all the traits (p≤0.01). The range of variation showed great genetic diversity among cultivars, which can be useful for different breeding purposes, lower plant height to prevent dormancy. Greater number of stems and flowers are important to achieve higher yield, wherein 13321 genotypes showed lower height among genotypes. Cluster analysis classified the studied genotypes into three groups, and separated white eggplants from colored ones correctly. The PCA also confirmed the results of cluster analysis, showing that the color eggplants had more fruit yield, lower levels of solasonine, and lower days to maturity than white eggplants. However, the color eggplants that were used in this research were breeding cultivars; therefore, the use of breeding methods would be important to improve the quality and quantitative of eggplant genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effect of benzyladenine and a kind of natural phytoncide on various quantitative and qualitative traits related to the marketing value of the strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa Duch.) plant a factorial experiment, based on a randomized complete block design was carried out with three replications in the Albion greenhouse, located in Damavand county. The first factor was benzyladenine (6-BAP) at two levels (0 and 100 mg/l) and the second, phytoncide nanoemulsion (PNE) at three levels (0, 0.75% and 1.5%). Young plants were sprayed twice with 6- BAP during the vegetative growth phase and thrice during the reproductive phase with PNE, which was comprised of the essential oils of Pinus nigra and Picea spp. Application of 6-BAP during the vegetative stage resulted in production of more leaves and higher leaf area. Also, 6-BAP increased crown diameter significantly, compared to control plants, and had a positive effect on all the studied traits at the reproductive stage, as well. This kind of cytokinin improved taste and other quality attributes of the fruits, along with plant yield. PNE was effective on increasing the fruit firmness and longevity. Furthermore, it had a significant effect on delaying the fruit weight loss and maintaining the appearance quality of the fruits for a longer time. Based on the results, taking advantage of 6-BAP and the studied PNE during pre-harvest phase is recommended for improving strawberry fruit characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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