Search

Since the investigation of characteristics of genotypes and cultivars is the first step in breeding projects, this study was conducted to evaluate 41 morphological and physiological characteristics and 7 qualitative characteristics of caprifig cultivars (Sibi, Khakestooni, Atashi, Pouzdonbali, Daneh-Sefid, and Koohi), based on a completely randomized block design with three replications. The results showed that tree growth habit was in two forms of semi-erect (Khakestooni, Atashi, Pouzdonbali, Daneh-Sefid, and Koohi) and spread (Sibi). Cultivars formed three groups based on the dominant type of leaves, that included entire (without lobes) (Khakestooni), threelobed (Pouzdonbali, Daneh-Sefid, and Koohi) and five-lobed (Atashi and Sibi). The fruit shape was predominantly pyriform, which was observed in Atashi, Daneh-Sefid and Koohi cultivars. The maximum fruit length and width were in Atashi cultivar (21.33 mm and 22.33 mm, respectively). The fruit neck length was long in Atashi cultivar and the fruit weight was the highest in Sibi cultivar. The Fruit skin ground colour showed strong diversity, including green-yellow in Sibi, Daneh-Sefid and Pozdenbali cultivars, purple in Koohi and Atashi cultivars, and violet in Khakestooni cultivar. The fruit number per branch was low in all cultivars except Koohi. The number of pollens inside the fruit was highly variable among cultivars, including low in Atashi and Sibi, moderate in Khakestooni and Daneh-Sefid, and high in Pouzdonbali and Koohi. There was the highest number of male and female Blastophaga wasp in Khakestooni cultivar. Our study demonstrated great morphological and physiological variation among the caprifig cultivars, which makes them valuable genetic resources to incorporate into breeding programs in addition to their use for caprification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dill (Anethum graveolens L.) is a popular herb of the Apiaceae family, widely used in medicine and food industry. The aim of this study is to measure the effects of polyamines on the percent and the compounds of the dill essential oil. This study was conducted in three replications in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The treatment compounds were made up of polyamines (spermine, spermidine, and putrescine) at 50, 100 and 150 mg/l concentrations, respectively. The foliar application of polyamines was performed in three replications in the beginning of the flowering stage. It was repeated 14 days apart. Our results demonstrated that the maximum values of dill essential oil (3.58%) were obtained by application of 100 mg/l of putrescine. The dill essential oil compounds include: α-phellandrene (4.03%) was obtained by application of 50 mg/l of putrescine treatment, and the maximum values of limonene (41.63%) were obtained by application of 50 mg/l spermidine treatment. but, the highest values of carvone and trans- dihydrocarone (61.96%) and (5.76%) were observed in the control treatment. The dill essential oil compounds are generally affected by the cultivar, plant type, harvest time, geographical factors, and type of fertilizers. It is also vital to mention that among polyamines, spermidine and putrescine (50 mg/l) at the lowest concentration had the highest influence on the value of the main compounds of dill essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit and seed of date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) have primary and special metabolites which result in therapeutic effects in preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure, liver diseases and cancer. Date seeds have fatty acids and can be used in food, cosmetic health and pharmaceutical industries. Considering the effect of the cultivar on the type and contents of biochemical compounds, seeds of 7 date cultivars ('Ashrasi', 'Barhi', 'Bream', 'Khastawi', 'Khyara', 'Mekawi' and 'Zahdi') originated from Iraq, were investigated in terms of the amount and type of fatty acids and mineral nutrients. The seed percentage was different from 4% in 'Barhi' to 6.3% in 'Khyara'. The type and amount of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were affected by the cultivar. The highest amount of saturated fatty acids, capric acid (0.34%) and lauric acid (26.06%), was observed in 'Mekawi' and the highest caprylic acid (0.35%) content was observed in 'Barhi'. The highest content of myristic acid (12.60%) and margaric acid (0.28%) was observed in 'Khastawi' and the highest content of palmitic acid (11.99%) and stearic acid (3.76%) was observed in 'Zahdi'. The type of cultivar had no effect on the oleic acid content, while the content of linoleic acid in 'Khastawi' was significantly higher than 'Zahdi'. The content of mineral elements was also affected by the type of cultivar. The highest phosphorus content is in 'Khyara' (0.35%) and 'Bream' (0.32%), the highest amount of potassium is in 'Mekawi' (0.44%) and 'Khastawi' (0.43), the highest calcium content was observed in 'Khastawi' (403 mg/kg) and the highest content of iron was observed in 'Ashrasi' (21.4 mg/kg) cultivar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an herbaceous annual aromatic herb belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The compositions of essential oil are the main parameters for assessing quality of basil for different food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. On the other hand, secondary metabolites in basil are affected by the interaction of location and genetics. In this study essential oil composition of two basil cultivars (green and purple) in different cultivation site were determined. The experiment took place in Isfahan and Marand cities with different climate, edaphic and elevation factors. Plants were harvested at flowering stage and transported to the laboratory and samples dried at shade condition. Essential oils were obtained by hydro-distillation and analysis of essential oils was carried out by GC and GC-MS technics. There were differences among constituents in the essential oil content from the basil cultivars at two locations. For green basil, the major constituent of the essential oil from aerial parts were Geraniol (36.21%, in Marand region), nerol (27.02%) and methyl-chavicol (18.79%) in Isfahan region. Green basil, grown in the Isfahan region had higher concentrations of essential oils component than in the Marand region. For purple basil, methyl-chavicol (54.54%) and linalool (26.10%) in Marand region and (E)-ß-ocimene (3.86%) in Isfahan regain were the highest essential oil components. According to our results, location could affect the efficacy of production for use of basil in drug industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of medicinal plants, as favorite sources of different metabolites for human health, has become more popular, worldwide. It is accordingly important to find methods, which may enhance the growth and quality of medicinal plants including the important medical Zarrin-giah (Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss). The plant is used for the treatment of different diseases including cancer and Alzheimer. In the presented research, the effects of different biostimulants including seaweed extracts (Wuxal Ascofol, 1 (A1), 2 (A2), and 3 (A3) g/L) and algaton amino acid (1 (J1), 2 (J2), and 3 (J3) g/L) on the biochemical properties of Zarrin-giah were investigated in the greenhouse. Different plant biochemical properties including chlorophyll contents (a, b, and total), carotenoid, flavonoid, total phenol, antioxidant activity and leaf greenness were determined. The results indicated the positive effects of the experimental treatments on the quality of Zarrin-giah by improving the biochemical properties of the plant. The algal and the amino acid treatments significantly increased the chlorophyll a content of the plant, compared with the control treatment (0.34 mg/g). This was also the case for chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll. Although there was not much difference among the algal and amino acid treatments, on the content of carotenoid, treatments A1 (0.118 mg/g) and J1 (0.116 mg/g) resulted in the higher carotenoid content, significantly different from the other treatments including control (0.102 mg/g). The highest and significantly different flavonoid contents were resulted by the A2 (0.28%) and the J2 (0.276%) treatments. Interestingly, the least flavonoid content was related to the A3 (0.22%) treatment, even significantly less than the control treatment (0.236%) The J3 treatment (6076.336 mg/kg) resulted in the highest and significantly different content of total phenol. However, the least contents of the total phenol were related to the A3 (3510.556 mg/kg) and the control (3637.984 mg/kg) treatments. Algal treatments were more effective on the increased activity of the antioxidants. Accordingly, treatment A3 (77.167%) resulted in the highest and significantly different activity of antioxidant, followed by A2 (58.974%), and the least one was resulted by control (27.473%). The highest leaf greenness (SPAD) was related to the A2 treatment (39.933), significantly higher than the other treatments including J2 (31.733), J3 (27.033) and A1 (20.067). If the proper concentrations of biostimulants including seaweed extract and amino acid treatments tested in this research are used, it is possible to enhance the quality of Zarrin-giah, because at the higher rates, they may not favorably affect the plant quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberry is small fleshy fruit, with high values of biochemical contents. The essential effects of strawberry in human health have been approved due to significant amount of its vitamin C, antioxidant, phenolic compounds and anthocyanin. Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.), from Rosaceae family, grows wildly in some north regions of Iran and have been traditionally used for food and medicinal purposes. In this study, five wild strawberry populations from Gilan province in the north of Iran, were used to investigate the value of chemical traits including; total soluble solid (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), vitamin C and bioactive content; antioxidant activity, total anthocyanin and total phenolic content. Among these five populations, Masoleh population showed the highest value of assessing factors while Ardeh population had the lowest. The total phenolic content was statistically correlated to the antioxidant activity (r = + 0.99; p < 0.05) and total anthocyanin content (r = +0.93; p < 0.05). Correlation matrix of biochemical contents showed that the climate condition (altitude, longitude, latitude) of collected fruits can be related to the biochemical quantity. According to the results, high concentration of the antioxidant activity was presented in the Iranian wild strawberries. Current study suggests that environmental factors can change the antioxidant capacity and biochemical compositions of wild strawberry. To sum it up, wild strawberry populations of Iran can be considered as a good source for breeding program, plus it may be introduced as a fruit with great value for human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) an herbaceous annual plant belonging to the Pedaliaceae family is one of the most ancient and important oilseed crops in the world. It is cultivated for its edible oil for medical and pharmaceutical applications. This study was carried out to evaluate the morphological traits and fatty acids composition of 15 different sesame cultivars at Agricultural Research Farm of Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch in 2018. The morphological traits were measured according to International Descriptor for Sesame. Also, the oil extraction was done by Soxhlet method and fatty acid composition of the sesame oil was determined using gas chromatography (GC). The experiment was laid out on the basis of randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. According to the results, plant height was varied from 70.67 to 130.67 cm. In relation to capsule length, Sabzevar × Pi599457 and Sabzevar cultivars had the highest and lowest value, respectively. The highest total seed yield was measured in Esfahan (3070.20 kg/ha) cultivar, while the lowest one was in Pi599457 (195.64 kg/ha) cultivars. The highest and lowest oil percent was observed in Sabzevar and Borazjan 2 cultivars, respectively. In terms of fatty acids compositions, Palmitic acid (7.08- 10.87%) was the main saturated fatty acid (SFA) and the highest value was found in Esfahan cultivar and the lowest in Pi2358371 cultivar. Regarding unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) Pi2358371 cultivar and Esfahan cultivar showed the highest and the lowest values of oleic acid, respectively. Among the evaluated traits, a significant positive correlation was detected between all morphological and biochemical traits, whereas a negative correlation was found between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids contents. According to SFAs, arachidic acid was positively correlated with stearic acid (r=0.8; p < 0.05). In addition, palmitic acid was negatively correlated with oleic acid (r=-0.78; p< 0.05). As stated by the morphological and biochemical clusters, Esfahan cultivar and Pi161385 cultivar had the most distance in both cluster. The morphological characters of Sabzevar cultivar was very close with Pil61385 cultivar originated from South Korea. Morphological characters from Borazjan 2 cultivar were similar to Halil cultivar from Iran and placed in the same sub-cluster, while it had the same biochemical value as same as USA and South Korea origin cultivars. This analysis shows that cultivars with different origin had different relationships in biochemical and morphological traits. Morphological and biochemical characteristics among different sesame cultivars could be useful in breeding programs and will help to increase high quality production. [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]

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a native plant, which has many different cultivars in Iran. This plant consists of rich biochemical compounds that plays an important role in human health. This research aims to study some of biochemical compounds of this valuable fruit. Extract of pell and seeds and juice of fruits were prepared. According to the outcomes of this study, there is a direct relationship between increasing amount of phenol compounds and the colour of fruit peel. This increase showed significant difference. The anthocyanin measurement in three cultivars showed that the colour of the peel and seeds of the fruit has a direct relationship with the amount of anthocyanin. Study of antioxidant activity with the method of DPPH revealed that the highest amount of antioxidant activity between the peel and the seeds of the three cultivars of pomegranate is dedicated to the peel of the BSY. The outcomes of the FRAP method showed that the highest amount of antioxidant activity among seeds and the skin belongs to the seed of the WSR. With the use of the ABTS method the highest amount of antioxidant activity belongs to the peel of the BSY cultivar. The results of the studying vitamin C revealed that the amount of Vitamin C per 100ml of the pomegranate juice is 54.6±2.2mg for RSQ, 42.8±2.3mg for WSR and 65.7±2.2mg for BSY. Analysing the biochemical compounds from different cultivars helps to sufficient selecting, defusing and commercializing the pomegranate. [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]

How the growth and the nutritional value of medicinal plants are affected by different factors, is an important investigation for the domestication and production of efficient medicinal plants. Accordingly, a research work was proposed to determine how the uptake of nutrients including phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) in pennyroyal [ Mentha longifolia. (L.), Huds] may be affected by geographical differences such as longitude, latitude, and the height above the sea level as well as the soil properties. One of the wealthiest (medicinal plants) Iranian provinces, namely Ilam, was selected for the experiment using the following 10 ecotypes: Siahkal, Helaesm, Alamdar, Kolm, Mishkhas, Chenarbashi, Jan Jan, Chalimar, Sarab and Sang Sefid Using the standard analytical methods including wet chemistry and the use of atomic absorption spectrophotometer, the concentrations of different nutrients were determined in plant samples. The soil samples were also analysed for acidity, salinity, organic matter, and texture. The results indicated that geographical differences and soil properties significantly affected the concentrations of nutrients in pennyroyal. Chalimar, JanJan, Kolm, Alamdar, and Mishkhas were among the most productive ecotypes with respect to the concentrations of plant nutrients. The concentrations of nutrients were in the following ranges: P (0.24–0.47%), K (1.00–2.49%), Ca (0.91–1.95%), Mg (0.30–0.95%), Fe (587.50–1637.50 mg/kg), Zn (35.00–73.75 mg/kg), Mn (62.50–117.50 mg/kg) and Cu (15.00–22.50 mg/kg). Data were also subjected to cluster analysis, and the similar ecotypes, with respect to the concentrations of the nutrients, were grouped. It is possible to find the most nutritious and productive ecotypes for domestication and production purposes as affected by geographical differences and soil properties. The other important point related to the significance of this research work is that the concentrations of nutrients in pennyroyal can importantly affect its nutritional and medicinal values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we analyzed Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), Inter Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) and Sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers to evaluate the genetic diversity of eighteen different onion genotypes with various resistant levels to FOC. The results showed that the polymorphism means between RAPD primers was 61.11 to 81.81%; ISSR primers, 62.50 to 81.81%; and SRAP primers, 56.25 to 76.25%. Overall, by assessing MI, PIC, I and H indices, indicating the best thrive in evaluating the genetic diversity of the related onion populations. There is a significant correlation between the generated dendrograms based on similarity matrices. The classification pattern in dendrograms shows a corresponding correlation with the FOC disease severity bunches. So in all three markers studied, 'Saba' and 'Saba - HS', the most resistant ones to FOC disease, were grouped in a branch, and the 'Sahar - HS' and 'Golden Eye', the most susceptible ones were also grouped in another branch separately. This finding indicates that predominant primers act as markers linked to resistance gene(s) against FOC, which can be used to select onions resistant to FOC disease in any breeding scheme., (© 2025 Scandinavian Plant Physiology Society.)

This study was carried out to quantify changes in the activities of antioxidative enzymes such as catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in two resistant onion cultivars 'Saba - HS' and 'Saba' and two susceptible cultivars 'Golden Eye' and 'Savannah Sweet' following an inoculation with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae (FOC) at seedling stage. Further, we assessed the expression of transcription factors (TFs), R1, PR5 and RGA29-genes that are involved in conferring resistance post-inoculation using qRT-PCR. The results revealed that the least disease severity occurred with the resistant 'Saba - HS' (4.7%) and 'Saba' (6.7%) cultivars, whereas the highest disease severity occurred with the susceptible 'Golden Eye' (89.6%) and 'Savannah Sweet' (88.9%) cultivars, respectively. Both resistant genotypes 'Saba' and 'Saba-HS' showed a significant increase in CAT, POX, and SOD activities at a transcriptional level. CAT activity was upregulated 4.81-fold in 'Saba' and 4.22-fold in 'Saba-HS' followed by POX where 'Saba' showed an increase by 3.53-fold and 'Saba-HS' by 2.35-fold, and SOD 'Saba' 17.46-fold and 'Saba-HS' 22.95-fold, relatively. Marker genes, RGA29, R1 and PR5, were also upregulated in the resistant-genotypes by 3.83, 4.78 and 5.01-fold, in comparison to their-controls, respectively. Similar trends were recorded for the biomass growth parameters (BGPs)., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors state that, this research was conducted in the absence of any commercial and or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

We evaluated genetic diversity and population structure of Iranian melons (Cucumis melo L.) using combinations of 35 primer pairs: 15 Simple-Sequence-Repeats (SSR); 10 Inter-Simple-Sequence-Repeats (ISSR); and 10 Sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers in association with resistance to melon Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis (FOM ). Genetic similarity was determined by simple matching coefficient (SSM) and dendrogram by clustering-analysis with unweighted pair groups using arithmetic averages (UPGMA). By combining ISSR-SSR-SRAP markers, a high degree of variation among the melons was detected. The mean polymorphism information content (PIC), marker index (MI), effective-number of alleles (I), expected heterozygosity (H), and Nei's gene diversity parameters were 0.392, 0.979, 1.350, 0.551 and 0.225, respectively. According to MI, PIC, I, H, and Nei indices evaluation, ISSR6, ISSR9, SRAP3, SRAP5, SSR3 and SSR6 had the best performance in genetic diversity of the related melons population. The 35 primers yielded a total of 264 bands, of which 142 showed polymorphism. Clustering of genotypes based on resistance to Fusarium wilt, and comparison with grouping on SSR, SRAP and ISSR marker revealed a significant compliance between disease severity and molecular marker dendrograms. Thus, increasing the number of molecular markers for genetic diversity provides a powerful tool for future agricultural and conservation tasks.