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Agricultural Science and Technology - Volume:19 Issue: 4, Jul 2017

Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology
Volume:19 Issue: 4, Jul 2017

  • تاریخ انتشار: 1396/04/15
  • تعداد عناوین: 17
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  • A. A. Barati *, K. Kalantari, M. R. Nazari, A. Asadi Pages 757-769
    Rural cooperatives, as a small member-owned organizations, are the potential to facilitate socio-economic development in rural areas. Despite this fact, in Iran and many other developing countries, they have not had remarkable successes in this regard. Because strategy formulation and management is a plan to obtain far-reaching development effects of any organization. This study aimed to present a hybrid method to formulate and choose strategies for rural cooperatives development. It combined SWOT analysis, TOWS matrix, and the Analytic Network Process (ANP). We applied brainstorming technique to analyze the external and internal environment of rural cooperatives using the contributions of an experts’ team comprising 10 individual CEOs of rural cooperatives and senior employees of the Central Organization of Rural Cooperatives. When this team identified key SWOT factors, TOWS matrix was constructed to create good strategic alternatives. Finally, ANP was applied to prioritize the strategies. According to results, 19 key strategic factors such as lack of management knowledge (W4), and ability to improve value and supply chains (S4) were identified. In addition, this team identified 11 strategic alternatives which among them Implement public policy and provide technical and financial services (SO2), Facilitate procurement of inputs and develop supply and value chains (SO1) and Involve rural cooperatives in policy planning (ST1), had greater priority in Iran. The experts’ team believed that the presented combined approach helps decision makers and managers to make and choose the best alternative strategies and factors that affect rural cooperatives development.
    Keywords: Analytical network process, Farmer's cooperatives, Strategic development, SWOT Analysis, TOWS matrix
  • R. Rezaei *, A. Karimi, N. Mangeli, L. Safa Pages 771-783
    The aim of this survey was to investigate the effect of entrepreneurial orientation and marketing capabilities on greenhouses businesses performance. The statistical population of the study consisted of all the greenhouse owners in Jiroft County (N= 1022). A sample size of 246 was selected using a stratified random sampling method (n= 246). Data was collected through a questionnaire. Content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by a panel of experts. Construct validity and composite reliability of the research instrument were tested by estimating the measurement model and they were satisfactory after making the necessary corrections. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling technique. Results indicated that the total mean of the greenhouse businesses performance was at a level of lower than average and the customer performance had the highest average among the three dimensions of performance. Also, results showed that the two variables of entrepreneurial orientation (ρ-value= 0.001, β= 0.354) and marketing capabilities (ρ-value= 0.001, β= 0.501) had significant and positive effects on greenhouse businesses performance; accordingly, research hypotheses were supported. Based on the results of the study, planning and effort to improve and strengthen entrepreneurial orientation and marketing capabilities in greenhouses can considerably increase performance and sustain their activity in the competitive environment.
    Keywords: Agribusiness, Customer performance, Financial performance, Structural Equation Modeling technique
  • M. Aydogdu* Pages 785-796
    The purpose of this research was to determine Willingness To Pay (WTP) of farmers and explore the potential factors that contribute to it for agricultural extension services in GAP-Harran Plain in Turkey. A comprehensive questionnaire was conducted face to face with 461 farmers out of 21,094, by the simple random sampling method during the irrigation season of 2011 and validity of the data was checked until 2015 on a yearly basis. The contingent valuation method, binomial probit and maximum likelihood methods were used for analysis. The results indicated the existence of the ability to pay and the average WTP for efficient extension service based on irrigation was 475.8 TL. It is 1.28% of their yearly income and their total WTP was calculated as $6 million per year for the plain. Explanatory factors in the index, such as secondary school, high school, and university graduates from the view pint of educational level, married farmers, and land amounts increased WTP, while gravity irrigation users and proposed increased bid price for extension and training services decreased WTP. The results are important for decision and policy makers, encouraging private sectors to involve in extension and training services. Also, they contain useful information for countries with similar technical and socio-cultural characteristics.
    Keywords: Agricultural irrigation, Efficient farming, Farmer's training, Sustainable income
  • A. Abbasian, M. Chizari, M. Bijani * Pages 797-807
    One of the dangers that constantly threatens agricultural sector is soil erosion. The purpose of this study was to investigate and categorize farmers’ views on the factors inhibiting the implementation of soil conservation practices in Koohdasht Township, Iran. The study was fulfilled by using descriptive-correlation method. A stratified random sample of 377 farmers was drawn from a population of 19531 farmers in the township, based on Krejcie and Morgan Table for determining sample size from a finite population. The research questionnaire was validated by a panel of faculty members of agricultural extension and education at Tarbiat Modares University (TMU) and found to have sufficient content and face validity. Using a pilot study, internal consistency reliability was demonstrated with satisfactory alpha coefficient (0.73). Descriptive and inferential statistics, i.e., factor analysis, were used to analyze the data. Factor analysis produced four factors: “economic-extension”, “ecological-farming”, “social-structural”, and “organizational-management” which accounted for 49% of the total variance. The factors that emerged suggest the need for some executive measures to overcome the problems inhibiting the implementation of soil conservation practices in future programs.
    Keywords: Descriptive-correlation method, Ecological-farming, Economic-extension, Factor analysis, Soil protection
  • S. R. Karimi Akandi, S. Minaee *, T. Tavakoli Hashjin, G. Najafi, S. Sh. Ghodsi Pages 809-820
    Compressive and shear properties of Aloe Vera leaves were investigated for gel extraction. This information is useful in the design of processing equipment and improving gel production lines in order to decrease losses and enhance product quality. Effects of loading speed (10, 50, and 100 mm min-1), temperature (20, 40, and 60˚C), and diameter of the cylindrical loading head (70, 140, and 210 mm) on the leaf compression properties, as well as the effect of loading speed on the shear properties were examined. The results showed that increasing the temperature would decrease the modulus of elasticity. Loading head diameters had a significant effect on the required force for crushing the leaves and extracting the gel. Based on the results, the best loading combination for extracting Aloe Vera gel from the leaf is 20˚C temperature, loading head diameter of 14 cm, and loading speed of 100 mm min-1. Shear forces of upper and lower leaf surfaces increased with loading speed. However, speed of loading had no effect on the shear forces at the edges and center of the leaf. The shear force was similar at different speeds for edge and center regions as well as for upper and lower surfaces of the leaf. Two gel extraction machines were developed based on the shear and compression properties of Aloe Vera leaves.
    Keywords: Compression test, Modulus of elasticity, Processing equipment, Shear test
  • S. Dadashi, H. Kiani *, H. Rahimi, S. M. Mousavi Pages 821-834
    Freezing can adversely affect the quality of liquid egg through complex inter-particle interactions of egg micro-particles. The effect of pectin, PG-Alginate (PGA), Arabic Gum, maltodextrin and defrost temperature on the rheological properties, microstructure and color of frozen egg was studied. The fresh sample exhibited a light yellow color with high values of L and positive values of a and b. Freezing resulted in a reduced L value with slight changes in a and b. The additives could enhance the lightness with the closest values of L to that of the fresh sample detected for PGA and pectin. Fresh egg with a low viscosity exhibited near-Newtonian flow behavior. However, the freezing-thawing significantly increased the viscosity. Accordingly, the flow behavior index of the frozen samples was decreased significantly along with a sharp increase in the consistency index, revealing a pseudo-plastic behavior. All frozen samples exhibited higher viscosities than the fresh sample. Fresh samples contained evenly distributed micro-particles ranging from 0.05 to 5.50 mm centering at 1.27 mm. Freezing resulted in aggregated particles with significantly larger sizes. Maltodextrin significantly reduced the particle size. Further reduction was achieved by the addition of pectin, PGA, and Arabic gum. Smallest particle size distributions were achieved at pectin and PGA concentrations of 0.25 and 0.1%, respectively. The results of this study can be employed for the development of new products based on frozen egg with no added sugar or salt, while maintaining the physical and functional properties of the final product.
    Keywords: Arabic gum, Flow behavior, Microstructure, Pectin, PG-Alginate
  • R. Tabatabaekoloor *, H. Jafarian, S. R. Moosavi Seyedi Pages 835-845
    In this study, a solar dryer assisted with heat pump was developed and thin layer drying of dill was carried out at air temperatures of 40, 50, and 60ºC and air velocities of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 ms-1. Also, the drying rates, Specific Moisture Extraction Rate (SMER), and energy consumption were evaluated. Dill samples were dried from initial moisture content of 90% to the final moisture content of 10% in 195-275 minutes without assisted heat pump, and with assisted heat pump in 80-140 minutes. By using heat pump, the drying rate increased with increase in temperature at a given air velocity, thus, reducing the drying time. Increase in the air velocity at a given temperature improved the drying rate. By increasing the air velocity from 0.5 to 1.5 m s-1, drying time decreased up to 42%. The specific moisture extraction rate values were found to vary between 0.078 and 0.18 Kg Kw-1 h-1. The minimum value of energy consumption was 3312 kJ at air temperature of 60ºC and air velocity of 1.5 m s-1. Also, the total energy consumption of dryer with heat pump was reduced by 19%, which reflects the higher energy efficiency.
    Keywords: Drying rate, Energy efficiency, Solar drying
  • I. Felfoul *, H. Attia, S. Bornaz Pages 847-860
    The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties as well as shelf life of fresh mozzarella cheese samples. Fresh mozzarella cheese samples were packaged under five different Modified Atmospheres (MAP): Vacuum (Atm 2), 40% CO2/60% N2 (Atm 3), 60% CO2/40% N2 (Atm 4), 100% CO2 (Atm 5) and 100% N2 (Atm 6). Identical cheese samples were packaged in air (Atm 1), taken as the control. All cheese samples were kept under refrigeration (4±1°C) for 6 weeks. Atm 5 gas mixture was the most effective for inhibiting aerobic microflora growth in cheese samples stored at 4°C during 6 weeks. Lactic acid bacteria were not affected by CO2 presence even in high concentrations. Yeasts and moulds were totally inhibited by Atm 5 gas mixture throughout the entire storage period. Sensory evaluation showed that cheese packaged under Atm 3 retained good sensory characteristics for 6 weeks of storage while control samples were appreciated the least. Atm 5 provided the best shelf life extension at 4°C by 81 days, compared to the control.
    Keywords: Aerobic microflora, Mozzarella cheese, Sensory evaluation, Yeasts
  • M. R. Yazdani *, Z. Sheikh Pages 861-875
    In Iran, applying geostatistics to regional analysis is said to be in its early stages. The fundamental principle of this technique emphasizes the interpolation of hydrological variables in physiographical, instead of geographical, spaces. This paper deals with the adaptation, application, and comparison of two regional analysis methods based on geostatistics. In this study, data from 38 gauging stations located in the north of Iran were used to investigate the performance of geostatistical methods in two physiographical spaces. Two multivariate analysis methods, namely, Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) and Principal Components Analysis (PCA), were used to identify physiographical spaces. Gaussian and exponential models were selected as the best theoretical variogram models in CCA and PCA spaces, respectively. Ordinary and simple kriging geostatistical estimators were also used for regional estimations in both physiographical spaces. Using the interpolation methods in CCA and PCA spaces, regional flood estimations were made for different return periods (10, 20, 50, and 100 years). Finally, performance of both models was studied using five statistical indices. The results showed that both methods had similar and satisfactory performance; however, regional estimations in CCA had higher accuracy and less uncertainty than those in PCA-space. Furthermore, the results indicated that the ordinary kriging method had better performance than the simple kriging method in both spaces and the best interpolation efficiency was observed in the CCA space.
    Keywords: Interpolation, kriging, Physiographical space, Principle Component Analysis (PCA)
  • A. Farhad, A. A. Talebi *, Y. Fathipour, H. R. Hajiqanbar, F. Strumia Pages 877-888
    The Iranian species of the genus Holopyga (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae) were investigated. Specimens were collected during four years of field research between 2010 and 2013, in northern and southern provinces of Iran. Twenty one species and subspecies were recognized, of which four species and one subspecies were recorded for the first time from Iran: Holopyga beaumonti Balthasar, 1953; H. fascialis Linsenmaier, 1959; H. ignicollis Dahlbom, 1854; H. inflammata inflammata (Förster, 1853) and H. jurinei Chevrier, 1862. Geographical distribution of all species and morphological diagnostic characteristics of the newly recorded species are given. The number of Holopyga species and subspecies in Iran is now raised to 21.
    Keywords: Cuckoo wasps, Diagnostic characteristics, Elampini, Taxonomy, Updated list of species
  • L. Benidire, M. Lahrouni, F. El Khalloufi, M. G., Ouml, Ttfert, K. Oufdou* Pages 889-901
    Salt stress constitutes one of the most significant environmental constraints that limit legume production, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of salt stress (0, 60, and 120 mM of NaCl) on growth, nodulation process, nitrogen uptake and mineral nutrition content of Vicia faba L. plants inoculated with native Moroccan rhizobia isolated from root nodules of faba bean plants grown in the Marrakech-Haouz region. Three Rhizobium leguminosarum strains (RhOF34, RhOF125 and RhOF15), which had different tolerance to salinity, were used to inoculate faba bean plants. The results showed that chronic exposure to salinity affected growth and symbiotic parameters of V. faba differently. Shoot biomasses were reduced under salinity stress especially in the plants inoculated with the salt sensitive strain (RhOF15). The nodulation of faba bean roots sharply decreased under 120 mM salt treatment, particularly with the sensitive Rhizobium strain. The total nitrogen content decreased with increasing salinity, except for the plants inoculated with the tolerant strain RhOF34, which kept a high nitrogen content. Sodium and calcium concentration increased sharply in plant tissues with increasing salt stress, while the potassium concentration decreased. RhOF34 strain reduced Na, Ca2 and K absorption by faba bean plants. Inoculation with the salt tolerant strains RhOF125 and RhOF34 led to an increased plant biomass, nodules number, and nitrogen content; and seemed to protect faba bean plants against the toxic effects of salinity.
    Keywords: Mineral nutrition, Plant nutrition, Rhizobia, Salt tolerance, Salt tolerant strains
  • O. Gormus *, A. El Sabagh, F. Kurt Pages 903-915
    Defoliation is an important management practice of cotton production. Field experiments were conducted for exploring response of cotton to defoliant application times at various percentages of boll opening on seed cotton yield and fiber quality. Experiments were arranged in split-plot design with defoliation times (control, 40, 60, and 80% open boll) as the main plots and cultivars (hairy leaf, semi-smooth leaf, and smooth leaf) as subplots, with three replicates. The pooled results indicated that early application of harvest aid products significantly reduced seed cotton yield, boll number per plant, micronaire and fiber length. Significant reductions in seed cotton yield occurred with defoliant applications both prior to and after 60% open boll application timing. Application at 40% followed by boll opening had the maximum number of the green leaves remaining on the plant at 14, 21, and 28 days after treatments and a corresponding high trash content and high leaf grade. However, except for the leaf grade, the number of green leaves remaining on the plant after defoliation and the trash content, varietal differences were non-significant. Smooth leaf cultivar (SG 125) had the highest number of green leaves left on the plant after treatment (79.2) compared with hairy (71.9) and semi-smooth leaf (77.1) cultivars. It was concluded that cotton cultivars with varying levels of leaf hairiness impacted the defoliation efficacy of the harvest aid products.
    Keywords: Harvest aids, Leaf hairiness, Micronaire, Open boll percentage, Trash content
  • S. Baccari, A. Chelli-Chaabouni, A. Chaari * Pages 917-927
    This study aimed to detect possible strategies used by olive (Olea europaea) and pistachio (Pistacia vera) species under saline conditions to be considered in early selection programs of salt-tolerant genotypes. One-year-old seedlings were irrigated alternatively with ½ Hoagland nutrient solution and distilled water added with 0, 75, or 150 mM NaCl during 3 months under controlled conditions. Growth, leaf toxicity symptoms, and shoot and root mineral compositions were assessed. Salt induced leaf injury and a significant decrease in growth of both species seedlings. The decrease in shoot elongation was more pronounced on pistachio seedlings, whereas leaf formation and plant fresh weight showed greater reduction on olive plants. Pistachio seedlings developed new axillary shoots and leaves at 75 mM NaCl. The root fresh weight was significantly reduced by salinity in olive, but remained unaffected in pistachio. Both saline treatments induced leaf fall with more pronounced effect on olive plants. Olive salt tolerance may be associated to a better control of Na accumulation in the leaves and its ability to accumulate potassium in shoots in order to achieve osmotic adjustment. Pistachio seedlings seemed to better control Cl– ion ascension from roots to shoots through salt ion dilution mechanism. The increase in root fresh weight of pistachio seedlings at both salt treatments and the higher ability of this species for uptake of calcium (involved in the regulation of stomata movement) seem to support this hypothesis.
    Keywords: Olea europaea L, Pistacia vera L, Sodium chloride, Toxicity symptoms, water salinity
  • G. G. B. Prata, K. Oliveira De Souza, M. M. A. Lopes *, L. S. Oliveira, F. A. S. Aragao, R. E. Alves, S. M. Silva Pages 929-941
    The aim of this study was to evaluate thirteen cultivars of roses for nutritional composition, bioactive compounds and total antioxidant activity. Attaché cultivar had the highest amounts of proteins and total fiber. Regarding color,Avalanchepresented values for internal cromacity around 7 fold higher than Attaché cultivar. The results showed that the evaluated roses presented means of bioactive compounds as ascorbic acid (70.47 mg 100 g-1), yellow flavonoids (35.25 mg 100 g-1) and total anthocyanins (150.40 mg 100 g-1). The evaluated roses presented relatively low content of total carotenoids (1.25 mg 100 g-1), and high content of total polyphenols (1565 mg 100 g-1) and antioxidant capacity (260 µM trolox g-1). Avalanche, Prima Donna, Dolce Vita, Salmone, and Elisa cultivar presented the minor Euclidean distance. The petals of the evaluated roses are excellent sources of nutritional compounds and antioxidants.
    Keywords: Carotenoids, Minerals, Petals, Phenolics, Roses
  • A. Pour-Aboughadareh *, J. Ahmadi, A. Mehrabi, M. Moghaddam, A. Etminan Pages 943-956
    In this study, a core collection of 180 Aegilops and Triticum accessions belonging to six diploid (T. boeoticum Bioss., T. urartu Gandilyan., Ae. speltoides Tausch., Ae. tauschii Coss., Ae. caudata L. and Ae. umbellulata Zhuk.), five tetraploid (T. durum, Ae. neglecta Req. ex Bertol., Ae. cylindrica Host. and Ae. crassa Boiss) and one hexaploid (T. aestivum L.) species collected from different regions of Iran were evaluated using 20 agro-morphological characters. Statistical analysis showed significant differences among accessions. The Shannon-Weaver (HʹSW) and Nei’s (HʹN) genetic diversity indices disclosed intermediate to high diversity for most characters in both Aegilops and Triticum core sets. In factor analysis, the first five components justified 82.17% of the total of agro-morphological variation. Based on measured characters, the 180 accessions were separated into two major groups by cluster analysis. Furthermore, based on the 2D-plot generated using two discriminant functions, different species were separated into six groups, so that distribution of species accorded with their genome construction. Overall, our results revealed considerable levels of genetic diversity among studied Iranian Aegilops and Triticum accessions, which can open up new avenues for rethinking the connections between wild relatives to explore valuable agronomic traits for the improvement and adaptation of wheat.
    Keywords: Aegilops, multivariate analysis, Phenotypic diversity, Triticum
  • C. Vakali, D. Baxevanos, D. Vlachostergios*, E. Tamoutsidis, F. Papathanasiou, I. Papadopoulos Pages 957-967
    Dry bean landraces could be cultivated under Low-Input (LI) farming conditions because of their yield stability and quality traits. The objective of this research was to evaluate and identify landraces with high yield and stable performance under LI environment and study the relationships among agronomical, physiochemical, and quality traits. Seven landraces of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were evaluated in field trials under certified organic management during three consecutive growing seasons (2008-2010) at two different areas located in northern Greece in a RCBD with four replicates. Site per year was considered as one environment. A ranking of landraces according to seed yield potential indicated a group of five high yielding landraces, while Genetic Coefficient of Variation (GCV) for seed yield (9.80%) and number of pods/plant (9.57%) indicated useful genetic variability within landraces, combined with high heritability values (H2= 0.71 and 0.95, respectively). GGE biplot analysis for yield performance and stability indicated that landrace Kastoria fell within the scope of an ideal genotype, followed by three other promising landraces. Significant positive correlation was detected between cooking time and Ash (0.94**). High GCV values for hydration increase (16.77%) and cooking time (15.65%) combined with their high heritability (H2= 0.98 and 0.89, respectively) are of great interest for further genetic advancement. These results indicate that dry bean landraces may provide the appropriate differentiation in several important traits when cultivated under LI conditions, so, effort should be directed to exploit this variability for the development of new varieties suitable for LI agriculture.
    Keywords: GGE biplot, Low-input agriculture, Phaseolus vulgaris L, Yield stability
  • M. Kumar, J. S. Patel, G. Kumar, A. Sarkar, H. B. Singh, B. K. Sarma * Pages 969-978
    Plant growth-promoting microbes are known for protection of plants against a number of phytopathogens. In the present study, we used Pseudomonas fluorescens OKC and Trichoderma asperellum T42 singly as well as in combination in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) under challenge of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc). Two cultivars of chickpea were used, viz., L550 susceptible to Foc and Avarodhi resistant to Foc. Root exudates obtained from the two cultivars of chickpea were analyzed and showed higher amount of Total Phenolic Content (TPC) accumulated in the microbe-treated plants compared to microbe un-treated control. Maximum phenolic content was observed in exudates of OKC treated plants in both cultivars. Interestingly, in OKC treated plants, TPC was higher in the exudates of the susceptible cultivar L550 compared to the resistant cultivar Avrodhi. Gallic acid content in the exudates also confirmed the pattern of TPC in the treatments. Wilting due to Foc was significantly reduced in the OKC and T42 treated plants compared to the untreated plants and thereby showed a positive correlation between TPC in exudates and reduction in Fusarium wilt. Higher TPC in the susceptible cultivar compared to the resistant cultivar clearly indicates the roles of OKC and T42 in reducing the wilt symptom whereas no wilting in the resistant cultivar may be explained due to genetic factor. High total chlorophyll content in the OKC and T42 treated plants of L550 also show the role of the microbes in maintaining a good health of the Foc challenged plants.
    Keywords: Cicer arietinum, Chlorophyll, Plant phenolics, Wilting