مجله تولید و فرآوری محصولات زراعی و باغی
سال چهارم شماره 2 (پیاپی 62، تابستان 1393)

In order to evaluate the effect of age of transplant and seeding rate used in transplanting on yield and yield components of rice cultivar Sazandegi, a two-year study (2007-2008) was carried out in Isfahan Agricultural Research Center (Fozve station) by using split plot randomized based on complete block design in three replications. Three transplant ages (25, 30, and 35 day) were assigned as main factor and four seeding rate (80,100,120, and 140 gr per transplant tray), were assigned made up of sub factor. The results showed that transplanting transfer at ages 30 and 35 days, respectively, with 6220 and 6240 kg ha-1 yields, were not statistically significant difference, but both treatments showed significantly higher yield than transplanting transfer treatment at the age of 25 days, with the yield of equivalent of 5530 kg ha-1. Increased panicle length, number of grains per panicle and 1000 grain weights, were reasons for yield increase at age 30 days transplant transfer treatment in compared to 25-days transplant. Transplant stem height at 30 and 35 days, respectively, 5 and 6 percent more than 25 days of transplant. Consumption of 100 grams seeding per tray the transplant, with 6380 kg of grain per hectare, had highest amount of yield relative to other treatments. Panicle length and number of grains per panicle, with consumption of 100 grams of seeds for every transplant trays, significantly increased compared to other treatments. In summary the results of this study showed transplant with 30 days of age and consume 100 grams of seeds for every transplant trays to obtain maximum yield is proposed for the rice Sazandegi cultivar.

To study the effect of organic growth stimulant and harvest time of soybean cultivar Williams on oil harvest index and protein yield, factorial experiment was conducted in complete randomized block design with 15 treatment and three replications of Rice Research Institute of Iran (Rasht) in 2012-2013 year. The experiment Treatments were including Kadostim (50.00), Aminol forte (20.00), organic manure (cow,10 ton.ha-1), magnetic water (20 lit.m-2) plus the control (no spray) and three harvest time 1. the first harvest when seed pods in main stem had 25-20% moisture, 2. the second harvest when in pods maturity (yellowing of more than 95% of pods) and seeds per pod in the main stem had 15-14% moisture, 3. the third harvest when the main stem had less than 14% moisture. Results showed that significant differences exist between the spray application and harvest time in oil harvest index and protein yields. spray application with kadostim had the maximum oil harvest index (8.7%) and biological yield (5933 kg.ha-1). Mean comparison of the interaction showed that spray application of kadostim at the second harvest produced highest grain yield (2853 kg.ha-1), oil yield (664 kg.ha-1) and protein yield (1019 kg.ha-1). The results of this experiment, it seems that Kadostim and organic manure spray application at the second harvest to help increase production, and a step towards reducing environmental pollution and sustainable agriculture is.

A two years field study was conducted to evaluate the yield and yield components response of five barley cultivars to different cycocel (CCC) concentrations in College of Agriculture, Shiraz University during 2011-12 and 2012-13 growing seasons. This study was carried out as a split plot experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replicates. The treatments included cycocel concentration in three levels: 0 (water, as control), 2 and 4 g L-1 as main factor and five barley cultivars including Viktoria, Reyhane, Jonoub, Gorgan and Valfajr as sub factor. Cycocel was applied foliarly at mide-tillering (ZGS=2) using a precision sprayer. The results showed that CCC-treated plants had higher ear length, thousand grain weight, grain number per ear, biological and grain yield, as well as, harvest index. Application of CCC at 4 g L-1 had greater effect on growth and yield of all five barley cultivars. There was considerable variation in cultivars response to CCC application, so that Reyhane and Gorgan cultivars showed the highest and the lowest responses to CCC foliar application, respectively. Based on the results of this two years field study, Reyhane cultivar with 4 g L-1 CCC application could be recommended for similar climatic conditions.

In order to study the effects of intercropping maize with legume on forage quantity, field experiments were carried out at the Agricultural Research Station, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Iran, in 2006 and 2007 growing seasons. Two maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids (SC704, SC301), vetch (Vicia villosa), bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia), berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) and common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) sole crops as well as intercrops of maize hybrids with each of the legumes were used. The experiment was carried out as randomized complete block design with three replications. Results of analysis of variance showed that dry matter (DM) yield of corn in intercropping with vetch and bitter vetch decreased. The corn dry matter yield loss in intercrop treatments in comparison with the sole crop of maize was 15.80 percentages. Also legumes dry matter yield decreased as compared to the legumes monoculture. In general total forage yield of intercrops of corn hybrids with legumes was increased. On the average of two years, the largest DM yield was obtained from maize hybrids -vetch mixture, which indicates the larger effect of vetch in increasing forage yield. On the other hand the lowest dry matter yields were achieved from maize monocultures and maize hybrids -bitter vetch mixture. In all intercropping treatments, land equivalent ratios (LER) were well above one, indicating usefulness of intercropping systems. The highest LER was obtained from maize hybrid SC301– vetch mixture (1.45) and maize hybrid SC704- vetch (1.36). Also maximum of RVT (1.098) was obtained from maize hybrid 301 – vetch mixture.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of Gibberellic acid and Paclobutrazol respectively on promote flowering and vegetative growth reduction in strawberry in order to enhance production. Gibberellic acid and paclobutrazol are plant growth regulators. Gibberellic acid can act as a promoter while, paclobutrazol act as an inhibitor. Gibberellic acid at 100 mg/l, 30 and 90 days and paclobutrazol at 150 mg/l, 50 days after transplanting were treated on two strawberry cultivars Diamante and Paros in a split plot design with three replications. Results indicated that foliar spray of gibberellic acid at 30 days after transplanting with paclobutrazol reduced flowering, fruit production and TSS and also significantly increased the runner length up to 127 cm in both cultivars. Application of gibberellic acid at 90 days after transplanting increased flowering to 25 flowers, but didn’t help the plants to produce more fruits. Paclobutrazol strongly reduced runner number with no effect on leaf number and petiole length. The results showed no effect of treatments upon leaf chlorophyll content. The maximum and minimum ftuit weight belonged to diamante cultivar respectively in control treatment (17/8 gr) and two steps gibberellic acid with paclobutrazol treatment (3/8 gr). Generally gibberellic acid treatment didn’t improve production and paclobutrazol treatment was more effective on decreasing the runner number rather than other vegetative growth parameters.

Alkaline treated raisin is one of the most important raisins produced from Bidaneh Sefid grape in large scale in Iran. In current research, effects of potassium carbonate on drying rate, antioxidant activity, total phenolics and color of raisin were investigated. Raisin was produced sun-dried (as control), cold and warm alkaline at four concentrations of 0.75, 1.5, 3 and 6 percent of potassium carbonate. Results indicated that by increasing concentration of potassium carbonate and using warm solution, drying time reduced. Furthermore, raisin pre-treatment highly affects on total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The highest content of totol phenolic and antioxidant activity were observed in warm 6% potassium carbonate treated raisins. In addition, warm-alkaline treated raisin showed higher total phenolic and antioxidant activity in comparison to those of cold-alkaline treated raisins. Production method revealed a significant effect on color, drying rate and antioxidant properties of Bidaneh Sefid. It seems the higher speed of drying helped in marinating polyphenol content and higher antioxidant activity. Based on current result, pre-treatment of grape by warm potassium carbonate solutions at lower concentration is suggested for marinating phenolic compounds.

In order to evaluation of zeolite and nitrogen fertilizer application effect on agronomic and physilogical traits of rapeseed (cv RGS003) under water deficit stress conditions, an experiment was conducted in factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications during 2010 in Qazvin region, Iran. In the where, the two levels of irrigation factor as the normal irrigation (irrigation after 80 mm evaporation from class A pan) as control and irrigation cease from stem elongation stage till end of growth, nitrogen factor was at three levels (0, 75 and 150 kg.ha-1 and zeolite factor (0 and 10tons per hectare) were studied. Results showed that drought stress decreased evaluated traits such as silique per plant (41%), grain per silique (26%), 1000 seed weight (33%), grain yield (52.5%), oil percent (14%), RWC (31.5%) and chlorophyll content (35%). Non-application of nitrogen had adverse effects on total traits and reduced them. However, zeolite application at water deficit stress conditions had positive and significant effect on total traits except of oil percent and chlorophyll content, specially improved grain yield and oil yield. Based on the results of this experiment, application of zeolite (10ton/ha-1) through storage and maintenance of water and nutrients, reduced the intensity and harmful effects of stress in plants and enhances crop yield.

Malting is one of the biotechnological processes that includes steeping, germination and killing of cereal. This process is performed in controlled environment in which hydrolytic enzymes are synthesized and cell wall, protein and starch of endosperm are largely digested. In this study the malting quality was evaluated in order to select the best line for malt production. The effects of malting process, on terminal velocity and physicochemical characteristics included volume, 1000 kernel weight, protein content, β-glucanase activity and cold water extract of two barely lines (EBYT-88-17 and EBYT-88-20) of Golestan Province were investigated. The experiments were done in a completely randomized design with three replications. The results of the analysis of variance showed that the type of sample (line) has a very significant impact on physicochemical and terminal velocity factors (P<0.01). Maximum and minimum volume of malt and barley corresponded to EBYT-88-20 and EBYT-88-17 respectively. The malting process reduced 1000 kernel weight, terminal velocity and increased protein amount, beta glucanase enzyme activity and cold water extraction efficiencies. The level of enzyme activity in malt resulted from EBYT-88-17 line higher than malt prepared of EBYT-88-20 line. Therefore, this line is better to use in preparation of enzyme extracts therefore in the confectionary industry, cakes and cookies.

In order to study the tolerance mechanism of spring bread cultivars to wild oat competition, an experiment was conducted in research farm of Ramin Agricultural and Natural Resources University of Khouzestan as strip block with three replications during 2010-2011 growing season. Experimental factors were wild oat densities includ 0 (as control) and 80 plant/m2 as horizontal plots and ten wheat cultivars include Chamran (Atila), Baz, Atrak, Arvand, Maroon, Shoeleh, Chenab, Veree/Nak and Falat (Seri 82) as vertical plots. By using competition index, cultivars divided in four groups of mid-susceptible, medium, mid-tolerant and tolerant. Also modeling of competition of wheat cultivars with wild oat, between measured traits, trait of weed biomass has highest direct reduction effect (-0.609) on competition index. Also, wheat traits such as grain number in spikelet has highest direct reduction effect (0.498) and death plant percent has highest indirect reduction effect (-0.307) on competition effect. But wheat biomass although indirect increase effect by effect on weed biomass and thousand grains weight of wheat, has highest direct and positive effect (-0.395) on competition index. Other effective trait was thousand grain weight of wheat that by direct and positive effect (0.270) resulted in increase in competition effect of cultivars.

In addition to seed quantity, study of seed quality of crop in conditions of competition could be profitable for seed procurement from field. For this purpose, produced seeds of four wheat cultivars (Sayson, Alvand, Chamran and Sepahan) in interference with deferent densities of feral rye (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 plants m-2) were harvested. In laboratory, of each field unit, 50 number of wheat seeds separated and placed in petridish for germination test. Results showed that by increasing feral rye densities, reduced grain yield, 1000-seed weight, percent and coefficient of uniformity germination, plumule length, radical length, radical dry weight, radical volume and density of seeds from wheat cultivars. In contrary, increased mean germination time. At each level of weed density, minimum and maximum amount of studied traits obtained from Alvand and Sayson, respectively. Obtained correlation coefficient was indicated of robust relation between 1000-seed weight and mean germination time. Also Mean germination time showed robust relation with seedling traits. Generally, results of this study showed that seed weight from interference with weed, had significant effect on seed quality and related traits.

Alternate bearing is a phenomenon in some varieties that after high yielding year (On year) which fruits are very small and non marketable, flowering decrease significantly and yield will decrease so much that harvest costs is more than grove income occasionally. This bearing cycle that is usually biennial, has high severity in Unshiu mandarin as an important commercial citrus variety of Iran specially in Mazandaran province and can cause severe losses for citrus producers and citrus industry. In this study for decrease of fruitlet density in "on years" and regulating of crop production in continuous years, an factorial experiment was conducted on 18 years old Unshiu trees grafted on Poncirus rootstock in RCBD with three replications. In this four year's study, which was conducted in Kotra Citrus Experiment Station situated in Tonekabon city, effects of tree spraying with NAA on fruitlet thinning was evaluated. Surveid factors were NAA concentrations (200, 300 and 400 mg/L) and time of tree spraying (30 and 50 days after full bloom) and obtained results were compared with check (unsprayed)trees. Results showed that tree spraying with 400 mg/L at 30 days after full bloom can cause significant differences with check trees and can decrease fruitlet density at high yielding years significantly and improve crop quality on off years.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of plant density on yield and yield components of different safflower cultivars. For this purpose, a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design was conducted with four replication and two factors included cultivar (Esfahan, Goldasht and Sofeh) and plant density (40, 65 and 90 plants/m2). Results showed the main effect of cultivar on number of seed in head, 1000-grain weight and harvest index was significant. Also, the main effect of plant density on number of head in plant, number of seed in head, 1000-grain weight, harvest index and seed yield was significant. Mean comparison for cultivar showed that the highest number of seed in head (30.1) and 1000-grain weight (39.5) were obtained for Sofeh and Goldasht, respectively. The lowest harvest index (0.36) was obtained for Esfahan. There was no significant difference among cultivars seed yield. Mean comparison for plant density showed that the highest number of head in plant (5.33), number of seed in head (31.9) and harvest index (0.41) were obtained in density of 40 plants/m2. The highest 1000-grain weight was obtained in densities of 40 and 65 plants/m2 (31.7-31.9 g). The highest seed yield was obtained in density of 90 plants/m2 due to more plants per unit area.

In order to investigate yield, yield components and quality traits of P. ovata and P. psyllium under water stress and plant density, two experiments were conducted at the Agriculture Research Field, University of Tehran, Karaj, in April 2005 and 2006. Two Factorial experiments based on randomized complete block design with three replications were used. The treatments were three levels of water stress including water witholding at flowering (Severe stress), water withholding at flowering with complementary irrigation at grain filling (Medium stress) and control, three levels of plant density (low, medium and high density), and two plantago species. Combined analysis results showed that seed yield, biological yield, mucilage percentage and mucilage yield significantly different in two years experiments. In both years, water stress significantly decreased seed thousand weight, biological and mucilage yield per hectare. Water stress also significantly increased mucilage percentage and swelling seed in both species. The highest seed yield (765 kg.ha-1) and biological yield (4079 kg.ha-1) observed in medium and high plant density, respectively. Totally, results of this experiment showed that seed yield and mucilage yield per hectare were higher in P. ovata in compared to P. psyllium. The highest mucilage yield observed in medium drought stress and plant density of 100 and 70 plants per square meter in P. ovata and P. psyllium, respectively.

These field trials were carried out to investigate the effect of various zinc (Zn) fertilizer application treatments on grain yield of some spring (Isfahan and Neishabour) and winter wheat cultivars (Mashhad and Jolge-e-Rokh) with different Zn efficiency during 2009-2010 growth seasons. Five Zn fertilizer treatments were applied including: no added Zn (control), soil application of Zn-sulfate, and foliar spray of Zn-sulfate, Omex1, and Omex2. Omex1 and Omex2 contained 4 and 17% Zn, respectively. Foliar spray was performed at the anthesis stage. Both spring and winter wheat genotypes significantly differed in grain yield. The results showed that wheat genotypes largely varied in their grain yield response to different Zn application treatments. Some spring (Sholeh in Isfahan) and winter (Sabalan in Jolg-e-Rokh) wheat genotypes had greater response to Zn fertilization so that Zn addition increased grain yield of Sholeh by 48% and Sabalan by 17% as compared with no added Zn control. In contrast, Zn addition had no effect on grain yield of some other genotypes. Yield response of wheat genotypes to Zn application treatments significantly varied upon location. According to the results obtained from this study, the efficacy of Zn fertilizer treatments on grain yield of wheat is dependent on the genotype and location. Therefore, this concern should be considered in fertilizer recommendation programs that a specific Zn fertilizer treatment may not be recommended for all wheat cultivars and locations.

Lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) is an almost new flower that Categorized between ten top cut flowers in the world, recently. In the persent study, the microspore culture of lisianthus flowers were conducted for the first time in the world. Also, the rate androgenesis in microspore culture in seven lisianthus cultivars were compared in the same growth conditions. Moreover, in a separate experiment, the influence of growth regulators on induction of haploids in lisianthus via microspore culture were studied. The interactions of 2,4-D (0/5, 1 and 2 mg/l) and kinetin (0/1, 0/5 and 1 mg/l) were compared; Also, the interaction of NAA (0/5 and 1 mg/l) and kinetin (0/5 and 1 mg/l) in a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with 3 × 2 and 2 × 2 factors, each with three replicates were studied. Results revealed that not only all cultivars showed the positive response to androgenesis; but also, most of changes were happened in two cultivars named ‘Mariachi Pure White’ and ‘Mariachi Blue Picotee Improved’. Suspensor were formed in 0/5 mg/l NAA with 1 mg/l kineten. For 2,4-D (0/5 mg/l) and kineten (0/1 and 0/5 mg/l) induction of cell division and formation of multicellular structures were seen, Also, nuclear divisions were induced by 2 mg/l 2,4-D with 1 mg/l kinetin. In other experiment, the effect of light was studied during incubation with 16 hours lighting and 8 hours darkness. Results showed that white light did not expose any significant effect on isolated microspores.

The use of plant growth hormones and beneficial microorganisms, could reduce the drought damage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the treatment with salicylic acid and inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi at different levels of irrigation on flax growth. A factorial experiment based on randomized complete blocks design with 3 replications was performed in growth chamber of college of agriculture, Isfahan university of technology and in the years 2010-2011. Treatments were irrigation regimes at 3 levels (100%, 70% and 40% field capacity), mycorrhizae at 3 levels (non-inoculated and inoculated with two species Glomus mosseae and G. intraradices) and salicylic acid in 2 levels (seeds treated with 250 μM concentration of salicylic acid for 8 hours and non-treated seeds). The level of 40% field capacity irrigation reduced the leaf number, root length, root dry weight, height, stem and leaf and total plant dry weight, number and weight of capsules per plant, number of seeds per capsule and seed yield and increased vesicle diameter and percent colonization. Both mycorrhizal species in the three levels of irrigation increased the drought tolerance of the flax but in G. mosseae was more effective. Salicylic acid decreased some of the investigated traits. Inoculation with mycorrhiza and treatment with salicylic acid reduced the investigated characteristics than the inoculation with mycorrhiza and non-application of salicylic acid. 100% field capacity and G. mosseae species were the best irrigation level and mycorrhizal fungi respectively. Therefore it is suggest that application of mycorrhizal fungi especially G. mosseae species increase in the cultivation of flax plants without treatment with salicylic acid, especially in drought conditions; because in addition to increased yield, water consumption is also lower and it makes the plant more tolerant to stress conditions such as drought.

The aim of this study was to determine the drought tolerance control loci in growth stage in bread wheat. In this regards 99 doubled haploid lines with their parents were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications in two drought stress levels. Genotypes mean square for all traits in two environments was significant. Thirty three SSR markers and 24 TRAP markers which was polymorphism in the parents were tested on doubled haploid lines. QTL analysis was performed with single marker analysis. In non stress conditions five QTLs on chromosomes 1B, 1A, 3A, 5A and 7A and in stress conditions two QTLs on chromosomes 2D and 7A were identified for plant height, which overall were explained 36.35 and 13.49 percent of this trait variation in the non stress and stress environments respectively. For plant fresh weight six QTLs were identified in non stress conditions on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 2A, 5D, 1D and 5B and in stress conditions five QTLs on chromosomes 1A, 4A, 2B, 5A and 7A. These QTLs were explained 36.79 and 28.06 percent of this trait variation in non stress and stress environments respectively. For plant dry weight five QTLs were identified in non stress conditions on chromosomes 1B, 5D, 4A, 5A and 7A and two QTLs in stress conditions on chromosomes 1A and 7A. These QTLs were explained 28.57 and 13.65 percent of this trait variation in non stress and stress environments respectively. For water relative content for QTLs were identified in non stress conditions on chromosomes 1A, 4A, 5A and 6B and three QTLs in stress condition on chromosomes 7A, 5A and 4A. These QTLs were explained 26.23 and 25.87 percent of this trait variation in non stress and stress environments respectively.

This experiment was carried out to study the effect of irrigation intervals and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on chlorophyll index, yield and yield components of grain sorghum. A factorial experiment was done based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at the Agriculture Research Station faculty of Agriculture, Bu- Ali Sina University in growing season of 2011. Irrigation intervals (7, 14 and 21 days) with three levels of seed inoculation (control without inoculation, inoculation with Glomus mossea and inoculation with G. intraradices) were the experimental treatments. Results indicated that the effect of irrigation intervals and mycorrhizal fungi were significant for traits of chlorophyll index, percentage of root symbiosis (PRS), number of grain per panicle, 1000 seed weight, grain yield and harvest index (HI). Maximum value for each trait was observed at G. mossea treatment. G. mossea treatment in comparison with G. intraradices and control treatment can increase the grain yield of sorghum up to 6.80 and 23.10%, respectively. Also, with increasing irrigation interval from 7 to 21 days, PRS increased up to 27.9%. Maximum value for grain yield (755 g m-2) was achieved at irrigation every 14 days and application of G. mossea treatment. But, there was no significant difference between irrigation sorghum plants every 14 days and application of G. mossea and irrigation every 7 days and application of either G. mossea or G. intraradices. In general, irrigation of sorghum plants every 14 days and supplying of G. mossea can produce the highest grain yield, while decreasing water consumption for sorghum production.

Nanometer-sized silver particle can be act as an anti-microbial compound. Thus, in this research, the efficacy of silver thiosulphate and silver nano-particles as antimicrobial agents in extending the vase-life of cut carnation flowers was evaluated. A factorial experiment carried out based on randomized completely blocks design with two factors: silver thiosulphate (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mM) and silver nano-particles (0, 5, 10 and 15 mg/L). Mean comparison of the data showed that the combined treatments of 0.3 mM silver thiosulphate + 15 mg/L silver nano-particles had the highest vase life, water uptake and super oxide dismutase enzyme. Thus, the mentioned above treatment was proposed to increase prolong vase life and improvement of water relations and control of stem end blockage. Based to results of this study, silver thiosulphate and silver nano-particles can be used for increasing postharvest longevity of cut carnation "Tempo".

Early flowering and frost in native genotypes are among causes of reduction in almond production in most years. Therefore, a proper understanding of the resistance mechanisms is necessary for developing varieties with high quality and resistant to frost. In this research, four different genotypes were selected out of 40 genotypes based on flowering time and resistance to frost, including late flowering and susceptible to frost (Sh12) medium to late flowering and resistant to frost (H), early flowering and resistant to frost (G19) and medium flowering and susceptible to frost (D99). These genotypes were evaluated in terms of physiological characteristic related to frost resistance at full-bloom stage in a controlled condition. The results showed that the early flowering genotype (G19) and the medium flowering genotype (D99) had the highest and lowest damages, respectively. In the most cases, the amount of soluble sugars and amount of minerals (N, P, and K) were higher significantly in resistant genotypes compared with susceptible genotypes. The correlation between amount of frost damages and soluble sugars and minerals was negative and significant. These results imply that these characters are important in conferring frost tolerance to the genotypes. On the other side, the correlation between frost damage and ion leakage was positive and significant. According to the results shown in Bi-plot diagram, resistance to frost genotypes was accompanied with soluble sugars and minerals. Meanwhile susceptible genotypes were accompanied with ion leaking. In addition, cluster analysis classified different genotypes within different groups. In conclusion, these criteria could be used for detecting resistance genotypes, by the way the genotypes G19 and H both are recommended as frost resistant genotypes.

For decreasing the effects of Genotype ×Environment (GE) interaction and having more precise selection, the yield and yield stability of selected lines should be evaluated simultaneously. YSi statistic is one of the applied methods for simultaneous selection of yield and yield stability. The objective of this study was to compare result of YSi statistic with other statistics approach such as S2i, CVi, S2di and R2i.Twenty hulless barley lines were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replications and in three locations (Neyshabour, Isfahan and yazd) during 2007-2009 crop seasons. Results of combined ANOVA indicated significant effects for Ggenotype ×Environment × year interaction (p= 0.01). Nine lines were selected by YSi method with overall mean of 5.89 t ha-1 grain yield. Overall mean yield of selected lines using only grain yield, yield plus environmental variance (or environmental coefficient of variation) and yield plus coefficient of regression and deviations from regression mean squares were 5.86, 6.01 and 5.85 t ha-1, respectively. Based to the LSD value (LSD=0.87 t ha-1, p=0.05), differences among mean yield (or different selection approaches) were not significant. As a result, with using the YSi statistic (with more emphasis on stability), the cultivar selection process can be done with more confidence.

Considering frequent observation of low vigor (dwarf) and precocious walnut seedlings in some of Iran nurseries, and in order to understand genetic causes of this phenomenon and the effect of parental genotype on the seedling vigor and precocity, two half–sib family tests were conducted using open pollinated seeds of Persian walnut (Juglans regia L.) trees with different vigor and bearing habit. Based on the results, significant variations were found within- and between-families in terms of seedling height and diameter, number of nodes and length of internodes in both 45-day-old and one year old seedlings. Moderate to high narrow-sense heritability (0.39-0.88) was estimated for all of the traits, both by between family variance and parent-offspring regression methods. Seedling height had positive correlation with other vigor related traits indicating that measuring only seedling height is adequate to identify families that produce low vigor seedlings. In conclusion, we suggest a simultaneous recurrent selection program for both dwarfing and rooting ability (selection of dwarf/semi-dwarf as well as easy-to-root clones) to utilize their advantages in a high-density orchard system.

Ready-to-eat or canned products have an important place in urban life style. Rice is consumed by half of world population. Problems related to production of canned rice are the coherences of rice kernel, retrogradation of rice starch and physico-chemical changes of rice during storage. Main factors affecting physico-chemical properties of canned rice are rice cultivar, amylose and amylopectin content of kernels, precooking conditions, kernel composition and added stabilizers. In this study, effect of three cultivars, Basmati and two local cultivars, Tarom Mazandaran and Tarom Hashemi, also two types of stabilizers, Xanthan, Mono-di-glyceride, on sensory and physical properties of canned rice were studied. Type and level of stabilizers, cultivars and time had significant effect on texture of cooked rice. Initially during storage, Basmati had the highest firmness and Tarom Mazandaran and Tarom Hashemi had lower firmness. The results of texture analysis indicated that both stabilizers reduced firmness of cooked rice during storage. Adding xhanthan as stabilizer had higher effect on reducing of cooked rice firmness comparing to mono-di-glyceride. Result of color analysis showed that Basmati cultivar was most yellowish and Tarom Mazandaran indicated maximum lightness. Sensory analysis of samples indicated that Basmati had the best score on texture, appearance and acceptability and Tarom Hashemi had the best score on taste and flavor. Type of stabilizer had significant effect on taste and flavor of cooked rice.

To investigation the yield and yield component of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) planted in conventional and ultra narrow row spacings, in competition with velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti Medic.) an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with split plot arrangement of treatments, with three replications at Experimental Station of Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, during 2011 growing season. The treatments were three row spacings (20, 40 and 80cm) of cotton (as main plot) and five densities (0 (control), 1, 3, 5 and 12 plant.m-2) of velvetleaf (as subplot). Results showed that, almost all vegetative characteristics and yield components of the cotton were decreased with decreasing crop row spacing and increase weed density. In contrast, number of bolls per unit area was increased by reducing cotton row spacing. Rectangular hyperbola model was used to describe relation between cotton yield and weed density. The highest yield (4986.73 kg.ha-1) was obtained in 40 cm cotton row spacing and weed free condition. Cotton yield was decreased with increasing weed density. Based on function estimate, cotton yield lose rooted on come of first weed in competition with cotton planted in 20, 40 and 80 cm row spacing was, 15.59, 34.19 and 66.12, respectively. This study showed that, in ultra-row spacing the cotton is more competitor with over velvetleaf density because increasing the plant density lead to increase the crop ability to resource using in compared with weeds. Too, ultra narrow cotton have produced sustainable yield in competition with over weed density in compared with conventional row.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of foliar application of ordinary and nano-particles of zinc and iron oxide on the responses of two wheat cultivars (kavir and Tajan) to three levels of salinity (0, 75 and 150 mmol kcal). The experiment was arranged as factorial in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Plant height, leaf area, shoot and root dry weight, photochemical efficiency, the concentration of K, Fe and Zn in shoots was decreased, while the concentration of Na and the Na/K ratio was increased under saline conditions. Foliar application of iron and zinc had significant positive effects on leaf area, shoot dry weight, photochemical efficiency and the concentration of Fe and Zn in shoots. The extent of the positive effects of Fe and Zn on the concentration of Fe and Zn was more for nano compared to ordinary form of these elements. The increase in the Na/K ratio under saline condition was greater in sensitive (Tagan) than in tolerant (Kavir) cultivar. The positive effect of foliar application was more pronounced under saline than under non-saline condition. The concentration of Fe in shoots was more for nano than for ordinary form of Fe. The response of Kavir was more positive compared to Tajan to the application of nano form of Iron Oxide. The results showed that the effects of foliar application of nano particles of iron and zinc oxide on wheat may be superior compare to the ordinary forms, however, the application of nano particles of these compounds had no advantage in terms of the alleviation of the salinity Effects.

Selection based on indices is an effective method for breeding complex traits. To assess the efficiency of different selection methods, twenty one accessions of Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) were evaluated in two environments including drought stress and non-stress conditions according to a randomized complete block design with three replications in 2010. In this study, the selection indices of Smith-Hazel and Pesek-Baker were determined based on the percentage of dry matter yield, stem percent, plant height and number of stem per plant under both conditions. Also response to selection and relative selection efficiency were estimated for studied traits and dry matter yield. The highest estimated selection efficiency for genetically improvement of dry matter yield was obtained via selection for stem percent and number of stem per plant. Therefore, these traits can be used as an appropriate selection criterion for improvement of forage yield. In Smith-Hazel indices under normal environment plant height and under stress environment stem percent had the highest gain, while in Pesek-Baker index, under both moisture conditions percentage of dry matter yield had the highest gain. The results indicated that Smith-Hazel index 1 had the most selection efficiency and could be used in sainfoin breeding programs.

Drought is the most important problems that restrict cultivation of horticultural crops in arid and semi-arid regions and olive (Olea europaea L.) as an important fruit trees grows in these regions. In order to investigate the effect of cycocel treatment on some physioligical characteristics of two olive cultivars (Mary and Mission), under the condition of drought stress, a greenhouse experiment was conducted taking into account three factors of: cycocel at three levels (0, 500 and 1000 mg L-1), drought stress of three levels (irrigated at 5, 10 and 15 days intervals) and tow olive cultivars (Mary and Mission) in a factorial experiment in frame of randomized complete block design with three replicates for the lasted four months. The results showed that increased periods of drought have increased the number of stomata per unit leaf area and decreased net photosynthesis, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and dry weight of leaf, stem and root in both cultivars. Also, results showed that both cycocel concentrations increased the number of stomata per unit leaf area, increase net photosynthesis, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and dry weight of leaf; but no significant difference in dry weight of stem and root was observed compared with the control. In above-mentioned parameters, Mission cultivar showed higher resistance to drought stress than the Mary cultivar. Collectively, results suggested that the use of cycocel can be improved in photosynthesis under drought stress conditions.

Water deficiency stress as the most important abiotic stress plays an important role in the yield suppression of plants worldwide. Considering physiological indices to improve drought resistance is of paramount importance. The objective of present study was to evaluate the effects of different irrigation intervals (irrigation after 5, 7, 9 and 11 days) and rates of superabsorbent polymer (Nil, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 percent of pot medium weight) on some physiological parameters of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plant under greenhouse condition. The study carried out at College of Agriculture, Ilam University during 2009-2010 using a factorial layout in randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with three replications. Statistical analysis showed significant effects of the irrigation and superabsorbent polymer on total yield and plant physiological parameters including leaf relative water content (RWC), water use efficiency (WUE), total soluble solids (TSS), chlorophyll, proline and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. In drought conditions total yield, RWC, WUE and chlorophyll a reduced but MDA accumulation, proline content and TSS increased. Application of superabsorbent polymer significantly caused increasing of total yield, RWC, WUE, chlorophyll a and decreasing of MDA content, proline and TSS. Our results showed that superabsorbent polymers can absorb and retain extremely large amounts of water and decreased adverse effects of drought stress on the plants.