حسن فیضی

Apocarotenoid compounds cause various communication functions in plants. Apocarotenoids are the result of enzymatic cleavage of carotenoids catalyzed by carotenoid dioxygenases (CCD). The CCD4 family is the largest family of plant CCDs. In this research, genomic DNA was extracted from fresh leaves of wild saffron Crocus haussknechtii BOISS and used as a template for amplification of CCD4a and CCD4b genes in PCR reaction. PCR products were sequenced after purification. Then, the gene sequence was compared with the saffron gene available in the gene bank and a phylogenetic tree related to their sequence was drawn. In addition, the amino acids of proteins were compared and the spatial structure of the protein of these two genes was drawn. The results showed that the number of nucleotides in CCD4a gene is equal to 2402 and in CCD4b gene is 2373 kb. The dendrogram related to the sequence of CCD4a gene showed that the species were divided into 5 separate groups based on the similarity in the sequence of nucleic acids, and the highest similarity was related to the CCD4a gene of Iranian agricultural saffron with a rate of 99.82. In addition, the dendrogram diagram for the CCD4b gene was divided into three groups, with the lowest distance between this gene and the genes of saffron species. By defining the exon regions, the protein sequence of CCD4a and CCD4b genes was determined, and their number of amino acids was equal to 577 and 567, respectively. The findings of this research can provide valuable information regarding the behavior and reaction of CCD4a and CCD4b enzymes in the synthesis of C. haussknechtii apocarotenoids and can be used in gene transfer programs from wild saffron to saffron be a useful crop.

Razavi Khorasan provinces one of the most important habitats of medicinal plants in the country. This has caused their use to play an important role in the medicinal plant consumption culture of the people of the region. The purpose of this study was to investigate how people consume and favor of medicinal plants and to study the distribution and supply of medicinal plants by sellers in the city of Torbat Jam. This research was conducted as a survey in 14 qualified apothecaries in Torbat Jam. Relevant information such as the social and economic status of the sellers as well as the characteristics of the most important plants in the apothecaries were obtained through a questionnaire from the sellers of the apothecaries. Results showed that only 15% of medicinal plant products are collected by the people themselves from nature and rangelands, and the rest are bought from general stores and other people. Also, the study of social and personal indicators of the Sellers showed that only 21% of people have education related to medicinal plants and 35% have obtained their drug information through study. Medicinal plants such as borago, thyme, cinnamon and a combination of several plants are the best-selling medicinal plants offered in apothecaries of Torbat Jam city. The most common reasons for referring to apothecary were gastrointestinal problems, respiratory problems and neurological diseases and it is recommended to plan the cultivation of medicinal plants as well as training courses for sellers in this city.

Evaluating the allocation trend of photoassimilates during the saffron growing season can lead to the identification of the key periods of plant growth. It is possible to improve the growth of the corm and ultimately increase the flowering of saffron by applying agricultural management according to the growth period. In this research, the allocation of photoassimilates between different organs of saffron under the influence of the mother corm weight (less than 4, 4-8, and 8-12 g) and the integrated and time-scheduled application of inputs (low-input and high-input), were investigated in a factorial layout based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The maximum root weight was gained around 20th January (70 days after the first autumn irrigation) and the maximum leaf weight was observed on 29th February, and then it decreased, but after this date, the growth rate of the corm increased and reached its maximum value in the last month of the growing season. In all treatments, most of the mother corm reserves were consumed in the first 100 days after the first autumn irrigation, which coincides with mid-January. The production of replacement corms and their total weight accelerated 140 days after the first autumn irrigation, and its maximum amount (655 No. and 4148 g.m-2, respectively) was obtained at the end of the growing season in the conditions of planting of big corms + high-input system. The highest mean weight of replacement corms (7.8 g) at the end of the growing season was obtained through planting of large mother corms + low-input system, while by planting small mother corms, the high input system increased the mean replacement corm weight. In all treatments, the highest corm growth rate was observed in the last month of the growing season (approximately 170 days after the first autumn irrigation). The total plant weight was strongly influenced by the weight of the mother corms, with no significant differences observed between the two input application levels. The highest crop growth rate (CGR) occurred in the final month of plant growth, reaching a maximum of 74.3 g.m⁻² day⁻¹ under the combination of large corm planting and a high-input system. The plant's relative growth rate (RGR) increased during the time intervals of 100–140 and 180–200 days after the first autumn irrigation. There was no significant difference between the treatments in terms of the duration of the active period of corm filling, and it was about 45 days. At the end of the growing season, the highest and lowest levels of photoassimilate remobilization (reallocation) from leaves to replacement corms (1016 kg.ha⁻¹ and 220 kg.ha⁻¹, respectively) were observed with the planting of large corms combined with a high-input system and small corms combined with a high-input system. The maximum remobilization efficiency (56.2%) was achieved by planting 4–8 g mother corms and using the high-input system. According to the results of this study, the final month of saffron growth was identified as the most critical period for the corm growth rate.

Saffron is a valuable plant that generally faces water stress in its life cycle. Therefore, in order to investigate the effect of corm priming of saffron on physiological and corm characteristics of this product under drought stress conditions, a split plot experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experimental treatments included two levels of irrigation based on 70 and 50% of field capacity as a main plot and six corm priming treatments including no priming (control), potassium nitrate, auxin, gibberellin, silicon dioxide nanoparticles, and hydro-priming as sub plot. The results showed that the increase of intensity in drought stress from 70 to 50% of field capacity caused an increase of 38.5%, 59.1% and 57.3% in the amount of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids, respectively, and a decrease of 32.6% and 20% to the ratio of chlorophyll a/b and the amount of protein respectively. Priming of mother corn with two hormones of auxin and gibberellin, significantly increased the amount of protein and the highest weight of daughter corm was observed at gibberellin hormone treatment at the rate of 3.72 grams per plant. The two treatment levels of gibberellin and auxin hormones, under conditions of medium drought stress, significantly showed the highest number of daughter corms and gibberellin hormone, under medium drought stress conditions, significantly increased the diameter of daughter corm at the rate of 28 mm. In generally, corm priming of saffron with two hormones of gibberellin and auxin, is recommended to improve the physiological traits and tuber characteristics, especially in the conditions of drought stress.

The use of controlled fermented legumes along with the aqueous extract of aromatic plants is important in terms of improving the quality characteristics of wheat bread. In the present study, after spontaneous fermentation of mung bean sourdough containing saffron petal extract, the predominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolate was used as a starter culture in controlled fermented sourdough, and then the characteristics of the produced wheat breads in terms of texture, surface expansion of fungi and overall acceptability were investigated. Sequencing results of PCR products led to the identification of Levilactobacillus brevis as the predominant LAB isolated from sourdough. Processing of wheat bread with mung bean sourdough containing mentioned bacteria and saffron petal extract not only improved the textural features and overall acceptability of the produced bread, but also increased their resistance towards the surface expansion of Aspergillus niger. Based on the results, wheat bread containing fermented mung bean and saffron petal extract showed the best textural features compared to other samples with crumb hardness of 10.21 N and porosity of 16.16%. Furthermore, the mentioned sample with 44.33% inhibition had the highest ability to inhibit the growth of the indicator fungus compared to other samples. Although the use of mung bean and saffron petal extract alone in the formulation of wheat bread did not show a great effect on reducing the surface expansion of fungi, but their combined application was significantly (P<0.05) effective in reducing the surface growth of fungus. Due to the appropriate techno-functional capabilities of controlled fermented mung bean sourdough containing saffron petal extract, it can be used as a natural improver in the bakery industries.

Recognizing the potential role of seaweed in improving saffron yield and the utilization of micronutrient elements like Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn to enhance stigma yield, an experiment was conducted. The study investigated the impact of foliar spraying of seaweed extract and selected nutritional elements on saffron's quantitative and qualitative traits of saffron.This research was conducted, as factorial based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications during 2021-2022 in Neishabur, Iran. The first factor consisted of seaweed extract (0 and 2 L.ha-1) and the second factor consisted of foliar application of nutrients including no foliar application (as control), and the defender of some elements including iron (1.5 L.ha-1 containing Fe, N, and amino acids), zinc, boron (1 L.ha-1 containing B and amino acids), manganese (1.5 L.ha-1 containing Mn, Zn and S), magnesium and calcium (2 L.ha-1 containing Ca and N). The use of all nutrients compared to the control (no-nutrients) and the use of seaweed extract compared to no-seaweed application caused an increase in flower and stigma yields. Based on the interaction effects of the experimental factors, the highest number of flowers (68.8 No.m-2) was obtained in the combined application of manganese and seaweed extract, the highest flower yield (33.5 g.m-2) was gained with the combined application of seaweed and boron, and the highest dry stigma yield (0.48 g.m-2) was obtained from the simultaneous application of magnesium and seaweed extract, which were 63.8, 16.7 and 17.0%, more than the control treatment (no-seaweed & No-nutrients), respectively. Without nutrient application, the utilization of seaweed extract resulted in a notable rise in the Picrocrocin content of the stigma by 15.9%, Crocin by 9.5%, and Safranal by 10.6% compared to the absence of seaweed application.Combined consumption of calcium with seaweed increased the content of Picrocrocin and Crocin, while simultaneous application of other nutrients with seaweed did not improve these indices. The highest and the lowest content of Safranal (37.7 and 32.35 absorption at 330 nm) were obtained from magnesium + no-seaweed and control (no-seaweed & no-nutrients) treatments, respectively. Overall, although all of the studied elements combined with seaweed extract improved stigma yield in order to increase stigma yield, application of Mg in combination to seaweed recommended and to enhance saffron quality using seaweed suggested.

Increasing the consumption of medicinal plants has many benefits, including creating employment and generating income for producers, especially in rural communities whose livelihoods are highly dependent on nature. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the factors affecting the consumption of medicinal plants and its status in the market in order to provide the most important factors for the development of this type of exploitation. This study examines the presentation and consumption of medicinal plants and the attitude and belief of people in it in the perfumeries of Torbat Heydarieh. Descriptive research method and collection tool was done using a questionnaire designed by the researcher. The statistical population of this study was the most important and significant perfumers of Torbat Heydariyeh and buyers of medicinal plants. The sample size using the Cochran's formula is equal to 383 which includes127 prominent perfumers of Torbat Heydarieh city and 256 buyers of medicinal plants were selected. After collecting the data by a questionnaire, the research data were analyzed using SPSS23 software. The results showed that there was a significant and positive relationship between the manner of keeping medicinal plants and the amount of consumption of people (r = 0.32) and the relationship between the supply of medicinal plants and the amount of consumption of people (r = 0.390) Was obtained. Between people's attitudes and beliefs about the effectiveness of medicinal plants and Consumption of people (r = 0.582) and a significant and positive relationship was obtained between having a degree related to medicinal plants and the amount of consumption of medicinal plants by people (r = 0.376). Therefore, only by increasing the awareness of consumers about the benefits of using medicinal plants and also by changing the way of supplying medicinal plants from traditional to modern methods, it is possible to help the development of the market of medicinal plants.

Cow manure is one of the most commonly used fertilizers in saffron cultivation, but its main problem is the slow process of decomposition and the slow release of nutrients in the short term; leading to over use of chemical fertilizers by farmers. It is expected that with the introduction of nanotechnology in the field of agriculture, a suitable solution will be found to improve the absorption time of organic fertilizers. Cattle manure nanoparticles can reduce the decomposition time of cattle manure with higher specific surface area. Therefore, a split-plot design was carried out using two conventional methods of mulching and mixing with soil on the performance of saffron and soil characteristics to compare the performance of conventional chemical fertilizers and cow manure with nano cow manure.The main factor in seven levels (including nano cow manure in two amounts of five and 20 tons per hectare and in two forms of application of mulch and mixed with soil, normal cow manure in the amount of 20 tons per hectare and in two forms of mulch and mixed with soil and no use cow manure) and the sub-factor included NPK chemical fertilizer (at two levels of use and non-use). The results showed that by making cattle manure nanosized, its half-life in the soil decreased from about 36 weeks to 11 weeks. Nano cow manure treatment of 20 tons per hectare mixed with soil showed an increase in dry stigma yield by 43.7, 46 and 57%, respectively, compared to conventional cow manure treatments, chemical fertilizer treatments, and controls. The nano application of cow manure resulted in maintaining more moisture, less mechanical resistance in the soil, and more percentage of nutrients in the plant. In the comparison of the two methods of mulching and mixing, it was observed that in the mulching method, the amount of moisture is higher and the surface mechanical resistance is lower in the soil, and in the mixing method, the amount of nutrients in the leaves is higher. The results showed that in treatments with nano cow manure, the mixed method is preferable to mulch. By making cattle manure nano, using the mixed method instead of mulch and applying higher levels of cattle manure, was reduced the synergistic effect of chemical fertilizers in increasing yield. As in nano cow manure treatment (20 tons per hectare mixed with soil) was not observed significant yield increase due to the addition of chemical fertilizer. Also, nano cow manuew five ton per hectare treatments (mulch and mixture) showed a 22% yield increase compared to conventional cow manure treatments. It is possible to increase the yield by 22% by making cow manure nanosized, along with reducing the consumption of cow manure by 75% in the second year of saffron cultivation.

In the last few decades, one of the important problems in agriculture is the high cost of fertilizers in plant production and their dispersion in the field, which gives rise to soil and water pollution; moreover, their extensive use is believed to contribute to global warming through emissions of nitrous oxide. Therefore, in modern agriculture, which aims to reduce the input of fertilizers and improve grain quality without affecting yield.Cereal-legume intercropping system has been a common cropping system in arid and semi-arid areas  such as Afghanistan.Another way to reduce the application of chemical fertilizers to improve biological activity and increase soil fertility, increase crop yield and ultimately achieve stability in agricultural systems, is the use of organic fertilizers including livestock manure. Afghanistan's soils are deficient in organic matter, and there are various management approaches to soil nitrogen supply, such as application of chemical fertilizers, manure, and intercropping. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of nitrogen supply sources on quantitative and qualitative yield of wheat cultivars in Herat province of Afghanistan.

In order to determine the effect of nitrogen supply sources on different wheat varieties, an experiment was conducted in agriculture faculty research farm of Herat University-Afghanistan in 2018-19. The experiment was set up on split plot in randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plot factor was three different levels of nitrogen supply sources (mix cropping clover & wheat, N application (100 kg.ha-1 Urea), 40 ton.ha-1 manure application) and ten wheat varieties that are being cultivated in Herat were considered as subplot factors.After harvesting, plant samples were placed in oven at 65 °C for 48 hours and various parameters (total dry matter, yield and yield components, protein percentage, content of seed K & P) were measured in laboratory for each plot. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed by using GLM proc. in SAS version 9.1 and the lest significant different test (LSD) was used for mean comparison. 

Results showed that the effect of nitrogen supply sources on all wheat quality and quantity yield components, except on spike length, number of spikelet per spike and the amount of seed P and K, were significant. However the effect of variety, except on stem and leaf weight, and the amount of seed P and K in all measured parameters were significant. In addition, the interaction of nitrogen supply sources and varieties on spike length and weight, 1000 seed weight, seed yield and seed protein were significant. The highest amounts of all measured characteristics were obtained in chemical fertilizer application. But the difference between chemical fertilizer application and clover mix cropping on number of spikelet per spike, stem & leaf weight and total dry matter (TDM) were not significant.In addition, results showed that the measured traits varied in different varieties. The highest plant height was obtained in Gul-96 variety, but the Mazar-99 variety, Kabul-13 variety and Gul-96 variety were the same in producing TDM. While the Kabul-13 variety was produced the most spikes weight, seed per spike, seed yield, harvest index and highest protein yield. But the Baghlan-09 variety had the highest 1000 seed weight.

Results showed that different sources of nitrogen supply had a positive effect on the quantitative and qualitative yield of wheat. Also, different wheat varieties had reacted differently to nitrogen sources. The highest grain yield was produced by Kabul 13 wheat cultivar with 100 kg urea per hectare application, but no significant difference was observed between grain yield with urea fertilizer application and wheat clover mixed cropping system. In addition, there was no significant difference between the grain protein percentages on treatments with urea fertilizer application with wheat clover mix cropping. As a result, it is inferred that cultivation of Kabul 13 wheat variety in mixed with clover in a sustainable low-input agricultural system in Herat province of Afghanistan, like urea fertilizer application, will be able to increase the quantitative and qualitative yield of wheat as an offer the option to farmers.

In order to investigate the effect of magnetic intensity and salinity on germination characteristics of Cuminum ciminum, an experiment was conducted in medicinal plants laboratory of University of Torbat Heydariyeh. Four levels of magnetic field intensity (0, 40, 80, and 120 milli Tesla) as the first factor and four levels of salinity stress (0, -3, -6, and -9 bar) as the second factor was applied. The results showed that salinity was significant on all studied factors including germination percentage, germination rate and mean germination time, seedling weight and length and seed vigor indices I and II at 1% level. Increasing the salinity level reduced the seed germination percentage from 97% in the control treatment to 25% in the -6 bar salinity treatment. Magnetic field also had a significant effect on shoot, root, and seedling length and seed vigor index I factors at the level 1%. In addition it had significant effect on the germination rate and mean germination time at the level of 5%. Application of magnetic field with an intensity of 120 mT increased the weight of shoot, root and seedling by 44.2%, 59.2%, and 52.5% compared to the control, respectively. The interaction of salinity and magnetic field showed a significant effect on shoot, root, and seedling length and seed vigor index I at the level 1%. The general conclusion of this study showed that with increasing salinity, germination percentage decreased and with increasing magnetic field, seedling weight increased. Increasing the length of shoot, root, and seedling also was one of the positive effects of increasing the intensity of the magnetic field

In order to investigate Spermidine and γ-Aminobutyric Acid (Gaba) role on germination features and growth parameters of cucumber under salinity stress, an experiment was conducted as factorial layout based on the completely randomized design at university of Torbat Heydarieh, Iran in 2108 . The first factor consists of seed priming with Gaba (5 and 10 mM), Spermidine (5 and 10 mM), the combination of them and hydropriming in distilled water, and no treatment. The second factor was three salinity levels (0, 1.8, 9.5 dS/m). Results showed that seed priming with Gaba and Spermidine positively affected the shoot and seedling fresh weight, root length, and root dry weight. The highest value of germination percent, relative germination, and germination index was seen in no salinity and 5 mM Spermidine and 10 mm Gaba application (by 19 percent more than control). Using hydropriming, Spermidine and Gaba significantly improved cucumber seedling growth under 9.5 dS/m salinity in comparison to zero salinity treatment. Salinity caused a reduction of germination percent from 84 to 17 %, but employing seed priming treatments caused an enhancement of relative germination in salinity condition. In other words employment of hydropriming and these amendments induced in the alleviation of salinity stress. In attention to application of hydropriming as an inexpensive and convenient method in comparison to other treatments it could be recommended.

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the effects of dioxide titanium particles on growth and performance character. Based on previous works, it is expected that TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) improving the feed efficiency and promote silk protein synthesis in the silkworm can be improved important traits such as cocoon shell weight and cocoon weight. The experiment was designed in a completely randomized design with three replications. Five groups of silkworms fed diets with dioxide titanium nanoparticles at 0, 5, 10, 50, and 100 mg/l in duration 4 and 5 instars. Data were analyzed by SAS software, and Duncan test was used to compare the mean. It was observed that the addition of dioxide titanium nanoparticles at different levels significantly improved percent viability, cocoon and cocoon shell performance compared control group.  In comparison to the control treatment, cocoon weights rose by 3.3 and 3.85 percent in 5 and 10 mg/l dioxide titanium, respectively. In comparison to the control treatment, 5 mg/l nanoparticles had a higher cocoon shell weight and cocoon shell ratio of 10.40 and 6.27 percent, respectively. Results showed that using dioxide titanium nanoparticles in 5 and 10 mg/l can increase cocoon and cocoon shell performance, but it has not effect on these traits with higher concentration.

With the aim of investigation of Humic and biological fertilizer sources together with nitrogen fertilizer on corm production on Torbat Heydarieh landrace, an experiment was conducted in research farm of University of Torbat Heydarieh in 2015-2016. The experiment consisted 18 treatments in which main factor was three levels of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 25, 50 kg/ha as urea) and sub factor was application of Biumic (micronutrients and acid humic), Super humic, Superhumic+Biumic, Humiful (acid humic), Nitrokara (nitrogen, phosphorus-soluble bacteria) and control. The experiment performed as split plot layout based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Results demonstrated that application of nitrogen had the significant effect on fresh weight and fresh yield of replacement corms. In 25 kg nitrogen treatment the fresh weight and fresh yield of replacement corms increased 5.6 and 8.2 percent in compared to control, respectively. In Super humic+Biumic treatment the fresh and dry weight of replacement corms increased 61.5 and 60.2 percent in compared to control, respectively. All of resource treatments significantly enhanced number of replacement corm. Overall, it seems that nitrogen fertilizer using had not considerable impact on corm traits, but employing of Humic and biological fertilizer could be very important on saffron corm production.

Land vegetation and soil degradation have considerable effects on greenhouse gas emissions resulting in global warming. Hence, this study aims to investigate the relationsip between soil organic carbon storage (SOCS) and different vegetation cover/ land uses in two soil depths (0-20 and 20-40 cm) in the Bajestan, Khorasan Razavi, Iran. A total of 122 soil samples (two depths× 61 soil sampling sites= 122 soil samples) were collected including orchard (pomegranate, pistachio and saffron), farmland (barley), desert (under and between haloxylon shrubs), and pasture. Results showed that surface layer of desert lands covered by haloxylon shrubs (3.17 Kg m-2) and both soil depths in pomegranate orchards (2.57 kg m-2 in 0-20 cm and 1.63 kg m-2 in 20-40 cm) had the highest SOCS content. Furthermore, it was found that soils under haloxylon shrubs accounted for 21.35% of surface SOCS as well as for 116.66 tons ha-1of absorbed CO2 in the soil and about 3.5 times more than areas located between haloxylon shrubs. Finally, the economic value of CO2 absorbed in the soil of studied land covers is 8193.45 and 3018.00-dollars ha-1 for surface and subsurface horizons, respectively. Comparing of soil organic carbon (SOC) content over 2004-2018 in the cultivated lands showed the increasing trend about 10.60 and 19.23 percent and in saffron and barley increased by 3.5 and 4.0 fold, respectively. Overall, sufficient information about SOC variation (positive or negative) with time can be effective in sustainable lands management, particularly in arid regions of the country to evaluate effects of different land use managements for increasing in SOCS process.

This experiment was carried out as a split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 and the data related to 2017-2018 were analysed. The irrigation time for the main plot (A) consisted of 4 levels including I1: control (traditional irrigation) on October 12, I2: irrigation at 10 days after I1, I3: I1+ one additional irrigation after the last irrigation (April 30), I4: the first irrigation time was done 10 days later than the traditional irrigation+ one additional irrigation 10 days after the last irrigation. Sub plot (B) was the foliar application of various stimulators including of G1: control, G2: acid salicylic, G3: Complete micro fertilizer, G4: nano Tio2, G5: nano Sio2. In this experiment different traits of corm and flower and stigma quality were determined. The results indicated that foliar application of complete micro fertilizer and Sio2 nanoparticles had the highest number of daughter corms. Moreover,both of them caused 25 percent increase overthe control group. Irrigation times at I4 and I1 yielded the maximum and minimum contents of dry weight of style and stigma. Foliar application of complete micro fertilizer was the best treatment in terms of dry weight of style and stigma.  The most contents of crocin among various fertilizers belonged to complete micro and Tio2 nanoparticles. The highest amount of picrocrocin belonged to complete micro fertilizer and salicylic acid. The salicylic acid foliar application was the best treatment in terms of chlorophyll content of saffron leaves. In conclusion the first irrigation on October 12 and using complete micro fertilizer are reconded.

The crisis of oak decline in recent years has destroyed big sections of the Zagros forests, and altering the structure of the forest masses. Finding ways to restore deforested forests and increase the ability to deploy new seedlings in the field can help reforest. In this study, the potential of titanium dioxide nanoparticles was used to modify the damaging effects of drought stress on oak seed. Drought stress is one of the most important factors in limiting the seed germination of plants. Treatments consisted of 4 levels of titanium nanoparticles (0, 10, 50 and 100 mg L-1) and 4 levels of drought stress (0, -3, -6 and -9 bar) applied by polyethylene glycol 6000. Zero levels in both treatments were considered as the control treatment. The experiment was conducted as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with two factors and three replications. Analysis of variance showed that drought stress had a negative effect on most growth factors, especially at high levels. Drought stress above -6 bar, had a negative effect on root growth and treatment of 50 mg L-1  titanium dioxide with -2 bar of drought stress caused the highest root fresh weight (7228.3 mg) and maximum root length of 127.33 mm. High drought stress levels decreased leaf number and leaf area. Although there were no significant differences between the treatments of nanoparticles on stem length and number of leaves, treatment with 50 mg L-1 nanoparticles had higher numerical value than others. The results showed that the highest germination percentage and seedling emergence were obtained at the concentration of 50 mg L-1 of TiO2 and drought stress in 0 and -3 bar, and the lowest germination percentage was observed at no-treatment and drought stress in -9 bar. The interactions between nanoparticles and drought stress at the 1% level were significant for the crown diameter changes. The concentration of 50 mg L-1 nanoparticles at the drought stress in -6 bar, increased the crown diameter by about 2.63 mm on average. The highest number of lateral roots was obtained at a concentration of 50 mg L-1  and a -3 bar of drought stress. The results showed that when the nanoparticles were treated with drought stress, the plant increased its stress tolerance threshold for better survival under stress conditions. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that a concentration of 50 mg L-1 nanoparticles is the most suitable treatment for improving root characteristics and moderating drought stress effect on oak. The present study is the first study of nanoparticle treatment on vegetative characteristics of oak seed.

In order to compare the effect of organic, biological, nano and chemical fertilizers on growth characteristics and yield of Marigold, a field experiment was conducted in 2015 in a randomized complete block design with 10 treatments and three replications. Experimental treatments included rotten cow manure, municipal waste compost with and without inoculation of Pseudomonas putida, vermicompost with and without bacterial inoculation, Nanobiomic, ZFM Nano chelate, Bioorganic Nanocomposite, NPK chemical fertilizer (in the ratio of 150: 50 : 50 kg.ha-1 of urea,: triple superphosphate:potassium sulfate, respectively) and control treatment (without fertilizer). The highest leaf area index (3.82) and leaf dry weight (164 g.m2) and total dry weigh (353 g.m2) were observed in vermicompost treatment with P. putida which significantly increased by 53.3%, 86.3% and 57.0% compared to the control, respectively. The highest fresh weight, dry weight and number of flowers were observed at 309 g.m-2, 57 g.m-2 and 284 per m-2 in bioorganic nanocomposite treatment, which increased by 27%, 29% and 59% compared to the control, respectively. Results also indicated that the number of flowers had the highest positive and significant correlation with flower dry weight (r = 0.95**), flower fresh weight (r = 0.93**), leaf area index (r = 0.77**), leaf dry weight (r = 0.75**) and grain yield (r = 0.76**). Finally, the use of cow manure and municipal waste compost fertilizers are more economical than vermicompost and are recommended for Pot marigold.

In order to investigation of relationships between saffron yield and summer irrigation a survey was conducted in fields of rural areas of Torbat Heydarieh and Farooj, Iran. The survey was done by questionnaires as face to face interview with farmers and expertise of this subject in 2019. Based on this method, 90 saffron fields (area about 0.5- 7 ha) with 1-4 years ages were studied. In addition effect of first irrigation treatments consisted irrigation on august, on mid-September and on early October on saffron yield based on completely randomized design was performed. Results indicated that in 2 years old fields did not significantly affected by first irrigation time, but the time of first irrigation had significant effect on saffron yield especially in 1, 3 and 4 years-old farms. Irrigation on early October in one year-old farms showed the highest stigma yield, but in two years- old farms this condition occurred on mid-September at Torbat Heydarieh and Farooj. In addition there was a negative relationship between fungi contamination with yield (-4.779) in three years- old and regression coefficient was -7.731 in four years-old farms. Furthermore there was about 64 % of changes in corm contamination to fungi related to number of irrigation. Therefore early irrigation of farms in summer such as August especially in three and four years-old because of enhancement of contamination to fungi diseases do not recommend.

The Khanik-Ghazan Titanium ore deposit is located at 82 km northwest of Urmia, northern Sanandaj-Sirjan zone. The main objective of this research is to identify potentially mineralized areas and to prepare a mineral prospectivity map in the Khanik-Ghazan deposit applying the Fuzzy Inference System (FIS). After preparing the facto maps, the main stages of the investigation comprise the preparation of fuzzy factor maps using the appropriate linguistic variables and proper membership functions, combining factor maps using the fuzzy inference (by creating a fuzzy database of If-OR rules), identification of susceptible areas, and the generation of a potential mineral map using the output closure. In this study, in order to control the accuracy of the data, we tried to apply two new integrated methods including the fuzzy logic and hierarchical analysis processes. The results obtained from these methods was confirmed and complemented by each other and demonstrated highly potential mineralized zones. This statement is validated by several investigation methods including the field surveys and evidence of 80 samples collected from rock outcrops. Based on obtained results and modelling of geophysical data, the central part of the study area was recognized for further exploration using the drillcore subsurface exploration.

For evaluation of response of flower and corm yield of saffron to nanobiologic fertilizer application methods in comparison to cow manure and chemical fertilizer an experiment was conducted in Shadmehr region as randomized complete block design with 10 treatments with four replication during two years (2014-2015 and 1015-2016). The treatments were 1. Corm inoculation with nanobiofertilizer (Bioumik product of Biozar company), 2. Corm inoculation+use in irrigation water, 3. Corm inoculation+ foliar application 4. Corm inoculation+ foliar application+use in irrigation water, 5. In irrigation water, 6. Foliar application 7. Use of chemical fertilizer (Urea, Ammonium phosphate and Potassium sulphate) 8. Use of cow manure 9. Use of chemical fertilizer +Use of cow manure and 10. Control. Studied traits were corm dry yield, flower dry yield, stigma dry and fresh yield and flower number. Based on result from third year the highest stigma dry yield (about 14 kg/ha) and flower number were achieved in Corm inoculation+ foliar application+use in irrigation water treatment (by 176 % increase in comparison to control) and the highest corm yield was seen in corm inoculation treatment (by 41 more than control). Results showed that the best method for corm improvement was corm inoculation with nanobiofertilizer and for flower improvement it is recommend to use of Corm inoculation+ foliar application+use in irrigation water.

The average stigma yield of traditional saffron cultivating systems is 3.2 kg ha-1 in Iran. Based on ideal cultivating systems, the stigma yield equivalent 41 kg ha-1 in Ferdows region, 38 kg ha-1 in Bakhazr region, 30 and 25 kg ha-1 in Torbat Heydarieh regionis recorded. The aim of the study was investigation of involved managing factors in gap yield of traditional and ideal saffron cultivating systems in Razavi and south Khorasan Provinces.. Managing factors for ideal system were recorded with respect to comments provided in the questionnaires by experts viewpoints. Traditional managing factors were recorded from 239 saffron farms in various regions of Razavi and south Khorasan Provinces. In addition, soil samples were selected from all studied farms. The results showed that saffron yield average in Razavi and south Khorasan Provinces was varied between 1.23 to 6.67 kg ha-1 in 2011 to 2017. A positive and significant correlation between precipitations with yield (b=0.002*) was observed. But, by increasing mean temperature in the studied areas, saffron yield decreased (b=-0.223**). The relationship between the amount of organic matter (b=2.42*), nitrogen (b=9.40*), phosphorus (b=0.093*) and soil sand content (b=0.007*) was positive with yield, but it decreased by increasing clay content (b=-0.015*). The results confirmed that there is an average stigma yield gap of more than 20 kg ha-1 between traditional and ideal cultivation conditions. Using small corm instead of the corm weighing more than 8 g for planting, mass planting instead of row planting, low density planting of corm, low manure application, inappropriate first irrigation time in autumn, inappropriate corm sowing date, weed control at inappropriate time and no-foliar application in the second half of the winter were the most important involved parameters in gap yield of traditional and ideal systems.

The present study aimed to study quantitative and qualitative traits of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) as affected by complete nano fertilizer (0 (K0), 5 (K1), and 10 (K2) mg l-1), carbon nanotube (0 (L0) and 2 (L1) mg l-1) and different planting dates (August 15 (T1), August 26 (T2), and September 5 (T3)) in a factorial experiment based on a RCBD with three replications. It was found that delayed sowing accompanied with the application of nano fertilizers promoted quantitative and qualitative traits; so that in the application of "L1K1T3" for the duration of flowering period (14.66 days), flower number (4.033), stigma fresh weight (0.0488 mg), stigma dry weight (0.022 mg), and safranal (44.56), picrocrocin (81.13) and crocin (188.33); However, "L1K1T3" is in all mentioned traits other than picrocrocin did not significant difference with "L1K2T3". The highest anthocyanin was obtained under "L1K1T3", "L1K2T3", "L1K2T2" and "L1K1T3". In total, it can be said that the quantitative and qualitative yield of saffron was improved by the application of nano fertilizers – through making the optimum nutrients available-and the planting of roots in August-September – through making the optimum moisture and temperature available.

In order to evaluate the effect of last irrigation cut-off time and various fertilizer resources on corm of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), an experiment was conducted in a split-plot arranged as a randomized complete block design with three replications and 18 treatments in a four year research farm of Jihad ministry located in Lalezar village, Bardsir region, Kerman province, in 2015-2016. The experimental treatments were irrigation cut-off time  (conventional time  (5 May), 15 days before the conventional time (20 April) and 15 days after conventional time (20 May)) assigned to main plot, and nutritional resources (cow manure 40 t ha-1, hen manure15 t.ha-1, vermicompost 10 t.ha-1, humic acid 2 kg.ha-1, and chemical fertilizer containing 200 kg.ha-1 urea and 140 kg.ha-1 P and K) as subplot. The analysis of variance results showed that the effect of irrigation cut-off treatment was significant on corm fresh, dry weight and average weight (P≤0.05), but had no significant effect on the number of corm per area and number of buds per corm. The results showed that the delay in irrigation cut-off led to a significant decrease in traits. As such, the highest corm fresh (561.5 g.m-2) and dry (294.8 g.m-2) weight and average weight of the corm (4.9 gr) were found in earlier irrigation cut-off treatment (before the conventional time). The effect of fertilizer resources on all the studied traits was significant. All the fertilizer treatments with the exception of humic acid, resulted in a significant increase in corm weight compared to control treatment. Application of vermicompost led to the production of the highest number of corm in m-2 (137.1), the corm fresh weight (595.6 g.m-2), dry weight (341 g.m-2) and average weight (4.30 g). The highest number of buds in corm (3.83) was found in chemical fertilizer treatment. In general, the results showed that irrigation cut-off in April with the using vermicompost had the best conditions for producing saffron corm in the Bardsir region of Kerman.

The basis for plant breeding research is genetic variability. In fact, without access to such variety, plant breeders to create and deliver new varieties will not have much success. Mirzaee Nadushan (2001) evaluated different species of mint and its morphologic features. In this study, between different species, a significant difference in terms of characters such as plant height, stem diameter, number of branches, leaf length and width were observed. Horse Mint (Mentha longifolia syn. Mentha sylvestris) is a valuable medicinal and aromatic plant belong to Lamiaceae family. The aim of this study was to identify areas of distribution, determine the ecological and morphological assessment of various climates and yield valuable medicinal oil is such that it provides a basis for investigating the genetic diversity of germplasm.  In order to study morphological characteristics of Mentha longifolia in 10 regions of Fars and Khorasan Razavi Province, sampling was done at flowering stage in summer 2015. In order to study morphological diversity of wild landraces in Fars and Khorasan Razavi by referring to reliable sources, including Flora Iranica area distribution and habitats of this plant was found in two Provinces. The study area includes five sites in Fars Province (Sepidan, Bavanat, Fasa, Kovar, Kazeroon) and five regions in Khorasan Razavi Province (Torbat Heydarieh, Mashhad, Nishabur, Kashmar and Chenaran). Given that most of the active ingredients of the plant at the time of flowering is reported, plant samples in full bloom in ten regions in Fars and Khorasan were taken. Some samples were selected from each region and 19 quantitative and qualitative characteristics were determined for each ecotype. For accurate identification and diagnosis of morphological Horse mint herbarium specimens were collected and identified samples was done by qualified personnel. For extract the essential oil by water distillation by Clevenger apparatus according to the Pharmacopoeia Great Britain for three hours were done.
The samples based on all the characteristics of using the SPSS software and Ward methods were grouped. All correlation coefficients of traits in populations that were collected were analyzed by Pierson method using SPSS software. Cluster analysis was performed using JMP software. The results showed considerable diversity in terms of morphological characteristics among ecotypes. Most of the side branch was observed in Mashhad and Kashmar populations. Correlation analysis showed significant positive association between some important characteristics. The correlation coefficients showed a positive association between the length of flower and length and width of leaf. Principal components analysis showed that traits like leaf length, width and blade tip were placed in first factor and had the most allotment in describing changes among collected data. Cluster analysis divided the subjects into four distinct groups. Mentha average production efficiency review showed that the highest essential oil yields was in Mashhad sites (1.8) and site of Kashmar (1.8) and the lowest amount of oil from the habitat Chenaran (0.9). Due to the high yields of essentials in samples collected from Mashhad district, it can be considered it is a good place prone to extraction of essential oils among studied areas. The correlation coefficients showed a positive correlation between the length of flower and length and width of leaf. The shortest length of flowering branch inflorescence and the status of being in the seventh factor 46.5% of the change can be justified. The highest essential oil yields in Mashhad (1.8) and site of Kashmar (1.8) and the lowest amount of oil from the habitat Chenaran (0.9) was shown. Finally Mashhad landrace suggested for selection in domestication and cultivation of this plant. The study was sponsored by the University of TorbatHeydarieh which thereby is appreciated

Under water shortage, applying and adjusting of some elements concentration such assilicon (Si) can be used as a strategy to reducethe negative effects of stress on wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) growth and enhanced plant compatibility.Some of the studies showed that exogenousSi application increased crop resistance to environmental stresses such as drought (Ahmed et al., 2011; Maghsoudi and Emam, 2016). Likewise, macro and micro nano fertilizers application caused an increase in crop yield. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of foliar application of nano and bulk Si dioxide particles on yield and yield components of wheat and also to determine the contribution of different sources in grain yield formation. In order to investigate the effect of foliar application of silicon on yield and redistribution of wheat dry matter under drought stress conditions, a field experiment was conducted as split plots based on a randomized complete block design with four replications at Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan. Drought stress periods included three levels of normal irrigation (full irrigation throughout growing season or control), drought stress from stem elongation to flowering and drought stress from flowering to maturity were considered as main plot and foliar application of silicon dioxide levels in seven levels including non-foliar application (control), application of nano and bulk particles of silicon dioxide in concentrations of 50, 100 and 150 mg L-1 were considered as subplots. Data analysis was performed using SAS software and GLM procedure, and means comparison was carried out using a protected LSD method at a 5% probability level. Drought stress from stem elongation to flowering reduced the number of fertile tillers, number of spikelets per spike and number of seeds per spike, thereby reducing seed yield by about 35% compared to full irrigation conditions. Drought stress in the grain filling period resulted in a 10% reduction in wheat 1000-grains weight. Silica foliar application slightly reduced the effect of drought stress on grain yield.Wheat grain yield was significantly higher than other spraying treatments with the application of concentration of 100 mg L-1 of nano silicon particles (61.71 g m-2) and 150 mg L-1 of bulk silicon particles (572.73 g m-2). The efficiency of redistribution of dry matter in drought stress conditions from stem elongation to flowering (18.46%) was significantly higher than non stress conditions (14.07%) or stress induced from flowering stage to end of growth period (13.75%) Regardless of Silica foliar application treatments, redistribution of dry matter under full irrigation conditions was about 11% less than that of drought stress. The highest percentage of redistribution of dry matter from wheat grain yield was related to foliar application with concentration of 100 mg L-1 of bulk silicon particles under drought stress from flowering to the end of the growth period.
The contribution of current photosynthesis in grain filling in non-stress conditions (458.68 g m-2) was significantly higher than drought stress conditions from flowering stage to end of growth period (399.68 g m-2) and for this was also significantly more than that of the stress conditions from the stem elongation to flowering (261.98 g m-2). The contribution of current photosynthesis in grain filling in spray treatment with a concentration of 100 mg L-1 of nano silicon dioxide was the maximum (451.25 g m-2) and in control treatment was at least (311.11 g m-2).
It seems that nano silicon particles application caused an increase in plant tolerance to drought stress due toincreasing water balance, photosynthetic efficiency, and seedling growth (Hattori et al., 2005). In general, the present study showed that the presence of silicon and especially nano particles in drought stress has a significant role in improving yield and grain yield components of wheat as well as redistribution of dry matter. It seems that in order to reduce the negative effect of moisture stress during wheat growth season and increase grain yield and dry matter redistribution, application of 100 mg L-1of nanosilica particles is recommended.