مجید جامی الاحمدی

Oilseeds are very important as the raw material for the production of vegetable oil (one of the basic needs of the society in the food field). Therefore, achieving any success in increasing the amount of production and supplying as many of these products as possible to meet the domestic needs of the country is considered a valuable and great success. Safflower, with the scientific name Carthamus tinctorius L., is an annual long-day plant from the chicory family. Wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.), which is also called Brassica kaber in some literatures, is one of the most important weeds belonging to the Brassicaceae family. Competition can perhaps be considered the most important biological interference factor effective in determining crops productivity.Effective management of weeds in agricultural systems is very decisive. Extensive and repeated use of herbicides has led to the emergence of resistant weed biotypes, which has often increased the cost of control. It has also caused some concerns about the negative environmental effects of herbicides. When the competition is for light, the competitive ability of the species is first determined by the morphological traits. The response of crop height to weed competition is related to the density and intensity of competition and the type of weeds and can be positive or negative.

An split plots experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replication was carried out in the Research Farm of University of Birjand during the 2018-2019 cropping year. The treatments include four level of phosphorus fertilizer (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg P 2O5 ha-1) as the main plot and the four wild mustard densities (0, 7, 14 and 28 pl m-2) as subplots. Plant growth characteristics were measured from 150 to 210 days after planting (DAP) in five stages at 15-day intervals. Also, at the harvest maturity, the yield and yield components of the crop were determined.

According to the results, the highest (35.48 g m-2) and lowest (28.23 g m-2) safflower leaf dry weights were obtained from control (no-mustard) and 28 pl m-2 mustard densities at 165 DAP, respectively. The highest (1.67) and lowest (1.19) leaf area index of safflower were achieved at 210 DAP using 25 and 50 kg P 2O5 ha-1, respectively. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the most effective level of phosphorus on the improvement of safflower growth traits (e.g. leaf area and dry weight and stem dry weight) and its competitive ability was 25 kg P2O5 ha-1, although the its effects were not significant for many traits, and as phosphorus levels increased, the competition shifted more in favor of wild mustard. In accordance with these results, and probably due to luxury consumption by weeds, it has been observed that when weed density is high, adding fertilizer leads to superiority of weed growth over crop (Blackshaw et al., 2008). Also, the highest leaf area index of mustard (0.63) was obtained at a density of 56 mustard pl m-2 at 165 DAP and the lowest one of (0.26) was observed at a density of 14 pl m-2 at the same time. It was also observed that the height and leaf area index of wild mustard were the highest in all measuring stages at higher weed densities, indicating the competitiveness of the weed. The increase in weed density had a negative impact on the safflower, although insignificant in many cases, which could be the result of the competitive effect of mustard for resources such as radiation and nutrients (Wright et al., 1999).

In general, the increase in weed density had a positive effect on the yield and its components in wild mustard and a negative effect on the safflower, and under these condition, the application of more than 25 kg P2O5 ha-1 does not have a positive effect on the crop. Thus, it seems that the revision in weed management and the use of fertilizer as an agronomic strategy can be effective in reducing the crop losses caused by the presence of high densities of weeds (Clements et al., 2014).

In a laboratory study, the effect of seed nutritional pretreatment on germination and seedling growth traits of lentil (Lens culinaris Med.) in the form of two separate experiments in the form of a completely randomized design with three replications for two pretreatment materials [prime with iron sulfate (FeSO4) and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) ] were investigated. In each experiment and for each prime material, five levels of prime material concentration (30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 mM) were considered. The measured traits were germination percentage and speed, length of root and shoot, wet and dry weight of seedling, and longitudinal root index of seedling. The results of the data showed that in terms of the type of pretreatment, iron sulfate was superior to zinc sulfate and caused the major improvement of the germination indicators, except for the germination speed. Also, by increasing the concentration from 30 to 60 mM, the highest indicators of germination and seedling growth were obtained. However, with a further increase in the concentration of the pre-treatment material, a decreasing trend was observed in all the measured traits, which could possibly be due to the toxicity in the seeds under high concentrations of metals. In general, according to the obtained results, it seems that the use of these two substances, especially iron sulfate, with a maximum concentration of 60 mM, is beneficial for improving the germination and nutritional characteristics of seeds.

Camelthorn is a perennial plant belonging to fabaceae family. Camelthorn tolerance to salinity is very high and it’s a halophyte plant. By using halophyte plants as species with potential for production in saline lands, many outturns can be produced in these areas, one of these products is fodder needed by livestock. Salinity and plant density are factors affecting forage quality. Increased salinity created by sodium chloride leads to an increase in sodium ions in the plant and affects the balance of sodium to potassium ratio and forage quality. Different plant ecotypes and genotypes absorb different amounts of elements in their culture medium. Considering that one of the most important areas for the development of cultivation of this plant is saline lands, which have been excluded from cultivation due to irrigation with saline water for many years with increasing soil salinity, It is necessary to study the nutrients changes in plant organs, which is one of the factors affecting forage quality in field conditions with irrigation with salt water. This study investigates the effect of irrigation water salinity in two ecotypes and different densities on the forage yield accumulation of nutrients in shoot and roots in field conditions in two locations.

The experiment was conducted as a split factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The experiment was analyzed in two separate locations. Experimental sites included the farm of the Faculty of Agriculture of Birjand University and the Hojjatabad farm of Peyvande Khavaran agro-industry located in Sarbishe. The experiment was conducted in 1399. Experimental Factors include ecotypes at two levels: Krond and Voshmgir, Irrigation water salinity at 3 levels of 3.5, 7.5 and 12 dS.m-1 and plant density at two levels were 10 and 20 plants per square meter. The main plots were considered as salinity levels and the sub-plots were considered as a combination of density and ecotype levels. Sampling was performed to measurement the nutrients of shoots and roots of camelthorn in mid-October. Shoot sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium were measured at the end of the growing season.

The results showed that there is a negative relationship between the salinity and the forage yield. Application of maximum salinity level compare to the control reduced the forage fresh yield from 2825 to 1868 in Birjand and from 2425 to 1931 kg.ha-1 in Sarbishe. The increase salinity caused a significant increase in shoot sodium in Sarbishe from 1.39 to 2.68 percentages and root sodium in Birjand from 0.126 to 0.159 percentages and a significant decrease in root potassium in Sarbishe from 3.94 to 1.78 percentage of the plant dry matter. With the increase of plant density, the magnesium of aerial parts decreased from 0.023 to 0.016 percentages in Birjand and from 0.028 to 0.02 percentages of the plant dry matter in Sarbishe. Also, root magnesium decreased significantly in Birjand (from 0.015 to 0.011%) and root potassium decreased from 5.6 to 4.8 percentages in Sarbishe, but Shoot sodium increased significantly in both places. The effect of ecotype was significant on shoot sodium and magnesium in Birjand, shoot and root potassium and root magnesium in Sarbishe.The Krond ecotype had less potassium in Sarbishe than the Voshmgir ecotype statistically significant, so it had higher forage quality. Forage produced in Sarbishe had less potassium than Birjand, so it was of higher quality.

Although the increase in salinity caused a decrease in the camelthorn forage yield. However, this plant had an acceptable yield in high soil salinity at the end of the season. Therefore, it is possible to produce forage in very salty lands through the cultivation of this plant. Magnesium levels of camelthorn shoot were less than the required level of livestock and supplementary feeding should be considered to meet the need for magnesium and prevent complications of magnesium deficiency in long-term feeding of camelthorn forage. The shoot potassium is higher than the critical level for livestock and in case of long-term feeding; it should be consumed in combination with low-potassium fodder. Also, due to the higher shoot potassium of Voshmgir ecotype in Sarbishe, the use of Krond ecotype is recommended because of the lower potassium level. Shoot potassium level in Sarbishe was lower than Birjand (9 in Sarbishe and 12% in Birjand), so forage produced in Sarbishe was more desirable. The shoot sodium and calcium levels are optimal and there is no need to supplementary nutrition the livestock to provide these elements. Although increased salinity increased shoot sodium, it had no effect on potassium (only root potassium in Sarbishe decreased with increasing salinity), therefore, in salinity conditions, camelthorn can maintain the potassium level of its shoots and this feature is one of the factors affecting the plant's tolerance to salinity. Increasing sodium concentration was associated with decreasing root potassium concentration, indicating competition of sodium with potassium for uptake. Also, higher sodium concentration of shoots than roots can be considered as an effective factor in salinity tolerance by increasing the gradient of osmotic potential from roots to shoots.

Camelthorn (Alhagi camelorum Fisch.) is a perennial plant with shrub growing form belonging to Fabaceae family, which is native to large area from Mediterranean to Russia. Camelthorn is very high tolerant to salinity and this is one of the halophytic plants. By using halophytic plants, many products can be produced in saline areas, which one of these products is forage needed by livestock. One of the most important areas for the development of camelthorn cultivation is saline lands that have been excluded from cultivation due to irrigation with saline water for many years that increasing soil salinity. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the plant forage quality in field conditions with irrigation by saline water.

The experiment was conducted as split-factorial in a randomized complete block design with three replication in two locations (Farms of the Faculty of Agriculture in the Birjand University and Hojjatabad farm of Peyvand Khavaran Agro- Industry in Sarbishe) at years of 1399. The effect of location was considered fixed. The Experimental factors was included ecotype at two levels (Voshmgir and Korond), Plant density at two levels (10 and 20 plant per square meter) irrigation water salinity at 3 levels (3.5, 7.5 and 12 dS/m). The main plots were included irrigation water salinity levels and the sub-plots were included from a combination of density and ecotype levels. The amounts of crude protein, crude fatty acids, crude ash, acid detergent fiber, neutrals detergent fiber, Metabolizable energy, and digestible dry matter of camelthorn forage were measured at the end of the growing season.

The results showed that by increasing salinity to 7.5 ds/m had not significant effect on the crude protein percentage, but with a further increase in salinity to 12 dS/m the crude protein was decreased (7.2%) significantly compared to control (Figure 2a). The forage fatty acids of Sarbishe were significantly higher (5.3%) than Birjand, which is due to the lower temperature of Sarbisheh region. The crude forage ash content in Birjand was significantly higher (5.3%) than Sarbishe (Figure 1a).With increasing the density from 10 to 20 plants per square meter the forage ash was increased (7.5%) significantly (Table 5). In Birjand, Metabolizable energy was increased (2.2 %) significantly with increasing plant density, but in Sarbishe, increasing density had not effect on this trait (Figure 5a). Irrigation water salinity application in both places and ecotypes studied was not significant effect on the metabolizable energy of camelthorn forage. Voshmgir ecotype in Birjand had significantly (11.4%) more acid detergent fiber than Korond ecotype, but the difference between these ecotypes was not significant in Sarbishe (Table 7). With increasing plant density in Birjand, the value of acid detergent fiber was decreased (7.9%) significantly but the difference between two plant densities was not significant in Sarbishe (Figure 6). At the 12 dS/m irrigation water salinity level, increasing the plant density let to a decrease (14.5%) of neutral detergent fiber, while increasing the plant density at lower irrigation water salinity levels had no effect on this trait (Table 3).

Although increasing the irrigation water salinity led to a significant reduction in camelthorn forage protein, but the amount of protein obtained at 12 dS/m irrigation water salinity (12.29%) was also acceptable. High irrigation water salinity levels in both ecotypes and locations did not lead to a significant reduction in forage metabolizable energy, so it is possible to produce adequate quality forage by cultivation camelthorn with saline water. Korond Ecotype was more suitable for cultivation in Birjand and Voshmgir ecotype was more suitable for cultivation in Sarbishe and produced better forage in these locations. In saline conditions, it is better to cultivate camelthorn with high plant density, because in this case, the amount of forage fiber will decrease and the forage quality will increase.

Medicinal plants contain rich storages of secondary metabolites or active compounds which are strongly affected by environmental factors, especially drought stress, and also by hormones and their derivatives. Thyme genus has more than 215 species in the world, of which 18 species have been identified in Iran. Thymus vulgaris is one of the main medicinal plants that is cultivated in the most countries. Its main components include Thymol and Carvacrol which have antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activity and these compounds can be effective in reducing the symptoms of COVID-19. The levels of moisture supply and elicitors like Coronatine (COR), Methyl Jasmonate (MJ) and Cyclodextrin (CYC) can be effective on the quantitative and qualitative yield.

This investigation was conducted as split plot based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in the farm of Research Station of Khorasan Razavi Agricultural and Natural Resources Education and Research Center which is placed at 5th km Southeast of Mashhad in Iran. The main plots included three levels of moisture supply (at 40%, 65% and 90% field capacity (FC)) and the sub plots were elicitor levels included (1) control without elicitor, (2) 150 µM cyclodextrin (CYC) (3) 75 nM coronatine (COR) + 150 µM CYC (4) 150 nM COR + 150 µM CYC (5) 150 µM methyl jasmonate (MJ) + 150 µM CYC (6) 300 µM MJ + 150 µM CYC. The seeds were sowed in pro-trays which were filled from peat moss on 24 March 2019. After the germination, two seedlings were held in each cell of portray for transplanting to the field. The seedlings were transplanted to each point of cultivation on 24 May 2019. The treatments of the moisture supply were applied 45 days after transplanting the seedlings. In order to apply moisture treatments, at the first, FC was determined by farm and pressure plate method. With sampling the soil of plots (mean of two sample 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm) for several times, was determined the irrigation date. Elicitor treatments were applied two times; the first was 45 days after transplanting and the second was two months later. The plants were harvested two weeks after the last elicitor spraying.

The largest crown diameter was observed in interaction of elicitor treatments and the levels of moisture supply at 90% FC.The highest leaf proline content (from 5.5 to 5.8 µmol g-1 fresh leaves) was observed in interaction of 4 levels with elicitor treatment (levels 3, 4, 5 and 6) at the level of moisture supply 40% FC that placed in one group. The highest and lowest electrolyte leakage (47.6% and 22.1%, respectively) were related to interaction of the control treatment at the level of moisture supply of 40% FC and the treatment of 150 μM MJ + 150 μM CYC at the level of moisture supply 90% FC. The highest yield of dry herb and leaves and essential oil (5.64 and 3.2 t ha-1 and 65.9 kg ha-1 respectively) was obtained under moisture supply at 90% FC. Except the percentage of essential oil, there was a significant correlation between all measured traits including crown diameter, height, electrolyte leakage, proline content, relative water content of leaf, fresh and dry yield of herb, dry leaf and stem yield and essential oil yield. Although the interaction of the treatments affected some physiological traits, but the quantitative and qualitative yield of the plants were affected by moisture levels.

As a result, drought stress and elicitors can effect on plant performance; morphological, physiological and chemical dynamics. In this study, suppling moisture levels had an impotent effect on biological yield and this indicator caused to increase essential oil yield. Elicitors and interaction of treatments had a significant effect on some physiological characteristics.

Wheat is one of the most widely used crops in Iran and the world, which provides about 60 to 70% of human food energy. In sustainable soil management, in addition to soil fertility, it is also important to maintain the balance of its nutrients. In general, reducing the use of chemical fertilizers is necessary to maintain yield and maintain the beneficial properties of the soil, as well as to contribute to the sustainable production of wheat as a strategic product of the country. For this purpose, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of combined use of organic fertilizers and phosphorus on wheat properties and the purpose of reducing the use of chemical fertilizers in order to maintain yield and maintain useful soil properties and ultimately protect the environment.

This experiment was carried out in a field located in Sarbisheh city in 2020 year using Arg wheat cultivar as a split plot and based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. In this study, the application of organic fertilizer at 5 levels in the main plots before planting and the use of phosphorus based on soil test at 4 levels in the sub-plots was done simultaneously with planting with a tiller. In this experiment, plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, plant dry weight, number of tillers, number of spikes per plant, grain yield and protein percentage were measured.

The highest plant height was related to the level of non-application of phosphorus fertilizer and the level of 20 tons per hectare of local compost with a 32.8% increase compared to the control level. It was observed that in the interaction of organic fertilizer and phosphorus fertilizer, the highest leaf area of wheat was related to the level of 20 tons of local compost fertilizer combined with 100% phosphorus fertilizer. It was found that the highest plant dry weight was 20 tons per hectare of local compost, which caused a 50% increase in this trait compared to the control. Also, in the treatment of phosphorus fertilizer, it was found that the highest amount of plant dry weight at the level of 100% of the recommended amount was 4.48 g, which was 34.5% higher than the control level. The interaction of the two factors tested showed that the highest number of tillers was related to the level of 150 kg of phosphorus fertilizer and the level of 20 tons per hectare of local compost, which caused an increase of 1.3 times compared to the control level. The level of 25 tons of manure per hectare increased the number of spikes per plant by 13.7% compared to the control. Also, the level of 20 tons of local compost increased this trait by 15.6% compared to the control. The simple effect of phosphorus fertilizer was observed that the levels of 150 and 100 kg / ha had the highest number of spikes. Phosphorus fertilizer treatment showed that the highest grain yield at the level of 150 kg / ha was 6117 kg / ha, which was an increase of 39.6% compared to the control level.

The results of this study showed that the effect of different fertilizers on most of the studied traits such as plant height, leaf area, leaf and plant dry weight, grain yield and grain protein percentage were significant. The most positive effect on most of the traits due to the simple effect of treatments was local compost treatment and had better results than manure and phosphorus fertilizer.

Quinoa is a dicotyledonous plant from the Amaranthaceae family, with favorable nutritional value and a high potential for growth and production in adverse environmental conditions. Despite being three carbon, it has high water consumption efficiency and as a new crop, due to its wide adaptation to different environment conditions such as salinity and drought, as well as being premature, it is suitable for planting in arid and desert areas and has many factors. Genetic and environmental factors such as genotype, density, arrangement and planting date, soil salinity, and drought stress affect yield. Among these, drought is one of the most important non-living stresses that cause great damage to crops and horticulture in the world every year. And especially Iran, which is considered an arid and semi-arid country. The effect of moisture stress on plants varies depending on which stage of plant growth occurs and plants can work through various mechanisms such as reducing growth parameters, closing pores, reducing photosynthesis, changing regulatory mechanisms of ion transport, and increasing activity. Antioxidant enzymes cope with drought stress to some extent, although such mechanisms are energy-intensive and cause a decline in performance.

order to investigate the optimal density of quinoa at different levels of irrigation, a factorial experiment was conducted based on completely randomized design with three replications at the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Birjand University. The first factor was irrigation levels (based on 50, 75, and 100% water requirement) and the second factor was plant density at 5 levels (40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 plants m-2). Measurement traits included relative leaf water content, stomatal conductance, electrolyte leakage, number of branches, number of grains per branch, branch weight, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, water use efficiency, and grain protein.

The results showed that the yield components in response to low irrigation conditions were significantly reduced, so that the highest 1000-seed weight, number of branches, number of seeds per branch, branch weight and yield at the level of 100% water requirement were, respectively, 0.1 (g), 1368.4 (branching per square meter), 132.64 (grains per branching), 2377.8 (grams per square meter) and 3265.25 (kg ha-1) have been obtained. The maximum orifice conductivity measured at 35.66 (mol CO2 per square meter) was obtained at the beginning of flowering at 100% water requirement. Also, with decreasing irrigation level, physiological traits including relative leaf water content decreased significantly and traits such as electrolyte leakage and grain protein increased. The optimal density at the irrigation level of 100, 75, and 50% of water requirement were 113, 105, and 80 plants per square meter, respectively. The interaction of irrigation levels and density also showed that the highest yield was 100% of water requirement and density of 100 plants with 4226.52 kg ha-1. The results showed that at the irrigation levels of 100 and 75% of the water requirement, the highest yield was obtained at a density of 100 plants and with a decrease in density at these levels by 61.2 and 73.2%, respectively, was associated with a decrease in yield, but at the level of 50%. The highest yield was obtained at a density of 80 plants, which was accompanied by a decrease in yield to 40 plants with a yield of 73.5%. The results also show an increase in optimal density with increasing irrigation level, so that the most optimal density at the irrigation level of 100% of the water requirement is 113 plants per square meter and with increasing the stress to 75 and 50% of the water requirement, respectively, density Optimal yields of 105 and 80 plants per square meter have been achieved.

general, the results show that lack of moisture has an adverse effect on quinoa yield such as 1000-seed weight, branch weight, number of seeds per branch, and number of branches in the main inflorescence and reduces the optimal plant density.

In order to investigate the application of superabsorbent polymer and potassium sulfate under deficit irrigation condition on quantitative and qualitative yield of sesame, a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in the research farm of Birjand University in 2018. Experimental factors include three levels of irrigation (full irrigation, irrigation up to 50% of flowering and irrigation up to 50% of capsule emergence), three levels of potassium fertilizer (non-use, application based on fertilizer recommendation and 1.5 times fertilizer recommendation) and two levels of superabsorbent (Zero and 100 kg.ha-1). With stopping irrigation, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, oil percentage, oil yield and protein percentage decreased but leaf potassium percentage increased. The highest grain yield was under normal irrigation conditions (2342 kg.ha-1) and the lowest was under irrigation conditions at flowering stage (668 kg.ha-1). The interaction effect of irrigation in superabsorbent on grain yield, harvest index, oil percentage and oil yield was significant. Consumption of superabsorbent reduced the negative effects of stress and improved traits. Also, potassium consumption in soil was associated with increased potassium accumulation in leaves. The simultaneous use of superabsorbent and potassium sulfate did not have a significant effect on growth and yield, but the use of potassium fertilizer due to the modification of drought stress and superabsorbent due to its role in reducing the effects of water shortage and improving drought stress tolerance is recommended to maintain yield.

There is an urgent need to increase per capita food production to compete with high population growth while maintaining environmental sustainability. Because nitrogen plays a vital role in food production for humans and livestock, nitrogen management is essential in food production. In most cropping systems, nitrogen management seems to be a major challenge due to its high mobility and natural tendency for losses from the soil-plant system to the environment. Soil organic carbon plays a key role in improving soil ecological conditions. Adding organic matter to the soil is an excellent tool for improving physical, chemical and biological conditions and is almost always desirable. Soil organic carbon stock of crop ecosystems may be increased by improving farming practices. The application of green manure, fertilizer and the return of crop straw into the soil are known as management operations to increase soil organic carbon. Fertilizers, especially nitrogen, increase crop yield, and organic carbon is returned to the soil through roots and debris, which in most cases leads to increased soil organic carbon.

This study was conducted with the aim of utilizing a set of improving farming practices in diverse cropping systems to improve nitrogen efficiency during two crop years. Farming practices including removal of summer fallow were used by importing three crops of mung bean, corn and wild rocket in rotation plus nitrogen supply levels factor. The crop rotation factor was applied in four levels of Fallow-wheat, mung bean-wheat, corn-wheat and wild rocket-wheat and the factor of nitrogen fertilizer (0, 180 and 360 kg.ha-1) in a randomized complete block design as factorial. Soil mineral nitrogen (nitrate and ammonium) were measured before sowing wheat and grain, straw and total plant nitrogen after harvest. Uptake efficiency, utilization efficiency, agronomic efficiency and nitrogen harvest index were calculated.

The results of combined analysis of variance showed that the crop rotation and nitrogen were significantly effective (ρ ≤ 0.01) on plant nitrogen, harvest index and nitrogen efficiency. Increasing nitrogen fertilizer up to 360 kg.ha-1 increased grain nitrogen, straw nitrogen, total plant nitrogen and also nitrogen harvest index. While the best uptake, utilization and agronomic efficiency of nitrogen was observed on the treatment without nitrogen fertilizer. Comparison of the means showed that the wild rocket-wheat crop rotation had the best result among all measured traits except utilization efficiency, while the utilization efficiency in the corn-wheat crop rotation showed the best performance. The results clearly show the effect of increasing organic carbon on nitrogen availability and grain nitrogen concentration as well as the role of cover crops and legume, in increasing access to nitrogen. The amount of grain nitrogen was directly affected by the amount of nitrogen fertilizer. The highest correlation coefficient was seen between agronomic and uptake efficiency (r = 0.96**). There was also a significant inverse relationship between nitrogen harvest index and the types of calculated efficiencies. The amount of uptake efficiency and agronomic efficiency in all crop rotations except corn-wheat in the second year improved compared to the first year. The highest increase in efficiency in the second year was related to the wild rocket-wheat crop rotation. In the conditions of 360 and 180 kg.ha-1 nitrogen fertilizer, the nitrogen harvest index increased in the second year compared to the first year. While in conditions without nitrogen fertilizer, nitrogen harvest index has a significant decrease. Therefore, at least in the short term, to increase the nitrogen harvest index, the minimum supply of nitrogen fertilizer should be used, even under improving crop management conditions such as green manure, removal of fallow and introduction of legumes in rotation and return of crop residues.

Continuous cropping, removal of fallow, use of cover crops and legume and preservation of residues led to increased carbon and nitrogen sequestration in soil and consequently increase biomass and nitrogen concentration in plant tissue. On the other hand, crop rotations that increased soil organic carbon and improved soil fertility quickly improved nitrogen efficiency and nitrogen harvest index.

Maize is the third most important agricultural crop in the world in terms of production, That production and demand has increased by 45% in 2020 compared to 1997. Abiotic stresses in many cultivated areas of this plant have a negative impact on its production and these effects are expected to intensify in the near future.Inefficient use of water in agricultural production in arid and semi-arid regions is one of the most important factors in exacerbating the water crisis and water shortage is a serious limiting factor in agricultural production. The use of technologies to improve water use efficiency in crops is very important for sustainable crop production and food security. Deficit irrigation is a water-saving strategy that is commonly used in arid and semi-arid regions and leads to increased water efficiency. According to studies, Deficit irrigation can save irrigation water, maintain or increase crop production and improve its quality. One of the methods for optimizing water consumption in agriculture is the addition of moisture absorbent such as Zeolite, which by gradually providing absorbed water and nutrients to the soil, play an important role in fertility and preventing water loss. The use of zeolite, especially in sandy soils that exposed to drought stress, can improve growth and final yield by absorbing and controlling moisture release and increasing soil moisture capacity. Because of low rainfall and also limitation of water resources in Birjand region, efficient use of water in agriculture, especially in the production of important cereals such as Miaze, is very important. The aim of this study was to investigate the application of zeolite and deficit irrigation methods for optimal use of water and achieving optimum yield in Maize in this region.

In order to investigate the effect of irrigation and Zeolite on maize, a field experiment was conducted on two planting dates in 2017, factorial based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. The factors including Zeolite in two levels and deficit irrigation in eight levels include: 100% water requirement, 75% water requirement in vegetative stage with: conventional irrigation, Fixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation, nonfixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation, and 75% water requirement in total growth with Fixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation, 50% water requirement in vegetative stage with: conventional irrigation, Fixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation, nonfixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation.

Traits measured on the second date of planting had the highest value compared to the first date. Deficit Irrigation reduced the total dry weight and grain yield, but the use of zeolite improved these indicators. Total dry weight, number of grains per ear, grain yield, harvest index and water use efficiency had the highest value in irrigation control treatment and decreased with deficit irrigation, so that the lowest value in conventional irrigation treatment The basis of 50% of water requirement in the growing season was observed with 23, 26, 38, 27 and 19% reduction, respectively. Zeolite application had a favorable effect on all traits, but the effectiveness of some traits was different during planting dates, so that the rate of yield increase on the second planting date (37%) was higher than the first date (27%). The highest water use efficiency was obtained on the second planting date and Fixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation based on 75% of water requirements during the growing season and total growth with 0.7 and 7.6 due to the increase in observation, had the highest Were the amount. Although the yield decreased in deficit irrigation treatments, but due to the increase in harvest index and water use efficiency, excess water due to under-irrigation can be spent on irrigating more lands and increasing production.

One of the important goals of production in areas with water constraints is to increase the yield per unit of water. According to the results, after the control treatment, the highest harvest index was related to 75% water requirement in vegetative stage with Fixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation treatment. Also, based on water use efficiency, to 75% water requirement in vegetative stage with Fixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation and 75% water requirement in total growth with Fixed alternate partial root-zone irrigation treatments were better than other treatments with a superiority of 0.69 and 7.59% compared to the control treatment. Despite saving 19.84% of water consumption in low irrigation treatments, 50% of water requirement in the growing period, but did not get an acceptable result from this treatment (33.74% reduction in yield and 13.79% efficiency). Water consumption). It seems that the relatively severe lack of water during vegetative growth has caused serious damage to the roots of the plant, which in the later stages of growth, despite the optimal irrigation of the plant could not use the water in the root environment well. Regardless of the reduction in yield and considering the water use efficiency that was obtained in 75 water requirements treatments in the form of atmospheres and constant intermediate stacks in the vegetative period and the whole growth period, it seems that these two treatments for Execution in Birjand region should be more appropriate.

Nitrogen plays an important role in increasing the quantitative and qualitative yield of wheat in dryland regions. To evaluate the effect of nitrogen (urea) by different foliar application treatments and top dressing fertilizer on grain protein and nitrogen remobilization of wheat, a strip split-plot design based on RCBD with three replicates was conducted under dryland and supplemental irrigation conditions during two growing seasons (2016-17 and 2017-18). Experimental treatments were: A: control (without application of N), foliar application of urea during booting, booting + grain filling and grain filling stages as the main plot, B: wheat cultivars as sub-plots, C: top dressing fertilizer including application and non-application (control) in strip factor were considered. The results of combined analysis of variance and mean comparisons showed that foliar application of urea fertilizer in all three growth stages significantly increased grain yield, nitrogen content, percentage and yield of grain protein and grain nitrogen remobilization of shoots. The application of top dressing fertilizer in both dryland and supplementary irrigation conditions was significant on grain protein yield. The highest grain protein yield in both dryland and supplementary irrigation conditions were 393 and 492 kg/ha, respectively. Foliar application at the grain filling stage had the largest role in the nitrogen remobilization to the grain and the control. Foliar application at the grain filling stage had the highest and control (without foliar application) had the lowest share of nitrogen remobilization to the grain.

Reduce moisture levels are the most important factor, which limit growth and yield production in arid and semiarid regions. Sesame is usually a plant in arid and semi-arid regions that is exposed to various stresses during its growth period. Depending on the plant susceptibility, each of the stresses can have different effects on their growth, metabolism and function. Drought stress affects a vast range of plant morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics, for example, it results in altered water relations, suppressed cellular activities reduced content of chlorophyll and carotenoids induced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Proline plays a major role in osmotic adjustment and protects the cells by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS). While Application of some elements reduces the negative effects of stress, including calcium ion, which has significant effects on the physiological processes of plants and improves morphological and biochemical traits of plants under stress. In recent years, several reports have been suggested to increase plant tolerance to stresses, such as the use of growth regulators and the relationships between polyamines and environmental stresses. The most important polyamines include putrescine, spermidine and spermine. Some of the physiological processes such as cell division and plant development could be altered by these growth regulators. Putrescine accumulates in plant tissues during stress, causing plants to withstand abiotic stresses, including drought.

In order to study the effects of Putrescin and Calcium Nitrate application on some physiological and biochemical traits of sesame under different moisture levels a Spilt plot- factorial experiment was conducted based on block complete randomized design with three replications in research farm of Birjand university in 2018. In this experiment, Moisture levels treatments with tree levels were (100%, 75%, and 50%) as main factor and foliar application Calcium nitrate at tree levels (0, 5, 10 Mm) and Putrescine in two levels (0.5 Mm, spray with water) as the second factor were studied. In this experiment traits measured including chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll index, Proline, number of grain per plant, number of capsule per plant, thousand–seed weight and grain yield.

The results of ANOVA showed that the interaction of Moisture levels × calcium nitrate × putrescine had significant effect on chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, chlorophyll index, Proline, number of grain per plant, number of capsule per plant, and grain yield. Drought stress has had a significant effect on sesame seed yield and severe stress resulted in a decrease in seed yield. The highest grain yield respectively was obtained from 100% and 75% water requirement levels and the lowest with an average of (376.8 kg ha-1) from 50% water requirement. The highest proline was obtained from 50 percent water requirement and the lowest with from 100% water the difference between the minimum value and the maximum value was 64%.Interaction of calcium nitrate and putrescine on thousand–seed weight was significant (P≤0.05). The results also showed that the highest grain yield on all measured traits obtained when using foliar application of calcium nitrate (10 Mm) and putrescine.

It was observed that sesame has had a relative tolerance to moisture restriction so that 75% of water requirement stress could not have a significant effect on yield and yield components and stress of 50% water requirement was caused 40% reduction in grain yield in this plant. It was also observed that moisture stress led to has been increased proline production in the plant. Causes of increased proline content at conditions under stress can be the production of free radical and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Foliar application of putrescine and calcium nitrate was increased stress tolerance and improved yield and yield components of sesame. Concomitant use of putrescine and calcium nitrate had been a synergistic effect so that the highest foliar application efficiency was observed from the simultaneous use of 10 Mm calcium nitrate and 0.5 Mm putrescine.

Nitrogen is a determining element in nutrition, plant growth, and its quantitative and qualitative performance. Considering the high cultivated area of dryland wheat in the country and the economical importance of this crop in dryland conditions, it is necessary to consider any solution to optimize the quantity and quality of this product.

a strip split plot design based on RCBD with three replicates was conducted under rainfed and supplemental irrigation conditions during two cropping seasons (2016-17 and 2017-18) to evaluate the effect of Nitrogen (urea) applied by different foliar application treatments and top dressing fertilizer on grain yield, grain protein content, Zeleny number, and gluten index of wheat, Experimental treatments were: A: control (without application of N), foliar application of urea during booting, booting + grain filling and grain filling stages as the main plot, B: wheat cultivars as sub-plots, C: top dressing fertilizer including application and non-application (control) in strip factor were considered.

The results of a combined analysis of variance and mean comparison showed that foliar spraying of urea fertilizer in all three growth stages significantly increased grain yield, nitrogen content, the percentage of grain protein and grain hardness, Zeleny number and grain gluten index. The application of top dressing fertilizer in both rainfed and supplementary irrigation conditions on grain yield, grain protein and gluten index was also significant. The highest gluten index in rainfed conditions (24.08%) and supplementary irrigation (16.19%) was related to foliar application of urea during the grain filling stage. The highest index of gluten, grain hardness and Zeleny number in both rainfed and supplementary irrigation conditions belonged to Rijaw variety. Rijaw variety had the highest value with 27.3 and Azar-2 variety had the lowest gluten index value with 18.6. Foliar application of urea during the grain filling stage had the most contribution to the increase of grain protein and the control treatment had the least contribution. The highest amount of grain yield in rainfed conditions was 2907 and in supplementary irrigation conditions were 3957 kg, which compared to the control treatment (no application of vinegar fertilizer), increased the grain yield by 19 and 16% in both rainfed and supplementary irrigation conditions, respectively.

The results of this research showed that foliar application treatments and top dressing fertilizer in both rainfed conditions and supplementary irrigation were effective in improving quality traits. In this study, supplementary irrigation led to a significant increase in grain yield compared to rainfed conditions.

Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is a ,warm-season grass with a growing season of 60–100 days. It is a highly nutritious cereal grain used for human consumption, birdseed, and/or ethanol production. Millet ranks sixth among the world’s most important cereal grains, sustaining more than one-third of the world’s population. Millets are generally among the most suitable crops for sustainable agriculture and food security on marginal lands with low fertility. Millet crops are grown on marginal lands and under low-input agricultural conditions, situations in which major cereal crops often produce low yields. Foliar application of Zn brings the greatest benefit in comparison with addition to soil where they become less available. Generally, Micronutrients are essential for plant growth and play an important role in balanced crop nutrition. Micronutrients are as important to plant nutrition as primary and secondary nutrients, though plants do not require as much of them. 

To study the effect of cow manure (CM: 0, 10, 20, and 30 ton ha-1) and zinc sulfate (ZS: 0, 60, and 90 kg ha-1) application on common millet (Panicum miliaceaum L.) growth and yield, a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications was conducted in the research field of University of Birjand, Iran, in 2018 growing season. In addition, a chemical fertilizer (NPK) treatment was considered in each block, and its effect was compared with 12 other combination treatments based on a randomized complete block design.  The studied traits were plant height, number of tillers per plant, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, biological yield, harvest index, and seed zinc content. The software SAS (V9.1) and Excel were used to analyze the data and draw the figures. Means were compared using the FLSD test at a 5% probability level. 

Analysis of variance results showed that the simple effects of both experimental factors were significant on all studied traits, but none of the interaction effects were significant. Application of 60 kg ha-1 of ZS improved all growth and yield parameters of millet, while the highest zinc content in the seed was obtained by applying 90 kg ha-1. The highest seed and biological yields (2227 and 7940 kg ha-1, respectively) were obtained by 60 kg ha-1 of ZS application, which was 36 and 6.6% higher than the control treatment (no-fertilization), respectively. All studied traits showed an increasing trend with increasing the amount of CM consumption, so that their highest values ​​were obtained when 30 tons ha-1 of CM was applied. Seed yield (2564 kg ha-1) at the highest CM level was 138% more than the control treatment and ultimately led to a 14.4% increase in the harvest index. 

Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is a cereal plant cultivated for its grain, mostly in Asia and North America. It is a warm-season grass with a short growing season and low moisture requirement that is capable of producing food or feed where other grain crops would fail. Chemical fertilizer treatment (NPK) also improved all traits related to plant growth and yield compared to control as well as some other fertilization treatments. Modifying the physical properties of the soil and the availability of nutrients for millet plants can be a major reason for the increased yield and growth of the plant. Also, the results showed that consumption of zinc sulfate at 60 kg.ha-1 increased yield and yield components of common millet, but consumption of 90 kg.ha-1 of this fertilizer reduced the studied traits. In addition, the results of this experiment showed a significant difference between four levels of manure so that the highest grain yield of studied millet was obtained from 30 tons per hectare of manure. According to the test results, it can be stated that the application of zinc sulfate at a rate of 60 kg per hectare increased the yield and yield components of millet and therefore is introduced as the desired amount of fertilizer to achieve ideal yield.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is one of the important oil crops that get attentions due to its relatively high oil content and tolerance to drought. Drought is one of the most important causes of crop products reduction and can affect plant phenology, growth and yield depending on the severity, time and stage of plant development. Superabsorbent polymers are suitable materials for increasing soil water retention capacity that can provide better conditions for crop growth, especially under water deficit conditions. The importance of useing chemical fertilizers in addition to their nutritional role, is to support the crop in tolerating environmental stresses such as drought and preventing yield loss which potassium has such role in plant life and survival under stress conditions. Potassium fertilizers, especially potassium sulfate, can play an important role in reducing the negative effects of water stress. Potassium is the third main nutrient for plant growth and plays a special role in the survival of plants under environmental stress and increasing their resistance to drought, high temperatures, cold, disease, salinity, weeds and maintaining osmotic potential.

In order to investigate the effect of superabsorbent polymer, potassium sulfate and water deficit on growth, yield and yield components of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), an experiment was conducted out on factorial arrangment based on randomized complete block design with three replications in Research Field of Agricultural College, at Birjand University in 2018. Experimental factors included three levels of irrigation (full irrigation in the whole growing season, irrigation up to 50% flowering stage and cutoff irrigation until maturity, and irrigation up to 50% capsules appearance and cutoff irrigation until maturity), potassium fertilization at three levels (No potassium application, fertilizing at optimum recommendation using 100 kg.ha-1 potassium fertilizer and fertilizing 50% higher than optimum recommendation using 150 kg.ha-1 potassium fertilizer) and superabsorbent at two levels, including no application and 100 kg.ha-1 application. The studied traits were plant height, number of lateral branches, seeds per capsule, capsule per plant, 1000-grain weight, grain yield and days to maturity.

Results showed that irrigation levels had a significant effect on measured traits except for number of lateral branches. The highest grain yield (2316.61 kg.ha-1) was obtained under full irrigation conditions and the lowest seed yield (667.89 kg.ha-1) was observed at 50% flowering cutoff irrigation. The effect of superabsorbent on all traits was significant. The results showed that superabsorbent moderated the effects of drought and improved sesame growth indices. Interaction effect of potassium and irrigation on grain yield was also significant. Although, under water deficit conditions, grain yield was significantly reduced, but potassium sulfate application under these conditions partially prevented the yield loss. Due to the role of potassium in the plant, the presence of this element in water deficit conditions can be effective in tolerance and crop yield increment. The highest number of days to maturity (124.77 day) in interaction effect of water deficit and superabsorbent was obtained from full irrigation and 100 kg/ha superabsorbent treatment and the least amount (109.55 day) was obtained from50% flowering cutoff irrigation and non-superabsorbent treatment.The increase in soil moisture caused by the use of soil moisture absorbers can increase the duration of the day to maturity.

The results showed that irrigation levels decreased sesame growth and yield. Water deficit at flowering and encapsulation stages reduced grain yield compared to full irrigation treatment. Therefore, it is necessary to irrigate the crop according to water requirement during these stages. Due to the necessity of conserving available water resources as well as optimum consumption of water, the use of superabsorbent and potassium can be effective in increasing crop yield and drought resistance. Obviously, it is necessary to provide sufficient water requirement in order to achieve higher grain yield. Therefore, it seems that hydrogels reduce the negative effects of drought by absorbing water and making it available for the crop. Potassium application in environments with different levels of drought can be considered as a practical method to reduce drought damage and prevent yield loss.

Medicinal plants are a rich and valuable source of secondary metabolites that are strongly influenced by the environmental factors, especially drought stress. In this regard, a greenhouse experiment was conducted on Thymus vulgaris L. as split plots in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The main plot included three levels of moisture supply (40, 65, and 90% of potting soil field capacity (FC)) and the sub-plot was the elicitors levels including (1) control: without elicitor, (2) 150 µM cyclodextrin (CYC), (3) 75 nM coronatine (COR) + 150 µM CYC, (4) 150 nM COR + 150 µM CYC, (5) 150 µM methyl jasmonate (MJ) + 150 µM CYC, and (6) 300 µM MJ + 150 µM CYC. Except for the essential oil percentage, the other traits including the leaves proline content, electrolyte leakage, relative water content, plant height, canopy diameter, dry and fresh weight of shoots, dry weight of leaves and stems, and weight of essential oil had a very significant correlation with each other. The highest amount of leaves proline was obtained form the interaction of elicitors (levels 4 and 6) and the 40% FC level of moisture supply (3.88 and 3.94 μmol g-1 fresh leaf weight, respectively). The highest amount of plant height (28.3 cm), canopy diameter (17 cm), and relative water content (79%) was observed at the 90% FC level of moisture supply. The highest percentage of essential oil was obtained in the treatment of non-application of elicitor (2.67%) and the highest essential oil weight per plant (0.046 g plant-1) was observed in the treatment of non-application of elicitor at the 65% FC level of moisture supply. The mild stress increased the essential oil yield and the elicitor treatments decreased it.

Trichoderma species are the main causes of decomposition and decay of agricultural residues and are considered for the control of plant pathogens, especially fungi and nematodes in the world. Trichoderma species have the ability to produce microbial enzymes such as xylanases, which are used in the paper and food processing industries. These enzymes improve the digestibility of nutrients in certain diets in ruminants and poultry, where there is no digestive enzyme that can digest the complex carbohydrates in the cell wall. These enzymes have the power to digest and hydrolyze these substances. South khorasan province due to hot and dry climate, water shortage and successive droughts, saline water in agriculture, pests and diseases, soil with low fertility for planting irrigated wheat needs cultivars resistant to these stresses. Narin cultivar is the latest cultivar introduced for this province. The characteristic of this cultivar are more compatibility with salinity stress areas and relative maturity with other wheat cultivars.
In order to investigate the effect of simultaneous use of Trichoderma harzianum and plant mulch on yield and physiological characteristics of wheat of Narin cultivar and its effect on the interaction of this cultivar with Alternaria alternata in 2019-2020 in Birjand Faculty of Agriculture Research Farm an experiment asComplete randomization block design was performed with four replications. Treatments included control (without application of Trichoderma), Trichoderma as soil application, Trichoderma as leaf application in granulation stage, Trichoderma application as soil and leaf application in granulation stage. In the granulation stage, each experimental unit was divided into two parts and Alternaria leaf spot pathogen treatment at two levels (inoculation in the granulation stage and without inoculation) was considered as a sub-factor in the experiment. The purpose of using the pathogen treatment was to evaluate the effect of Trichoderma in the presence of the pathogen. This fungus was prepared from the archives of the Plant Pathology Laboratory of Birjand University of Agriculture, which had previously been isolated from the wheat of this province. To inoculate this pathogen, a suspension with a concentration of 106 spores per ml of A. alternata was used from a 7-day fungus colony on PDA medium and its effect on physiological traits (including total phenol, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, total chlorophyll) were investigated. To investigate the effect of different applications of Trichoderma on Narin cultivar from another part of the plot without pathogen treatment was analysis of growth traits, yield and yield components including chlorophyll index, including green and dry stem height, spike length, weight, grain yield, biological yield, number and weight of grains per spike, spikes number and weight per unit area were measured.
The aim of using pathogen treatment was to evaluate the biological control of Alternaria wheat leaf spot agent by T. harzianum in different methods by using Trichoderma in the presence of Alternaria in comparison with the absence of Alternaria and its effect on physiological traits (including total phenol, chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, carotenoids, total chlorophyll) were evaluated. No symptoms of necrosis or leaf chlorosis were observed after pathogen inoculation. Analysis of physiological traits (total phenol, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoids, total chlorophyll) showed that only the simple effect of inoculation or non-inoculation of Alternaria with Trichoderma significantly different (P <0.05) in terms of total phenol content. Due to the presence of Alternaria as a pathogen, it may lead to a reaction of the plant's defense system, and Trichoderma can also increase phenolic compounds to counteract the pathogen. Analysis of growth traits, yield and yield components showed that Trichoderma treatment had no significant effect on any of them.
This study, for the first time showed that A. alternata can cause disease on wheat Narin cultivar. Also, this research studied the effect of T. harzianum on physiological and functional characteristics of wheat Narin cultivar and results demonstrated that T. harzianum can have little effect on these characteristics of Narin cultivar. Concomitant use of Trichoderma in soil and leaves had a greater effect than separate application in roots or leaves. Also, according to other research, the effect of trichoderma varies depending on the environmental conditions including temperature and humidity, soil texture and structure and the type of wheat cultivar.

In order to study on effect of seed dressing on germination, vigour and seedling emergence at glass house of four cotton commercial cultivars, Varamin, Khordad, Kashmar and Khorshid, a research conducted at Birjand University Agriculture Faculty and Seed ant Plant Certification and Registration Institute(SPCR) at Karaj. At first seeds infection rate to pathogens determined and then seeds dressed by Hypochlorite Sodium solution and Vitawax Thiram fungicide and standard germination test conducted as two factor factorial experiment by 12 treatments (4 cotton cultivars × seed dressing by disinfectants and without dressing seeds as control) by completely randomized design and glass house experiment by complete randomizes blocks design with 9 replications. Some seed germination, vigour and seedling emergence in glass house traits were determined. Results revealed, studied seed germination and vigour and seedling emergence traits to dressing were different. Varamin and Kashmar cultivars seeds which dressed by Vitawax Thiram fungicide had more normal seedling percent and stronger seedling vigour and less infection to pathogenic fungi and infected seedling. Nevertheless, Khordad cultivar seeds had less mean germination time and seedling mean emergence time at glass house and more seedling emergence percent. Khordad cultivar seeds which dressed by Vitawax Thiram fungicide had the most seedling emergence index at glass house. Varamin and Kashmar cultivars seeds which dressed by Vitawax Thiram fungicide also had more seedling weight vigour index in glass hose. Therefore, Varamin and Kashmar cultivars were cultivars had more seed germination and stronger vigour and seed dressing by Vitawax Thiram fungicide preferable.

Abstract Deterioration of seeds is one of the important factors in reducing seeds vigor and limit germination. In order to investigate the effect of gibberellic acid hormone on recovery of seeds, and seedling growth in Varamin cotton seed. The experiment was done randomly three times. The experimental sets consisted of two decline levels (48 and 96 hours) with witness and 2 dense levels of gibberellic acid hormone (500 and 1000 PPM) with witness, and the treatment of gibberellic acid hormone was completed in 3 styles (before deterioration, after deterioration and before and after the deterioration. The results showed that the combination of treatments at 500 PPM without deterioration indicated that plumule length, root length, dry root weight, the amount of seed reserves, efficient use of reservoir seed, seed fraction of the resources consumedhad the best treatment. In the prime applying experiment before deterioration, in 500 PPM density with rate and uniformity of germination, D10, D90, plumlule length, root length, dry root weight, dry plumule weight, usage amount of reserves, effective use of resources, consumption and seed fraction, had the bestresult; and at 1000 PPM level the percentage of germination, demonstrated the highest improvement. Finally, in general we can say that gibberellic acid can recover deteriorated seeds.

Many activities during production, processing, trade and consumption of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in Iran, are based on indigenous knowledge. Most share of saffron production in the country is obtained from small fields with family cooperation and using local environmental friendly inputs and technologies. Accordingly, a cosidarable part of saffron produced in Iran is close to the principles of organic farming, but in terms of rules and standards related to this production system, it is considered only as a quasi-organic product. Organic farming is a comprehensive production system that focuses on the quantitative and qualitative aspects of agricultural product during the production cycle (from farm to fork), as well as issues such as justice, social relations, soil health and the rights of all macro and mico organisms. Based on this definition and considering the principles and methods which are used for saffron production in Iranian agroecosystems, it is possible to create a targeted procrdure for its organic production, by perparation a standard. The preparation of this standard, while increasing farmers' incomes, will lead to maintaining and increasing Iran's share of the global market of this valuable medicinal plant. In this article, for all stages of saffron production cycle, using the results of scientific researches on saffron, as well as international, regional and national standards related to organic production, a set of general principles, suggestions (recommendations), requirements and notes are provided. The recommendations are mainly suitable for increasing the quantitative yield, while higher quality of saffron can be achieved by observing the proposed requirements. The guidelines proposed in this paper, besides improving the quantity and quality of the product, will also ensure the other objectives and rules related to organic farming. In the current proposed program, issues related to agronomy (corm production and selection, land selection and preparation, planting, soil nutrition, irrigation, control of biotic stresses, etc.), breeding, harvesting and post-harvest (flowers carrying and storage; separation, drying, grading, packing, labeling and storage of stigma) as well as processing and legal issues have been considered.

Many arid and semi-arid agricultural areas are facing with shortages of water and nutrients, especially micronutrients. Drought stress is one of the most important environmental stresses that seriously damage the growth and development of crops, limits the production and productivity of plants more than any other environmental factor. The use of micronutrients can partially alleviate the negative effects of this environmental stress on the growth and production of crops. Iron micronutrient plays an essential role in some biological and physiological processes such as respiration, photosynthesis and chlorophyll biosynthesis and is also effective in diastases as well as in chlorophyll production. According to the above, the main purpose of this experiment was to investigate the growth response of Roshan cultivar to applying iron sulfate fertilizer in different moisture conditions and to investigate changes in the content of some plant elements under these conditions.

In order to evaluate the growth and uptake of iron and other nutrients by wheat, cv. Roshan, a two-factor factorial experiment was conducted in 2012 in the Research Greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Birjand. The first factor was consisted of four different levels of ferrous sulfate (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg.kg-1 soil) and the second factor included two soil moisture treatments including 50 and 100% soil field capacity. After preparing the pots and applying experimental treatments, the seeds were planted and after emergence, the plant density was set to 10 plants in the pot. Moisture levels were applied from the beginning of experiments and watering the pots was done daily based on the weight of the pots and taking into account 20% drainage of soil moisture (in each irrigation treatment). Sampling was done after 8 weeks (early stem elongation stage) and at this time some morphological traits (number of leaves, leaf area, number of tillers and plant height) and the SPAD index and relative water content of leaves were measured. The iron, potassium, nitrogen and protein contents of the plants were also determined for each pot separately. Analysis of variance was performed using SAS software and mean comparison was performed using FLSD test at a significant level of 5%.

As soil moisture decreased from 100 to 50% of field capacity, plant height (5.8%), number of stems (37%), number of leaves (22%), stem diameter (15.8%), leaf area (33%), relative leaf water content (16.8%) and SPAD index (5.45%) decreased. The results also showed that in the control treatment (without iron fertilizer), the highest amount of SPAD index (38.8) was obtained, which with an increase of ferrus sulfate to 150 mg.kg-1 of soil, it decreased by 5.8%. Also, with the increase in soil water content to 100% of field capacity, the percentage of protein, nitrogen and potassium of wheat plants decreased by 9.2, 17.18 and 23.7%, respectively, compared to 50% of field capacity. The iron content of leaf in 100% of the field capacity was equal to 142.7 mg.kg-1 dry matter, which decreased by 27% by reducing the soil water content to 50% of the field capacity. Increasing the iron fertilizer from zero to 50, 100 and 150 mg.kg-1 soil caused the leaf nitrogen percentage to increase by 5, 9.5 and 7.2%, respectively. Leaf iron content in these levels of iron fertilizer was 35.8, 97.8 and 57.8% higher than the non-use of iron sulfate, respectively. Finally, biomass production was reduced by 31% compared to 100% of field capacity and finally water use efficiency was not affected by any of the experimental treatments. Finally, the watering at 50% of field capacity decreased the biomass production by 31%, compared to the 100% field capacity, and the water use efficiency was not affected by any treatments.

In general, the results of this experiment showed that with decreasing soil moisture level, a decrease occurs in the amount of plant dry matter. Increasing the level of ferrous sulfate only led to an increase in the leaf nitrogen and also a 100% increase in the iron content of the leaves, which in turn can play a role in improving drought resistance.

Moisture stress is one of the most important factors reducing crop yield, including oilseed crops, in Iran. Therefore, this study aimed to study the effect of different moisture levels on amino acid content of methionine, proline, soluble sugar and protein of sesame leaf in the 2018 crop year. Data water collected in a split plot-factorial experiment with a randomized complete block design with three replication at the Birjand University of Agriculture Research Farm. In this experiment, moisture at three levels (100, 75 and 50% of sesame water requirement) as the main factor application of calcium nitrate at three levels (0, 5 and 10 Mm) and putrescine at two levels (0.5 Mm and water spraying solution) were considered as sub-factors. The result showed that the interaction of moisture levels, calcium nitrate, and putrescine were significant (p <0.05) for methionine, lysine, proline amino acids and grain yield. The highest amount of methionine amino acid (0.060 mg/g fresh weight) was obtained in the case of 10 Mm calcium nitrate foliar application with putrescine use at 50% water requirement level. The dual interaction of calcium nitrate and putrescine, moisture levels and putrescine, as well as moisture levels and calcium nitrate, were significant on soluble sugar and protein of sesame leaf. In general, foliar application of calcium nitrate and putrescine was the best treatment to reduce the effect of moisture levels on sesame and indicating a synergistic relationship between them in reducing the effect of moisture stress.

Sufficient nutrition on crop is one of the most important factors for improving wheat grain yield and quality. To evaluate the effect of Nitrogen (urea) by different foliar application treatments and top dressing fertilizer on yield and yield components of wheat, a strip split plot design based on RCBD with three replicates was conducted under rainfed and supplemental irrigation conditions during two cropping seasons 2016-17 and 2017-18. Experimental treatments were: A: control (without application of N), foliar application of urea during booting, booting + grain filling and grain filling stages in main plot, B: different wheat cultivars including in sub plots, C: top dressing fertilizer including application and non-application (control) in strip factor were considered. Based on combined-ANOVA, the effect of year under rainfed condition was significant for grain yield, biological yield, number of grain per spike, number of spike/m2, harvest index and spike length. Application of N as top dressing fertilizer had significant effect on all studied traits in both rainfed and supplemental irrigation conditions. Also, foliar application of N in the all three stages increased BY, GY, 1000-grain weight, NGPS and SL. In terms of GY under rainfed conditions, Paraw cultivar had the most grain yield and yield components with the highest biological yield. Under supplemental irrigation condition, Baran cultivar had the highest grain yield, while Azar-2 produced the lowest gain yield in both rainfed and supplemental irrigation conditions.

Deficit irrigation is one of the new ways to reduce the effects of drought stress because crops can be supplied with available water in a controlled manner throughout the growing season. In order to investigate the effects of deficit irrigation on two local variety of ajwain, a factorial experiment was conducted based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in 2017 in the Research Farm of University of Birjand, Iran. The factors included three levels of soil moisture deficit (SMD: 50, 75 and 100 percent of field capacity), and two landraces of ajwain (Birjand and Sistan). Vegetative traits including plant height, leaf area and weight, yield components and quantitative and qualitative yield were measured. Resutls revealed that a reduction in the irrigation level, from 100 to 50% of field capacity, caused the grain yield, essential oil yield, biological yield, seed weight and number of umbels per plant to be reduced significantly. Sistan landrace had a higher chlorophyll a and b and carotenoid contents than Birjand, which may reflect an increase in the special leaf area (increased thickness) of Sistan landrace. Two landraces showed a different response to reduced irrigation. The growth characteristics and quantitative and qualitative yields of Sistan landrace were less affected by low irrigation levels, compared to Birjand landrace. In general, it can be said that the local variety of Sistan has a better compatability with deficit irrigation; however there was no significant difference between grain yield and essential oil yield of these two landraces.

In order to study the effects of application of Putrescin and Calcium Nitrate on some physiological and biochemical traits of sesame under moisture stress a split-plot factorial experiment was conducted based on block complete randomized design with three replications in research farm of university of birjand in 2018. In this experiment, Moisture stress treatments with tree levels were (100, 75, and 50) percent of sesame water requirement as main factor and foliar application Calcium nitrate at tree levels (0, 5, 10 Mm) and Putrescine in two levels (0.5Mm, spray with water) as the second factor were studied. Results showed that interaction of moisture stress, calcium nitrate and putrescine were significant for catalase and polyphenol oxidase activity. The highest catalase activity was obtained in 10 Mm calcium nitrate foliar application at 50% humidity stress and highest activity of polyphenol oxidase enzyme was obtained in 5 Mm calcium nitrate foliar application with 75% of putrescine. Interaction of calcium nitrate and putrescine, moisture stress and putrescine as well as moisture stress and calcium nitrate on peroxidase enzyme and membrane stability were significant. In general, foliar application of calcium nitrate and putrecine was the best treatment to reduce the effects of moisture stress on sesame indicating that there is a synergistic relationship between them in reducing the effects of moisture stress.