دکتر رضا صدرآبادی حقیقی

 The inadequacy of the results of a single study and the need to combine the findings by scientists has led to the development of methods that allow combining the results of many independent studies. (Anjomani, 2022). The genus Thymus from the mint family (Lamiaceae) has more than 215 species in the world, of which 18 species have been identified in Iran. The medicinal plant) Thymus vulgaris L. (is one of the most important medicinal plants in the world, which is used Abundant in the pharmaceutical and food industries, it has a special place among medicinal plants (Gigord et al., 1999). The results of the application of different amounts of N, P, and K fertilizers on the growth and yield of Thymus vulgaris L. (showed the highest stem height (37. 38 cm), the yield of fresher plants (42. 78 grams per plant) and the highest the percentage of essential oil was 0. 73% in combined NPK treatment (Sharaf Zadeh, 2011). Research has shown that the highest percentage and yield of essential oil (363. 0% and 277. 00 ml per plant) was obtained from the plants cultivated with Nitroxin biofertilizer, followed by Biophosphorus and mycorrhizal fertilizers, respectively. (Mohammad pour Vashvaee et al., 2014). Meta-analysis combines the information of studies, pays attention to the comparison between studies discovers new results from previous studies, and can introduce new fields of research or new research questions.

 To perform this meta-analysis, the method introduced by Cooper was used. This method has the following steps: searching and selecting studies (data collection), coding the characteristics of each study, extracting data suitable for meta-analysis, and analyzing the data. In this research, standardized mean difference and correlation coefficient were used. It has been used to determine the size of the Hedges effect (g) (Porasmeili, 2011). Since the intended benefit in this meta-analysis is the difference between the averages of the treatment group (experiment) and the control group (control), in the meta-analysis method for the effect sizes in this research, the standardized mean difference method and the correlation coefficient to determine the Hedges effect size value (g)) has been used (Pouresmaeily et al., 2011). The standard difference between the mean of the control treatment and the mean of the experimental treatment is called the effect size (g) Equation (3 (and (4(. It was used in performance between control and experimental treatments (Cohen, 1988).  (3)In this regard, M1and M2 is the average performance of experimental treatment and control treatment and , standard deviation, respectively (Cohen, 1988). ( In this regard, S1 and S2 are respectively the square root of the integrated variance of two treatment groups. If there is heterogeneity between studies, the random effect model is used. I2index is one of the important indices in determiningthe degree of heterogeneity between studies.In general, the degree of heterogeneity in the I2index is determined in the following three ways: I2≤25% indicates low heterogeneity. 50 ≤I2≤ 75% indicates moderate heterogeneity; that is, half of the total variability among effect sizes is not due to sampling error and is due to heterogeneity between studies.and I2≥ 75% indicates high heterogeneity (Higgins & green, 2011)Among more than 60 domestic studies and 28 foreign studies. The number of 15 studies that can be meta-analyzed in different subjects: "dry weight, percentage of essential oil and yield of thyme oil" were selected 102 effect sizes were ready for meta-analysis, and the rest of the studies were excluded. All the extracted data were transferred to comprehensive meta-analysis software for meta-analysis. The results reported about each of the variables were analyzed using comprehensive meta-analysis software (CMA.Version 2) developed in the United States.

 Among more than 60 domestic studies and 28 foreign studies, 15 meta-analysis studies with 53 effect sizes related to the effect of different amounts of cow manure (30, 60, and 90 tons per hectare) on dry weight, essential oil percentage, and thyme oil yield were selected and ready for meta-analysis, and the rest of the studies were excluded. The results obtained in individual studies mostly emphasize the significance and positive effect of animal manure (cow) on quantitative and qualitative yield, while meta-analysis results show that studies of the effect of 30 tons of cow manure per hectare with an effect size (0.502 g) for weight dry and (g=0.482) were positive and incremental for oil yield and were significant with 99% confidence (P≤0.01) for the mentioned traits. These studies were heterogeneous based on the I2 index for dry weight (I2= 79.48) and for oil yield (I2= 86.79), and after drawing a funnel plot and performing the Bag and Mazumdar test, it was observed that they were symmetrical and had no diffusion error. And the obtained results are recommendable. However, the characteristics of plant height and essential oil percentage are not significant, and more studies are needed. Studies on the effect of chemical fertilizers only on the increase in dry weight yield with the effect size (g = 0.614) have been positive and significant (p≤0.01). These studies were heterogeneous based on the I2index for dry weight (I2= 93.79) and after drawing a funnel plot and performing the Bag and Mazumdar test, their symmetry and lack of diffusion error were observed, and the obtained results are recommendable. However, the effect of nitrogen chemical fertilizer on the qualitative traits of essential oil percentage and oil yield is not significant. Contrary to the results of the research that declared the effect of chemical fertilizers and different levels of nitrogen to be significant on dry weight, percentage of essential oil, and oil yield, studies on the effect of biofertilizers respectively with the effect size (g = 0.789) on dry weight (g = 0.773) (g=0.593) had the most increasing and positive effect on oil yield and essential oil percentage, and it was significant (P≥0.01). These studies were heterogeneous and symmetrical based on the I2 index for oil yield (I2=83.34) and essential oil percentage (I2=77.71), and there was no diffusion error, and its results are recommendable. The results of other researchers have considered the use of organic and biological fertilizers to increase and improve the quantitative and qualitative traits of the thyme medicinal plant, and to recommend these types of fertilizers; they have preferred these types of fertilizers over chemical fertilizers, the traits that were not significant or their studies were not symmetrical in all treatments The subject needs to conduct studies with higher accuracy for recommendation

Our country due to relying on Faryab agriculture, extremely exposed to salinization of land and water resources. Salinity generally has a significant effect on all morphological, physiological, biochemical, anatomical traits of most plants and It has a negative effect on growth, survival and plant production. In order to study the effect of irrigation water quality and application of silicon, nanosilicon and superabsorbent polymer on the yield and amount of active ingredients of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.). Experiment as split plots in a randomized complete block design, in three replications and three cropping years was done in a farm located in Ziauddin section of Torbat Heydariyeh city. The main factor of irrigation water quality in two levels (Includes water with electrical conductivity of 2 dS/m as a control and water with an electrical conductivity of 6 dS/m) and sub-factor of application of silicon and adsorbent polymer in six levels, (Includes non-consumption as a control, Silicon, nanosilicon each with a concentration of 1.5 per thousand, Bolourab A (0.4 g/kg dry weight of soil). Silicon with Bolourab A and Nano Silicon with Bolourab A.). The study included morphological characteristics such as number of leaves, corm, flowers and stigmas per hectare, leaf yield, corm, flowers and stigmas per hectare, Leaf length and width, average weight of corm and flowers, stigma length and Physiological characteristics included chlorophyll, safranal, crocin and picrocrocin. The results showed that salinity reduced and consumed silicon and super absorbent in both salinity treatments and lack of salinity stress significantly increases important traits of reproductive growth, Includes, Flower number, average stigma length, average weight of a single, yield of flower, yield of stigma and the amount of active ingredients in the stigma (Crocin, Safranal, Picrocrocin) it was tested every 3 years. The effect of treatments on vegetative growth traits of saffron leaves, includes leaf number, leaf yield, chlorophyll A and B content, also on the characteristics of produced female corms including total number of female corms, average corm weight, dry matter and yield of corm. The use of nanosilicon together with superabsorbent in saline conditions increases the flower and stigma yield of saffron in the second year by 46.8% and 54.3%, respectively, compared to the first year, and also increases the flower and stigma yield by 60.1% and 57.8% in the third year compared to the second year. The experimental results showed that the combined application of nano silicon and super absorbent increased the quantitative and qualitative yield of saffron in salinity conditions.

In order to investigate the effect of deficit irrigation on vegetative growth characteristics and potato tuber and the effect of foliar application of chitosan and salicylic acid on yield and physiological characteristics of experimental potatoes as a split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications in 2019 at an agricultural reaearch station in the city of Fariman. Experimental treatments included irrigation levels (60, 80 and 100% water requirement) and foliar application of chitosan and salicylic acid (control treatment, 2 g/l chitosan, 0.5 g/l salicylic acid and combined treatment with chitosan and salicylic acids). Irrigation levels in main plots and foliar spraying treatments were included in sub-treatments. Deficit irrigation treatments were applied 20 days after after plant emergence and at each irrigation period, and foliar application of chitosan and salicylic acid was performed in two stages during the growing season: at the flowering stage (beginning of tuber development), and at the mid-growth stage of tubers. The results showed that by reducing the irrigation volume by 20%, the same performance can be achieved with the performance in full irrigation conditions. Foliar application chitosan and salicylic acid also yielded different results. Foliar application of chitosan prevented a decrease in chlorophyll a concentration as the most important leaf photosynthetic pigment in 80% irrigation treatment. Other pigments showed similar behavior to chlorophyll a in solutions sprayed with chitosan or a combination of chitosan with salicylic acid. Proline, free phenols and soluble carbohydrates as secondary metabolites that undergo stress-induced osmotic regulation of leaf cells also had higher concentrations in chitosan foliar application at 80% irrigation treatment than their control treatment. Foliar application of chitosan and salicylic acid separately or in combination in treatments that were irrigated at 20 and 40% also maintained the concentration of glutathione peroxidase. Despite the above effects, foliar treatments could not clearly have a significant effect on glandular function.It does this by playing an important role in counteracting oxidative stress and balancing oxygen free radicals, as well as its role in protecting cell membranes, especially under stress conditions. According to the results of this experiment, it can be concluded that although these compounds have a significant role in the interaction of potato plant with deficit irrigation conditions, but the time and dose of its use requires more detailed research. Time and dose used that can compensate for the effects of stress and improve yield in deficit irrigation treatments. 

In recent years, due to climate change, the planting of millets has become of particular importance, necessitating conducting further research on their quantitative and qualitative attributes. Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is widely known as a multipurpose crop in many regions of the world. It provides nutritious food for humans, feeds for poultry, and fodder for ruminants. About 20 different species of millet have been cultivated throughout the world at different points in time. Commonly cultivated millet species include proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.R. Br.), finger millet (Eleusine coracana), Kodo millet (Paspalum setaceum), foxtail millet (Setaria italica L. Beauv.). Little millet provides excellent support for nervous system health by helping to restore nerve cell function, regenerate myelin fiber, and intensify brain cell metabolism. Millets are also rich in micronutrients such as niacin, B-complex vitamins, Vitamin B6, and folic acid. Millets generally contain significant amounts of essential amino acids, particularly those containing sulfur (methionine and cysteine) ( Torabi, 2015). Plant density is among the agricultural practices that greatly influences grain yield and yield components of pearl millet as it determines the inter-and intra-plant competition for groundwater and soil nutrients during the growing season. Due to the development of human societies, food security has become a priority(Khajeh pour, 2012). Technological advancements and the introduction of chemical fertilizers and pesticides have provided sufficient quantities of food in recent decades, but food quality is questioned. Fertilizers from natural sources might be a practical solution. Coastal farmers in various countries have been applying seaweed for crop growth and development for many years. Nowadays, with technological development, some species of seaweed such as Ascophyllum nodosum are cultivated and processed as seaweed extract alone or mixed with other fertilizers to be used by farmers) Manea and Abbas, 2018.)

To investigate the effects of different densities of millet and bio-fertilizer application on morphological and physiological yield and yield components of three millet cultivars, a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted in Mashhad in 2021. In the experiment, three density levels of millet (300,000, 400,000, and 500,000 plants per hectare), and two levels of seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) bio-fertilizer in quantity of 0 and 1 L per hectare, as well as three cultivars of millet (Bastan, Pishahang, and Mehran) were applied. In this experiment, grain yield, biomass yield, harvest index, 1000-seed weight, plant height and protein percentage were measured.

The analysis of variance showed that the effects of cultivar and density on grain yield were significant at the probability of 1% where the highest grain yield with an average of 4444.1 kg/ha was obtained from Mehran cultivar at a density of 400 thousand plants per hectare. The lowest was related to Pishahang cultivar at a density of 400,000 plants per hectare with an average yield of 2321.5 kg per hectare. The effect of bio-fertilizer application was also significant on the yield and yield components at the probability of 1%. The highest harvest index value (0.29) was obtained from the Mehran cultivar at a density of 400,000 plants per hectare. The examination of the trend of change in the biological yield and harvest index of this cultivar also indicated that with increasing density, the biological yield increased and the harvest index decreased. Additionally, the highest biomass yield (7629/6 kg/ha) was observed in Pishahang cultivar at a density of 400,000 plants per hectare, both by bio-fertilizer application.

Due to the increasing population and food shortage, increasing agricultural production is becoming more important, increasing the area under cultivation and increasing yield per unit area are two ways to increase agricultural production. Mixed cultivation is a low-income agricultural method that aims to make optimal use of land, light and water to produce a desirable level of crops.In order to investigate the effect of intercropping and different densities of quinoa and guar cultivation in the climatic conditions of Mashhad in May 2019 in the research farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic Azad University located in Golbahar. This factorial study was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Factors tested included (Q: pure culture of quinoa, G: pure culture of guar and quinoa + guar in 1: 1, 1: 2 and 2: 1 row ratio) and plant density (D1: 10 plants, D2: 15 and D3: 20 plants per square meter). Plant density was adjusted by changing the distance between plants on the row. Row spacing treatments included: 20 cm equivalent to 10 plants per square meter, 15 cm, equivalent to 15 plants per square meter and 10 cm, equivalent to 20 plants per square meter.The results showed that the main and interaction effects of intercropping ratios and plant density on quinoa and guava seed yield and different indices of intercropping usefulness (land parity ratio (LER), actual reduction yield of guava (AYLG) and quinoa (AYLQ) Quinoa (RCCQ) and Guar (RCCG), Income Equality Ratio (IER) and Mixed Cultivation Profitability (IA) were significant at the level of 1% probability and the values for the mentioned traits were obtained. 1.21, 0.08, 0.83, 2.99, 1.17, 1.80 and 0.42. respectively So that the highest yield of quinoa and guar seeds with 1480 and 2655 g/m2, respectively, of quinoa and guar mixed cultivation treatments with ratios of 2 rows of quinoa and 1 row of guar at a density of 10 plants per square meter and for guar from culture treatment, respectively. Pure guar was obtained from the same plant density. The lowest yields of quinoa and guar seeds with an average of 115 and 269 g / m2 were obtained from the density of 20 plants per square meter and the ratio of mixed cultivation of two rows of quinoa and 1 guar gum, which is due to intra-species competition due to Increase plant density.The highest amount of quinoa LER and total was related to the treatment of two rows of quinoa and one row of guar gum at a density of 15 plants per square meter. For Guar gum, the LER level in all studied treatments was less than one. The total LER in 2G: 1Q treatment was less than one in all three densities, which indicates that increasing the share of guar in the composition, led to a decrease in total LER. This may be due to the very low yield of guar gum in 2G: 1Q treatment. In the other treatments studied, the LER level was higher than one, which indicates the usefulness of intercropping compared to pure culture. According to the results, the planting density of 10 plants per square meter was the best planting density and the ratio of mixed cultivation of 2 quinoa drives and a row of guar was the best treatment in this study, which can be recommended to farmers.

In order to study effect of seedling age and plant density on yield and yield components of rice (Sadri cultivar), a field experiment was conducted at the Ordukhan Agricultural Research Center, Heart Province - Afghanistan (Geographical longitude: 62°11'29" east and geographical latitude: 34°20'35" north) during the cropping season 2017-2018. The experiment was laid out in complete block design with three replications. Seeding ages with three levels (20, 30 and 40 days) were considered as main plots and plant densities with four levels (13, 17, 22 and 33 plants/m2) were allocated as sub plots. Analysis of variance showed that the effect of seedling age on number of tillers per plant, numbers of grains per panicle and grain yield was significant. The plant density had significant effect on all traits (expect, 1000grains weight). Interaction of two factors had no significant effect on any of the traits. The means comparison showed that the highest of number grains per panicle and grain yield were obtained for 30 days seedling age. Also, the highest of number of tiller per plant, number of fertile tiller per plant, number of grains per panicle and percent of unfilled grain were obtained by 13 plants per m2. But the highest biological yield, harvest index (HI) and grain yield obtained by 33 plants per m2. Based on simple correlation coefficient of traits, grain yield had significant positive correlation with biological yield, number fertile tiller per plant and number grains per panicle.

In order to study effect of deficit irrigation and cultivar on yield and yield components of soybean, a field ‎experiment was conducted at the Ordukhan Agricultural Research Center, Heart Province-Afghanistan ‎‎(Geographical longitude: 62°11'29" east and geographical latitude: 34°20'35" north) during the cropping ‎season 2017-2018. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot arrangement based on randomized complete ‎block design with three replications. Deficit irrigation with three levels (70 (no stress), 90 (moderate stress) and ‎‎110 (severe stress) mm evaporation from class A evaporation pan) were considered as main plots and ‎cultivars with four levels (Glway, Stine, Hong and LD04) were allocated as sub plots. Analysis of variance ‎showed that the deficit irrigation had significant effect on number of pods per plant, number of grains per ‎pod, 100 grains weight, biological yield, grain yield and harvest index The effect of cultivar on all traits and ‎the effect of interaction between two factors on 100 grains weight were significant. The results showed that ‎the deficit irrigation at 110 mm evaporation (severe stress) cased of significantly reduced of all traits. The ‎lowest number of pods per plant (109.8 pods), number of grains per pod (2.4 grains), 100 grains weight ‎‎(15.27g), biological yield (7363 kg/ha), grain yield (2899 kg/ha) and harvest index (35.5%) were obtained in ‎‎110 mm evaporation. The means of traits at 70 mm (no stress) and 90 mm (moderate stress) evaporation had ‎no significant difference. The LD04 cultivar had the highest grain yield (3793 kg/ha), because this cultivar had ‎optimum yield components. Simple correlation coefficient of traits showed that the grain yield had positive ‎significant correlation with biological yield, number of pods per plant, plant height, number of grains per pod. ‎Based on, these results deficit irrigation up to 90 mm evaporation can be considered.‎

In order to study the effect of two factors of irrigation deficit (drought stress) and superabsorbent polymer ‎application on morphological characteristics, plant yield and yield components of green bean, two experiments ‎were conducted in a completely randomized design with factorial arrangement in greenhouse conditions in ‎Educational- Research Greenhouse, Faculty of Agricultural, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, ‎Mashhad, Iran during in cropping season 2017-2018. In both experiments: experimental factors were included, ‎superabsorbent polymer in 4 levels (0, 3, 5 and 7 g per kg of soil) and irrigation deficit in 4 levels (20, 40, 60 and ‎‎80 % decrease of soil water weight based on Field Capacity). In the first experiment 3 and in the second ‎experiment, 6 replications were considered. The results of analysis of variance showed that in the first ‎experiment, effect of irrigation deficit, superabsorbent polymer and interaction between two factors had ‎significant effect on the plant height, number of leaf, fresh and dry weight of plant, leaf area, number of pod ‎per plant and fresh pod weight. In the second experiment, effect of irrigation deficit and superabsorbent ‎polymer on number pod per plant, number of grain per pod, grain yield per plant and biomass were significant. ‎But, in the second experiment, interaction between to factors had only significant effect on number of pod per ‎plant, grain weight per plant and biomass. In both experiments, means comparison under the influence of ‎irrigation deficit and superabsorbent polymer showed that with decreasing of 40% moisture from field capacity, ‎all traits were decreased. In general, the results of this study showed that application of superabsorbent polymer ‎caused of decreases the negative effects of drought stress.‎

Energy flow is one of the most important issues in agroecology. The amount of energy that is consumed in different agroecosystems not only depends on the type of crop but also on the material and methods that is used in its production. Potato plants are one of the most important crops that is produced in Torbat Heidarieh region, Khorasan Razavi Province of Iran. Different irrigation methods influence the energy consumption and production. Thus, the aim of this study is to compare energy efficiency of potato with different irrigation methods.

In order to evaluate and compare the efficiency of energy consumption in potato production based furrow,  sprinkle and drip irrigation methods, a study was carried out at 11 fields in the Jolgeh Rokh Torbat Heidarieh region in 2013- 2014 . The comparison was performed using a completel randomized, unbalanced design. In which the type of irrigation system was considered as the treatment and fields that were matched to each irrigation system as a replication. The studied traits included the amount of input and output energy, the equivalent energy of all inputs, and energy use efficiency, net energy, energy production and specific energy.                                                                                                                                         

The largest amount of energy consumed by the human labor was due to furrow irrigation. The highest average of fossil fuel consumption was due to furrow irrigation method followed by sprinkle and drip irrigation. The amount of electricity consumed in the drip irrigation method had the highest amount compared to the other two methods. The most energy consumed by nitrogen fertilizers was related to furrow irrigation method, and the methods of irrigation of droplets and sprinklers in this regard were ranked in the following order, respectively. The amount of energy consumed by phosphorus fertilizers in irrigation was the least amount of droplets. This amount was in sprinkler irrigation and furrow irrigation respectively, although there was no significant difference between the two methods. The energy of using potassium fertilizers in the highest irrigation system was similar to the other irrigation systems. The energy consumption of herbicides was highest in drip methods and furrow irrigation was in the next category. Energy consumption of machinery was highest in sprinkler irrigation method. In the recent method, energy consumption of machinery was about half of the energy consumption of the total inputs. Indirect energy consumption for drip irrigation system was 6868 MJ.ha-1 and in sprinkle irrigation 2756 MJ.ha-1. Energy produced by seed was highest in drip irrigation method and the lowest in sprinkle irrigation. The total amount of input and output energy in sprinkler irrigation method was the highest (106674.24 and 162000 MJ.ha-1), followed by drip irrigation (97807.82 and 151000 MJ.ha-1) and furrow irrigation (92539.61 and 139000 MJ.ha-1) were placed in the following categories. The energy use efficiency of the drip irrigation method 1.6 was more than other irrigation methods. Production energy in terms of amount of drip and furrow irrigation was the highest 0.44 and in sprinkle irrigation 0.41. Net energy was the highest in sprinkler irrigation (53392.18 MJ.ha-1) and the lowest in furrow irrigation (46660.38 MJ.ha-1). Production energy was highest in drip and furrow irrigation (0.44 and 0.43) and lowest in sprinkle irrigation (0.41). The specific energy in furrow irrigation (2.36) was higher than the other methods and in the drip irrigation with the lowest (2.32).                                                                               

According to the results of the present research, in spite of higher yield of potatoes under sprinkle and drip irrigation systems, there were not significant differences among the energy indices; energy efficiency, energy productivity, and special energy; of three systems. This was due to more total input energy in the sprinkle and drip systems. Because the machinery and installations energy input in furrow irrigation system were lower than two other systems.

In order to evaluate the effects of foliar application of elements such as Zinc, Iron and manganese on yield and yield components of bread wheat cv. Pishgam an experiment was conducted based on a RCBD with three replications at Torbat-e-jam in 2015-2016. Factors were foliar application including Iron, Zinc, Manganese, Iron+Zinc, Iron+Manganese, Zinc+Manganese, Iron+Zinc+Manganese and control treatment. Foliar application was done using micronutrients chelates at the amount of one per thousand at stem elongation and flowering stages. The results showed that foliar application had significant effect on plant height, spike length, the number of grains per spike, and harvest index. Foliar application increased plant height significantly. The highest plant height obtained from application of Iron+Manganese, Iron+Zinc+Manganese and Zinc+Manganese. The maximum length of the spike was seen in foliar application of Iron, Zinc, Iron+Manganese which had not significant difference with control treatment. The number of grains per spike in Zinc and Zinc+Iron+Manganese treatments were higher than control. Generally, it seems that none of foliar application treatments could increase the grain yield compared to control treatment.

In this research, biological characteristics of Balangu seed in response to temperature were evaluated. Germination responses and cardinal temperatures were evaluated using dent-like, segmented, beta and quadratic regression models and regression coefficients (a and b), correlation of determinant (R2), correlation coefficient (r), and significant level functions of predicted values versus observed ones were used to find the appropriate models. The results showed that the germination of Balangu is possible at a range of 5 to 25 °C. The highest germination percentage was detected at 20°C (98.5%). Moreover, at 20°C temperature the highest seedling growth and less time to shoot emergence (60.03 mm and 58 h respectively) was detected. Segmented model was superior compared to other models, therefore, this model is recommended for quantifying biological parameters and seedling emergence of Balangu. Temperatures of 1°C, 22.6°C and 30°C were the cardinal temperatures for seed germination (minimum, optimum and maximum, respectively). According to the results of this research, Balangu is the psychrophile plants and appropriate temperature germination is 20°C to 22.6°C. In this research, a proposed equation entitled of "Germination Value (GV)" for the simultaneous evaluation of seed germination and seedling growth per unit of time was introduced.

In this study the identification of chemical and biochemical characteristics of balangu seed oil (Lallemanthia royleana) and their parameters were investigated under accelerated aging conditions at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h at 41°C and 100% RH in a completely randomized design. The results showed that balangu seed oil content was 19.26%.Fatty acid profiles were 90.71% of unsaturated fatty acids (USFA) and 9.29% of saturated fatty acids (SFA), also the linolenic acid (C18:3), oleic acid (C18:1) and palmitic acid (C16:0) were important of PUSFA, MUSFA and SFA oil seeds, respectively.The antioxidants of oil seeds include 427.8 ppm tocopherols and 210 ml.l-1 of polyphenols. The results showed that 15.2% reduction in oil seed under accelerated aging treatment, also this treatments was the cause of increase of SFA compared to USFA. The oxidation and peroxide production peak was between control and 24 h of accelerated aging treatment. Oil resistance (rancimat) in the 72 h of aging treatment was 1.5 times less than to the control. The germination value (GV) was 1.6, 2.5 and 4.5 higher than the accelerated aging treatments, respectively. In general, it is likely that the changes of chemical and biochemical characteristics of seed oil is happened by oxidative enzymes and this condition is quicker in deteriorated balangu seeds

In order to comparison the foliar application of biological, biostimulator and chemical fertilizers on growth characteristics and yield of saffron, a factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with four replication in 3- year field of saffron in Dargaz, Khorasan Razavi province from 2010 to 2011. The first factor had 5 levels included biostimulator fertilizer Bio-Amino-Palis, biostimulator fertilizer Aminol-Forte, biological fertilizer Nitroauxin, chemical fertilizer Dalfard-15, and control (without fertilizer treatment). The second factor had two levels included 1 and 2 times spraying with seven per thousands concentration of each fertilizers treatments. The results showed Aminol-Forte have better effect than other fertilizers on dry weight of corm, number of corm, number of corm equal/ higher or under 8 grams, fresh weight of flower, number of flowers, fresh and dry weight of stigma and style per square meter, leaf length as well as fresh and dry fresh weight of leaf. Bio-Amino-Palis and Aminol-Forte fertilizer treatments for number of flowers, fresh weight of stigma and style and dry weight of stigma, did not have significant difference. Two times foliar applications only reduced the number of corms weighing less than 8 g per unit area. Interaction of foliar applications levels and fertilizer types did not have significant effect on measured traits. On the basis of the results of this experiment, spraying of Aminol-Forte recommended in saffron fields once.

In order to investigate the possibility of reducing herbicide usage in combination with plant density and planting pattern, a field experiment was designed in Chenaran, Khorasan Razavi, on 2010. The experiment was split plot treatments based on RCBD with three replications in factorial arragement. The treatments included of 3 level of plant density (100000, 120000 and 140000 plants ha-1) and 2 level of planting pattern (single and double row) as a main plot and Nicosulfuron dosage at four levels[(0), 50% recommended dose (1 l ha-1), 75% recommended dose (1.5 l ha-1) and 100% recommended dose (2 l ha-1)] as a sub-plots. The control plots consisted of weedy control and weed free check, respectively. Sampling was done to measure weed density, total dry matter and evaluating herbicide effect on weeds according to the EWRC 20 days after the corn emergence and repeated every 20 days. Corn silage yield was increased due to reduction of double row planting pattern and increasing of planting density significantly in dough seed stage. The results also showed that reduction of the weed density and total dry matter of weeds and desirable weed controls at first stage after the herbicide treatments. Experimental treatments had also a significant effect on weed species diversity according to shannon- winer index,sensitive population such as common purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.), buckhorn plantain(Plantago lanceolata L.), prostrate knotweed (Polygonum aviculare L.), black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.) and Johnson grass (Sorghum halepens L.) was reduced and according to simpson diversity index, low population such as redroot pigweed (Amaranthus retroflexus L.),common lambsquarters (Chenopodium album L.), field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) and Canada thistle (Circum arvensis L.) by the end of growth season.

In order to determine the effect of different levels of sulfur bentonite on yield and yield components of canola a factorial experiment was conducted on the basis of randomized complete block design with three replications in Mashhad in 2009-2010 growing season. Factors included four levels of sulfur bentonite (0، 300، 400 and 500 kg. h-1) and two varieties of canola (Modena and Zarfam). The result showed that the increase in sulfur increased some vegetative traits such as leaf area index and plant height. Using sulfur caused increased pod number، seed weight، in addition of oil and protein content and seed yield. Grain yield increase was due to seed weight and LAI. Two varieties were different to responses the sulfur. While in no sulfur application there was no significant difference in seed yield، in 500 Kg sulfur application yield of Zarfam compared to Modena increased about 29. 63. According to the results there are significant differences between cultivars in terms of response to the sulfur fertilizer. Therefore it is necessary to evaluate effect of sulfur application of canola productivity in different climate conditions of Iran.

In order to study of yield, growth index and physiological traits in spring sugar beet genotypes with delayed planting date, a field experiment was carried out in Chenaran in Khorasan Razavi Province in the east of Iran in 2008 cropping season. For this experiment a complete randomized block design with 4 replications and 6 treatments was used. The experimental treatments were six improved varieties: Nagano, Brigiitta, Latitia, Flores, Dorotea and 7112. The results showed that the 7112 and Flores varies had highest leaf area Index (5.8) and lowest LAI (0.38), respectively. Nagano variety had the highest total dry weight (1600gm-2), root dry weight (1200gm-2), crop growth rate (17 gm-2.day-1) and relative growth rate (0.05g.g-1.day-1). 7112 variety had the lowest total dry weight (700 gm-2), root dry weight (560g.m-2), crop growth rate (6 g.m-2.day-1) and relative growth rate (0.036g.g-1.day-1).

A pot experiment laid out in factorial arranged in completely randomized design with three replications was implemented to evaluate the effects of seed priming in ameliorating salinity stress in sesame (Sesamum indicam L.) during seedling development and the early vegetative growth. Factors included five priming treatments: control (non priming), hydropriming, halopriming with NaCl, KCl, CaCl2 + 2H2O and five levels of salt stress: zero, 4, 8, 12, 16 dS/m. Results showed that the effects of seed priming and salt stress on emergence percentage, time taken to 50% emergence of seedling (E50), root and shoot length, root to shoot length ratio, dry weight of root and shoot, dry weight of leaf, leaf number and area were significant (P

To study weed species diversity and community structure in pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) orchards in 33 orchards of 12 villages an investigation was conducted in Bardaskan County, Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran during 2008-2009. weed population sampling was conducted in a w shape method using 1m² quadrate. the results showed that the weeds of pistachio orchards were belonging to 15 families and 44 species. dicotyledons (31 species) were more than monocotyledons (13 species). Such as in this community, weed species of C3, C4, annual and perennial were 26, 18, 28 and 13, respectively. the majority of weed species were belonging to the plant families of chenopodiceae (9 species) and poaceae (12 species) amongst dicotyledons and monocotyledons, respectively. the most important species of monocotyledon annual weeds were including Echinochloa crus-gali, Digitaria sanguinlis, Setaria viridis and perennial weeds were including Cyperus routundus, Cynodon dactylon and convolvulus arvensis. weed species were grouped in seven clusters for density average, frequency and uniformity (similarity 75 percent) whereas in eight clusters for relative density average, relative frequency and relative uniformity (similarity 75 percent). amplitude changes of Shannon-winter diversity index were between 2.3 and 0.16 and of Simpson dominant index were between 0.97 and 0.17. the difference among indices of biodiversity and dominant clusters were relative to scale and type of management practices.

In order to evaluation the effect of different crop rotation, fertilizer and protection managements on weed seed bank properties an experiment was conducted in Close House experimental glass house on the soil of 5th year of organic rotation that is conducting in University of Newcastle’s Nafferton Experimental Farm. Rotation was started with grass/clover for first two years and continued with wheat for third year. In 4th year each plot divided in two potato and cabbage sub plots. Beans were grown in both of two sub plots at 5th year. In all years, rotation plots that considered as main plots were exposed on four combinations of two different organic and conventional fertility and crop health managements as a sub or sub –sub plots. Composite soil sample of considered plots put in glass house for three months and number and type of seedlings were assessed. At the end of course seedlings were classified and evaluated on the basis of type of species and functional properties. Results showed that short time rotation has not significant effect on seedbank properties and only change some seed properties ratio. Although weed seed number was more in organic crop protection management in compared with conventional ones but this was related to species that considered have important role in biodiversity production in agroecosystems. Seedbank response to different organic and conventional fertilizer managements was similar. Also seedbank functional properties were not affected with different crop fertilizer and protection managements.