maryam haghighi

This study aimed to investigate the effect of salinity on morphological and physiological traits of native Iranian melon landrace and Afghan melon cultivars using a Randomized Complete Block Design in three replications. Two salinity levels (2 and 8 dS m-1, NaCl) and 39 cultivars from Iran and Afghanistan were studied. PCA comparisons were done between morphological and physiological parameters. The sensitive and tolerant cultivars were chosen based on proximity to high yield, morphological characteristics, and distance from stress indices. The biplot results showed a high correlation between vitamin C traits with soluble solids, proline, and relative water content, and a negative correlation with Fv/Fm ratio. These indices are good indicators for identifying saline resistance cultivars. Salinity stress increased electrolyte leakage, proline concentration, total antioxidant activity, sodium content, vitamin C, organic acid, and total soluble solids. In addition, salinity decreased the yield, mean fruit weight, firmness, fruit length, fruit width, internal cavity length and width, flesh thickness and fruit peel thickness, Fv/Fm ratio, greenness index, relative water content, and leaf potassium. The highest concentrations of sodium were found in the Gorgi Shirdan Jorgeaval cultivar under salinity, while the highest concentrations of potassium were found in the Torkamani cultivar under non-saline conditions. Analysis revealed two types of Torkamani and Zanki melon, which are recommended to plant in saline conditions.

So far, there has not been a comprehensive study on the effect of climate change and global warming on horticultural products such as fruits, flowers, vegetables, and medicinal plants. Despite this, the few available data show that these changes are more effective on fruit trees, especially temperate and semi-tropical fruit trees. Climate change and global warming affect fruit production and phenology, cold requirement, temperature stress, pollination, water and soil status of orchards, pests and diseases, and fruit quality as well as boundaries of fruit tree cultivation. The strategies to cope with these difficulties are breeding cultivars with low cold requirement, cooling to compensate for cold requirement, dealing with hot winters and early warming, using appropriate rootstocks, avoiding entering dormancy, managing orchard water and soil, using new technologies, using chemical compounds and growth regulators, creating crop diversity, using different types of greenhouses, Attention to plant migration, modeling of climate, zoning and changing the cultivation pattern. Challenges of climate change and global warming in horticulture and strategies to adapt to them, are fully discussed in this article.

AbstractA greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of partial rootzone irrigation on physiological processes and quality traits of processed tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. Cv. Petopride). The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 2 treatments, 6 replications, and 4 plants per replication and one-way local irrigation were compared with the usual method. In the one-way local irrigation method, only one side of the root was irrigated with 2 liters (50% of field capacity) in each irrigation cycle and the control treatment included irrigation of both sides of the root with 4 liters of water (100% of field capacity). The results showed that in general, the rate of respiration, photosynthesis, stomata conductivity in partial root zone irrigation was less than the control. There was no significant difference in the ratio of carbon dioxide of stomatal cells to air and photosynthetic active radiation, mesophyll conductance, and photosynthetic water use efficiency. Soil water content in partial root zone irrigation treatment was lower than the control throughout the growing season. Decreasing the amount of irrigation water improved soluble solids (26%) and glucose, fructose, and sucrose sugars in tomato fruit. The results of this experiment showed that partial root zone irrigation increased color (5.16%), and decreased fruit juice content (2%). The fruit yield (fresh weight) in partial root zone irrigation treatment at the end of the experiment was lower (42%) than the control. Conclusively, due to improving the quality of tomatoes under partial rootzone conditions, this method was recommended for the dry zone. Since this test was performed in a greenhouse to prevent environmental factors such as rain, field experiments are recommended, which means conditions where the root is more permeable and environmental conditions are also effective. An investigation on the yield in this condition is recommended.IntroductionTomato is one of the most widely planted vegetables around the world. Water is one of the essential requirements for its growth and proper yield. Given the current climate changes and increasing water scarcity, the use of effective irrigation methods is crucial to meet the water needs of tomatoes and improve their productivity. One such water-saving irrigation technique is Alternate Partial root-zone drying (PRD). In PRD, irrigation water is supplied to only half of the root system at a time, while the other half is allowed to dry. The next irrigation cycle then shifts to the previously dry side, allowing the previously irrigated side to dry out. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of local irrigation reduction on physiological processes and quality traits of processed tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Petopride).Materials and methodsThis study was conducted in the research greenhouses of Massey University, New Zealand, in a completely randomized design with 2 treatments, 6 replications, and 4 plants per replication. The aim was to compare the PRD method with the usual irrigation approach. In the one-way local irrigation treatment, only one side of the root system was irrigated with 2 liters of water (50% of field capacity) in each irrigation cycle. The control treatment involved irrigating both sides of the root system with 4 liters of water (100% of field capacity). To assess the post harvest factors, mature green fruits were transferred to a temperature-controlled chamber with carefully monitored conditions. Various photosynthetic characteristics were measured, including the rate of photosynthesis per unit of leaf area, stomatal conductance, internal CO2 of stomata, mesophyll conductance, photosynthetic water use efficiency, and changes in respiration. Additionally, quantitative and qualitative fruit characteristics, such as fresh and dry weight, fruit juice content, number of fruits, color, and total dissolved solids, were evaluated. The data analysis was performed using SAS and Statistix software, and the comparison of means was conducted using the T-Test. Results and discussionIn general, the rate of respiration, photosynthesis, and stomatal conductivity were lower under the PRD irrigation treatment compared to the control. The reduction in photosynthesis in the PRD treatment can be attributed to a decrease in the internal CO2 levels within the leaves or potential damage to the photosynthetic systems in plants under the one-way local irrigation regime compared to the control. The PRD irrigation method largely reduced stomatal conductance, the ratio of internal to external CO2, and consequently, photosynthesis through stomatal factors. The lower rate of photosynthesis and CO2 processing, despite the high internal CO2 levels in the stomata, suggests a low level of mesophyll conductivity and the inability of mesophyll cells to utilize the available CO2 effectively. Decreasing the amount of irrigation water improved the soluble solids (26%) and the levels of glucose, fructose, and sucrose sugars in the tomato fruits. This increase was particularly significant for sucrose sugars. The increase in soluble solids in tomatoes, considering the lower number of fruits under the PRD irrigation, suggests that the limited water supply enhanced the distribution and accumulation of carbohydrates in a smaller number of fruits compared to the control. Additionally, the lack of water likely increased the conversion of starch into sugars, leading to the observed increase in sugar and soluble solids content. The PRD treatment resulted in a 5.16% increase in fruit color. This increase in fruit color is believed to be linked to the concurrent rise in internal ethylene levels within the tomato fruits. Therefore, it can be reasonably inferred that the PRD irrigation method, by inducing water stress in one half of the root zone, has effectively stimulated the production of ethylene within the tomato plants. This ethylene-driven enhancement of the ripening process, in turn, has manifested in the observed improvement of fruit color through the accumulation of carotenoid pigments, especially lycopene.ConclusionsThe PRD irrigation method improved key tomato quality attributes critical for processing and paste production, including increased color, soluble solids, and reduced juice content, despite lower overall yield. These quality enhancements can optimize efficiency and reduce energy demands in tomato paste manufacturing, making PRD irrigation a promising sustainable approach for this industry. By implementing this innovative irrigation technique, tomato growers can achieve higher quality produce, improved processing outcomes, and enhanced sustainability in the agricultural sector.

Pepper is an essential fruit vegetable that is widely grown around the world, and its global demand is continuously increasing. However, pepper is a crop that is sensitive or semi-sensitive to salinity, which poses a significant challenge for its cultivation in many regions. Salinity can be a major abiotic stress that affects pepper production, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas where soil salinity is a prevalent issue. High concentrations of soluble salts, such as sodium, chloride, and sulfate, in the soil can disrupt the plant's ability to absorb water and essential nutrients, leading to reduced growth, yield, and quality of the pepper crop. Furthermore, the imbalance of nutrients in saline soils can interfere with the plant's capacity to efficiently utilize applied fertilizers. To overcome these challenges and meet the increasing global demand for pepper, researchers and growers must adopt integrated approaches that consider the complex interactions between soil salinity, nutrient availability, and pepper plant physiology. This may involve the application of soil amendments to mitigate salinity, and the implementation of precise irrigation and fertilization management practices to ensure the sustainable production of high-quality pepper crops.

The present research was conducted in 2021 in a greenhouse in Tiran with an average daytime temperature of 26-28ºC and a night temperature of 16-18ºC in the form of a completely randomized design with 3 replications. Greenhouse red bell pepper seeds, variety "Westland 8108" were planted in peat moss and perlite in the seedling trays, and about three weeks later, when the seedlings reached the stage of 4-6 true leaves, they were planted in the main bed. The treatments include the application of Sal-fit (polyhydroxycarboxylic calcium), foliar spraying with auxin + gibberellin, 25% reduction of nutrient solution concentration, fruit pruning, and common greenhouse nutrient solution (as a control). Sal-Fit treatment with a solution based on polyhydroxycarboxylic calcium was applied as an irrigation fertilizer at the rate of 50 kg per hectare in 3 stages of greenhouse irrigation. Auxin and gibberellin foliar spraying each in a concentration of 10 µM and combination with each other with a time interval of 24 h was applied on the target bell pepper plants in the fruiting stage. The nutrient solution reduction treatment was applied in such a way that 25% of water was added to the concentration recommended by the greenhouse nutrition expert at each time of fertilization (solution spraying and irrigation fertilizer), and then foliar spraying or irrigation fertilizer was done with a new solution. For the treatment, pruning was done after the emergence of fruits by keeping the number of 5-7 fruits per plant and removing the rest of the fruits. At the end of the research, some growth and physiological characteristics of sweet pepper were investigated

The findings indicated that the application of the Sal-Fit treatment yielded a statistically significant and favorable impact on growth characteristics in the presence of severe soil salinity stress. Additionally, this treatment exhibited the lowest incidence of fruit malformation, as well as a higher relative content of fruit juice and organic acid percentage. The enhancement of soluble solids percentage, nitrogen and calcium content indicators, and reduction in flower and fruit drop, collectively contributed to the overall improvement in the quality of the product. In comparison to alternative treatments, fruit pruning yielded a statistically significant, albeit modest, impact on various traits, including the relative concentration of fruit juice, percentage of soluble solids, shoot nitrogen content, fruit taste, fruit length, and yield, when compared to the control group. Additionally, fruit pruning demonstrated a greater efficacy in reducing the duration of fruit ripening, as well as flower and fruit drop, in contrast to other treatments. The findings demonstrate that the reduction of the nutrient solution concentration by 25%, as advised by the greenhouse nutrition specialist, had an impact on all the characteristics, with the exception of the quantity of fruit categorized as grade 1, grade 2, and grade 3, as well as the firmness of the fruit's texture.

According to research findings, the application of chemical fertilizers in saline soils may result in varying effects on crop yield, which could either be positive, negative, or neutral. Sal-Fit, also known as polyhydroxy carboxylic calcium, is a chemical compound. This particular solution has demonstrated high efficacy in environments characterized by elevated salinity and alkalinity. It effectively mitigates soil salinity by resolving the aforementioned issue to a level deemed appropriate. The study concluded that the beneficial impacts of anti-salt and alkali compounds are attributed to their positive influence on various physical and chemical characteristics of the soil, such as SAR, PH, EC, and ESP. These factors ultimately enhance nutrient accessibility for plants, augment water availability and foster interactions between phenolic and carboxylic groups.

Flooding stress causes a lack of oxygen and impaired root activity, part of which is related to the possible effects of aquaporins.The factorial experiment was performed in a CRD design with treatments including the flooded plants with active aquaporin and the flooded plant with active aquaporin at two or 10 days after stress. With the loss of aquaporin activity, the fresh and dry weight of the shoots and roots decreased and the duration of the stress did not affect it. The potential of leaf and root water in aquaporin’s-free flood stress was more negative than in flood and control, and the potential of root water under long-term flood stress was more negative than the short-term stress. The content of abscisic acid in flood stress increased so that in the presence of aquaporin for a long time it increased the abscisic acid and in the absence of aquaporin increased in a short time. Expression of the root and leaf aquaporin gene increased in flooding stress and the absence of aquaporin in the long term decreased in the short term. In general, the antioxidant index was more affected by the duration of stress. The amount of potassium and abscisic acid in the plant increased in the absence of aquaporin to maintain the water content of the plant by closing the stomata. On the other hand, carotenoids as a precursor to the production of abscisic acid increased. In general, the presence of root aquapurins seems to play an important role in maintaining water balance in pepper in flooded conditions.

To study the effect of irrigation water salinity on physiological characteristics and the concentration of leaf elements of different accession of melons a split-plot experiment was designed based on RCBD with 3 replicates on two accessions, tolerant (Sooski and Diamond) and two accessions sensitive (Daregazi and Zard Ivanaki) and two salinity levels (tap water  2.3 ds/m (control) and 8 ds/m) according to the salinity of wells) in the field of Isfahan research station in 2016-2017. The results showed that with increasing salinity, the chlorophyll index decreased in all sensitive and tolerant accessions 21 and 16% respectivly. Photosynthesis and stomatal conductance showed the highest and lowest reduction in the Zard Ivanaki and Diamond accessions,62 and 19% respectively in comparison to the control. Stomata conductance was lowest in Zard Ivanaki (0.05) and highest in Diamond (0.39). CO2 substomatal was reduced by 44%, 26%, and 11%, respectively, in the Zard Ivanaki, Sooski and Diamond accessions. Photosynthetic water use efficiency did not have a significant effect with increasing salinity in all accessions. The amount of Na and Cl increased in the Daregazi and Zard Ivanaki accessions compared to the control, and K showed the lowest decrease by 26% in the Diamond accession. The highest reduction K/Na ratio was observed in Daregazi by 71%. The amount of P decreased in all of the accessions, except for the Daregazi, Overall, the results showed that by applying salt stress, photosynthetic parameters, K and P elements decreased, and Na and Cl increased, and this decrease was lowest in Diamonds and highest in Zard Ivanaki. Diamond resistant mass has a higher tolerance to salinity compared to sensitive cultivar through defense mechanism by restricting the uptake or transfer of sodium to aerial parts and also maintaining a good level of potassium and can be used as a tolerant cultivar under salinity conditions.

This research investigated the effect of different regimes of supplementary LED light on physiological and morphological traits of two cultivars of cut Roses.

In this study, treatments included cultivars (Allstar and Dolcevita) and nine light regimes including (Control, LED night from 5 pm to 7 am, LED day from 7 am to 5 pm, LED night day (24 hours light) and LED dark (24 hours, without sunlight) which were all applied in two intensities of 2000 and 4000 lux.

The results showed that the LED light regime had a positive effect on morphological traits such as the number of buds and mean harvest, length, diameter and fresh weight of flowers. LED day 4000 lux improved bud diameter and mean harvest by 18% and 112% respectively compared with control in Dolcevita cultivar. The light regime also caused a significant improvement in physiological characteristics so that in Allstar cultivar LED day 4000 lux, chlorophyll a, b, total, and carotenoid were increased by 66%, 60%, 63%, and 64% respectively compared with control. The vase life in Allstar cultivar by LED night day 4000 lux intensity and Dolcevita cultivar by LED day 4000 lux were 44.5% and 133.2% higher than the control treatment, respectively.

Research limitations: 

There was no limitation.

Originality/Value: 

The results showed that LED night day with 4000 lux intensity had the best results in vase life in Allstar cultivar and LED day supplementary light with 4000 lux intensity increased the quantity and quality characteristics of roses.

Meat, fish and by-products are perishable foods that spoil quickly if stored improperly. Edible films or coatings offer an interesting approach to the preservation and packaging of these foods. Therefore, the meat industry needs natural antioxidants to slow down chemical oxidation processes. The current review examines the incorporation of natural antioxidants into active layers and coatings, and other effects on the barrier, optical, physical, mechanical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of various polymer films are well discussed. Likewise, the potential use of natural antioxidants in meat packaging was also evaluated. The protective effect of active films and coatings on meat, fish and processed products against quality during storage is described. This review reinforces the benefits of active films and coatings containing natural extracts, essential oils, natural polymers, protein hydrolysers, enzymes, and nanocomponents (eomulsion materials) to increase the shelf life of fresh and processed fish and meat. Key findings and conclusions are active with edible film. The components are suitable for storing fish, meat and derived products. These packaging approaches increase the shelf life of these products by preventing moisture loss and cleaning accumulation. Delaying microbial spoilage and limiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms; reduction of fat, protein and pigment oxidation; and prolonging the period that sensory products are acceptable. In addition, active agents can improve the sensory and quality characteristics of packaging products. It can be concluded that edible films and coatings have a promising future in the storage and packaging of meat, fish and derived products.

Cervical ectropion refers to a condition in which the cylindrical epithelium of the endocervix extends towards the ectocervix. The present study was conducted to compare clinical improvement, disease recurrence, and patient satisfaction following treatment with vaginal effervescent tablets of tranexamic acid and cryotherapy in patients with symptomatic cervical ectropions.

This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 92 women with symptomatic cervical ectropions from March 2021 until September 2022 at Ayatollah Mousavi Hospital in Zanjan. Sampling was done at first step by convenience sampling, and then randomly assigning the sample to two groups: an intervention group receiving 400 mg of vaginal effervescent tranexamic acid tablets for 10 days and a comparison group with cryotherapy. At the end of the third month of the intervention, the rate of clinical improvement, disease recurrence, and patient satisfaction were evaluated in both groups. Data analysis was performed by SPSS software (version 22) using Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests.

 At the end of the intervention, 97.72% and 93.18% of the participants reported improvement in clinical symptoms following tranexamic acid and cryotherapy, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of clinical improvement (P = 0.31), disease recurrence (P = 0.64), and patient satisfaction (P = 0.57).

Considering the similar effectiveness of tranexamic acid and cryotherapy in improving the clinical symptoms of patients, this method can be a suitable alternative to cryotherapy.

Bell pepper is a popular agricultural product, not only for its economic value but also for the nutritional value of its fruits, which are enriched source of natural colors and antioxidant compounds. During developmental stages, the pepper fruit serves as a significant carbon sink, exerting a notable influence on the growth and carbon levels of adjacent organs including buds, flowers, and immature fruits. The occurrence of abortion and the abscission of flowers and immature fruits can lead to substantial alterations in crop output during the growth cycle. The fruiting patterns are influenced by both environmental conditions and the quantity of fruits. When specific fruits attain ripeness, their rate of sink power decelerates. Consequently, a novel fruit set initiates its growth, thereby initiating a fresh cycle of fruit production. Consequently, the presence of unpruned plants leads to flash fruiting, characterized by periodic variations in fruit output, thereby constituting a significant challenge in greenhouse cultivation of bell pepper. The purpose of the current experiment was to investigate the effect of fruit pruning and harvest sequence on the yield and qualitative characteristics of two common bell pepper cultivars grown under greenhouse condition.

This study was conducted in a greenhouse located in the east of Isfahan during 2019. A factorial experiment was carried out based on completely randomized design with four replications. The experiment factors included a) fruit pruning at four levels: Non-pruning (control), and 10%, 20% and 30% pruning, b) pepper cultivar at two levels: Lumos yellow cultivar (from Syngenta company) and Lorka red cultivar (from Seminis company) and c) harvest sequence at four levels: first, second, third and fourth. Seeds sowing was done on October 23, 2019. Seeds were sown in transplant trays filled with a mixture of peat moss and perlite. Subsequently, on December 1, 2019, seedlings were transferred to the primary substrate, when they had developed four to six true leaves. The individuals were relocated to the greenhouse. During this period, the pepper plants were pruned and secured to the taut wires of the trellis. Furthermore, the greenhouse temperature was adjusted on 26-28 °C as day temperature and 16-18 °C as night temperature. Irrigation was implemented in a strip-wise manner. During this research, the effect of fruit pruning and cultivar on morpho-physiological traits and also, the effect of fruit pruning and harvest sequence on performance characteristics of pepper plant were investigated.

Results indicated that pruning 10 % led to an increase in seed weight, flesh thickness and L* color index of yellow cultivar. The effect of pruning on fruit weight of yellow cultivar during successive harvests revealed that unpruned plants had relatively acceptable fruit weight on first harvest, but the weight of the fruits decreased over the time during subsequent harvests, indicating when fruit pruning is not done the number of fruits increases, and as a result, the weight of each fruit decreases. While, pruning 30% was able to maintain the fruit weight from the first harvest to the fourth harvest. Maintaining the fruit weight during successive harvests is highly important for pepper farmers. Reduction of fruit number through the pruning leads to prevention of fruit weight loss during successive harvests followed by higher fruits marketability. The effect of pruning on fruit weight of red cultivar during different harvests revealed that unpruned and pruned plants at 10 % level did not produce any fruits at first harvest, and fruit production initiated at second harvest leading to lower yield performance. The highest fruit diameter of yellow cultivar during successive harvests was recorded at pruning 30 %. Also, the highest fruit length of red cultivar was measured at first harvest and pruning 30 %. All pruning levels increased the total weight of first grade fruits of red cultivar, so that the lowest value of this trait was recorded in unpruned plants.  

Fruit pruning appears to improve the source/sink relationship in pepper by increasing fruit yield and weight as well as fruit qualitative characteristics so that the red cultivar outperformed the yellow cultivar in most growth and qualitative traits, and pruning 10 and 20 % were more positively effective on fruit firmness and size (diameter and length) comparing to other levels. Based on results, it is recommendable to conduct pruning at levels of 10 and 20 % on two bell pepper cultivars, namely yellow (Lumos) and red (Lorka), in order to enhance the fruit yield and qualitative characteristics.

With the advancement of human knowledge and the emergence of a new technology called the Internet of Things, a great revolution has occurred in all fields. The agricultural industry did not stay away from this phenomenon and new technologies emerged in this field as techno-agriculture. Horticultural science as one of the sub-sectors of the agricultural sector has also been greatly affected by the advancement of technology. The most important new technologies that have been effective in the horticulture industry are the development of sensors, robots and drones, new post-harvest and packaging technologies, biotechnology and breeding, nuclear energy, nanotechnology, vertical flower-growing technology and anti-hail systems. In this article, after the description of these technologies, their pathology as well as the status of new technologies in the horticulture industry of Iran will be discussed, and finally, suggestions for the extension of new technologies in the horticulture industry will be presented.

In this research, various types of MOFs with different metal nodes such as iron, chromium, vanadium, and strontium were synthesized using benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid as an organic linker through a hydrothermal crystallization method. In continuation, the effect of pH, temperature, and reaction time on the properties of obtained MOFs have been studied. The synthesized nanocrystalline MOFs were systemically characterized using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform InfraRed (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Therefore, synthesized catalysts were successfully carried out in the esterification reaction of oleic acid with methanol for the production of biodiesel. In addition, the operating conditions such as temperature and time of reaction, the molar ratio of methanol to oleic acid, and the amount of catalyst were studied. It was found among the prepared catalysts MIL-100(Fe) is the most appropriate catalyst for the esterification reaction of oleic acid with a yield of 78.8% upon the optimum operating conditions. The catalytic activity of catalysts decreased in this order: Sr-BTC (52%), Cr-BTC (44%), and V-BTC (42%).

Temperature is one of the main environmental factors that affect plant growth. grafting in the squash (Cucurbita moschata) family has been considered due to the increased resistance of the transplanted plant to stresses such as low temperature, high temperature and salinity. Experiment was design to study on the effect of Cucumis sativus cv ‘super daminos’ cucumber grafting on squash rootstocks of Cucurbita moschata (Rs) and ghalyani Lagenaria siceraria (Rg) and its comparison with ungraded cucumber (Rn) and grafted cucumber (Rc). The combined experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD) with two treatments of optimum temperature (27±2°C) and low temperature (15±2°C) with four replications in the research greenhouses of Isfahan University of Technology. At the end of experiment the shoot fresh and dry weight, length of bush, number and length of nodes, chlorophyll index, and photosynthetic indices were measured. The results of the present experiment showed that the rate of photosynthesis was significantly reduced at low-temperature stress and improved in the Rs and Rg under stress conditions. Cold improved photosynthesis and the highest amount of photosynthesis was observed in non-stress conditions and in grafted plants on Rs and Rg. Moreover, Transpiration decreased in Rg, Rs, Rc under low temperature treatment. Eventually, Rg and Rc can improve some characteristics of super daminos in low temperature condition compare with Rs and Rn.

The lisianthus flower with the scientific name of Eustoma grandiflorum is a relatively new product that has quickly become one of the top ten cut flowers in the world.

This study was performed to investigate the effect of LED light and seaweed extract (SWE) on seedling growth of two cultivars of Lisianthus Arena and Mariachi in factorial form in multi-factor statistical designs with control and completely randomized with eight replications with treatments of blue LED lights 100%, red 100%, blue-red 70:30%, white 100% and five concentrations of 125, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 ml/l of seaweed extract (SWE) to evaluate the effect Light quality and seaweed extract were measured on seedling growth. According to the results of the first stage, Arena cultivar had a significant increase compared to Mariachi cultivar in most traits such as leaf diameter, leaf width, internode length and stem length.

The highest leaf width and stem diameter were observed in blue light and the highest leaf diameter was observed in red-blue hybrid light. Different concentrations of seaweed extract had longer internode length than the control treatment. Plant genetics play an important role in influencing the wavelength of light and SWE, so that the highest leaf diameter was observed in Arena cultivar and combined light blue-LED and the highest internode length was observed in Arena cultivar and different concentrations of SWE and According to the results of the second stage, Arena cultivar had a significant increase compared to Mariachi cultivar in most traits such as lighter and drier shoots, wetter and drier roots, leaf area, root surface and soluble sugar content. At this stage of the experiment, plant genetics also played a significant role in the effect of light wavelength and seaweed extract (SWE), so that the highest weight and dry aerial parts in Arena cultivar, concentration of 125 ml/L of SWE and blue light and the highest soluble sugar content was observed in Arena cultivar, concentration of 125 ml/l of SWE and combined light blue and red, and the highest content of starch in Mariachi cultivar, concentration of 125 ml/l of SWE and blue light was observed.

To sum up according to the results obtained in this study, Arena cultivar can be recommended under the treatment of blue light and a concentration of 125 ml/l of seaweed extract (SWE) to produce a better product.

To evaluate the effect of grafting cucumber (Cucumis sativus var. Super daminos) on Cucurbita moschata collected in Isfahan and Cucurbita pepo on plant growth and physiology, comparing with self-grafted and non-garfted as a control an experiment was designed. The experiment based on carried out as a compound experiment based on a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 replications. Treatments were temperature included optimum temperature (27±2) and cold temperature (12±2) on cucumber (Cucumis sativus var. Super daminos) in the greenhouse of Isfahan University of Technology. Results were shown that the dry weight of the shoot decreased with temperature stress and grafting on C. moschata and C. pepo (Isfahan) enhance the dry weight of the shoot under stress. Grafting on Isfahan rootstock and self-grafted cucumber increased chlorophyll content compare with other treatments in optimum condition. Grafted cucumber on C. pepo (Isfahan) increased photosynthesis compare with other treatments in stress conditions. Mesophyll conductance decreased in stress temperature and grafting on C. pepo (Isfahan) improved it. Generally, grafting on C. pepo (Isfahan) with improving some growth and physiological characteristics of cucumber increased it tolerate to low temperature compare with non-grafted plants.

This study aimed to study the mutual effects of grafting and Arbuscular mycorrhiza on cucumber. The experimental design was a factorial experiment based on a randomized block design. Accordingly, treatments were mycorrhiza inoculation including non-inoculation mycorrhiza (AM1) as the control, mycorrhiza with 2400 spores per pot (AM2); and grafting, in which cucumbers (Cucumis sativus var. super daminos) were grafted on Lagenaria siceraria (R2) and non-grafted cucumbers (R1), and the salinity concentration included the control (C), without adding NaCl, medium salinity equal to 30 mM NaCl and high salinity equal to 60 mM NaCl with three replications. The results showed that growth parameters such as the number of male and female flowers, time of appearance of the first male and female flower, the node number of the first female flower, stem length, the number of nodes and leaves, shoot and root fresh weights, were decreased with salinity stress. Grafting also affected the time of appearance of the first male flower and in the node, the number of the first female flower appearance at high and moderate NaCl concentrations. The appearance of the first female flower was postponed under the high concentration of NaCl. Photosynthetic reduction detected in cucumbers subjected to salinity was associated with a decrease in their chlorophyll and mesophyll conductance. In addition to reducing the photosynthesis rate, chlorophyll fluorescence was also affected by moderate and high salinity stress. Generally, grafting and mycorrhiza application decreased the harmful effect of salinity, especially in moderate salinity.

Examination of language learners’ strategy use within the context of language ability may contribute to realizing the role of language knowledge in strategic competence. Employing a mix-methods sequential explanatory design, this study examined whether level of listening proficiency as a part of language knowledge affects Iranian EFL learners’ cognitive and metacognitive strategy use. The objective was to explore the role of listening proficiency level in EFL learners’ strategic competence. Therefore, in the quantitative part of the study, 343 Iranian EFL learners answered a cognitive and metacognitive listening strategy questionnaire (CMLSQ) before and immediately after completing the listening section of a TOEFL test. The results of the MANOVA revealed that the high proficiency group was significantly different from the low proficiency group regarding their strategic knowledge (measured by trait cognitive and metacognitive strategies) and strategic regulation (measured by state cognitive and metacognitive strategies) as the two dimensions of strategic competence. The qualitative data also showed that high proficiency listeners adopted a wider range of strategies than did low proficiency listeners. Both the quantitative and the qualitative data analyses proposed that the high proficiency listeners dealt with the test tasks more strategically than the low proficiency ones. The results of the current study suggest that the implementation of strategic competence depends upon the availability of a certain level of linguistic competence in second language. The findings emphasize the need for a judicious approach to teaching listening, considering both listening skills and listening strategies.

ZSM-11 Zeolite was successfully synthesized using a seed-assisted method and a proposed template of N,N-diethylaniline. In addition, the effect of the silicon-to-aluminum ratio was investigated for seeds and the optimum ratio of 10 was obtained. Synthesized zeolites were identified using FT-IR, EDX, SEM, BET, and XRD techniques. Synthesized zeolite as a heterogeneous catalyst in the oxidative desulfurization process was used for the fuels model including n-heptane and dibenzothiophene. In order to obtain optimal reaction conditions, the effect of temperature and amount of catalyst was studied and a temperature of 100 and amount of 0.05g was chosen as optimum temperature and amount of catalyst and the effect of time in optimal conditions were investigated for different catalysts. The percentage of conversion of dibenzothiophene ion exchangeable zeolites with different intermediate metals such as molybdenum, vanadium, lanthanum, cobalt, copper, and cerium was calculated by gas chromatography and compared with each other. The results show that the Mo/ZSM-11 catalyst has high oxidation activity in comparison with other catalysts in the oxidative desulfurization reaction.

Since insulin and pramlintide cooperate in glucose hemostasis, co-administration and quantitation of them in pharmaceutical preparations are imperative. A simple, rapid, sensitive, and isocratic RP-HPLC method was developed and validated for simultaneous quantitation of insulin and pramlintide in loading and in-vitro release studies of a glucose-responsive system to improve the control of hyperglycemic episodes in diabetic patients.

Experimental approach:

 The isocratic RP-HPLC separation was achieved on a C18 µ-Bondopak column (250 mm × 4.6 mm) using a mobile phase of water:acetonitrile:trifluoroacetic acid (65:35:0.1%) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min in an ambient temperature. Both proteins were detected using a UV detector at 214 nm. The method was validated for specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy, the limit of detection, the limit of quantification, and robustness. Findings/

Linearity was obtained in the concentration range of 30 to 360 μg/mL for insulin and 1.5 to 12 μg/mL for pramlintide. The results were validated statistically and recovery studies confirmed the great accuracy and precision of the proposed method. The robustness of the method was also confirmed through small changes in pH, mobile phase composition, and flow rate.

Conclusion and implications:

 The method was found to be simple, specific, precise, and reproducible. It was applied for the determination of loading capacity, entrapment efficiency, and in-vitro release studies of insulin and pramlintide in a smart glucose-responsive microparticle. Co-delivery of insulin and pramlintide could be a new intervention in diabetes management and concurrent quantitation of these two proteins is, therefore, essential.

Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) has a short shelf life, and browning, weight loss, and microbial contamination are significant changes that occur after mushroom harvesting, reducing their economic value. Vitamins, hormones, and amino acids improve mushroom growth and increase the yield. To investigate the effect of IBA and tryptophan on growth and yield of button mushroom and its post-harvest life, this study was done in two separate experiments in the mushroom factory post-harvest storage. The experiment was performed as a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications, including three levels of 0, 1, and 2 mM IBA and three levels of 0, 3150, 6300 mg/kg of the amino acid tryptophan. The results showed that the nutritional supplements used in this study effectively increased vegetative growth and yield as well as cap diameter, ion leakage and two hardnesses measured in T1 and base diameter, water loss and total weight.   1 mM IBA treatment had the highest dry weight, water loss and total weight and 2 mM IBA treatment had the highest base diameter and cap and ion leakage. In general, although the yield was higher in 6300 mg/kg tryptophan treatment but vegetative and post-harvest traits at 3150 mg/kg tryptophan were the highest. On the other hand, the use of lower concentrations of IBA is recommended due to better or equal results with higher concentrations.

Snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a warm-season plant, which is originated from Andes and Mesoamerica. There are wide range of morphological and biochemical characteristics in snap bean varieties. Snap bean is harvested for its green pods. The pods are a valuable source of dietary protein, essential vitamins, low-calorie carbohydrates, fiber, and minerals for human health. The evaluation of eight different snap bean varieties, namely, ‘Pirbakran’, ‘Sunray’, ‘Burpees’, ‘Valentine’, ‘Dragon’, ‘Kentucky’, ‘Cherokee’, and ‘Id-Market’ for their cultivation and nutritional value illustrated that P. vulgaris var. Burpees’ had higher carotenoid (56%), antioxidant (16%), and  phenolic compound (69%) than the popular commercial variety’ Pirbakran’. Folate content was 33%, and total essential amino acids were 20.6% higher than ‘Pirbakran’, while the pole type ‘Kentucky’ showed better vegetative and pod yield indices. Additionally, ‘Burpees’ had the highest calcium content, which was almost 40% higher than the other varieties and two times higher in Zn compared to ‘Valentine’ and ‘Kentucky’. In conclusion, ‘Burpees’ can be recommended based on its high productivity in terms of vegetative growth and pod yield, and nutraceutical values, including folate and total essential amino acids, compared to the other seven varieties.

In this study, the effects of flooding stress on grafted cucumber were examined over time. A factorial experiment based on a complete randomized design was conducted with three plots including 9 plants in each plot. Water status treatments included optimum irrigation and flooding stress for 15 days and three cucumber treatments consisted of grafted cucumber (Cucumis sativus var. Isfahan) into Cucurbita maxima×Cucurbita moschata ‘Ferro’= R1 and ‘Cobalt’= R2; and Non-Grafted cucumber= NG was used as the control. Some physiological and growth parameters were measured 3 times in the vegetative stage to follow the effect of flooding stress when used on grafted cucumber. The results showed that K concentration decreased by flooding in the non-grafted, while R1 and R2 could efficiently uptake K in the flooding condition. Both decreasing photosynthesis and water potential of the plant were observed in non-grafted cucumber, reducing the transpiration and stomatal conductance, resulting in more water content in plants and increasing the fresh weight of grafted cucumbers. Grafted cucumber, i.e., R1 and R2 effectively maintained their growth under flooding stress, seemingly by using a different mechanism: R1 by increasing water potential for preserving water and R2 by improving photosynthesis, could successfully keep the growth of grafted-cucumbers under the flooding stress.

One of the potentially effective methods for relieving postpartum perineal pain is auricular acupressure. This review aimed to evaluate the clinical effect of auricular acupressure on postpartum perineal pain in a systematic review.

An extensive systematic search was performed on online electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, ProQuest, Web of Science, and Cochrane using the keywords related to the purpose, from the earliest to June 30, 2021.

Of 263 articles, three studies were included in the review. A total of 386 women with a mean age of 29.79 years were included in the review. Of the participants, 192 women were in the intervention group. Of the studies included, two studies evaluated auricular acupressure, and one study evaluated battlefield auricular acupuncture plus standard analgesia. Overall, the number of acupressure points varied from 3 to 5. In most cases, auricular acupressure was used at points of Shen Men (n=3) and the external genital area (n=2). Overall, auricular acupressure in one study out of three studies had a significant effect on reducing postpartum perineal pain. Two out of three studies reported no side effects of auricular acupressure for participants.

It seems that auricular acupressure can be used as a simple, low-cost, and practical intervention to reduce postpartum perineal pain. However, future well-designed studies are needed to confirm the findings of this systematic review.

Due to the rapid spoilage of fish, it is necessary to use new methods of packaging such as coating with natural antioxidants. Chitosan has been well received as a natural preservative due to its renewable properties and similar structure to cellulose. Also, phenolic compounds in tea and cinnamon and its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties have been considered in the packaging of protein substances that are prone to high corruption. In this study extracts of 0.05% tea, 0.5% cinnamon tea, and solution of 2% chitosan-cinnamon tea were prepared. Characteristics of oxidation, chemical changes, microbial analysis and FTIR spectroscopy were examined on trout fillets covered with extracts on 0, 5, 15, 20 days during storage in the refrigerator (4 ). The results showed that coatings containing extracts and chitosan had significant effects at the level of 5% in reduction of microbial load, volatile nitrogen bases and thiobarbiotic acid. Based on FTIR findings, the control sample showed the highest oxidation rate and the sample treated with chitosan extract, tea and cinnamon tea showed the lowest oxidation rate. Covering trout fillets with cinnamon tea and tea extract increased antimicrobial properties, but combining it with a powerful antioxidant such as chitosan has higher effectiveness. Chitosan-cinnamon tea cover can be used to improve the quality of fish fillets and increase its shelf life.

In order to investigate the effect of humic acid on growth characteristics of tomato under deficit irrigation conditions, a factorial experiment was conducted in a CRB design with three replications. Factors included irrigation at field capacity (FC), irrigation in half of the field capacity (1/2FC) and irrigation in two-thirds field capacity (2/3FC) and three levels of humic acid (0, 1000 and 2000 mg/L) was applied. The results showed that chlorophyll index, relative water content of leaf, shoot weight, root dry and fresh weight, photosynthesis, total fruit and fruit weight decreased with irrigation reduction. The level of ion leakage, fruit TSS and percentage of fruit rot in low irrigation treatments showed a significant increase compared to control.The lowest shoot loss was observed in the treatment of 2000 ppm × 2/3FC humic acid at 10% relative to control. Root weights in the 2000 ppm humic acid treatment decreased at all irrigation levels and dry weight without using humic acid decreased in both irrigation treatments. Fresh weight of fruits decreased by 1/2FC and 2000 ppm of humic acid, and the dry weight of fruit was decreased in 1/2FC and all humic acid levels. RWC of leaves decreased with reduction of irrigation in all humic acid treatments compared to FC and ion leakage increased. The number of green fruits decreased by 1/2FC with zero and 2000ppm humicacid.The number of fruit with the blossom end rot in 1/2FC treatment increased in all humic acid concentrations and was lower in other treatments.