mohammad moghaddam

Knowledge of the level of genetic diversity and its estimation in plant germplasms is the basis of many breeding programs. Due to high levels of polymorphism, high reproducibility, polyallelic nature, codominant scoring, and high genomic frequency, microsatellite (SSR) markers are used widely in investigating genetic diversity and determining the relationships between genotypes. This research aimed to study the genetic diversity of 40 barley genotypes in terms of SSR markers and to determine the markers with the highest discriminating ability.

In this research, the genetic diversity of 39 barley cultivars and one wild barley genotype was investigated in terms of 57 SSR markers, of which 51 polymorphic markers with clear and acceptable amplification were selected for molecular evaluation of the genotypes. The banding pattern of markers was scored as one (presence of the band) and zero (absence of the band) and also, as the codominance state. Then, the efficiency of the markers was evaluated by the polymorphism information content, frequency of common alleles, number of alleles, observed heterozygosity, and gene diversity. In addition, barley genotypes were grouped by cluster analysis with the Minimum Evolution algorithm and the P-Distance coefficient.

Totally, 200 alleles (with an average of 3.92 alleles per locus) were amplified. The average polymorphism information content and gene diversity for these markers were 0.48 and 0.54, respectively. The frequency of common alleles ranged from 0.25 to 0.92 with an average of 0.56, which belonged to the GBMS021 and GBM1275 markers, respectively. Also, the GBMS027 marker had the highest polymorphism information content, expected heterozygosity, and allele number. Cluster analysis assigned the genotypes into three groups. The first group had the highest number of genotypes from the temperate regions (either warm or cold) with spring growth habit. The second group consisted mainly of genotypes from the temperate and cold regions with spring and intermediate growth habits. The third group was mostly a mixture of genotypes from temperate and tropical regions with the intermediate and spring growth habit, and most foreign genotypes were also assigned to this group. However, cluster analysis based on SSR markers couldn’t fully separate the genotypes of different geographical regions, and with different growth habits.

In general, there was significant genetic diversity among the barley genotypes studied in terms of SSR markers, and the markers GBMS027, GBMS021, GBMS006, GBMS180, GBMS0160, GBM1272, and GBMS002 were identified as markers with the highest discriminating ability due to having the higher amount of polymorphic information content, expected heterozygosity, and allele number. This diversity can be utilized in the barley breeding programs.

Steviol Glycosides (SG) synthesis in Stevia plants is significantly influenced by genetic, climatic, and soil factors. This study evaluates the variations in SG in two Stevia genotypes, ‘Indian’ and ‘Chinese’, under drought stress conditions. Two irrigation levels were employed: a control group receiving 100% field capacity and a drought stress group receiving only 30% field capacity. The study, conducted in 2022 across three farms in Iran—RF1 in Tehran, RF2 in Fars, and RF3 in Golestan—utilized a randomized complete block design, each featuring unique climatic conditions. Our findings indicate that the interaction between research farm, drought stress, and genotype significantly influenced the content of Rebaudioside-A, -B, -C, Stevioside, SG content, SG yield, and leaf yield. The results showed that the highest Reb-A (20.2 mg/g), Stev (55.6 mg/g), and SG content (89.9 mg/g) was observed in RF1. Drought stress had a different effect on the content of various SG compounds in the two genotypes studied, such that drought stress increased the SG compounds in the ‘Indian’ genotype and decreased the average of these compounds in the ‘Chinese’ genotype. Under drought stress, leaf yield decreased in all three research fields and both Stevia genotypes compared to non-stress conditions. The highest yield in all three regions was observed in the ‘Indian’ genotype under non-drought conditions, with yields of 577.0, 881.0, and 1213.0 kg/ha, respectively. Latitude was positively and significantly correlated with Stevioside and Reb-A among the climatic parameters. Altitude and mean annual temperature showed a significant negative correlation with SG metabolites. Drought stress impact on SG content varied by genotype: it increased levels in the ‘Indian’ genotype but decreased them in the ‘Chinese’ genotype. Latitude was positively correlated with SG compounds, while higher altitude and mean annual temperature were linked to reduced SG content. Therefore, cultivating the ‘Indian’ genotype is advisable in regions with lower altitudes, higher rainfall, and moderate temperatures, particularly under water-scarce conditions.

Limited research exists on the relationship between different root structures and the content of steviol glycosides in various genotypes of the Stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana</em> Bertoni) under varying levels of drought stress. This study aimed to assess the relationship between root characteristics and the content of Rebaudioside-A (Reb-A) and Stevioside (Stev) in two Stevia genotypes under drought stress.

This study evaluated the relationship between root attributes, yield characteristics, and the content of Reb-A and Stev in two Stevia genotypes (Chinese and Indian) under hydroponic conditions. Seven drought levels (-2, -4, -6, -8, -10, and -12 bars using polyethylene glycol 6000) were applied in 2023. The experiment consisted of two completely randomized design trials with three replications each. To begin the experiment, pots filled with a 1:1 ratio of vermiculite and perlite were prepared, and three uniform seedlings were planted in early April. Throughout the growth period and the application of drought stress using Hoagland solution, all pots were initially irrigated with distilled water until the establishment of plants. Once plant establishment was ensured, drought treatments were administered by irrigating once every three days with 400 mL of Hoagland solution with varying osmotic potentials based on the designated treatments. After 65 days from planting, all plants were carefully removed from the pots, and their aboveground and underground parts were separated to measure the desired traits. Steviol glycosides were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with two C18 columns and a UV-Vis detector at a wavelength of 202 nm. Finally, the results pertaining to each genotype were analyzed and presented separately.

The results indicated that both genotypes experienced significant reductions in yield and growth characteristics, including plant height, leaf number, leaf fresh weight, leaf yield, and total biomass yield, under drought stress conditions. Compared to the control, all mentioned traits decreased notably under stress. At the -12 bar level, the reduction in leaf yield traits was 59.84% and 87.9% in the Chinese and Indian genotypes, respectively, while total biomass yield decreased by 52.51% and 64.19%, respectively. The Indian genotype exhibited a higher average leaf yield at non-drought stress levels, whereas the Chinese genotype showed a higher yield at higher drought stress levels (beyond -8 bars). This suggests that the Chinese genotype displays greater tolerance in terms of leaf yield under higher stress levels compared to the Indian genotype. Root-related traits, including fresh and dry weight, volume, length, and density, showed the highest averages in the Chinese genotype at the -4 bar level and in the Indian genotype at the -2 bar level. In both genotypes, partial drought stress (-2 bars) resulted in increased average content of Stev when compared to the non-stress treatment, with the highest content of Reb-A and Stev observed at this stress level in both the Chinese and Indian genotypes (2.58% and 2.58%, respectively, and 7.8% and 5.96%, respectively). According to the stepwise regression results, root area, leaf fresh weight, and total biomass yield were identified as influential traits in increasing the combined content of Reb-A and Stev.

Based on the findings, severe drought stress resulted in a decline in growth and yield traits, root characteristics, and the content and yield of the combined Reb-A and Stev. The synthesis of these two glycosides as metabolites in Stevia plants peaked at the partial drought stress level (-2 bars), highlighting their pivotal role as influential metabolites in imparting stress tolerance. The Chinese genotype exhibited the highest resistance to drought stress, displaying superior yield and content of combined Reb-A and Stev compared to the Indian genotype in certain instances. Overall, this study illustrates that severe drought stress directly diminishes the yield and content of Reb-A and Stev in Stevia plants. In contrast, certain root-related and yield traits can serve as reliable indicators of drought tolerance in this plant.

Multiple regression analysis and path analysis of maize grain yield with other agronomic traits to determine the most effective traits of the grain yield as well as analysis of genotype×trait interaction using the GGE biplot method, to evaluate the response of the hybrids to normal and water-deficit stress conditions based on the measured traits for determining high-yielding hybrids for both conditions, were carried out. In order to determine superior hybrids under normal and drought stress conditions based on agronomic traits and with the help of genotype×trait biplot analysis and also to determine traits affecting grain yield through multiple regression and path analysis, 18 maize hybrids were evaluated in a split-plot design based on the randomized complete block design in three replications and in two consecutive years.Two levels of irrigation were allocated in the main plots and maize hybrids in the subplots.In the path analysis of the grain yield with other studied traits, the number of kernel rows, the 300-grain weight and the number of grains per row under normal conditions, and the number of kernel rows and the 300-grain weight in the drought stress conditions had significant direct effects on the grain yield.The results of GGE biplot analysis of genotype×trait in both conditions showed that in normal conditions the two first components explained 72/28% and in water-deficit stress conditions 83/60% of the total variance.In both conditions hybrid SC704 was recognized as the ideal genotype.Hybrid SC704 ranked first as the most high-yielding hybrid in both conditions, and hybrid SC647 ranked next.

In this experiment, the effect of salt stress on the root proteome pattern of Arg (tolerant to salinity) and Moghan3 (sensitive to salinity) cultivars of wheat was investigated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Salinity was applied at two levels of 0 and 150 mM in the third-leaf stage for three weeks under greenhouse conditions. The proteome analysis of the roots revealed 120 reproducible protein spots, among which 15 spots showed significant changes in expression. In Moghan3, four protein spots with a significant reduction in expression were identified. In the tolerant cultivar of Arg, 11 protein spots showed significant changes in expression, among which five protein spots had an increased expression and six protein spots had a decreased expression. These proteins were classified based on their function into several groups such as the proteins involved in metabolism and energy, reactive oxygen species scavenging and detoxification, the proteins associated with cell walls, and the proteins involved in folding and degradation. Probably, the tolerance to salt stress in the Arg cultivar was related to the increased expression of pyruvate dehydrogenase, phosphoglycerate mutase, catalase, and malate dehydrogenase proteins. While in the sensitive variety of Moghan3, the decrease in the expression of enolase, peroxidase, and glutathione peroxidase proteins under salinity stress conditions probably caused oxidative stress in the plants due to increased production of reactive oxygen species. These findings can be useful for improving the salt tolerance in the breeding programs of wheat.

Rosa damascena Mill. belongs to Rosaceae family and is considered as one of the most important medicinal and industrial plant. In the present study, the effects of foliar application of methyl jasmonate and titanium dioxide nanoparticles were investigated on physiological and phytochemical traits of Rosa damascena Mill. in two separate experiments based on a randomized complete block design with 3 replications in Farsan during two growing seasons (2019 and 2020). Foliar application of methyl jasmonate (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mM) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (0, 100, 200, and 300 mg L-1) was performed three times with 4-day intervals before the flowering stage. Essential oil extraction was done by steam distillation (a clevenger apparatus), phytochemical evaluation was performed using spectrophotometric method, and antioxidant performance was evaluated through DPPH test. Results showed that foliar application of elicitors increased dry weight of leaves and photosynthetic pigments. The phenolic compounds of leaves and petals of R. damascena Mill. also increased in response to applied elicitors and the highest increment was observed in plants treated with 1 mM methyl jasmonate and 100 mg L-1 titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Also the results showed the positive effect of applied treatments on increasing macro (N, P, K and Mg) and micro elements (Fe, Mn, and Zn) in leaves of damask rose. Methyl jasmonate (0.5-1 mM) increased the essential oil content of the treated plants by 34.32%. According to the obtained results, methyl jasmonate applied at concentration of 1 mM is suggested to improve the physiological and phytochemical characteristics of the R. damascena plants.

Inheritance of several physiological and agronomic traits in 92 F4 lines derived from the cross between two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars (Arg and Moghan3, tolerant and sensitive to salinity, respectively) was studied in a greenhouse at normal and salinity stress conditions using a hydroponic system in 2018. The experiment was carried out as a split-plot design based on randomized complete blocks with two replications. The two salinity levels (control and application of 150 mM NaCl at the three-leaf stage) were arranged in the main plots and the lines in the subplots. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among lines for all of the investigated characteristics, except the K+/Na+ ratio. The line × salinity interaction was significant for the majority of the traits including grain yield. Salinity stress increased leaf temperature, electrolyte leakage, 1000-grain weight, and Na+ content, and decreased other traits significantly. Transgressive segregation was detected for some traits at both normal and salinity stress conditions. At both normal and salinity stress conditions, broad-sense and narrow-sense heritability for the studied traits were estimated high (0.72 to 0.99) and moderate to low (0.11-0.62), respectively. The lowest broad-sense (0.72 and 0.66 at normal and salinity-stress conditions, respectively) and narrow-sense heritability (0.13 and 0.11 at normal and salinity-stress conditions, respectively) belonged to the grain yield. At both conditions, the magnitude of dominance genetic variance was higher than the additive genetic variance for the majority of the traits investigated. The average degree of dominance for all traits at both conditions was greater than one, which showed the existence of over-dominance gene action in controlling these traits. This research highlights the necessity of exploiting dominance gene effects in breeding programs of wheat at salinity stress conditions.

Maize is one of the most important cereals that is cultivated in many parts of the world and it is one of the most important cereals for the production of food for people all over the world. The most common environmental stress is drought, which limits the growth and survival of plants in arid and semi-arid areas. The selection of tolerant genotypes to drought can help to improve the performance of maize hybrids under these conditions.

In this research, to investigate the tolerance of maize hybrids to drought stress, 18 maize hybrids were evaluated in an experiment in the form of the split-plot design based on a randomized complete block design with three replications. In the control conditions, irrigation was done after 70 mm and under drought stress conditions, after 120 mm of evaporation from the class A pan. Based on the grain yield under water-deficit stress and normal conditions, the indices including the stress tolerance index (STI), stress susceptibility index (SSI), tolerance (TOL), mean productivity (MP), geometric mean productivity (GMP), harmonic mean (HARM), reconnaissance drought Index (RDI), drought resistance index (DI), yield stability index (YSI) and selection index of ideal genotype (SIIG) were calculated for the studied hybrids and the most tolerant and sensitive hybrids were identified. Also, the grouping of hybrids was done based on cluster analysis and principal component analysis.

In this research, yield under normal and water-deficit stress conditions had a low correlation with the TOL index, a negative and significant correlation with SSI, and a positive and significant correlation with MP, GMP, STI, HARM, YSI, RDI, DI and SIIG and therefore, hybrids with higher values for these indices had higher yield in the water-deficit stress and normal conditions. Thus, MP, GMP, STI, HARM, YSI, RDI, DI, and SIIG were suitable indices for identifying hybrids with higher yield in both conditions due to their higher correlation with the grain yield in water-deficit stress and non-stress environments.

In normal conditions, SC704, has the highest (18.57 tons/ha) and SC703 (11.81 tons/ha), SC702 (11.76 tons/ha), SC720 (12.66 tons/ha), SC701 (11.77 ton/ha), K19/2×K3651 (11.09) and AR66 (11.43 tons/ha) had the lowest yield. Also, under water stress conditions, SC704 had the highest (15.9 tons/ha) and AR66 had the lowest (6.16 tons/ha) yield. Based on the results of the studied indices, SC500 and SC704 were identified as water deficit tolerant hybrids and SC670 and AR66 were also identified as sensitive hybrids to water deficit stress. The results of cluster analysis and principal component analysis and biplot diagram also confirmed this issue.

In order to investigate the effect of the type and concentration of solvent on the amount of extraction of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of Crataegus elbursensis leaves, a research was performed in two separate experiments. At first experiment the effect of solvent type (acetone, ethanol, methanol) at three concentrations (50, 80 and 100%) on extracted total phenolics content of C. elbursensis leaf was evaluated. At second experiment antioxidant capacity of produced extract from the best solvent at first experiment with the highest phenolic compounds (methanol 80%) was investigated by two different methods including total antioxidant and Fe reduction capacity. The results of these experiments showed that all three solvents; acetone, ethanol and methanol; in the form of mixture with water have more potential for extracting phenolic compounds toward the pure ones. The highest total phenolic content (118 mg GAE/g DW) was obtained at 80% concentration of all solvents, especially at methanol 80%. The results of evaluating antioxidant activity showed that with increasing the concentration of extract up to 500 µg/mL, antioxidant activity (0.8 mg/mL) was increased. Investigation of Fe reduction capacity indicated that with increasing the concentration of extract up to 800 µg/mL, the amount of absorption of the solvents contain the extract significantly increased. Therefore, according to the results of this study, the leaves of this plant can be used as the source of phenolics and antioxidants in different industries.

Environmental stresses play an important role in the pattern of plant distribution worldwide, and drought stress in turn determines a large part of this distribution. Drought stress is the most important environmental factor limiting the growth and development of plants in the world so that the growth reduction due to drought stress is much greater than other environmental stresses. One of the ways to reduce drought stress damage in plants is the use of biopolymers and chitosan is one of these compounds. Chitosan has become one of the leading biopolymers for plants against various stresses in recent decades due to its numerous properties. Due to the side effects of chemical drugs, the use and importance of medicinal plants are increasing. Savory is one of the most widely used and widely used medicinal plants. Savory (Satureja hortensis L.) is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant, fragrant and belongs to the Lamiaceae family. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chitosan foliar application on growth, biochemical properties, and amount of savory (Satureja hortensis L.) essential oil under different levels of soil moisture.

This study was conducted in the research greenhouses of the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2019-2020 as a factorial in a completely randomized design with 2 factors and 3 replications. The first factor was different levels of soil moisture (30, 60, and 90% of field capacity) and the second factor was different levels of chitosan foliar application (water control, acetic acid control, 0.5, 1, and 2 g l-1). Different levels of soil moisture were applied when the plants reached the 4-6 leaf stage. Before applying drought stress, soil arable capacity was determined. Chitosan foliar application was performed in two stages. The first stage was when the plants were in the 6-8 leaf stage and the second foliar application was done two weeks after the first foliar application. During the growing season, all crops, including weed control, were uniformly applied between treatments. The studied traits included growth characteristics, wet and dry biomass of shoots and roots, relative leaf water content, electrolyte leakage, proline content, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and essential oil.

Based on the obtained results, with decreasing soil moisture, growth indices and relative water content of plant leave decreased significantly, and in contrast, leakage of electrolytes, proline, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and plant essential oil was increased. The highest amount of hydrogen peroxide (0.24 mg g-1 fresh leaf weight) was observed at the lowest soil moisture level (30% of field capacity) and the use of chitosan, especially at the level of 0.5 g l-1, reduced the significance. The application of this concentration of chitosan reduced the leakage of electrolytes and hydrogen peroxide by 8.86% and 23.77% at the highest stress levels, respectively. Also, the application of 0.5 g l-1 of chitosan caused that at the highest level of stress, plant height, shoot and root biomass, and relative leaf water content Increase 2.78, 60.18, 118.18, and 18.6 (percent), respectively. However, application of 2 g l-1 of chitosan intensified the stress in the plant so that the amount of electrolyte leakage at the lowest soil moisture level (30% of field capacity) and application of 2 g l-1 of chitosan compared to the control (no use of chitosan) with 11.98%. The increase was accompanied. Also, the highest amount of proline (0.0194 μg g-1) was observed in the application of 2 g l-1 of chitosan and 30% of soil capacity.

Chitosan foliar application, especially the application of 0.5 g l-1, improved the growth characteristics, the relative leaf water content of the plant and also reduced the damaging effects of electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide in savory. In general, the results of this study showed that the use of chitosan improved the tolerance of savory under drought stress.

The aim of this research was to study the effect of salicylic acid (SA) usage on some physiological characteristics and essential oil production of lemon verbena (Lippia citrodora L.) under salinity stress. For this purpose, a pot factorial experiment was performed based on a completely randomized design with 4 salinity levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM NaCl), 4 SA levels (0, 150, 300 and 450 mg/L) and three replications. The measured traits included total soluble protein, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide, glycine betaine, some antioxidant enzyme activities, and essential oil production. The interaction effect of the treatments on all of the studied traits were significant at 1% P value. The results showed that the highest amount of total soluble protein, MDA, hydrogen peroxide, glycine betaine, ascorbate peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities were observed at 150 mM salinity level and application of SA at 300 mg/L causes to decrease total soluble protein and glycine betaine, and 150 mg/L of SA causes to decrease MDA. But application of this plant growth regulator had no significant effect on hydrogen peroxide. Also, the results showed that catalase enzyme activity and essential oil content at the highest salinity level (150 mM) reached to the lowest amounts. In total, the results of this study indicated that the SA application especially at 300 mg/L causes to improve the studied traits in this experiment and its usage under stress conditions is recommended.

Introduction:

 Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2NPs) generally have positive impacts on the growth, biochemical, and physiological characteristics of plants. Salinity is one of the major environmental factors that limited the growth and production of most crops due to the different plant species and growth stages. Based on severity and duration of the salinity stress different reactions of the plants were observed. Salinity reduces the growth of plants due to the existing osmotic materials around the roots. In addition, salinity exerts hypertonic stress on the plants. Under salinity, ions, mostly Na+ and Cl-, accumulate in the tissues of plants and cause significant physiological disorders and reduction in plant growth and development. Therefore, using different methods for reducing the harmful effects of salinity is very important. Various ameliorating agents such as nanoparticles (NPs) have been used for combating various abiotic stresses like salinity. Application of NPs to stressed plants have been shown to mitigate stress-induced oxidative and osmotic stress. Calendula officinalis L. (marigold) is an annual ornamental and medicinal plant from Asteraceae family that widely cultivated for different purposes like producing industrial products in culinary, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries.

Materials and Methods:

 This study aimed to evaluate the effects of TiO2NPs on biochemical and physiological parameters of marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) under NaCl stress. Treatments included TiO2NPs applied as foliar spraying in three levels (50, 100, and 200 mg/L), no foliar application as control, and different NaCl levels (0, 30, 60, and 90 mM) by adding NaCl into irrigation water.The studied traits were included growth characteristic (height, number of brunches, Number of flowering branch Number of flowers, Flower diameter, Total flower fresh weight, Total flower dry weight, Flower yield, Leaf area , Plant fresh and dry weight, Root fresh and dry weight, Root length and volume)) and element content (N, P, K, Fe, Mn,Mg,Ca, Zn, Na, Ti). Statistical analysis was performed using JAMP 13software. The mean comparison was done by LSD test at the 5% probability level.

Results and Discussion:

 The results of the mean comparison showed that, with increasing salinity, the growth characteristics of the plant decreased and the application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles, especially in 200 mg/L level, improved these traits. In addition salinity affected the nutrient uptake of the plant. Application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles improved the nutrient uptake of marigold under NaCl stress. According to the findings of this study, titanium dioxide nanoparticles mitigate the detrimental effects of salinity on the studied traits which were decreased under different NaCl concentrations.Among different titanium dioxide nanoparticles levels that used in this study, 200 mg/L is more effective than the other concentrations.

Conclusions:

 Based on the results of this experiment, the stimulatory effect of foliar application of TiO2NPs under NaCl stress on enhancing growth characteristics and nutrient uptake of marigold were observed in this study. At the higher NaCl levels, the negative effects of NaCl on plant growth and osmotic abilities were observed. The application of titanium dioxide nanoparticles had different effects on the studied traits. TiO2NPs application increased the studied parameters under salinity stress in comparison with no application of TiO2. In most cases, 200 mg/L titanium dioxide was the most effective concentration to mitigate the negative effects of salinity.In addition, TiO2 helped the plants to resist NaCl stress and mitigate the harmful effects of salinity.On the other hand, proper osmoprotectants and antioxidants may induce the synthesis and accumulation of bioactive naturally compounds. Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that foliar application of TiO2NPs under NaCl stress can alleviate the deleterious effects of salinity and also improve the growth of marigold by increasing the nutrient element content such as Fe, Mg and N that effective in chlorophyll synthesis.

Drought stress is one of the non-living environmental stresses that affect the quantity and quality of plant yield (Eyni-Nargeseh et al., 2020), and it is the most important factor in reducing yield and crop production in plants (Xu et al., 2020). Elements such as potassium play an important role in controlling water loss from the plant (Farahani et al. 2019). Potassium is an essential nutrient and is one of the most abundant cations in plants, which plays an important role in plant growth and in almost all related functions (Zahoor et al., 2017). Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis L.) is one of the most widely used medicinal plants. It is an herbaceous or perennial plant and a member of the aromatic plants of the family Mint (Lamiaceae), which has a rodent flower, the flowers appear in the axils of the upper leaves, the flowers are male and female and are seen in white to purple colors (Yazdanpanah et al., 2011). Finding solutions to reduce the effects of drought stress and improve plant growth and yield is essential. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the application of different levels of potassium sulfate on increasing yield, biochemical properties, and drought resistance in Summer Savory.

This research was carried out as a factorial split-plot based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the research farm of Ferdowsi University in 2015-2016. The main factors included drought stress at three levels (50, 70, and 100% of field capacity) and potassium sulfate fertilizer at four levels (0, 100, 200, and 300 kg/ha) and the sub-factor of two harvest times. All traits were measured at the flowering stage. The studied traits included growth characteristics (using conventional methods), photosynthetic pigments (Lutts et al., 1996), soluble carbohydrates (Paquin et al., 1979), antioxidant activity (Moon et al., 1998), and total phenol (Singleton et al., 1965). Minitab17 software was used to analyze the data. The mean comparison was performed based on the Bonferroni test.

The results showed that with increasing drought stress, the amounts of chlorophyll a, b, total, soluble carbohydrate, antioxidant activity, and total phenol increased. However, with increasing drought stress, growth characteristics and carotenoids decreased. So that with increasing drought stress, the amount of plant height at the highest drought stress level (50% of field capacity) decreased by 33.99% compared to the control. Based on the results of this study, the application of potassium sulfate fertilizer under drought stress conditions reduced the effect of drought stress, as the highest amount of growth characteristics and photosynthetic pigments were observed in the application of potassium sulfate fertilizer. At the highest level of drought stress and application of 300 kg/ha of potassium sulfate in the first harvest time increased plant height, chlorophyll a, b, and total by 62.14, 82.36, 93.09, and 87.35%, respectively, but decreased antioxidant activity (13.86%) and total phenol content (34.38%).

Based on the findings of this study, the use of potassium sulfate fertilizer reduces destructive effects under environmental stresses, including drought stress. In particular, the application of 300 kg/ha of potassium sulfate fertilizer had the best results in drought stress conditions in Summer Savory which can be used as a management solution in drought-prone areas.

The side effects of chemical drugs have resulted in more attention from humans to use medicinal plants and their extract ingredients to treat many diseases. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a medicinal plant from the Lamiaceae family that is used in the food and cosmetic industries. Due to the serious problems in the past decades resulting in the excessive application of chemical inputs and plant growth regulators to enhance agricultural production, nowadays, the need for new technologies to produce safe food and protect the environment has been of great interest to the international community. In this regard, the application of alcohols, especially ethanol and methanol solutions, to improve the performance of plants in the agricultural systems is important. The use of foliar application of methanol and ethanol on the aerial parts of different plants propound as one of the newest strategies to increase growth and their yield. Short-term exposure to elevated CO2 for plants generally leads to an increase in the rates of leaf-level photosynthesis due to enhance the activity of ribulose-1.5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco). The response to elevated CO2 results in an increase in leaf area, biomass accumulation, or individual plant size.

To study the morphophysiological response of basil cv. keshkeni luvelou under CO2 and ethanol nutrition, a pot experiment was conducted at the research greenhouse of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad as factorial based on a completely randomized design with three levels of CO2 (380, 700, and 1050 mg/L) and four levels of ethanol foliar application (0, 10, 20 and 30 %v/v) in three replications in 2019. The studied traits were included growth characteristics (plant height, number of branches, stem diameter, internode distance, and fresh and dry weight of the aerial part) and photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid, and total chlorophyll), antioxidant activity, total phenol, and essential oil content. Statistical analysis was performed using Minitab 17 software. The mean comparison was done by the Bonferroni test at the 5% probability level. The figures drew by Microsoft excel software.

The results of the mean comparisons showed that, with increasing ethanol concentration, the growth characteristics of the plant increased, and also the application of 700 mg/L carbon dioxide was able to increase the growth characteristics of the plant. Application of 700 mg/L CO2 and foliar application of ethanol (20%v/v) increased chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll by 72.18, 74.01, and 71.33%, respectively compared to 380 mg/L CO2 and no ethanol application. The results also showed that the highest antioxidant activity (87.38%) and total phenol (264 mg g fresh leaf weight) higher than control at 700 mg/L CO2 and 20 %v/v ethanol foliar application. The highest essential oil content was observed at 1050 mg/L CO2 and 30%v/v ethanol. The results of this experiment showed that the use of CO2 and ethanol by affecting plant metabolites and improving photosynthesis can affect the morphophysiological characteristics of the basil.

Based on the results of this experiment, the growth characteristics, photosynthetic pigments, antioxidant activity, total phenol, and essential oil content of O. basilicum cv. Keshkeni luvelu was influenced by CO2 and ethanol. At 700 mg/L CO2 and 20%v/v ethanol application due to the effect on these compounds in improving photosynthesis, the highest growth characteristics were observed. While the highest essential oil content was observed in the highest levels of carbon dioxide and ethanol foliar application. Therefore, according to the results of this study to achieve the highest yield of basil, 700 mg/L CO2 and 20%v/v ethanol application is recommended.

This study was carried out to enhance yield and quality of Persian melon crop in a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at the Research Farm of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2018. The treatments consisted of foliar application of salicylic acid at three concentrations (0, 1, and 2 mM) and root drowning in the aqueous solution of silicon oxide at three concentrations (0, 0.5, and 1 g/L). The measured traits were the number of days to flowering, average fruit weight, average fruit production per plant, fruit number per plant, final yield, total phenol, antioxidant activity, proline, and soluble carbohydrate. Results showed that the highest fruit yield, total carbohydrate, and antioxidant activity were obtained in the interaction effect of 2 mM salicylic acid spray with 0.5 g/L silicon oxide application. The amount of proline and total phenol increased in 2 mM salicylic acid and 0.5 g/L silicon oxide treatment compared to control. In this experiment, foliar application of 2 mM salicylic acid with 0.5 g/L silicon oxide were superior to other treatments in the most measured traits.

One of the problems in identifying the competencies that organizations face involves the selection of a concept model or a comprehensive, accurate and in-depth framework of organizational competencies. This research is intended to design a competency model for the servant helpers of Astan Quds Razavi, which has not been dealt with so far. In this regard, an extensive study was carried out regarding research literature, and a large amount of data was collected through interviews with servant helpers, experts and responsible managers in Astan Quds Razavi. Having reviewed the interviews and the related documents several times, the researchers analyzed the data on the basis of the grounded theory (covering all five steps of identifying and classifying data). In the next stage, based on the results of analyzing the interviews and the theories and scientific findings, the dimensions and components of the competencies of Astan Ghodsar Razavi's servant helpers were identified. four types of competence including sincere Jihadi service, individual competencies, interactional competencies, organizational competence were identified. Finally, the competency model of the servant helpers in Astan Quds Razavi was designed.

Salinity stress is one of the main factors that limited crop production. Salt stress causes physiological effects by decreasing soil water potential. Azomite is an inorganic mineral that contains more than 60 forms of nutrients (macro and microelements). This material modifies and improves the soil, and the high ionic exchange capacity of this substance has resulted in some of it being used to reduce the effects of salinity stress. Mexican Parsley (Tagetes minuta) is a medicinal plant from Asteraceae family that used in the food and cosmetic industries. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate biochemical response and dry aerial biomass of Tagetes minuta under salinity stress and Azomite application.

A pot experiment was conducted at the research greenhouse of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad as factorial based on completely randomized design with three levels of salinity (0, 30 and 60 mM NaCl in irrigation water) and four levels of Azomite (0, 4, 8 and 12 g/kg soil) in three replications in 2018. The studied traits were included biochemical characteristics (RWC, Electrolyte leakage, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotenoid, total chlorophyll, antioxidant activity, total phenol, soluble carbohydrates, and proline) and dry biomass. Statistical analysis was performed using Minitab 17 software. The mean comparison was done by Bonferroni test at the 5% probability level. The figure drew by Microsoft Excel software.

The results of this experiment showed that the interaction effects of salinity and Azomite had a significant effect at a probability level of 1% on all of the studied traits. The highest amount of dry biomass (30.25 g.plant), RWC (74.2 %), chlorophyll a (7.5 mg.g-1FW), chlorophyll b (9.26 mg.g-1 FW), carotenoid (16.73 mg.g-1FW), total chlorophyll (33.39 mg.g-1FW) and essential oil content (0.46 %) were observed in treatment without salinity and 12 g/kg soil of Azomite. The highest amount of Electrolyte leakage (83.55 %), antioxidant activity (9727 %), Total phenol (95.10 mg.g-1FW), soluble carbohydrates (114.4 mg.g-1FW) and proline (0.12 µM/gDW) was observed on 60mM salinity and without the use of Azomite. NaCl stress can reduce nutrient uptake by the root of the plant and cause to decrease the growth of plants (Dry aerial biomass), RWC, Chlorophyll a, b, carotenoid and total chlorophyll and increase antioxidant activity, total phenol, soluble carbohydrates, and proline. Azomite in salinity stress increase water holding and inhibited the plants from Na uptake. Therefore it prevents plants from Na toxicity. The result of this study showed that the highest salinity level (60 mM NaCl) and application of Azomite especially at 12 g/kg soil level had the highest effect on ameliorating biomass and biochemical characteristics of the plant.

In order to investigate the effect of bentonite application in different soil moisture levels, an experimental factorial study was performed on summer savory in a completely randomized design with two factors and three replications in the greenhouse of Department of Horticultural Science, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The first factor was the application of bentonite at 3 levels (0, 50, and 100 g/kg soil) and the second factor was the different levels of soil moisture at 3 levels (50, 75, and 100% of field capacity). The results showed that drought stress reduced plant height, relative water content and fresh and dry biomass of shoots in summer savory, while the use of bentonite improved the mentioned traits. During drought stress, fresh and dry root biomass, root length, electrolyte leakage, antioxidant activity, total phenol, and proline content were on the rise. The use of bentonite improved these traits. At the highest level of drought stress, the use of bentonite (50 g/kg soil) reduced electrolyte leakage (22.45%) and proline content (58.33%) in the plant. Also, the relative water content in bentonite application (50 and 100 g/kg soil, respectively) at the highest level of drought stress increased by 20.75% and 22.76%, respectively, compared to the control. In general, the results of this study showed that the application of 50 g of bentonite per kg of soil in drought stress conditions had a better effect on the studied traits and its use in these conditions is recommended.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract Zataria multiflora, Salvia verticillata, Froriepia subpinnata on Pectobacterium carotovorum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.An experiment was conducted at the in vitro condition. The extracts were prepared by the maceration method.The antimicrobial activities were investigated using the micro broth dilution method and by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and also their synergistic properties.Variables included extract types, different concentrations of extracts and bacterial strains.The minimum inhibitory concentration of Z. multiflora varied between 3.12 to 6.25 mg/mL; that of S. verticillata extract was between 12.3 and 25 mg/mL, and for the F. subpinnata was 12.5 to 25 mg/mL.The combined use of the extract of Z. multiflora and S. verticillata showed that there was an antagonistic effect between the two extracts in the case of P. carotovorum and synergic effect for P. aeruginosa.The results of the combined use of extracts of Z. multiflora and F. subpinnata and checkerboard dilution Modified(FIC) assay showed a synergic effect on P. carotovorum and antagonistic effect on P. aeruginosa.The combined use of the S. verticillata and F. subpinnata showed a synergic effect on both bacterial strains (0.54). A comparison of the results of inhibitory effects revealed that Z. multiflora extract had more potent antibacterial activity than S. verticillata and F. subpinnata. P. carotovorum was more sensitive than P. aeruginosa.FIC analysis showed that in the studied bacteria the combined application of S. verticillata and F. subpinnata extracts had better results than other combined extracts.

Jashir (Prangos spp.) is a medicinal plant and native plant to some parts of Iran that is used in traditional medicine in the treatment of many diseases. This study aimed to investigate the total phenol content and antioxidant activity of aerial parts of 80 populations belonging to seven species P. hausslmechtii, P. lophoptera, P. corymbosa, P. uloptera, P. acaulis, P. platychlaena, and P. ferulacea at the flowering stage in spring and summer 2018 in six provinces of Lorestan, Isfahan, Fars, Khuzestan, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad, and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari as a randomized complete block design. Methanol extracts of plants were obtained by the maceration method. Total phenol content and antioxidant activity were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu and DPPH (1,1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) methods, respectively. ANOVA and Duncan's tests were used for statistical analysis. The results showed that there is a difference between populations and different species of Jashir genus in terms of total phenol content and antioxidant activity. The total phenol content of these extracts belonging to 80 populations was different and ranged from 17.59 to 1.76 mg gallic acid/g extract and their antioxidant activity ranged from 61.77 to 96.2%. The highest total phenol content and antioxidant activity were observed in populations 5 (P. acaulis) and 48 (P. platychloena), and the lowest amount obtained from populations 80 (P. platychloena) and 36 (P. platychloena). Among seven species of Prangos spp., the highest amount of total phenol content and antioxidant activity was found in P. uloptera and P. acaulis. Due to the high antioxidant properties of Prangos spp. and because of the possible carcinogenicity of synthetic antioxidants, different species of this genus especially P. uloptera and P. acaulis are suggested as suitable substitutes for preservatives. So they can be used as rich and accessible resources in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

To investigate the effect of light quality on germination indices and some vegetative traits of valerian seedlings, a research was conducted as completely randomized design with three replications and light combinations in four levels (R light, 15% B + 85% R , 30% B + 70% R and fluorescent light) were used. The results showed that the highest percentage of germination (63%), germination rate (%41.87), mean daily germination (9.21), germination value (68.81), peak value (7.50) and lowest mean time to germination (2.66) were obtained under R light.The highest dry weight of plumule (0.36 mg/seedling) were obtained under R light and 15%B + 85%R ratio. The highest dry weight of radicle (0.3 mg/seedling) were acquired under30%B + 70% R and 15%B + 85%R ratios. The highest length of plumule and radicle (1.18 and 3.03 cm, respectively) were obtained under R light and 15%B + 85%R ratio. The highest amount of radicle and plumule soluble sugar (63.37 and 72.54 mgg -1 FW, respectively) were acquiredunder R light and 15%B + 85%Rratio. The highest amount of chlorophyll a, b, totalchlorophyll (0.37, 0.47, 0.84 mg g -1 FW, respectively) and carotenoids (0.44 mg g -1 FW) were obtained under 30%B + 70%Rratio, the highest amount of radicle and plumule antioxidant activity (60.09% and 71.04%) under 30%B + 70%R and 15%B + 85%Rratios and the highest amount of radicle and plumule phenolic compounds (4.40 and 8.65 mg g -1 FW, respectively) under 30%B + 70%R and 15%B : 85%Rratios were obtained. The results of this experiment showed that it is possible to improve germination indices and biochemical and vegetative traits of valerian seedlings by the usage of the R and B spectra compare with fluorescent light.To investigate the effect of light quality on germination indices and some vegetative traits of valerian seedlings, a research was conducted as completely randomized design with three replications and light combinations in four levels (R light, 15% B + 85% R , 30% B + 70% R and fluorescent light) were used. The results showed that the highest percentage of germination (63%), germination rate (%41.87), mean daily germination (9.21), germination value (68.81), peak value (7.50) and lowest mean time to germination (2.66) were obtained under R light.The highest dry weight of plumule (0.36 mg/seedling) were obtained under R light and 15%B + 85%R ratio. The highest dry weight of radicle (0.3 mg/seedling) were acquired under30%B + 70% R and 15%B + 85%R ratios. The highest length of plumule and radicle (1.18 and 3.03 cm, respectively) were obtained under R light and 15%B + 85%R ratio. The highest amount of radicle and plumule soluble sugar (63.37 and 72.54 mgg -1 FW, respectively) were acquiredunder R light and 15%B + 85%Rratio. The highest amount of chlorophyll a, b, totalchlorophyll (0.37, 0.47, 0.84 mg g -1 FW, respectively) and carotenoids (0.44 mg g -1 FW) were obtained under 30%B + 70%Rratio, the highest amount of radicle and plumule antioxidant activity (60.09% and 71.04%) under 30%B + 70%R and 15%B + 85%Rratios and the highest amount of radicle and plumule phenolic compounds (4.40 and 8.65 mg g -1 FW, respectively) under 30%B + 70%R and 15%B : 85%Rratios were obtained. The results of this experiment showed that it is possible to improve germination indices and biochemical and vegetative traits of valerian seedlings by the usage of the R and B spectra compare with fluorescent light.

In order to investigate the effect of mycorrhizal fungi under salinity stress conditions on physiological and biochemical properties of Mexican marigold (Tagetes minuta L.), a pot factorial experiment was conducted based on a completely randomized design with two factors and three replications. The first factor was the application of two types of mycorrhizal fungi at three levels (non-inoculation, Rhizophagus intradices, and Funnetiformis mosseae) and the second factor was irrigation with salinity water at 4 levels (0, 40, 80, and 120 mM equal to 0, 3.5, 7, and 10.5 ds/m sodium chloride, respectively). The salinity treatment was applied in the plants at the eight-leaf stage and on three days a week. Results showed that application of salinity stress reduced the relative water content and chlorophyll of leaves. With increasing salinity concentration, the amount of electrolyte leakage, total carbohydrate, and proline increased in leafs. In contrast, the use of mycorrhizal fungi resulted in improved traits measured under salt stress conditions. The amount of proline, total carbohydrate, and electrolyte leakage decreased with the use of mycorrhizal fungi under stress conditions due to the positive effect of these fungi on balancing growth conditions in the plant under salt stress. Also, the highest amount of relative water content and chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll of leaves were observed under non salinity stress treatment and application of R. intradices. According to the results of this research, it can be concluded that the application of salinity stress at 120 mM resulted in a significant reduction in the studied traits. Besides, the application of mycorrhiza fungi at this level of salinity could not improve the negative effects of salt stress. The use of R. intradices compared to the F. mosseae had a greater effect on the improvement of physiological and biochemical characteristics of Mexican marigold under salinity stress conditions at low salt concentration.

There is no doubt that tourism plays an important role in the revitalization and diversification of communities, but at the same time it can cause the effects and changes that this industry has on society, changes in the social, economic and living environment of the regions. It is complex and varies from region to region, so the effects it has are very different and vary from region to region. The purpose of the present study by descriptive-analytical method; is investigating the effects of religious tourism from the perspective of cultural patterns and examples of Islam and Islamic jurisprudence, as well as providing strategies for the tourism industry based on Islamic religious models by collecting library information and documentary. The results of the research show that tourism and travel from the Islamic point of view is not only not limited but while emphasizing tourism, its Islamic dimensions and examples are also abundant.

Lead as a heavy metal and permanent chemical contaminant threat the health of environment and alive creatures through different artificial and natural sources. In order to investigate the effect of methyl jasmonate and lead stress on growth characteristics, the adsorption and accumulation of lead and hazardous index in basil, a pot factorial experiment was carried out based on completely randomized design in research greenhouse of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. The treatments consisted of three levels of lead nitrate (0, 200 and 400 mg/kg soil), and methyl jasmonate spraying in three concentrations (0, 0.5 and 1 mM). The mean comparison of data represented the reduction in all the studied morphological traits and increasing the amount of lead in the leave and root of the plant and hazardous index with increasing lead stress levels and spraying with methyl jasmonate could partly improve some of these traits. So that spraying with 1 mM methyl jasmonate cause to increase 6.01% inflorescence length and cause to decrease lead amount of the eave 96.56, 79.31 and 99.20%, respectively and hazardous index, however, at o.5 mM methyl jasmonate cause to increase the number of branches and aerial fresh weight, 27.66 and 9.84%, respectively. Therefore, it seems that application of methyl jasmnate on stress conditions could improve partly the traits and so in some cases 1 mM methyl jasmonate concentration cause to decrease some morphological traits. Therefore, application of o.5 mM methyl jasmonate on lead stress is recommendable.

Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers are simple PCR-based co-dominant markers, which are highly polymorphic and informative due to the number and frequency of alleles, and thus they are most utilized among the molecular markers. However, the development of SSR markers is costly and time-consuming. Cross-species transferability of SSRs allows the SSRs isolated from one species to apply on a closely related species, which increases the utility of previously isolated SSRs. This study demonstrated the cross-species transferability of 196 SSR primer pairs of wheat in genetic diversity analysis of 40 varieties of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Of the 196 SSR primer pairs assayed, 59 (30.1%) showed transferability. Of the 59 primer pairs, 21 pairs were polymorphic with the polymorphism information content ranging from 0.19 to 0.70. The number of alleles detected at each locus ranged from one to seven with an average of 3.57. Cluster analysis using the Minimum Evolution algorithm and the coefficient of Number of Differences assigned the genotypes into five groups.