ramin maleki

Accurately and promptly monitoring the nutritional conditions of fruit orchards is crucial for providing optimal fertilizer recommendations, which in turn improves yield and enhances the quality of agricultural products. The current laboratory methods used to evaluate nutritional condition in fruit trees are expensive, challenging, time-consuming, and require an expert. In this study, image processing methods and neural network models was utilized to determine the stages of iron deficiency in peach trees. Therefore, a database containing 800 images of peach leaf samples was acquired. These images were then classified into four categories using the KNN clustering method no deficiency, low deficiency, moderate deficiency, and severe deficiency. The preprocessing, feature extraction, and modeling operations were performed in the MATLAB software, version 2017. Features such as mean and standard deviation were extracted from the RGB, HSV, and Lab color space components of each image. Subsequently, the principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm was applied to the feature vector. To determine the optimal structure of the network, criteria including precision, accuracy, recall, and the F1-score were evaluated. These criteria helped ascertain the number of optimal inputs and the corresponding number of neurons for each combination of input features (PCs). Results indicated that the neural network model, structured as 6-36-4, achieved an accuracy of 89.73 ± 0.54%, precision of 89.59 ± 0.57%, recall of 89.52 ± 0.51%, and an F1-score of 89.55 ± 0.54% in detecting levels of iron deficiency in peach tree leaves. The findings from the confusion matrix and the developed model reveal that this method can effectively and efficiently detect the severity of iron deficiency in peach tree leaves.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Its fresh and dried leaves and essential oils are used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. In recent years, the use of symbiosis with plant beneficial rhizospheric microorganisms including rhizobacteria and endophytic fungi has been considered as a cost-efficient and sustainable strategy to alleviate the adverse effects of environmental stresses such as salinity. Therefore, the present study was conducted in the research greenhouse of Urmia University. It evaluated the effect of inoculation with growth-promoting microorganisms on some growth, physiological, and phytochemical characteristics of basil plants under salt-stress conditions. This research was conducted as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications. The experimental factors were inoculation with microorganisms at three levels (control without inoculation, inoculation with Serendipita indica, and inoculation with a mixture of Pseudomonas areuginosa, P. putida, and P. fluorescens) and salinity stress at four levels (0, 40, 80 and 120 mM of NaCl). For inoculation, the germinated seeds were separately inoculated with S. indica suspension (5×105 spores per ml) and inoculum containing a mixture of Pseudomonas bacteria (1.61×109 cells per ml) and planted in prepared pots. The pots were irrigated with ordinary tap water until the plants were eight-leafed, and from this stage onwards, salinity stress treatments were applied by dissolving different concentrations of NaCl in the irrigation water and continued until the full flowering stage. In the full flowering stage, plant samples were collected and root colonization percentage by fungus, growth parameters (plant height, stem diameter, number and total length of lateral branches, leaf number and area, inflorescence length, fresh and dry weight of leaf and stem), leaf relative water content (RWC), photosynthetic pigments, concentration of leaf nutrients (N, P, K, Na and Cl), essential oil content and yield were evaluated. For essential oil extraction, shade-dried samples were hydro-distilled using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The results showed that due to salinity stress, the percentage of root colonization by S. indica, growth parameters, RWC, photosynthetic pigments, essential oil content, yield, N, P, and K content, and K/Na ratio decreased while Na and Cl content increased. In addition, all evaluated parameters in inoculated plants were higher than in non-inoculated plants except Na and Cl content. The highest and lowest rates of growth parameters, RWC (74.47 and 72.39%), essential oil yield (0.23 and 0.17 ml/pot), and N content of leaves (1.36 and 1.14%) were obtained in plants inoculated with S. indica and non-inoculated plants, respectively. The highest and lowest amounts of chlorophyll a (0.87 and 0.74 mg/g fw), chlorophyll b (0.41 and 0.37 mg/g fw), essential oil percentage (1.24 and 1.05%), K content (5.15 and 3.97%), P content (0.29 and 0.24%) and the K/Na ratio (10.05 and 4.07), were observed in plants inoculated with a mixture of Pseudomonas bacteria and non-inoculated plants, respectively. Also, the lowest Na (1.34%) and Cl (2.93%) accumulation was observed in plants inoculated with Pseudomonas bacteria and S. indica fungus, respectively. According to the results of this study, the use of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (S. indica fungus and a mixture of Pseudomonas bacteria) can alleviate adverse effects of salinity stress on the growth and essential oil production of the basil plant by increasing the absorption of water and nutrients, preserving photosynthetic pigments and reducing the accumulation of toxic ions.

Roasting is an important step in cocoa bean processing. Heating leads to the formation of many beneficial properties of cocoa such as flavor, color, texture. However, these positive changes can also be accompanied by reactions that reduce the content of active compounds such as polyphenols. Polyphenols have positive therapeutic properties and are associated with the nutritional value of cocoa, but they cause a feeling of bitterness and have a negative effect on the flavor of cocoa. Therefore, it is important to choose the suitable conditions for roasting cocoa. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of roasting parameters (temperature, time) on chemical, sensory, color and phenolic properties of cocoa powder. In the present study, temperature at three levels (120, 130 and 140 °C) and time at three levels (20, 30 and 40 minutes) were used for roasting. The results showed that with changing roasting temperature and times, browning index (OD460 / OD525) (P ≤ 0.05), polyphenol content and humidity reduced significantly (P ≤ 0.01). Roasted cocoa powder at 140 °C for 40 minutes showed the highest amount of browning index and sensory evaluation score and the lowest amount of polyphenols compared to other samples. Optimization of roasting process conditions had a significant effect on the acceptability, chemical and sensory properties and polyphenol content of cocoa.

Nanoparticles are used as a new group of elicitors for the production of valuable metabolites. In the present study, the effects of silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) as abiotic elicitor on some phytochemical traits in H. reticulatus and H. pusillus hairy root cultures were analyzed. Hairy roots were obtained from cotyledon (H. reticulatus) and leaf (H. pusillus) explants Inoculated with Agrobacterium rhizogenes. The effect of silicon dioxide nanoparticles concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg L-1) with two exposure times (24 and 48h) on fresh weight, antioxidant capacity and some polyphenol compounds in hairy roots of two Hyoscyamus species were investigated. Results showed that the highest hairy roots fresh weight (10.48 g) were found in the medium treated with 25 mg L-1 SiO2 NPs at 48 hours of exposure time in H. pusillus hairy root cultures. Overall High amount of DPPH (18.05%) and FRAP (6.26 mmol Fe+2 g-1 FW) was observed in H. reticulatus hairy roots elicited by 25 and 200 mg L-1 SiO2 NPs at 48 and 24h of exposure time, respectively. Rosmarinic acid content (9.02 μg g-1 FW) with 1.65-fold boost compared to control, was observed in H. reticulatus hairy roots culture elicited with SiO2 NPs (25 mg L-1) after 48 h exposure time, while this compound was not detected in H. pusillus hairy roots. The results demonstrate that silicon dioxide nanoparticles can be used as effective and abiotic elicitor to increase some polyphenol compound and antioxidant capacity in H. reticulatus and H. pusillus hairy root cultures.

Nowadays, air pollution is one of the main health and environmental problems in developing cities, which is a result of the increasing use of fossil fuels, heat generators and the activities of industrial districts and industries.

In order to conduct this descriptive cross-sectional study, the sampling site of Garmsar industrial district in Semnan province was selected. For air sampling, a large sample sampling pump, a cyclone holder filter and a fiberglass filter were used. The air sampling operation lasted from June to September, 2021. Sampling was performed in three days a week at a speed of 0.5 m/s. Therefore, 15 samples were taken per month and 60 samples were taken in each study period to measure each group of particles.

Based on the results of the evaluation of air pollutants, among the measured pollutants, only the amount of suspended particles and sulfur dioxide in some sampling days is higher than the maximum allowable concentration of the standard ambient air. The Air Quality Index (AQI) for Particulate Matter less than 10 µm (PM10) in August exceeded the allowable level (100), and for Sulfur dioxide (SO2) in September.

Since the concentration of particulate matter and sulfur dioxide and consequently the amount of AQI in some sampling days is higher than the maximum allowable concentration of ambient air standard, continuous monitoring of emission sources, determination and control of emission sources, and creating local and industrial guidelines in this area is essential.

Hospital microorganisms are the potential sources of infection for patients and staff. Exposure to bioaerosols is relevant to a wide range of health effects, including infectious diseases, acute toxic effects, and allergies.

In this study, ZTHV02 sampling device was used to evaluate and determine the density of bacterial airborne bioaerosols. The culture medium used in this study was tryptophan agar for bacterial agents to which the antibiotic cyclohexamide was added to prevent fungal growth. Sampling time was 10 min on average. The collected samples were immediately taken to the laboratory and incubated for 48 h. Then the number of colonies was counted and the bacteria were identified. Finally, bacterial density was expressed in CFU/m3.

The results showed that the mean total density of bacteria measured in Imam Hossein hospital were 16.07 CFU/m3. The ICU unit of Imam Hossein hospital has the highest bacterial contamination. The most abundant bacteria observed in the air of Imam Hossein hospital were enterococci, Pseudomonas species, coagulase negative staphylococci, Klebsilla species and group D non-enterococcal streptococci, respectively.

Pseudomonas, Klebsiella and Enterococcus species were obtained. The number of bacteria was not significantly related to ambient temperature and humidity, but their number in the evening shift (appointment time) was significantly higher than the morning shift (p<0.05). High density of airborne bacteria in the studied hospitals can be considered as an important risk factor for the health of employees and patients.

Studies in different parts of the world have shown that exposure to air pollutants has a negative effect on human health.

For statistical analysis between the dependent variable Particulate Matter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) concentration and independent variables (wind speed, precipitation, humidity, and temperature) R version 3.6.2 was used. Spearman correlation coefficient was used to determine the correlation between the parameters with the dependent variable. In addition, the multiple linear regression model was used to investigate the relationship and prediction between the independent variables and the dependent variable. In the present study, the effect of meteorological parameters on PM2.5 concentration in different seasons in Tehran in 2018 was studied using Pearson correlation and linear regression statistical analyzes.

Based on the results, it was found that PM2.5 had no significant relationship with meteorological parameters. Only in summer, there was a significant relationship between the dependent variable and the independent variable (wind speed) (p-value=0.01) and there was also an inverse relationship between these variables (r=-0.65). Multiple linear regression was also used to investigate the significant effect of independent variables on the dependent variable.

According to the coefficients of determination in this model, 47, 16, 45, and 20% of the dependent variable change in autumn, winter, spring, and summer, respectively, can be explained by meteorological parameters (independent). Due to the fact that the concentration of PM2.5 in Tehran is higher than the national standard, more attention of officials is necessary to improve air quality in Tehran.

To evaluate the effect of Piriformospora indica and Pseudomonas fluorescens inoculation on some growth and physiological parameters and nutrient acquisition of sage (Salvia officinalis) under salt stress conditions, a pot experiment was conducted in factorial based on randomized complete blocks design with three replications. The treatments included inoculation with microorganisms at three levels (non-inoculation and inoculation with P. indica and P. fluorescens) and salinity stress at four levels (0, 25, 50 and 100 mM of NaCl). The results showed that salinity stress and inoculation with microorganisms had significant effect on the measured parameters, so that by increasing salinity concentration, percentage of root colonization by P. indica,growth paramaters, leaf relative water content (RWC), chlorophyll index (SPAD), essential oil conten and yield, N, P and K content and K/Na ratio decreased while Na and Cl content increased. The amounts of all evaluated parameters in fungi and rhizobacteria inoculation were more than non-inoculation treatments except for Na and Cl content. The highest and lowest of dry herb yield (29.61 and 13.51 g pot-1), RWC (82.45 and 54.83%), chlorophyll content (35.36 and 26.1), essential oil content (2.02 and 1.37%), essential oil yield (0.049 and 0.017 ml plant-1) and P content (0.41 and 0.10%) were observed in non-stress conditions+ P. indica inoculated plants and 100 mM salinity+ non-inoculated plants, respectively. Overall, the findings of this study showed that plant growth-promoting microorganisms inoculation can ameliorate the adverse effects of salinity stress on growth, yield and essential oil production in sage by maintaining chlorophyll content and improving water and nutrient uptake.

Cocoa is an important product in the world and the raw material for the production of cocoa powder, which is widely used in the chocolate and food industries. Its value and quality are related to its unique and complex flavor combinations. The most important of these compounds are pyrazines, which are known to be the key components of the cocoa flavor. Since roasting is one of the most important steps in the process of producing cocoa powder, in the present study, the effect of roasting temperature (120, 130 and 140 °C) and time (20, 30 and 40 min) on flavor (alkyl pyrazines), color and sensory properties of cocoa powder were studied as the most important characteristics of cocoa quality and acceptability. Alkyl pyrazine compounds were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that by changing the roasting temperature and time, the browning index (OD460/OD525) (P≤0.05) as well as the amount of alkyl pyrazines changed significantly (P≤0.01). Roasted cocoa powder at 140 °C for 40 min showed the highest browning index, tetra-methyl pyrazine to tri-methyl pyrazine (TMP/TrMP) ratio and sensory evaluation score compared to other samples.

Cocoa is one of the most important agricultural and economic commodities in the world and that is one of the basic ingredients in the production of chocolate and cocoa powder. Cocoa powder is mainly used in the preparation of beverages and for the confectionary purposes (Aprotosoaie et al., 2016). Cacao beans are wealthy in polyphenols, forming 12-18% of the dry weight of the total bean. Cocoa polyphenols have been associated with flavor, color, and the nutritional value of cocoa products (Niemenak et al., 2006). The alkalization by complex polymerization of polyphenols reduces the astringent and bitterness and produces darker products (Giacometti et al., 2014). Alkalization is one of several routes that may be used by a manufacturer to modify the color of cocoa with different susceptibilities to development of o-quinones and Maillard reactions, especially non-enzymatic brown compounds (Bonvehí , 2005). Researchers reported that the percentage of aromatic and colure materials can be changed by changing the amount of sodium or potassium carbonate used during the alkalization process (Yue et al., 2012). Although polyphenols in cocoa powder develop the specific color of cocoa products through roasting and alkalization, few studies have focused on the relationships among the alkalizing conditions, the color of cocoa products, and the polyphenol content. The objectives of the present study were to determine the alkalization effects. Cocoa powder was treated under different concentrations and types of an alkali solution (sodium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, and ammonium bicarbonate). Then, the influences of performed alkalizing conditions on color, colorimetric fractions, the anthocyanin and polyphenol contents and selected physicochemical properties (such as moisture, ash content, acid-insoluble ash content and pH) of cocoa powder were investigated.

The Cameroon cacao beans (Forastero cultivar, Cameroon) were used in the current study. Drying and fermentation of cacao beans were accomplished in Cameroon conforming to the local practices. Therefore, there is no detailed data related to the quality of these steps. Then Cameroon cacao beans underwent cleaning, drying at 100 °C, shelling and crushing to convert to cocoa nibs and the nibs were alkalized with the solutions of NaOH, K2CO3, and NH4HCO3 at their different concentrations and combinations. The alkalized cocoa nibs were roasted at 130 °C for 20 min. Samples were pulverized in a laboratory mill to obtain the cocoa powders.

The optimization of the alkalization parameters is commonly considered in the processing of cocoa powder to improve its color and flavor qualities. The pH values were augmented proportionally with increased concentration of alkali. As can be seen, ash and acid-insoluble ash contents increased as levels of alkali were augmented and changed as type of alkali were changed. Different types and concentrations of alkali showed a significant effect (p ≤ 0.01) on the moisture content of the samples. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the total polyphenol content of the cocoa powders changed significantly (p ≤ 0.01) with changing the type and concentration of alkali solution. The lowest total value of polyphenol of the alkalized samples was observed in the A9 samples with 3% K2CO3 solution. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the browning index of the cocoa powders was changed significantly (p ≤ 0.01) with the change of the alkali solution type and concentration. The highest value of the browning index was observed in the A7 samples with 1.5% K2CO3 and 0.5% NH4HCO3 solution; It increased from 1.158 for the un alkalized cocoa powder (the A0 sample) to 1.787 for the alkalized cocoa powder (the A7 sample). The lowest value of the browning index of the alkalized samples was observed in the A1 samples with 1% NaOH solution. Cocoa powder alkalized with a 3% (w/w) K2CO3 solution exhibited a darker color and had a higher OD460/OD525 value than that alkalized with a 3% (w/w) NaOH solution. All alkalized samples had lower ratios of monomer anthocyanins to yellow/brown polymer content than the sample without alkalization, suggesting that more anthocyanins changed into brown polymers, compared to the no alkalized cocoa powder. The OD460/OD525 values (the browning index) for the alkalized samples were higher than those for the non-alkalized samples. The values of the browning index (OD460/OD525) were negatively correlated with the total polyphenol content, indicating that a darker color was related to lower total polyphenol content. Thus, less astringent taste and darker cocoa powder were associated with a decreased polyphenol content. Cocoa powders displayed darker colors when a K2CO3 solution was used, while they exhibited very darker colors when an NH4HCO3 solution with other alkali solutions (such as K2CO3 and NaOH solutions) were used for alkalization. In this study, the range of F1/F3 values of the cocoa powders was lower at 0.33. The values of F1/F3 for cocoa powders were changed significantly (p ≤ 0.01) with changing the alkali solution type. All alkalized samples had lower ratios of monomer anthocyanins to yellow/brown polymer content than the sample without alkalization, suggesting that more anthocyanins were changed into brown polymers, compared to the no alkalized cocoa powder. Alkalization with a combination of NH4HCO3 solution and NaOH or K2CO3 solution produced lower F1/F3 values than other alkali solutions.

The formation of color compounds during the Maillard reaction depended on the time and temperature of the roasting stage and the pH of alkalization stage; therefore, the color properties of cocoa powder could be modified by improving alkalization parameters. The cocoa powder alkalized under different types and concentrations of alkali was studied for its color, color fractions, polyphenol content and qualities. Alkalization increased the browning index (OD460/OD525 value), while it decreased the value of F1/F3 of cocoa powder. The alkalized cocoa powders displayed darker color than the non-alkalized cocoa powders. The alkalization process affected the moisture, total polyphenol, ash, acid-insoluble ash contents and pH. It was also observed that the combination of alkali type and concentration affected the studied parameters. The A4 alkalized sample with combination of 1% NaOH solution and 1% K2CO3 solution had a high content of polyphenol and a low content of ash and moisture, which could be considered as a fine sample, compared to other alkalized powders. Furthermore, among the studied alkalized powders, A6 (alkalization with a combination of NaOH and NH4HCO3 solutions) and A7 (alkalization with a combination of K2CO3 and NH4HCO3 solutions) displayed better color property (high browning index and low value of F1/F3).

Salt is a crucial mineral for human health, however, a salt factory may lead to hazardous pollutant exposure. Heavy metal fumes are considered toxic for human health. This study aimed to investigate concentration and assess health risks posed by toxic fumes in a salt factory.

Three units in the factory including salt laboratory, maintenance and metalworks were sampled for Arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co) and lead (Pb) according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, NIOSH7300 method, and analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometers (ICP-AES).

All hazardous levels of fumes were below the permissible limit. The highest concentration of toxic fumes (Cr) was found in the maintenance unit. With 0.0758 mg/m3, the highest total concentrations of heavy metals (tHM) was found in the maintenance unit (tHM for Salt laboratory=0.0281 mg/m3 and metalworks=0.0103 mg/m3). In salt laboratory, the metal fumes concentrations were ordered as Pb>As>Cd>Cr>Co; in maintenance unit: Cr>Pb>As>Co>Cd; in metalworks: Cr>As>Pb>Co>Cd. The total hazard quotient (tHQ) and lifetime cancer risk in salt laboratory unit were 5.11 and 4.93E-01, respectively; in maintenance the tHQ=9.35E+01 and LCR =5.90E-01; in metalworks tHQ=6.57 and LCR=4.95E-02.

The pollutant levels were below the acceptable limit. Yet, the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks that they pose are not negligible. Therefore, enhancing the efficiency of the ventilation system and additional monitoring on wearing protective equipment as preventive strategies are proposed.

Cocoa powder and chocolate are one of the most popular ingredients used in food products. The flavor of these products plays an important role in the consumer's popularity and acceptance. Pyrazines are one of the main constituents of the heterocyclic group of volatiles and key components of odor in cocoa flavor. In order to evaluate the effect of the process of cocoa powder production on the composition of desirable fragrances, the stages of cocoa powder production line were sampled from Cameroon seeds and the samples were analyzed and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that the alkalization stage is one of the important and effective steps on the flavor of cocoa powder. Therefore, the effect of three types of alkali (NaOH, K2CO3 and NH4HCO3) was investigated at different concentrations. The data indicated that the polyphenolac and alkylpyrazines amounts significantly changed. Non-alkaline powder had higher polyphenol and tetramethylpyrazine to trimethylpyrazine (TMP/TrMP) ratios than alkaline cocoa powder. In addition, in alkaline cocoa samples, the amounts of polyphenol and alkylpyrazine decreased with increasing alkali concentration. At the same concentration, alkalization with a NaOH solution produced a higher polyphenol content and TMP/TrMP ratio, but lower alkylpyrazine value than that with a K2CO3 solution. Light alkalization cocoa powder with K2CO3 solution (pH 6.89) produced the highest amount of alkylpyrazine.

Arsenic contamination is one of the serious environmental challenges in developing countries. Contaminated water is the main source of human and animal exposure to inorganic arsenic. There are various physicochemical and biological methods used for arsenic removal from aquatic environments. Compared to all the advantages and disadvantages of arsenic removal methods, adsorption processes considered as an effective method due to its low cost and ease of application. Iron - rich materials have a high capacity to sorption of arsenic in aqueous solutions. The objective of this study is an assessment of arsenate removal from water using biochar modification by iron salt, which can be used for the recovery of arsenate contaminated water resources for drinking water supply and reuse of industrial effluents.

In order to preparation of iron modified biochar 0.1 (0.1FeBC) and 0.4 (0.4FeBC) ratios of FeCl3.6H2O were added to apple pruning residues powder and pyrolized in the furnace for an hour at 300 °C under limited oxygen condition as well as a control sample without iron. SEM images were used for characterization of the morphology of the adsorbents. The isotherm experiment was carried out at initial concentrations of 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 mg arsenate/L and remaining arsenate in solution was determined using hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy (HG-AAS). Experimental data were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models, and parameters such as apparent energy of adsorption (E), adsorption efficiency, Gibb’s free energy (ΔG) and separation factor were calculated.

Iron modified the surface properties of biochar and increased the amount of the granular compounds on the adsorbents surface. The results showed that by increasing of the adsorbent iron content, the removal of arsenate from solution increased and the highest removal efficiency (86%) was obtained for the 0.4FeBC adsorbent at 1 mg Arsenate/L. The ability of the Freundlich model to simulate the process of arsenate adsorption by iron-modified adsorbents was higher than the Langmuir, Dubinin–Radushkevich and Temkin models. By increasing the iron content in the adsorbents Freundlich (KF and n), Temkin (KT and A), Langmuir (KL and qmax) coefficients increased, while the Dubinin–Radushkevich (KDR) coefficient and separation factor (RL) decreased. The highest value for the maximum absorption capacity (qmax) was obtained for 0.4FeBC in the amount of 7.66 mg of arsenate per gram of adsorbent. According to the values of apparent energy of adsorption (E), adsorption process for unmodified biochar is physical (less than 8 kJ / mol) and for the modified biochar is chemisorption. Based on Gibbs free energy (ΔG) values, the adsorption process of arsenate by adsorbents is spontaneous.

According to the results of this study, modification of biochar by iron salt can be considered as an inexpensive absorbent due to local accessibility and easy application for removal of arsenate from water.

Castor bean, as an important commercial oil-based by products are used in the manufacture of several commercially important commodities like surfactants, coatings, greases, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, polyesters, polymers. Castor bean is a non-edible oilseed crop which produces an oil rich in Ricinoleic acid, commonly over 80%. The seeds of castor consist of 40-60% by weight of the most useful natural plant oil. Interactive effects among species on inter-species populations are called interference. Interference is one of the main issues on the eco-physiology of plant populations where weeds impose negative effects by approaching the plant to compete in light, water and nutrient elements availability and results in reduced growth and yield. Various reasons have been attributed for the low productivity of crops, among them weed competition is the most important. Redroot pigweed belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, as an important competitor to slow growth of the castor bean plant, can deprive it from nutrients. The purpose of this research was determining the effects of redroot pigweed plant density interference on the yield of oil and fatty acids composition of castor bean plant to increase quantity and quality of oil. To evaluate the effects of Pigweed interference on yield, oil content and fatty acid composition of castor oil plant, a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications at the Center for Agricultural Research in West Azerbaijan (Urmia) (Saatlu station: 37°44´18״ N Latitude and 45° 10´ 53״ E Longitude, at 1338 m above sea level) with silty-sandy soils. The first factor included Castor plant densities (3, 4, 5 and 6 plants per square meter) and the second was Amaranth densities (zero, 5, 10 and 15 plants per square meter). Castor seeds cv. Mobarakeh were planted with red root pigweed simultaneously on 14 June 2013. After Soxhlet extraction, fatty acid analysis was performed by Gas Chromatography. Data were analyzed with SAS 9. 1 software. The results showed the significant effects of castor and amaranth densities, and their interaction effects on the castor oil yield, but only significant effect of amaranth density on the fatty acid composition. According to the results, increasing Amaranth density caused to reduction of 20-38% in castor grain yield, 39% in oil yield compared to pure cultures (without weed). Due to the unique characteristics of ricinoleic acid, it was reduced 19% by increasing pigweed density, but the palmitic acid (74%) and stearic acid (108%), linoleic acid (12%) and Oleic acid (64%) were increased compared with pure cultures (weed free). The results of the survey indicated that the pigweed at densities of 10 and 15 plants per square meter is one of the most important factors affecting yield, oil content and fatty acid composition. In this experiment, Amaranth weed caused to significant reduction of the yield of castor grain, oil and major fatty acids. In this regard, pigweed control at the beginning of the growing season will be effective to reduce seed production, in order to reducing crop yield loss and reduce the scope of its release in the next years. In general, despite the importance of castor plant there has been limited research work carried out on the crop in Iran to increase the crop competitive ability. In this present study, the oil content, oil yield and fatty acids composition of Iranian castor bean oil have been outlined. The results of this experiment showed that changes in oil content and fatty acid composition is depending on environmental conditions such as competition with weed and the Pigweed is a competitive weed which significantly reduces the quantitative (seed and oil) and qualitative (oil composition) yield. Increasing pigweed density decrease grain yield, oil yield and fatty acids composition of castor bean. The amount of this reduction was related to pigweed density. On the other hand, 6 plants/m2 of Castor bean can be recommended for reducing pigweed damage in Castor bean.

Mullein (Verbascum sp.) is a biennial herbaceous member of the Scrophulariaceae family. Verbascum flowers are highly valued herbal drugs used in the treatment of inflammation, asthma, spasmodic coughs and other respiratory tract diseases. In this study, preliminary evaluation of morphological and phytochemical diversity of different Mullein species from West Azerbaijan province for its domestication was investigated.
West Azerbaijan as the centers of origin for many species of Mullein in Iran was selected for sampling. For assessment of morphological diversity, different species of Mullein were evaluated in full flowering stage based on 12 qualitative and 20 quantitative morphological traits. After species identification, leaf and flower samples were extracted using ultrasonic device. For evaluation of phytochemical diversity among different species of Mullein, total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of leaves and flowers were determined using Folin–Ciocalteu assay and DPPH method, respectively.
Based on the evaluation of collected samples from different regions 9 species (V. erianthum, V. songaricum, V. speciosum, V. szovitsianum, V. stachydiforme, V. sinuatum, V. haussknechtianum,V. cherirantifolium and V. saccatum) were identified. The results showed that species has significant effect on the plant height, inflorescence length, number of flowers per bunch, number of flowering stems, basal leaves length and length and width of capsule (p The findings of this study showed that there is a wide diversity of Mullein species in West Azerbaijan province. V. sinuatum has unique morphological and phytochemical traits that can be used for breeding strategies and economic production.

In this study, seepage of heavy metals, As and Hg due to activities such as mining, ore transportation, gold refining that lead enter into ground and surface waters in Zarshoran area of Takab (south of west Azerbaijan province in Iran) were investigated. The sampling sites (n=16) selected around three different gold extraction factories and also out of industrial areas. Water samples were collected from wells, rivers and springs in polyethylene bottles according to standard methods in the mid of every season (2015). Samples of Hg acidified with 5ml Nitric acid and As samples acidified with 5ml Hcl and kept at 40c and transferred to laboratory. As and Hg analysis respectively determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer at hydride generation mode and cold vapor analyzer. Studies on gold ore deposits in Zarshoran area of Takab indicate that As and Hg exist in minerals of studied area. The obtained results show that the concentration of As in the studied area is higher than the standard level allowed for drinking water by world health organization and it is related to the geochemical composition of the soil in studied area. Also it was found that, the concentrations of Hg in surface waters decreases with distance from the industrial area so it means that, the gold ore processing had positive effect on solubility of the toxic heavy metals.

Hydraulic conductivity is one of the important physical properties of the soil used extensively in water and soil science. Most of the soil processes take place in unsaturated soil conditions. This study was conducted in order to evaluate the effect of soil layering and water table on saturated and unsaturated hydraulic parameters using a tension disc in five suction heads, i.e. 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 cm. The experimental tests were done on three same samples with 56 cm diameter and 85 cm height in three compacted layers with soil bulk densities of 1.18, 1.38 and 1.68 gr.cm-3 and water table depths of 85 (no water table) 50, and 25 cm. Additionally, we considered a one-layered sample to investigate the effect of bulk density. The experimental results showed that soil layering caused changes in the values ​​of saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity. Also, sensitivity of the saturated hydraulic conductivity to soil layering was more than that of the inverse air entry suction(α). Compared with the treatment with no water table, the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the layered soil in treatments with water table depths of 25 cm and 50 cm decreased by 52 % and 27.6 %, respectively.

Due to its favorable weather conditions, west Azarbayejan province is the second-largest producer of sugar beet in Iran. Weeds, especially field dodder, is one of the most important components that has negative effects on the quality and quantity of sugarbeet. In order to evaluate the effect of field dodder on the photosynthetic pigments and yield (quality and quantity) of sugar beet, a study using paired t-test was carried out on four farms in Urmieh-West Azarbayejan, during 2014. Studied farms had similar date of planting (first ten days of April), uniform density (8 plants per square meter) and same cultivar (Ecbatan). In this research, 30 healthy plants and 30 plants infected with field dodder were selected from each farm. Physiological and tecnicall characteristics were evaluated at the established plant stage (8-12 leaves) and at the harvest stage of sugerbeet Results showed that dodder affected efficiency of photosynthesis on sugarbeet leaves, such that it reduced chlorophylls a and b and total chlorophyll by 30,18, and 38% respectively, but the amount of carotene was not affected. It also reduced yield by 25%, root sugar content by 108%, impure sugar by 18.5% and foliage dry weight by 18%. Dodder also increased root nitrogen content by 37.3%, but had no effect on potassium content.

Field dodder (C. campestris), as an obligate stem parasite, damages sugar beet fields of west Azarbaijan province severely. In this research, we evaluated germination indices and parasitic effects of field dodder on sugar beet yield under laboratory, greenhouse and field conditions in West Azarbaijan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center during 2014. Results showed that maximum germination percent (73 to 76 %) occurred at 25-30 ºC. By increasing the planting distance from 5 to 15 cm between sugar beet and dodder plants, dry weight of dodder reduced by 63% and root weight of sugar beet increased by 31.4 %. The dry shoot weight of sugar beets that were surrounded with dodder whitin 5, 10, and 15 cm distance as compared to sugar beet that were surrounded with no dodder (control) reduced by 38, 29, and 12.3%, respectively. Results also showed that field dodder life cycle, from seed to seed needed 716.9 growth degree-days. Finally, the flowering (473growth degree-days) and germination (95growth degree-days) periods were identified as the longest and lowest growing stage respectively.

Importance of determining unsaturated soils hydraulic properties in solute transport and water flow is always regarded by soil science engineers. Among these properties is the hydraulic conductivity that should be determined at different suction. Unsaturated hydraulic conductivity is estimated using the traditional Wooding analysis at steady state condition for tension disc. Estimating of hydraulic parameters using numerical solution of flow equations and the parameter optimization with inverse solution method is one of the conventional methods that its accuracy is dependent on soil type.In this study, saturated and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity was measured in 5 suctions 20, 15, 10, 5 and 0 cm from experiment tension disc on four samples of cylindrical clay soil with diameter of 56 cm and height of 75 cm. Then, the results of tension disc were compared with inverse solution. TheHydrus 2D/3D model was used for inverse solution with Van Genuchten-Mualem method. Optimization process was done based time, cumulative infiltration data, saturated hydraulic conductivity and α parameters obtained from the analysis of the tension disc. Then the optimizedparameters in 2D were used for 3D model simulation. The average standard error of optimized θr, n and L was obtained 0.011, 0.078 and 0.117, respectively. The results showed that the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity obtained from the model is less than the values ​​measured by tension disc. However, the low suctionsindicated betteragreement than higher suctions. Additionally, the maximum and minimum value ofsimulation error ofunsaturated hydraulic conductivity was found in suctions 5 and 20 cm equal to 6.50% and 60.0%, respectively.