جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « flower yield » در نشریات گروه « زراعت »

Applying chemical fertilizers has traditionally been employed to enhance saffron cultivation yields. However, their excessive usage has not only failed to increase yields significantly but has also resulted in soil element depletion and environmental pollution. In the context of sustainable agriculture, the use of biofertilizers presents an alternative approach. Biofertilizers play a crucial role in reducing the dependency on chemical fertilizers by aiding in the mobilization of mineral elements within the soil, ultimately leading to heightened yield levels. Therefore, due to the importance of increasing the yield of saffron as a strategic export and medicinal plant, an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design format with three replications in the research farm of the Semnan Natural Resources Department during the year 2022. Iron-zinc (FeZn), potassium (K), phosphorus (P) biofertilizers, and their combination together with the control (total of 8 treatments) were experimental treatments and applied as fertigation in the middle of February 2022. The studied traits included flowering period, number of flowers, fresh and dry flower weight, fresh and dry weight of stigma, height and diameter of stigma tip, number and length of leaves, and leaf chlorophyll content. The field soil was analyzed before the experiment, and it was a saline calcareous soil with alkaline pH and high levels of nutritional elements, which does not need chemical fertilizers for saffron cultivation. Mean comparisons showed that biofertilizers caused a significant increase (p < 0.05) in all traits except length and number of leaves, height, and stigma diameter compared to the control. This research showed that the combined application of K and FeZn biofertilizers had the best results. So that the highest values of the number of flowers (175 number.plot-1), fresh weight of flowers (72.61 g.plot-1), dry weight of flowers (7.92 g.plot-1), length of flowering period (21 days), chlorophyll a content (0.728 mg.g-1 of leaf fresh weight), total chlorophyll content (5.97 mg.g-1 leaf fresh weight), stigma fresh weight (4.28 g.plot-1) and stigma dry weight (0.804 g.plot-1) were recorded in the  K+FeZn treatment. Overall, the cultivation of saffron with biofertilizers improved most of the quantitative and qualitative traits of saffron by affecting the uptake of nutrients, and the combined use of biofertilizers can significantly increase saffron yield through synergistic effects.

In order to evaluate different irrigation regimes and planting date on yield, water use efficiency, and harvest index of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdarjffa L.), an experiment was conducted in form of split plot in randomized complete blocks with three replications in Karaj in 2017. Experimental treatments included irrigation round (Irrigation intervals of 8, 10, and 12 days) as a main plot, andplanting date treatments at three levels of 4th June, 18th June, and 2th July as a sub-plot. Results showed that the main effect of irrigation treatments was significant on all traits except harvest index. Planting date had a significant effect only on plant height, stem diameter, biological yield, flower water use efficiency, and sepal water use efficiency. The interaction of irrigation treatment levels and planting date only made a significant difference in biomass water use efficiency. Also, the flower harvest index was not affected by any of the applied treatments.The greatest plant height (181.2 cm), stem diameter (2.91 cm) and biological yield (14.6 t.ha-1) were obtained in the irrigation interval of 8 days. The highest sepal water use efficiency of (0.18 g.L-1), flower water use efficiency (0.034 g.L-1) and sepal harvest index (11.12 %) were observed in the irrigation interval of 12 days. The irrigation interval of 10 days had the highest sepal yield (1.59 t.ha-1) and flower yield (307.7 kg.ha-1).Delay in planting caused a decrease of 12, 16, and 7% in plant height, stem diameter, and biological yield, respectively and increase in the sepal water use efficiency and biological yield water use efficiency by 22 and 20%, respectively compared to optimum planting time. The highest biological yield water use efficiency (2.41 g.L-1) was obtained in irrigation interval of 12 days and one month delay in planting. Based on the obtained results, irrigation interval of 10 days is recommended to achieve maximum flower yield and sepal yield, increase the flower water use efficiency and sepal harvest index. Also, in order to shorten the cultivation period and save water consumption, the date of 18th June is recommended for plant cultivation in Karaj.

To investigate the effects of hydropriming and foliar application of chitosan and humic acid on physiological and yield characteristics of borage, a factorial experiment was carried out based on a randomized complete block design with three replications at Medicinal Plants Research center of Samian Ardabil in 2017. Treatments were seed priming in two levels (non-priming (control) and hydropriming for 48 hours), and foliar application in four levels (control, 0.5 g.L-1humic acid 1 g.L-1 chitosan and combination of humic acid and chitosan). Results showed that hydropriming significantly improved the grain yield (1.23 fold) and yield components of borage plants compared to control; may be through the increasing in the photosynthetic pigments content. Foliar application of humic acid, chitosan and combination of humic acid and chitosan, significantly increased the flower yield in the plants obtained from primed seeds. Although hydropriming increased the 1000-grain weight and grain yield, the foliar application caused a further increase these traits, so that, in the plants from primed seeds, the foliar application of humic acid and utilization of humic acid and chitosan were significantly increased the 1000-grain weight (1.22 fold) and biological yield (1.69fold) compared to control, respectively. These results indicate the synergistic effects of hydropriming and utilization of humic acid on borage growth and yield characteristics under field condition.

Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.) as the king of flowers is one of the most important cut flowers, pot and medicinal plants in the world. Plant genetic resources, in addition to the infrastructure for agricultural development, it serves as a source of genetic adaptation and as a protection against environmental changes. Therefore, evaluation of genetic diversity and adaptation of cultivars in Iran with water deficit conditions (moderate and severe stress) is necessary for further identification of germplasm and success of breeding programs of this plant. This research was carried out to investigate the compatibility of 30 cultivars of Chrysanthemum, by studying the morphology of flower and leaves and flower yield in two regions (Khorramabad and Beiran-Shahr) of Lorestan province.

This experiment as the first study, was conducted to investigate the compatibility and stability flower yield and other important traits flowers and shrubs of 30 cultivars of Chrysanthemum in a randomized complete block design with three replications in (Khorramabad and Beiran-Shahr) of Lorestan province. Experimental errors were homogeneous in two locations, therefore; composite variance analysis was performed in two regions. To determine sustainable cultivars also non-parametric ranking method, AMMI and and GGE biplot multivariate methods were used to evaluate stable cultivars to select the best cultivars in two regions.

The results of composite variance analysis showed significant effect of cultivars that indicating the genetic difference among the cultivars under study. For most important morphological traits, cultivar × location interaction effects were statistically significant at 1% level. Considering that the interaction effects of cultivar × location on flower yield were significant, so the stability of the cultivars could be analyzed. According to the results, Flower yield per plant Elmira2 and Shekarnaz cultivars with 918 and 828 gr per plant, respectively, and in terms of early flowering and plant height, they were superior to other cultivars. According to this method, Tanaaz, Andia, Fariborz, Darya 2 and Farahnaz cultivars with higher average yield rating and standard deviation, they had lower stability. GGE biplot results showed that cultivars Elmira2, Mani 2, Paridokht, Farahnaz, Golnar, Taban3, Oran and Fariba in Beiran-Shahr and Elmira2, Tanaz, Farahnaz, Nadia2, Golgis, Oran, Taban3, Nastaran and Kimia 3 cultivars in Khorramabad region, they were recognized as superior cultivars for important ornamental traits. Cluster analysis of cultivars at Euclidean distance of 17.71, were categorized into three main groups.

Finally, based on results of stability of flower yield in plant and interaction of genotype in environment based on non-parametric AMMI and SHMM methods, Elmira2 and Shekarnaz cultivars, were identified as stable cultivars in two regions. GGE biplot results showed that cultivars Elmira 2, Oran, Taban 3 and Farahnaz were the best cultivars in the two regions. Understanding the nature of genotype × environment interaction effects will help breeders to evaluate the cultivars more accurately and select superior cultivars in terms of stability, flower yield and important morphological traits in breeding programs.

For evaluation of response of flower and corm yield of saffron to nanobiologic fertilizer application methods in comparison to cow manure and chemical fertilizer an experiment was conducted in Shadmehr region as randomized complete block design with 10 treatments with four replication during two years (2014-2015 and 1015-2016). The treatments were 1. Corm inoculation with nanobiofertilizer (Bioumik product of Biozar company), 2. Corm inoculation+use in irrigation water, 3. Corm inoculation+ foliar application 4. Corm inoculation+ foliar application+use in irrigation water, 5. In irrigation water, 6. Foliar application 7. Use of chemical fertilizer (Urea, Ammonium phosphate and Potassium sulphate) 8. Use of cow manure 9. Use of chemical fertilizer +Use of cow manure and 10. Control. Studied traits were corm dry yield, flower dry yield, stigma dry and fresh yield and flower number. Based on result from third year the highest stigma dry yield (about 14 kg/ha) and flower number were achieved in Corm inoculation+ foliar application+use in irrigation water treatment (by 176 % increase in comparison to control) and the highest corm yield was seen in corm inoculation treatment (by 41 more than control). Results showed that the best method for corm improvement was corm inoculation with nanobiofertilizer and for flower improvement it is recommend to use of Corm inoculation+ foliar application+use in irrigation water.

In order to investigate the impact bio fertilizer novafol and mother corm weight on leaves growth, chlorophyll content and flower and stigma yields of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), an experiment was done as randomized complete block design with three replications in the Agricultural Research Station, University of Birjand, during the growth season of 2016-17. Experimental factors were amino acid application (Novafol, containing 28% amino-acid. Applied as corm soaking + fertigation in three levels: 0, 2 and 4 L.ha-1) and mother corm weight (0.1-4, 4.1-8 and 8.1-12 g). The effect of bio-fertilizer novafol was significant on the flower number, flower yield, dry stigma yield and chlorophyll a content. The highest flower number (16.5 per m-2), flower yield (5.63 g m-2), dry stigma yield (0.108 g m-2) and chlorophyll a content (1.09 mg. g-1 FW) were obtained from 4 L.ha-1, while, the lowest flower number (14.22 per m-2), flower yield (4.55 g m-2), stigma yield (0.085 g. m-2) and chlorophyll a (0.97 mg. g-1 FW) were gained in control treatment, but, there was no significant difference between two levels (2 and 4 L.ha-1) novafol bio fertilizer. Corm weights aslo significantly affected all studied traits. The highest stigma length (25.1 mm), flower yield (10.4 g m2), leaf length (31.42 cm) and fresh and dry weight of leaves (0.29 and 0.083 g per plant, respectively) were obtained from big corms, but the lowest of them were obtained from small ones. Interaction effect of corm weight and novafol bio fertilizer was significant on chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents and number of leaves per plant. The highest chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll (1.77 and 2.95 mg. g-1 FW, respectively) and number of leaves (7.58 per plant) were obtained from 4 L.ha-1 of novafol bio fertilizer and big corm. Overall, application of novafol bio fertilizer (4 L.ha-1) improved the vegetative and reproductive growth parameters. Big corms planting also had an important role in increasing the growth and yield of saffron.

In order to study the effects of salinity stress of irrigation water and different amounts of cow manure on morphological and physiological characteristics of saffron (Crocus sativus L.), an experiment was conducted during 2015-16 in the Jalagh Rokh Torbat Heidarieh area. The treatments were consisted of four levels of irrigation water salinity as the main factor (1, 4, 7 and 10 dS.m-1) and cow manure (sub factor) in four levels including control (without fertilizer), 20, 40 and 60 (t.ha-1) that were split plot in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The studied traits included fresh weight and numbers of flowers, fresh and dry weights of stigma, leaf chlorophyll content, proline content, diameter, fresh and dry weights of corm. The results of analysis of variance showed that the effects of different amounts of cow manure and salinity stress levels on all traits were significant at 1% level. In this experiment, the highest fresh weight and numbers of flowers, fresh and dry weight of the stigma were obtained in the control salinity treatment (without salinity) and 60 (t.ha-1) of cow manure. With increasing salinity levels up to 7 dS.m-1, chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll increased and then decreased sharply. The results showed a significant increase in proline with increasing salinity levels. In addition, diameter and fresh and dry weights of the corms decreased with increasing salinity levels, so that their maximum and minimum values ​​were obtained in salinity control (without salinity) and 10 dS.m-1 respectively. The results showed that the use of cow manure reduces the effects of salinity stress on corm yield and yield of saffron flower.

  Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa ) is considered as a member of Malvaceae family which is cultivated across all tropical and warm areas. More than 300 species of Hibiscus are found in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. Roselle is annual and self-pollinated plant. This plant is very sensitive to cold and glacial, it is multipurpose plant and its various components are used. Severe water restrictions and the high water costs cause in some areas, the optimal level of water to become lower than the required level for maximum production. Nowadays, appropriate irrigation management and the cultivation of drought-resistant plants are regarded as strategies to deal with drought stress. Roselle is one of the few drought resistant plants. To study the effect of different levels of irrigation, planting date and fertilizer management on yield and yield components of Roselle, an experiment was contacted in Agricultural Research Station, 105 kilometers East of Bandar Abbas, Minab city, Iran. An experiment was conducted as split-split-plot based on a randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Treatments included irrigation levels in three levels (100,80 and 60 percent evapotranspiration from reference crop) as main plots, planting date in three levels (June 15, September 10 and October 1th) as subplots and three levels of fertilizer (Cow manure, chemical fertilizer 50% and 50% cow manure and chemical fertilizers) are allocated as sub-sub plots. The results showed that the highest plant height (127.7 cm) and stem diameter (1.97 cm) were obtained in irrigation after 60 percent evapotranspiration from reference crop. The highest number of growing stems (3.20 stems) and sepal dry weight (18.48 g) were shown in 100 percent evapotranspiration from reference crop. The total number of stems, the number of generate stems, flower dry weight and plant dry weight were decreased by increasing the percent evapotranspiration from reference crop. Thus, the lowest total number of stems (7.70), the number of generate stems (4.52), flower dry weight (4.28 g. per plant) and plant dry weight (377.1 g. per plant) were shown in 100% evapotranspiration of the reference treatment. Most of the studied criteria were decreased by delaying sowing date. The lowest stem height (108.2 cm), stem diameter (1.32 cm), total number of stems per plant (7.3), the number of generate stems per plant (3.94), sepals dry weight per plant (16.15 g), flower dry weight per plant (3.65 g), total dry weight per plant (212 g), were obtained on 1th October sowing date. The highest stem diameter (1.85 cm), total number of stems per plant (10.78), the number of growing stems per plant (7.22), sepals dry weight per plant (21.02 g), flower dry weight per plant (6.59 g), total dry weight per plant (420.02 g), were obtained under 100% chemical fertilizer treatment. The highest plant height (125.1 cm) and the number of growing stems per plant (3.61) were obtained under 100% chemical fertilizer treatment+100 percent evapotranspiration from reference crop under 1th of October treatment. The lowest stem diameter, the number of generate stems, the number of growing stems, sepals dry weight and total dry weight in each plant were obtained under 100% chemical fertilizer treatment+100 percent evapotranspiration from reference crop under 1th of October treatment. The highest stem diameter, the number of generate stems per plant and flower dry weight per plant were observed under 100% cow manure+60 percent evapotranspiration from reference crop. The highest number of stems per plant, the number of generate stems per plant, sepals dry weight per plant and dry weight of flower per plant were obtained under 100% cow manure on 15 July sowing date treatment. The results showed that most of the studied criteria were decreased by delaying sowing date from June to October. The highest dry weight of flower per plant and sepals yield were obtained under 100% animal manure+ June 15 sowing date treatment. The lowest dry weight of sepals per plant was shown under 100% of evapotranspiration irrigation of the reference crop.

One of the main goals of modern farming is to better understand crop growth and development for optimal use of environmental resources and, consequently, more yield. The study of the growth and development of crops such as Borage (Borago officinalis L.) during the growing season allows the sensitive stages of plant life to be identified and managed in an optimal way and for them to achieve high yields. Since the weather condition of each region varies in different seasons, it is difficult to determine the time of sensitive stages of growth to unfavorable environmental conditions. One of the main advantages of determining the phenology of a plant is the optimal use of ecological factors to increase its performance, Because according to the meteorological statistics in each area and the determination of the temperature requirement for each phonological stage and the entire plant growth period, many of the issues of planting, including sowing date and plant density, can be identified at the best possible time and achieved more production. Thus, this experiment carried out in order to assessment of required growing degree days (GDD) phenologic stages and growth borage in different sowing and densities.
A field research was conducted as a split plot arrangement based on randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at farm at experimental field of Khouzestan Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University, Iran during 2016-2017 cropping season. Five sowing date (15 October, 5 and 25 November, 15 December and 5 January) as main plat and four plant densities including of 6, 10, 14 and 18 plants per m-2 as sub plots comprised experimental treatment. Growth degree– day (GDD) accumulation of phenological stages (Emergence initiation, Two true leaves initiation, Flowering stem emergence, Flowering initiation, Full flowering, Seed fill initiation, Complete fill, Seed harvesting initiation, Total growth season), Dry flower yield, Plant height and Leaf area index of borage were measured. Analysis of variance and comparison of means was performed by SAS software and least significant difference test (LSD), 5% level probability, respectively.
The results showed that the effect of sowing date on the length of different phonologic periods was significant, but the effect of plant density and the interaction between sowing date and plant density on this trait was not significant. The highest and the lowest growth degree– day from sowing to different stages of growth were obtained on 15 October and 5 January, respectively. With delay in sowing, the average number of days and growth degree– day (GDD) accumulation decreased in most phonologic stages. The effect of sowing date and plant density had significant effect on flower yield and plant height. With 720.8 kg.ha-1 of dry flower yield, first sowing date (15 October) was the best treatment. Increasing of plant density was increased plant height, and flower yield. So that the highest dry flower yield was achieved with an average of 586.3 kg.ha-1 at a density with 14 plant per m-2. Interaction effect of sowing date and plant density on leaf area index was also significant. So that sowing dates of 15 October at 18 plant per m-2 had the highest leaf area index. Determining the relationship between borage phonologic stages and GDD will be very beneficial in applying the principles of management, especially in determining the appropriate sowing date.
For the highest dry flower yield in Ahvaz climate, the best sowing date for borago was 15 October and the best planting density was 14 plants per m-2. There was also significant correlation between flower yield and growth degree-day (GDD) accumulation showed that the regulation of sowing date is very important for completing growth and development stages.

The chicory is an economically important member of the Asteraceae family. Chicory has also been used for medicinal applications, useful to liver and gallbladder, which some of its health benefits is scientifically proved. In recent years, drought has been a serious problem in Iran. Several scientists have shown that a plant under stress will produce secondary metabolites that may influence its medicinal properties. This study aimed to investigate the effects of drought stress and bio-fertilizer application on physiological characteristics and absorption of some nutrients by chicory. Water is one of the most important environmental factors that has a significant influence on the growth and active ingredients of medicinal plants. Water shortage causes serious damage to plant growth and development. In the time of drought and salinity due to the high concentration of salts in the root zone and increase in the osmotic potential of the soil, nutrients absorption will decrease. Therefore, the decrease in soil moisture changes the rate and amount of nutrient absorption by the plant. Organic fertilizers under drought stress by increasing the proline, soluble sugars and absorption of potassium and phosphorus can mitigate drought stress impacts and increase the crop yield. The sharp decline in root growth under the drought stress condition is the main factor reducing the elements absorption capability of the plants. The combined application of Effective Microorganism (EM) and organic fertilizers is a suitable method to supply and release essential nutrients. Results of a study showed that EM inoculation with soil has not only improved the quality and quantity of crop but also enhanced the quality of soil. Application of Nano fertilizers as an alternative to conventional fertilizers resulted in slow and controlled release of nutrient in the soil. In addition, nano fertilizers increase the nutrients uptake efficiency and minimize the negative impacts of consuming too much fertilizer and reduce the frequency of fertilizer application. Drought stress decreases the potassium level in soil and consequently in the plant. The aim of this study was to examine the impacts of Bio and nano fertilizers application on physiological traits and absorption of some nutrients in chicory plant under limited irrigation.
Materials and Methods : To study the effects of Bio-fertilizers on physiological traits and absorption of some nutrient of Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) in response to drought stress, this experiment was conducted in 2014-2015 growing season in a split-plot design with three replications at the Agricultural Research Institute (Chah-Nimeh), University of Zabol, Iran. The main plots were drought stresses regulated with irrigation after 90 (control), 70 and 50 percent of field capacity. Sub plots were different levels of Bio-fertilizer application inclusive of a sub-plot without fertilizer (control), inoculation of nitroxin (1 lit ha-1), effective EM (10 lit ha-1), and foliar application of Nano potassium chelate fertilizer (27%) (10 kg ha-1). The traits such as relative water content, protein percentage, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, flower yield, proline, flavonoid, carbohydrate, carotenoid, phosphor and potassium were evaluated.
Results showed that the interaction of Bio-fertilizer application and drought stress had a significant impact on all the traits except for the chlorophyll b. Increasing the stress rate, decreased the relative water content, photosynthetic pigments, carotenoid, protein percent, flower yield and phosphorus and potassium uptake. However, increase in the stress rate, increased the proline content, carbohydrate, and flavonoid increased. Bio-fertilizers application improved all the traits. The maximum relative water content, photosynthetic pigments, and flower yield were obtained from the treatment irrigated after 90 percent field capacity (FC) with EM application. The highest level of protein was obtained from the treatment irrigated after 90 percent of FC depletion and nitroxin fertilizer application. Maximum protein and carotenoid level were observed in irrigation treatment regulated with 50 percent FC and Nano potassium chelate fertilizer application. Maximum phosphorus and potassium uptake achieved from the treatment irrigated after 90 percent FC and Nano potassium chelate application. It is concluded that the increase in drought stress significantly decreases the photosynthetic pigments and absorption of nutrients.
Conclusions : According to the results, the use of Nano potassium chelate fertilizer, microorganism bio-fertilizer (EM) and nitroxin had a positive impact on efficiency of chicory production.

Chamomile is a valuable medicinal plant, with several therapeutic applications. To investigate the effects of sulfuric acid (0, 4, 5 and 6 L.ha-1), biological nitrogen fertilizer (non application and application) and biological phosphorous fertilizer (non application and application) with three replications an experiment was conducted in Ramin Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Khuzestan (2013-2014). The best level of sulfuric acid in all traits was five L.ha-1 and beyond it were obvious negative effects of sulfuric acid. Also, nitrogen and phosphorus biological fertilizers application increased traits. The most quantity of all investigated traits included the number of flowers per square meter (805), flower fresh weight (3705 Kg.ha-1) and dried flowers (741 Kg.ha-1), harvest index (% 27.6), essential oil percentage (% 0.88), essential oil yield (4.50 ml.m-2), plant height (65.10 cm), seed yield (147.17 Kg.ha-1) and chamazulene percentage (14.06) observed in application of nitrogen and phosphorus biological fertilizers sulfuric acid (5 L.ha-1). The lowest quantity of number of flowers per square meter (503), flower fresh weight (3104 Kg.ha-1), dried flowers weight (620 Kg.ha-1), essential oil percentage (% 0.47), essential oil yield (2.07 ml.m-2), plant height (40.60 cm), seed yield (120.43 Kg.ha-1) and essential oil chamazulene percentage (13.61) obtained in non-application of nitrogen and phosphorus biological fertilizers plus sulfuric acid (6 L.ha-1). In general, the best qualitative and quantitative yield showed in application of nitrogen and phosphorus bio-fertilizers plus sulfuric acid (5 L.ha-1).

In order to study the effect of foliar application of nano iron chelated on antioxidant enzymes activity and yield of chamomile genotypes under drought stress condition, a factorial experiment in randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted at greenhouse research farm of the University of Zabol in 2014. Experimental treatments included drought stress at 2 levels (control or 90% of field capacity and 70% of field capacity) and nano iron chelate at 2 levels (control and 2 mg/l) and genotypes, including: Isfahan, Mashhad, Shiraz, Kerman, Arak and Safashahr. The results showed that the drought stress according to the genotype had different effects on antioxidant enzyme activities so that the enzymes activities increased in some of the genotypes and decreased in some of them. The stress caused an increases in catalase activity in genotypes of Arak, Kerman and Safashahr, peroxidase and acrobats peroxidase activity in genotypes of Isfahan, Mashhad, Arak and Kerman, and polyphenol oxidase and guaiacol peroxidase in genotypes of Shiraz and was Safashahr. The highest the economic yield were observed in Esfahan genotype. Generally, it could be said that stress causes damaging effects on the plant and the use of nano-chelate increases the plant̕ s tolerance to stress and using Isfahan and Mashhad genotypes is suitable for stress conditions.

Saffron that is an important medicinal plant of Iran is influenced by several environmental stresses. Therefore, the consumption of appropriate hormonal and nutritional compounds can reduce the negative impacts of stresses on it and improve the growth and yield of the plant. For this purposes, an experiment was carried out based on a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications to study the effect of Salicylic acid (0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mM) and Potassium Nitrate (0, 250,500 and 1000 ml.g-1), in the research field station of the College of Agriculture, the University of Birjand, Iran, in the growing season of 2015. The indices evaluated included flower and corolla fresh weight, stigma weight and length, leaf length, corm and cormel weights and diameter, chlorophyll florescence parameters and total chlorophyll content. The results showed that the highest amounts of Fv, Fv/Fm, Fv/Fm (117, 0.27 and 0.44, respectively), total chlorophyll (0.85 µg.g fresh weight), flower and corolla fresh weight (36.9 and 32.1 g.m-2, respectively), stigma weight (4.2 g.m-2) and length (29.6 mm) and leaf length (37.7 cm) were obtained at 2 mM level of salicylic acid, while the highest Fm was recorded at 0.5 mM salicylic acid. In addition, pretreatment with 1000 mg.l-1 potassium nitrate increased the amounts of cormel weight and diameter by 30% and 19% compared with the control, respectively. Generally, the results of this experiment indicated an enhancement in saffron growth and yield, affected by corms soaking in salicylic acid and potassium nitrate.

Satureja khuzestanica and satureja rechingeri are two valuable and endemic medicinal species that grow widely in southwest parts of Iran. These species are rich in phenolic compound caracole; therefore, they have considerable biological activities. In order to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative yields of two savory species (Satureja khuzestanica and S. rechingeri) in different irrigation intervals, an experiment was carried out in the west of Lorestan (Kashkan) during the growing season of 2012-2013.
The Experiment was conducted on the basis of split-plot design in completely randomized block design with three replicates. Irrigation treatments (15 and 30 days interval and rainfed) as the main-plot and species in two levels (Satureja khuzestanica and satureja rechingeri)as the sub-plot were carried out. The characteristics measured were leaf and flower yield, essential oil content, essential oil yield, essential oil compositions, leaf area index and plant height.
Results showed that the effect of irrigation treatments on all traits except for essential oil compositions was significant. The effect of species on essential oil content and essential oil yield was significant. Mean comparison of traits showed that by increasing in irrigation intervals, leaf and flower yield, essential oil content, essential oil yield, leaf area index and plant height of both summer savory species were decreased amount of by 73, 23, 78, 80 and 33%, respectively compared to control (Irrigation interval of 15 days). Between species, essential oil content (3/7%) and essential oil yield (100/2 kg.ha-1) of rechingeri species were more than essential oil content (2/03%) and essential oil yield (62/2 kg.ha-1) of khuzestanica species.
The leaf and flower yield, essential oil content, essential oil yield, leaf area index of both summer savory species were decreased by increasing irrigation intervals and rainfed cultivation. Trend of changes in essential oil yield was similar to leaf and flower yield, In other words, the essential oil yield was further affected by the herb yield (leaf and flower yield).

A split plots experiment based on randomized complete blocks design was carried out at field research center of Islamic Azad University, Shoushtar branch during 2012 to find out the suitable sowing date and Urea fertilizer used in Chamomile (Matricaria recutita). Main plots including three sowing date (9, 19 and 29 February 2012) and subplots including four levels of Urea fertilizers (5, 10, 15 and 20 g urea fertilizer per m-2). Delay at chamomile sowing date till 29 February decreased essential oil yield up to 50% compared 9 and 19 February sowing date. Increase of Urea fertilizer to 15 and 20 g m-2 increased essential oil yield to 47% compared use of 5 g m-2 Urea fertilizer. Results showed 9 and 19 February sowing date combined 15 and 20 g m-2 Urea fertilizer increase flower dry weight, flower essential oil percentage, flower essential oil yield and chamazolene percentage. Highest flower dry weight, flower essential oil yield and chamazolene percentage were obtained at 9 Februray plant sowing date + 15 g m-2 Urea fertilizer (38.4 g m-2, 0.36 g m-2 and 17.4% respectively) and 19 Februray plant sowing date + 15 g m-2 Urea fertilizer (36.2 g m-2, 0.34 g m-2 and 18.1%). These data did not have any significant difference with 9 and 19 February plant sowing date + 20 g m-2 Urea fertilizer. According to the results, the most suitable sowing date and Urea fertilizer for Chamomile in Shoushtar condition are 9 and 19 February and 15 g m-2 (150 kg ha-1) Urea fertilizer but it is advised this experiment repeat for multi years.

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) is cultivated in many countries because of its wide-spread uses in pharmaceutical, cosmetics and food industries. In order to investigate the effects of different soil properties on the agro-morphological characteristics, essential oil and chamazulene content of German chamomile, a pot experiment was carried out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications under greenhouse conditions. Ten different soils were selected from the soil map of Chaharmahal–Va–Bakhtiari province with the scale of 1:50,000. Soil samples were collected from 0-30 cm depth of the soil series and soil properties including pH, EC, gravel, particle-size distribution, soluble K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+, SO42-, total N, available P, %OC and percentage of CaCO3 were determined. At the harvest time, agro-morphological characteristics, the content of essential oil, yield of essential oil and the percentage of chamazulene were determined. Univariate and multivariate, PCA and RA analyses were performed on the dataset. Univariate analyses showed that the agro-morphological properties of German chamomile were different in the different soil types. Also, the results demonstrated that Boldaji soil series had the highest values for dried flower yield and essential oil yield with 1172 and 7 Kg/ha, respectively. In contrast, the lowest yields with 243 and 0.2 Kg/ha were obtained for Shahrak soil series. Redundancy Analysis (RA) showed that among the soil properties, the content of sulfur, phosphorus, potassium and organic matter had the highest effect on the number of flowers, fresh and dried flower yield, straw yield, yield of essential oil and the percentage of chamazulene.

In order to evaluate effects of drought stress and humic acid foliar application on flower yield and concentration of macronutrient elements in borage, an experiment was conducted as a split plots design with three replications in 2012 at Agricultural Research Station of Zabol University. Drought stress treatments after reaching the soil moisture at fifteen centimeters depth to 90, 70 and 50 percent field capacity were used as main plots and humic acid treatment including: 0 or without any humic acid application, 1.5, 3 and 4.5 liter at 1000 L water were used as sub plots. Four foliar application of humic acid used at vegetative and early reproductive stages. Results showed that drought stress had significant effect on flower yield, biological yield, number of branches per plant and the shoot yield respectively. Drought stress increased flower yield until W2 treatment, but by increasing drought stress and rich it to 50 percent field capacity (W3), the flower yield, biological yield, number of branches per plant and shoot yield in borage plants were decreased. Drought stress had significant effect on phosphorus, potassium and calcium concentration in leaves and flower tissues. By increasing drought stress from 90 (control) to 70 percent field capacity, the content of these elements in leaves and flower tissues were increased. Humic acid application had positive effect on flower yield, biological yield, number of branches per plant, shoot yield, plant high and then the phosphorus, potassium and calcium in leaves and flower, and increased them until 1.5 liter of humic acid per thousand liter of water treatment. Based on the results of this study, drought stress until 70 percent field capacity or 30 percent decreasing in soil moisture, had not reduced flower yield and the concentration of nutrient elements in leaves and flower of borage plant. Maximum efficiency of humic acid at all levels of drought stress, obtained by application 1.5 liter of humic acid per thousand liter of water.

Chamomile is a valuable medicinal plant and is used as spice and herbal medicine. Application of agronomical methods has important role in increasing quantitative and qualitative traits of this medicinal plant. Fertilizer management is an important factor in successful cultivation of medicinal plants, which could have positive effects on their quantitative and qualitative indices. This experiment was conducted in order to determine the effects of plant density and nitrogen (N) fertilizer on dry flower yield and essential oil content of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) using factorial randomized complete blocks design with three replications. Three N rates from urea source (0, 100 and 200 kg/ha) and three plant densities (28.6, 40 and 66.7 plants per m2) were considered. The results showed that the highest single plant yield was produced in the lowest plant density (28.6 plants per m2) and application of 100 kg/ha N. The highest dry flower yield of 474.1 kg/ha and essential oil content of 0.2% was produced in 25 cm row width and fixed plant spacing of 10 cm (40 plants per m2) and application of 100 kg/ha N.

Chamomile is an annual plant that belongs to Asteraceae (Compositae)family. The flowers have an active substance which is called "essential oil". The most important constituent in essential oil is "chamazulene" that is used widely in pharmaceutical, food, perfumery and flavouring industries. The main aim of this study was determine the effects of sowing date and plant density on flower yield and active substance of Chamomile. The experiment was carried out at Khojir Research Station, in 1998. The treatments were three sowing dates (25 March, 4 April and 14 April) and three plant densities (5020, 5030 and 5040 cm). The experimental design was in randomized complete blocks with three replications (treatments were arranged in factorial combinations). Characteristics such as fresh and dried flower yield, essential oil content of flower, chamazulene percentage and essential oil and chamazulene yield. Mean comparison was carried out using Duncan Multiple Range Test (at 5% level). Results showed that the highest fresh and dried flower yield, essential oil yield, chamazulene percentage and chamazulene yield were obtained from the first sowing date (25 March). Plant density also showed significant effects on these characters (except essential oil in flower and chamazulene percentage). The highest fresh and dried flower yield, essential oil yield and chamazulene yield were obtained from the plant density (5020 cm). According to the results of this study‚ the best sowing date was 25 March and the most suitable plant density was 5020 cm