نشریه اکوفیزیولوژی گیاهی
پیاپی 21 (تابستان 1394)

A farm experiment was conducted to evaluate grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars and elite lines in saline regions of Abarkuh and Khatam towns of Yazd province, Iran, in 2010-2011. The experiment was conducted as randomized complete blocks design with four replicates. Electrical conductivity for irrigation water in Abarkuh and Khatam towns were 8.3 and 4.5 dS m-1, respectively. Results showed that there were significant differences between two locations in grain yield, spike length and the grains per spike. The grain yield and the grains per spike for the cultivars were significantly different, regardless to locations. Shirodi cv. significantly produced lower grain yield than the others. Arg cv. and elite line MS-85-17 produced the highest grain yield in Abarkuh (4597.2 Kg ha-1) and Khatam (6149.3 Kg ha-1) towns, respectively. However, the grain yields for MS-85-17, M-83-17, Arg, Bam and Shirodi in both locations were 5053.8, 4496.5, 4982.6, 4208.3 and 2838.5 Kg ha-1, respectively. Based on the results, elite line MS-85-17 could be considered as new wheat cultivar for saline regions of Yazd province.

In order to investigate the effect of different planting dates on yield and yield components of three canola cultivars a factorial arranged field experiment was conducted on the basis of randomized complete block design with three replications at Siyakh Darengoon region of Fars province during 2011-2012. Treatments included of four planting dates (6 Sep. 21 Sep. 6 Oct. and 21 Oct.) and three winter oilseed rape cultivars (Talaye, Likord and Okapi). The results showed that the effect of cultivars on number of silique per plant, number of seed per silique, 1000-kernel weight and grain yield was significant. The highest grain yield obtained in Talaye cultivar and 21 Sep. with the average of 2006 kg ha-1. Also, delay in planting date led to decreasing of number of silique per plant, number of seed per silique, 1000- kernel weight, grain yield and harvest index. In general, it appeared that planting date in 21 Sep. and Talaye cultivar were the most suitable planting date and cultivar in this area and similar regions.

The response of yield and yield components of cotton to nitrogen source and zinc amount application under saline condition was examined as a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications in Bardaskan's Astan-e-Ghods-e-Razavi Research Farm in 2012. Factors were nitrogen source: ammonium sulfate, ammonium nitrate and urea and different levels of zinc: 0, 20, 40 and 60 kg.ha-1 as zinc sulfate. The results showed that nitrogen sources and zinc amount had significant effect on number of sympodial reproductive branches, number of boll, boll weight, seed cotton yield. However, lint percentage was not affected by nitrogen source. Application of nitrogen as ammonium nitrate was better than other sources for all traits. Increasing of zinc level to 60 kg.ha-1 increased number of sympodial reproductive branches(27.29%), number of boll (17.01%), boll weight (4.74%), seed cotton yield (26.88%) and lint percentage (27.11%) compared with the control. There was no significant difference between 40 and 60 kg.ha-1zinc application. Overall, zinc improved plant growth under salt-affected soil conditions and 40 Kg.ha-1 zinc application and nitrogen as ammonium nitrate enhanced yield and yield components of cotton.

Silybum marianum is one of the important medical plants used in pharmaceutical industry. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of different levels of water stress, nitrogen and plant density on seed yield. Irrigation treatments included three levels: 50, 100 and 150 mm evaporation from evaporation pan. The second factor was included 0, 75 and 150 kg nitrogen per hectare, and the third factor was plant density included 20, 40 and 60 cm distance between rows. The results showed that the different levels of irrigation treatments, nitrogen and plant density had a significant effect on number of seed per m2, seed yield in each plant and harvest index. The highest plant height was to 50 mm evaporation, plant density 20 cm and 150 kg nitrogen per hectare. The maximum number of seed per m2 (476.75 g) was related to 50 mm evaporation, density 20 cm and 150 kg nitrogen per hectare. The maximum seed yield in each plant (26.35 g) was measured on 50 mm evaporation, density 60 cm and 150 kg nitrogen. The maximum harvest index was achieved by 50 mm evaporation, density 60 cm and 150 kg nitrogen per hectare. The lowest seed yield per square meter (64.47 g) was achieved by 150 mm evaporation, density 60 cm and 150 kg nitrogen per hectare. The lowest seed yield per plant (6.42 g) was achieved by 150 mm evaporation, density 40 cm and 150 kg nitrogen per hectare and minimum harvest index (0.042) was achieved by 150 mm evaporation, density 40 cm and 150 kg nitrogen per ha. Silybum marianum is one of the important medical plants used in pharmaceutical industry. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effect of different levels of water stress, nitrogen and plant density on seed yield. Irrigation treatments included three levels: 50, 100 and 150 mm evaporation from evaporation pan. The second factor was included 0, 75 and 150 kg nitrogen per hectare, and the third factor was plant density included 20, 40 and 60 cm distance between rows. The results showed that the different levels of irrigation treatments, nitrogen and plant density had a significant effect on number of seed per m2, seed yield in each plant and harvest index. The highest plant height was to 50 mm evaporation, plant density 20 cm and 150 kg nitrogen per hectare. The maximum number of seed per m2 (476.75 g) was related to 50 mm evaporation, density 20 cm and 150 kg nitrogen per hectare. The maximum seed yield in each plant (26.35 g) was measured on 50 mm evaporation, density 60 cm and 150 kg nitrogen. The maximum harvest index was achieved by 50 mm evaporation, density 60 cm and 150 kg nitrogen per hectare. The lowest seed yield per square meter (64.47 g) was achieved by 150 mm evaporation, density 60 cm and 150 kg nitrogen per hectare. The lowest seed yield per plant (6.42 g) was achieved by 150 mm evaporation, density 40 cm and 150 kg nitrogen per hectare and minimum harvest index (0.042) was achieved by 150 mm evaporation, density 40 cm and 150 kg nitrogen per ha.

In order to study the effect of drought stress on grain yield and yield components on some forage corn hybrids, an experiment was conducted at the experimental field of Seed and Plant Improvement Institute of Karaj, in 2009. The experiment was carried out using split-plot in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Main plots consisted of three levels of irrigation regimes (irrigation after 70, 100 and 130 mm evaporation from evaporation pan class A) and sub-plots included 14 new corn hybrids. The results showed that different between hybrids were significant for 1000-kernel weight, number of kernel per row, number of kernel row per ear and ear length. No significance differences were observed between hybrids for kernel yield, total number of kernels per ear and ear diameter. Also, all of the traits except number of row per ear decreased under drought stress conditions. Interaction between irrigation regimes and hybrid were significant for ear length. Increasing in drought stress resulted in decreasing of kernel yield in 31%. Regarding to the correlation of traits can be concluded that the ear length, ear diameter, number of grain per row, number of row per ear, grain weight, grain yield could have a significant impact in with changing in soil moisture deficiency. In addition to significant correlation under normal and mild drought stress conditions MP, GMP, STI were determined as the best indices. Under normal and drought stress TOL and SSI were the best indices for introduce drought tolerant maize hybrids. Hybrids KSC700, KLM77029/8-1-2-3-2-3×MO17 and K47/2-2-1-4-1-1-1×MO17 also identified as tolerant hybrids under drought stress conditions.

In order to evaluation of yield and yield components of corn and soybean intercropping under different irrigation condition, a field experiment was conducted in research field of University of Zanjan as split plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications. The levels of irrigation containing 7days, as control, 9 days and 11 days were the main factors and pattern cropping as sub factors included sole cropping of corn, sole cropping of soybean, additive intercropping and replacement intercropping. The results showed that the highest yield obtained in control and 9 days irrigation regimens. There were not any significant differences in yield components between the control and 9 days irrigation regimen. The highest grain yield was obtained from the additive intercropping pattern. Irrigation levels had no effect on yield of soybean, and the highest yield was obtained in sole cropping of soybean, but, it did not show significant difference with intercropping. The interaction between irrigation and cropping pattern was not significant in any of the parameters in soybean and corn. In general, intercropping had significant advantages compared to monoculture. Nine days irrigation regimen was the best irrigation method for grain yield in intercropping system.

Innovations for saving water in irrigated agriculture and thereby improving water use efficiency are of paramount importance in water-scarce regions. Therefore, to see how restricted irrigation systems and different potassium and zinc fertilizer affect water use efficiency and yield of corn, an experiment was conducted in an arid area in Marvdasht, Iran in 2012. A split-Factorial experimental design was used based on a complete randomized block design with three replications. The main plots consisted of two irrigation FI (full irrigation) and partial rootzoon drying (PRD). Each subplot received three rates of K fertilizer application: 0, 2.5 or 5 kg ha-1 and three rates of Zn fertilizer application: 0, 2.5 or 5 kg ha-1. The results showed that the plots receiving the full irrigation resulted in significantly higher grain yields, 1000-kernel weight and grain number per cob than PRD treatment. However, the highest WUE and IWUE were obtained in PRD, 5 kg K ha-1 and 5 kg ZN ha-1 and the lowest one was found in the FI treatment. In general, PRD irrigation method at high level of potassium and zinc fertilizer improved WUE and decreased WU in corn to 40% in an arid region.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) cultivars had different tolerance to drought stress at different growth stages. Current study was conducted to evaluate and determine differences in drought tolerance at different stages of growth of Iranian safflower cultivars during 2013-2014 growing season as a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design. The effect of drought stress as irrigation cut in different stages included blooming, flowering, seed filling, blooming + seed filling and blooming + flowering with control was examined on growth and yield of four Iranian safflower cultivars (Uremia3147, Zarghan279, Azarbaijan3148 and Varamin295). The results showed that irrigation cut, depending to growth stage, reduced day to flowering and maturity, plant height, grain number per head, biological yield and grain yield. Azarbaijan 3418 cultivar had higher grain yield and Varamin 295 cultivar had higher drought tolerance. The highest negative impact of stress on yield related to irrigation cut was observed at blooming + flowering (24.6%), blooming + seed setting (23.1%) stages and the lowest one was obtained at seed setting stage (19.7%). Generally, Varamin 279 with irrigation cut at seed setting stage could be recommended for more investigation under limited moisture conditions.

In order to study the interaction effects of nitrogen and seed inoculation by free living nitrogen fixing bacteria on phyllochron, dry matter remobilization and their contribution to yield of wheat, a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications in experimental field of Mohaghegh Ardabili University in 2012. Factors were: nitrogen rates in three levels (0, 60, 120 and 180 kg N ha-1) from urea and seed inoculation with free living nitrogen fixing bacteria in five levels containing: without inoculation (as control), seed inoculation with Azotobacter chroococcum strain 5, Azospirillum lipoferum strain OF, Psedomunas putida strains of 4 and 11. Results showed that maximum of grain yield (3829.5 kg/ha), yield components and leaf appearance rate belonged to application of N180×seed inoculation with Azotobacter and minimum was obtained from N0 × control. Maximum dry matter remobilization from stem and shoot organs was obtained from N0× control. In conclusion, to increase grain yield and decrease phyllochron, application of N180 × seed inoculation with Azotobacter can be recommended.

In order to study the effect of biological fertilizer application on quantitative and qualitative traits of Goldasht spring safflower cultivar (Carthamus tinctorius L.) under low irrigation, an experiment as split plot in randomized complete blocks design with three replications was conducted in 2012 at the Agricultural Research Station of Islamic Azad University of Roudehen branch. Main plots were irrigation regime treatment consisted of four levels (optimum irrigation, low irrigation at flowering, low irrigation at seed formation, low irrigation at two stages of flowering and seed formation and biological fertilizer treatment as subplot consists of four levels: no biological fertilizer application, application of nitragin, application of seaweed extract and application both of seaweed extract and nitragin, respectively. The results showed that the effect of irrigation regime and biological fertilizer treatments on all traits were significant. The highest grain yield and yield component losses was observed in low irrigation at two stages of flowering and seed formation and the highest ones was observed in control. Also, between biological fertilizer levels, nitragin with seaweed extract produced the highest yield and yield component and application of nitragin was better than seaweed extract and the lowest treats rates were found in control treatment. In general, in this area and similar areas biological fertilizer can be used in order to reduce the side effects of low irrigation,

To evaluate the effect of amino acid application and micronutrient elements of iron and zinc on yield and yield components of red bean cultivar, a split-plot experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications at the Agricultural Research Station of Islamic Azad University Roudehen branch in Damavand in 2013 was conducted. Main plots were amino acid levels including: control (non-application of amino acid), foliar application of amino acid (1 per ml), soil application of amino acids (3 kg.ha-1 by irrigation solution) and sub plot treatment was micronutrients applications including: control(non-application of micronutrients), foliar application of iron and zinc nano particles (2 per ml), soil application of nano particles of iron and zinc (5 kg.ha-1 dissolved in water), foliar application of chelated iron and zinc (2 per mil) and soil application of chelate iron and zinc (5 kg.ha-1 dissolved in water),Treatments were applied in three stages including: eight-leaf stage, before flowering stage and pods producing of plant. Total chlorophyll, carotenoide and chlorophyll ratio, number of pod per plant, number of seed per pod, 1000-seed weight and grain yield were majored. The results indicated that amino acids in the soil increase grain yield of bean. Also micronutrients chelated iron and spray application of iron and zinc increased pigment of photosynthesis, grain yield and yield components of bean.

In order to determine the effect of plant density on yield and yield components of four genotypes of sunflower an experiment was conducted in Research Farm of Zabol University in 2011. The statistical design was split plot in randomized complete block with three replications. Four plant densities (7, 9.5, 12 and 14.5 plant/m2) and four genotypes of sunflower (Hysuun33, Alester, CMS-R43 and Chernianca) were considered. The results showed that there was a significant difference between cultivars on seed yield, 1000 grain weight, plant height, number of seed on head and number of leaf. Also effect of different densities was significant on seed yield, head diameter, plant height, number of seed on head and number of leaf. Interaction effect of plant density and cultivar was significant on plant height. Plant height of Alester, Hysuun33 and CMS-R43 cultivars enhanced with increasing number of plant, but plant height of Chernianca cultivar had not significant variation under different plant density. Also, interaction effect of cultivars and plant densities was significant on 1000 grain weight. In general, Hysuun33 with average grain yield of 6500 kg/ha and Chernianca with average grain yield of 5240 kg/ha and suitable plant height was suggested for Sistan region. Also 14.5 plant/m2 density with average grain yield of 6903 kg/ha was suitable for this condition.

Water deficit is one of the most important limiting factor affecting plant growth and productivity in arid and semi-arid regions in crop plants. In this field research, the effect of four irrigation intervals including 5, 8, 11 and 14 days were examined on growth, yield and essential oil of four chicory ecotypes including Shiraz White, Shiraz Black, Isfahan White and Isfahan Black. The experiment was carried out as split plot arranged in complete randomized block design at College of Agriculture, Shiraz University (Badjgah) in 2013. The results showed that water stress, due to enhanced irrigation interval, decreased leaf area, leaf dry weight, root dry weight and total plant dry weight. Leaf area and dry weight, root dry weight and total plant dry weight in sever water stress were decreased by 40.3, 46.2, 37.8 and 45.8% compared to no stress conditions, respectively. Besides, increased irrigation intervals from 5 or 8 to 11 and 14 days increased amount of essential oil content in all ecotypes. Increased irrigation interval from 5 to 14 days reduced total dry weight of Shiraz White, Shiraz Black, Isfahan White and Isfahan Black ecotypes by 47.9, 56.1, 22.4 and 53.6%, respectively. Although growth and essential oil of Shiraz White and Shiraz Black ecotypes were greater; however, Isfahan White and Isfahan Black ecotypes had the lower sensitivity to water stress. Therefore, in conditions similar to the study, planting of Shiraz and Isfahan ecotypes under normal irrigation and water deficit conditions, are needed to more attentions, respectively.

The production of many cut flowers such as Lilium is common in Iran. The flower quality is especially important in Lilium flower production processes which one of the most important factors is appropriate nutrition. For this purpose, a completely randomized design experiment with calcium concentrations including 0, 3 and 6 mM in Hogland solution on growth indices, calcium uptake and postharvest of Lilium with six replications was conducted. The seed bed contained 30% v/v perlite and 70% v/v sand. After three months, stem height, stem diameter, leaf number, fresh and dry weight of shoot, bud number, reproductive height, flower diameter, postharvest and calcium uptake were measured. The results showed that the concentration of 6 mM Ca had the most effect on vegetative height (71.3 cm), reproductive height (23.5 cm), fresh and dry weight of shoot (83.8 and 7.1 cm, respectively) and the number of flowers (4.4). The maximum postharvest life of flowers obtained in 3 mM calcium concentration amounted 15.6 days. The greatest uptake of calcium by shoot was observed in 3 mM Ca treatment (114.1 mg/pot). In general, increasing Ca concentration in nutrient solution led to increase in stem diameter and height, fresh and dry weight of shoot and postharvest life of cut flowers.

In this study, the effect of water salinity accompanied by organic and inorganic fertilizer was examined on the growth, quantitative characteristics and photosynthetic pigments in borage plants. The experimental was split plot based on complete block design with three replicates. Treatments were two irrigation sources: irrigation with fresh and saline water (EC: 4.18 dS m-1) as the main plots, and four fertilization systems: application of NPK at 80:40:30 kg ha-1, 40 t ha-1 of manure, NPK at 40:20:15 kg ha-1 plus 20 ton of manure ha-1 and no soil fertility as sub-plot. The experiment was conducted in 2012 at the Zabol University Research Farm, Zabol, Iran. The results showed that irrigation with saline water significantly reduced plant height, flowering stem height, inflorescence height, number of flowers per inflorescence, number of branches, content of chlorophyll and carotenoid. Application of fertilizer significantly increased all studied traits compared with the control. Combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer was more effective than sole application and increased inflorescence height, number of lateral branches, number of flowers per inflorescence, chlorophyll a, total chlorophyll and carotenoids by 19.4, 30.9, 31.5, 25.6, 24.8 and 25.3 percent over control, respectively. Interaction of water quality and fertilization was significant on plant height, inflorescence height, chlorophyll b, plant dry weight and flowering shoot weight and fertilization protect economic yield against saline water. It is concluded that fertilization, especially combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer, could be recommended for economical production of borage under saline condition in Zabol.

Rocket (Eruca sativa MILL.) with high biological and morphological diversity, is an important plant because of health promoting agents and consumption in medical, industrial and economic. It can grow in areas where rainfall and soil fertility are low with drought and salt tolerant characteristic. In this research, for screening the salt tolerant plants, 3-4 leaves plants were cultivated in pots in three replications and were treated by different amounts of salt (NaCl) in three phases by 15-day intervals. After each salt treatment, the morphology of remaining plants was studied. The results revealed that the remaining salt tolerant plants had numerous cuts in leaves and short fuzzy fruits. To study the biochemical changes in each salt treatment, the total phenol and photosynthetic pigments of plant parts of each treatment were measured. The phenol content of treated plants decreased considerably with increase of salt. Photosynthetic pigments were chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids and the results showed that with the salt increase, the amount of pigments did not change. Tolerant plants have cutoff leaves and short fuzzy fruits. In general, salt resistant plants or remained plants are cutoff leaves with short fuzzy fruits plants that their phenol content decreased, but photosynthetic pigments did not change by increasing of salt.

Application of plant growth regulators as antioxidant has been proposed to reduce the negative impacts of different stress. Sodium nitroprusside is an antioxidant which makes plants resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses. In this research the effects of arsenic contamination and sodium nitroprusside foliar sprays was examined on the quantitative characteristics in bitter melonplants (Momordica charantia L.). The experimental design was as factorial on the basis of completely randomized block design with 3 replications in 2012 at the Zabol University greenhouse. Sodium nitroprusside in 3 levels; 0, 50 and 100 μM and arsenic contamination in four levels 0, 30, 60 and 90 mg kg-1. Resuts showed that arsenic application significantly reduced chlorophyll a, b ​​and total chlorophyll, chlorophyll fluorescence, relative water content of leaves,and fruit yield. Arsenic at 90 mg kg-1 reduced P and K in fruits by, 47.57 and 31.25 %, respectively. Protein concentration in fruits increased with increasing arsenic and the greatest protein was observed at the highest arsenic toxicity with 34.68%. Sodium nitroprusside had significant effect on all traits except phosphorus content in fruit and the maximum quantity of this trait was observed at spraying with 100 μM sodium nitroprusside. In general, spraying sodium nitroprusside could be recommended in arsenic contaminated area to reduce heavy metal toxicity.

In order to evaluate the effects of foliar application of Calboron (Cal) and Humic Acid (HA) on vegetative and reproductive growth of strawberry (Fragaria ananasa Duch.) cv ‘Aromas’ a factorial experiment was carried out in a completely randomized block design in hydroponic greenhouse. Treatments were included Cal in 0, 1.5, 3 and 4.5 and HA in 0, 1.5, 3 and 4.5 gl-1 concentrations. Chlorophyll index, plant yield, number of fruit per plant, length to diameter ratio (L/D) of fruit, total soluble solid (TSS), photosynthesis rate and fruit firmness were measured. Results indicated that application of Cal and HA were effective of yield, number of fruit, L/D, SPAD, TSS and fruit firmness. The highest yield, number of fruit and fruit firmness were obtained in interaction of Cal 4.5 and HA 3gL-1. The plants sprayed with Cal and HA had not significantly effect on photosynthesis rate. In general, application of Cal and HA for increasing quantitative and qualitative of strawberry cv ‘Aromas’ is recommended.

In order to investigate the effects of sowing date on yield, yield components and oil yield of flax (Linum usitatissimum), an experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications at Shahid Chamran University of Ahwaz, Iran during 2012- 2013. Sowing dates were 5 December, 25 December, 14 January and 3 February. The results showed that all traits decreased with delay in cultivation. The highest plant height (79.33 cm), number of main branches in plant (3.33), number of capsule in plant (33.66), number of seed in each capsule (8.96), 1000 seed weight (5.30 g), seed yield (1349.67 kg. ha-1), harvest index (37.33), oil percent (37%) and oil yield (497.77 kg. ha-1) obtained in first sowing date. The growth analysis showed that leaf area index, total dry mater, relative growth rate (RGR) and crop growth rate (CGR) declined delaying in cultivation. Generally, cultivation of falx is recommended on 5 December under Ahvaz condition.

In order to evaluation of extract in different organs of wheat cultivars (Triticum aestivum L.) on growth characteristics of rye (Secale cereal. L), an experiment was conducted in Islamic Azad University of Arsenjan using twenty wheat cultivars in 2010. The research was conducted in a factorial experiment on the basis of randomized complete design with three replications. Extracts from the three organs (leaves, roots and stems) of twenty wheat varieties separately in four different concentrations (0, 25, 50 and 100%) applied on rye and germination percentage, radicle and hypocotyle length, radicle and hypocotyle fresh weight. The results showed that root extract had lower potential in germination inhabitation compared with stem and leaf. With increasing extract concentration reduced germination percentage, radicle and hypocotyle length, radicle and hypocotyle fresh weight, as 100% concentration were not observed on germination and growth in rye. Also inhibitory among the different parts of wheat extract was different and leaf and stem had higher allelopthic effects compared with root. Considerable variation was observed in inhibitory of wheat cultivars. The most inhabitation between cultivars observed in Sabalan and Moghan1, 2 and the lowest inhabitation observed in Kavir cultivar. It seems in regions where the problem of wheat field is rye weed, Sabalan and Moghan cultivar could be recommended to control the weed.