فصلنامه فرآیند و کارکرد گیاهی
سال ششم شماره 3 (پیاپی 21، پاییز 1396)

Drought stress is one of the limiting factors for plant growth and yield all over the world. Stevia rebaudiana from semi-humid area of Paraguay contains steviol glycosides with pharmacological properties. In the present study, the callus obtained from Stevia rebaudiana were treated with different treatments of poly ethylene glycol, paclobutrazol and gibberellin under in vitro culture and then some growth and physiological parameters were studied. The results showed that poly ethylene glycol decreased the fresh mass, dry mass, water content and relative growth rate of calluses, while paclobutrazol and gibberellin reduced the negative effects of drought stress on callus growth. Drought stress had a negative effect on membrane lipids and caused lipid peroxidation with a significant increase in malondialdehyde content. The paclobutrazol and gibberellin treatments reduced the lipid peroxidation induced by drought stress. The water soluble carbohydrates and reducing sugars contents significantly decreased in response to drought stress, while gibberellin and paclobutrazol treatments prevented the negative effects of drought stress on carbohydrates and their reduction. The carbohydrates play an important role in osmotic adjustment and stabilization of cellular structures. The Stevia calluses enhanced the antioxidant of phenols and α-tocopherol in response to poly ethylene glycol, gibberellin and paclobutrazol which reduce the adverse effects of drought-induced oxidative stress. According to the obtained results, the calluses obtained from Stevia is sensitive to drought stress and paclobutrazol and gibberellin treatments alleviated the negative effects of water deficient on them.

Achillea is flowering plants in the family of Asteraceae that is one of the most important medicinal plants. A. millefolium is one of the important species and a best-known source of antioxidant activity. In this study, essential oil yield and composition of total phenolic, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and ferric thiocyanate model systems) of Amk from kandowan, AmlitR from Lithuania, AmUK from the British, Amo from Orumie and Amh from Hamedan were investigated in four phenological stages including five leaves appearance, sprouting, 50% and 100% flowering. An experiment was performed at Isfahan University of Technology in split plot in time, while a completely randomized block design with three replicates used to analyze the data. Results indicated that phenolic compounds, flavonioid content and ferric thiocyanate model system (in concentration from 50 ppm to 500 ppm) increased as the plant growth elevated until 50% of flowering, while it decreased in the maturity stage in all genotypes. For total phenolic and flavonioid content, the highest and the lowest amount observed in Kandovan (84.52 mg/1g of dry weight) and Orumie (13.936 mg Quercetin/gdW) genotypes, respectively. For reducing power, the highest absorbance in 700 nm belonged to Kandovan and in DPPH assay, Kandovan showed the lowest Ic50 (639.165 μg/ml). For essential oil yield, the highest and the lowest percent belonged to AmlitR (0.07%) and Hamedan (0.7%) at 100% flowering, respectively. So, the best harvesting time for this species in respect to total phenolic compounds was 50% flowering, while the best time for gaining high essential oil yield was 100% flowering.

Heavy metals contamination of soil is a widespread global problem. One approach to reduce the accumulation of heavy metals in plants is using of different growing substrates. In order to investigate of different combinations substrate and heavy metals effect on physiological and biochemical traits in bean) cv. Sadri), an experiment was conducted. The first factor included four salt of heavy metals Cd(NO3)2, Pb(NO3)2, Ni(NO3)2 and CuSO4) with 50 mg kg-1 soil concentration and a control surface without metal and the second factor included of four levels of different growing substrates (control (farm soil), compost, vermicompost and poplar sawdust). The results showed that the heavy metals reduced the rate of photosynthesis and increased ion leakage, proline, soluble sugar and MDA compared to control. Use of vermicompost by developing the physical and chemical of soil statuse caused to increase chlorophyll content, instantaneous water use efficiency, stomatal conductance, photosynthesis rate and soluble sugar and also reduced the electrolyte leakage of pinto bean leaves. As a result, it could play a positive role to reduce the effects of heavy metal stress on plant physiological and biochemical traits of pinto bean.

A gene family called Strictosidine synthase like (SSL) exists in Arabidopsis thaliana genome. Orthologs gene in Catharanthus roseus is involved in monoterpenoid indole alkaloids biosynthesis. A member of gene family (SSL6) has been induced by various biotic and abiotic stresses. To further analyse of the functional role of the gene in response to salt stress, the SSL6 T-DNA insertional mutant (ssl6) was used in response to 0, 100 and 200 mM NaCl. Therefore, several morphological, physiological and molecular traits including the percentage of seed germination, root length, Catalase (CAT), Peroxidase (POD) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity, and relative expression levels of AAO3, RD29A, NCEDD3 and P5CS1 were measured. The obtained data have been analyzed using a factorial experiment (with two factors) based on completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The obtained results demonstrated that the percentage of germination, root length and activity of SOD, POD and CAT enzymes were significantly higher in ssl6 genotype when compared with the wild type Col-0. The expression level of responsive genes at 3 and 6 h after salt stress treatment were significantly increased in ssl6 mutant genotype compared to Col-0 genotype. Results of this study for the first time reported that SSL6 genes in involved in plant responses to salinity stress and suppression of SSL6 gene resulted in increased tolerance to salt stress in Arabidopsis.

Ultraviolet radiation as one of important stressful environmental factors, has deleterious effects on plant physiological processes and growth. Plants confront with this conditions that produce ROS, via specific physiological mechanisms. This study to investigate the effect of UV-C radiation on the physiological responses in radish (Raphanus sativus L.cv), the plant with one year old and belong to brassicaceae . This experiment was conducted in a randomized complete blocks design with different three varieties of plant radish seeds that cultured hydroponically in green house. After two weeks, seedlings were treated with UV-C for a period of 10 days for 3 minutes / day with daily dose of 12KJ/m2. The results of the evaluation showed that in all studied variations, UV-C lead to reduction in shoot and root dry weight and leaf area. The radiation also reduced the photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll), sugar content and total soluble proteins. The total phenol, total amino acids and UV absorbing compounds such as anthocyanins and flavonoids, were increased under effect of UV-c radiation. By considering to obtained results, we concluded that in the variation of assayed metabolites, UV- C treated red radish plants had highest compatibility than other studied varieties.

In order to study the allelopathic potential of six medicinal plants Valeriana officinalis, Rosmarinus officinalis, Artemisia absinthium, Melissa officinalis, Juglans regia, Dracocephalum kotschyi on Beta vulgaris and its two important weeds (Convolvolus arvensis and Avena fatua) and also to find a model of natural herbicides, a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design. Shoots of B. vulgaris, C. arvensis and A. fatua were sprayed with water extracts (0 and 100 percent) of the allelopathic plants twice in 48h. Two days after spraying, the changes of dry weights, total water content, electrolyte leakage, concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide, chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll and carotenoids were assessed in the target plants. Results of mean comparisons showed the water extracts of all studies medicinal plants had allelopathic effects on the target plants, but in different degrees. Amongst, D. kotschyi caused to make the least level of MDA (%11.6), H2O2 (%42), electrolyte leakage (%8.5) and the least reduction of total chlorophyll (-%13.1) in B. vulgaris. These values were –in turn- (%32.3, .6 folds, %50 and -%48.4) in C. arvensis and (%34.8, folds, %70.8 and -%56) in A. fatua. Generally, it is concluded that utilization of allelopathic ability of D. kotschyi would be a promising model to produce natural herbicide for sugar beet farms.

Chitosan is the main compounds of fungal species cell walls and as biotic elicitors could be used to improve secondary metabolites. In this study, we have verified the time-course of cell growth, phenylpropanoid compounds ( total phenol, flavonols, flavonoids and echinacoside) production in cells treated with chitosan. To study mechanism of chitosan action, expression of p-coumarate 3-hydroxylase (C3H) gene was investigated. The cells were treated with 10 mg/L chitosan. Cells were harvested for 3,5 and 7 days after elicitation. Echinacoside quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and other phenylpropanoid compounds were measured with spectrophotometric assay. Cells samples were used to elucidate the expression level of C3H gene by Semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Following treatments with chitosan, the results showed that the cell growth and viability of cells were decreased as compared to control. In addition, chitosan increased total phenol, flavonoids and flavonols. Cells elicited with chitosan for 5 days yielded the highest amount of echinacoside wich was about 5.7-fold higher than control. The expression of gene by chitosan was increased, reaching a peak at 5 day after treatment (2-fold higher than control). Chitosan up-regulate the production of phenylpropanoid compounds and derivates such as echinacoside, by effecting on gene expression of this compounds biosynthesis pathway.

This study was conducted to evaluate the response of germination, seedling growth and antioxidant enzymes activity 15 chickpea cultivars to salinity at the University of South Korea Dankook a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The treatments include chickpea cultivars and, salinity levels of water (water with electrical conductivity 0.7 dS/m as a witness and as salinity salinity level 5 dS/m), respectively. The results showed that salt stress decreased seed germination and enzyme activity of alpha amylase was on the soil surface. Salinity reduced leaf dry weight and photosynthesis chickpea varieties of chickpea cultivars, but increased respiration rate. Cultivars of MCC873, MCC10, MCC78, MCC870, MCC537 and MCC392 highest leaf dry weight and photosynthesis, respectively, and at the same time cultivars MCC776 and MCC552 with 6.10 g dry weight and plant 0.63 from a low dry weight respectively. Activity of catalase and glutathione peroxidase guaiacol was increased by salinity. The highest concentrations of malondialdehyde, indicating that the degradation of plant cell membranes in the cultivars of MCC759, MCC361 and MCC101 of 0.95, 0.94 and 0.92 nmol per gram fresh weight of seedlings were observed. MCC392 while the lowest concentrations of malondialdehyde was under salt stress. The results showed that under salinity stress cultivars of MCC 873, MCC 10, MCC78, MCC870, MCC537 and MCC392 with enzyme activity were more antioxidants had higher rates of photosynthesis and plant weight.

Production of heavy metals by human activity is caused soil contaminations. The polyamines are used to reduction of heavy metal effects. In this study, the effects of lead and spermidine on Salvia officinalis L. were tested. A factorial experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications. Lead nitrate at concentrations of 0, 125, 250 and 1000 micro molar and spermidine at a concentration of 0 and 1 mM was used. Plant height, dry and fresh weight, catalase and polyphenol oxidase activity, antioxidant capacity and total phenols contents was measured. The utilization of lead nitrate increased the length, dry weight, catalase activity except at a concentration of 125 micro molar and poly phenol oxidase activity. Antioxidant capacity did not change except in a concentration of 1000 micro molar. Total phenols content increased in 250 micro molar concentrations and the other treatments were not much difference. Use of spermidine and lead increased the length in a concentration of 500 and 1000 micro-molar. Dry weights increased in all treatments. The maximum catalase activity was observed in a concentration of 500 micro-molar lead and spermidine. The minimum activity was seen in a concentration of 250 micro-molar with spermidine. Poly phenol oxidase activity increased just in a concentration of 250 micro-molar lead with spermidine. The total phenols and antioxidant capacity decreased under 500 micro-molar of lead and spermidine. Addition of spermidine under lead stress increased plant length and weight and in low concentrations of lead total phenols increased

To improve crop yields and increase of production performance in marginal areas, the use of genetic potential of crops in terms of morphological and physiological characteristics can lead to yield improvement and increase of production performance in areas with saline water and soil salinity. In order to evaluate genotypic variation in growth and physiological traits of different bread wheat cultivars at vegetative stage, a greenhouse experiment was carried out with a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design in three replications, growing in PVC tubes. The results showed a genetic diversity in root and shoot growth and physiological response to saline stress. Salinity was caused to decease root system growth such as seminal axil root length, number of roots and distance between distal branch root by ~35, 30 and 40%, respectively, for all cultivars when compared with control. Relative water content, stomatal conductance, shoot dry weight and relative growth rate was decreased under salt stress by ~7, 80, 40 and 26%, respectively, when compared with control, but chlorophyll index was increased. The values of reduction for root and shoot growth and physiological traits were less for salt tolerant cultivars than sensitive ones. Difference in salt tolerance in terms of shoot growth and physiological responses was consistent with root growth response. A genetic variability for salt tolerance within wheat cultivars, indicating the existence of opportunities to improve salt tolerance in wheat through selection and breeding.

One of ways to cope the drought stress is using tolerant plant and water preservative materials in the soil such as zeolite. Hemp is one of drug and oilseed plants.To evaluate the effect of zeolite in the modulation of deficit irrigation stress and improve the function and growth indices of Hemp, an experiment was conducted as split plot in a randomized completely block design with three replications at the research farm of Shahrekord university in 2014. The main factor including deficit irrigation stress in four levels (provide of 40, 60, 80 and 100% of water requirement) and the subplot was zeolite in three levels (0, 5 and 10 t/ha). The results showed that there was a difference in terms of trend of the Leaf Area Index (LAI), Leaf Area Duration (LAD), Biomass Duration (BMD), Crop Growth Rate (CGR) and Net Assimilation Rate (NAR) between levels of zeolite and irrigation regimes. Increasing the amount of irrigation water due to the presence of zeolite in the rhizosphere, increased the characteristics of LAI, LAD, BMD, CGR, and chlorophyll content (SPAD) on studied traits. Thus, according to zeolite role in setting the necessary conditions for the better growth of hemp, it seems that the use of 10 t.ha-1 zeolite is useful particularly in conditions of severe stress.

Ephedra intermedia (Schrenket) is a medicinal plant belong to family Ephedraceae from Gnetales, order of gymnosperms. Shoot explants of E. intermedia were cultured in MS medium with some treatments of auxin (indole acetic acid=IAA) include 2.5, 5, 10 and 15mgl-1 supplemented with Kinetin (Kin) include 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mgl-1. The powder of E. intermedia dry organs and in vitro auxin and Kinetin treatmented explants were used for alkaloid and phenol extraction and antioxidant activity tests. The explants of in vitro culture formed callus and shoots after 3 month. Both hormones induced callus formatin, but they hadn’t interaction effects. Kinetin was better than IAA for shoots formation. High concentration of IAA increased alkaloid content of explants and Kin stimulated increasing that’s. . Phenol content and antioxidant activity of the explants were treated by 2.5 mgl-1 IAA with all concentrations of kinetin were higher than others treatments but in red callus of 5 mgl-1 IAA with 20 mgl-1 Kin treatment was highest from all. Alkaloid in root and seeds, phenols and antioxidant activity in fruits and shoots were highest. Results of present study showed organs of E. intermedia are contain much alkaloid, phenol and antioxidant activity. IAA and Kin affected on callus induction, shoots formation, alkaloid and phenol content and antioxidant activity of E. intermedia explants were similar to other species of Ephedra genus.

In order to investigate the effects of simultaneous application of vermicompost and putrescine on reproductive characteristics and biochemical traits of greenhouse cucumbers greenhouse cv Yalda a factorial Pot experiment, based on completely randomized design with three replications was conducted in of Mohaghegh Ardabili University in 2014. Experimental treatments include Substrates containing different percentages of vermicompost (0, 20, 40 and 60 percentage) and different concentrations of putrescine (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mM). Results showed that interaction of vermicompost and putrescine spraying were significant for all of traits except fruit number and days to flowering. As increases in vermicompost percentage medium in basal ,growth indices were significantly increased compared to control so that the highest yield was obtained by combination of 40% vermicompost and spraying 1 mM of putrescine. In bed containing 60% vermicompost the yield was reduced due to salinity effects of salt accumulation in organic matters. Sprayings with 1 mM putrescine via increases in proline content, protein and solube sugar partially compensated growth reduction resulted from salinity in beds containing high rate of vermicompost.

The present study was aimed to evaluate a biological solution to improve peppermint plant growth and production in the salt-affected soil. The experiment was arranged in a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with three replications in the greenhouse under controlled conditions (28/15 oC in day/night). Three levels of methyl jasmonate (0, 75 and 150 µM) and four levels of sea water (0, 3, 6, 9 dS/m) were the treatments. After nine weeks, ETR, Fv/ Fm, Fm, transpiration, RWC, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, stomatal conductance and leaf dry weight were measured. The results showed that salinity decreased ETR, Fv/ Fm, Fm, transpiration, RWC, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, stomatal conductance and leaf dry weight while increased anthocyanins, Fo and NPQ. The measured traits were influenced by the different levels of methyl jasmonate. Where plants grown at salinity of 9 dS/m and sprayed with 75 µM of methyl jasmonate, anthocyanin increased up to 8% while the membrane electrolyte leakage decreased by 35%. Methyl jasmonate also ameliorate the negative effects of salinity on stomatal conductance (54%), ETR (10%) and leaf relative water content (6%). Higher levels of methyl jasmonate (150 µM), however, had an inhibitory effect on stomatal conductance, chlorophyll a and ETR. Overall, it seems that methyl jasmonat had a positive role under salt conditions due in particular to improving plant water relations, stomatal conductance and therfore, increasing electron transfer rate and the photosystem II efficiency. In conclusion, spraying of methyl jasmonate at the rate of 75 µM improved growth parameters of peppermint medicinal plant under salt cnditions.

Biofertilizers included solid, liquid or semi-solid materials that contain one or several microorganism species developing plants root system leads to better uptake of water and nutrients resulting in the further growth of the plant. To evaluate the accumulation of nutrients in leaf and biomass production of pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.), a factorial experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with three replications at Urmia University in 2014. Treatments were irrigation (irrigation at 50% and 80% Fc) and phosphorus sources (control, triple super phosphate, phosphate solubilizer bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi species included Glomus intraradices, G. mosseae and G. hoi). Results showed that in water deficit condition, the leaf phosphorus was significantly reduced in comparison to normal irrigation. Also, there were the significant effect of phosphorus on root colonization, and significant interaction effect of irrigation×phosphorus on biomass yield. The greatest increasing of root colonization was observed in plants treated with G. hoi. Generally, in water deficit condition, decreasing root access to nutrients in this condition led to lower biomass. But leaf protein yield in water deficit stress was greater than normal condition.

Seed deterioration as an irreversible physiological phenomenon, have significant effect on seed quality. Increasing and maintaining of seed quality by using methods such as biopriming is important. For this reason a three-factors experiment was conducted on one linseed cultivar (Norman) based on randomized completely design with four replications, in laboratory of Seed Science and Technology, college of agriculture, Yasouj university in 2015. Factors were includeing storage period (31, 53, 93 and 130 days); storage condition in two combinations of storage temperature (°C) and seed moisture content (%) (moderate condition (15°C/17) and severe condition (35°C/9%); and biopriming with two strains of Thrichoderma harzanium (T36 and T40) and two strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens (CHA0 and P.F(2)) and non-priming (control). Seeds inoculation by bacterial and fungal suspension was done before or after storage. During storage period of 31 to 130 days, germination parameters and peroxidase enzyme activity decreased and electrolyte leakage, soluble sugar content and malondialdehyde content increased. During 31 and 53 days of storage under moderate condition biopriming with T40, P.F2 and CHA0 have increased germination indices compared to non-primed seeds. In 93 and 130 days storage treatments, priming with T40 significantly affected germination compared to other treatments. On the basis of current study using effective biological treatments in improving germination and maintaining Flax seed quality under different storage condition is suggested.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) could provide specific quality and quantity of light for normal plant growth. Melissa officinalis L. is one of the most important medicinal plants in the world that has many applications in drug and flavoring industris. We cultivated lemon balm rhizomes in pot and placed the pots in four incubators containing LED lamps with the spectrum of red (100%), blue (100%), 70% red plus 30% blue and white (100%) with the intensity of 300 µmol.m-2.s-1 and in greenhouse conditions as a commercial control. The highest number of stems and leaves were observed in each pot at red lights and red blue combination and the average height of the plants was the highest in the treatment with red light. Also these LEDs increased the content of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid but the ratio of chlorophyll a/b only had the highest amount at the incubator containing red LEDs. Rosmarinic acid amount in the leaves was the highest in red LED, so that it raised the amount of rosmarinic acid to 33/16 and 52/44 % compared to white LED and samples grown in greenhouse, respectively, but the amount of this compound in plant roots was the maximum at greenhouse conditions. Since the responses of lemon balm plants grown under LED light sources were much better than the control samples, therefore, the use of artificial light sources such as LED lights is suggested as an alternative light source in the greenhouses for improving growth and raising active ingredients.

Salinity of water irrigation and soil are of the major factors affecting plant growth and productivity worldwide. In this research the effects of salicylic acid on some morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics of walnut (Juglans regia) seedlings under salinity stress condition were studied. The experiment was a two-factor factorial experiment arranged in completely randomized design with three replications. Two factors of the experiment were (or included) salicylic acid (0, 1, 2 and 3 mM) and NaCl (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) that their affecting was evaluated when walnut seedlings were 60- day old. Analysis of variance has illustrated that a significant difference exists among treatments for most of studied traits. Increasing salinity levels resulted in reducing leaf number, leaf area, branch number and shoot length in walnut seedlings. While induced salinity significantly decreased chlorophyll pigments and leaf relative water content (RWC) but enhanced electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde (MDA) and proline concentration. Pre-treatment seedlings with 1 mM salicylic acid provided protection against salinity stress in walnut seedling. The interaction between salinity and salicylic acid was significant for some measured characters such as carotenoids, leaf relative water content, electrolyte leakage, malondialdehyde and proline. Overral, the results from this experiment showed that applying salicylic acid at the concentration level of 1 mM, caused to reduction of tissue destruction during salinity stress and are suitable treatment for maintenance walnut seedling.

The red-fleshed apples are from varieties of apples confer the competence and high ability in vitro to produce anthocyanins in their organs. Several factors affect the in vitro production of anthocyanins in plant tissue culture and to produce high, the optimizing of these factors are very necessary. Light is one of the most important factors that many studies have been done in this area but the laser irradiation effects has not been investigated. We have studied the effect of combine lasers treatment of He-Ne with diode on in vitro production anthocyanin and cellular growth of cell suspension of red-fleshed apple. This experiment with 18 combinations treatments (blue laser at the intensities of 67.09, 32.74, 30.4 and 13.73 mW/cm2 and a red laser at the intensities of 6.46, 4.82, 1.54 and 0.666 mW/cm2 and two controls including darkness and fluorescent light) as a factorial design based on CRD with three replications for each treatment were applied.With increasing of combination lasers radiation intensity, production rates monomeric total anthocyanins (TMA) and total anthocyanins (TA) increased but lead to was reduced the cell growth. Results of this work showed that probably high intensity of combination lasers radiation treatments as a stress factor made decreased cell growth and induced high concentration of anthocyanins in the cell exposed to stress and good for decreasing injures proceed from stress and also lead to persevered cell of red-fleshed apple through high concentration accumulation of anthocyanin in vacuole.

In order to study the effects of cycocle and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) on yield, Chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and some physiological traits of wheat under water limitation condition, a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted at the research farm of faculty of agricultural sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, during 2015-2016 cropping season. Factors were water limitation at three levels (full irrigation, irrigation to 50% of heading and booting stages, according with 45 and 59 Zadoks code respectively), seed inoculation with bio fertilizers at four levels (without inoculation as control, seed inoculation with Azotobacter chrocoocum strain 5, Pseudomonas putida strain 186 and inoculation with Azotobacter Pseudomonas) and foliar application of cycocle at four levels (0, 400, 800 and 1200 mg.lit-1). Means comparison showed that under water limitation condition, maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II ( ), chlorophyll content, relative water content, grain yield increased due to seed inoculation with PGPR and foliar application of cycocle compared to control treatment. In all of treatment compounds, leaf area index increased rapidly to 65 days after emergence, but from 65 days after emergence till harvest time, it decreased slowly. The highest grain yield was belonged to inoculation seed with Azotobacter and Pseudomonas, the high cycocle rates under full irrigation condition. Irrigation withholding in boot stage was caused the highest decline in chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and physiological traits of wheat. Foliar application of 1200 mg.lit-1 cycocle and seed inoculation with Azotobacter and Pseudomonas increased grain yield 63.41, 52.90 and 62.46% respectively at full irrigation, irrigation to 50% of heading and booting stages

The effect of optimal and supra-optimal concentrations (0, 250, 500 and 750 mM) of NaCl on the growth, chlorophyll, soluble carbohydrate and proline content, ion concentrations and antioxidant enzyme defence of Sesuvium portulacastrum was studied. A significant increase in growth and tissue water content was observed in the shoots exposed to 250 mM salt. Minimum damage to the membrane in terms of electrolytic leakage and better osmotic adjustment at 250 mM salt stress was coupled with the higher accumulation of sodium ions and total soluble sugars as against low proline contents. A fine tuning of antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase) was also found to be responsible for the optimum growth of shoots. In contrast, sub-optimal (0 mM) and supra-optimal concentrations (500–750 mM) of NaCl significantly affected the growth, water status and increased the electrolytic leakage of the leaves due to the accumulation of toxic concentrations of saline ions. The highest accumulation of proline in addition to antioxidant enzyme activities exhibited higher osmotic adjustment and survival of the shoots under sub- or supra-optimal concentrations of NaCl as a penalty to reduced growth.

Study of growth condition of medicinal plants under different water stress levels could be as an indicator for cultivation of drought resistance species in water scarce regions. Abiotic stresses such as drought stress are the main limitation factors in crop production and landscape development in arid or semi-arid regions such as Iran. Using drought resistant medicinal plants for developing landscape is the best solution. This study was conducted to evaluate the Cichorium intybus under four water stress levels including 45, 60, 75 and 90% field capacity in three replications over 2014-2015 in Isfahan University nursery. Results showed significant effects (P

Chalcone is regarded as a common secondary metabolite in plant represented as precursor of flavonoids. In the present work, the effects of different concentrations of chalcone (1, 10, 100, 1000µg/mL) on lettuce seed germination and seedling radicle and gemule were evaluated to determining optimal experimental dose of the compound. The concentration of 100 µg/mL of chalcone were determined as optimal concentration and the effects of the concentration on fresh and dryweight of root and shoot, chlorophyll content , chlorophyll florescence, total protein and some enzyme kinetic like ascorbat peroxidase, catalase, poly phenol oxidase and protease were evaluated. The effects of chalcone on electrophoretic pattern of the treated and control groups of the plants were studied, as well as. Our results indicated that the compound significantly reduced the fresh weight of the treated plants shoots and roots up to 27. 9 and 10 % , respectively. Chalcone also significantly reduced the dry weight of the treated plants shoots and roots to 31.8 and 15.6 % than control, respectively. Although, no significantly change was recorded in photochemical and chlorophyll florescence, SPAD chlorophyll was reduced to 81.7% in treated group than control. On the other hand, total protein content and specific activity of ascorbat peroxidase and protease enzymes were increased in chalcone treated plants than control group. Electrophoretic pattern of proteins was changed quantitative and qualifying in treated plants than control ones. It was concluded that lettuce as a model plant in allelopathic studies can be affected by chalcone. The compound promotes some physiological and biochemical responses such as dry and fresh weigh loss and chlorophyll reduction in the treated plants. However, this kind of stress as allochemical stress can induce some different responses such as unchanged chlorophyll florescence than abiotic stress like drought and salinity.

To evaluate the rooting of New Giunea impatiens (Impatiens hawker stem) cuttings under arbuscular mycorrhiza (Glomus mosseae) and its effect on nutrient elements absorption, an experiment as factorial in complete random design with three replications in the greenhouse was established. Experiment factors were four levels of synergistic mycorrhiza in 0, 11 and 22 percent (as powder) and 20 percent (as solution, v/v). Cutting were collected from seed propagated stock plant (Devine Scarlet Red, F1) and planted in medium mycorrhiza incubated pots contributed in 50% of peat moss, 40% of perlite and 10% percent of rice husk (v/v). One month after planting, rooting percentage, root length, number and volume and root fresh and dry matter were evaluated. Results showed that unless rooting percentage, the significant difference in 0.01 probability observed in all evaluated traits. The most root length and volume (32 cm and 34.66 mm3) and root fresh and dry matter (26.49 and 0.73 g) was related to 22% percent treatment. Five months after planting, other group of rooted cuttings was evaluated for element absorption content. The most leaf nitrogen (2.6%), phosphorus (0.419%), potassium (2.66%), zinc (73.52 mg/kg) and copper (18.77 mg/kg) content observed in 22% treatment. In this experiment mycorrhiza application in medium (as powder) showed better results compared to solution treatment.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional role and efficiency of nano and micro Si on photosynthetic parameters and pigments of potato leaves (Agria cv.) in soil less culture. The factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted at the research greenhouse, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 2013. Treatments were included two sizes of sodium silicate particles (nano and micro) and three concentration levels (0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mM) and control. The results showed that concentration effect and effect of interaction between of particle size and concentration was significant on chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, a/b ratio, cartenoides, net photosynthesis, intercellular carbon dioxide, stomatal conductivity, instantly water use efficiency and mesophyll conductivity. In most of traits, Si concentration of 0.3 Mm had a positive effect. But, negative effect of silicon was observed at higher concentrations and nano particles in compared to micro particles imposed severe negative effects on traits. A significant correlation between photosynthesis, mesophyll conductivity, instantly and water use efficiency, concentration of chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll was observed. In contrast, intercellular carbon dioxide showed a negative correlation with all above mentioned traits.

This experiment was laid out in order to study on effect of natural storage and accelerated ageing on quantity and quality changes in storage proteins and catalase enzyme in chickpea seeds (Cicer arietinum L.) in Gorgan University of Agricultural Science and Natural Resource seed laboratory at 2015. Experiment was in complementary randomized design arrangement with four replications. Treatments were 2 and 4 years natural storage and 1-5 days of accelerated ageing with control treatment. After treatments performance, traits such as germination percentage, germination rate, seedling dry weight, seed vigor index, soluble protein, protein carbonylation, protein electrophoretic pattern and catalase activity and their present in gel was investigated. The results showed that, with increasing of accelerated ageing level and storage duration, germination percentage and rate, seedling dry weight and seed vigor index were decreased. Soluble protein decreased and protein carbonylation decreased as ageing level increased that this procedure in4 and 5 days of accelerated ageing was higher than natural storage treatments. Results of SDS-PAGE pattern of chickpea seed proteins showed that there are not significant difference between accelerated ageing and control but in 4 years natural storage treatment deleted a light and 9.9 kDa protein band. This protein band was recovered after 4, 8 and 12 h imbibition of seeds. Catalase enzyme activity was higher in control treatment and increasing of accelerated ageing until 3 days catalase activity was increased then decreased. Decreasing of catalase enzyme activity in 4 and 5 accelerated ageing treatments was higher than natural storage treatments. Native-PAGE results showed that there is one catalase activity band in chickpea. With increase of accelerated ageing and natural storage catalase band intensity was reduced that indicates the reduction of enzyme presence in the above treatments and supporting the enzyme activity in different ageing treatments. Results of the present study showed accelerated ageing and natural storage changed seed storage proteins quality and quantity and reduces catalase activity. These factors related to reduction of seed vigor and germination percentage and rate and seedling dry weight that this reduction in severe accelerated ageing was higher than natural storage.

Today Grafting is important because of its advantageous in increasing plant resistance to temperature stress and salinity in Cucurbitaceae. In order to investigated the effect of grafting of Cucumis sativus var. Super daminos on babol and Cucurbita moschata var Ferro and Cucumis sativus collected in Isfahan comparing with non-grafting and self grafting of Cucumis sativus var. Super daminos as a control an experiment was design. The experiment based on carried out as Pilot experiment based on complete randomized design (CRD) with 4 replications. Treatments were temperature included optimum temperature (27±2) and cold temperature (12±2) and cucumber (cucumis sativus var super daminos) in greenhouse of Isfahan University of Technology. Results was shown that the highest chlorophyll, mesophyll conductance, stomata resistance was in Babol. Fresh and dry weigh decreased in non-grafted and self grafted in low temperature but it did not change for Ferro and Babol. The lowest chlorophyll content was in non-grafted in both low and optimum temperature. Stomata resistance decreased in Ferro in low temperature compare with optimum and did not change in other rootstock between two temperatures significantly. Photosynthesis in Babol and transpiration in non-grafting, Ferro and Isfahan cucumber decreased but they are not change in other rootstock with decreasing temperature significantly. Generally, grafting on Ferro decreased the hazardous effect of low temperature on height, fresh and dry weight of shoot, photosynthesis and photosynthesis water efficiency and transpiration. Cucumber grafting on most of these rootstock can alleviated the deleterious effect of low temperature.

This research was done in order to study the effects of irrigation (I) and nitrogen (N) levels on occurrence time of phenological stages and growth indices of seed corn, SC704 cultivar. The experiment was conducted at Campus of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran, during 2014 and 2015 growing seasons as split-plot based on randomized complete block design with three replications. Main-factor was four I levels including supply 120, 100, 80 and 60% of water requirement. Sub-factor was four levels 140, 100, 70 and 40% of recommended N based on soil analysis. Results showed that tasseling, anthesis and silking stages delayed by reducing of water supply. Increasing of N supply has not significant effect on date of tasseling and anthesis, but silking accelerated. Deficiency of I and N supply led to increasing of anthesis until silking interval. In 120, 100 and 80% of I supply, physiological maturity occurred later by increasing of N. Increasing of N supply, in each I treatment, increased leaf area index and crop growth rate, but the positive effect of N was decreased due to I deficit treatments. Under optimum I conditions, increasing of N supply increased amount and rate of dry matter accumulation, and delayed end of dry matter accumulation.

The olive (Olea europaea L.) tree is one of the most characteristic tree crops from the Mediterranean basin that they are frequently subjected to prolonged drought periods. Olive tree is able to tolerate the low availability of water in the soil by means of morphoanatomical and physiological adaptations. This experiment was conducted based on completely randomized design with three replications on 30 Indigenous and exotic olive cultivars in 2015. We studied leaf anatomical treats such as, stomata and trichome density, thickness of upper palisade parenchyma, length, width and size of stomata and etc. Plant materials provided from Tarom Agricultural Research Center. According to past studies, drought resistance cultivars have small stomata and light density, high trichome density, thick palisade parenchyma, small leaf area with lancelet shape. Results suggest that the cultivars such as, Amygdalia, Pichoval, Khodeiry, Verdale as well as Kayssi had lowest stomata density, Jolt, Shengeh, Kalamata, Kavi and Frantoio have smallest stomata size, Lechino, Abu-satl, Shengeh, Kayssi and Sori have highest trichome density, Koroneiki, Roghani, Shengeh, Frantoio and Coratina have thickest palisade parenchyma, Sori, viliotiky, Amygdalia, Jolt, Arbequina have lowest leaf area. According to past studies, drought resistance cultivars are Sevillana, Koroneiki, Roghani, Lechino, Amygdalia, Sori, Abu-satl, Kayssi, Zard, Konservolia and Arbequina. The based on our results, stomata and trichome density can be one of the reasons of drought resistance in Lechino, Abu-satl and Sori cultivars. In Koroneiki and Roghani cultivars and Amygdalia, Arbequina as well as Sori upper palsied parenchyma thickness and small leaf area respectively, can be reasons of drought resistance.

Salinity as one of the environmental stresses, limits the growth and performance of plants. Plants hurt with exposing to the salty environment by negative osmotic potential of soil solution and aggregation of toxic ions such as sodium and chlorine. So, the need to select resistant plants to salinity has increased because of shortage in sweet waters and increasing in salinity of soils. In this study, the effect of humic acid application in reducing salinity stress in different varieties of radish was investigated. For this purpose, a pot experiment as factorial based on completely randomized design in three replications was carried out in experimental greenhouse of Ferdowsi University of Mashhad. Treatments consisted of three varieties of radish (Cherry belle, Sparkler and Scarlett cincinnati) as the first factor and humic acid in 2 levels of 0 and 1.5 grams per liter as the second factor and salinity stress at four levels of 0, 33, 66 and 99 mM NaCl solved in water as third factor. The results showed that in some physiological characteristics such as leaf solution sugar and potassium to sodium ratio in root were decreased in salinity stress. Humic acid reduced many harmful effects of salinity, particularly caused to significant reduction in sodium levels in different varieties of radish. Humic acid caused to increase electrolyte leakage, total chlorophyll and the ratio of potassium to sodium in aerial parts and root of radish. The highest and lowest amounts of electrolyte leakage obtained at 99 mM and 33 mM salt level without using humic acid, respectively. The highest (12 mg/g) and the lowest (8 mg/g) amounts of total chlorophyll were obtained in 33 mM and 99 mM salinity levels without using humic acid, respectively. The highest (110 micrograms) and lowest (50 micrograms) amounts of solution sugar were observed in 33 mM salinity without using f humic acid and 99 mM salinity with humic acid application, respectively. Also the highest amount of rootsʼ anthocyanin at salinity level of 66 mM without using humic acid and the lowest amount in this salinity level with humic acid application was measured 3.5 and 1.8 mmol/fresh weight, respectively. Maximum rate of potassium of aerial parts and root were obtained in control level of salinity with 240 and 260 mmol kg-1, respectively. Moreover, the highest (4000 mmol kg-1) and the lowest (800 mmol kg-1) amounts of sodium in aerial parts were obtained in 66 mM salinity without the humic acid application and 99 mM salinity with humic acid application, respectively. The sodium content of root was much lower than aerial parts and its highest amount ​​was observed in 99 mM salinity without using humic acid with 670 mM per gram. Among the radishes varieties, the most effect of salinity and humic acid was observed on Cincinnati scarlet cultivar as that was allocated the maximum amount of many measured traits to it.