نشریه تولیدات گیاهی
سال چهل و چهارم شماره 3 (پاییز 1400)

Summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is used as a spice and traditional herb in Iran. This plant has shown antispasmodic, antidiarrheal, antioxidant, sedative and antimicrobial activities. The basic requirement for plant breeding programs is a germplasm diversity that provides necessary facilities for breeding species with desirable features. Therefore, accurate identification of genotypes is considered as a prerequisite in this manner. Phenotypic characteristics are the first markers that have been used for diversity researches.

In this research, 20 accessions of S. hortensis were chosen from Iran, Bulgaria, Germany, Czech, Georgia, Syria, Hungary, Poland, Italy and Uzbekistan. Some morphological and phytochemical characteristics such as internode number, shoot number, number of days to germination, collar diameter, fresh weight of aerial part, bract fresh weight, flower number, peduncle length, 1000-seeds weight, flower fresh and dry weight and essential oil components were studied. The measurements began after the 50% of flowering stage.

Based on the results of morphological studies, internode number (11.03), shoot number (18.58), 1000-seeds weight (925.97 mg) high variable Uzbekistan accessions were best in this traits. Maximum flower number (26.34) and flower fresh weight (26.14 mg) were obtained from Bulgaria accession. Essential oil amount was higher in Karaj accession. Correlation coefficients among traits showed that fresh weight of aerial part had the highest correlation with flower fresh weight (0.97). Cluster analysis based on Euclidean distance divided the accessions into four major groups in which the third and fourth groups had valuable characteristics. The Bulgaria accession had the highest ɣ-Terpinene and Borneol. The Karaj accession was the best in carvacrol and delta-3-carene content. Clustering from essential oil component assigned accessions into five clusters. It can be suggested that there is a considerable genetic variation among S. hortensis accessions. The main purpose of this study was to determine genetic diversity among S. hortensis accessions from Iran and other parts of the world. Significant differences were found among the accessions in almost every parameter measured. The range of vegetative and flower values obtained in this study was more than those reported in previous researches about S. hortensis. With increasing shoot and leaf number, Iran appears to be the main place to trap sunlight for photosynthesis and consequently provides the condition to produce flowers, seeds and secondary metabolites. Thus, Uzbekistan and Bulgaria accessions having high values of leaf and flower can also be considered for cultivation and breeding programs.

In this study, agro-morphological and essential oil properties of S. hortensis accessions originated from Iran and some Asian and European countries were evaluated. The study revealed a high level of diversity in morphological and phytochemical traits among S. hortensis accessions. This needs a breeding

Usually, pomegranate fruit in humid areas is under attack from fungal diseases. In addition to skin damage to the fruit, fungal diseases also reduce qualities and visual charactristics. Fruit cracking is another physiological disorder that causes a lot of damages to the crop and causes irreparable damage to the gardeners. Control of these diseases is very difficult, and the use of recommended treatments also has yielded different outcomes. Finding the appropriate solution based on nutritional and chemical products is necessary to overcome this problem.

This research was conducted in a commercial orchard located in Sorak city, 10 km from Sari city with a longitude of 53 degrees and 17 minutes and a latitude of 36 degrees and 61 minutes, and a height of 9 meters from the sea level in summer of 2017. The research was carried out as a factorial test in randomized complete block design with the aim of investigating the effects of Copper, Silicon, Vermiwash and Rovral TS on the quality of pomegranate fruit of Shavar cultivar. Experimental factors consisted mineral nutrition (in four levels of control, Copper nano-chelate, Silicon, and Copper+Silicon) and Fungicide (in two levels of vermiwash and Rovral TS). Foliar application was performed 4 times at intervals of 15 days and fungicidal treatments were carried  out at 3 times intervals of 20 days. Then morpho-physiological studies were carried out.

The results of this experiment showed that the highest amount of flower conversion to fruit and the highest amount of dry weight (49.78 g) were obtained in Vermiwash and Silicon treatments. The least amount of infected fruit was observed in the application of Rovral TS+copper, Rovral TS+Silicon and Vermiwash+Si+Cu, and. Simultaneous treatment of Silicon and Copper significantly increased fruit size. The treatments of Silicon+Copper and Silicon alone led to a decrease in the number of cracked fruits compared to the control. The highest amount of anthocyanin pigment was observed in Vermiwash alongside with Silicon+Copper treatments. The percentage of free radical scavenger in all treatments was higher than the control. Overall, the results of this experiment showed that Vermiwash, Copper and Silicon alone improved the traits studied. Silicon is naturally present as a compound of the cell wall and hardly bonds with the cell wall mass, thereby elicits resistance against cracking. Silicon also has a fungicidal effect, as has been reported in plants such as rice and cucumbers that can delay the development of pathogens such as Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium ultimum after treatment with Silicon. It has also been reported that the use of Vermiwash in various plants did affect control up to 93% of the diseases.

Vermiwash alongside with Si+Cu caused the lowest fungal infection, highest anthocyanin and appropriate fruit set, so this treatment can be strongly recommended. Besides, the results indicated that adding Si and Cu to chemical fungicide can boost its efficiency and decrease cracking significantly.

Since the leaves of a grass species are perpendicularly oriented to the ground, spraying an ACCase inhibitor with a conventional hydraulic nozzle can not cause an adequate control. In such a situation, it is well established that a large endo-drift of the spray droplets can be occurred. Recently, a new spray technique, angled spray, has been introduced to maximize the deposition of spray droplets on a vertical target surface (i.e., grassy species). This technique is simple, inexpensive, and available to farmers. Therefore, it can be noteworthy to them. This reserech aimed to study the effect of many angled sprays by three flat fan nozzle types on the efficacy of haloxyfop-R-methyl against winter wild oat.

This study was conducted as dose-response bioassay at the research greenhouse of Bu-Ali Sina University in 2019. Haloxyfop-R-methyl at seven doses (0, 5.06, 10.12, 20.25, 40.5, 60.75, and 81 ml a.i. ha-1) were sprayed at 300 kPa spray pressure using three flat fan nozzle types having different atomization quality (standard (Fine: 144–235 µm), anti-drift (Medium: 236–340 µm), and air induction (Extremely Coarse: 503–665 µm)) in seven angled sprays (vertical spray and non-vertical sprays with 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60° forward) on winter wild oat at the three-leaf stage. The haloxyfop-R-methyl dose required to give a 50% reduction in dry weight of winter wild oat (ED50) was detected.

The ED50 values were significantly affected by the nozzle type and the spray angle. With a vertical spray, the ED50 values of 32.51, 44.05, and 53.98 ml a.i. ha-1 was obtained from the flat fan nozzles of standard, anti-drift, and air induction, respectively. The best efficacy of haloxyfop-R-methyl was obtained using a 30° forward angled spray by standard flat fan nozzle (ED50 = 15.10 ml a.i. ha-1), a 40° forward angled spray by anti-drift flat fan nozzle (ED50 = 17.13 ml a.i. ha-1), and a 50° forward angled spray by air induction flat fan nozzle (ED50 = 17.61 ml a.i. ha-1).

From this experiment, the following points were obtained: 1) with a vertical spray, there is a negative correlation between the herbicide efficacy and the spray droplet size; 2) with a non-vertical spray, there is a neutral correlation between the herbicide efficacy and the spray droplet size; 3) when the droplets produced by a nozzle is larger, the more non-vertical spray is required to obtain maximoum herbicide efficacy.

Oilseed rape is the third most important oil crop in the world after oil palm and soybean. The world's oilseed rape production was 4.6 million tons in 2018-2019 and has the ability to compensate for the lack of edible oil in Iran (containing 40-45% oil). The production of this crop is mainly done by using two zero cultivars with a low level of glucosinolate in the feed and the absence of Erucic acid in the oil. Two types of oilseed rape are cultivated in Iran, spring and autumn. Spring type is cultivated in warm regions of the Caspian Sea coast and southern regions of the country and its autumn type is mostly cultivated in cold and mild cold regions.

In this study 16 rapeseed mutant lines obtained through Gama radiation of three rapeseed cultivars Talaye, Zarfam and Express with 800, 900 and 1200 gray dose rates, followed by 7 selfing generation, are compared during two years for earliness, seed and oil yield and other important agronomic traits in four regions Karaj, Kermanshah, Esfahan and Zarghan with three check varieties. The oil content of rapeseed varieties and lines were determined by NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) at chemic laboratory of Oilseed Crops Research Department of Seed and Plant Improvement Institute. Finally, the highest yield early maturity lines were defined. Each treatment was sown in plot with four rows, four meters lenght and 30 cm between row distances. The experimental field was prepared in late summer and chemical fertilizer were given to it. The sowing experiment were planned for late week of September until the first week of October.At the end of each cropping year, the yield of each plot was harvested separately and the statistical calculations were carried out after the gathering of two years results by GGE biplot method.

Results of combined ANOVA showed that main effects of year and genotype, interaction of location ×genotype; year × location, and interaction of year, location and genotype had significant effects on grain yield. The genotypes showed the highest and the lowest grain yield in Kermanshah 4016 kg/ha and Zarghan 2886 kg/ha stations, respectively. Line T-900-4 produced the highest grain yield 3840 kg/ha in all locations. To study the interaction of genotypes and environments, GGE biplot method was used. Based on the polygonal graphs related to genotypes, line Z-800-6, Z-900-7, Okapi and Z-800-3 produced the highest yield in Karaj, Zarghan, Kermanshah and Esfahan, respectively. Regarding the imaginary ideal genotype graph and biplot of genotypes and environments and seed yield ranking, line Z-900-7 were identified as the best genotypes due to its higher yield and stability.

In Iran, 70% of rapeseed production is done in warm regions and only 30% in cold regions. Therefore, breeding cold-tolerant cultivars by using mutations will increase rapeseed cultivation in the cold region of Iran.

Food security is affected by many factors, including increased demand, high input prices, soil degradation, the need to limit greenhouse gas emissions, and increased competition for land and non-potable water. In addition, climate change is expected to have an increasing impact on performance, with statistical analysis of product performance indicating that such an event is taking place. The purpose of plant breeding programs is to develop new varieties with improved characteristics such as yield and nutritional quality. Sugar beet is a root crop specific to temperate regions mainly produced as a sucrose source for human diets. Sugar beet can be planted on any continent except Antarctica, but it performs best in temperate climates. Worldwide production of sugar beet is relatively stable. Studies on the effect of environment and year on sugar beet yield has a long history in Iran. However, it is difficult to achieve a general conclusion due to the dispersion and disparity in the results of various studies. In this study, a meta-analysis method was used to integrate and re-analyze results of independent experiments to achieve a single result.

Twenty-one experiments carried out at Motahhari Research Station in Karaj, Iran during 2002-17 were evaluated. The effect size was calculated and studies were weighted by replication. Then, the mean effect sizes were estimated followed by confidence intervals, effect size back-transforming and graphs were designed.

Among studied years, the highest mean root yield of 89.5, 89.1 and 87.8 t ha-1 were obtained in 2018, 2006 and 2012, respectively. Results integration showed that in 2006, 2011, 2014, and 2017, root yield of sugar beet increased by 19.2%, 2.2%, 2.8% and 18.6%, respectively. Different parameters can be used to describe improved agricultural productivity; one of which is the yield increase over time attributed to advances in plant breeding as well as changes in crop operations and environmental conditions (especially climate). Another parameter is the yield potential of a crop described as the performance of a cultivar grown in compatible environments without nutrient and water restrictions and under the effective control of pests, diseases, weeds, and other stresses. Meta-analysis results showed that increase in sugar yield of sugar beet genotypes was similar to the root yield, with the difference that in the years 2006, 2011, 2014 and 2017, variations in percentage was less than root yield. One of the most important results in this study was the illustration of the reduction in slope of negative relationship between root yield and sugar yield in commercial cultivars.

In this study, trials were performed under normal conditions and in a disease-free environment. According to the obtained results, use of meta-analysis method in breeding programs to estimate the effect of year on performance along with other statistical methods is recommended.

According to the researches, plants behave differently under different light levels. Recent studies have demonstrated that proper light adjustment is critical for bedding plants transplant production. Transplant production under proper light and environmental conditions can increase their quality compared to traditional greenhouse production conditions.

In order to compare the effects of different LED light intensities in a growth chamber (a combination of white+ blue+ red LEDs equally in 60±5 and 120±5 µmol.m-2.s-1 levels) with sunlight during winter and spring cultivation at 9.6±5 and 14±5 µmol.m-2.d-1 DLI, respectively, a completely randomized design was established with 10 replications. Morphological and physiological traits of Pelargonium (Pelargonium hortorum 'Maverik Star'), Solenostemon (Solenostemon escutellariodes 'Wizard Scarlet') and Petunia (Petunia × hybrida 'Scarlet eye') transplants were evaluated during the treatment period. Transplants were evaluated in terms of morphological traits such as shoot fresh and dry weight, root fresh and dry weight, leaf area and plant height and root height. To determine dry weight, shoots and roots were dried in a drying oven at 72°C for 24 hours. Chlorophyll efficiency (Fv/Fm), anthocyanin and carotenoid contents also were measured during the experiment.

Eight weeks after seeding, leaf area, root length, shoot and root fresh and dry weight, leaf number, leaf surface temperature, carotenoid and chlorophyll contents, and photosynthetic efficiency were measured in transplants. Solenostemon and Geranium transplants were also evaluated for height, internode length, stem diameter and leaf anthocyanin content. Results showed that leaf area, leaf number, internode length, stem diameter, photosynthetic efficiency, shoot and root fresh and dry weight in Geranium and Solenostemon and chlorophyll content and leaf number in Petunia at 60±5 µmol.m-2.s-1 were significantly higher than the other treatments. The leaf surface temperature of transplants in both spring and winter cultivation treatments was higher than that of LEDs. The results showed that there was a significant difference between LED treated plants and sun light treatments. The LED treatments resulted in more compararison with the sun light treatment.

Transplants grown under identical proportion of white, blue and red LEDs manifested better morphological and physiological characteristics which led to better morphological features. According to the results, use of alternative or complementary light for the production of high-quality seedlings is beneficial. It is especially recommended in winter cultivation for production of proper transplants of Geranium, Solenostemon and Petunia.

Lentil is used mainly for human consumption as a source of protein and carbohydrates in soups, stews and vegetarian dishes. It is grown to improve economical returns to producers, diversify and lengthen crop rotations and reduce the requirement for nitrogen fertilizer. Lentil, a member of the legume family, Leguminosae, can supply a significant part of its Nitrogen requirement by fixing Nitrogen from the air when inoculated with the appropriate rhizobial inoculant. The pattern of nutrients in the proximal composition of lentil is similar to that of other grain legumes, but seed protein content (19.5–35.5%) is less than in soybean. Fiber concentration is low and is largely within the seed testa, so the fiber in lentil meal can be reduced if it is de-hulled before grinding. In addition to high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and major minerals, the seed contains iron up to 505 mg kg-1 and zinc up to 330 mg kg-1 on a whole seed basis. Amino acids are help in tissue protein formation. Some amino acids are not synthesized in the body and it is necessary to take them in diet. Lentils contain different amino acids that can be used by most people. This research was carried-out to study effect of different amino acids on the activity of antioxidant enzymes, Proline content and seed yield of lentil in delayed planting.

The research was conducted as a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in the Research Farm of Agricultural Faculty, Tarbiat Modares University, through May to July, 2018. The studied factors included mode of application (priming, spraying and priming + spraying) and type of amio acids (Arginine, Aspartic acid, Proline, trade amino acid (proamin) and distilled water (control). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and also mean comparisons were accomplished using the general linear model (GLM) procedure. LSD procedure at a probability level of 0.05 was used to determine statistically significant differences among treatment means.

The results showed that the highest total dry weight was obtained from the application of Arginine spraying (2330 kg ha-1), priming + spraying aspartic acid (2388 kg ha-1) and trade amino acid (2219 kg ha-1). The highest amount of catalase (CAT) activity was observed in the treatment of distilled water by foliar application and its least effective activity was observed in the application of Arginine as priming. The application of aspartic acid as acidic acid with 888.7 kg ha-2 produced the highest yield. As a result, it is more than three times the performance of using distilled water (control). The application of Arginine (555.1 kg ha-2), commercial amine (444.0 kg ha-2) and Proline (327.8 kg ha-2) were established in the next rank, respectively. According to the results of this study, amino acids can reduce the stress of heat. In the absence of amino acid, yield reduction will be higher. Although amino acids are a Nitrogen source, the routine concentrations involved in exogenous supply are so low that its positive effects can be attributable to an increase in Nitrogen availability.

Aspartic acid and Arginine due to their role in the Nitrogen cycle and also, due to the fact that amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, improved lentil yield. Therefore, it is recommended to use amino acids to increase the yield of lentils. The application of aspartic acid via both priming and spraying is suggested as the best treatment.

Many plants grown at low temperature exhibit different adaptation strategies involving physiological, ecological and morphological processes. Solanum lycopersicum L. is affected by cold stress at all stages of growth; however, wild tomato species such as S. habrochaites  rapidly  improve after exposure to the cold stress through various changes in physiological processes. In this study, the short-term stress method was used for rapid screening and cold tolerance selection of tomato lines instead of long-term stress at 4 °C.

This study was carried out as a factorial experiment based on completely randomized design with three replications at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad Iran in 2018. Experimental factors included two levels of cold stress (0 and 2 °C) and three tomato lines (LA1777, LA3969 and LA4024). In the study, electrolyte leakage, MDA, anthocyanin, phenol, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl DPPH, total soluble carbohydrate content, the maximum efficiency of photosystem II and the activity of the three antioxidant enzymes CAT, POD, and APX were measured.

According to the results of this experiment, LA1777 line showed the lowest leaf wilting after  exposure to low temperatures. There was a significant difference between these lines in terms of electrolyte leakage. Under cold stress conditions, lowest electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde (MDA) were obtained from wild line LA1777 that compared to sensitive line LA4024. LA1777 and electrolyte leakage at LA4024 at 0 and 2˚C were 14 and 11% higher than LA1777, respectively. Inhibition of DPPH radical activity of tolerant line LA1777 were higher than sensitive line LA4024 at 0 and 2 °C (43 and 45% respectively). Anthocyanin content of LA1777 and LA3969 lines were 49% higher than LA4024 at 0 °C. Under cold stress, the activity of the three antioxidant enzymes CAT, POD, and APX significantly increased in wild line LA1777, indicating better hydrogen peroxide scavenging system. After cold stress, LA1777 and LA3969 had the highest maximum efficiency of photosystem II, respectively, in light-adapted conditions (F'v / F'm), which may be due to higher cell membrane stability. The results showed that instead of long-term cold stress at 4˚C, the short-term stress method can be used for rapid screening of tomato lines for cold tolerance selection. Assessment of physiological parameters such as chlorophyll fluorescence, electrolyte leakage, MDA level, DPPH radical scavenging, catalase, peroxidase and ascorbate peroxidase enzymes showed that these indices can be used to detect cold stress and to quantify the stress in tomato lines.

Based on our data, we conclude that this short-term stress method is a useful method for rapid assessment of tomato chilling tolerance. The physiological parameters used in this study showed adequate difference between tomato lines.

Hypericum perforatum L. is one of the most important species of the genus Hypericum. This plant is a perennial herbaceous plant with great adaptation ability. Therefore, St John's Wort can be found widespread throughout the country from sea side levels to 2000m altitude. It is also one of the most important medicinal plants in the world due to its various positive and well-known medicinal properties, especially in the treatment of depression. Hypericin and Hyperforin are known as the main bioactive compounds of this medicinal plant. Due to the high dispersion of Hypericum plants in Iran, this experiment was conducted to evaluate 15 populations of Hypericum plants at flowering stage using morphological and biochemical properties in order to indicate the best metabolite producing population.

Plant materials were selected randomly at full flowering stage from 15 different populations at full bloom in different provinces during summer 2017. Morphological features such as height of plant, number of flower stalk, length of flower stalk, number of non-flower bearing stems, number of flowers, height of the lowest and the highest leaf were evaluated. Plant materials were then dried at room temperature and kept in dark for analysis. Leaf and petals were ground and extraction was conducted by methanol. Hypericin and Hyperforin content of leaves and flowers were evaluated by HPLC equipped with DAD detector. Antioxidant activity of leaves and flowers of Hypericum samples were evaluated by DPPH scavenging assay. Phenol content was evaluated by Folin–Ciocalteu (F‐C) reaction. Total flavonoid content determination was also conducted by a spectrophotometric assay based on aluminium complex formation.

The results showed that there was a significant difference between different populations in terms of morphological traits. The highest aerial part height was seen in ‘Khoramabad’ population with a value of 92.44 cm. ‘Nahavand’ population had the shortest height with a value of 49.55 cm. The largest number of flower stalk was seen in ‘Sarpol Zahab’ population with 16.48 flower stalks. This was while ‘Firoozkouh’ population had the least number of flower stalks. ‘Sijan’ population had the most non-flower bearing stems, while ‘Shazand’ had the least number of non-flower bearing stems. There was a significant difference between antioxidant activity in leaf and flowers of the studied populations. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in ‘Borojerd’ population. Total Phenol content and flavonoids also differed not only among populations, but also between leaf and flower. ‘Sarpol Zahab’ had the highest total Phenol content in between the studied populations. This was while ‘Nahavand’ population had the highest flavonoid content. The results also revealed that the flowers had the highest levels of Hypericin and Hyperforin compared to leaves. The levels of Hyperforin in both organs were significantly higher than Hypericin in all studied populations.

In general, it can be concluded that there is a high variation among different populations and this variation can be used to identify populations with high yields and high levels of effective substances in breeding programs.

Nowdays, one of the major environmental stresses challenging agricultural produce worldwide, is progressive soil salinity. The majority of the soils in the arid and semi-arid regions face salinity. This is a huge threat for agricultural sustainablitty. With salinity adding-up, plants growth and development greatly decline due to reduced osmotic potential, unbalanced nutrients available and the variations in the type and content of growth regulators which negatively influence the plant yield and productivity. Under salinity situations, using micronutrients plays a vital role in the tolerance of plant against ROS molecules. These nutrients motivate antioxidant enzymes and hence, improve plant responses to the ROS molecules generation. As a result, they improve the yield, quality and productivity of plants under stressful conditions.

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of NaCl salinity stress (0, 50, 100 and 150 mM) and Foliar application of common and Nono-form Zinc-oxide (0, 5 and 10 mg L-1) on Rosmarinus officinalis as factorial based on RCBD with three replications at 2017- 2018.

The results revealed the interaction effects of salinity levels and Zinc Foliar application on chlorophyll b content, N, P, K, Na and Zn content, leave relative water content as well as essential oil yield. The highest data for chlorophyll b was recorded with no stress × 10 mgL-1 Nono-zinc spray. Relative water content for both Zn forms (0, 5 and 10 mgL-1) was maximum with no salinity treatments. The greatest data for essential oil yield was traced with NaCl0 × 10 mgL-1 Nano-zinc and NaCl0× 10 mgL-1 Zinc Oxide. NaCl0× 5 mgL-1 Nano-Zinc increased K+content in plant. For Zn compositional content, the highest data was recorded with no-salinity × 5 and 10 mgL-1of Nano-Zinc as well as with no-salinity × 10 mg L-1 of common zinc source. Aerial parts dry weight and Fe and Mg content were affected by independent effects of salinity and Foliar application of Zn. Aerial parts dry weight and Mg content increased at no salinity stress and 50 mM salinity. Chlorophyll a and Fe content were influenced by the non salinity levels.  Foliar application with 0 and 10 mg L-1nano-Zn increased Mg content in plants. Salinity is one of the predominant stressors influencing the plants throughout all their life cycle. The results revealed that salinity drastically influenced rosemary dry weight, photosynthetic pigments content, as well as Mn, Cu, and Fe content. Zn Foliar application improved aerial parts fresh weight and the content of Mg, Cu, and Fe. In general, rosmary is salinity tolerant up to 50 mM without significant reduction in yield component. Therefore, the Foliar application of Nano-Zinc as Oxide form improved yield and growth characteristics.

Salinity drastically influenced the growth and physiological responses of the plants. Using Foliar treatments was able to partially ameliorate the salinity adverse effects and, promoted the growth and productivity of rosemary. However, economical administration of Foliar treatments needs more in-depth studies.

Fruit size is an important attribute of all fruit crops and harvest fruit weight has a major influence on market acceptance and returns for many fruit crops like kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa 'Hayward'. The purpose of this study was to develop a non-destructive technique by measuring fruit dimensions and fruit volume by water displacement to measure fruit growth and using this information to develop a method for predicting fruit weight at different stages of its development.

This experiment was conducted using the mature vines of ‘Hayward’ kiwifruit. The kiwifruit vines were grown in an orchard located in Astara, Guilan province, Iran (latitude 38.22°N and longitude 48.51°E), trained to a T-bar system with plants spaced of 4×5 m. Fruits were destructively harvested at one-two weeks after fruit set during the season to obtain measurements of individual fruit volume by water displacement, fruit fresh weight, circumference of fruit and three linear measurements of fruit size, from which a correlation relation was derived to enable estimation of fruit volume, fruit fresh weight from the fruit measurements (r> 0.995). This enabled the growth of tagged fruit on the vine to be followed by non destructive measurements of the fruit dimensions and the growth curves of each mean were estimated at each measurement step.

The increase in the fresh weight or volume of 'Hayward' fruit over the season was a double sigmoid in shape. The fruit density was less than one in about three months after the fruit set and then increased to more than one unit. Correlation analysis between the data of different stages of measurement with fruit harvesting data showed that with the progress of fruit growth, the correlation between fruit size and its final size increased, and about 55 days after fruit set reached to more than 0.95. The standard deviation of fruit size at this stage was 11.55 cm3. The correlation coefficient above 0.95 between fruit weight and its length with fruit weight and length at harvest time was calculated 72 and 89 days after fruit set, respectively. Fruit size in kiwifruit is affected by various factors and the final size and weight of the fruit is likely to be determined by the rapid fruit growth period. This period that results from cell division and cell size enlargement took about 50-60 days after fruit set for Hayward cultivar when the fruit reaches approximately half of its volume in this period. Applying any stress at the cell division stage will affect the final fruit size. Given the high correlation between the dimensions of the fruit with the final fruit size at the end of the rapid growth period, it is possible to predict the final fruit size at the end of this period with great accuracy. Therefore, using the obtained mathematical equations, the final size of the fruit can be estimated by the measurement of the length and circumference of fruit in one and a half months to two after the fruit set.

Based on the results of this study, with a simple and practical method and with a high and significant correlation coefficient, by measuring the length and circumference of the fruit about one and a half months to two after fruit formation, the final fruit size at harvest can be predicted in order to take the necessary measures to export, sell and/or store the fruit.

Zantedeschia, native to southern Africa, herbaceous flowering plants in the family Araceae, with common names such as Arum lily, Trumpet lily, Pig lily, or Miniature Calla Lily. Calla lilies are among the most colorful flowers with a unique flower form. It is one of the most important pot, cut flower and outdoor plant in the world. GA3 is sometimes used to stimulate growth and flowering of plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of GA3 and different weights of rhizome on growth, development, as well as qualitative and quantitative properties, of Zantedeschia in the greenhouse.

This research was carried out to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of GA3 on micro-tuber of Z. pentlandii cv. Picasso. Micro-tuber in three sizes and average weights included; large (S1=6.20g), medium (S2=3.20g) and fine (S3=1.20g) soaked in GA3 solution with concentrations 0, 250, 500, 750 ppm for 30 minutes. Experiments were carried out in a factorial arrangement with randomized complete block design with three replications. 10 micro-tuber cultured in bed with compounds of 60% coco peat and 40% perlite in greenhouse conditions. From the time of planting to harvesting, the ability of micro-tuber sprouting, leaf length, leaf width, stem length, number of flowering stems, plant height, flower diameter (spathe), number of buds, bud length, the diameter and weight of the micro-tuber after harvest were evaluated.

The results showed that the maximum length of leaf (100% more than S3GA0) length of flowering stem, diameter and length of flower (spathe) were observed in S1 tubers treated with 500 ppm (S1GA500) and the least amount was obtained in control treatment (S3GA0). The fastest germination was in S1 tubers with 750 ppm (S1GA750 36% earlier than S3GA0) and the earliest flowering was in S2 tubers with 500 ppm treated (S2GA500) which have flowering 28% earlier than S3 tubers with 250 ppm (S1GA250) but non-GA treated tubers in all three sizes have none flower. The highest weight and diameter tuber belonged to S1 tubers with 500 ppm and the lowest weight in S3 tubers without treatment. S3 tubers did not enter the flowering stage. It was shown that the GA3 treatment on Zantedeschia ‘Picasso’ tubers caused earlier flowering and the formation of a greater number of flowers and leaves. GA3 decreased the time between germination and appearance of flower. In simple effects study, large tubers (S1) and GA500 treatment were superior to other treatments in almost all traits. Also, the method of soaking of tubers with GA3 can be used in production scheduling, early efficiency and selection of superior populations in breeding programs.

The best growth and flowering indices were S1 tubers with treatment of 500 ppm. S1 tubers with GA3 (500 ppm) treatment were superior in all traits to other treatments. The method of soaking of calla tubers with GA3 can be used in production, increasing efficiency and selecting superior populations in breeding programs.