نشریه علوم باغبانی
سال سی و ششم شماره 3 (پیاپی 55، پاییز 1401)

Barberries are a broad class of spiny evergreen or deciduous shrubs belonging to the Berberidaceae family. They are of great importance due to their different parts' nutritional and medicinal properties and their ornamental applications. Genus Berberis, the biggest genus in Berberidaceae, includes more than 660 species. Barberry grows in Asia and Europe and has been used extensively as a medicinal plant in traditional medicine. In Iranian traditional medicine, several properties, such as antibacterial, antipyretic, antipruritic and antiarrhythmic, have been reported with unknown mechanisms of action. Incredible structural diversity among barberries' active components makes them a valuable source of novel therapeutic compounds. Seedless barberry (Berberis integerrima 'Asperma') is one of Iran's valuable indigenous medicinal plants. Common asexual propagation of this plant over the years and consequently low genetic diversity in populations of the seedless barberry restricts selection outcomes in breeding programs. Utilizing the indigenous wild genotypes of the barberry genus, which are easily able to cross-pollinate, is one of the best methods to increase genetic diversity. Accordingly, several wild seedy barberry genotypes were identified from all over Iran, collected and established in a collection in Mashhad; then, 16 genotypes were selected and their physical properties were studied. 
In this study, ripe fruits of sixteen unique genotypes (i.e., Iranian seedless barberry and fifteen seedy genotypes) were harvested in October- November 2015 and kept in a refrigerator in order to measure some of their physical properties in fresh fruits (berry dimension, 100-berry weight, juice content and color indices). For other properties, fruits were dried at room temperature. Fruit cluster length was measured by means of a ruler, the number of berries/cluster and the number of set/aborted seeds in berry by counting, berry dimensions by a digital caliper, weight of fresh and dried 100-berry, percentage of pulp and seed as well as fruit juice content by a scale with 0.001 accuracy. Moisture content was determined using an oven with 75 ºC temperature for 48 hours. Color indices, including L*, a* and b*, were measured using a portable colorimeter (Konica Minolta Chroma Meters CR-410). This study was performed using a completely randomized design with three replications. Data were analyzed by Minitab software version 16 using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and differences among means were determined for significance at p<0.05 using the Bonferroni test.
The results indicated significant differences among genotypes. Based on the results, cluster length ranged between 1.67cm (code 5-3) and 6.29 cm (code 10-1); moisture content was between 8.20% and 11.84% in genotypes 8-3 and 13-2, respectively. The fruit juice content range of the studied genotypes was between 51.22% and 71.87%. Genotype 2-1 had the highest dimension values and the highest 100-berry fresh weight (30.72g) and dry weight (10.00g) fruits. The lowest weights of 100-berry were related to 14-1 and seedless barberry. Genotypes 5-2 had the highest pulp percentage (98.17%) and the lowest seed percentage (1.50%) and 10-1 had the lowest pulp percentage (51.93%) and the highest seed percentage (48.07%). The highest number of set seeds (1.73) and the lowest number of aborted seeds (zero) were found in (10-1) and (14-2), respectively. Based on the results, seedless barberry had the lowest number of set seeds (0.00) and the highest number of aborted seeds (3.27). Regarding fruit color indices, genotypes showed significant variability from orange to brown and dark blue. Color indices L*, a* and b* ranged (from 22.83 to 38.13), (2.31 to 37.76) and (1.18 to 2.28), respectively.   
In conclusion, it can be said that all genotypes have considerable variability in fruit traits (color, fruit dimensions, pulp/seed percentage, moisture content, etc.). Based on the result of this study, genotype 5-2 was the most similar genotype to seedless barberry. The seedless barberry populations have low genetic diversity due to asexual propagation through suckers over many years. Indigenous genotypes can be a valuable genetic resource for future breeding programs to improve the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of seedless barberry and introduce new cultivars of seedless barberry with different colors and consequently different nutritional- medicinal properties.

Drought stress is one of the most important factors limiting plant growth and production and leads to a reduction of more than 50% in the average production of most crops worldwide. Drought stress due to increased soil osmotic potential, especially in greenhouses where fertilizer consumption is high, is one of the greenhouse crop problems.

In the present study, two concentrations of polyethylene glycol at three levels of 0 (D1), -1.48 (D2), 4-91 (D3 ds/m to create different levels of drought stress due to osmotic changes in culture medium and application of KCl two levels (0 (K1) and 6 (K2) mmol / l) was used to reduce the possible effects. The experiment was performed as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications. To apply drought stress, pot water was measured using a tensiometer, and when the drought reached below the field capacity (FC), irrigation with different concentrations of PEG and once a week spraying with KCl at the desired concentrations was done. Cucumber seeds were planted directly in 5 kg plastic pots containing a mixture of potting soil, including soil + sand + animal manure in the ratio of 1 + 2 + 0.5. The number of seedlings in each pot was 2 to 3 kg, which was reduced to one seedling seventeen days after sowing the seeds in the stage of three to four leaves. KCl spraying and spraying began in the three to the four-leaf stage of the seedlings and lasted for about a month. The plants were kept in the greenhouse during the experiment with an average temperature of 25 ° C and relative humidity of 70%. At the end of the experiment, dry weight, fresh weight, chlorophyll, chlorophyll fluorescence, flavonoids, carotenoids, proline, phenol, total protein, abscisic acid, superoxide, and ascorbate peroxidase, antioxidants, and catalase were measured.

The results showed that the effect of foliar application of potassium in all traits except chlorophyll fluorescence and superoxide dismutase was significant (P <0.01). According to the obtained results, ccontrol treatment increased the amount of antioxidants and catalase, but the application of K2 on most of the measured parameters, including dry weight, fresh weight, chlorophyll, flavonoids, carotenoids, proline, phenol, total protein, abscisic acid, and superoxide disodium showed a positive effect. In D3 with the addition of K2 the highest amount of phenol and protein was observed. Also, the content of abscisic acid in all treatments increased with the addition of K2 and the highest amount was observed in D3 which can be concluded that the use of potassium at a concentration of 6 mM Acceptable cut. According to the results obtained in this study, it can be stated that the plant tries to maintain its osmotic pressure in the face of drought stress, and this is done by increasing osmolites such as proline and antioxidant enzymes that help maintain plant cell pressure and torsion. Potassium application can reduce the adverse effects of drought stress by improving the activity of antioxidant enzymes and preserving chlorophyll. Thus, the cell continues its vital activities and ultimately produces more acceptable performance under these conditions. In other words, increasing the antioxidant activity in drought conditions along with the application of potassium leads to a higher inhibitory capacity of reactive oxygen species and production stability in these conditions. Therefore, to compensate for at least some harmful effects of stress and help the plant to return to normal growth conditions after re-irrigation, foliar application of such elements can be effective in drought resistance of the plant and play a role. Based on the findings of this study, it seems that the application of potassium with a concentration of 6 mM is the most effective.

 Cauliflower is one of the world’s most important vegetable crops. The edible head of the cauliflower is called curd, which is composed of many florets formed of aborted floral meristems. Curd has various components with high nutritional value including glucosinolates, vitamin A and C, phenolic compounds, and carotenoids, which exert beneficial effects on our health. Calcium is an essential macronutrient that plays a vital role in maintains cell wall stability, integrity and determining the fruit quality. Several researches have explored the effects of calcium salts on plant growth and quality in many horticulture crops. Various studies indicate that Ca2+ reduced peroxidation of lipid, increased activity of antioxidant enzyme and improve osmotic adjustment of cell membranes. Plant roots absorb calcium from the soil solution in the form of Ca2+ ions. The mobility of calcium in plant is low, and the root uptake from fertilized soils is poorly effective in increasing the calcium content in leaves and fruits. Deficiency of Ca will appear in younger leaves and in fruits, due to its low rate of transpiration. Thence, it is necessary to have a constant supply of calcium to continue growing. The direct application of liquid source of calcium on leaves and fruits may offer an alternative solution. The efficiency of foliar application with Ca depends on the source of Ca and applied dosage. To our knowledge, however, little information is available regarding the effect of different calcium sources on cauliflower. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of foliar spray of calcium sources on quality and antioxidant properties of cauliflower cv. Romansco.
 In order to evaluate the effect of different sources of calcium on antioxidant properties and quality of cauliflower cv. Romansco, the field experiment was carried out as a randomized complete block design with three replication during 2018 at Research farm of faculty of Agriculture, at the University of Zanjan, Iran. Cauliflower plants (cv. Romanesco) were cultivated by applying conventional farming practice for growing in open air conditions. Different calcium sources including calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 %), calcium chloride (CaCl2, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 %) and calcium lactate ( C6H10CaO6, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g L-1) were sprayed in vegetative stage and 10 days after curd formation for 2 times onto the leaves and curd until runoff using a mechanical mist sprayer. Distilled water was used as a control. Potassium, phosphorus, total soluble content, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid content, total phenols and flavonoids, free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) were measured. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS software package v. for Windows, and means comparison were separated by Duncan’s multiple range tests at p < 0.05.
 The results showed that foliar spray of different Ca sources significantly increased K content and decreased P content. The highest amount of K (5.6 µg mg-1DW) was achieved in CaCl 0.9% treatment. The highest value of flavonoids (0.86 and 0.85 %) was found in plants treated with CaL 1.5 g L-1 and CaCl 0.9%, respectively. In this study, also it was found that foliar spray of CaN 1.5% and CaCl 0.9% increased respectively 49.3 and 40.4% vitamin C content compared to control plants. Ca application with increasing phenolic compound and vitamin C contents, improved antioxidant capacity and the maximum antioxidant capacity (26.19%) was found in CaL 1.5 g L-1 and CaN 1.5% treatments. Application of Ca sources increased TA and TSS content. The highest TSS content (12.5 and 13.3 ºB) was achievd in CaCl 0.9% and CaL 1.5 g L-1 and the maximum TA (28.8%) was found in plant treated with CaCl 0.9%. In this regard, foliar application of high level of calcium sources was more efficient than of lower levels on cauliflower quality. Therefore, the leaf application of calcium can be effective in improving the quality of vegetables, especially cauliflower.
 Study results suggest that spraying different Ca source improved quality and antioxidant properties of cauliflower cv. Romanesco, so that with the application of Ca salts increase K, vitamin C, phenol and flavonoids contents. Among the calcium treatments used, higher levels of all three salts of CaCl, CaN and CaL had the most influence, so these calcium treatments are recommended to improve the quality and antioxidant properties of Romanesco cultivar.

Inefficient and excessive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture has caused soil erosion and pollution of water resources and has also been effective in reducing the quality of crops. On the other hand, the use of beneficial soil microorganisms as bio-organic enhances soil fertility, and results in healthier and richer nutritional needs is a further harvest away from ecosystem contamination. Increase crop in terms of quantity and quality without damaging the farm ecosystem, especially medicinal plants. Bio-fertilizers are the latest development in organic farming. They are also a gift from modern agricultural science that should replace chemical fertilizers on farms which play a vital role in maintaining long-term soil fertility and stability. Ocimum basilicuum is a grown aromatic and medicinal plant that is a leafy vegetable of the Labiatae family. This plant has different healing properties and is also used to flavor various food products due to its special taste. Therefore, in this study with the aim of providing a practical solution to reduce the use of artificial fertilizers and environmental pollution, the effect of vermicompost and biological fertilizers on the composition of secondary metabolites and growth of basil (Ocimum basilicuum) was studied.
 This study was conducted in 2017-2018 to investigate the effects of vermicompost and biological fertilizers on some traits of basil (Ocimum basilicuum) in of Azadshahr in Golestan province. In this experiment, application of vermicompost at three levels (a1: no application, a2: application at a rate of 10% and a3: application at a rate of 20% by weight of soil) and application of biological fertilizers at three levels (b1: no application, b2: use of Bacillus subtillis, b3: use of natural element compounds) were examined. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications in the exterior space as a pot culture. The alcoholic extract used in this study was performed by soaking. The amount of total phenol compounds was measured by the Folin Siocalto method and the total flavonoid content was measured by aluminum chloride colorimetric method. Data obtained from experiments using the software SAS Ver. 9.1 and comparison of means was performed using the least significant difference test (LSD). Excel software was also used to draw the graphs.
 The results of analysis of variance showed that the application of vermicompost was significant on root fresh and dry weight, fresh and dry weight of stem, stem length, fresh and dry weight of leaves and leaf area. Also, the effect of biological fertilizers on root fresh weight and stem dry weight was significant. Comparison of means also showed that vermicompost 20% compared to control and vermicompost 10% in traits such as fresh weight of root (5.14), dry weight of root (7.25), fresh weight of stem (25.23), dry weight of stem (2.25), length stem (33.77), fresh weight of leaf (51.85), dry weight of leaf (8/08) and leaf area (75.13) had the highest values. No significant effect was observed between vermicompost and biological fertilizers. The maximum amount of total phenol in vermicompost treatments belonged to 20% vermicompost at 1.98 mg/g, and in biological fertilizers treatments to Probio96 at 1.96 mg/g. Also, the maximum levels of total flavonoids in plants treated with vermicompost were 20% and Probio 96 were 92.13 mg/g and 91.22 mg/g, respectively. The results show that vermicompost had the greatest effect on target organs such as leaf area, fresh and dry weight of basil leaves.
 The trade and cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants is an important part of agriculture. Medicinal and aromatic plants are the main source of known medicines. Therefore, obtaining methods to increase the yield and therapeutic indicators of medicinal plants is of particular importance. In the growth of medicinal plants and biomass production, the quality of raw materials used is important. Chemical fertilizers have several adverse effects on the environment and human health. These effects can include leaching and displacement of various soil layers, groundwater and surface water pollution, accumulation of heavy metals and nitrates, air pollution, acid rain, and chemical accumulation in plants, animals, and human tissues. According to the findings, it is generally recommended to use bio-fertilizers such as vermicompost and Probiot 96 as a suitable alternative to chemical fertilizers in plant nutrition to protect the environment, human health and the positive economic effects of medicinal plants

The aeroponic system is a promising technique for the future of agriculture, growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of soil or an aggregate medium. In aeroponic, plants are suspended in a closed or semi-closed environment by spraying the plant's dangling roots and lower stem with an atomized or sprayed, nutrient-rich water solution (30). Increased aeration of nutrient solution delivers more oxygen to plant roots in aeroponic in compare to conventional hydroponic systems, stimulating growth and helping to prevent pathogen formation (1). Cultivation of medicinal plants under controlled conditions of aeroponic and hydroponic systems commercially provides a better result in terms of quality improvement, bioactivity and biomass production (5, 4).Mint (Mentha) is one of the most important genus of Lamiaceae family. Different species of the genus have high economic value, due to their active and aromatic substances and are used as raw materials in food, cosmetics, health, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. M. piperita, M. spicata and M. suaveolens are the most common and popular species of the genus for cultivation. M. aquatica is also a perennial plant of the genus that is cultivated in Europe, North and Northwest Africa and Southwest Asia (2). Aeroponic system is more cost effective than other systems. Because of the reduced volume of solution throughput, less water and fewer nutrients are needed in the system at any given time compared to other nutrient delivery systems. However, due to lack of research and sufficient technical information, the use of aeroponic system is not common among farmers and greenhouse owners. In addition, many tips are not yet scientifically known about the cultivation of different plant species in this system (4). Despite the benefits of aeroponics, no research has been previously conducted on the cultivation of different species of mint in this system. Therefore, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigation of growth, yield and morpho-physiological characteristics of five mint species in the aeroponic system.

This study was conducted in greenhouses of faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources of Lorestan University in 2020. The experiment was performed as a split plot design. Mentha species (including M. aquatica, M. pulegium, M. spicata, M. suaveolens and M. piperita) were considered as the main plot and harvest time (first and second harvests) was used as sub-plot. In each experimental block, one row (with ten plants) of five mint species was planted. In the early stages of growth, plants were fed with half Hoagland nutrient solution and then with complete Hoagland solution. Finally, morphological and physiological traits and some biochemical characteristics of plants were measured. After harvesting the first batch of plants and in order to better evaluation of species in the aeroponics system, all studied traits were measured about two months after the first harvest. Analysis of variance was performed based on the experimental design using SAS software. The comparison of means was also done with the least significant difference (LSD) test at the level of 5%.

The results showed that M. spicata and M. suaveolens had the highest leaf to stem ratio. The highest stem dry weight and plant height were related to M. pulegium. While, the highest leaf area, leaf fresh and dry weight, stem fresh and dry weight, stolon fresh and dry weight, shoot fresh and dry weight, total plant dry weight and relative water content were related to M. aquatic, followed by M. piperita. In addition, M. piperita had shown the highest fresh root weight. The highest amount of carotenoid and chlorophyll, photosynthesis rate and CO2 under the stomata was obtained in M. piperita. In this experiment, most of the yield-attributes traits including leaf area, leaf fresh and dry weight, root fresh weight, shoot fresh weight and total plant dry weight, as well as relative water content and photosynthesis rate were higher in the second harvest than the first one.

All studied species in this experiment were successfully growth in the aeroponic system. Due to high water use efficiency, no need for soil and high crop production, mint cultivation in the aeroponic system can be a healthy and profitable alternative to in soil cultivation approach. According to the results of the present study, M. aquatica has shown higher performance than other species in terms of the yield attributes traits (including leaf number, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of plant, fresh and dry weight of shoots and fresh and dry weight of leaves). Among the other species, the highest shoot dry weight and plant dry weight was obtained by M. piperita. Finally, the high potential of M. aquatica and M. piperita for cultivation in the aeroponic system can be concluded.

 Low temperature is one of the most important environmental stresses that cause damage to plants and limit the geographical distribution of plant species. Plants of tropical and sub-tropical origin, such as cucumbers, are sensitive to cold stress and severely damaged at low temperatures. Plants have evolved a set of defense mechanisms to adapt to low temperatures. These mechanisms include the regulation of gene expression and physiological and biochemical changes that increase plant resistance to chilling stress. Cinnamic acid (CA) is one of the most important phenolic acids present in all plants and has antimicrobial properties against fungi and bacteria. The application of this compound in some plants causes oxidative stress and leads to the activation of antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of exogenous cinnamic acid treatment on cold stress tolerance in cucumber seedlings have been investigated.

 This research was conducted in the greenhouse and laboratory of the Department of Horticultural Sciences of Ilam University in 2019. Cucumber seeds (Super Daminus cultivar) were planted in a 1: 1: 1 ratio of field soil, manure, and sand. In the fully developed two-leaf stage, seedlings produced were sprayed using cinnamic acid (at concentrations of 0, 50, 100, and 200 μM). Foliar spraying treatments were applied at the mentioned concentrations until the surface of the leaves was completely wet. 24 hours after foliar application, all plants were exposed to cold stress at 3 ° C for 6 hours in six consecutive days. After applying the cold treatment, the seedlings were transferred to the greenhouse and 72 hours later, the traits were measured.

The results showed that exogenous CA application increased the growth characteristics of cucumber seedlings subjected to chilling stress. Improving the growth and development of plants under stress conditions by cinnamic acid treatment has been reported in other studies, which is consistent with the results of the present study. It has been reported that cinnamic acid treatment, by causing oxidative shock in plants, leads to plant defensive responses to stress conditions, and through this, plants can better withstand stress conditions. These defense responses include increasing compatible solutions and improving the antioxidant system. In the present study, the use of cinnamic acid treatment increased proline, chlorophyll, and total phenol and reduced of membrane lipid peroxidation, and these changes led to a decrease in the apparent effects of cold on cucumber seedlings.The use of chemicals that can mitigate the effects of cold on the plant can also help maintain plant growth under cold stress. In the present study, the application of cinnamic acid improved the growth of cucumber seedlings under cold stress conditions. Cinnamic acid pretreatment by inducing antioxidant compounds reduced the effects of cold on cucumber seedlings and improved plant growth in chilling conditions. Also, cinnamic acid treatment increased the growth of pepper plants under salinity stress, cucumber under drought stress, and wheat under drought conditions, which is consistent with the results of the present study. Therefore, it can be said that cinnamic acid improves plant growth under stress by changing physiological and biochemical processes. The results showed that the application of cinnamic acid improved the growth of cucumber seedlings under chilling stress conditions. Cinnamic acid pretreatment caused a significant increase in relative water content (25 to 32%), chlorophyll (108 to 125%), proline (152 to 244%), and total phenol (31%) compared to the control, therefore improving the adaptabilities of cucumber seedlings to chilling stress. The application of cinnamic acid also reduced the damage to cell membranes. The electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde accumulation of cinnamic acid-treated seedlings were lower than that of control seedlings.

In general, the results of this study showed that the application of cinnamic acid reduced the effects of cold stress on cucumber seedlings. These results were associated with increased proline, chlorophyll, phenol and relative water content, in this way, the rate of ion leakage and accumulation of malondialdehyde in cucumber seedlings were reduced under cold stress. In general, the results showed that cinnamic acid treatment (especially concentration of 200 μM) can effectively reduce the effects of chilling on cucumber seedlings and improve their growth under cold stress.

 The evaluation of morphological, phenological and agronomical characteristics is one of the first steps for the initial study of germplasm. It can also be conferred as basic information for the breeder to study genetic diversity for particular purposes. Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum morifolium) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the family Asteraceae with simple coniferous leaves and alternate arrangement on its branched stems and has composite flowers. The first stage in breeding programs is to study genetic variation of the selected plants. This study was conducted in order to evaluate the genetic variation of flower traits for selected Chrysanthemum genotypes for three years. Researchers use different methods to estimate genetic diversity of plants including DNA markers, isozymes and morphological traits. Use of morphological traits that are easily measured and have high heritability is a convenient tool to assess the level of genetic diversity of plants.

 The origin of the tested genotypes was from the gene bank of the Research Institute of Flowers and Ornamental Plants. The results of random crosses between different chrysanthemum clones were evaluated. The research was conducted for four consecutive years. The aim of the first year experiment was positive selection of genotypes. In fact, the best genotypes were selected. In addition, negative selection of different genotypes was performed. During this selection period, similar genotypes were removed. Selected genotypes (20 genotypes) were evaluated based on a completely randomized design with three replications using seven morphological traits including number of flower per plant, period of flowering, flower diameter, number of petal row, petal length, Fresh weight and dry weight of flower. Statistical analyses including analysis of variance, correlation coefficient, and heritability, phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation were estimated using SAS 9.0 software.

 After performing Bartlett test and confirming the uniformity of variances, combined analysis was performed for three years. The results of analysis of variance showed that the effect of the year was significant only for the number of flowers per plant and the flowering period. The results of three-year analysis of variance showed that there was significant difference among the genotypes for the number of flowers per plant, flowering period, number of petal rows, fresh and dry flower weight. There was a significant difference (p≤0.05) among the years only in flowering period and number of flowers per plant. The highest variation observed between flowering period and flower diameter. The highest coefficient of phenotypic and genetic variation obtained for the number of petal rows, flower fresh weight and petal length. The lowest coefficient of phenotypic and genetic variation obtained for fresh and dry flower weight and number of flowers per plant. The highest positive genetic and phenotypic correlation coefficient estimated between flowering period with flower diameter, number of rows of petals and fresh weight of flowers which is important for the simultaneous breeding of these traits. The results of this study showed that flower diameter, flowering period, petal length and number of petal rows showed high general heritability. Therefore these results indicate that the selection process for these traits is effective and can be used in the breeding programs. The results of this study showed that highest number of petal rows belonged to B136 genotype. Genotype 31 with forty-three days of flowering period had the highest flowering length compared to other genotypes. GenotypeC85 had 202 flowers per plant. These genotypes can be used as parents especially to increase the flowering period and the number of petal rows due to the general heritability of over fifty percent of these traits. It is also suggested that traits such as petal color and resistance to important pests (including black chrysanthemum aphid, flower thrips pest) and important diseases (including Fusarium wilt, verticillium wilt and leaf spot) should be studied. The superior genotype can be selected if statistically significant difference observed among of genotypes.

 It is a fact that chrysanthemums has characteristics such as variation of flower shape and color, plant size, form and flowering period that is widely used in landscape. In this research significant difference observed among the genotypes. Also some of measured traits had a high general heritability due to the positive and significant correlation of these traits that can be used to improve other genotypes and their traits.

 Reduction of water available to the plant leads to many morphological, physiological and biochemical changes in plant cell and plant organs activity will be directly disrupted. In addition to the defense systems in the plant itself, there are other ways to increase plant resistance, including the use of plant growth regulators. Salicylic acid is known as one of the common compounds used for environmental stresses and an essential molecular signal in plant fluctuations in response to environmental stresses. This substance has a protective effect and improves the growth process of the plant. This combination stimulates the plant immune system by inducing transcription of a specific group of genes involved in the defense and development of systemic resistance. Physalis is a small fruit of the Solanaceae family that originates in tropical and subtropical regions of South America. This genus has 80 species in the world, of which the famous species Ph. minima L., Ph. angulate L., Ph. philadelphia L., Ph. alkekengi L., Ph. peruviana L., Ph. pubscens L., Ph. ixocarpa L., among these species, Peruviana species is considered due to its unique taste and high yield.

 An experiment was conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture research greenhouse of Lorestan University Khorramabad, Iran. (latitude 33◦ 29` N, longitude 48◦ 22` E, altitude 1125 m) in May 2018. The experimental design was factorial based on completely randomized design with three replications. The treatments consisted of 3 levels of deficit water stress (95, 85, and 75% field capacity) and four salicylic acid concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mM). Physalis seedlings were grown into pots containing soil, sand, and manure. In this research, chlorophyll (Chl a, Chl b, total Chl) and carotenoid content, chlorophyll fluorescent parameters (F0, Fm, Fv, and Fv/Fm), fresh and dry weight of fruit, fruit diameter, fruit number, TSS and vitamin C, proline, leaf anthocyanin and shoot soluble sugar, fresh and dry weight of leaf, leaf area, root volume and plant height, were measured.

The results showed that the effect of deficit water stress and salicylic acid treatment on the measured traits including photosynthetic pigments, chlorophyll fluorescence, fresh, and dry weight of fruit, number of fruits, amount of vitamin C, proline, soluble sugar, fresh and dry weight of leaves, leaf area, plant height and root volume were significant. Foliar application of salicylic acid at a concentration of 2 mM under water stress under 75% of field capacity increases the concentration of photosynthetic pigments including chlorophyll a (25.69%), chlorophyll b (14.08%), total chlorophyll (6.70%), and carotenoid (7.26%) and increased chlorophyll fluorescence parameters including Fm (5.2%) and Fv (1.92%). Salicylic acid at a concentration of 1 mM had better results on quantitative and qualitative traits of fruit including a number of fruits (2.67%), fresh weight of fruit (10.61%), and dry weight of fruit (0.6%). Under stress conditions of 75% of field capacity, application of 2 mM salicylic acid reduced the concentration of proline (31.2%), soluble sugar (11.69%) and leaf anthocyanin (4.93%). Therefore, according to the results, the best levels of irrigation for breeding Physalis (Physalis pruviana L.) are 85 and 95% of field capacity, and the concentration of 2 mM salicylic acid as a natural modulator has an effective role in reducing the effects of dehydration stress. Stress significantly reduces the maximum efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm). This adverse effect on Fv/Fm may be due to its role in inhibiting electron transfer, as well as destroying the reaction centers in PSII. Accumulation of proline under stress is because proline, as a compatible osmolyte, removes all types of active oxygen and protects the cell, and provides the necessary conditions for the plant to absorb water. Salicylic acid increases the chlorophyll synthesis and protects the chloroplast membrane from stress by removing destructive free radicals by stimulating the biosynthetic of the photosynthetic pigment pathway and reducing the chlorophyllas enzyme. It also prevents the ethylene formation by inhibiting of ACC- synthetase enzyme, which in turn prevents the degradation of chlorophyll. Salicylic acid regulates the various physiological processes such as plant growth and development.  

 According to the results, the application of salicylic acid under low irrigation stress, as a growth enhancer and stress modulator, showed good results and improved physiological traits such as increasing photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll and carotenoids), Fm, Fv and maximum efficiency of photosystem II and improvement of biochemical traits (proline, soluble sugar and leaf anthocyanin) at a concentration of 2 mM and increase in fruit traits (fresh and dry weight, number of fruits, vitamin C and fruit diameter) at a concentration of 1 mM. Growth and morphological traits also showed an increase in fresh and dry leaf weight, leaf area, plant height at a concentration of 2 mM salicylic acid at low irrigation stress levels. Therefore, salicylic acid can be used to reduce the destructive effects of deficit water stress and increase the quantity and quality of fruit if the Physalis plant is grown in arid and semi-arid regions.

Datura stramonium L. is one of the medicinal plants that have a special role in the pharmaceutical industry due to its alkaloid compounds. Datura is one of the most important medicinal species that is a rich source of alkaloid compounds. Important phytochemical compounds in Datura, especially alkaloids, have been considered by the pharmaceutical industry. Datura (Datura stramonium L.) is an annual plant of the Solanaceae family, which is native to North America and is found in abundance in the coastal areas of northern Iran from Astara to eastern Mazandaran. Important phytochemical compounds in tattoos, especially alkaloids, have been considered by the pharmaceutical industry. Tropane alkaloids are one of the most important compounds in plants of the Solanaceae family and the anticholinergic effects of these compounds have made their use common in medicine. Important tropane alkaloids include hyoscyamine, ascopolamine, and atropine in D. stramonium. Plant growth is a set of specific biochemical and physiological processes that interact with each other and are affected by environmental factors such as temperature, light intensity, etc. that are affected by the date of planting. In the meantime, analyzing the amounts of photosynthetic pigments is a way to justify and interpret the plant's reactions to different environmental conditions during the growing period, through which it is possible to transfer and accumulate photosynthetic products. Due to the importance of D. stramonium and its widespread use in the pharmaceutical industry, Since Datura plant has not been adequately studied in the literature, the purpose of investigating three different planting date and planting density levels in this plant is to determine their proper values which increase the alkaloids and photosynthetic pigments, resulting in grain growth and yield increment.
This research during two consecutive years (1397-1397 and 1397-1398) in Shahid Fozveh research station affiliated to Isfahan Agricultural Research and Training Center and Natural Resources located 25 km west of Isfahan (Latitude: 32°36′37″ N, Longitude: 51°26′52″ E . 1612 m above sea level), which according to the Gauchen division has a mild semi-desert climate. The experiment was performed as a factorial experiment in the form of randomized complete blocks with three replications. Treatments included three densities (6, 10 and 14) plants per square meter and planting date in autumn and spring. Autumn planting of D. stramonium for the first year of the experiment was done on 3 January and in the second year on 30 December. In the spring planting of D. stramonium, due to the long growing season, in order to be productive during the growing season, first the seed of the plant was planted in the planting trays and then in the 3 to 4 leaf stage the seedlings were transferred to the main land. In both years of testing, the seeds were sown on the date of spring planting in March. Field operations including plowing, disc, leveling, preparation and preparation of atmosphere and ridges were carried out in the field. According to different fertilizer levels and density levels, each replication included 9 experimental plots. The length of each plot was 5 m and its width was 3 m, which included 5 rows with a distance of 60 cm. The distances of the plants on the ridge were considered as 15, 20 and 33 cm 33, respectively, according to the densities (6, 10 and 14 plants per square meter). The distance between the replicates was 1 m and the distance between the plots from each other was considered a planting line. The data were analyzed using SAS software version 9.4. The means were compared with LSD test at 5% level and graphs were drawn using EXCEL software version 2010.
 According to the results, the density of 6 plants per hectare on the date of autumn planting improved seed yield and increased hyoscyamine and alkaloids. In fact, the density of 6 plants per square meter in this study increased grain yield and the amount of hyoscyamine and ascopolamine. At low plant densities in this study, including densities of 6 and 10 plants per square meter, the amount of photosynthetic pigments increased. Also, maintaining the amount of chlorophyll in young leaves causes a delay in the aging process and increases the durability of the leaf surface, which will have a significant effect on the transfer of photosynthetic material to the seed. More and slower nourishing material is transferred to the grain, so the grain filling period will be longer. The results show that by selecting proper levels of plant density and planting date as two of the most important crop management practices, the number of tropane alkaloids in Datura as one of the important active ingredients in the pharmaceutical industry increases.

 Table grape is one of the most important horticultural crops in Fars province however in recent years climate change has caused negative effects on phenology and reduced the quantity and quality of its product. Around the world, shade net is used for a different of crops, from fruits and vegetables to nursery plants to protect against strong sunlight, wind, hail and bird injury. Shade net  are commonly used in vineyards for early, late harvest, protection from hail, snow, storms, and the prevention of the negative effects of pests and diseases in many countries such as Japan, Thailand, Australia, Chile, the United States and Turkey. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of color type and shading percentage on some characteristics of grapes of Rishbaba cultivar in one of the vineyards of Kavar city in 2019. 
 The experiment was performed as a factorial experiment based on randomized complete block design with 3 replications with canopy color factors (green, red and white) and shading percentage (30% and 50%) and without canopy (control). Kavar city is located 45 km southeast of the center of the province and has a longitude of 250 and 42  and a latitude of 290 and 11 ". The altitude is 1510 meters above sea level and the average rainfall is 290 mm, the average annual temperature is 22, the maximum temperature is 44 and the minimum temperature is minus 4 degrees Celsius. In this study, some characteristics of vegetative and biochemical traits such as shoot length, number of nodes, internode distance, leaf area and chlorophyll, some environmental indicators (leaf temperature, light intensity and some characteristics of quantitative traits berry and cluster weight and some qualitative traits Similar soluble solids, taste index and vitamin C were examined.
  The results showed that green cover with 50% shading had the highest vegetative growth in terms of shoot length (20.87 cm), internode distance (3.80 cm) and leaf area (188.33 cm2) and the lowest shoot length (42 cm) and (48.25 cm2), internode distance (2.97 and 2.58 cm) and leaf area (133.07 and 139.68 cm2) were related to control and white canopy treatments, respectively. Shade net with red color has the highest number of nods (22.77) and with 50% shading the highest amount of total chlorophyll (30.47 mg / g fresh weight), cluster weight (691.67 g) and vitamin C (4.10 mg per 100 ml juice). The white color of the shade caused the highest leaf temperature (29.17 ° C) and light intensity (538.67 watts per square meter). In general, shading reduced the temperature of grape leaves and increasing the percentage of shade had a decreasing effect on light intensity. The shade net also reduces the amount of sunlight reaching the trees and lowers the level of evapotranspiration, which reduces the symptoms of plant water stress and thus increases photosynthesis, plant yield and fruit size.
 Among the different net colors, the highest leaf temperature (29.17 ° C) was related to white color and the lowest (26.92 °C) was related to red and green colors. Among the different colors of the nets, white color had the highest intensity of light (538.67 watts per square meter) and the lowest intensity of light (540.67 watts per square meter) related to green color. The white color of the shade net had an increasing effect on the taste index and the green color had a decreasing effect compared to other colors. Uncoated vines (control) had the highest amount of soluble solids, while green cover with 50% shading had the lowest amount of soluble solids. According to the results of this study, the red canopy had an increasing role in increasing the quantity and quality of bearded grapes, the green canopy caused vegetative growth and the increase in vegetative growth with the percentage of shade had a direct effect. The shade net protected the vines and the crop from sunlight and prevented sunburn. The green canopy with 50% shading had the most positive effect. All treatments had a positive effect on the vegetative growth of vines and among them, green canopy with 50% shading had the greatest effect. All treatments had a positive effect on crop uniformity in terms of size and color and red canopy with 50% shading had the most positive effect on quantity and quality of Rishbaba grapes compared to other treatments.

 Portulaca oleraceae is used in many countries for a variety of purposes, including human nutrition and the conversion and pharmaceutical industries. The edible parts of Portulaca oleracea are the young organs, especially the brittle leaves and stems. Over time, this medicinal herb has been forgotten. Drought, on the other hand, is a factor in the decline of crops and horticulture around the world. Given the vastness of arid and semi-arid regions in Iran and also the reduction of access to water resources, appropriate arrangements should be made for the optimal use of water in the agricultural sector. Changing the planting pattern and using useful and resistant alternative species such as drought-tolerant medicinal plants can enable the optimal use of limited water resources. GABA is an important non-protein amino acid that plays a positive role in increasing plant resistance to stress.
 This experiment was carried out in 2020 as a factorial based on a completely randomized design with three replications in the vegetable research greenhouse of the Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. Experimental treatments included different levels of GABA (0, 20, and 40 mM). Treatment with different concentrations of GABA was done in two stages of 6 and 12 leaves of portulaca oleracea and foliar application and application of dehydration stress in three levels of control, medium and severe at irrigation intervals of 7, 14, and 21 days from 6 leaf stage of plants to the end.
 According to the analysis of variance, the effect of GABA at different concentrations and dehydration stress on plant height was significant at the level of 5% probability. Based on the mean comparison test, the highest plant height was obtained in GABA treatment of 40 mM and irrigation intervals of 7 days (control), and the lowest of this trait was obtained in GABA zero treatment and irrigation intervals of 21 days (highest stress level). The results of analysis of variance showed that the effect of GABA at different concentrations and dehydration stress on vegetative yield was significant, the interaction between irrigation intervals and GABA was significant at 5% level. Based on the mean comparison test, the highest vegetative yield was obtained in GABA treatment of 40 mM and irrigation intervals of 7 days and the lowest in control treatment and irrigation intervals of 21 days. According to the results of the analysis of variance table, the effect of GABA at different concentrations and dehydration stress on the amount of malondialdehyde was significant at the level of 1% probability. Based on the means comparison test, the highest amount of this trait was obtained in the control treatment. Comparison of the mean of the data showed that the effect of GABA at different concentrations and dehydration stress caused a significant difference in the probability level of 1% in the proline content of the data. Based on the mean comparison test, the highest amount of proline was observed in GABA treatment of 40 mM and irrigation intervals of 21 days and the lowest amount was observed in control treatment and irrigation intervals of 7 days. As can be seen in the comparison table of means, the highest activity of superoxide dismutase enzyme was obtained in GABA treatment at 40 mM and irrigation intervals of 14 days and the lowest in control treatment and irrigation intervals was 7 days (Table 2). The results of this study showed that the effect of GABA at different concentrations and dehydration stress on the activity of catalase was significant at the level of 1% probability. As can be seen in the comparison table of means, the highest level of catalase activity was 40 mM in GABA treatment and 21 days irrigation intervals and the lowest in GABA treatment was 40 mM and irrigation intervals were 7 days.
 The results of this study indicate that GABA is able to greatly alleviate the oxidative stress caused by dehydration in Portulaca oleracea. This effect is quite evident in oxidative parameters, especially the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The concentration of 40 mM GABA was the most effective treatment in mitigating the effects of irrigation. The results show that the use of GABA makes Portulaca oleracea tolerant to dehydration stress.

 Kelussia odoratissima Mozaff is a native species of Iran which is a rare and endangered species. It grows as a wild in cold and mountainous bioclimatic and is used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases such as cardiovascular disease, gastric ulcer, respiratory and intestinal inflammation. The change of status from dormancy to germination can be eliminated by using some treatments in accordance with the natural conditions of the mother base habitat. However, some physiological needs of dormant seeds can be met by scratching (mechanical and chemical), washing in running water, dry storage, cold and humid conditions, light, smoke, and plant growth regulators. The aim of this study was to investigate different strategies including pretreatment, leaching and constant germination temperature on seed germination characteristics and Kelussia seedling growth.

 The experiment was conducted in Petri dishes at Seed Technology Laboratory of Agricultural Sciences Faculty of Shahed University. K. odoratissima Mozaff seeds were collected from their natural habitat in Fereydounshahr, Isfahan province in 2019.This study was performed in the Crop Physiology and Seed Technology Laboratories of Shahed University, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, from 23.09.2019 to 22.11.2019. The cultivation was in Petridish at constant germination temperatures after priming and leaching. The experiment was performed as a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with three replications. Each replication included 36 Petridish and 20 Kelussia seeds were planted in each petri dish. Experimental factors include constant germination temperatures (1, 5, 10 and 15°C), duration of rinsing with running water at 15°C (24, 48 and 72 h) and hormone pretreatment with gibberellin (0, 250 and 500 ppm). Before applying the hormonal pretreatment and temperature, the seeds were washed in running water in such a way that seeds were placed in a strainer that was not immersed and water flowed on the seeds for the specified periods of time for this treatment. In this case, germination inhibitors were washed from the seed surface. According to the test period and laboratory conditions, the laboratory temperature could be controlled at 15 °C with a thermometer and cooling devices. Then, for hormonal pretreatment, the seeds were placed in containers containing gibberellin solution with concentrations of 0, 250 and 500 ppm and refrigerated at 4°C for 72 h. After washing the seeds, 20 seeds were placed in Petridish with a diameter of 10 cm and a height of 2 cm on Whatman filter paper No. 1 and at temperatures of 1, 5, 10 and 15°C with 16 h of light and 8 h of darkness passed. Due to the fact that germination in seeds grown at this temperature at 15°C was zero in all treatment compositions, it was excluded from statistical analysis. To analyze the data variance, the SAS 9.1 statistical software was used. The comparison of means of traits was performed using the Duncan test at 5% probability level.

 Germination traits, growth indices and physiological parameters of seedling photosynthetic pigments under the influence of leaching, temperature, gibberellin and the interactions of leaching in temperature, leaching in gibberellin, temperature in gibberellin and the combination of leaching treatment × temperature × gibberellin showed significant differences. The results showed that the optimum germination temperature was 1°C and about 54% of seeds were able to germinate at this temperature without using any pretreatment. However, pretreatment of seeds at a temperature of 1°C with gibberellin at 250 ppm and washing for 72 h increased the germination rate to 65%. It has also been shown that treatment with gibberellin at 250 ppm seedling length and gibberellin at 500 ppm improves seedling fresh and dry weight in three leaching treatments at 10°C. Chlorophyll and carotenoid content of seedlings was observed in the combination of 24 hours leaching treatment, temperature of 5°C and gibberellin priming of 500 ppm. Due to the wide variety of species of Apiaceae and also the variety of type and depth of sleep, various treatments to break dormancy and stimulate seed germination of plants of this genus have been proposed, the most important of which are wet and gibberellin. It should be noted that the germination ecology and appropriate treatments to break dormancy in different plant species, plants of the same family, same species and different ecotypes of the same species can be completely different.

 According to the results of this study, seed treatment with 72 hours of cold water washing, 1°C and gibberellin pretreatment with a concentration of 250 ppm was able to show the highest germination percentage to achieve High germination is recommended. In addition, at 5°C under gibberellin pretreatment and leaching showed a relatively high germination percentage. Accordingly, gibberellin hormonal pretreatment at low temperatures was effective in achieving more germination under priming conditions. Is. On the other hand, a concentration of 500 ppm gibberellin increased seedling weight and photosynthetic pigments. In general, a temperature of 1°C followed by a temperature of 5°C was effective in increasing the germination of celery seeds and was able to record better results. Also, the suitable seedling growth temperature for mountain celery is 10°C and the application of Gibberellin hormonal pretreatment improved the growth characteristics of Kelussia seedlings.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a nutrient dense fruit with a high health value and one of the most important Iranian fruit crop. Historical evidence reveals that the primary origin of pomegranate is Iran and that it has been spread from this region to other areas. A vast range of pomegranate varieties can be found in Iran; 760 original, decorative and wild ones. Pomegranate juice contains a high amount of total soluble solid (TSS), anthocyanins, polyphenolic compounds, vitamin C, sugars and proteins.Pomegranate is considered as one of the most tolerant fruit crops capable of growing under arid and semi-arid climatic conditions. Cultivar and growing region climate are the main factors determining chemical composition of pomegranate fruits; Significant differences in various fruit quality parameters such as organic acids, phenolic compounds, sugars and water-soluble vitamins have been reported in previous studies.  The aim of present study was to compare and evaluate physical and biochemical characteristics of fruits and different polyphenolic compounds in juice of six commercial Iranian pomegranate cultivars.
This research was conducted in 2017 and 2018 years in a commercial orchard in Arsanjan region of Fras province. Six Iranian pomegranate cultivars included ‘Malas Yusef Khani’ (MYK), ‘Bajestani (BK), ‘Khazr Bardskan’ (KHZ), ‘Malas Dane Syah’ (MDS), ‘Rabbab’ (RB) and ‘Zard Anar Arsenjan’ (ZA) were studied. The trees were planted in randomized block design and spaced 5 and 3 m between and along the rows, respectively. The trees were grown under drip irrigation with routine cultural practices suitable for commercial fruit production. Orchard management was conducted uniformly according to optimized available recommendations (based on soil and water samples analysis) for the orchard site. Fruits were harvested randomly from orchard and some physicochemical characteristic of fruits were measured. Fruit length and fruit diameter measured by manual caliper, fruit and above ground weight was determined by digital scale. The fruit juice percentage was calculated by calculating the percentage of aril juice.  TSS (Total soluble solids) expressed in Brix◦ was measured using a refractometer. The titrable acidity (TA) was determined by titration to pH 8.1 with 0.1M NaOH solution and expressed as percentage.Total anthocyanins, total polyphenols, vitamin C and anthyoxidant activity were measured spectrophotometrically. Polyphenolic compositions of juices (Gallic acid, Catechin, Caffeic acid, Chloregenic acid, p-Coumaric acid Vanilin, Trans-ferulic acid, Hesperedin and Ellagic acid) were also measured using HPLC analysis. The chromatographic analysis was carried out on Agilent Technologies 1200 series HPLC system. Chromatograms were recorded at 280 and 320 nm. Each compound was quantified by comparing its peak. Data was analyzed by SPSS software and means were compared using Duncan’s multiple range tests at 5% probability level.
 
 Significant differences were found among studied pomegranate cultivars for various physical fruit characteristics, quality parameters and polyphenolic composition of fruit. ‘Malas Daneh Syah Yazd ’was the best in comparison to other cultivars.  ‘Malas Daneh Syah Yazd’ had the highest fruit weight (332 g), fruit length (8 cm), fruit diameter (8 cm), TSS(15.77 Brix◦), anthocyanin content (26.98 mg 100 ml-1), polyphenol content (514.37 mg 100 ml-1) , ascorbic acid content (9.23 mg 100 ml-1) and antioxidant activity (52.2%). Also, the amount of polyphenols in this cultivar was relatively high. This cultivar had high amount of some polyphenol content such as cathechin (223.5 mg L-1), Hesperidin (30.55 mg L-1) and Ellagic acid (43.02 mg L-1) with no significant differences with highest amount. ‘Rabbab’ had the highest aril weight (340 mg) and moderate levels of other fruit characterestics, this cultivar had the maximum polyphenols such as gallic acid (163.1 mgL-1), catechin (264.2 mgL-1), caffeic acid (265.1 mgL-1), p-Coumaric (74.41 mgL-1) acid, vanillin (18.21 mgL-1) and ellagic acid (43.5 mgL-1). Zard anar’ pomegranate cultivar which was native to this region in terms of most biochemical properties had a low a‘mount .Therefor, among the studied pomegranate cultivars‘ Malas Dane syah’ and was the best. This cultivar had the highest fruit characteristics and polyphenol content such as ellagic acid. 
The results of this study showed significant differences among studied pomegranate cultivars. ‘Dane syah Yazd’ had the highest physical and chemical characterestics of fruits. Previous studies showed that theses cultivars had good growth characteristics and high yield in comparison to other cultivars. Therefore, among the studied cultivars, ‘Dane syah Yazd’ is introduced as a suitable cultivar for this region. Also, ‘Rabbab’ Neyriz cultivar can be considered as a cultivar with high antioxidant properties of fruit juice due to having the highest amount of measured polyphenolic compounds, especially alginic acid.

 Medicinal plants have played an essential role in the development of human culture. Medicinal plants are resources of new drugs and many of the modern medicines are produced indirectly from plants. Although the production of secondary metabolites is controlled by genes, their production is considerably influenced by environmental conditions, so environmental factors cause changes in the growth of medicinal plants as well as the amount of active substances. Essential oil quantity and quality are affected by the different environmental conditions. Physiological, morphological and genetic variations were seen in populations of species that occurred in different habitats. These variations were created in response to contrasting environmental conditions. In many plant species, studies on the pattern of variation in populations have shown the localized populations are adapted to the particular environmental conditions of their habitat. The genus Phlomis L. (Lamiaceae) includes about 113 perennial herbs or shrubs distributed in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Some of the Phlomis species have been reported for their traditional uses as analgesic, diuretic, tonic, anti-diarrheic agents and to treat various conditions such as gastric ulcer, inflammation, diabetes, hemorrhoids and wounds. In Flora of Iran, this genus is represented by 20 species, including Phlomis olivieri Benth.
 This study was conducted to evaluate the morphological and phytochemical diversity of eleven populations of P. olivieri Benth. from different districts of Hamedan province in 2021. Traits such as plant height, stem diameter, leaf length and width, fresh and dry weight of the flowering branch, inflorescence length, fresh and dry weight of the plant, number of inflorescence cycles, essential oil percentage were measured. In order to investigate the physical and chemical properties of soil, soil samples were collected from a depth of 30 cm. Then they were transferred to the soil laboratory. Plants samples were collected in the flowering stage and were dried at 25-30°C. They were stored in envelopes at 22±3°C away from the sun. For extracting the essential oil of the samples, 100 gr of the plant was milled and then distilled with water. Hydrodistillation lasted for 4 hours. The main components of essential oil were identified and determined by gas chromatography in the Institute of Medicinal Plants in Karaj. Gas chromatography was carried out on Agilent 6890 with capillary column 30m*0.25 mm, 0.25 mm film thickness. The grouping of populations based on morphological and phytochemical traits was done by cluster analysis in SPSS using the Ward method. Also, the traits correlation (quantitative) was done using the Pearson method.
 According to the results, the highest fresh and dry weight of flowering branch (6.96 g and 3.48 g) and also the highest fresh and dry weight of the plant (11.77 g and 5.86 g) belonged to the Koohani population. The tallest inflorescence (24.2 cm) belonged to the Jowzan population and the shortest inflorescence belonged to the Gammasiab population (8.9 cm). The highest stem diameter (4.45 mm) was observed in the Garin population. The maximum plant height (49.4 cm) was related to the Rahdarkhaneh population, which was not significantly different from the Garin population, and the minimum was related to the population of Garmak (31 cm), which was not significantly different from the population of Gammasiab (33.50 cm). Also, 31 compounds were identified in this plant essential oil that caryophyllene, germacrene D, and (E)-b-Farnesene had the highest percentage of essential oil constituents. In this study, the highest amount of essential oil (0.04%) was related to the Koohani population which had the lowest altitude among other populations. Therefore, it seems that environmental factors, as well as genetic factors, have been effective in creating diversity in morphological and phytochemical characteristics of this plant.
 The results obtained from this study showed that P. olivieri Benth. populations gathered from different regions of Hamedan province, had a high diversity in terms of essential oil content. The results showed that in addition to genetic factors, environmental and climatic factors also affect phytochemical traits. In this study, the highest amount of essential oil was produced in the Koohani population (located in Nahavand city) with the lowest altitude among other populations. According to the research on the essential oil components of P. olivieri in different regions of Iran, the components of its essential oil and their percentages are completely different; so, some of the components that are seen in one region, are not observed in another region, and this issue emphasizes on the effect of climatic conditions. This difference is quite evident even in the studied populations in a province.